Author's Note: I promise I'll try hard to keep updated at least once a month. I know that seems like a long time, but with school and stuff I'm not sure exactly how I'll be managing, plus I'll be attempting a new job. I do make the promise that I won't wait another year to update like I did before! I swear!
A million thank you's go out to those that review! Especially you Jigoku Hana Tenshi. I'm glad you enjoyed the Omake, it really helped out with the writer's block in all honesty.
Disclaimer- Again, Hellsing and its characters belong to those who created it. Ericka belongs to me...and so does this guy who's taking over for Jan and Luke. Who is he you might question? -snicker- hah, what makes you think I'm gonna spill?
She honestly didn't feel as if she'd worked so hard in her damn life. Not even when she had her job back home...
Ericka had a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, her breathing a little labored also as she glanced over to Walter, who seemed to have a smile back on his face. He'd helped her in showing her how to use both blades at once, which as expected, was much harder than those on TV made it look. I feel like I'm gonna be a ninja turtle...her mind brought her back to the one known as Leonardo before she smirked a bit at the elder butler as she let out a slow breath. She'd certainly sleep good tonight, that was for sure.
Speaking of sleep...what time was it? Her head tilted and it seemed Walter had been questioning the same thing, his hand reaching into his pocket to check his watch again before letting out a breath. "Well done so far, Miss Hart." He gave a low yawn though before moving towards the door of the practice room. "However, I think it would be best if we let the day come to a close...it's getting rather late..." Looking over his shoulder at her he gave a light nod. "You may clean up and then retire to your room if you wish. It's recommended though as tomorrow I would like you to be in the hall, looking presentable by six in the morning...at the latest. Sir Integra will have a meeting with the other Knights tomorrow, therefore you are to look your best...and..." His eyes narrowed lightly at the nose stud once more, "without that...thing in your nose."
A low sigh passed Ericka then before she gave a nod. "Yes sir..." She wanted to argue..but she had the feeling the man could easily force her to remove the stud if he wanted to, and she didn't want to test it. At his own nod and a low 'good night' passing him she mumbled her own reply and placed her blades back within the case, closing it with a few soft clicks and heading along the halls to her room.
So he said it was late out...Wonder if Alucard is back or not...Her eyes then narrowed lightly at the thought before letting out a snort as she moved along the hallway, Does it even matter?
Shaking her head she blinked at a grandfather clock near the stairs. "..." Her eyes moving over the hands of the clock before blinking with raised brows. It was only eight thirty? That's not late... Her face pulled into a grimace then at the sudden realization that she wouldn't be able to sleep once more, her brain then cursing insomnia. She couldn't really practice on her own, as she didn't know where Integra or Walter's rooms were...so...
There's plenty of trees outside.
There we go, that would work wonderful! A soft smile coming over her face then as she moved towards the door, slipping out into the light of a waning moon. There were clouds out also though, giving the sky an almost eerie look to it and she smiled. She loved the eerie looking nights, the ones you could see in every scary movie or ones that everyone associated them with Halloween...those were her favorites; the way the wind whistled and cooed to someone, how the cold pulled its fingers through one's hair or if it tickled one's neck, breathing and caressing like a lover to the point it left you with goose bumps and shivers. She loved every minute of it, the sensations and the colors of autumn.
This isn't Ohio though... Her mind constantly cooed this fact out to her in a calm fashion. This isn't even America...the weather can be a bit different here compared to the states...you know that... A soft sigh passed her though as she let the door shut behind her, her form walking easily down the steps before a male voice stopped her.
"You there!" It was an elder male in a soldier's uniform, a gray mustache thick under his nose as he glanced down at her with a rose brow, "What are you doing out here?"
Shit...Ericka let out a low breath as her body straightened the moment his voice had gotten to her. Eyes turning directly to him before she took into account what Walter had told her. Squaring her shoulders, she let her chin lift just a little before letting her voice come out in a cool, even tone. "I am Miss Ericka Hart...and I am to be taking over for Walter..." She let it cut off there though; in honesty she'd intended to say his last name also, but then remembered that the man hadn't even told her his last name. Green eyes went lidded then as she made it a point to ask the man about it tomorrow.
The soldier gave a slight tilt of his head before giving a light nod and a sigh. His eyes closing momentarily before opening an eye to glance at the girl. "..What're you doin' out here so late..?"
"In honesty, sir, it's only eight thirty." She lifted the case that held her twin blades before then letting out a soft breath. "But to be honest I decided to practice a bit more on my fighting skill. However, I don't really know where the others within the manner sleep, therefore I thought it best to practice outside where it's quiet and I have a bit more space..." She was trying to keep her speech to as proper as possible. It was something else Walter had told her to fix quickly. As the older butler had put it..'I know you're American...but you're in England now...have some manners..' If it wasn't for Walter's sake she would've rolled her eyes at the whole ordeal. Manners...she had manners...she just chose to use them when the person had gained her respect.
The man tilted his head at her again his face forming a thoughtful expression on it before giving another sigh. "Stay close to the manner... and don't bother any others on guard."
The 17 year old blinked before giving a curt nod then, her form moving off towards the tree she'd worked with the last time.
Luke Valentine was relatively pissed.
Normally, the man was able to keep calm in most situations, even in ones that included his wild reckless brother Jan. He had the capability of keeping a calm demeanor if not at all times and hide whether he was upset or not as he'd done so multiple times. Hell he was a vampire for god's sake.
Then again...most situations did not involve Jan sneaking off which annoyed Luke first, simply because it was never good to have Jan sneak off in an operation when they were supposed to stay put and not do anything. Most situations also didn't involve Luke searching for the other male, only to find that he was eating dinner through the veins of a Hellsing soldier.
"Damn it Jan!" The blonde hissed out to his brother, the tan male sitting cross-legged in the grass with a body strewn across his lap, multiple bite marks along the neck of the soldier; in fact it looked more like Jan had torn the man's damn throat out. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I was hungry..." the reply was muffled as Jan's mouth was still attached to the neck of...what was his name? Adam someone had called him? Yeah...something like that. Golden eyes lifted then as his lips released the pretty much dead victim, blood all along his mouth before he wiped it with the back of his jacket sleeve. "You want some?"
Luke's eyes went lidded then as he let out a snort. "...No." His hands moved into the pockets of his pants as he stared down at his companion, and the corpse there now. "Did you even think about what you did? I mean really Jan-"
"Hey, I was hungry!" It was the snapped reply from the tan male as he shoved the corpse off to the side and simply glared, moving to stand then. "I thought food, and then found someone who was actually leaving the whole damn place! They won't be missing him until tomorrow and by then we'll be long gone.."
"What about family?" Luke arched a brow at the man who seemed to frown a little. "Did you think about if he had a family he was leaving to? And what do you expect us to do when he turns into a ghoul?"
"Fuck it," Jan shrugged and glanced at the still corpse at their feet. "We can either A, send it lose on the little Hellsing home and watch it eat and populate the place with ghouls...or B, you can jus' fuckin' shoot it. You have a gun."
"Oh, so just shoot it and draw attention?" Luke actually gave a rare roll of his eyes before letting out a breath. "That'll be wonderful. Oh, and if we set the damn thing out then those who aren't eaten will know something's wrong.." An aggravated sigh passed the man's lips. "Honestly Jan you just don't think."
There was a groan from at their feet and Jan looked down at the now ghoul soldier, his lip lifting to give a snarl as he kicked it right square in the chest, the form actually lifting off the ground and landing a good five feet away. Gold eyes then moved their way back to the green ones with a narrowed gaze. "Look, unless you got any bright ideas then I'm fuckin' stumped. Sooooo sorry for fuckin' up the big plan!" Sarcasm dripped into his voice as he shoved his hands in his pockets. "Tch, I don't even know why the hell they switched the shit up. I mean, we can handle this fuckin job easy. Why the fuck did they need to bring in some other..." His voice trailed off at the sudden wind gust that picked up, a sweet scent traveling along it. "...D'you smell that?" His eyes widened, pupils slowly dilating as despite his recent feeding, his mouth began to water.
Luke didn't quite have the exact reaction, though he felt salivation within his own closed jaws though he hid the dilated pupils as his eyes narrowed though he gave a nod in confirmation. He most certainly smelled that. His eyes flicked over and then stilled before he glared.
"...Jan...where did the leftover of your dinner go...?"
Golden eyes quickly moved to where he'd kicked the soldier to, finding the space empty before he blinked."...Well fuck."
It had been a wonderful day; she'd worked hard, she was getting the hang of this double swords thing, and more importantly, she didn't have to deal with Alucard at all today! Ericka gripped both handles of the blades she owned as she prepared to try another attack Walter had shown her when something hit her ears.
What was that? The teen turned towards the res to the trees, her eyes narrowed a little as she looked out into the dark. She hesitated on calling out, remembering the other man's words about not disturbing anyone on watch. That's probably what it is...Ericka turned back to the tree, her lips pulled thin in determination. Probably just kinda...I dunno, spying on me or something. Nobody from the soldiers that Integra has have seen me...so...that may be it.
The sound came again, forest green eyes moving over to the trees again with a frown this time. "..Hello..?" She turned to face the noise then, her body straight as Walter had told her, eyes narrowed. "...Someone there? Look if all you're going to do is just spy on me then one, you're too loud to do so..and two, that's not doing your job." An eyebrow rose slightly as the movements continued and she soon caught sight of a silhouette. "That's right...get yer ass out here, soldier. I wasn't really supposed to bother you but I can't help it if..." Her voice trailed off as she caught the way the man was walking, his body seeming to stumble and she paused. "I-if you..." The assertive tone she'd been using before faltered as the man cut off her words with a low growl mingled groan. His head was bowed as he stumbled into the moonlight, as if...
It's...he..he's a fucking ghoul... The form's head lifted then, showing and confirming the thought Ericka had, her eyes wide as she continued taking steps back away from the creature. So...that...that means...he was killed...by a vampire...
Or another ghoul..but the bottom line is that there's either one or more Vampires lurking about.
Lovely...Ericka winced at that before she stood still, her hands that had fallen to her sides, fingers tightening around the blade handles. Her pulse had quickened its beating when she'd first seen the creature and she willed it to calm, her eyes lidded then as she took deep breaths. You can do this...you can do this...
The ghoul gave another low growl as he moved closer to her, arms outstretched and reaching towards her. She had virgin blood, sweet untouched, untainted blood, and he hadn't eaten yet...
Now, eyes narrowed into slits then as she moved, running forward, one blade slashing off a hand, causing it to screech loud enough for Ericka to wince. Be quick, remember Walter said they were slow...and this one doesn't have his gun...must've dropped it or something. She was behind it now, a blade stabbing deep into the ghoul's back, another screech passing the thing, but it was cut off, her hand leaving the blade in his back to grip the handle of her second one, a growl of her own passing as she put all her force into the swipe, the result of it slicing off the head of the monster.
The head bounced once onto the ground before it disintegrated, leaving a pile of dust on the ground. The body stilled though, as if having a seizure, giving Ericka time to grab the blade that was still in the body which then followed suit with its detached head.
Great...ghoul down. Now I have to report this to Integra...but...everyone's asleep! Wait... no, it doesn't matter, the longer I wait the more time to make those things!
"Well well well..." A male voice behind her caused her form to stiffen. "Looks like we found another bitch for Hellsing..."
Ericka glared, spinning around only to pause at the figure before her. No fucking way...Golden eyes were lodged into a tan piercing covered face. A navy blue jogging suit though covered his tall, lean form, a pair of white gloves on hands that were attached to crossed arms. Black hair hung passed what she thought was a winter hat with an eye on the front of it. Eyes widened then as she stared at the man she'd seen once for what felt like ages ago... the same face...same expression as the one she'd seen when she held the dead ash of her little sister."You..."
Jan seemed to be taking in the teenager's appearance also, his eyes taking a thoughtful look before they brightened and he gave a face splitting grin. "Oh...I remember you...damn that was forever ago! You still all pissy at me then?" He shrugged and chuckled taking easy steps towards her as his hands moved to his pockets. "Oh well, doesn't fuckin matter, but you've got yourself in a spot little chickie. See, you've seen me, and you saw what I did to that sorry piece of shit." His eyes had been closed while he walked as if he were on a leisurely stroll, but they opened now, a menacing grin on his lips then, his fangs easily showing. "So now I'll have to kill you."
A sigh was heard then and Ericka let her eyes quickly flick their gaze over to another male, this one pale and with long blonde hair and a light colored suit. In a way, due to his dull coloring of clothes she was nearly reminded of a moth, but the thought was then pushed away as her heart began to pound.
"Everything of your...newborn days seems to always come back and bite you in the ass, Jan..." The blonde gave a light breath as he eyed Ericka with a thoughtful look. "It appears that we have no choice but to leave, now...and take her with us..." He watched the girl's eyes widen then before he gave a glare to his the other vampire. "I'm certain that the boss isn't going to like this one bit..."
"Hey, that asshole can suck my dick for all I care!" Jan's eyes didn't leave Ericka though as a smirk was on his face. "I got no problems bringing in this nice piece of ass though..."
"You. Won't. Fuckin'. Touch me." Ericka let the words come out in a snarled out whisper, her eyes narrowed on both vampires, darting from one to the other, her hands gripping tight to the handles of her blades. She knew what they had planned for her...she had no doubt that Jan would be more than willing to have his way with her, as he'd just called her a 'nice piece of ass'. It's guys like you that made me dress like a boy...She let her body straighten though take a stance Walter had shown her. The ghoul had been easy to kill...the ghoul was slow. Vampires though...they would be tougher. They were much faster and they actually had...decent brains to use, though she assumed the blond to be the smarter one in this...operation? She wasn't too sure what to call it, exactly, and she also wondered how many ghouls they'd made now. Doesn't matter, Ericka, but don't make a move until they do first.
Jan gave a light laugh then at her. "Awww, look bro, the bitch thinks she'll be able to kill us with those.."
Ericka wanted to glare and scream and cuss him out, but she didn't. Letting a long, quiet breath pass her nose she simply let a devious smirk etch itself onto her lips. "Come over here and I can prove it to you, cunt."
"The fuck did you just call me?" Jan gave a snarl of his own, glaring now and ready to pounce it seemed before Luke stopped him.
"Enough..." Ericka's eyes widened as the blonde pulled a gun from his coat, pointing it directly at her. "Either you'll come with us, only to die once in a safer area...or corrupted I suppose, or you die right now, where you stand.."
SHIT! Ericka took a step back, though she saw that Luke cocked the gun right as she did. It seemed that all he had to do was pull the trigger. Her heart was thundering now in her ears and her breathing had spiked a bit. Jan was grinning widely at her also as it seemed that they were having their way no matter what.
"Oh? I don't believe she has to die tonight..." The low timbre of Alucard's voice made all three freeze. The Nosferatu dressed in red appearing next to Ericka, a light smirk on his face. "In fact, she won't die..." His head dipped, letting red eyes peek out over his glasses as he gazed at the Jan and Luke, "Though I cannot say the same for the two of you."
Ericka let her eyes move over to the vampire, her shoulders relaxed a few notches. Her mouth opened to speak before red eyes moved to glance at her. "It seems you've gotten into a bit of trouble, Servant girl." Alucard rose an ebony brow then with a smirk. "It appears I can't leave you alone for even a day, can I?"
The words actually stung a bit and she gave a glare. You're a dick, you know that? She blinked as his grin widened though her eyes went wide as a shot rang out, the man falling back as a blood began to fall from a bullet wound in his head.
Grunting, Alucard reached into his red duster, producing a silver and brass gun known as "Joshua" from the many pockets within the coat. An easy shot was taken as it hit Luke Valentine directly in the chest before his body slumped to the ground, Luke's following suit as well. His form landing near his brother, Jan, who winced a little before his eyes moved to Ericka's. Though he was a vampire he was without much of a weapon..and he didn't really like that. "...Fuck this shit." the comment was muttered as he turned and took off through the woods.
"Shit.." The seventeen year old looked down at the bloody face of the Hellsing's vampire, her eyes searching his face before his form twitched, a chuckle heard where Luke had been. Turning she saw him still on the ground. Fuck! Jan's getting away! I...Can't let him.. but...Alucard is... Her eyes moved down and stared at the man for a while longer before shaking her head. "Fuck it." Her feet light as she bolted, her eyes still watching her target. She'd seen Alucard shot all to hell before, she doubted one bullet shot to the head could keep the man down...and as she heard the deep laughter of his voice echoing through the night..she knew she had assumed correctly.
Jan had been honestly surprised that he hadn't gotten shot at also...then again he saw Alucard drop before he ran.
Luke probably already got that little bitch...and he's already taking care of big red... His eyes closing then as he stopped in his running, bending over a little as he took a few mouthfuls of air. So much for not doing anything...all this over a fuckin meal...damn...His thoughts were snapped away though at the feeling of cold steel shoving through his back.
"Shit!"His eyes shut as the cool feeling of the metal within his body began to burn him from the inside before he yanked away, blood splattering the wet grass. Turning his eyes narrowed up at the black haired girl that stood above him as he fell to his knees, a snarl on his lips bearing his fangs.
Ericka simply glared back, her hands gripping the handles of her weaponry so tight her arms shook. Adrenaline pumped through her as she glowered down at the man. Her heart was thundering away and she saw the world in red. "You..." Her voice shook as she glared down at him. "I..will watch you die...slow...and painful, just like I had to watch my little sister die..." A blade rose high up before she let it land down onto his leg hard. "BASTARD!"
Jan gave a pained cry, his eyes shutting a little before he released a breath. Damn...that angle was close to the boys..His eyes opened again with a grimace before he smirked. "A vengeful little bitch aren't you? Hell that was what...how long ago? A year? Man, I hate bitches like you that hold grudges..."
"You took everything away from me."
"Tch, yeah, really you should thank me for giving you an excuse to get out of that shit hole...But hell, it was my kinda gig, specially with that hot mom you had...I mean, damn." He grinned as he saw the green in her eyes flash like an inferno before he shrugged. "But I suppose it's all over, and honestly, I doubt the boss man is gonna let you kill me, I didn't do what he wanted, so I'm sure he'll take that pleasure for himself.."
Frowning Ericka pulled her blade from Jan's leg before she gave a yelp, jumping back as a white flame seemed to engulf the vampire, though she still could see him. Her eyes flicked back up to the vampires face as he let his head fall back with a wild cackle.
"What the fuck did I tell you! But hey, it was a fun run while it lasted. Too bad I didn't get a chance to taste your fine ass." Jan's eyes were glowing as his body seemed to slowly fade. "See you in hell, bitch."
No...no no no no no no no...fuckin NO! Ericka lunged forwards, her eyes wide before then narrowing. Jan didn't get to die by someone else's hand..She'd made it a vow to kill him herself. No one else but her! The girl's stomach felt as if it had dropped to the ground, her form launching itself forward, though Jan simply laughed again, the sound of it echoing before Ericka felt the dirt and grass under her body, a grunt passing her as she hit.
Eyes opening quickly she moved to at least sit up, her blades had dropped in the lunge, the weapons on either side of her a good foot away. Jan was gone though...his body...there was no trace of it...as if he...just...disappeared.
"No..." The word was quiet, like a whisper as it passed her lips, her hands balling into fists, fingers gripping the grass. She felt some of the green blades pulling free from the earth they nestled themselves in as her head bowed and her body trembled. "...NO!" Her eyes burned at the salty water that threatened to spill from them and fall down her cheeks. Shutting her eyes then she felt some of the tears escape, though as her head dropped limply, the droplets landed on the backs of her hands.
She'd always been told revenge would taste sweet and she'd been so close to tasting it for herself, but unfortunately, it seemed she wasn't allowed that privilege.
AN- Alright, as promised, another chapter. I'm trying to work on it piece by piece every night that I have time, and so far I've been meeting that said quota. Again, thanks to all who've given reviews, I really appreciate them, and I'll try my hardest to keep the ball rolling this time.