The two trained vampires bowed to their master, a successful smile on their lips as Lydia slumped in begrudged fashion to them. Resentment burned in Lydia's eyes as she viewed her two colleagues.
"Lydia, be more grateful we are doing you a favor," said the one on the left.
"Yep. How are you supposed to find a mate when you never flaunt your good looks," said the one on the right.
Lydia seethed. A dark feeling overwhelmed the room leaving a cold burning feeling on everyone's skin. The sudden burst of aggression caused Seras to step back, and Alucard's normal stony stance to falter.
"That's enough from both of you, that subject is taboo for all of you. Lydia please calm down before you decimate this room. You know that your reacting how they want you to anyway," Athena sad in a stern voice.
Lydia gave her master a look of thanks. She let her tense emotion drain from the room allowing everyone to relax. Her colleagues took one arm each and led Lydia out of the room and down the long hallway.
After Athena was sure they were gone she ordered Willow to close the doors.
"Have a seat, and I shall give you everything I know about Lydia," Athena said taking her place in her office chair.
Everyone sat. Integra felt awkward sitting in front of the desk rather than behind. The other's felt awkward as well, but for a different reason. All the joyfulness had left Athena's voice.
"I suppose," she began leaning back, her eyes glazing over. "You should know how Lydia as change. I'm sure you all can see she was not a willing victim."
"Lady Ambrose, is this wise, Lydia is very private on such matters," Willow interrupted.
Alucard sensed a huge wave of worry from the old woman.
"Will, as much as I'd like not to tell. I believe they should know. IT explains some of her oddities, and her refusal to all attempts, and requests she is given," Athena said with a sigh.
Alucard's interest was now perked. He hadn't thought about it, but it did explain her human attachments and appearance.
"I don't know everything, but I'll tell you what's been confessed to me. Lydia's father befriended a scientist, or a professor of sorts. The man was a new neighbor, and quickly charmed the family. He seemed particularly fond of Lydia and her thirst for knowledge. Lydia grew fond of him as well, but on a different level. She saw him as a teacher, and he saw her as an object of desire. Her father unknowingly allowed the man to compete for courtship of his daughter. However, he was ineffective since he could only come over in the evening, at which point Lydia was usually entertaining others. After some times, Lydia accepted an offer to her. The man decided he must act quickly. He came over and requested to congratulate Lydia. Lydia's foolish father agreed. The man did not just congratulate Lydia. He offered her something she couldn't refuse. Unlimited knowledge. At first she recalled being skeptical but he eventually broke her down. She agreed to meet him the next evening at his house. Lydia told her parents it was to obtain some valuable books. By morning Lydia still hadn't returned. When she was found it was too late. He had tricked her, drugged her, and bit her. She has been a full vampire ever since," Athena finished.
"So what does that have to do with anything," Seras blurted out on accident.
Seras expected punishment but instead Athena gave her a kind smile.
"I'm glad you asked. It provides you with the reason the Vatican does not touch her, the reason for her cautions of men, the reason of her refusal to ever mate, and the reason for her god granted gifts such as reproducing. You see, form what we could gather; God forgave Lydia by blessing her with a few minor gifts such as the ability to give birth. But he told her she would never see heaven. However to this day Lydia can still be found in a church praying and being blessed every Sunday evening," Athena said still wearing the same sad smile.
More questions ensued than Athena had predicted. Most came from Seras and Integra, a few came from Walter and Pip, but none exited the great Alucard. Alucard was lost in his own thoughts of the mysterious female vampire. She was like a good puzzle that Alucard just didn't have all the pieces too. He pondered about her power and her connection to humanity throughout the entire remains of the conversation. Athena startled Alucard out of his thoughts by announcing it was time to make leave.
"We are off to some club or restaurant that my soldiers are fond of. Their hopes are to loosen up Lydia before her vacation. Her loneliness id becoming unbearable for all at times, and they want her to find someone. As do I, but that's so she stops roaming the halls changing the feeling of rooms every time she passes. She's beginning to make me feel bipolar," Athena said with a slight laugh.
Athena stood up and requested that everyone follow her and Willow back to the front. Once exiting the doors the Hellsing group found their vehicle gone and replaced by Athena's transportation surrounded by several jeeps bearing her organization's symbol.
"OY! Athena, she be takin' her new toy tonigh'. The silver crossfire," said a voice only familiar to half the people present.
"Thank you Captain Bryna Cathal," Athena replied.
"Tis my pleasure Lady Ambrose," the captain said approaching and bowing to Athena.
"Well if it isn't Miss. Bryna Cathal. I'm surprised you're not dead," Walter said with a slight chuckle.
"In your dream old man," Bryna said with a devious grin. "I'm beginin' to believe that age is gonna be the death of me. Integra how ya holdin up blondie."
Much to Alucard, Pip, and Seras's surprise Integra simply laughed.
"I'm doing well Bryna. Seems you haven't changed a bit," Integra said as she hugged Bryna.
"Aye, but you have. God you look awful. Stop killing so many trees blondie, and get some rest," Bryna replied with the same smile.
"If only I could Bryna," Integra said with a bittersweet smile.
"You can now. Ask Lydia, she'll do it in no time. She cuts my paperwork in half," retorted Athena. "And don't worry about it. Computers and type writers have her baffled, since I can't allow her to take them a part."
"Yup, tha' vamp still thinks the things cursed or something of the sort," Bryna said with a laugh.
Just then someone yelled for Bryna.
"Well Athena that's the signal, we'll see ya there," Bryna said walking off to the car from which the sound originated from.
Captain Bryna Cathal had a presence to her that no one could get over. She left her mark. Her hair was long and red, tied back in a tight braid. Bryna's eyes were green and full of mischief. She was taller and in excellent shape. The bare skin that the white tank she wore showed her few scars and her cargo low rise khakis where loser on the bottom and semi tight on her leg muscle at the top. It was clear that Bryna Cathal was no weak human, or woman for that matter.
As several jeeps drove away, Athena smiled and shook her head.
"It'd be best if we took you on a slight tour of our town, Lydia's temper will not be fair for the first hour or so," Athena said nonchalantly.
Willow let out a slight chuckle.
"That is all to true. I can't wait to see what they've forced her to wear. You do realize how cruel that was of you master," Willow asked with a slight smile.
"Willow, don't be silly. It was cruel but necessary. She needs company in that damned huge home, and I need some time to myself without her relentless wandering about the halls changing the mood with every passing," Athena said still smiling.
"She has her own home," Integra inquired looking shocked.
"Of course she does. She had the money, always has, and the estate had plenty of room. Besides Lydia's antiques are too precious to keep near developing vampires and such. It's quite beautiful. Willow we have to go there anyways, and I doubt Lydia would object to a tour as long as nothing is touched and her bedroom is intruded, Athena said moving to get into the car.
"Quite right master. The children won't be pleased, but they never are to hear of Lydia's leaving. Besides I believe it is time for their lessons. We shall drop them and Madrona off on our way out. It should take enough time that we will only need drive by the park and meet at the club," Willow replied opening the car door for her master and her master's company.
Walter made an attempt to convince Willow to ride instead of drive, but she cut him off quickly.
"Walter, Mistress Ambrose is my master and my responsibility, you will sit and enjoy the ride," she said with deafening finality.
It was a three mile drive to Lydia's home. Athena dared not to let anyone walk the road. She knew the werewolves of her organization roamed the area and didn't know the difference between and intruder and an organization member. The only one allowed to walk the road unscathed were herself, Willow, and Lydia of course.
When the pulled up to Lydia's home Seras let out a gasp. Athena ignored it and got out of the car.
"My word," said Walter as he stared at the home before him.
"It's…," stuttered Integra.
Alucard stepped out of the car. At first he was stunned. It was something magnificent, something so imaginative, and perfect.
"It's magnificent," he finished for his master.
Everyone turned a bit looking at Alucard. That had been the first words to leave his mouth the entire evening.
"Yes it is," Athena agreed.
The home was all stone. Each individual stone varied a bit in tone and shape. There were only a few windows. Two frosted glass ones on either side of the dark wooded doors. They looked as though they had been iced over. A few average sized ones appeared on either side of those on both floors. On one side a large cylindrical l tower protruded from where the corner of the home should have been, the other remained normal. Much to the surprise of most the porch and doors of the house felt warm and welcoming. The porch had elegantly carved banisters, and benches sitting on it. Four hanging baskets hung from the ceiling above the porch, hold brilliantly colored flowers. No one would have ever guessed the house was home for a vampire.
"Willow the key if you please," Athena said still starting at the home with a smile curling her lips.
"Of course my lady," Willow said approaching the door and opening it. "Lydia only has one rule, don't break anything. Anything goes without needing to be said."
Willow stepped asides as Athena led the others in.
"Is that," Walter started staring at the crystal chandelier high above their heads, lighting the foyer and the gorgeous cherry wood stair case.
"Eighteenth century chandelier, with hand shaped crystals, still lit only by candles. Of course Walter, what did you expect? Oh and she does have electric just not in certain antique lighting fixtures," said Athena admire the colors on the chandelier caused by the flickering lights.
The walls were smooth and white reflecting more of the candles lighting. The floor was high polished cherry wood. Centered in the main area was a rug that dated back to the fifteenth century. Along both sides of the hall a large antique mirror sat behind a Victorian style table which held an ancient vase, it breathed elegance into the small area. The vase was elegantly made and painted with ancient intricate designs telling a short tale, and held a gorgeous assortment of roses in full bloom looking as though they were frozen in time. The roses alluring cent had enveloped the entire foyer with their intoxicating sweet smell. The large ballroom style stair case was centered and connected to an above balcony, sweeping together in one fluid stream like movement.
"Beautiful isn't it. Lydia has been collecting these things for ages. In fact I believe she still buys them, even more so now that she understands computers," Athena said.
Alucard suddenly tensed sensing several vampires moving in their direction.
"I see you decided on a detour Master," said a soft voice accompanied by many child like giggles.
"Yes Madrona, we did. I thought it would be best to let Lydia calm down first," Athena said staring at the darkness down one side of the staircase.
"A good choice," Madrona replied moving herself and the children into the light to greet everyone.
"Oh my, Athena don't," Walter said abruptly.
Athena sighed looking at the little children surrounding Madrona. Her response produced anger in Integra.
"Why would anyone blood such young children," she asked in utter astonishment.
"Wait zey are vampires," Pip asked taken aback.
"I'm afraid so Pip, and Integra I don't think something that cruel can be understood," said Athena with a grimace unlike any the others had seen before.
Disgust overtook Alucard with the strength that only Mother Nature herself possessed. He could not imagine turning a child.
"Why don't you give our guests a tour while I feed the children Master," Madrona said dragging off the subject.
Athena began to shake her head, when one of the youngest children burst into tears and began yelling at her. Red tears raced down the child's delicate pale cheeks. Madrona made a short attempt to stop the child, but Athena signaled to let her go. The child instantly lashed out like a cornered viper at Athena.
"Why? Why must you send Lydia away," the child cried scratching at Athena's clothing.
Athena made no attempt to reprimand the child. She simply placed her hand on top of the little girls head and smoothed her hair out.
"Dawn, calm yourself. Surely you have sensed the unhappiness and loneliness growing inside Lydia. She needs to be free; she needs to find someone to remain with her for all times to come. You will all grow and develop and lose your need for her. She knows this, and it makes it all worse for her," Athena said as she bent done to the child's level. "No stop crying, you are stronger than that. Go and eat your dinner, understand?"
The little girl shook her head and returned to Madrona, who led her and the others to the kitchen. They all watched as they disappeared.
"That's so sad," Seras said.
"Yes it is, and there is nothing we can do for them. Lydia cares for them, and Madrona steps in when Lydia can't be here. She's got quite a bit of motherly instinct," Athena sad with a slight smile. "I suppose the study is the best place to start."
Willow shook her head and walked over to the set of double doors on the left. The doors slid silently into the walls.
"This," Willow said as she clapped her hands causing the ancient gas lamps to light. "Is her study, tread cautiously, most of the instruments in this room are ancient."
The room was beautiful. The walls were hand painted with a mural portraying a truly alluring garden. A silky smooth cheery wood desk sat in the middle and behind it an old slightly faded painting of a family that seemed to be form long ago. The desk had a small lamp, a large white quill, ink, paper, and a calendar. A few books were neatly aligned and open on the desk, and several instruments that didn't look at home sat out by the lonely lamp. The carpet of the room was a warm lush green that seemed as if it were going to grow into the mural at any moment. Several bookshelves covered the wall behind the desk ceiling to floor. It almost seemed as if the shelves were invisible and the books stood in midair at first glance. But at closer glance you could see the thin elegantly camouflaged shelves and the ancient text that sat on them. A globe was placed in the corner next to a glass case that featured a display of ancient time worn scrolls. The room made everyone feel as if time had reversed and brought them to a time of old.
"My, Lydia has quite the collection. Most of these are out of print, in fact I believe they are before times of copyright," Walter said studying the old books carefully.
"Most of the one's that Lydia keeps are. Lydia calls the ones in the middle the true classics. The only one she's kept from recent times that is considered a classic is 'Phantom of the Opera'," Athena said smoothly.
Willow let out a small chuckle.
"I remember when she ordered that collection. I believe Dracula was the first to go. She knew instantly that it was not original text and destroyed it, all the while ranting about the disgrace to the author and the real Dracula. She was rather infuriated," Willow said contemplating the amusing memory.
"Did she now," Alucard said in amusement running through the titles himself.
The more Alucard saw the more interested he was in speaking with Lydia. He hadn't met someone with such knowledge in hundreds of years. Besides her collection was truly admirable, and interesting.
"We must get going or Lydia is going to feel we don't intend on coming, "Willow said checking her watch that was hidden under her sleeve.
"Ah… Well I suppose your right. Not that it matters much Lydia keeps most of the house off limits to guest anyhow. Well to the car then. Madrona is undoubtedly already there," Athena said with a hint of disappointment.
Athena took the lead as Willow put out all the lights. Seras, Walter, Integra, and Pip followed Athena immediately, but Alucard lingered at the shelves as Willow put out the remaining few lights.
"Alucard, I must request you leave the room now," Willow said walking out the doorway.
Alucard looked up and stared at Willow. He noted that everyone else had left now.
"Willow," he said approaching the woman. " Lydia, she."
Alucard stopped; he wasn't sure what to ask. He had some many questions. This Lydia excited him. She gave a powerful presence, and showed herself to have grand intelligence. Also to his amusement, it appeared that she would make a worthy opponent.
"Don't dare ask her for a fight. Lydia only fights those who do not deserve the title of a vampire. She's not fond of unnecessary fights. As for any other questions you have, I'm afraid I can't answer them. Lydia's is a very secure individual, and I respect her wishes and her privacy," Willow said as she pulled the double doors shut and locked them.
Willow moved quickly to the door and held it open for Alucard.
"This way please, we are almost running behind, "Willow urged slightly as she bowed.
Alucard smiled a bit, and joined the others in the car. Willow immediately locked the doors and got into the driver's seat. The car was a bit more crowded than before due to the children and Madrona, but not enough to make anyone uncomfortable for the short period between Lydia's home and the manor.
Willow stopped at the manor and helped Madrona with all the children. After Madrona disappeared wishing them luck with Lydia she began the drive to the club Bryna had chosen for the evening's festivities.