AN: Sorry about the wait guys. Nlightnd has just got back to me with this great chapter! And here it is.
Several weeks after the werewolf incident, Seras prepared for her first solo mission. About time, she thought. Life was so boring sitting around the Vatican waiting for something to happen. Being antsy and bored...a horrible combination for the short blond. Seras tended to get into trouble within moments of her hands becoming idle.
She quickly discovered, however, that it was difficult to do much work wise as the feeling of eyes watching bored into her back. If anything the ever present surveillance drove her mad and pissed her off. What had she done except protect those, speaking of humanity in general, that she'd taken a vow to protect?
Aware that she was being constantly watched, Seras needed to escape into the fresh air- something to relieve her tenseness. If her uncle or someone didn't allow her outside and soon...Seras refused to take responsibility for her actions – and the consequences. Flexing her fingers and arms, she smiled as muscles under her pale skin easily followed her whim. Maybe she'd get lucky despite everything that'd happened when one of their had been turned werewolf against his will. Who'd been behind it? More importantly, why hadn't she turned?
She'd been shocked, to say the least, that her wound from the lycanthrope didn't affect her. Especially after being told the virulent strain reacted immediately with the body, and within a few hours would take control, no matter if the moon was full or not. How had she managed to escape it's effects? And another thing, how could her flesh, muscle and bone heal in just mere minutes instead of the weeks, or months, they usually required for such a wound? All her guesses, surmising, narrowed down to one being...
Seras had her suspicions all right. But did she dare think on him, or say his name? Certain that it'd been his power alone which halted the werewolf virus, for a moment, she bowed her head, whispering a prayer of thanks.
It all had to be Alucard's doing. Otherwise she'd be in confinement; examined constantly for changes occuring throughout her body. How did he save me, she wondered? Was he that powerful, even over great distances? If so, she and every mortal alive had reason to fear him. Great power could easily be corrupted, if not careful. But then again he'd lived with this power for centuries, and he'd apparently done well, being master of them, instead of the other way round.
Striding down the hallway, her steps light, but heavy, as they echoed on the tiled flooring, she could hear whispers assailing her delicate ears, multiple beating hearts sounding loudly; paining her sensitive ears, and the lights caused her eyes to water. Also, a weighty, oppressive feeling radiated from the center of her chest to her arms and legs. Her body felt exhausted despite all the extra rest she'd been forced to catch up on.
Hearts still beating a steady thump, growing louder, lights becoming brighter; whispers never ceasing, a chorus of hundreds of voices driving her to the edge of insanity. She wished they'd stop. So far it just wasn't her day for wishes coming true.
Thump. Thump-thump. A continuous, steady rhythm sounding as drums echoing in her head. The whole of it was nothing short of torture.
The whispers rose above the heart beats. She could hear her name and her uncle's mentioned plus the feats she'd pulled off. Incessantly growing, the pain worsened, deepened to the point of physical pain. The sound was akin to hundreds of voices being inside her mind. Hundreds of voices that wouldn't allow her peace as long as they could be heard.
One voice in particular, louder than the others, called to her, rising above the cacophony of annoyingly, incessant tones saying, "Relax. Concentrate, Seras. Turn the volume down in your head." A pause. Then the voice began again. "Soon you'll learn to deal with them, and they'll never bother you again. I promise."
Her heart leapt in recognition of the voice. Just the way he whispered caused her own heart to pound in rapid palpitations. Part of her ached to be near him, to make these sensitivies disappear. How could someone be attracted and repulsed towards a being simultaneously? The repulsion was only there courtesy her good old uncle, however it's influence seemed to be fading quickly. But no matter what she hadn't the time to sit and dwell over what she felt for the vampire who'd saved her several times; so far he wanted nothing in return. Seras wondered when he'd collect the fee for his services.
Thump, thump. Thump, thump. The volume of hearts beating increased. The level of whispering so intense, moisture accrued, dotting along her forehead. Wiping it away, she looked in horror and fascination at her palm and fingers. Blood mixed with water streaked along the pale, trembling skin. That had never happened before! What was she becoming, and how was it possible? Was her agony a result of the experiments performed by head physician of Section Thirteen?
None of it mattered as Alucard's soothing tones and words washed over her, calming her. His dark, magnetic voice a balm for the confusion running free in her head and her heart. Confusion had no place in her life. Not now, not ever. She was determined to follow through with her new position, but what would her uncle say if he knew his niece was mentally consorting with his most hated enemy? He'd be pissed, that's what!
But her uncle's wrath couldn't compare to the feeling of belonging when she was in Alucard's presence. And his voice...his voice beckoned her soul to him. Seras was unaware that her soul, little by little, drawn to the ancient vampire due to ties from long ago; her body had fallen prey, her soul seduced by his alluring voice.
At first upon hearing Alucard's voice everything seemed to calm, and now it'd gotten worse. Maybe it happened because she'd lost her concentration. Forcing herself to calm down, breathing slowly, and deeply, Seras thought hard, imagining the sound of beating hearts and whispering voices to lower. She'd pictured a switch in her mind with her lowering the volume until it was bearable. But they were still there.
Clapping her hands lightly over the sides of her head, "What's wrong with me?" Attempting slow, steady breaths that weren't working, she asked, "Why can I hear all these things?"
"Alucard's influence."
Spinning toward the tired, deep voice. "Uncle Alex!" Though she still stung from his betrayal again, he was family and she needed a familiar face, a familiar voice.
Gesturing for her to follow him, the two paladins walked down the hallway, under an uneasy truce. Stopping at an unfamiliar door, he glanced at her through narrowed eyes, lights reflecting off the lenses of his glasses. "I've come to prepare you for your first, solo mission."
Mouth all agape, Seras was stunned. She honestly believed that she'd never be allowed the opportunity to prove herself after the infirmary stunts, and also the werewolf incident, which none of them were truly her fault. But everything didn't go to well in her favor either. Everything she'd touched lately ended in blood and violence precipitated by her emerging, monstrous strengths and abilities. They made her afraid of times. And all around her, with the the exception of her uncle, Yumiko and Heinkel, were afraid of her; avoided her unless necessary. Would she be able to control her new abilities at all times, or would they pick certain moments, like when she's in danger, to show?
Entering a large, cavernous room consisting of pure metal everywhere you looked, Seras gasped at the amount of weapons and ammo against the walls, stacked neatly in various areas. Seeing this, Seras smiled in happiness. This is what she was used to, many of the weapons she'd handled in her previous job as a police officer were here – now, in this very room. Their presence comforted her. Not to mention her hands were itching to use them.
"Seras, this is where we store all ammunition, weapons, and our many, adaptive land and aquatic vehicles you've seen us operating. There's several levels of this above and below us, but this is the only one you need for now."
Watching her uncle with questions in her eyes, she tilted her head to the side as he handed her a long, silver sword polished to perfection. Bright, piercing, overhead lights shone on the blade, dancing on it's carefully honed, razor-sharp edge as she studied it's seemingly perfect shape. Satisfied, she slid it into the sheath on the belt that hung low on her small waist.
"Very good, Seras." His green eyes smiled in response. "That", he pointed towards the pointed weapon he'd given her, "is to pierce the vampire's heart, but also to ultimately behead him; ensuring that he/she will without a doubt be dead."
A delicate eyebrow raised and she smirked. "You know, I already knew what it was for. Besides the only useful action for a sword is to pierce, behead or de-limb someone or something."
Tapping an index finger against her head, she sarcastically replied, "I do possess a brain, not straw, you know. I may be blond, but all those damned blond jokes don't apply to me. Never have. So I'd appreciate it if you'd treat me with respect and don't ever assume I'm anything but intelligent!"
"I know", Alex smirked, "but I just love teasing the life out of you sometimes! You're so easy to rile!"
His chuckles filled the air, lightening the mood between them.
"Okay", he said as he handed over a few more items, "here's another silver, blessed sword/dagger, a thirty eight caliber with a couple of special additions, silver bullets containing holy water blessed by the Pope, himself, and last but not least..." he dug in a cardboard box and held up an object triumphantly, "this is a specially designed grenade. Once again, it's filled with holy water and mercury. Upon detonation, the mercury heats to a significant degree, comparable to the temperature of lava, which it's main component seeks out the non-living, soul-impaired creatures; incinerating them on contact."
"Oh." Seras stared at the powerful invention now sitting in her palm. It was hard not to be awed by it's destructive capabilities. Too bad it couldn't be used for humans, at times. The ones who had no consideration for their fellow man and would do anything to anyone, hurt anyone who got in the way of their ambitions. Maybe then they'd think twice. Mentally slapping her hand she thought, bad, Seras, bad thoughts.
"What about humans, Alex? Will this hurt them as well as the dead? I noticed you said that this grenade's main component seeks out the non-living, but what about the rest? Will any mortals within a certain radius be killed as well? And if so...what's the range and radius?"
Green eyes lit up as a tree on Christmas morn. "Astute as always, Seras."
Patting her shoulder, "The range of this isn't as far as you think. It has about one hundred and fifty foot range with a radius equal to that." His eyes studied her solemn expression, "We use what we can to destroy those creatures that would obliterate our race, sully our souls and cover the earth in their filth!"
Fanatic, thought Seras. Sometimes he uncle seemed to her no better than a spiteful murderer with his prejudiced attitude. But what did that make her? Several times while working for the police had she considered eliminating the criminal elements attempting to run amok on their streets while forcing small children to take multiple drugs, peddling them, along with their innocence, on the streets.
How many times had she entertained the thought of ripping their balls off, skinning them alive and roasting them before she allowed them the diginity of dying. Punishment and pain was all she'd wanted to dish out. Maybe it'd been for the best she'd been dismissed from her post. Before someone got hurt. And it wouldn't have been her.
A dark, low chuckle welled in her head.
His whispers filled her mind, "I love the way you think, Seras. Protect the humans while being judge, jury and executioner...could you do it? Could your humanity and all it's sensibilities allow you to go through with it? Torture the wicked and make them pay? Are you strong enough to suffer the guilt at taking a human life?"
The voice paused long enough to evaluate her previous thoughts and feelings. Could she really do it? Did she possess the necessary temperament, harden her heart to eliminate those mortals who trespassed on the law, thinking they were above it and would suffer no recriminations to accompany their deeds. She'd never had to harm anyone while in the line of duty so could she do it?
"Come on, Seras. You already are on the path to killing freaks and supernatural creatures. So why not the occasional mortal? One who deserves the kind of justice only you can dispense. You know you don't belong there, at Section Thirteen. You feel it, don't you? The doubts of where you belong creeping silently; persuasively lending it's truth, making the choice more difficult as time moves on."
Seras, following her uncle as he spoke, hesitated with her whispered tormentor's words. The feeling she didn't belong intensified every day she was with Alex, and the rest of the covert members retained within Section Thirteen. The pitying glances from Heinkel, Yumiko and several others plagued her. And the expressions she gleaned from Daren left her cold and alone. She even felt separated, sometimes cut off from her uncle as he went places she couldn't go, not yet.
"I know you feel it, Seras. They're only using you."
Deep in her mind, she cried out, what about you? Aren't you the same? Aren't you using me just like they are? What do you call that? I can't trust anyone anymore! How can I when everywhere I turn I end up betrayed?!
"You're correct in doubting your position here, Seras. These surroundings will never fit you, nor you with them. You're one of the night. Your soul longs to run free in the shadows. You long to walk the night with me."
Tears welled behind her lids as his voice mercilessly droned on, drowning out her uncle's tones easily. The frightening truth, Alucard's words made sense. Every last one.
Retrieving the last of her weapons, Seras hugged her uncle as he provided the location and orders for her mission. Studying the picture he held in his hand, jaw clenched tightly, she swore her objective would be dead before night's end.
Locked in fierce battle, Seras sword in hand inflicted cuts and wound after wound which seemed not to affect her adversary. The brunette freak repeatedly came at her, his hands twisted into claws; fangs dripping blood and saliva giving him acrid breath from his ingestion of so much human blood, apparently of them several had suffered deadly illnesses.
Alex had instructed her that mortals who were on the brink of death from deadly diseases...their blood left a foul smell after being ingested. A vampire he'd killed years ago enlightened him to this subject. Why? No one knew but the ashes left behind, and her uncle who refused to discuss it further.
"Why won't you die?!", Seras shouted. "Just fucking die already!"
The creature laughed at her efforts; ignored her question. Thrusting his hand towards her chest, her sword efficiently blocked his hand, flesh meeting metal with a dull, metallic thud.
"Why should I make my death easy for one belonging to the Vatican? Your hands, all of you, are just as bloodied and murderous as mine", he spat while jumping over her head, twisting as his body flipped easily over her shorter stature, "but at least I'm honest enough to admit what I am and what I do. I neither lie nor hide it, unlike the lot of you."
His words temporarily disarmed her as they struck home. His words, one by one, seemed to go along with Alucard's. Were the two of them friends or even related?
A tsk-tsk sound echoed in her head. "Now, Seras, surely you don't think I'd stoop so low as to befriend vampire trash such as him, do you? I'm better than that. So. Much. Better. You still have no idea as to the power I hold."
Alucard actually seemed disappointed.
How could this be? Seras was never around him. So how could she manage to disappoint him?
"You may never be around me physically, but we're in each other's minds. Or rather I'm always in yours. I know what you're thinking, feeling."
His voice turned deadly, "Say the word, Seras, and this freak will die."
Shocked, she stammered, "Y-you can kill him from a great distance off?"
"Yes. Easily enough."
Her insides quaked at the hint of power he sent flowing through their link. Was this what she really wanted? To spend her life hunting vampires? The lines blurred the more she thought.
Dark whispers emanated in her head in waves. Power filled every cell, every muscle. Great bursts of energy filled every inch of her and with a shout she rushed her enemy; catching him by surprise.
Wielding her long sword with righteous fury, she sliced and diced. An anger which didn't belong to her fueled her actions. A blackness slowly pushing her across her indescisive chasm. Just where did she belong? An answer echoed within the confines of her heart. But did her head want to answer, follow or ignore?
The creature, taken completely aback by the mortal hunter's actions, stumbled back uncertain what brought about this change. Before he was certain he had her beaten and mere moments would make him the victor, but now he wasn't so sure. The girl was fighting with the strenght of ten of her comarades. What had caused her to fight him so ferociously?
Turning in a circle while avoiding her enemy's claws, Seras swung with all her might. Feeling contact, her mouth twisted into a malicious smile. The freak's blood covered her uniform, leaving very little of it untouched.
With a triumphant yell, she raised her bloodied sword into the air, celebrating her victory. Looking down, she saw the freak's head laying there, face frozed in shock and surprise.
Eager to ensure her job was finished, Seras plunged her blade directly into the center of his heart. Within seconds, the evil creature's form turned to ash which blew away in the increasing currents of the wind.
Stopping a moment to enjoy her small victory, a smile graced her face. But that smile quickly became a frown as the hisses and groans rang out all around her.
"Oh, great!" she was far from amused. Her body tired from fighting the smart ass she just dusted, Seras wanted to return to HQ, grab a quick bite to eat and shower before collapsing into bed. Looks like my plans will have to wait a little longer, she thought.
Blue eyes narrowing, a smirk crossed her beautiful, pale face. "I know how to do this without lifting my blade."
Reaching inside the jacket she wore, her small hand retrieved an spherical object. Pulling the pin, Seras threw it into the middle of the ghoul army approaching. From her estimation there'd been about thirty-five of them which the grenade would easily erradicate.
Running and ducking behind a parked car, Seras winced slightly as the explosive device detonated, it's blast rocking the vehicle she hid behind, debris flying every direction, glass shattering, people screaming. Damn. That wasn't a good sign. There'd been no one outside due to her visual sweep before she'd thrown it..so where had they been?
Standing to her full height, she smiled as she took in the multiple body parts scattered along the ground. Relief flooded her that the creatures had died. They were an unnatural abberation, one that should never have been, and so she'd eliminated them with not even a thought for who they'd been, before their human lives had been ended. Unfortunately for them they'd woke as doomed creatures. A life from which they could never return.
Feeling happy that she'd rescued the previously mortal ghouls, Seras stared down at the blood that covered her head to toe. Not good. A shower was calling her name. A hot shower. The thought filled her with warmth already.
"So, you're not completely human, are you, Seras?"
A bitter, spiteful voice spoke from the shadows tinted with envy.
"What do you mean?", she returned.
Walking into the moon's glowing light, Daren's eyes widened at the sight which beheld him. Seras covered in blood, but more than that...her eyes! Usually her eyes, such a brilliant, sapphire blue hue, but now the centers were the same blue, and the edges of her iris had taken on a red, glowing color.
Momentarily forgetting their earlier argument, both verbal and physical, he reached out in concern. "Seras, what the hell happened to you? More to the fact...what the hell are you?"
"Dunno. Why don't you ask those bastards back at HQ? They injected me with who knows what and expect me to obey their every little whim?" Laughing she said, "It's not gonna happen that way. If they insist...", her small tongue snaked out licking a small portion of blood from the edge of her blade, "they'll end up dead, like my late friend here", she threatened while nodding with her head where the freak's body had fallen before kissing the wind.
Daren drew his sword. "I cannot let that happen, Seras. What will Alex say when he sees you like this?"
"Do I appear to care?", she taunted. Her lips twisted into a smirk, eyes shining brightly with the promise of another skirmish. Just the thing she needed before bed. Forgetting her earlier fatigue, Seras held her head high, moving quickly, she spun her sword in her hand; quick as lightning, her body moved forwards in a pattern of attack.
Seras aggressively attacked her cousin, sword swinging directly toward his neck. She pouted as he blocked with his own sword then spinning into a high kick which came within an inch of her flawless, ivory skin.
The two fought for what seemed like hours, both wearing down from the constant sparring, cuts decorating arms and legs and even stomachs. Fed up, Seras cheated by taking what should've been a last resort. Angrily, she kicked him in the balls, his body flying backwards from the force of her blow.
Barely giving him a chance to recover, Seras leapt into action once more. Moving swiftly towards him, the air gliding over her skin as a breeze along silk covers, Seras loved the power and agility allowing her body to work as a fine-tuned, well-oiled machine.
Defending his ground, Daren pulled out a second sword to accompany the first. Shocked at his cousin's change, he swore. "Son of a bitch! Flashing her sympathetic look he asked her, "Seras what's happened to you?" Confused, he continued, "Why are you acting this way? Like we've all betrayed and killed you?"
"Because you have." came her outraged answer. Truth in Seras' eyes existed as a fragile thread who few hadn't trampled. Along with the several times her uncle had betrayed her and her trust, the addition of Section Thirteen had a narrow line of sight in her eyes. The only two she felt she could trust were women. How about that? So far, Heinkel and Yumiko had done absolutely nothing to deserve the mistrust she currently dished out to everyone else. Even her own cousin had attacked her!
Was she paying for someone else's sins? In not, then what exactly was going on with all the members of the unit she joined?
"Cousin,", she spat, "I have a very short list on people I trust. And believe when I say...you're not on it. Uncle Alex doesn't even have a space on it. That just goes to show that sometimes you can't even trust family-those who're supposed to love, protect and be there for you!"
The edges of her iris' glowed hotter, showing the rage she experienced deep inside. The image of a woman torn flashed through his mind. Daren stood there silently, blond hair blowing in the strongly blowing wind, invisible currents slashing against his clothes, his face and hands.
Feeling first jealousy, then rage and now pity, Daren wasn't sure what to feel for his cousin. He did know that he'd love to kill whoever had done these things to her, changing her for their own selfish reasons.
Angrily, Seras leapt forward stabbing him in the stomach, stunning him into dropping his weapon.
He'd allowed himself to be caught offguard and he'd reaped what he'd sown. His own thoughts had distracted him, though he knew better, so Seras was able to take the advantage, wounding him as she ran him through on her blade.
His body dropped to the ground, Seras squatted down and sat down atop his red, weeping wound. "Leave me alone! I don't need your help, or anyone else's at the Vatican. There's only one person who can help me now, and he'll come soon enough!" Hissing her words into his face, she drew back after realization dawned on her face. Falling down from the violent adrenaline in her system, she growled, "I'm leaving. Don't follow or I'll rip out your throat, Paladin!"
With her threat delivered, Seras jumped up, sheathed her blade and ran off into the darkness; leaving Daren lying on the rapidly cooling ground awaiting the precious moments enabling his wound the ability to heal completely.
Closing his eyes, he listened carefully for any further signs of Seras, or any other creature lurking nearby, but found none.
Usually not one to show much emotion, Daren was surprised to find twin trails of wetness moving slowly down his face. "What the hell?"
Wiping them away, his movements causing his body to hurt; aggravating his wound, he fervently swore to the sky and anyone listening, "
Hot water ran in scalding rivulets down the petite blond's body, easing screaming muscles, relaxing her, and releasing her earlier furied emotions. The ones begging her to let go, killing all those traitor to her, including her uncle and cousin. Damn them all, her mind firmly stated.
"Forget them", a voice teased. Seductive, magnetic. Shadows given birth just by speaking them. A tantalizing web fogging her brain, and her will. "Forget them all."
Pounding her fist frustratedly against the shower's wall, she whispered back, "But I can't. They won't let me. And I won't let myself."
A burning sensation erupted on the skin of her right wrist. Glancing down, wonderment and puzzled thoughts hit her as she took in the glowing, red infiniti symbol that usually took on the guise of a black tattoo.
What now? Why had the symbol began to burn and glow as if on fire? Was there a connection between her dreams and the sign etched on her skin? There had to be! All of this started that night so many weeks ago when she experienced Alucard's power.
The very strength of it, influencing her to hold her superior hostage, gun poised against his temple and ready to fire and though he'd used a minute amount, the results were nothing short of incredible. And of course, the bastard had gotten her fired, too! And no matter where she went he was there. Sometimes it seemed he was very far away, and others...well, he seemed to be right there at her side. So where did he go when she couldn't feel him? What did he do?
"You enjoyed last night, Seras. Did you not? You showed them a portion of your true capabilities. You showed them the beginnings of a warrior to be feared."
His voice recalling for her the many nefarious actions committed; this alone brought back her human nature to mind. The briefest stirrings of arousal had awoken upon her vehement, destructive deeds. And with a few words his voice brought it all back.
Remembering her actions for the night, Seras attempted to summon shame for the violence she'd partaken of, but she could feel none at all. One of the few emotive words she could summon for it was...joy. Sheer joy that she'd caused those creatures death. And a savage light took over her expression when her memory recalled the pain she'd inflicted on Daren. He'd deserved that and more!
In the back of her mind, however, a part of her fought against the repulsive nature she quickly adapted to. It's a fight for our survival, her mind answered. Don't you want us to live? We must live. Someone's waiting for you, Seras, it told her.
Hot water continued to stream down her body; thin rivers of blood flowing fast and free down her pale flesh, rinsing from her body and washing down the drain. Too bad her sins couldn't be washed away or erased just as easily. Yes, too bad, her consciousness agreed.
"Yes"...
A third voice added to the mental cacophony. Simultaneously, a pair of cold, dry hands sat lightly on her shoulders. Gently, they slid from her shoulders, down her arms; gliding down her forearms to rest on her hands.
Scared, Seras attempted to turn in the small stall, to no avail, the hands, and arms, held her firmly. She desperately wanted to see who held her prisoner. The well-muscled appendages held tight. There'd be no escape. Not this time.
"Who are you?" A slight tremor in her voice betrayed her emotions. She could almost feel the amusement of her captor. Could almost hear it in his voice.
"Have you forgotten me so quickly, Seras? The one who's watched over you?" Suddenly, his long, thin masculine fingers intwined with her smaller, delicate ones. "The one who's saved you?"
Seras couldn't find the words. His blatantly sexual actions steered her in a different direction. One in which she wasn't all too certain she was prepared to go.
Her uncle would be angry, hurt and disappointed. But then again, considering all his recent actions, she thought, to hell with him.
Releasing the grip he'd had on her hands, Alucard spun Seras to face him.
Water cascaded downwards from her hair in a steady stream, ever flowing across the fleshy dips and plains of her skin.
"You are so beautiful, Seras." Lifting a hand he caressed her cheek gently, admiring the looks which had drawn him. But more than her looks...her spirit and will had lured him, a moth to the flame.
Placing a chasted kiss on her trembling lips, he said huskily, "You remind me so much of her, Seras."
Curiosity got the better of her and although she had a sneaking suspicion of the forementioned person she asked, "Who, Alucard?"
"Lucy." Came his reply.
For a moment his tone seemed sad, almost grievous at the mere speaking of her name. He must've truly loved her for her name to affect him so.
Thinking her dreams had something to do with this she asked him, "Is she the girl from my dreams? The one from Victorian England?"
Leaning down, his forward touching hers, cold breath mingling with her warm one, "The one and the same." The water continued running but none of the warm moisture touched him. It was as if he had a shield around him diverting it to the floor.
"Seras, do you remember the first night we met?"
Incensed she shot back, "Of course! You got me fired! How could I forget?!"
Alucard's hands encircled her waist, his strong hands caressing her back. "The portrait that was there at the museum...do you remember it? The one with the girl?"
Slightly smiling she said, "I remember. She had long, blond hair, blue eyes and looked rather...", realization smacked her hard as she blinked rapidly, clearing the water from her vision. "She looked identical to me aside from the length of our hair." she finished, astounded she hadn't pictured the resemblance prior to this night.
His voice darkened, "That's the one. That was my dear Lucy. They murdered her, calling it righteous judgement for an evil creature! That was just pious rhetoric to ease their conscious, their guilt. They killed the woman I loved and all for what they claimed was saving her soul!"
Alucard's voice ceased; allowing him to compose himself, gain control of his emotions.
"I feel what they're doing to you, what they put you through and what you're being forced to endure...it makes me want to rip them limb from limb, scatter their parts all over the Vatican. I'm tempted to leave them with macabre, bloody messages warning them about touching what's mine!"
Seras felt fear building for her uncle. Even though he'd betrayed her he was still family. She knew Alucard was more than capable of carrying out his threat; she could only hope he didn't move on them. The city would have grisly reminders for days afterwards, that she was certain.
Pulling her tighter, he whispered, "Seras, you don't belong here. You never will. I've seen their minds. They intend on making you their ultimate regenerator, ready to fight and die on their whim. But I'll be damned before I allow them to use you as a weapon in such a manner."
Sighing, she told him, "I know. And soon they'll come to finish my treatments. I can't bear anymore of them. They're too painful and I want to scream, tear things, and people apart with my bare hands every time they come."
Stepping back from her he smiled, "Soon, Seras, I'll be able to liberate you from them. They'll pay for everything they've done and you'll help me to deliver the sentence."
Silence stretched between them. Seras didn't know what to say. The petite blond knew exactly how Alucard would render judgement, and it wouldn't be pretty to say the least.
Eyes beginning to droop with weariness she said, "I'm so tired, Alucard. I just want to sleep."
Protectively, he scooped her up in his arms, stepped from the shower and headed over to her bed. He'd stayed dry in the shower the entire time; with a thought she was now dry and clothed.
Alucard placed her gently on the bed, her hands grabbing instinctively at his shirt, only to make contact with bare skin. Her tired eyes glazed over with lust, and the close proximity of their bodies.
"Not here, Seras. Now's not the time or place. Not in this nest of vipers."
"But-"
"Soon, Seras. I promise." He assured her that their time would come. The ancient vampire thoroughly looked forward to it. "But for now...you must rest. You've been through a lot for one night, so sleep."
Power radiated around him as he mesmerized the woman he loved to sleep. He ceased momentarily when she whispered four words. Four little words that caused a smirk and a wealth of emotions sprang to his lips, though he wouldn't speak them. The time would come for them. Just like everything else.
Seras' eyes closed. Within minutes she had fallen fast asleep, her breathing regulated, her body still.
"Goodbye for now, Seras. I will return." His typical, red suit immediately materialized on his thin, tall frame. And with a glance his body faded, leaving nothing but empty space by Seras' bed.
A voice quietly hissed, "See? It is as I've told you. Is it not, father?"
An angry face viewed the sleeping woman as he agreed. "It is. We must take drastic measures before all is lost. Come, my son. We have much to do and very little time to accomplish it."
The duo stepped away from Seras' door. Turning, they headed down the hallway discussing the means in which to bar Seras from Alucard's world forever.
Reaching a door, the older man typed in a secretive code and father and son entered, the door shutting behind them with a mechanical whir. This is where their plans would be given life. This is where the beginning of the end for Alucard would be given shape and carried out.
A man stood over a microscope turning the dial on the side; studying the contents on a slide.
"Have you made progress yet?"
The brunette man lifted his head and smiled. Blue eyes flashed menacingly. "I believe you'll love what I've made."
Daren questioned, "And just what have you got for us? It better be good", he warned.
"Oh, it is, I assure you."
Leaving his microscope, the man crossed the lab to a refrigerator unit. Opening it's door he withdrew a cylindrical vial containing a blue liquid. Handing it to Daren, he explained the purpose after glimpsing the questioning expression on the younger man's face.
"This sweet, little discovery of mine will help you finally get your vampire, Alex."
Crossing his arms, the tall paladin asked, "How so? How is it that you will help me accomplish a goal that many have failed to do?"
"First, this will sever the link he has with you're niece, and secondly, it'll make him vulnerable. It's the liquified version of sunlight in a bottle. And here's the catch...depending on the dosage...it can make him regress into being human again."
Alex grinned ferally at the researcher's news. "If this isn't being mass produced I want it begun! And while we're at it...give me all you've got. Alucard will rue the day he screwed with me then my family!"
Alex wanted to make the vampire pay and now was his chance. Now, how to get Seras to ingest it would be another problem. He supposed that he could use an injection delivery system if she refused to cooperate. Either way Hellsing's pet vampire would lose and his mis-steps would be his undoing.
"Daren, come, we have more preparations to make and a vampire to destroy."
Alex and Daren turned on their heels, exiting the room and walking down yet another dark, unknown hallway.
The wheels had been set in motion and only time would tell the final tale before the last curtain dropped.