AU: Hello everyone and welcome to the third Chapter of my VHD Fanfic. In this Ch you will have a lot of hilarious moments and as for our beloved Count Dracula, I rather refer you to Alucard from Hellsing Ultimate series. His appearance is different, but as for imagining his voice and cheeky smiles, feel free to recall as how he was in the anime. I sure will draw him to give you a better picture, but for now, please give an applause for our beloved Vampire in Hellsing anime. Enjoy ^_^
Thoughts
Another language
Inner Demon
Chapter 3
The big hall of the mansion was full of delightful music, chatters and laughers, filling every corner of the interior quite handsomely. Thousands of Nobles and high ranked Counts and Countesses were dancing, conversing, and enjoying their evening in their own costumed classical ways.
The whole atmosphere was surrounded by the aura of great glory, luxury and finest looks, and merely tainted with the cursed scent of Vampire's blood; although if not mentioned, no individual could recognize the difference between these Nobles in the hall and those ordinary humans who attend great banquets to celebrate a dominant event among themselves. Quite frankly, it shouldn't seem so awkward or incompatible, for the nobles had also once lived peacefully amongst the mortals without prejudice or their vainly pride before their numbers began to dwindle by hunters.
So different societies have grown today!
The finest dishes and the freshest blood were prepared, settled in the most decorated and jeweled goblets and china, followed by many edible foods prepared from fresh hunted meat upon the long dining table that occupied the west side of the hall. Most guests preferred to fill their goblets with other fine liquors such as red wine, apparently savoring the sweet nectar and arousing their sense for the a later drink known as their elixir of life: blood. Some greedy Nobles took pleasure in tasting the well cooked pork which was nestled in a large bowl in the middle of the table.
Among the many Nobles whose number reached beyond reckoning, a pair of gleaming crimson eyes observed the scenes of glory and glamour with a hint of pride. Sitting on his throne, the great Ancestor, the mighty Count Dracula, was surveying the tiniest details with his keen eyes. It had been for so long that he was making proper preparations for such an enormous bash for his subjects.
The Count had sent thousands of invitations to the farthest parts of the globe and the members who did receive the letters, proudly returned their approval. From around the world, these inferior creatures assembled in their mighty King's mansion to rejoice and celebrate those long lost and despaired days; after the death of their King's wife, the Count refused to be involved with anything that contained the slightest bit of happiness, and this had caused many to fear that perhaps, Dracula had come down from the throne with his own free will, thinking of retiring. This party was a great opportunity to prove to his land and people that he's still on the throne, and all done for their sake…and his.
Dressed fine in the richest fabrics, the mighty Count appeared sophisticated and emitted a strong aura of authority. His features, featuring a mighty Nobleman from the classical Victorian Era, was cloaked in an elegant long murky jacket, long enough to reach his ankles; pair of leader pants hugged his strong feet, and were matching the leader vest underneath his tight armored suit that covered him from neck to toe. An elegant cloak with a high collar that reached behind his head, tailed down on the ground, appearing a pool of black ink around him.
Sitting on his king-like chair, one elegant hand rested on the armchair and the other, under his chin, giving him a look of a majestic and powerful lord of the underworld. His face held a smile of genuine thrill, but in my opinion, it was a fraught.
I strolled toward the hall silently and invisibly, just in time to see the young Prince advancing his father's throne and politely clearing his throat to get his father's attentions. I stood behind the elder Count, in a spot where everything was clear in my view, and observed the scenery before me. I found the small gesture of Little One getting my nemesis' attention, for Dracula turned his face toward his son.
"Yes child?" he asked solemnly.
D looked upon his father-the glint of hatred was dancing in his Topaz colored eyes-and stood up into the giant Noble's clearance with his hands locked behind him like a Count himself. An adorable scene I dare say; as far as that I bit back a chuckle.
"I came here as you insisted…Father." The bitter venom put into the last word was conspicuous when spoken.
Dracula leaned a bit forward to the young Prince and I found him smiling in approval, resting a gentle hand atop his son's head in a paternal gesture.
"Ah! I see that the woman has done her job well." He chuckled while D grimaced.
Of course I KNOW how to make him look suitable for your insolent party, you ungrateful pompous!
I shot daggers made of silver with my piercing glare and hoped he would notice. To my luck, he turned his head around and looked at my direction-which of course, he failed miserably to see my invisible form; not even the keenest eyes could track down my presence.
"Is something the matter, father?" I heard D ask the mighty Vampire Lord. Dracula sensing that he was staring too long at the empty spot, arched a dubious eyebrow and sighed mistrustfully.
Scoffing slightly, the Great Ancestor returned his attention to his blood-kin. "No son… I only… imagined things." He smiled fully, revealing his long needle like fangs, causing D to bend his head in despise by the look of them.
You always hated how he displayed his vampiric heritage just to incite you.
Spreading his arms wide for every single individual to fit into his paternal embrace, Drac declared in a solid, clear voice. "Welcome my son to the world filled with glory and majesty of the Nobility… … of Vampires." He leaned back into his throne and rested his hands on either side of the armchair.
D sneered softly, truly disgusted with all the prudent displays of his father. Averting his attention to the scenes taking place before him, the young Prince began to watch the event with a hint of disdain. The Counts and Countesses danced and shared chatters, drank wine and blood, and some noticing the young heir's presence among them, gazed at him and bowed their heads in mild courtesy. Guests which arrived newly made their way to the King's throne and announce their presence as well as gratitude for being invited, receiving warm hospitalities from their mighty King in return before presuming with their evening.
I felt the uneasiness that started to ripple around D which was caused by the whole dense atmosphere. I couldn't do anything but to pity the poor Little One. Quite frankly, everything was a bit too much for a child of his age to handle, especially the dark and menace auras that some Nobles emitted from themselves so powerfully, were heavy or unstable for D's fragile and pure one to blend with.
If this foul bat would stop staring at these dancing freaks like an egoistic statue, and stand to entertain his guests with his lame jokes, then you can have ample time amusing the kid.
Yeah, but easier said than done! I snapped nonchalantly at the demoness inside me.
Sheesh! Touché! I was going to help not being spit back, ya know?!
To my luck, Drac stood up and made his way towards a group of young Counts and Dukes whom I presumed their little talk had caught the Count's attention and brought his curiosity at its peak. My old nemesis never bothered missing to converse around a topic which fit into his favored conversation titles mainly battle, domination, abomination. etc. or talks which involved his advantages and benefits. Yup, a bad habit of his I call.
Although it has afford me a great opportunity to amuse D for a while.
I strolled toward the young Prince like a stealthy predator, bent on my legs and patted his shoulder gently. Chestnut mane danced in the wind by the jerk of his head, making those light brown strings dance in the golden light. When I found him staring at my invisible form, I materialized and brought a finger to my lips in a silence gesture, winking playfully. D's widen eyes gleamed with childish, innocuous delight, smiling heartily and imitating my gesture for assurance.
"Nan Roxana, how did you get here? I mean the guards and everything… the security my father has put here is strict. How did you get past them?" He whispered.
I chuckled lightly. "Well, never underestimate your Nane, D." I turned him around towards the ball and found him chuckle sweetly, making sure his distracted state wouldn't cause any unnecessary suspensions. "I always have a trick or two under my sleeves."
"No doubt about that, but…what if father sees you? You will end up in major trouble because of me." He pouted, casting those rosy cheeks down and frowning his lips. (How the hell was I supposed to not squeal from his adorableness?)
"Nonsense! I know very well how to invisible my presence even from your father's… blind sight." I heard him laugh.
"Oh, Don't be so reckless, Nane. My father may be blind, but has very keen senses; do not underestimate him." Yeah, he was right; the last time I let my guard down, Drac had me pined to the wall of the Hellsing HQ and resulted in him being ripped to pieces by me (Although, he regenerated of course. -_-; ).
"Oh, really?!" I embraced him from behind while a playful smile stretched across my cherry lips.
"Mmhm!…" He nodded his head in confidence. Letting out a disappointed sigh at him made D cracked his neck toward my way and regarded my expression. "I bet you won't be able to get close to him at all." He teased.
Ah! Teasing here, aren't we kid? Hey, lass… why not take on his quest? I nodded in approval.
"I take that as a challenge, Little One!" I pulled him closer to me. "And if I win, you have to eat Broccoli for a week." He tensed.
I laughed delightfully and stood from my place, heading toward the mighty king that was heavily busy conversing with some other Counts. Standing beside him, I found Drac being so observed by the lame conversation concerning an assembly which was scheduled for the coming autumn in the Capital, that his keen senses failed to sense me.
"So Milord, What do you say about the Capital's plans we have now discussed?"
Just as Drac was about to answer, another fella was heading towards his way, holding a pair of goblets filled with red wine. I smiled evilly and before reaching the group, I put my foot in his path. A loud shout echoed throughout the mansion.
By the sound the goblets hit the marble ground, a deadly silence wrapped the whole ball, and all eyes turned towards the mighty yet wine-spilled King. Dracula gazed at his wine attire with a hint of both shock and resent, before turning his attention toward man who was responsible for the accident. Panic rose to the face of the frightened Noble, and he quickly sprinted on his feet and started to wipe off the red color off the leader armor with his cloth.
"I-I- I'm so sorry Milord. It was un-un-unintentionally done… P-p-please forgive me!" Stuttering and paled, I got the chance to witness a vampire's skin turn stock bleach than anytime. Trust me, it is far whiter than one could imagine; very unhealthy.
As laughers began to build inside my mouth, I had to force the urge to bit the inside of my cheek from sudden slips. Stealing a glance towards D's way, I found Little One staring with his mouth agape and eyes glittering with beam. He soon covered his mouth with his delicate tiny hands to prevent a single sound escape his tiny mouth, afraid it could be easily detected in this death silent mansion.
I turned my head toward my nemesis with a proud smile and found him… smiling! "It's alright Count Magnus Lee. A fine ball and an exquisite wine won't show their value if not being spilled." The hall echoed his dark laughs.
Soon, the sole sound was joined with ample chuckles and giggles by other members, and no more seconds later, everyone went back to their original entertainment. I only felt myself sweat drop, but my head turned around by the sound of D's light laughers.
Well done, but shame you failed to make Drac look miserable!
Better than nothing. At least, I got D to laugh good.
You're getting soft!
And you are getting annoying!
I was about to make my way to my beloved pupil when I found the heel of my shoe stocked into something as thick as fabric. Suddenly, a sound of tearing filled my keen ears, followed by a new wave of grunts and growls that filled the entire place out of the blue, freezing everyone in their spots. Gasps ran through the crowd and I turned gingerly around just to witness the impossible phenomena taken place; Dracula was flat on the ground, face first and had his arms spread over the two Nobles that he was talking a few minutes ago with their faces toward the ceiling.
How the HELL did he fall like THAT?!
You're asking me?!
Two of the nearby Nobles that were recently dancing with the Vampiresses, rushed towards Dracula's side to aid him.
"Milord, are you alright?"
"Milord, what happened?"
Dracula growled one last time before he was pushed to his feet by the help of the youths. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for your help." Finished with brushing himself up and fixing hurriedly his attire, the mighty Count took hold of the other two on the ground and helped them up. "My apologies for the incident, my friends." A bashful smile planted on his red lips.
"Not at all, Milord! Such incidents might happen frequently. You've probably slipped on the wine that has presumably been spilled on the ground. It has got the pavement wet." One with the brown curly hair answered thoroughly in hope to give the whole scenario a sensible excuse.
"Probably…" Dracula whispered in shame. A slight vein on his forehead had knitted. "I hope no one has got injured?"
Annoyed aren't you Drac?
Pissed off to be precise! He he he…
"No, do not worry Sire. We're fi_" a sudden growl got our attentions.
Looking at where Dracula had fallen, the dizzy Count Magnus Lee was lying face up. I swear I could see bats dancing around in circles before his view.
Small beads of sweat began to form on Dracula's forehead and he forced his throat to swallow before exclaiming almost in disbelief. "Holy Raves! Count Magnus Lee!" the mighty vampire extended his hand to afford help to the dazed Vampire. "I'm so sorry, for I didn't see you." A pink hue formed on his chiseled high cheekbones.
"Oh! Don't worry my King, the wine was great." He commented as if drunk, stumbling here and there before passing out in Drac's arms. Looking around helplessly toward the other members, he gulped shyly and called for his guards to bring the Nobleman to one of the chambers to rest.
The whole time I was witnessing these events, I was holding unto my ribs from not laughing them out. I couldn't believe that I had humiliated the King of all Vampires in front of his out numbering guests.
Mission accomplished: operation 'embarrassing the Great Ancestor' was successful!
Oh shut it!
You deserve credit. Now, better check on the kid.
Although some guests began to eye their King skeptically, others decided to save their necks from their Lord's wrath and went back to their former activities. Dracula who was more than anyone in the center of gossip, decided to ease the tension by inviting the fellow members for a drink at the other side of the hall. Giggling to myself, I wiped a tear away from the corner of my eyes and made my way towards the throne, finding D holding onto one of the armchairs for support from laughing too hard.
"So, did you like my outstanding performance?" I queried, wrapping my arms around his delicate little features as I found him leaning on me.
"Yeah…it was really amazing!" He smiled. "I never had… laughed so hard…for such long time!" light chuckles escaped my blood painted lips as well and soon we both joined in more common laughers.
The sound of D's sweet sound was like bells ringing from heaven above, and for a demoness like me, these were the most precious moments in my isolated, despaired, immortal life that I used to wish silently they would never end. Suddenly, his laughers stopped.
"Um…Nan Roxana, what is that clinging to your heel?" He asked, pointing his index finger down toward my shoe.
Following his instruction down to the bottom of my murky dress, I found something as black as night clinging into the point of my heel. Arching an eyebrow, I unclasped an arm from D and grabbed the said object from my shoe and brought it closer for better inspection. Suddenly, my eyes widened.
Don't tell me this is_
Yeah, that is a piece of fabric and if you ask me, it matches the end of Dracula's cloak.
It snapped; when I had decided to return to D's side, I had accidentally stepped on the tail of Drac's long cloak. At the same time, the mighty Vampire Lord was walking away, and he found himself stocked in place, the built up pressure between his steps and my foot on his fabric made him lose balance and caused his downfall. Not forgetting to mention that he had brought two other unfortunate vampires alongside him and plus, crushed the startled Count Lee underneath him.
"Nane, what is that?"
By the sound of D's gentle query, I returned from my shocked state and brought the item closer for him to look. His topaz blue orbs observed the fabric in my hand and his eyes went wide in sudden realization. Before I could speak, a new wave of delightful laughers came from the young Prince.
"You know, your father should drop this habit of wearing long cloaks." I stated amused, burning the fabric with a little summoned fire to cut clean my crime.
"Yes…or else…next time, he'll fall into our pool."
Yeah, and THAT would be such a priceless moment to capture in a tape and send it to all the world to witness the Great Ancestor drowning in his own pool just by stepping unto HIS own cloak! Ha ha ha…
Yeah, that could make us a fortune by selling it in the black market in the Capital!
The rest of the evening went uneventful, except for me and Little One who were busy back-biting some bizarre dressed Vampires who looked like clowns rather than finely dressed aristocrats. I never managed to understand the meaning of cosmetic in their culture as the thought of watching these dead creatures imply makeup just to look more ridiculous was both hilarious as well as preposterous.
As if watching that ugly witch use mascara!
"Nane, thank you so much for coming and entertaining me."
"Of course, Little One! I had given you my word… and besides, I was always peaky to know how your father arranged such ludicrous parties filled with such menagerie of freaks_" sweet giggles filled my ears. "Not forgetting to mention that I have every bit of a right as your Nane to assist and escort you wherever you go. Sorry it took me long though, for I had to look so raviiishly," I comically flipped my long fiery red mane behind my shoulder for emphasis, earning a new set of giggles from my little viewer. "Although, invisibly!" I sighed disappointed.
D's gentle laughers felt like music into my ears. "No offense Nane, but you look as you always do." I smirked.
"Exactly my point. I am as always and it's all your father's fault for not paying me any bills to buy myself a new dress. I am like wearing this spoiled murky gown for 24/7!"
A small growl escaped the abdomen of my little Prince.
Cute!…
After all, it's time for his dinner.
"I see someone's hungry." I stroke his hair lovingly.
D Blushed while embracing his stomach. "Um…I think so." He stroked his belly bashfully.
I chuckled. "I'll bring you something to eat."
Strolling gracefully toward the massive dining table filled with so many edible foods, I grabbed a delicate white china dish and ransacked the entire meals. Most were made out of blood or raw meat which never much suited D's appetite. Eating them gave him upset stomachs and Drac often complained that I should gradually make D adapt to such meals as well, though I never obeyed.
Damn that douche bag and his orders!
Finally, I found a delicious stake with tomato sauce, grilled with butter and surrounded by cream cheese. Grabbing a slice and decorating it with D's favorite vegetables, I put the dish in a golden tray and finished it with a goblet of fresh handmade orange juice. Returning with a proud smile on my face, I found bright Topaz orbs gazing at me with warm delight.
"Here," I handed him the tray and found him taking it humbly with his small hands, eyeing them almost in disbelief. "They were the tasty ones." I remarked.
"Thank you so much, Nan Roxana." He smiled happily, revealing his cute fangs. "They are my favorites." His smile reached from one ear to another.
"You're welcome, D. And now_" I picked him up by his armpits and laid him carefully on the only chair that was available for him to sit and enjoy his meal, the Draculean throne.
"Feeling comfortable?" I fixed his attire and watched him as he knit a napkin around his neck and laid another on his lap before nodding in approval.
Nodding in return, I stood leaning against the throne with my arms locked on my chest, observing the little Prince in utter silence. D started his meal by a silent pray before digging his knife and fork into the meat and vegetables. Sighing at the innocuous scene, I found the sides of my lips curve upwards in a maternal smile. Watching him doing the smallest of daily routines was the most enjoyable thing to do in my whole life.
Finished with his last carrot, the young heir of the Draculean household wiped his mouth with the napkin he unfastened from around his neck, and placed everything neat and clean in the tray before handing it back to me.
"Thank you so much, Nane… it was very delicious." A satisfying smile graced his angelic visage.
"You are very welcome. I am glad that it was according to your convenience." I bowed my head slightly before retrieving the dishes to the kitchen.
Who would have thought that the kid would depend on you so much.
I am mostly in his debt, for he has given me a reason to enjoy life again.
Yup! You have grown soft!
Shut it!
Hate you too!
When I came back, I found Drac standing beside the young tensed D with a mischievous smile plastered on his maniacal face. I felt my blood boil by the sight of how Drac was talking to the child and he was anything but frightened by the sight of the older vampire. I stumped my heels hard on the ground by every hard and long step I took toward the pair.
"I see you have made yourself comfortable my son." The strong dark hint of sarcasm was visible in his mocking tone.
"My apologies, father. I was sitting here just to finish my meal. I had no intentions to take your throne." Though his last sentence was stated with genuine innocence, Dracula burst into laughers from the mock irony it held for him.
"My precious son! You are allowed to sit on it as much as you want. After all, you'll be next on the throne have every bit of a right to feel how it is like…to be King." I felt D shudder slightly.
Don't let him get you, Little One.
"How about, you'll try what it is like to be in my shoes for a wee time. As for your first obligation, I want you to welcome our guests and thank them for coming to this great feast; accept them with open arms… if you can." How inciting he was. His true intention lied behind his eyes, and that was to bring the child to the threshold of fear or triggering his secret disdained hatred toward him.
D only scorned under his curtain of brown mane, avoiding eye contact with the stronger and taller Noble the entire time. His small shoulders were shaking slightly and his clenched fists were dripping blood. I growled in the back of my throat.
If you wanna avenge the cloak accident, then bring it on me you coward!…
Whoa! Whoa! Easy tiger! He is testing him so better not interfere with father-son talk, yeah?
"Then with permission father… It shall be my greatest pleasure." D's reply froze us both in spot.
The small nobleman sat straight with his chest high with dignity, and each delicate small hand rested on either side of the armchair. One leg atop the other and before I could say, I watched D sitting with the same pose that Dracula had when sitting on the throne with that cocky smile on his face.
Drawing my eyes from D's stern and stoic face, I looked at my nemesis to find him watching his son with what appeared both fatherly pride and shock. A ghost of a smile planted on those thin rose colored lips. Pair of rubies concealed themselves behind long lashes and the mighty Noble sighed deeply.
"Fair enough! You have my full consent. The night is yours my son to be the main host of this glorious event." Standing beside his kin, my beloved nemesis stood tall and strong with his hands clasped behind him, running his eyes through the crowd. That smile, never leaving his handsome visage.
Stealing a glance at my beloved child, I found him looking at me for a brief moment before smiling. I nodded in approval and took my place on the right side of his hand, imitating Drac's stance and watching the dancing Nobles.
Very good, D. Very well said. Now, show your father who the real King is.
Another high ranked Noble family was on their way toward the young Prince when suddenly, the air began to smell like something irony; the stench of a very specific liquid; blood.
The presence of an unholy aura filled the gradually silenced hall, indicating the approach of an unlikely Countess. I felt the coming dark energy that felt almost nostalgic, grazing my bare arms, sending a cold shill down my spine. The crowd began to part ways for the coming Countess and I began to hear her clear footsteps as she commenced filling our field of view. I felt my nose curl up in disdain, for she reeked of the entity that she so fondly was dressed in its themed color. Blood…
Her long gown followed behind her in a long massive trail like a river of blood; head to toe, all in an unholy crimson color. Only a wee color of bleach skin was shown by her exposed dress. Her hair, styled in a very unusual way, was decorated in golden clips and accessories. Her rose colored lips held a mischievous, cruel smile. Her sharp ruby eyes gleamed with mirth and lech as she approached the throne like a mighty female predator. The rain of gossips and chatters died and a deadly silence reigned in the hall.
Gossips… which unfortunately were true!
Bloody true!
When she stopped a shy foot from the chair, I realized that my hands were shaking from rage and blood was dripping on the floor. Her furious presence had incited me to dig my nails into the palm of my hands. My chest heaved with heated breath and my eyes blazed with familiar rage, wrath, and disgust. I could feel my inner demon yell for release, tearing this lecherous woman into pieces. Jerking my head toward my nemesis whom I blamed all the fault, I was a bit surprised to find him bearing the same reactions, only tenfold more than me.
Clearing his throat from any coming growls and warned snarls, the Great ancestor broke the heavy silence.
"Welcome Bloody Countess… The great Lady Carmella…"
To Be Continued...
Au: Phew! Glad it got finished. A ton of mistakes, I know! But I had a lot of fun writing it, and hope you have enjoyed reading it as well. However, I would appreciate if you'd leave me comments or reviews so that I know how to improve and better my fanfic. Thank you so much. ^_^
