Disclaimer: All of Hellsing and its characters are copyright to Kouta Hirano. Any original characters belong to the author of this fanfiction.
HELLSING
EREBUS
Here standeth the Bird of Hermes,
Eating my own wings to make me tame...
CHAPTER TWELVE
The Iscariots
Tuesday Evening, November 18, 2031, Hellsing Estate...
"Alucard..."
"Yes, my master."
A waxing crescent hung in the sky, and Integra had turned on her desk lamp, frowning at her laptop. A lit cigar was between two fingers, her chin resting on her wrist. Before her, Alucard waited patiently, waiting for her to speak. What could have his master so troubled? Anybody else, he would have read their thoughts, but out of respect for his beloved master, he did not. The woman had been hard at work, trying to put together a thorough presentation for the Round Table Conference that was scheduled for Friday. Ever since Van had presented his findings, Integra had been a little stressed trying to come up with answers. Mainly, the question she often asked herself was, why? Why did they want to create vampires?
Alucard himself thought his kind too proud to care for something as trivial to them called life. It was why he was disgusted by such creatures. To call them his kin felt like an insult. It reminded him of Seras, and how glad he was that she didn't want to be blood thirsty and simply give in to her nature. She'd grown into one of the few vampires that deserved to walk the path of the night. After what he had observed of Van Drake, the young man seemed very similar to Seras. He made his own way and Alucard respected him for it.
"Tomorrow, I'm to have company," Integra continued.
"And you would call me up to tell me this, because?"
"It's the head of Section XIII," she explained patiently.
His smirk faded instantly. "The Iscariots? Weren't they crippled to almost nothing thirty years ago?"
"Mostly," she affirmed. "Ms. Wolfe is their new trump card, as it were. The division is now run by a man named M'Quve. He's not like Maxwell, however, I still find him rather suspect. He lurks around as if I'm not aware of what he's doing. Whenever he visits, the man is constantly sneaking around my estate. The last time I saw him was the night you returned."
"I see."
"As far as I know, they're not even aware that you've been back for awhile. They probably think that your kills are credit to Seras. Alexandra on the other hand..." She watched as the Count's eyes narrowed. "If they've been following our footsteps, they may be privy to Miss Rows' presence here. She may even be the reason they're coming."
Alucard resisted a snarl, but he made an unpleasant expression of disgust. "So, they'll come here, knowing that the vampires want her, and as such, plan to kill her."
"Precisely."
Teeth bared in a malicious grin, he chuckled. "Then give me an order."
The old woman smiled, inhaling her leaf. "For now, do nothing, unless they threaten her. I don't wish to start a needless fight. However, just to be safe, stay by her side. Heinkel Wolfe is a regenerator now and is just as...tenacious as Father Anderson was. While you were away, Seras and Ms. Wolfe seemed to develop a rather familiar looking rivalry."
He chuckled at that. "Of course they have. Anderson would be proud. I know I am."
Integra smiled. "Just stick close to Alexandra."
"Of course," he complied, grinning.
Wednesday Afternoon, November 19, 2031, Hellsing Estate...
The atmosphere was tense as the Hellsing Organization waited for the imminent arrival of M'Quve, the head of Section XIII. Integra stood by her office windows, staring out, waiting to spot the car. She had not bothered to send an escort. After Enrico Maxwell's power hungry acts thirty years ago, she had little patience for the organization, and felt less than gracious towards them. Though they were weak now and had little in their numbers, eventually, they would strike again.
M'Quve didn't particularly concern her though. And as she watched, she could just barely see the vehicle in the distance. A deep frown on her features, she left her office, heading down to the lobby. Outside the door stood Seras. With a simple acknowledging nod, they both ventured downstairs together. As Integra had expected, Seras had a look of smug amusement on her face. As was typical of her whenever the Iscariot came over. Just before they reached the stairs, Integra spotted Van Drake leaning against the wall, fully clothed in his suit and leather duster. Underneath, she was certain that the man was carrying concealed weapons.
"Mr. Drake," she greeted, stopping in her stride.
"Sir Hellsing," he acknowledged.
"You are aware that were are being visited by Vatican agents, yes?" she stated rather than questioned.
"Utterly aware," he replied tonelessly. "I wish to offer temporary services as your protection."
The single blue eye softened. "Are you certain?"
He didn't say anything for a moment, not even looking at her. Finally, he replied, "Yes."
"Then I accept your protection gladly," she responded firmly, smiling warmly towards the vampire.
The vampire returned the gesture, joining her side as she continued on, descending the stairs just as three figures walked into the lobby. M'Quve just sent Integra that up-to-no-good smile of innocence that just sickened Integra every time she saw it. Beside him was a tall woman in Iscariot priest clothing with light blonde hair, her face torn and disfigured due to a bullet through her cheeks three decades ago. On the other side was M'Quve's assistant, wearing glasses, hair combed neatly.
"Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing," M'Quve greeted with open arms. "It is a pleasure to see you once again."
"Bishop M'Quve of the Vatican's Section XIII; the Iscariot Organization. The division that supposedly doesn't exist." Integra did not return his warmth, staying at sword's length away from the man. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, Bishop?"
"What? No offer of tea?" he teased. He smiled still, daring a quick glance over the vampires that accompanied her. "Ah, I see you still employ vampires."
"Is there a point to this visit, or are you just here to question how I run my agency?" she responded coldly, her face expressionless.
Seras and the blonde woman, Heinkel, eyed each other. Seras sent a smug grin her way, arms crossed, almost daring the Catholic to come at her. M'Quve just maintained his falsely warm expression, giving a mock expression of sadness at her dismissive outburst. He then eyed Van for a moment, grinning some, while the vampire just narrowed his eyes. What was this priest up to? Van didn't appreciate the looks he was receiving. For decades, he'd grown used to the stares, but this was different.
"We are aware that you keep a young lady within you establishment," the Bishop announced suddenly. "We also know that she has been targeted by vampires. We wish to know why. It is unthinkable how frightened she must be at this moment, not knowing when she might be killed for some...purpose."
Luckily, the Iscariots didn't seem up-to-date on Alexandra, much to Integra's relief. They had no idea how much she was worth to the vampires. "What about her?"
"I would very much like to meet her," he explained with a smirk.
"That will not be possible, Bishop. I'm afraid that she is unavailable." The words had rolled out of Integra's mouth easily, and she resisted the urge to add a look of smugness on top of her declination.
The smile wavered slightly on his face at this claim. "Surely, the young lady can spare five minutes. We mean her no harm."
I very much doubt that. "No," she responded firmly. "If that is all you are here for, then you are wasting my time, and you seem to have far too much to spare. I have much work to sift through, thus, better things to do than indulge your company."
M'Quve finally lost his friendly appearance, frowning deeply. Suddenly, his eyes were drawn behind her, puzzling her with this sudden look of distraction. Peering over her shoulder, she saw Alexandra descending the stairs, eyes on the guests. Integra gritted her teeth. Dammit, Alucard was supposed to keep her away! Perhaps she should have spoken to Alex directly to make sure that the girl didn't leave her room. Alucard had a tendency to disobey simple orders on those rare occasions that he felt particularly mischievous. What was that vampire up to this time?
The Bishop grinned then, stepping around Integra and humbly bowing low, a perfect right angle. "Ah, if it isn't the young woman in question! How do you do? I am Bishop M'Quve. We've come all the way from Rome to meet you."
Alex regarded him, trying not to make a face. "Um, hello," she uttered politely. A bishop? Here? What was a priest doing here? "Why am I suddenly so interesting?"
"Ignore them, Miss Rows," Integra said firmly while glaring at M'Quve. "The Bishop has no right in speaking to you."
"No, no, no! We just came to ask her a few questions, that is all." The priest was waving his hands around in a defensive gesture. "Questions never hurt anyone, right?"
Seeing the aggravated look on Integra's face, Alex had a feeling that questions could do a lot of harm. "I suppose."
The girl stepped forward, standing next to the director. A guest was still a guest, even if they were a little less than welcome. Integra watched Alex, hoping that the girl wouldn't reveal any prudent information. What was she thinking? Integra had neglected to inform her who the Iscariots were, and now that they saw her right in front of them, they would no doubt wheedle the facts they wanted, giving them the excuse to execute her. Integra glanced at Van, who looked back, as if in silent agreement about something. She did the same with Seras, who only smiled.
"What church do you attend, my dear?" he asked slyly.
Alex arched a brow. "I don't. I just don't believe in the traditional concept of such a being."
Integra's mouth quirked a little, knowing how much that response would piss off the Bishop. She wasn't disappointed, seeing his calm expression falter some. "Of course," he said. "Do you know why these...monsters are after you?"
There was a pause, and then, "No."
Good girl. Integra felt a sense of relief. The young woman must have sensed her urgency. "Not even a clue?" M'Quve asked again.
"Sorry, I really don't," Alex replied calmly.
With a resigned sigh, he said, "Very well. And while you were in your country, who was the agent that was assigned for your protection."
Alex smiled then. "I'm not at liberty to tell you, Bishop. I'm not permitted to discuss certain details. If you truly wish to know, you will have to refer to Sir Integra."
The director in question just smiled. She could have laughed, but settled for a smug expression instead. "What Miss Rows says is true. She doesn't have permission to speak to anyone, including those from the Vatican. So, if you are quite done, I must ask that you leave."
M'Quve looked between Alex and Integra, obvious displeasure on his face. He then glanced at the vampires. "It's puzzling as to why you employ such creatures. After all, in the end, they are still vampires. You're surely aware of the strange attacks and kidnappings happening all over the world. We only wish to help."
"Your offer is...unnecessary," Integra decided, being polite for the moment. "Is that all?"
He smiled then. "For now, but we will return. Keep in mind, we are only the instrument of God's will. We only wish to protect this girl as much as you do. Every human being is one of God's children." Van snorted, drawing the Bishop's attention. He smirked as he regarded the vampire. "Ah yes, you are...the vampire, Van Drake, no?"
Integra grew anxious as Van barely acknowledged the priest. "What of it?"
"My, how cold you are," the man teased lightly. "I hear that you also hunt monsters. Are you, perhaps, the one that protected Miss Alexandra?" Van's eyes narrowed. "Do you intend to seduce the girl and drink her blood? Or, were you hoping to corrupt her soul, leaving her to burn?"
Alex gasped when Integra suddenly pulled her away. There was movement; a black blur as Van withdrew a weapon from his coat, pointing an old fashioned pistol between M'Quve's eyes. Heinkel and the other priest drew their pistols, aiming them directly at the vampire, who looked much like a beast, teeth elongated past his teeth, eyes blaring red. Seras stood in front of Integra and Alex, her left arm engulfed in a black fiery shadow, as if in warning, eyes tense. M'Quve looked unfazed though, expressionless.
"You son of a bitch," Van snarled, voice deeper than normal. "You bastard. I should kill you right now."
"Back away," demanded Heinkel with a firm hiss. "You'll be dead before you can kill His Excellency."
"I dare you to try, papist," he said, face contorted with rage.
M'Quve smiled. "Are you going to shoot me, vampire? Is that what she would have wanted? Would your beloved want you to kill in her name? What was it again? Katherine Sterling?"
"SHUT UP!"
Alexandra watched, eyes wide as the scene played out. Van apparently took the priest's words personally. Was Katherine a woman Van knew? Somehow, she also felt offended on his behalf. Everyone's past was their own business, and M'Quve had no right. The girl frowned, having never seen the vampire with such a face. He was usually calm, polite, and very friendly towards her. In some ways, she had begun to see him as a sort of brother. Integra seemed to be aware of what the argument entailed, meanwhile Alex was clueless.
The Bishop's lips only curved more. "Or you'll do what? Will you slaughter me like an animal? Go ahead, vampire, add me to that long list of yours. You're already damned. What's one more to you?"
Van ground his teeth. The bastard wouldn't relent. Did this man have a death wish?! There was the sudden feeling of being pushed out of the way. Surprised, he wasn't prepared to stand his ground. As the barrel was removed from M'Quve's head, a fist went flying to replace it, straight into the Bishop's nose, breaking it on contact, blood spurting, the attack causing him to fall on his rear. Shocked, M'Quve gasped with pain, gripping his nose. Everyone stared in shock at Alex, the young woman glaring darkly at this man, her knuckles bleeding slightly.
"You...you filthy godless whore!" M'Quve cried out in rage.
Heinkel and the man with glasses had swiftly moved their guns on Alexandra, who blinked with a look of oops. Seras and Van snarled in reaction, Van aiming his pistol at the man while Seras moved the two large rifle-canons from her back, aiming them in Heinkel's direction. The Hellsing guards stationed in the lobby also had their weapons trained on the trio. At the same time, the temperature dropped considerably in the lobby, a wave of anger passing over everyone. M'Quve looked around, wondering where the source of this evil feeling came from.
"Flithy godless whore?" came a dark voice. M'Quve watched in horror as Alucard emerged from the floor near the Bishop's feet, a smile to match the devil's on his evil visage. The Count took a step forward and stood there, staring down the priest. "Typical words from a Judas priest that had just been beaten down by a woman."
The three Iscariots stared in shock at the newcomer to this pissing party, Heinkel whispering, "Alucard...the No-Life King."
The vampire just smirked as M'Quve shook his head in disbelief. "No! That's impossible! The vampire, Alucard, is dead! He died thirty years ago!"
"What's wrong, Bishop? Does my very presence have you shaking in your holy garbs?" Alucard mocked, reaching into his coat and pulling out the Jackal. "You Catholics never change. You're a foolish little man, just like your predecessor." The gun was then placed between the priest's eyes. "Do you think you're going to leave this place alive after such an insult?" His lips curled, ready to squeeze the trigger.
"Alucard," Integra called calmly, a pleasant smile on her face. "That's enough. I think Miss Rows has already left her mark."
There was silence, and Alucard didn't move. Resigned and sighing in disappointment, Alucard removed the gun, putting it away. "As you wish, my master."
M'Quve visibly sighed with relief. "I am grateful, Sir Hellsing."
"Don't be. Next time, I will let my servant kill you. Now, get out of my house."
Silently, Heinkel and the other priest helped up M'Quve and they left through the door, climbing into their car and taking off. Integra sighed, and by then, the guns all around were lowered, soldiers returning to their previous positions. Alucard just stared after the car that left, clearly disappointed. What the hell was that vampire thinking? Integra would reprimand him in a moment. The director turned to Alex then, who was staring at Alucard.
"Are you alright, Miss Rows?" she asked.
"Yeah." Suddenly, the girl made her face of restraint, slowly raising her hand. Integra could see it twinge. "I'm sorry," she said, looking sheepish.
"What on earth for?"
"For punching him?" Alex explained with a tone of uncertainty.
Integra just smiled. "I believe it was called for. Are you sure you're alright?"
Alex made one of her odd faces, indicating agony. "I think I broke my hand on his nose."
The woman chuckled. "I'll have Dr. Dacie take a look at it." When the girl nodded, Integra went to join Alucard's side. "I want to have a word with you in my office. Now." She walked away, and Alucard wordlessly followed.
Meanwhile, Alex sucked at the spare blood on her knuckles. Seras came over with a roll of white wrapping. "Here, Alex, let me bind that for you."
"Thank you," she said, sighing in appreciation as they sat on the stairs.
"You punched a priest," Seras stated.
"Yeah, so?"
"A Bishop, no less."
"Uh...huh?" Where was Seras going with this?
"In the face."
There was a pause. They just stared at each other before they burst out laughing. Yes. Yes she did. "He deserved it," the brunette declared. Seras could only agree as they continued to laugh at M'Quve's expense. Alex then looked around, finding that Van was no longer in the room, frowning slightly.
Wednesday Evening, November 19, 2031, Hellsing Estate...
Integra was furious, just plain furious. Not only did the Iscariots have the audacity to come charging over to her home, acting like they owned the place, but Alucard had deliberately ignored her order! Alucard stood there. He didn't look smug, nor did he look thoroughly shameful. Too stressed out to start yelling at him, she threw open one drawer, finding a cigar and quickly lighting the damn thing. As the carcinogens began to calm her nerves a little, she turned her eye on the vampire, face still ugly with anger.
"What the hell was that about, Alucard?!"
He tilted his head curiously. "You'll have to elaborate, Integra."
"You deliberately disobeyed a direct order! I told you to protect Alex!"
"I did."
"I told you to remain at her side!"
"I did."
Her eyebrow twitched. "I told you to keep her away from my meeting with those papists!" He cleared his throat. "What?!"
"Your orders were for me to stay by her side, which I was the entire time, and to protect her, should they threaten her. They did threaten her, and I took action, just as you ordered."
"What about keeping her away?!" she demanded.
Much to her annoyance, he was rather calm in explaining, "You never gave me the order to keep her to a single room, nor to keep her away."
Integra blinked, nearly snapping her cigar in half. Alucard would have laughed right now, considering the face she was making, but thought he was in enough trouble as it was. "You're going to throw semantics in my face?" she asked slowly. "You're seriously... It was implied! Dammit!"
"I'll keep that in mind for next time, then," he said, grinning now.
Her eye narrowed at him grumpily. "Were you hoping to bait them into attacking, so you'd have an excuse to kill them? Is that why you let Alex roam? You used her as bait?!"
The smile dropped from his face like a stone, replaced by a look of shock. Integra watched as the emotions quickly changed. What was going through her servant's mind? Maybe he hadn't realized it, only wanting to see the Vatican agents for himself with the intention of killing them if they so much as sneezed. The director watched as his shock turned to sadness, then anger, hair covering his face as his lips pressed firmly together in a frown.
"Alucard," she called gently. "I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. I realize now that the girl seems to mean something to you. I know you'd never deliberately put her in harm's way."
It might as well have been just that, he thought bitterly. Now realizing what he had subconsciously done, he was furious. What would have happened had he not been there to threaten the priest with a death sentence he was ready to have dealt himself had Integra not ordered him otherwise? Alexandra could have been hurt, or worse, killed. His desire to face the Iscariots had gotten in the way of what was important. After a moment, having closed his eyes, he calmed down.
Seeing that he no longer radiated with rage, Integra asked softly, "Are you alright, Count?"
"I'm fine," he replied hoarsely, face looking dead, figuratively speaking.
There was a silence between them and Integra frowned, not sure how to approach the topic. Tactfulness wasn't exactly her strong suit. She was used to being blunt with an unforgiving honesty. His behaviour around the girl was becoming clear to her, wondering when exactly it had happened. Was it in Canada? Just before returning home? It really wasn't any of her business, but she felt compelled to ask him about it anyway.
"Who is she to you, Alucard?"
He didn't answer at first. He didn't want to answer. Still, he respected his master, and her opinions. Integra was probably one of the few humans, let alone people, who understood him. "Alexandra has the same face as a woman I knew...a very long time ago."
Integra's brows furrowed. "How long ago?"
"Near the beginning, before my life as the thing before you." He closed his eyes, recalling her face, murmuring, "She died."
Integra could only feel sympathy for such a creature. Even as a monster, he could still feel the pain of loss. "What will you do about Alexandra then?"
Crimson orbs opened. "Nothing. It's her choice what she wants to do."
Wednesday Near-Midnight, November 19, 2031, Hellsing Estate...
Knock, knock, knock. Alex waited outside Van's door, hoping he would answer. Her right hand hurt again. It had just healed too, dammit! That Mac—or whatever the fuck his name was—has an iron face! She flexed her fingers before hearing the door open. Looking up, she saw Van's vacant expression. She wanted to say something, but something caught in her throat. Rather than say anything, Van stepped aside for her, an invitation she accepted. He gestured to the stool, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, staring into space.
Alex sat on the stool, staring at him. "You hate Catholics," she stated, trying to get a confirmation for her observation.
He scoffed. "That obvious?"
She shook her head. "No, not until that Mac started provoking you like he knew something."
"Mac?" he repeated, raising an amused brow.
A shrug. "I forgot his difficult-to-pronounce name." The vampire chortled some. "So, who's Katherine?" Alex watched as he turned his face away. Frowning, she continued to pry, "I understand if you don't want to discuss anything in detail, but I want to know who I got angry over back there. I'd like to know who I was defending aside from you."
The silence added a depressing gloom to the atmosphere. The vampire was being stubborn, still not wishing to speak about it. However, Alex watched as he seemingly began to let her words sink in and he gave her a resigned look. "Katherine was a young woman I shared affection with. I rescued her when she was a little girl and I met her again years later and we..." he trailed off.
"You fell in love," she finished softly.
He nodded, staring out into space again, as if picturing the events like they were right in front of him. "Many were aware that I was a vampire, and sought to purify Katherine as she was supposedly corrupted by me." He exhaled a shuddering breath, and Alex could see it as well, the horrible images playing through his head. "They caught her, tying her up in their church, meanwhile, they sent people to distract me. When I heard her screams, I knew, and then I ran." Alex couldn't help it. Tears fell down her face, but she didn't make a sound, even when Van made the most agonized expression any beast could muster. "I was too late. Those bastards had burned her alive!"
"Oh Van," Alex managed, covering her mouth.
He collapsed to the ground, burying his face in his hands. "I had just made it in time to hear her final breath! God, I could see she was in pain! Despite all that, she saw me and looked so...happy. And she was gone...just like that!"
Alex slipped off the stool, rushing to his side, letting him collapse in her arms, his body shaking. "Oh, god, I'm so sorry Van. I'm so sorry." Alex had no idea what it was like to lose someone so close, but his pain became contagious to the point that she felt utterly miserable for him.
After a few moments of his weeping, he'd begun to calm down. When he spoke, his voice was quiet and hoarse, "After that, I hunted down every single one of those murderers, slaughtering them." His tone had grown dark and angry, a side of Van that scared Alex a little. "I drained most of them dry, blind by my own rage and grief." He sighed, sitting up, staring elsewhere while the brunette watched him. "When I realized what I'd done, I never felt so horrified in my life. Katherine wouldn't have wanted me to become like them. It wasn't til later that I learned that it was the Vatican that had informed their Catholic followers what I was. Because of the atrocity I committed, they've been keeping track of my records, trying to hunt me down." He leaned against the wall, looking dazed. "I never wanted to drink blood directly from a human again. But I also never forgave them."
Alex watched as he closed his eyes, wiping her own face. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to bring up such a painful memory. I just wanted to know who she was."
He shook his head. "I should be thanking you, actually. It's been awhile since I spoke of it. Also, for defending Katherine's honour." Silver orbs stared at her softly.
"Anytime," she said, smiling.
He glanced down, nodding his head upwards. "How's your hand?"
The smile widened. "It feels pretty good, actually."
"You punched a priest...in the face," he said, a small smirk playing on his lips.
She laughed. It couldn't be helped. "Yes. Yes I did." And what a beautiful memory that was.
A/N: Woo! Two chapters in one day. I'm so proud of myself! And I had the opportunity to give insight into a crucial part of Van's past. TECHNICALLY, his real back story consists of Katherine being accused of being a witch, even though she wasn't. This declaration was made because she was associated with a vampire. The Vatican had nothing to do with Katherine's death, and he doesn't hate specifically Catholics, just religious extremists. Thus he doesn't follow religion. Everything else is pretty much the way it should be. I made it different so that he had a reason to hate the Vatican, specifically Iscariot, as they hunt monsters and those they deem heretics. It's why Van acted a bit like a psycho.
According to the Hellsing Wiki, M'Quve is apparently called Makube, but I went with M'Quve because it doesn't sound Japanese, and more...um...something else. However, because he's called Makube, this leads to Alex calling him Mac, because she can't pronounce his fucking name. I don't even know how to pronounce it.
So, please leave a review, your thoughts, any questions, your admissions of TEARS, and hugs for Van. He needs hugs! So does Alucard. Send some for him as well. He won't mind. Really. Thanks for reading!