Celestial Death: Hi. I am finally back with the next chapter. Ah ha ha! Life has been
exceptionally busy, so, I'm incredibly sorry! My dearest best friend was at a lecture at her college, and the guest speaker was Crispin Freeman, who we all know does the voice of Alucard in the U.S. Happiness! If that wasn't wonderful enough because she loves me so much, and knows how I adore Alucard, she got me his autograph. So I'm bursting with rapturous joy. I hope you enjoy the chapter. Happy 4th of July!
I would like to send a great big thank you and huggles to my dearest friend for the autograph. And I'm curious to see if more things will come true. Oddly enough, one of the things I wrote in the last chapter happened almost exactly the same way to my friend. O.o
Disclaimer: Sadly, I own nothing…except for Raina and Ebony…
Chapter Seven: Friendly Visits
The next day Raina wakes only to discover she has slept well past noon. As she lazily stretches and burrows back into bed, she realizes the smell of roses lingers in the air. It reminds her of Kurama and she gives a little sigh allowing her thoughts to wander. Several minutes of daydreaming silence follows before her door bursts open and Kurama rushes inside. Closing the door he rounds on the startled girl.
"Get dressed, quickly. We need to leave," Kurama says in a brisk tone, with no room for argument. Before Raina can react he is flinging open the door to Ebony's room. Throwing on a pair of white pants, a green t-shirt, and her sketchers Raina follows in his wake. Alucard and Kurama are talking by the doors to the balcony in low voices while Ebony rummages around in her dresser before running into the bathroom. Minutes later she emerges in black dress pants, a black t-shirt and her steel toed boots. She walks over to Raina and they watch as Alucard disappears into the floor, before Kurama turns to them looking tense.
"Let's go," he says leading them into the hall. "We have a situation. Several minutes ago Sir. Hellsing was informed that Enrico Maxwell and Alexander Anderson of the Vatican Section XIII are in England and on their way here. They are due any moment. We need to make sure you two are well hidden."
"What actions are we taking to keep them from learning about our presence?" Ebony asks anxiously, worried at the thought of Section XIII.
" It would be terribly unfortunate for Anderson to find you, especially after your run in with him. Thus we are going to the dungeon where Seras and I will be guarding you in her room. Alucard's presence is needed for the protection of Sir. Hellsing."
"Won't Father Anderson be able to sense us in the basement?" Raina asks as they hurry to the stairs.
"Nah. The basement is probably permeated with Alucard. I bet you his essence is so strong it's fused to the very stone. It should be enough to mask our auras, I think."
"Precisely. Now we just have to hope we can get down there before—" Kurama cuts off motioning for them to stop and be silent. They are paused at the corner in the hallway right before the stairs leading down to the foyer where voices can be heard.
"It is rather bold of you to come not only to my country but my home uninvited," Integra says coldly.
"Ah, but you were obviously aware of our presence. Unless of course, your organization cannot provide the simplest of information. As for an invitation, a member of your staff invited Father Anderson for lunch," Maxwell informs her smoothly.
"I highly doubt that. The only member of my staff that really interacts with Anderson is Alucard, who is far more likely to invite him to be lunch than have lunch."
"There is a teenage lass here linked with your pet abomination. She had his hat and her clothing was covered in his image. Not only that, she reeked of his foul stench," Father Anderson declares.
"I can assure you that I don't have any employees like that," Integra replies dryly.
"You Vatican dogs are willing to create any excuse. How pathetic," Alucard scoffs.
"Then what is the presence I sense just at the top of the stairs?" Anderson growls.
Silently Kurama steps around the corner and descends the stairs, joining them at the foyer. His face is a perfect mask of indifference and he radiates calm.
"This is Kurama, an agent from a demon hunting organization in Japan. He has been working with us for a few days," a pause. "Perhaps he is the person you're speaking of?" Walter interjects politely.
"No. It was definitely a lass with long brown hair and tan skin."
"You're losing your touch Judas Priest. The limitations of humanity are catching up to you," Alucard says with a sneer.
"I'm not daft, vampire. Who else but a member of Hellsing would be so infatuated with you?" Anderson replies in a menacing tone.
"Well, you seem to be."
Anderson sputters and snarls in a rage before reaching into his coat for his bayonets. Smirk growing into a grin Alucard brims with merriment at the prospect of battle, breaking into a round of mocking laughter. A look of irritation crosses Integra's face at the actions of the two grown men.
"Just like Yusuke and Kuwabara," Kurama mutters to himself.
"Contain yourself Father Anderson, and Alucard, do shut up," Integra orders crossly.
"Your pet and that boy were seen leaving a shopping area in London with two girls, one of which had a run in with Anderson," Maxwell sneers haughtily as he thrusts a manila folder into Integra's hands. "Now, why don't you tell us the truth you Protestant—"
He stops mid insult as the barrel of Alucard's jackal appears centimeters from his head. Pulling out a cigar Integra lights it, taking a long drag before leisurely blowing the smoke into Maxwell's face. Looking through the folder, she finds pictures taken of Alucard, Kurama, and the girls before handing it to Walter.
"Everything I said is the truth. I don't have any employees like that," she informs Maxwell coolly, signaling for Alucard to put his gun away.
"Then you still intend to deny it?"
"If you were to see a roster of all Hellsing's employees, including the vampires, you would not find these girls on the list," a pause as she takes another drag, "But we do know them."
"So you admit that they are here?" Maxwell demands.
"Of course. I never said they weren't, that was your assumption."
"Was it? Well, we would like to see them," he replies with a strained smile, trying to suppress his anger.
"Do keep in mind that they are guests here and therefore under Hellsing protection."
"Of course. Of course," he assures.
"Make sure to keep your dog in line Iscariot, we don't want him attempting to defile innocent girls," Alucard snarls displeased.
"Associating with you and the Hellsing organization proves they are not innocent. You are all heathens facing eternal damnation in God's eyes," Maxwell replies derisively.
"Then by your own association, even as enemies, the same applies to you," Raina says as she and Ebony come around the corner and descend the stairs.
"What?" he asks.
"Even though you are enemies with the Hellsing Organization it is still associating with them; thusly you, Father Anderson, and Section XIII are all heathens facing eternal damnation in the eyes of God. Obviously," Ebony elaborates in a condescending tone.
"Exactly. It's presumptuous to say such things about our character when this is the first we have ever interacted," Raina adds in a vaguely irritated tone.
Reaching the bottom of the steps the girls join the group. Integra gives Maxwell a smug smirk as he grits his teeth. Anderson looks both girls over before jerking his chin towards Ebony.
"That's the one. She's the girl that was chasing the vampire's hat."
"It's nice to see you again Father Anderson. How have you been?" Ebony asks, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly.
"That isn't any business of someone who would ally with Hellsing. Do you have any idea what that abomination is?" Maxwell exclaims with a snarl, eyes flicking to Alucard.
"He is Alucard. The No Life King. A master vampire. He is a monster, a man, and the pinnacle of power. He drinks the blood of the living, despises the sunlight, has a Cheshire cat grin, and, oddly enough, minty fresh breath when he isn't a hell hound. Alucard is everything, nothing, and so much more," Ebony replies with glee.
Alucard gives Maxwell a sneer before dropping a hand on Ebony's shoulder. Out of the corner of her eye Raina notices Kurama subtly place himself closer to her in a protective position. Warmth fills her and she can't help but smile slightly, noting her smile Kurama gives her a wink.
"You're obsessed with him! I can see we are too late to save your soul and you are destined to go straight to the pits of hell sent by one of Anderson's blessed blades," Maxwell informs her critically, eliciting a growl from Alucard.
"Obsessed? That's such an unpleasant word, I prefer smitten. Besides, if I do go to hell you won't be the one to send me, but I'll save you a seat."
"You pigheaded little—" Maxwell begins only to be cut off by Anderson.
"What are you doing here? This isn't a place for children, even the vampire loving heathens of Hellsing should know that."
"I'm sorry? Just because we aren't seasoned veterans in the fight against the undead doesn't mean we're children," Ebony exclaims.
"You'd be surprised at how much we know," Raina informs him in a level voice.
"Rest assured, they will not be staying. This is only a temporary visit," Integra calmly informs him, bypassing the girls words.
"This has something to do with the temporal anomaly that happened a few days ago, doesn't it?" Anderson questions in a grave tone.
"The temporal anomaly? Here? Anderson, are you sure?" Maxwell queries.
"Aye, the temporal anomaly you sent me to investigate. The location was pinpointed to Hellsing and the odd appearance of these girls explains it," Anderson tells Maxwell with certainty.
"What on Earth makes you think that?" Walter inquires quirking an eyebrow.
"There is a distinct lack of fear. Even the least intelligent of beasts has enough sense to know when there is danger, yet they're completely relaxed with that creature," Anderson observes, warily eyeing Ebony's close proximity to Alucard.
"We just met him, well days ago by now, but that was the first time," Ebony protests.
"But you were aware of his existence before," the priest accuses.
"Oh sure, who doesn't know about all powerful vampires and the organizations they work for, it's common knowledge," she responds in a scornful tone.
Anderson stares at her with a stony expression, not buying into her sarcasm. After a few moments Ebony sighs before looking to Integra for some sort of aid.
"All of your research and results pinpointed Hellsing as the source of the temporal anomaly?" Integra addresses Anderson.
"They did."
"The anomaly occurred two nights ago?"
"It did."
"And you believe it has something to do with these girls?"
"Isn't that what I said?" Anderson snarls impatiently.
"The two girls you see before you have nothing to do with it. The anomaly was entirely the fault of Alucard and his poor teaching methods," Integra says, her face a perfect emotionless mask.
"You expect us to believe that?" Maxwell scoffs.
"I don't particularly care if you believe me or not."
"Master vampires such as Lord Alucard have abilities most do not. Because of this he was instructing Miss. Victoria on how to control her growing powers, which lead to a small accident," Walter informs them with a humorless smirk.
"Come now Walter, I was not that over zealous," Alucard protests amused.
"You were exceptionally fervent in your actions. I find it amazing that you didn't cause greater harm," the angel of death replies in a mildly scolding tone.
"At any rate, that should sate your curiosity about the status of the Hellsing Organization. If the two of you would kindly leave the premises, as well as the country, we can all continue on with business," Integra states in a dismissive tone.
"Ah, but you never explained why these girls are here," Maxwell declares smugly.
"They are here with me. It is common for our agency to recruit humans with spirit energy. In fact, who better to protect humans from demonic forces than humans?" Kurama says with a polite smile.
"Your aura doesn't feel like that of a human. I'm certain it is that of a demon," Anderson observes suspiciously.
"I believe my human mother would disagree," Kurama says nicely, eliciting a smirk from Raina and a snicker from Ebony.
"Satisfied?" Integra asks sharply.
"Not in the least," Maxwell replies.
"Such a pity, your time has just ended. Be sure to leave the country by sundown," she informs them brusquely.
"Nothing escapes the eyes of God and we will perform his will by smiting the sinners," Maxwell snarls giving Raina and Ebony a pointed look before leaving.
"Do unto others," Ebony yells to his retreating back.
"Best you leave this place at once, the next time our paths cross it will be as enemies," Anderson informs the girls.
"Have a good afternoon," Raina calls as he exits the house.
Everyone remains in the foyer in complete silence. After a time Alucard speaks.
"They are well out of distance to use listening devices, and my scan of the manor did not reveal any suspicious people or items."
"Excellent. It would be wise if a greater effort were made to send Ebony and Raina home, instead of wasting time as you've been doing. Do I make myself clear?" Integra pronounces pinning Alucard with a cold glare.
"As you wish, my master," he replies giving her a slight bow.
"Walter, I want to know how long Anderson has been in the country and just how much he discovered. I don't want Section XIII to have the upper hand in this situation," Integra says in a brisk tone as she and Walter go upstairs to her office.
"Of course, my lady."
"Well, that was certainly interesting," Alucard says his gaze lingering on Integra's retreating form.
"It's amazing how easily you guys managed to come up with that lie about the temporal anomaly," Raina declares impressed.
"Yeah. If I didn't know any better, I would find it very believable," a sigh, "I guess we should get to work, right?" Ebony mutters with a hint of sadness at the prospect of leaving.
"I'd like to get some breakfast first," Raina states as her stomach grumbles in agreement.
"It's more like lunch now, but still a good idea," Kurama concurs.
"I'll start researching. I'm not hungry," Ebony informs them.
"You haven't eaten anything today. Are you sure?" Raina asks concerned.
"Yeah. I'll eat when my stomach voices its protest, don't worry."
"Well, if you're certain?"
"I'm positive. You guys go eat. Take your time and enjoy life. Okay?"
"We'll join you shortly," Kurama says as he and Raina depart for the kitchen.
Ebony watches them go with a small smile, momentarily wondering just how close the two are.
"Rather eager aren't you?" Alucard comments turning his gaze to the teenager.
"I don't know what you mean," she replies struggling to keep her voice indifferent.
"The choice to go straight to research, so you can leave sooner."
"Isn't that what Integra ordered?"
"You haven't even had breakfast yet."
"Well, it's not like breakfast is important."
"Nonsense, it's the most important meal of the day," he replies with a smug little smirk.
"I'm not hungry. But thank you for your opinion," Ebony says curtly before moving past him towards the stairs, not wishing to dwell on the thought of her impending departure.
"Do you wish to leave that badly?" Alucard asks grabbing her arm as she passes.
"Let go of me."
"Answer my question. Do you wish to leave?"
"I wish for you to release me, now do so," Ebony says beginning to struggle.
"No," he responds tightening his grip.
"I'm not asking, now let me go."
"I will not," he denies pulling her around to face him.
Heaving a loud sigh Ebony holds up her hands in a sign of surrender.
"Why does everything have to be a fight between us?"
"We set each other off."
"Yes, but even the simplest of things becomes an issue."
"Hmm…I'm sleepy," Alucard says in a lazy tone, seemingly deaf to her words as he stares off into space.
"What?" Ebony exclaims exasperated.
"Being up during the day makes me sleepy. As the sun will soon be at its zenith, I am feeling especially tired."
"Okay. That makes sense, considering you're a vampire," she replies, mildly worried about the state of his mind.
"The wisest course of action is to sleep," he murmurs to himself.
"You do that. I'm going to go research," Ebony agrees.
"Yes. I believe I'll sleep," Alucard confirms before turning his gaze back to Ebony. "Come."
"Pardon?"
"I am your guard, thusly you must come," he responds wrapping an arm around her shoulders before transporting them down into his lair located in the dungeon.
"Ugh. It's a good thing I didn't eat anything; that made me nauseous." A pause as she realizes the world around her is now an all-consuming black. "Where are we?"
"My coffin," comes the unconcerned reply.
"Oh."
Alucard settles down with Ebony wrapped in his arms, intending to fall into a deep slumber when an ear splitting shriek fills the air.
"YOUR COFFIN!"
Ebony begins to struggle against him, attempting to remove the lid. Wrapping his hands around her wrists, Alucard restrains her arms, only to have her sit up suddenly in an attempt to escape. The resulting thwack, as the back of her head connects with the coffin lid, is quickly followed by a string of expletives. Dropping her head to Alucard's chest, Ebony presses her face against him muffling her words. She begins to calm as he runs a soothing hand through her hair and after several silent moments mumbles into him.
"Hmm? You'll have to speak up I'm rusty on my mumbling," Alucard says, voice sleep heavy.
"Why is it whenever we fight, I'm the one who always gets hurt?" Ebony repeats lifting her head slightly.
There is a pause, before Ebony feels a deep rumbling vibration in Alucard's chest. Soon his shoulders are shaking and rich dark laughter fills the tight space of his coffin. Scowling she viscously jabs him in the ribs with her finger, which only spurs more laughter. However, Ebony cannot help but laugh as well at the absurdity of the situation.
"I suppose it is natures way of saying I'm right and you shouldn't argue," Alucard reasons amusement lacing his slumber filled voice.
"You rat. I'll fight you with my dying breath," Ebony snarls with a laugh.
"Mmm, I've no doubt," a pause. "It's the passion you know."
"What passion?"
"The reason we fight so much. We both have a passion for it."
"Not to mention the stubborn pride that refuses to be wrong."
"That too. But, even though our petty squabbles cause minor grief we have them because it makes us burn."
"Your saying we're constantly fighting because we like to fight, but we don't want to actually hurt each other?" Ebony asks in a skeptical tone.
"Something like that," Alucard replies with a yawn.
"Just checking."
"If you ever have an experience of real battle, of bloodshed and war, I'm sure with time you'd develop a taste for it."
"Like you?"
"Possibly. But first we'd have to get rid of those pesky morals."
"I'll keep that in mind," a long pause. "May I go now?"
Ebony receives no response as Alucard has fallen into the deep sleep of the dead with no intentions of rising until dusk. Deciding to get up on her own and make her way upstairs, Ebony tries to remove his arms, only to find them locked in place. With a sigh she cuddles against him, head pressed against his chest where his dead heart no longer beats.
"You know, my mother would go ballistic if she found out I've been sleeping in the same bed…coffin…as you. Everything feels like it's happening so quickly, and I know things will end soon. So, for right now, I am going to pretend we can stay in this moment and time is willing to stand still," Ebony whispers closing her eyes.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen Raina is sitting at the table watching as Kurama prepares to cook her breakfast.
"You really don't have to do this," she says watching him grab things from the fridge.
"I'm more than happy to cook for you, in fact, it is my pleasure," Kurama informs her eyes shining in merriment.
"Thank you," comes her reply.
"You're most welcome. Now, how do you want your eggs?"
"Scrambled, if you don't mind."
"Not at all. Pancakes? Waffles? French toast?"
"Mmm, waffles with strawberries and whip crème on top," Raina says dreamily.
"You are in luck. They just so happen to have both," Kurama says pulling the items from the fridge.
Turning to the stove he begins to cook breakfast, all of his motions precise and rhythmic, humming a tune under his breath. Time passes in amiable silence cut only by the sound of cooking.
"What is that you're humming?" Raina inquires.
"Hmm? It's a song from the demon world," he says watching her from the corner of his eye.
"It's beautiful. An incredibly soothing sound that seems to float on the air very lightly."
"Yes. It comes in handy when taming the most volatile of plants." A thoughtful pause, "You're not bothered by it, are you?"
"By what?"
"By the fact that I am a demon. I admit; it is surprising that you don't seem to be at all concerned. It seemed to me your exposure to demons has been quiet limited."
"I suppose to me you're just Kurama. The fact that you're a demon does make a difference in comparison to a human, but what really matters is your personality. In light of who you are, being a demon is more of a minor matter."
"Even Youko?" Kurama inquires scrutinizing Raina closely.
At the mention of Kurama's counterpart Raina stiffens slightly. She carefully thinks over her knowledge of Youko before responding.
"Well, he is intimidating. The only time I've really had a chance to observe Youko is when he's in battle, so it's hard to say. How could I give you a specific answer of my feeling towards him without seeing him and his behavior in an environment that isn't hostile? I certainly wouldn't want to be on his bad side, but his presence doesn't really alter my perception of you. You two seem to come across as two different individuals."
"I see," Kurama says turning back to the stove with a soft slightly reassured smile.
'Hn. I should show her just how intimidating I can be,' Youko tells Kurama, his deep voice laced with amusement. Kurama is unable to tell if it is brought on by humor or more sinister reasons.
'Don't expect that to happen any time soon,' he informs his inner kitsune.
Setting a plate in front of Raina and putting another down for himself, Kurama sits across from her at the table. They eat making pleasurable small talk all the while a plan is brewing in Kurama's mind. Only after they've finished and the dishes are whisked into the sink does he voice his thoughts.
"Raina," he says, "Before we join Ebony and Alucard upstairs researching, would you like to…take a short break?"
"Alright," Raina says after a moment. "What did you have in mind?"
"Well, Seras informed me of a lounge of sorts that the soldiers use to alleviate stress. Apparently it has a pool table, darts, and other forms of entertainment. Does any of that appeal to you?"
"Yeah, sound like fun," she replies, brown eyes alight with possibilities.
"Shall we?" Kurama asks offering Raina his arm.
Shyly she slips her arm through his and moves closer to him. They exit the kitchen as another conversation begins, all thoughts of research completely forgotten.