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 FORTY

Frightful Revelation

Friday Before Midnight, January 30, 2032, Somewhere in England...

Drip—tick-tick...drip—tick-tick...drip—tick-tick...DONG! DONG! DONG!

Copper thickly permeated the air, overpowering the subtle hint of flowers. Bodies of various ages, old, young, and those in the middle, lied motionless on generic carpets of grey, stained heavily with large blots and streaks of red that gradually turned brown with the passing minutes. Even as the grandfather clock chimed loudly, it did not seem to stir those seemingly asleep. In a corner behind the TV stand, some sort of mousey-like creature sat huddled, hiding, curled in on itself, their back shaking as they sobbed quietly. A hiccough here, a whimper there. So scared was this child, that they knew if they made a sound, the monster lurking in the house would surely find them.

"Come out, come out, little mouse," called out a sickly-sweet voice. "I won't hurt you. I only want take you to my house so we can play a game."

The voice of another began to hum then sing, "Hickory, dickory, dock. The mouse went up the clock. The clock struck one, the mouse ran down." Two shadows soon loomed close by, allowing the youth to see them from behind the telly. "Hickory...dickory..." The sudden movement of the TV stand being suddenly tipped forward startled the little one before they were met with the horrid face of a monster. "DOCK!"

They screamed, trying to run for it, but they grabbed them before they could. The other monster just laughed, "Look at her kick and scream! Gosh, it's making me hungry!"

The little girl looked up in terror, knowing exactly what they meant by that, having seen them eat her family. She whimpered and howled out, "M-mummy! D-daddy!"

The crying for her parents didn't seem to please the one who initially taunted her, predatory eyes growing red with rage. "Shut up before I rip your pretty little head off!"

That only served to make the kid cry harder. Before something could be done about it by the beast, the other holding the girl just placed a pale hand over the girl's eyes, quieting her into a deep sleep. "Honestly, Jane, you need to control your temper. You've become far more inconsolable lately. Have you forgotten that master Gabriel wants the children unharmed? You've already fudged that up by killing this one's siblings."

A growl was emitted from the other. "Shut the fuck up! I'll do whatever the fuck I want, DICK."

He huffed. "Richard. Anyway, we better get going before they get wind of this."

"Phft, who cares? Hellsing is run by a decrepit hag, backed by more decrepit meat bags. Even with that whore, Seras Victoria, on the job, she's never caught us, has she?"

Richard started walking off while cradling the girl. "Let's just go. He's waiting, and we wouldn't want a repeat of the last time you disobeyed him, would we?"

That seemed to give Jane some pause, making an undignified sound. "That human cunt had it coming. I don't see why she's such a big deal. It pisses me off. Both him and Alucard fawning over that whore?"

Bored, Richard added monotonously, "Everything pisses you off."

Saturday After-Midnight, January 31, 2032, Somewhere Else in England...

A waning gibbous shone through large windows, a pair of eyes matching the moon's luminance gazing with an intensity that would have rivalled the fires of the sun. Elijah had been fuming since that night nearly a month ago. Van had become stronger in such a short time. No doubt the effect of drinking Alucard's blood. Still, it infuriated him that for a single instant, he had felt inferior in power. Those bastard siblings only added insult to injury when they rescued him possibly no more than a moment before his end at the hands of his brother. They even had the gall to point it out every chance they got, as though they too were superior to him.

A growl of frustration emerged from his throat, only to be cut short by a silky voice he had known since his conception as a vampire, "My dear, sweet Elijah. Are you still so troubled by your loss?"

The Dracul turned to the woman lying languidly across a chaise, not realizing that Laura had been in the room. "Master? Have you been here the whole time?"

"No," she admitted casually, looking at her well manicured nails, painted just as red as her lips. "I've only been here for a moment. I sensed that something ailed you, child." Her green gaze travelled to his dark form, and she smiled as he looked down in shame. "Such reverence for your master. Will you not look upon me?"

"I failed to carry out your order. I don't deserve to look at you, let alone be in your presence."

He didn't even see her move, for he blinked, and she was suddenly in front of him, and he shuddered out a breath of longing as she raised her hands to his face, his skin aching for her embrace. "Your foolish older brother is to blame. He betrayed his own blood by taking in another. Blood that made him quite strong. Do not dwell on matters out of your control, my sweet Elijah."

The young vampire's eyes closed, soothed by her words, breathing out, "Yes, my master."

Laura's easy smile widened at the yielding of her servant. The quiet moment was then rudely interrupted by a loud crash, then the doors to the room were kicked open as a certain duo strolled into the room. Elijah looked upon them with disdain. They both had the appearance of sophomore teens, though they were at least in their early one-hundreds. The young man, Richard, or Dick, as his sister lovingly called him, looked like a poster boy from an All-American Dream, with his neatly combed brown hair and unassuming eyes, and casual dark blue suit with a white polo shirt. Jane on the other hand, had a much less formal appearance. Unlike her brother, she took more of a liking to later eras. Her long blonde hair, dyed with bubble gum pink streaks, was messily put up in pigtails with red ribbons. Her outfit was comparable to that of a cheerleader with a pair of white short shorts with skirt flaps, a short denim vest airbrushed with stars and stripes, and white platform boots with pink laces. She also wore some fishnet for a long sleeved undershirt, and stockings. A couple of features the siblings shared was their periwinkle blue eyes and toothy grins.

"We're baaack!" Jane announced in her grating sing-song voice. "And we brought Miss Laura a midnight snack!"

Laura sauntered over to the pair, particularly Richard as she looked upon the child still held in his arms, fast asleep. Sighing, she reached out to brush back locks of hair from their face before gingerly bringing the girl into her own arms. The regal woman held her lovingly as though she were her child, brushing her cheek against the side of their head. The other vampires in the room merely watched as she marvelled over the siblings' gift with great care. A moment or so later, Laura seemed satisfied, holding the child more securely to her.

"I shall deliver her myself. Lord Gabriel will be most pleased to have another join his flock."

The trio watched her leave, the hem of her long dress brushing along the floor like a whisper. Once she was gone, Jane stretched her arms high with a loud yawn. "Ugh, this whole thing is starting to become a real bore. I wish master would let us finish off Hellsing already."

Richard scoffed, reprimanding her, "Your impatience is gonna make him mad again. You're lucky he didn't end you when he found out those bombs were yours."

"Like I said! She fucking had it coming! Alexandra this, Alexandra that! Fucking whore. I bet she thinks she's sooo special. I knew I should have killed the bitch when I had the chance in Canada."

Elijah's eyes narrowed, recalling how furious Gabriel had been. No one had known that Jane had rigged each container with explosives. She was conniving in every conceivable way, especially when it came to those she despised. The great vampire had punished her severely a couple of times. Being the one who turned her, the severity was emotionally worse for Jane. Richard had it easier, for he shared Elijah's sire. Elijah knew jealousy far too well, so he understood Jane to an extent, but her mind was far more unstable.

"You seem to forget your place, Jane," Elijah started. "We are created to serve our masters. Should we fail to follow their commands, then we're not fit to be their servants. Your punishments have been nothing less than what you deserved for defying your creator. He wants her alive, and unharmed, all for the sake of all vampires. There are too few of us." The girl gave him an ugly glare, but he went on, "If you disobey him a third time, he'll surely dispose of you."

The older vampire walked out of the room, leaving the girl to fume childishly. "I'll kill him!"

"Let it go, Jane. He's right, y'know. If you disregard Gabriel's orders again, he may kill you this time," Richard reasoned calmly, pocketing his hands. "Certainly would be no skin off my back."

Jane ignored him, scowling, "I'll show him! I'll kill that bitch. We don't need some human whore." Richard just watched his sister impassively. This was gonna be another long night, he mused.

Saturday Midday, January 31, 2032, Hellsing Estate...

Multiple thuds, thwacks, and thumps could be heard from the property's well equipped gymnasium. Some equipment were being used by soldiers during their free time, but Alex was on her feet, blowing off steam, tossing blows at a sandbag while ear-buds indulged her eardrums, playing a mixture of industrial and alternative rock. Her training had picked up again a couple weeks back after she recovered from what happened on the freighter. Her wrist was still in bad shape, but she didn't need major surgery. All they had to do was make sure all the fractured fragments were still in place before using a laser to basically fill in the cracks until the damage had been naturally repaired. Against doctor's orders, she went back into her training regime, constantly thinking back on that night that things had went to hell.

During the whole trip, they'd been attacked three times, and each time she felt helpless. It was no wonder Integra employed vampires. Alex felt insignificant in comparison. Vampires in this world were nothing like the ones in movies or TV shows. Those things were the equivalent of fairies. Alex was tired of it all. She didn't want to be helpless like that again. One of these days, they'd catch her alone and corner her. She just had to make sure that she was ready before that happened.

Meanwhile, Integra sat in her office, sorting through the reports on her desk. The latest was of a murder only hours ago. Another family with a child missing. What did all these kidnappings mean? Being as they were all virgins, it was understandable why vampires would want them in ready supply. To the undead, the blood of a virgin was considered the finest of wines. Integra doubted that was all there was to it though, given Alucard's report on the orphanage from weeks back. What did they hope to accomplish by raising virgin children? Was it to sustain the numbers of their race? Even Alucard didn't extract those particular answers from the vampire he fought that night. All that was confirmed was that Gabriel was involved, and that was enough to warrant a thorough investigation.

A loud rapping was at the door, causing the director to look up from the paperwork. "Come in."

A man from her household staff stepped inside, coming up to the desk. "A curious letter arrived for you, ma'am." The envelope in question was presented to the woman. It was very pristine and formal looking. Integra took the parchment, her single eye widening upon seeing the wax seal on the back. "It was delivered personally by a royal messenger, sir."

"Thank you," she murmured, effectively dismissing the man.

When he left, she scrutinized the seal once more, recognizing the royal coat of arms. Grabbing a letter opener, the flap was torn and she read the letter inside, eye narrowing some. So, it's come to this, she inwardly sighed. His Majesty, the son of the previous queen, has issued a date for a meeting. It was almost exactly like over thirty years ago. Sighing, she pressed a button on her phone.

"I need you to gather Alucard, Seras, Reese, Drake, and Rows the moment nightfall arrives."

"Yes, ma'am. Anything else?"

"Yes, start preparing for a meeting with His Majesty for a week from now."

Saturday Evening, January 31, 2032, Hellsing Estate...

Integra stood before her window, an unlit cigar clenched between her teeth. Lieutenant Reese was already present, standing stock still and completely silent, regarding his commander in chief with a quizzical expression. To have the main people of the organization in one room was a rarity. Even Reese barely had an idea of what was going on. His gaze turned to the door when three people walked in. Seras, Alex and Van stood before Integra's desk, all bearing some confusion. Integra finally turned to regard them, noting that only Alucard was missing. That is, until she noticed the way Alex's shadow seemed to move on its own. The top of a red hat surfaced from the floor like water, Alucard rising behind the unsuspecting girl.

Alex blinked when she felt a chill at her back and she looked over her shoulder to see the Count standing there with his usual grin. Unimpressed, she murmured, "Must you be creepy? Can't you go through a door like everybody else?"

"Where's the fun in that?" he asked, removing his shades before looking at Integra. "You called for me, my master?"

The woman smiled with mild amusement before removing the cigar from her mouth. "If you're quite done with the pleasantries with Miss Rows, I have an important matter to discuss with you all. Earlier, I received a summon from His Majesty, the King. We are all to attend at his discretion, accompanied by the other members of the Round Table...and Vatican's Section XIII, the Iscariot Organization. This is to occur one week from today. We are to report on this latest threat and our findings. Apparently, he is concerned that this may turn into a war like three decades ago. His concern is also my own. After the whole fiasco with Millennium, I do not want a repeat. So, in the meantime, we are to learn as much as we can and organize our findings to be presented. That includes you as well, Miss Rows."

Alex's back straightened. "M-me, sir?" What the hell was she supposed to say?

"Indeed. Seeing as how you're at the centre of Gabriel's plans, His Majesty will certainly wish to meet with you in particular. You and I will discuss what you are to report. Also, I doubt you're aware of the proper etiquette in the presence of the royal family. That will be amended." She turned to Van. "I trust you've made progress in your investigation."

"It's slow-going, but yes. I should have something concrete within the week."

"Good. Alucard," she started, his servant's gaze never leaving hers. "You mentioned you had information in regards to Gabriel himself."

"Of course, my master." He grinned. "His Majesty, and your colleagues may not like what I have to say."

The woman exhaled. "I don't imagine I will either." Pulling out a clip, she circumcised the cigar tip. "That will be all. Dismissed."

One by one, everyone left the room, with the exception of Alucard, who simply disappeared entirely. Alex stood in the corridor, shaking somewhat. "I'm actually going to meet the King of England? Jeez..." The others looked at her with some sympathy. No doubt her nervousness was going to drive her crazy over the next week.

Saturday Evening, February 7, 2032, Royal Villa, Outside London...

Stop shaking! Alex demanded herself, standing in a large room with a table even larger than the one she saw at the Round Table meeting.

On one side sat the Convention members, on the opposite sat the Section XIII chief, Bishop M'Quve, with Heinkel Wolfe and another subordinate of M'Quve's. Ever since she entered the room, she felt his eyes on her, making her uncomfortable. She very much doubted he had forgotten their last encounter, since she was the one who punched him square in the nose. Integra sat at the end of the table closest to the throne hidden in the very back of the room. Meanwhile, Alex and Seras stood to the side of the room, while Van and Reese stood on either side of Integra. Alex glanced around the room, looking for Alucard until she spotted a pair of crimson orbs peering right back at her from the shadows of a corner.

After many moments of quiet murmuring, the tall double doors were opened and a set of bodyguards entered the room, keeping all sides covered around a man. Everyone, except the Vatican representatives and Alucard, stood up, backs straight. Only when the man was seated on the throne did they all sit down. Alex couldn't help her curiosity as she stared. From what she learned, the King had only been appointed years ago after the death of his mother.

"Sir Hellsing," the man began with a surprisingly firm voice.

Integra stood once more, facing the king. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"I wish to remind you that I am not my mother and my views on vampires differ greatly from her. This whole incident is beginning to seem a lot like the Zeppelin Affair. I want to hear everything you have uncovered thus far."

"Yes, sir."

"Very good then. Then please, let's hear your report, Sir Hellsing."

Alex watched as the Hellsing director bowed her head before returning to her seat. Integra clasped her fingers together while elbows rested upon the table. "As of last year, the Hellsing Organization had begun to notice suspicious activity regarding numerous deaths of entire families, with their youngest children missing from the scenes entirely. It wasn't until much later that we learned that these children have been taken to what we call Vampire Orphanages. We have only found one thus far, but based on my top agent's personal knowledge after having infiltrated one of these facilities, these children are being raised until they reach complete maturity as adults and are thus turned into vampires. This would suggest that this has been going on for years. How long, is not yet clear. However, this discovery is only after we learned of another series of organized attacks."

Integra looked to Alex, nodding once, and the girl reluctantly stepped forward. Oh hell...

"It came to our attention that young women with specific traits were being killed across Canada. These traits included a list of particular physical traits. The similarities between these women were that they were brunettes in their early twenties with the same blood type. Though it is a rarity to find virgins of that age group, out of the dozens of women killed, every single one of them had been sexually active. This fact alone warranted closer scrutiny, for vampires, virgin blood is a delicacy. So I sent my best agent to Canada to investigate the matter. It became clear that these vampires were looking for someone in particular. And she stands in this very room."

Everyone turned their eyes to Alex, causing a lump to form in her throat. M'Quve raised a brow. "I am still curious as to why that is, Miss Hellsing."

"I'm getting to that," Integra bit off. "Van."

"Sir. The vampire who targeted her had come after Alexandra Rows on October 31st, last year before being intercepted by Alucard. It was then learned that Miss Rows carries a rare property within her blood not seen before in recorded history. Initial tests by Dr. Dacie indicated nothing abnormal, but after I experimented with the blood samples by mixing her blood with the blood of vampires, and adding that mixture to another human's blood who was sexually active, the blood did not transform in a way that was expected. Traditionally, vampires can only create more vampires through virgins of the opposite sex, otherwise, they simply turn into ghouls, mindless servants of vampires. Miss Rows' blood changes that fact." The Iscariots' eyes widened at this information. "In other words, should her blood be drunk by a vampire, that vampire can effectively turn anyone into a vampire, regardless of gender or sexual status."

An uncomfortable silence followed, but M'Quve was quick to break it. "And this...woman is being sought out by the latest enemy. Gabriel, was it not?"

"Indeed," Integra put in. "The enemy is a vampire, with the intention to have global dominion by turning all humans."

M'Quve didn't seem impressed by this information. "Even if that were true, such a plan is flawed. Without humans for those heathens to feed on, they'd starve themselves into hibernation."

"We're well aware of that, Bishop, as I'm certain they are as well. This is where both series of incidents seem to coincide. They kidnap these children, raise them, until they are old enough to handle being vampires themselves. At first we believed it was to increase their numbers, but why bother if they were to obtain the blood they are so desperately after? Should they succeed, they could turn any human into one of their own. Our investigation came to this conclusion...blood farming."

The Catholics didn't seem that surprised while the convention members showed some shock. M'Quve smiled bitterly. "Yes, I thought as much."

Integra's eye narrowed. "You're aware of this then?"

"We suspected that these...kidnappings were simply the makings of a much bigger plan. Gather as many innocents as possible, raise them, feed off them, and when the time is right, breed them to make more. All within a controlled environment."

"And naturally, you failed to come forward with this information, purposely withholding it from us."

The priest grinned. "Just as you refused til now to reveal the importance of your ward." Integra said nothing. "Speaking of the young lady, perhaps we can prevent such a calamity by...offering up the lamb to the arms of God."

Alex stiffened, and the room went cold just as a dark chuckle reverberated through the large room. All eyes turned to the source as footsteps echoed while Alucard emerged from his dark corner. His predatory gaze was set on M'Quve, light reflecting off his fangs, his lips curled upward. Heinkel and the other priest placed hands on their weapons, eyeing the vampire. The smile widened at their audacity.

"Such nerve. So quick to sacrifice an innocent. Doesn't your kind feel any sort of shame? It doesn't matter. Orders or not, you won't be lying your hands on her."

M'Quve showed puzzlement at this declaration as Alucard glowered dangerously at him. "So, you would defy even your master should she order the girl—?"

Integra cut in, "I'm certain you know that I will give no such order. You and your organization seem to conveniently forget that all life is sacred. I believe even the late Father Anderson would have understood that."

Heinkel growled between her teeth. "Don't you dare speak of Father Anderson, you protestant dog!"

She would have went on a rant had M'Quve not raised a hand to silence her. "Yes, I do see your point...Miss Hellsing."

Integra didn't even twitch. "Also, the Hellsing Organization has not forgotten your predecessor's transgressions against the whole of London. So, should any Section XIII member put a single toe out of line, I will not hesitate to have your faction destroyed once and for all. Am I clear?"

The Iscariots were quiet for some time as the tension remained thick in the room. The bishop eyed the woman. Would she really risk a war with the Vatican? Relenting, M'Quve sighed, putting on a half-smile. "Transparently so."

The King spoke up, "This young lady, Miss Rows... Is that her, Sir Hellsing?"

"Yes, sir." Integra turned to Alex with a nod.

Alex faced the monarch, her body at full attention. She was sure everybody could see her straining to keep from trembling. This was a real royal family member, the king. Part of his face was obscured by the lack of lighting in the back of the room, briefly reminding her how often she dreamt of Alucard's past self. She could see his mouth though, and the glint of his eyes as he strained to see her.

"Please, come closer young lady. My eyesight isn't what it used to be."

Alex showed surprise at the request and even looked to Integra for confirmation, who merely nodded again. Swallowing past that lump from earlier, she marched carefully towards the king, hesitating on the steps, but climbing each one with careful precision, afraid to make a misstep that could either offend His Majesty, or humiliate her. Once she ascended, she took three more steps forward before stopping, just a few feet away from him. For a moment, nothing was said as everyone observed the exchange. Eventually, a soft smile formed on His Majesty's face.

"This whole thing must be quite frightening. But despite the direness of your situation, you joined the Hellsing Organization. Is that right?"

Another swallow, and Alex managed to squeak out, "Y-yes, your Majesty." She mentally kicked herself, flushing some.

Out of politeness, he did not comment on her voice. "May I ask why?"

"I pride myself on my independence, sir. I wanted to be able to defend myself should the need come. I also don't want the world to turn into a global den of vampires. Especially because of my blood. I would rather fight than let them have their way." She stopped, not wanting to ramble on and on about her reasons.

"No doubt to also protect your loved ones," he added for her.

"Y-yes, sir."

After another quiet moment, his smile curled more. "Such reasons are noble and to be commended. Be proud of who you are now and who you will become by the time this is all over. But, do not forget who you are inside, young lady. You are Alexandra Rows. Always remember that, even if you may lose parts of yourself along the way. This coming war with the vampires, it will no doubt change you. I'm certain it already has in some way, yes?" Alex visibly relaxed the longer he spoke, only nodding in affirmation. "Though you are independent, do not be afraid to ask for help. Your decision to join the ranks of Hellsing says much about you. You're a fighter. So no matter how hopeless things may seem, never give up."

Alex considered his words then smiled, her confidence returning. "Yes, sir."

When he nodded, she stepped down, quietly returning to her post next to Seras, who gave her a reassuring smile that looked congratulatory. Alex exhaled slowly so her sigh of relief couldn't be heard. She looked to Integra, who gave her an approving stare, then Van and Reese who smiled. Finally her gaze moved over to the Count, but he wasn't looking at her, instead eyeing the king. She felt a little disappointed that he wasn't among the ones who was silently applauding her, but let it go. She thought about what the monarch had said to her, and it brought her to her conversation with Alucard weeks ago.

"Please continue with your report, Sir Hellsing," the king ordered.

Integra nodded to Van and he picked up a case off the floor, putting it on the table. Opening the long trunk with a clack, he lifted the lid and laid out a white bodysuit. Alex recognized it as one of the same suits those vampire wore on the night of that snowstorm. She shuddered, remembering how desperate she felt that night. Van also took out one of the swords, balancing it on both hands as he held it up for all to see.

"During the holidays, Alucard, Miss Rows and I were on a trip to Canada. Three attempts to capture her were made by the vampires. The second attack, Alucard and I were faced with a technology we had never encountered before. The vampires were wearing stealth suits with the purpose of assassinations, particularly against vampires."

Penwood spoke up then, "Cloaking technology? That's hardly anything to cough over. All major military around the globe has been developing that for years."

"This isn't your standard stealth applications, Sir Penwood. This technology is more advanced," Van explained. "All vampires have an inherent ability of sight. We call this our third eye. You may think of it as a sort of natural infrared. We can look past illusions, see farther beyond human capability, and so on. In normal circumstances, we can even see invisible enemies. However, this tech nullifies our ability to see with said third eye. To vampires, including myself and Alucard, are rendered blind to these suits."

"My god, why would they go to such lengths? Are they not vampires, themselves?" asked Penwood.

"Because they deem Alucard a threat, they would need every edge possible to subdue him on account of his level compared to all undead. To this day, Alucard has never been defeated by another vampire. And considering his stance, he is an enemy that needs to be defeated. He's a vampire to be feared. That is the most probable reason for this technology."

"How does this technology work, Mr. Drake?" asked Sir Islands. "Who is its manufacturer? And how is it you're still alive if it was designed to be used against vampires?"

"The concept is frighteningly simple, sir. It's something called Mirror-Tech. The suit is basically that, a bunch of microscopic mirrors. As I'm sure you're all aware, full-fledged vampires cannot cast reflections. We can look in them, but we don't really see. They used this to their advantage, rendering us blind. We could have used our sense of smell to find them, but these outfits are not meant to breathe. They were made for vampires, against vampires. However, there is a flaw they overlooked when they made the attempt to capture Miss Rows."

"And what was that?" the knight asked.

Van turned to Alex. "I'm afraid it would be better explained by Miss Rows, herself."

Alex glared at him with, Why the hell are you bringing me into this conversation?! He smiled knowingly and she sighed, stepping forward so they could see her as she stood next to Van. "The technology is only effective against vampires. Alucard and Van were completely blind to them, but even with the tech active, I was able to see them."

"If vampires couldn't even see them, how could you?" Penwood questioned, bewildered. "Don't tell me your blood gives you special abilities too!"

Alex gave him a look as though to ask if he was stupid. "I've got special blood, not super eyesight. I'm even nearsighted." Moron. With a sigh, she continued. "I believe it's because I'm just an ordinary human. Even mirrors can warp images. To some extent I was able to see them, but only from a certain distance because at the time there was a snowstorm and visibility was already low. I can only describe it as a shimmer in midair, as though images were shifting, much like a warped reflection."

"Thanks to Alex, Alucard and I were able to deal with the enemy with her serving as our eyes," Van put in. "Unfortunately, one assailant had gotten away, but we appropriated all the equipment from those that were defeated. As for the manufacturer..." He pressed a flash drive into a tabletop port, holographic images appearing in midair above the table, showing the files of his investigation. "Upon our return earlier this month, I immediately began some research on the tech itself, looking for any serial numbers or even a branding. No such thing is to be found, so I looked up mirror technology, looking for any reference at all. Through some creative means, I was able to gather some information."

"Go on," Islands urged.

Van pressed surfed the files with his tablet, showing various images to all present. "In Japan, India, China, Russia, the US, Brazil, and in many other parts of the world, there are factions of an armed organization. Unfortunately, the only information I was able to extract, was their name, Z.M.E.U. I don't know what the abbreviation stands for, but I do know that they are made up of mercenaries and that they are hired for the dirtiest of jobs. Assassinations and warfare mostly, but their skills lie within hunting the supernatural. With a faction in multiple countries, they're able to access advanced military research and apply it to their own. It's possible that Gabriel's followers stole some of their equipment to help their chances against us."

Integra's eye narrowed. "That would make sense. I've never heard of such an organization. Though I don't doubt there are other organizations out their employing those who hunt such creatures. They, like us, would probably try to keep their operations quiet."

"Indeed, even though they'll only do it if they're paid for it," he replied bitterly.

Integra barely smirked in agreement, then looked to Alucard. "Your report, my servant."

"As you wish, my master." Alucard moved dangerously close past the Vatican members, grinning when they showed discomfort. He eventually stood next to his master as he turned to address the king as he bowed with his arm held before him. "With your permission, Your Majesty," he greeted with that typical sultriness. At the king's nod, the vampire turned to the table. "During the voyage between Halifax and London, it later became apparent that we were not alone. One by one, night after night, crew members started disappearing, starting with the captain himself. Strange events took place and Van and I were able to sense a presence on board. Upon the fifth night, we decided to investigate a particular shipment hidden within the cargo hold where we learned that three vampires had been aboard all along. A young Dracul, Van's younger brother turned vampire, their master, a woman named Laura, and Gabriel himself."

He went on to explain Elijah's abilities and Laura's connection with the Ripper murders, as well as her direct involvement with the child kidnappings. Alex looked at Van to see that he was maintaining an impassive expression. She inwardly sighed, feeling sympathy for the vampire. For now, she returned her attention to Alucard.

Finishing the first half of his report, describing what happened on the ship, he paused for effect. "In all my years, I've never come across a vampire who can oppose me." He frowned, which actually unnerved everyone far more than his smile did, for it was a rarity that he showed such an expression. "During my battle with Gabriel, I came to a revelation, brought on by a question, one that Alexandra had posed."

Alex blinked, murmuring, "What question?"

"As she is still in training, naturally she would ask questions. To some, these questions would seem inane and simple. We were speaking of the different classes of vampires. Ghouls, newborns, regular, and elder. As for myself, as I have no sire, I am a creator class. The Adam of vampires, if you will." There was whispering amongst the members, but Alucard continued. "Throughout my unlife, I had always assumed that I was the first of my kind and the only one in my class. When I told her this, she asked me how I knew. I didn't know." The room went silent. "The truth of it is, though my circumstances were...unique, I doubt it was a one-of-a-kind situation. This question plagued me throughout the journey, and then I fought Gabriel. It became clear that Gabriel is not like other vampires. In fact, he is in the same class as me. Another architect for vampires. And he's just as strong as I am."

Shock reverberated through the room at this announcement. Van and Integra's eyes grew wide as they stared in bewilderment at the Count. Alex was only mildly surprised, having been there during Alucard's conversation with Gabriel. Part of her suspected that Gabriel was on a similar level to Alucard, but she wasn't sure if maybe Gabriel was just a very powerful Elder class vampire. Now knowing for certain, she felt dread from this knowledge.

Alucard crossed his arms, patiently waiting for the commotion to die down. When it didn't seem like it would end, with Integra sensing that he had more to add, she firmly ordered, "Quiet down! His report is not finished!"

At this, the uncomfortable silence resumed and Alucard continued. "His abilities suggest that his strength would rival my own. Gabriel has a unique ability to render vampires weak. His very essence has a similar effect of holy weapons. He even rendered someone like me immobile for a short time. However, due to my self-observing powers, I was able to overcome it. But this does weaken me to an extent."

"May I, Alucard?" Van asked. When the older vampire grinned, Van held up the sword again. "We later learned that the hilts of these swords contain a vial of blood." To elaborate, he pressed on the bottom of the handle and a small flask popped out before he showed it to the others. "We can only assume that judging by how Gabriel's powers seems to have negative effects on vampires, that these flasks contain his blood. During the snowstorm assault, these swords would give off an electrical charge, rendering us numb, making us sluggish. Such a thing would be useless against vampires, but it's the blood itself that gives these negative effects."

"That's...all very interesting," M'Quve said. "But if you have nothing else to add, perhaps we should conclude this meeting."

"Or perhaps, you have something to add to this," Integra challenged. "Throughout this entire assembly, you've yet to contribute anything of value."

He waved in front of his face as he smiled. "I am-ah so sorry, but Vatican affairs are strictly Vatican affairs."

"Why are you even here, Bishop M'Quve, if you have nothing to add?"

Alucard grinned as his face became obscured by shadows, eyes gleaming while he glared at the Iscariots. "Because they have something to hide, something that would shame them."

The bishop smiled innocently. "We have nothing to hide, and nothing to share, Miss Hellsing."

After many moments of tension, the king intervened, "Do you have anything else to report, Sir Hellsing?"

"No, sir."

"Then I will voice my final thoughts." At this, Integra stood, as did the other convention members. "This meeting has revealed much about this new threat. I do not wish for another war like the one from three decades past. This is a dangerous foe we face. So, these are your orders. Use any means necessary to prevent the war. Annihilate the enemy."

Everyone bowed as Integra said, "Yes, sir."

Much later, the Iscariots ventured down a corridor, M'Quve's hands clasped casually behind his back. The other priest turned to his chief. "Do you think it wise that we did not tell them of the missing artifact?"

Heinkel sneered, "Psh, you damned fool. It's not their business. What could they possibly do, even if they knew?"

"Such a thing is dangerous in the wrong hands."

"Yes," M'Quve hissed through his teeth. "The chief of Section III has already stated as much. But, this could be to our advantage. We must exercise patience. Our forces are far too weak thanks to that heathen monster, Alucard. This...Gabriel, a creature with the name of an angel, with blood that can even stop creatures such as Alucard in their place. Some part of me believes this is judgement being passed down from God. Perhaps there is more to this so-called vampire. He may very well be the one we have been waiting for, the one who will finally wipe Alucard permanently from the face of the earth." At this revelation, M'Quve began laughing to himself. "Yes, I cannot wait to see this monster face to face. For now, let us return home."

A/N: I'm gonna be honest with you, I have NO idea when I'll post the next chapter. I only have a general idea what the next chapter or two is gonna be about. Mostly I just have future chapters generally plotted out, but not so much the ones in the middle of the story. Need to work on that. Maybe in the meantime, I'll go back and edit earlier chapters, fix any continuity errors, spelling, things like that. Rereading chapters will refresh my mind at least. Well, hopefully this chapter will tide you over until the next one. Also, here's the new characters I mentioned. I had another in mind, but decided against it. Was actually gonna take a character from Bram Stoker's novel, who would later feature prominently in Dacre Stoker's "sequel." But in regards to these new characters, I based them off of Dick and Jane, y'know, from those books. "See Dick Run" and so on. But I hate the name Dick, so he's Richard, only Jane is a total bitch and will only call him by Dick. Just as Rip Van Winkle was based off of a book character. Anyway, that's all. Please leave a review and thanks for reading! Also...FORTY CHAPTERS. HOLY CRAP. I think I need to celebrate with this milestone!