Celestial Death: well, I've once again managed to wait forever before updating. And for that I am so very very sorry. I have been busy. And my brother is coming for a visit this weekend…so happiness. Okie, I just need a slight moment to rant. I know I'm incredibly slow about updating, and that it is very frustrating when you want to keep reading and the chapters aren't there, but threatening me is only going to make me irritated. While I won't take that irritation out like some, by killing characters or withholding chapters, it doesn't exactly make me feel warm and fuzzy about working on this story. Allow me to make this perfectly clear, no matter how long it takes me to update, I will continue with this story until it reaches it's end, nothing short of death will stop me. I do not abandon stories, so threatening me is a pointless act of stupidity. And if the readers that threatened me become offended and stop reading that's fine. I would rather have people that know threats are a pointless waste reading my story. I wouldn't mind if you were criticizing my story, because of the story, not threatening me because you're impatient. I once again apologize to my readers that were patient, this rant isn't for you, and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to post this chapter. I hope you enjoy it.
Demonic Silence: Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it, and I really like your name.
JMF: ohhhhhh! Thank you so very much! That's so nice of you! I hope your sanity is still in tact enough to read this. Thank you!
Crazedgirl: I'm glad you like my story, but dumb comments about your "other half" threatening me are a waste of time, so do us both a favor and keep yourself in line. Thanks!
Insane brain: The same goes for you, idiotic threats aren't going to get you chapters any faster. In fact threats only make me feel pretty pissy to the people making them.
Kantara: Thank you so much for the lovely review! I'm glad you like the story and find it funny.
I want to thank all of my loyal readers and reviewers, it means a lot to me and let's me know that people really are reading my story.
Disclaimer: Sadly I own nothing. Well…Ebony and Raina are mine…mine and Sweet Yuna's. But will gladly accept Alucard as a gift.
Chapter Five: Fighting a Battle
After lunch the small group returns to Hellsing. As Alucard reports to Integra, Kurama brings the girls to a training room. The girls begin stretching as Kurama collects different items to help them in training.
"Before we begin do either of you have any previous training?" Kurama asks the girls.
"Uh…we have a little practice with swordplay, and I do some kickboxing and my brother taught me some martial arts, and some other random stuff picked up." Ebony says.
"I took a basic martial arts class, and my brother has taught me a lot of things, I kind of know how to use a staff." Raina replies.
"Yeah, and your deadly with a slingshot and taffy." Ebony says giving Raina an evil smirk.
"I see. It's good that you know the basics. We'll build off of that. Why don't we start with hand to hand combat, and work our way into weapons in a day or two." Kurama says thoughtfully. "I don't suppose either of you have any experience with your spirit energy?"
"Not really. The only thing we've ever done is open the portal, and we didn't actually know we could do that." Raina says.
"We do know about Yusuke having to mentally focus his spirit energy into his finger, and then mentally pull the trigger, to shoot his spirit gun. And that Kuwabara created his spirit sword when he was in danger, but only after grabbing a highly sacred object. So we'll have to do something like that, right?" Ebony says chewing on her bottom lip.
"That is a possibility. But everyone's spirit energy is controlled differently. It all takes focus, but it depends on what category your spirit energy falls into. Kuwabara for instance, has incredible spiritual awareness. Tomorrow we'll work on your spirit energy, if it's back up to full strength. Opening the portal has left you both incredibly drained of spirit energy. Though, it's replenishing quickly, its stronger now than it was this morning. Until then, we'll work on training your bodies."
Kurama then begins to train the girls, a hard and sometimes painful thing that lasts for hours. He has taught them the basics of several styles of martial arts, highly tentative flips, combos, holds, escapes, blocking, evasion, bracing, and more. Finally Kurama has them stop, as six Hellsing soldiers enter the room.
"You two are naturals. Your technique is still rough, but improving. And you two already seem to be adapting the things I've taught you to your own styles and skills. Even your flips have gotten…uh…better." Kurama says.
Ebony snorts. "Right, because falling on our heads means we're doing good. It's amazing we haven't given ourselves concussions."
Kurama gives a cough and a slight sweatdrop. "Be that as it may, you two are still improving. I know you're tired, but I'd like you to try fighting a few soldiers that Sir. Hellsing was kind enough to lend us. Remember to keep your guard up, not to panic, and don't be afraid to improvise. They will be holding back, but not too much. You'll come out of this with, at the very least, a few bruises." Raina and Ebony stare at Kurama with wary nervous looks.
"My! That's certainly reassuring." Ebony says, eye twitching. Raina nods her head in agreement.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine. Just remember what you've learned and keep your wits about you. This is a controlled battle so you won't be badly injured." After saying this, Kurama gives them an encouraging smile and walks to the side of the room to stand next to Alucard, Walter, Integra, and Seras.
"Well Alucard, we'll see if you're right about these two." Integra says watching the girls, as the soldiers surround them.
"Do not worry Master, the girls will prevail." Alucard says eyes flicking from the girls to Integra and back.
The girls are now standing back to back surrounded by the six soldiers. Looking around Ebony feels anxiety rising in her, before a new feeling washes over her. Ebony can feel eyes burning intensely into her. Looking to her right she finds Alucard staring at her and can feel determination welling up inside of her. 'I will prove myself to be a worthy human.' She vows silently to herself. At the same time Raina is having similar feelings. She can feel the nervousness growing inside her. Taking a deep breath, she sneaks a look at Kurama, and her breath catches. While his face is impassive his eyes are burning with encouragement as he catches her gaze and holds it. Raina gives him a slight smile and releases her breath, making a silent promise to Kurama and herself. 'I will make you proud.'
"So here we are, surrounded by men that are better trained, stronger, faster, and much more adapted to the situation. We have all the luck don't we?" Ebony says.
"Yeah we really do. So do you think we'll win?" Raina replies.
"Without a doubt. We have the determination, even if the odds are against us. Besides, when we're together we are damn near invincible. We are the wolves among the idiotic herds of society, this ain't nuthin'."
"You sound so confidant. Yeah. If we can survive being individuals with depth in a shallow world, we'll be able to beat them. You're right."
Upon hearing the girls the soldiers begin laughing. Some sneer at the girls, while others make faces of mock fright.
"You two don't stand a chance. Like you said we're better than you." One soldier says.
"Oh, careful now. The little girls might get their feelings hurt. Or worse, they might even cry." Another says.
"Whatever will we do? These girls are going to hurt us." A third says in mock scared voice.
The six soldiers burst into loud laughter and continue making jokes about the girls. They are so busy laughing that they fail to notice the change in the girls' expressions. Ebony's eyes have narrowed into hellish slits and a murderous scowl spreads across her face. Raina's jaw clenches as an evil irritated look spreads across her face.
"My my my, would you look at that Raina? I never knew filthy, scum-sucking trash could ever spew such bullshit. It's amazing they even can, seeing as they don't have a brain cell between all six of them." Ebony says, voice dripping with malice over the obnoxious laughter of the soldiers.
Raina smirks at Ebony's comments and lets out a low blood-chilling chuckle that causes the soldiers to stop in their jokes. "I know what you mean Ebony. You'd think that an organization led by a woman would have more respect. I guess we'll just have to teach them how deadly we are. To call us weak little girls that will start crying is a mistake."
"Oh yes. It is in fact a deadly mistake." Ebony purrs in a dark malicious voice. "What you foolish men fail to realize is that while we aren't vampires we are not weak. Vampires can at least claim that their sadistic darkness is in their nature. We don't have that excuse. Raina. I think we're going to have to make them scream apologies."
Raina nods her head and gives another chilling laugh. A few of the soldiers begin to look uneasy at the girls, having never dealt with anything this murderously dark, that is a human teenage girl. Unable to help but be slightly amused by the girls, Integra calls out, signaling for the fight to begin.
"Well, they certainly talk the talk." Walter says with a small smile.
The soldiers then begin to move towards the girls. Ebony moves forward to meet the one closest to her. He swings at her head, and she dodges, turning fast to elbow him in the back of the head. Stumbling, he swings around with a kick aimed for her head. Ducking, she comes up with a hard right to his face. Dropping back into the crouch she swings her foot out, tripping the man about to grab her from behind. As he hits the ground she brings the same foot around and down in an arc right onto his head. Before she can get back up, the third grabs her around the shoulders and neck and wrenches her back, pinning her to the ground. He uses his weight against her, pinning her legs with his knees and holding down her arms and shoulders. As Ebony struggles against him, he leans down with a smirk of satisfaction. Snarling she manages to get herself off the ground slightly. He slams her back against the ground as her shoulder gives a loud crack.
"Where are your tough words now? You're not that strong. Admit it. I have you beat." Growling, Ebony gives him a glare that promises vast amounts of pain. He leans back, laughing at the look, and unwittingly releasing some of the pressure.
"Maybe you talk to much, dumbass." Eyes flaring, Ebony rears back and cracks her forehead against his. As he falls back holding his head, she gets up and gives him a good kick in the stomach.
Meanwhile, Raina is taking care of her own opponents. One swings at her and she dodges, backhanding him in the face. She then kicks the next in the stomach and when he doubles over, elbows him in the back of the head. As the third comes she takes a swing at his head, only to have her fist caught. She attacks with a right hook, only to be caught again. With his hands wrapped around her wrists, Raina thinks quickly, and wraps her fingers around his wrist. She then forces herself to fall back, onto the floor, pulling him with her. As they fall she puts her foot against his stomach and uses the force of the fall to flip him. The girls stand in fighting positions, waiting as the six soldiers get back up. It then becomes an all out melee as the soldiers begin to attack the girls in mass instead of one on one. Raina punches one in the stomach, and as he falls, she's grabbed from behind. She struggles against him to no avail, as the soldier she just punched, gets back up. As he leans back to punch her, Raina kicks him in the stomach. Then she leans foreword and brings the back of her head into the face, specifically the nose, of the person holding her. He staggers back, releasing her. Pivoting, she kicks the soldier in the knee. As he begins to fall, she pivots again with a quick kick to the head. As the first soldier begins to come back up, she turns and elbows him in the face. But before she has time to catch her breath, a third soldier begins an assault on her. She is hit by a quick jab to the face and stumbles back. As she recovers the soldier sends a punch at her stomach. Twisting to the side Raina dodges and kicks him in the ribs. The soldier turns and the two pause for a moment before he attacks.
Across the room Ebony delivers a quick right jab to a soldier's nose with a highly satisfying crunch. As he falls back, she is grabbed from behind. One arm snakes across her collarbone as the other pins her arms to her sides. She then feels a leg come around her own so she is unable to move. Ebony struggles, but is unable to brake free of his hold. She hears a chuckle and looks up to find another soldier moving towards them. The soldier advancing delivers a hard blow to her stomach. She lets out a strangled gasp from the pain and tries to focus her mind. Ebony quickly scans her mind for something she can do. She manages to come up with two options. Seeing as she isn't willing to admit defeat, that leaves her with one option.
A loud yell of horror, followed by a string of curses, fills the room. And Raina's head snaps up, after just beating the third soldier. She turns to find Ebony quickly being released by a panicked soldier, and a second soldier staggering away from Ebony staring at her in shock. With a snarl, Ebony closes the distance between her and the shocked soldier, punching him in the stomach, followed by an elbow to the back of the head. She then turns, and rests her glare on the still panicked, slightly horrified soldier, cradling his arm.
"What happened? Who was screaming and why?" Raina asks, looking between the two.
"She…she bloody bit me! That fucking crazy girl bit me! She bit me, for Christ sake!" The soldier says, pointing an accusing finger at Ebony.
"Well boo hoo! You fight vampires and ghouls that are constantly trying to eat you, and you freak out over a little bite that didn't brake the skin." Ebony says rolling her eyes and advancing towards him.
"But you're bloody human! Human's don't bite people!" He yells, watching her with wide eyes as she stops right in front of him.
"Maybe I'm a cannibal." Ebony says chuckling, a sadistic grin on her face, and her eyes glowing with malice. She then punches him in the face, followed by a swift kick to his ribs. Thus the fight finishes, and the girls make their way over to their five observers, as the soldiers get up. Huffing and puffing the girls stop in front of the five and look at each other. Before a word can be said, they burst into laughter, sore and having problems standing straight.
"I can't believe the look on your face when we first started, it was terrifying. And when you let out that freaky laugh, I almost peed my frickin' pants." Ebony says laughing.
Raina smiles and laughs harder. "What about you? I know you think of Dr. Lecter as a mentor, but you've never had his taste in meals before. I can't believe you bit that guy."
Ebony grins and lets out a high insane laugh. "I was simply improvising. Besides, fighting really works up an appetite. I just wanted a little snack."
Raina gives Ebony a suspicious look. "I always knew you were a cannibal! That explains why you're always trying to bite me! You've been trying to eat my arm."
Ebony gives out a strangled choke, before doubling over with laughter. "Y…yeah. Your…just…so damn…delicious." She chokes out between laughs, before she and Raina are hit by another strong laugh attack. The girls, tired and sore, stand there laughing out of pride, exhaustion, and just their weird sense of humor.
Kurama gives them a proud smile. "That was very good girls. You've done very well. It was a little rough, but truly impressive. How do you feel?"
"Tired but good." Ebony says.
"Pretty proud, and sore." Raina adds.
Ebony pokes Raina and grins. "All fear Raina the butt kicking machine. And you say you don't like fighting."
Raina smiles and gives a slight laugh. "I don't mind fighting, I'm just not as enthusiastic about it as you."
"You two did a good job. It's not an easy task to defeat Hellsing soldiers." Integra says, as the girls beam with pride. "That was an interesting way to improvise. Taking after Alucard?" She says, watching Ebony.
Ebony tilts her head to the side confused. "Taking after Aluca…oh! Oh no, not at all. If anyone I'm taking after Dr. Lecter. He's uh…he's Hannibal the Cannibal. Though biting really was my only option seeing as I wasn't willing to give up."
"Distaste for sunlight, biting people. Your quiet the little vampire." Alucard says.
"Now all I need are the teeth." Ebony says with a smirk.
"I imagine you two would like to relax. Why don't you go have a bath and rest your tired muscles, and I'll bring you up something to eat." Walter says.
"Thank you Walter, that is very nice of you." Raina says as Ebony nods her agreement. The girls leave and everyone goes back to their duties.
After the girls bathe, change and eat, they relax in Raina's room, plotting their revenge against Alucard. Raina lies on the four-poster bed covered in an ocean blue bed spread and sheets. The curtains and canopy are a navy blue, and the walls are cerulean with a crème trim. There is a bedside table with a small lamp, to the left of the bed. A dresser is across from the bed, by the door connecting the girls' rooms. The wall to the left of the bed has two large French doors that lead out to a spacious balcony that also connects to Ebony's room. To the right of the French doors are a small table and a plush chair. To the right of the headboard is the bathroom. And across from the balcony is the door leading to the hallway. Ebony's room is arranged exactly the same, except in shades of lavender and purple. Raina watches Ebony as the paces the plush blue rug.
"We need to decide what we're going to do to Alucard as revenge for his rude awakening this morning. What we have so far is diabolically brilliant. All we need is the finishing touch." Ebony says.
Raina sighs, and buries her face in her pillow. "We've been working on this all day and we aren't any closer to finishing it. We need a brake."
As the words leave Raina's mouth there is a knock on the door. "Come in." Opening the door Kurama enters the room.
"Am I interrupting something?" He asks looking at Raina and Ebony.
Raina shakes her head. "We just finished. What can I do for you?"
Kurama opens his mouth and pauses, glancing quickly at Ebony. Ebony gives him a confused look before her eyes widen.
"I'll talk to you later guys. I can hear a pillow calling my name." Ebony says walking into her room and closing the door behind her.
Kurama looks back at Raina. "I just found out that Hellsing has a rather impressive garden. Since you're interested in plants, I was wondering if you would like to join me in a walk around the garden?"
Raina can feel her face burn up and her cheeks turn pink. "I…I would love to."
With that Raina and Kurama leave her room and make their way to Hellsing's vast garden. Meanwhile, Ebony enters her room grinning and plops onto her bed, stuffing her face into a pillow. By this time the sun is long past set, and the night is illuminated by the ethereal glow from the moon.
"It's night. Vampires should be up. Even little vampires that bite without fangs."
Ebony gives a groan, but rolls over to find her room changed. Her walls are a deep crimson with a black trim, as well as her plush rug. The bed spread and sheets have become a vivid scarlet, and the curtains and canopy have turned a deep maroon.
"I like this better than the lavender and purple." Ebony says with a smile.
A deep chuckle resounds through the room, but there is no physical sign of Alucard. "I knew you would. Kurama and Raina seem to be getting along well. Even spending quality time in the garden, at night, while it's bathed in moonlight."
Ebony smiles slightly and looks down at the bedspread. "That they are. Nothing wrong with them spending some quality time together."
"You seem rather pleased with the idea of them spending time together. Anything to do with her hearts desire?"
"You read to much into it. Is there something you wanted Alucard, besides this chit chat?"
"Indeed there is." Ebony looks up surprised to find Alucard standing next to the bed. "I want you to come onto the balcony with me."
Ebony smirks and raises an eyebrow. "You aren't going to push me off right? You don't have a secret diabolical plan do you?"
Alucard gives her a mock hurt look and claps a hand to his chest. "You wound me. To think I would do something so sneaky. But, if you don't want to join me, I can always ask the police girl. I'm sure she would be willing." He walks towards the door.
Ebony glares at him. "Obviously my presence isn't that necessary if you can replace it so easily. Especially with her." The 'her' comes out as a hiss.
Rolling over Ebony turns her back to Alucard, and sulks. After a few minutes of silence, Ebony turns around. She then finds herself staring at the front of Alucard's suit. Leaning back, Ebony finds Alucard lying on his side next to her. His head is on a pillow, eyes closed, missing his hat and sunglasses. She stares at him, mouth agape, heart hammering, and face burning. She hadn't felt him get on the bed.
"W…what in the…what in the Holy Hell are you doing?" She says scooting back further.
Opening one eye, Alucard smirks. "Keep it down. I'm trying to sleep. You won't join me on the balcony, so I'll join you for a nap."
Eyes widening further, Ebony points a threatening finger at Alucard and stutters, "G…get the hell off! Y…you are not invited to…to be on my b…bed. Move your undead ass!
Alucard opens his other eye and tsks her with a scolding finger moving back and forth. "Such language. A young lady shouldn't speak like that. But if you really want me off the bed, come on the balcony with me. I promise to behave myself. Mostly."
Ebony stares at Alucard, then nods her head with a sigh. "Okay you win. Creatures of the night are supposed to be up and about. Now…just…get out off my bed!"
Alucard gives her a Cheshire cat grin and stands. "You certainly take short naps. It's a wonder you ever get any rest."
Ebony stands and glares at him. "Maybe if you were more cute and cuddly I would sleep better."
"You don't think I'm cute?" He smiles. "And cuddly."
"Your absolutely adorable, in a creepy sort of way. Besides, I imagine you're more likely to snuggle your toy hellhound then to cuddle it."
Alucard's grin grows bigger. "My toy hellhound, huh? How would you know about my toy hellhound?"
"You left a picture of you snuggling it in your hat." Ebony says returning the grin.
"You realize that I have to kill you now."
"Luckily I have a devious plot. If I don't call my special agents all around the world by a certain time, they will release thousands upon thousands of duplicates of the picture."
Alucard gives a growl as they step onto the balcony. "That is a devious plan. I have no choice but to let you live. Unless."
"Unless what?" Ebony says turning to him.
"Unless I turn you into a vampire and make you my servant. Then you would have to obey me."
A malicious smile spreads across his face as he advances on Ebony. He matches her step for step until she reaches the railing of the balcony and stops. Putting his arms on both sides of her on the railing, she is trapped. Ebony looks up at Alucard as he looms menacingly above her.
"You're the first human I've met that is brave enough to have a teasing game of banter with me. Master and I play a game of strategy; but the game you and I play is more innocent. You are still very innocent, even with your darkness. What is the matter Ebony? Your heart is pounding in your chest, perhaps from fear? Or is it something else? Tell me Ebony, why does your heart beat so?"
Swallowing Ebony gives Alucard a little smile. "You said you would protect me, so I have no reason to fear. But I can't tell you, I won't tell you, anything to do with my heart."
She and Alucard just stay like that staring at each other. He leans foreword until his face is inches from hers. He can feel her breath warm on his face as her eyes widen and she leans her head back. Putting her hands on his chest, Ebony attempts to push him back. With a regretful sigh, Alucard smirks and steps back, still watching her.
"That's why I like you, you make things interesting. You aren't willing to give in to something we both know you want. Even if it hurts, and it's hard, you won't give up. It's either all or nothing. But some day, you will tell me all about your heart."
Ebony gives him a sad smile. "My heart, and my kisses, and my love are saved solely for my dark prince. He will love me for myself and I will love him for himself. I will be his, just as he will be mine. Yes, all or nothing. He will be the heart of my heart, or he will only find my heart of stone."
Alucard brings up a hand and caresses her cheek. "That is a heavy promise you make, a heavy promise to be returned." He wraps an arm around her waist and leans down until his forehead is touching hers. He listens to the hammering of her heart. "I know what lies in your heart Ebony, perhaps someday I will show you what lies in mine."
He places a light kiss on her forehead, and turns her around. He holds her close, arms wrapped around her as she leans into his embrace. The two fall silent and stare off into the night sky, lost in thought.
Celestial Death: Righty! That's it for now. Next time we find out what's happening with Raina and Kurama in the garden. Did that seem too weird? Was Alucard too out of character? I thought it would seem kinda accurate for someone starting to feel things. Or maybe he's just messing with her real good. Who knows? Anyway tell me what you think ne? Thank you all so much!
I do not own Dr. Lecter. He is property of Thomas Harris, creator of Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, and Hannibal, all stories with Dr. Lecter.