Shenanigans
Chapter 7: First Light
This was one of the rare times that Nerthus was grateful for her lack of bodily functions. After two months of extensive research and little food, it was finally time for a test run. She was ready to introduce Jack The Fryer v.4.7, a device that would emit an electromagnetic pulse strong enough to destroy the freak chip. All she needed to do was install it in Integra's helicopter and wait for Alucard and Seras to finish locking the test subjects up tight. This time it would work, she was sure.
The previous versions had all met the same fate. Deconstruction from a saboteur who still remained anonymous. At first she had blamed this on her own carelessness. When Jack The Fryer v.2.5 had come around she finally began to notice the signs. The next logical step was to bait the traitor with the new version and wait for him to appear. This was only met with another brick wall, as the cameras yielded nothing and not even Alucard had sensed anything out of the ordinary. Furious, Nerthus had presented her evidence to Integra and requested her laboratory be moved to the quarters directly between hers and Alucard's. She figured this would surely make further sabotage impossible. She was wrong again. The culprit still managed to elude the Nosferatu and disassemble Nerthus' projects, reassembling them with only the slightest of errors.
Baring this in mind, Nerthus did a little snooping of her own. If the Millenium Organization was to protect themselves from her weapon they would have to construct a giant faraday cage. Such a feat could not go unnoticed. For two weeks straight she taught herself how to hack computers and accessed every supply company that sold conductive metal in large quantities.
Yesterday she hit the proverbial jackpot. After combing the world over, she had found a large shipment of copper wire on its way to a desolate spit of land in Brazil. That was fine, they could have their faraday cage. Hellsing had no jurisdiction there anyway.
Nerthus was focused more on the spy inside their own walls. That was where her secret plan came into play. The freak chips were a manipulated form of simple RFID chips. She found that a few tweaks to a modern card reader would act as a sort of 'freak chip radar.' This was discovered mostly by accident through trial and error and the exact science of the thing eluded her. While everyone was distracted she planned to do a sweep of the mansion and the surrounding grounds.
A soft knock on the laboratory door startled Nerthus from her brooding. She watched as Integra walked tiredly into the room and settled into the chair on the other side of her desk, looking towards the hulk of metal sitting in the center expectantly. "Report."
"Jack The Fryer is ready. I kept it in my room last night to ensure our spy couldn't get their hands on it. Apart from that..." Nerthus stood and removed a file from her ugly metal cabinet and handed it to Integra. "Read that and burn it after."
Integra gave Nerthus a skeptical look and nodded in acknowledgment. "When can we begin the test?"
Nerthus pushed herself back in her chair and folded her hands in her lap. "Now would be the best time to do it, while the complete staff is in the building. I need you to make a show of the testing while Alucard and I scan the staff in an attempt to ferret out the spy. Be theatric, make it dazzle, but most importantly keep yourself inconspicuously protected in case anything goes wrong."
"I'm sorry, Alucard, but I've been so busy building a weapon of mass destruction for Integra that I completely forgot to attend vampire lessons." Nerthus glared at her master, eyes flickering down as she made a few last minute adjustments to the scanners.
Alucard glowered down at his fledgeling. "Neglecting your abilities only makes you weak."
"You're one to talk," Nerthus retorted sourly, a small frown creasing her now porcelain features, "You couldn't even summon a wisp of light."
Alucard growled and on instinct placed a firm grip around his fledgeling's throat in silent warning.
Nerthus narrowed her eyes in acceptance of challenge and lifted one hand, letting a pulsing wisp of light drift towards Alucard's face in a warning of her own.
Alucard growled and let his hand drop. "You will be disciplined later."
Nerthus' eyes flashed fire as she let out a wicked chortle. "There will be plenty of time for you to try that, right now we need to find the spy."
While Alucard didn't miss the barb he decided it would be in his best interest to cooperate with Nerthus for the time being. Besides, he wanted a more private setting to put Nerthus in her place. So, with help from his fledgling, Alucard turned on the awkward device and hid it in his sleeve, using a carefully placed eye to monitor the inch wide screen.
They made a careful sweep of the premises, starting in the basement and working their way to the top. When this search yielded nothing more than a misplaced credit card and a pair of expensive shoes, Nerthus let out a grunt of astonishment and anger.
"Time to scan the crowd."
"Is that your confidence faltering?" Alucard growled. He was starting to become frustrated himself, being forced along this wild goose chase as he was.
"No." Nerthus' short response was followed by silence. She led her master from the diplomatic guest quarters and out the front door, where immediately a small blip appeared on her screen. Then a dozen more appeared. Nerthus' heart sank as she realized that the entire Hellsing Organization had been made into freak vampires without them noticing. That meant new technology had been developed that they were unaware of. The spy she had been looking for turned out to be an army. Just waiting...
Nerthus' scanner short circuited and the screen went blank. She feigned composure, casting a casual glance at Alucard to make certain he had come to the same conclusion that she had.
Somehow, some way, Integra's entire employ had been transformed into freak chip vampires.
Get Integra inside, now. Nerthus' silent instruction to her sister did not go unnoticed. The young woman being led hastily away by Alucard's oldest fledgling seemed to act as a starting flag for the chaos that followed.
The chopper was bombed, scattering debris across the wide yard like a two ton shrapnel grenade. The assembly had turned into a swarm around Seras and Integra who were doing quite a valiant job of defending themselves. Alucard couldn't help but join the fray, picking off the soldiers like flies; Nerthus had a different idea.
She had to get to Integra before she got injured. Which wouldn't take long, Nerthus observed, as she was on her last clip. Seras, Nerthus nudged with her mind, urgency lacing every vibration, make your way towards me.
Seras looked up for a brief second and nodded, all the confirmation that Nerthus needed. Now she looked towards her master. I don't think I can protect you from this, Alucard, you need to go back to your coffin now.
Alucard wanted to object but when he probed into Nerthus' mind what he found was quite startling indeed.
Integra was the last surviving descendant of Mary Magdolin's bloodline, the First House of the Ten Great Houses of The White Craft. This was discovered through extensive research on Nerthus' behalf following her theft of five books from the Vatican's sacred library. It was also why she was in England instead of Europe proper when Alucard found her.
Once he had spotted Nerthus mere feet away from his master it was time to make a hasty retreat to the depths of Hellsing Mansion, despite the action defying every instinct he had honed in his lifetime.
Nerthus was fighting against a few instincts herself. It wasn't a very good idea to tap into the energies of a being you haven't even meditated with before. Integra's potential power made it all the more dangerous not only to those around them but to all individuals involved in the act itself.
Nerthus silently relayed her plan to Seras, highlighted the dangers, yet her sister's only response was a small smile and an extended hand.
Integra didn't have time to think. One moment she was battling her own troops at Seras' side and watching on with confusion as Alucard made a speedy retreat into the Mansion. She almost ordered him back onto the field but strong hands took hers in a firm hold. Before she knew it she was floating in a cloud of light. She could feel the two young vampires as if they were standing next to her, yet she could see nothing but the soothing ocean. It flooded everywhere around her, flowing from her and through her and carrying her through it's depths like a little leaf.
This is your ocean, Integra, Nerthus' voice rang clear in her mind, force it from you. Imagine the waves breaking on a thousand darkened souls and washing them away with it.
Integra was so relaxed in this sacred place that she couldn't imagine letting the light go. She didn't want to leave this blissful state.
This is your mind's eye, your truest energy. It will always be here. Nerthus' voice felt more like an intrusion.
Integra! Don't you remember forcing me to eat so I can better protect Hellsing? What kind of protector are you if you won't do the same?
Seras' voice caused a pang of guilt to cross Integra's heart. The girls were right, but still, she had no idea how to do as Nerthus asked.
I can help guide you, Nerthus urged.
Integra felt a lesser, dull light below her ocean. It was quickly joined by a second and suddenly she felt lofted forward.
Flow ahead of us, let the water eddy and cleanse the darkness that has corrupted your people...
At the thought of all her men, the only family she had, being turned into freaks and ghouls, her ocean turned into a tidal wave.
Light erupted out of her and soaked into the land itself. It filled the air, growing so bright that all fighting ceased as every false Nosferatu ran for cover, bumping into everything and everybody in the process. Amidst this mass confusion the first scream rang out over the shocked silence. It was almost enough to cause Integra to falter but the girls pushed her on, and the light became so intense that the flash was seen the world over.
Exhausted, Integra felt her own light dimming and was wrenched from within her own mind. As she fell into a mass of glowing sand tears sprang to her eyes.
All the faces of the men she had trained, fought beside, and broke bread with were smiling kindly at her. She could feel their gratitude and joy as they gazed skyward for one last look at earth before slowly fading into the next life. Wherever they were going Integra was sure it was Heaven. That thought alone gave her peace before the fatigue became too great and lulled her to sleep.
Alucard felt a searing pain wash over his entire being and a second later it was gone. He burst from his coffin and observed that he was covered from head to toe in second degree burns that took large amounts of energy to heal.
In a second he had materialized himself next to the three unconscious women laying in the center of a sea of dust. The sight was incredible.
The ashes glowed a strange blue-white and where the grass showed through it was a vibrant true green. The landscaped trees arched forward towards the women and their leaves shaded them from the harsh rays of the rising sun, vibrating in the windless dawn of their own accord. Ravens and doves shared the branches to cock their heads curiously at the spectacle below. Their combined chatter formed a song that would have made Alucard weep in his mortal days.
Aucard knelt to make sure Integra was still very much alive. Her cheeks were flushed and lighted by the sweetest smile he had ever seen grace those pale lips. Her platinum hair was glowing a soft, pure white that gave the woman an almost angelic quality. Alucard noted that her breathing was steady and there weren't any signs of injury on her body. He had to tear his eyes away from her to inspect his fledglings.
Being vampires, any wound they may have sustained during the fight had long healed. They were still more pale than they had a right to be and needed a fair amount of blood to recover. Alucard began to move the three unconscious women closer together so he would have an easier time getting them back inside. He decided it would be best to move the girls to his basement abode to better keep an eye on them. That and they would easily fit on his seldom slept-on king sized bed.
He gazed at Nerthus nestled into his feather pillows and wished she were awake to give him answers. The brief amount of information he had gleaned from her mind was confusing at best. Another worrying aspect was the fact that despite their strengthened bond, the young Nosferatu still had the ability to shield herself from him. She had left him alone in the dark.
His decision was made as soon as the idea slipped into his mind. Alucard loomed over the side of the bed and he bent to fish the box opener out of Nerthus' back pocket. He brought it to the curve of his neck and made one small incision, growing excited as the prickle of blood droplets crept across the slice. A small part of him wondered if forcing Nerthus and himself further into the unknown mechanics of their bond was a good idea. Unfortunately the larger part of himself, hurt and shocked by all that just transpired, won out.
He cradled Nerthus' head to his neck and let nature take over. As soon as the first droplet of blood hit Nerthus' dry lips she was revived.
All of the young Nosferatu's instincts told her to sink her fangs into her Master's neck. Fortunately the nagging voice of her iron will insisted that she take the time to consider the situation. The last thing she remembered was helping Integra summon her Light and now she was in Alucard's chambers with his blood in her mouth. She decided to pull away and gather more information.
This was not Alucard's intended effect and he had a difficult time masking the disappointment that came with it. He had to push that feeling aside as Nerthus attempted to sit up. Her head was still spinning and Alucard knelt to help her out of the sea of bedding.
"Why are you giving me your blood, Master?" Nerthus asked.
Alucard was dumbfounded. He couldn't flat out tell her that he was doing it for the sole purpose of being closer to her, seeing what was inside her mind. He hadn't glossed over the fact that she called him Master, a term she was loathe to use, yet on her lips just now it sounded perfectly willing. He couldn't just throw that away.
Nerthus didn't need words to surmise the general reason behind his actions. She leaned into Alucard and caught a stray droplet of blood on her fingertip and brought it to her lips.
"We should have explored the previous changes to our bond. Maybe we could have found information somewhere that could help us understand," Nerthus pointed out, albeit weakly. She was finding it hard to find her Iron Will with Alucard's blood on her tongue. No other substance had ever made her feel so alive, not even when she actually was alive. He was also a very handsome man, the idol of her youth, and the master of her present. The only problem was that he was already too close for comfort yet she wanted him closer all the same. Nerthus couldn't wrap her mind around it on a good day, much less while he was so close, his neck open and waiting for her. The urge to jump off that cliff was overpowering.
Alucard gripped Nerthus' arms and struggled to muffle a moan as she licked the blood away from his neck. He knew what she was saying was right and regretted his hasty decision. He felt foolish for it now and feared that it might be too late. "You're right," he admitted aloud. He tried to force himself to let go but now Nerthus was gripping his thighs, her fangs grazing his neck. He was shocked into a strange sort of paralysis as he felt his body respond wholeheartedly to her touch, her scent.
Nerthus let out a small whimper of longing. "Alucard, I can't help myself," she managed to gasp, "You have to pull away. The others need us."
Alucard knew she was right again yet still he hesitated. Seras and Integra were exhausted but fine. There was certainly enough time for whatever was about to unfold to conclude. On the other hand more Millennium forces were undoubtedly on the way and he could already hear the human media on the front lawn. Knowing what he had to do, Alucard summoned the last of his strength and pushed Nerthus gently to the floor.
"You gather food, water, clothing, and medical supplies for Integra. I will empty the blood cooler," Nerthus ordered once she regained herself.
The walk to said destination gave Nerthus plenty of time to think about what had just transpired. She had never felt so attracted to a man, though that alone downplayed the magnitude of what she felt for Alucard. His presence could comfort her. His council was important, his lessons relatively gentle and his expectations pushing her ever further. She had felt attraction for him almost immediately but kept it muted and suppressed. She had needed time to understand what being a vampire meant on her own.
Alucard's new attentions brought a whole other level of anxiety to the table for Nerthus and she found she was stuffing the blood into her suitcase entirely too hard. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. Any minute she would have to face Seras and Integra and wanted to be composed for the event.
Nerthus focused on emptying her mind. For the first time in a long, long while the task proved difficult. She counted the steps down to the basement to help her focus.
Seras was already wide awake with Integra fast at her heels. Nerthus tried not to glance at the mass of red in her peripheral. "How are you ladies feeling?" she asked in what she hoped was a cheerful tone.
"I never would have guessed," Seras sighed. She turned to the lady in question and gave her a helping hand.
Integra waved her away and propped herself up. "What are we doing here?"
"Alucard and I gathered supplies," Nerthus responded, "We have to move immediately."
Integra visibly paled. "We cannot abandon-"
"The police broke down the door and are looking for an explanation," Nerthus explained, "We are out of time."
Integra grimaced and took a moment to steel herself. "Where do we go from here?"
Nerthus truly didn't know. The three Nosferatu exchanged glances before the youngest finally shrugged.
"I don't know," Nerthus admitted and turned to her Master, "any ideas, Alucard?"