CHAPTER 3
First few pages, lots of talking between two certain people. My story so I'm writing as I feel like writing. Kinda romantic. Action will be later along with a progressing story line. Also, I am going off the premise that vampires can't be seen in mirrors, except by special ones at Hellsing, nor can they be filmed because they don't show up on cameras.
No other missions cropped up for almost a week after the incident with the Paladin in the hospital. Despite this, Hellsing continued to keep a close watch on England as they always did and would continue to do. Alucard got bored easily, though thankfully he didn't bother anyone about it really, other than Integra. Other than nodding or saying a very brief hello at the General, he otherwise tended to sneak up on him from behind a lot and scare the hell out of him. A few times the General tried to hit Alucard, but failed. Though Alucard did on a few times, block the blows and punch him dead in the face. He left the dazed man on the floor each time while laughing as he faded away.
Seras wondered why, but didn't ask her Master why he was bothering the General. She was drinking the blood so she knew he was at least satisfied or maybe proud of that fact, though she cringed afterward as always. He wasn't bothering her or really talking to her much either, but he was thankfully not attacking her like he kept doing to the General. Despite the pain Alucard was being to him, he never reported it to Integra and told Seras to not worry about it or say anything either.
The other day, she had asked the General a specific question, one that had been on her mind of late. She wondered after watching her drink pretty much every night, why didn't he ask why she was what she was now, even though she hated it. And as they usually did, they always talked in her room. More comfortable for her, and they could tell if anyone was coming. Plus, Integra preferred it if anyone came from her Majesty or someplace else. The two vampires were secrets to begin with, to most of the Parliament anyway. And since the General was usually talking about his past, it was better if no one else heard about it, just in case.
"You must have thought it was a good idea at the time." he said with a small laugh. "Seriously, I never thought about it. You wanted to live. Even though it was a different sort of living you were offered. Sure, I notice you fidget a lot before drinking and really hate it afterwards. I also know that even though you personally hate doing it, your taste buds say otherwise."
"It reminds me of how great the kidney and steak pies tasted that my dad used to make for me. The flavor was so incredible. As was the chocolate I got as treats when he came home. Though it was mostly a romantic thing for mom, he always got me a small box too." she said remembering fond memories. "But I hate it. I hate the feeling it gives me and the taste, despite how much it does taste good."
"Don't dwell on it. I've heard Alucard, say things about forgetting about your humanity. That's what makes you very different from him and all those Freaks and quite a few other vampires I've encountered. You don't wants this." he said tapping the empty bag. "But, unlike Alucard and most other vampires who would love to have seconds plus a bigger main course."
"A buffet table." she said with a small laugh. He laughed lightly before continuing.
"Right, for you though, you only drink when you need it, like a moment ago. Kinda like a diabetic. Only take the insulin when needed. Whatever anyone says, don't loose that feeling you have. It's makes you different, better and special. Walter made mention the other day about how it is nice that you are different. Sometimes Alucard has up to five bags a day. For you, it's one if that sometimes. You control it, not it control you."
"That does make me feel better. You've been a huge help since you saved me." she said holding his hand. "I don't know what Master would have done by now."
"Probably forced you into drinking by orders."
"That's what I was worried about." she said, then paused a moment. "He offered me, my freedom."
"I know you didn't take it. I'm guessing because it would change you further."
"Your wife never made it that far did she?"
"No. Though we often wondered what would have happened. The undead horse was really weird. And very loyal to her. But she had me put it down because it reminded her too much of what she had to do. She never did bite anyone but me so we never really knew if she had a lot of power. And she didn't try to train in any of them like Alucard has, somewhat asked about you."
"I got my hand stuck in the wall once. Took awhile to get it out. Haven't really tried it since. I did learn the speed thing. Rather cool actually."
"I'm not as fast as Walter, well, at his current age I am faster now. I got enough that I can surprise opponents and people. Win the ten meter dash in record time."
She laughed as did he at the small joke.
"I haven't tried that one though. It is exhilarating though isn't it?"
"I don't even get tired. It's one of the few I have, mastered. The only reason I feel the need to learn is because I have to fight other vampires. I don't want what happened that time we met to happen again."
"No luck in shape changing then?"
"Why, looking to see my chest size bigger?" she asked seriously.
"What, no! I…" he said trying to come up with something quickly as she kept the serious face.
She burst out laughing so hard when she slapped the table it cracked.
"You are sneaky. Besides, breast never interested me much. Size or otherwise." he said crossing his arms with a fake indignant look.
"The look on your face was priceless though. I couldn't resist." she said wiping her eyes. "I know you have the purest intentions towards me, but I have noticed you look more at my face than anywhere else. Unless my back is turned and you're looking at my ass."
"I…." he began as she leaned back in the chair and crossed her arms. This look was not the previous one and he lowered his head in shame. "Yes, I admit it. It's hard not to sometimes. The skirt is so small, it takes everything I have not to fantasize about you."
"At least you don't grab it like others did in the past. And man enough to admit it."
"Your previous team mates? But I thought…"
"Not them." she said waving a hand. "We went clubbing sometimes or to bars. Only a couple of the guys ever got really drunk. I was always to young, though I got to taste a few different drinks. Didn't like them much. Anyway, they always got the jerks and jackasses away from me quickly, but sometimes a guy, got lucky. At least it was my ass instead of higher up. The point is, though I can tell you want to sleep with me, you're not trying to force the issue and willing to wait. Even if your mind and a certain other part are thinking ahead."
"I have to admit, the kiss the other night was really nice. I did not expect that so soon."
"I'm still trying to get more comfortable with the fact I have a boy friend. At least one that isn't trying to screw me as soon as he can."
"I, ahem, was under the impression you, didn't have one before."
"Ouch." she said insulted. "I have been on dates for your information. I had three boyfriends. Between the age of 15 and a couple months before the Cheddar mission. The last guy ended up being just about as bad as the other two. Though he seemed nice in the beginning."
"A lot more than I thought I would get. I have wondered why you haven't asked me about my past relationships." he said seeing her fidget.
"Master read your mind the first time you came here." she said awkwardly.
"That figures. Felt him creeping in there more than once. What'd he say?"
"You haven't been with anyone for longer than he has. Couple hundred years or something."
"Yeah. Been that long." he said nodding. "I got into a relationship with a, at the time, very nice woman. It wasn't until a month later that I found out she was trying to get hold of some priceless jewelry I had. I didn't let her know I knew, we went on a small trip, I left her with some money to get home after I left quickly. Note I left wasn't nasty, but honest. I packed what I wanted to keep and left quickly, never saw her again after that. Didn't have much trust in women for awhile and then one day realized how long it had been and decided to not bother until I found someone who, deserved my love and respect."
"Do you still have that jewelry then?"
"Oh yeah." he said nodding again. "Gold will keep for a long time. Silver too, but it tends to tarnish. But gold was much easier to get hold of back then, so Katerina wanted a gold ring for a wedding ring. Couldn't have silver."
"Obviously."
"No stones. Just her name engraved in the top with mine."
"How'd you get it back if….I'm sorry, this must bring back sad memories."
"She took it off every night. Yeah, she slept at night like me. But if she woke up and suddenly left, blood lust or something else, she didn't want to loose it. So she only wore it when she was awake."
"Wouldn't…." she asked slowly. "Your original name be on the ring then?"
"It is. But I never look at the ring anymore. After she died, I placed mine with hers and, never looked again." he said sadly as he looked away briefly. "Not close enough to read I mean. I always make sure they are there every so often. The other jewelry that lady tried to steal was gifts and other things from friends and royal people I got into the good graces of in other countries. I even fell into favor with one of the Emperors of Japan. Got a very special two handed katana made just for me, with my name on it. General I mean. Never used it though."
"You probably got a lot of favors you could call on, if it wasn't for the fact you're suppose to be dead."
"There's a lot of them I should have called in over the centuries. But, there's quite a few I could call in still. England keeps a really good track record of people, lots of notes and papers." he said seeing her eyebrows raise. "Essentially, I could go out, kill Integra, and call in a favor from the Queen. Though rather an old one, which is on the books, she would have to grant my pardon. I'd probably be exiled right afterward."
"I can't even begin to imagine what living that long and seeing all the things you've told me would be like. Being there with all the different famous people and gaining their respect and trust."
"You'll have the chance. But really, there hasn't been a lot of famous people I really saw other than seeing them. Only some that interested me was I able to actually talk to."
She snorted lightly.
"I'm not human. No one…"
"The world has changed greatly. You've got Walters and Integra's respect."
"And yours."
"You had that from day one. It takes time, but eventually, vampires living among people will become common knowledge instead of myth or folk tale. Unless they all get killed by the Vatican or Hellsing. I do promise to protect you until the day I finally loose my head. Anyway, it used to be very common knowledge and people freaked out, panicked about hearing about vampires nearby. Now days…"
"They'd still freak out."
"There's blood banks. Hell, most people might think, oh, you're one of those people who like to drink blood and have that occult thing going, or group, club. I'm willing to bet, we aren't going to try this though, but I'm willing to bet, we could go out, during the day."
"The day? In the sunlight?"
"You'd have to use some of those sun blocking items they have developed here. Or have a couple drinks on me."
"Ha, ha." she said dryly.
"Go out, into a well populated area, say a park or a fountain area. You could stand up, yell loudly to get everyone's attention and tell everyone what you were. Even show the eyes and teeth. You know what would happen?"
"Mass panic?" she said like he was stupid.
"Nothing. Maybe some laughs or people saying things about the club, group, occult thing. No one would really care. Even if you opened a bag of blood in front of people and drank. They might think you sick, but nothing otherwise. Not unless you started drinking off someone anyway. Most people might even think you're a crazy person. There is a few groups around town in London made up of people who wish they were vampires and drink blood. Integra keeps watch on them with one of the MI groups in case a vampire actually shows up. Now, we'll go a bit further on that idea I was saying. Say you're in, Time Square. Nice place to visit."
"New York?"
"Yes. You could stand in the middle of that, massive amount of people there. Do the same thing, but say you are on a podium instead. A few feet higher than everyone else to ensure a lot of people see you. Do the same thing, though also tell everyone that even though you are a vampire, you don't drink off people and buy it from blood banks. Stress that part heavily. Then have someone from the crowd, a few people, come up wearing silver, say rings. You show them that you are what you say because you burn your finger on that ring. Maybe even cut yourself and show it heal up after taking a drink, or not. Even have people feel for a pulse, hell the cold feeling you give off naturally would show many that you are…"
"A walking dead person."
"A crude way of putting it, but yeah. Most people will probably not do anything. They might want to take pictures, but a mirror will show that doesn't work. The times have changed a lot. Unless you went out and attacked someone, no one would do anything. On second thought, doing it in England would be a bad idea, Integra would come after you. Or send Alucard to see if you lost your mind or something."
"Hmm. It does make sense. I haven't spent much time out during the daylight, but what time I have, no one has noticed even when I have shown off my fangs."
"It's like aliens. They exist and most people believe it. But no one cares."
"You mentioned aliens once in a story. Did you ever actually meet one?"
"What's called the Roswell grays. But I meet him….um, what was his name?" he asked himself while snapping his fingers. "Um…Lori, Loney, Loopy? No, it was a Viking thing. Loki! Portrayed the Norse god of trickery and mischief. He was studying humans and I let him study me, in exchange for being able to talk to him and see a few things. That was a weird month. Been over a hundred years or so too. Haven't seen or heard from him since. Very scientific, but otherwise a nice guy. Didn't truly understand their species jokes though. He only got some of ours I told."
"What did you talk about?" she asked fascinated.
"About his species. Why he was on Earth. Some about his technology. I helped him the best I could, with what he taught me to help him. I can't recall the name of his species though, started with an A, I think. Someone is…." he said looking at the door.
"Walter is coming. It's open."
"Miss Victoria. How are you?"
"Doing fine. Is there a mission?"
"Yes. You are to both meet up with the unit outside."
They both got their things and left quickly. Integra allowed the General to take his own car, other than because a few of the troops made mention that they had trouble concentrating, but some of them didn't like vampires all that much. Working with her, no problem. Stuck in the back of a A.P.C. with her, not very appealing. Integra addressed Seras about it and she figured they would rather her be out of the A.P.C. because of the looks she gave some of them because of the way they looked at her, body parts. So Integra gave him the approval as long as he didn't try to do anything, with or without Seras, solo, without the troops also being there. Unless the unfortunate happened and they were the only ones left alive, they were to follow orders.
Seras personally liked it, mostly because she got tired of some of the men trying to steal glances up her skirt, or kept their eyes on her chest. She was a little surprised that Integra wasn't fazed by the fact of this happening after being question. But she was happy to get out of that cramped A.P.C. and she jumped at the chance to be able to ride with the General, literally. They both ended up on the ground, and she gave him a big kiss. Walter was thankfully the only one around that saw at the time. As much as the General wanted to go speeding past and get to the destination before the carriers in front of him, he had no idea where they were headed. Plus, Seras was driving as she had asked.
"Something wrong? I know there is some sunlight left, but I have the screens up…" he asked seeing her worried face.
"No. Something about that new commander bothers me." she said thinking while also loving the feel of power under her.
She instantly could notice the change when she had to shift to another gear. There was a power surge she felt through her entire body as the car sped forward. It was her first time driving a muscle car and a really great experience.
"In what way?" he asked more suspiciously than curious.
"Gave me a look. Somewhere between lust and, something else. It was the something else that bothered me though. Gotten used to be looked at lustfully. Can't help it with a chest this size."
"Ahem, could be he didn't like what you are. The sad fact about some people not accepting new ideas, and new people. Some of the troops don't like the fact the have to work with you and Alucard when their job is to kill your kind. Though Integra has dealt with that issue."
"I got a feeling it's something more though." she said worried. "Beyond prejudice. Not that I can blame them since vampires do have a bad rep."
"You're not reading his mind are you yet?"
"Tried with you many times. I don't even know where or how to start. Master is such as ass with helping." she said rolling her eyes.
"I think that is my fault. He tolerates and harasses the hell out of me. Maybe because Integra told him to. I mean about not helping you, perhaps."
"Possible. If I started being like Master, then she might have to seal me because I became to powerful."
"Katerina did try to learn to fly, at my request, but ultimately, she failed. I'm hoping you learn it."
"Why? So you can see up my skirt?" she asked with false serious tone.
"No!" he said as she laughed. "I'd like to see what it is like to fly. You learn it well enough, we could both go flying around and enjoy it together."
"It's suppose to be the guy carrying around the girl. Not the other way. I'm not Supergirl."
"You could almost be. I think it would be fun. Even if something happened where you lost control and we both fell, we'd still survive."
"I'll think about it. There is other ways…."
"I am not asking Alucard for a trip in the sky."
She laughed really hard at that mental image as he shook his head. They parked behind the A.P.C.'s and grabbed their things as the other men got into a line outside the building. It was now dark enough to not worry and the street lights were on so he dropped the screens on the car. Captain Ferguson did come as usual but left the new commander who just transferred in from the S.A.S in charge. Steadler, the new commander, glanced down at the line and noticed the two get in line, well she did. The General leaned against the A.P.C. with his arms crossed. He didn't like the fact the man had, free rain, to a point such as not standing at attention. He was to follow orders, but he was not an official soldier of Hellsing, though he did have a removable patch on his shoulder. The man commented slash grumbled to Ferguson that he wasn't comfortable with hired mercenaries. Ferguson told him the man was not being paid much less a mercenary for Hellsing, but an old family friend who came back to help. That information shocked him but he didn't say anything more or ask about it further. He also heard that the vampire girl and this guy was a couple of some sort. It must be true because she didn't come in the carrier with the rest of the troops a she had some small smile on her face as she kept glancing at the General. He was, satisfied to see that despite the small smile and her mind being elsewhere, she was standing at attention with her weapon ready.
Back at the mansion, Integra was talking to Ferguson about the new commander before he left with them. They prayed briefly and then she went to Walter, who was several feet away at a computer in the library where he was showing her something called a snuff film. There was a eerie music playing as the site loaded. He put in a password and then a small screen came up in the middle showing some man, probably in a dark warehouse. Hard to tell really since the light was only centered on him from above and the background was all dark, a few boxes here and there. He just stood there until a few bullets ripped through the front of his body and then he fell forward dead. Integra had heard of the films before and was wondering why the info was so important.
He quickly brought up the other film clip which was of the attack in the hospital. It mostly showed Gareth getting knocked aside, with a close up on his Hellsing coat of arms insignia. Plus the death of his men before that and cut scenes of the fight with Alucard and the Paladin, but it only showed Alexander fighting a moving gun. Alexander's face was not shown nor was the Generals even after a blade entered his head, though the Hellsing coat of arms in his shoulder was shown. The film was only three minutes, if that and when Integra asked who, where and when, Walter had no idea who was behind it, where it was filmed from, as to where the actual film was taking place on the net, or when it started on the net. He did say that he'd get the media people on it to kill the story right away. Integra agreed quickly, saying they had to keep Hellsing's true intentions secret from the innocent masses.
Ferguson was standing in front of them all telling them to go in, do their jobs and get out in fifteen. He only glanced at Steadler when the man told them to do the job in ten minutes instead. All the men started in quickly after a quick salute.
"Good luck General."
"I don't need luck Peter, but thank you anyway." he said with a appreciative nod.
"Victoria. Hiding at the end of the line are we?" Steadler asked.
"No sir. I was there because I got in line last." she said feeling creeped out by his looking.
"Something wrong?" the General asked innocently, at least it sounded that way to Steadler.
To her, she heard the malice intent if the man tried anything. She wasn't going to admit it, but it did feel nice someone was looking after her, in a more personal way.
"No. He was giving me orders."
"Take down that door." he said pointing inside as he exchanged his multi round grenade launcher for her sniper like assault weapon.
"General, provide back up the best you can and keep a watch on the men. Only use the sword if you are sure that none of my men will be in the way."
"Yes sir." he said nodding with a two finger salute.
They entered with him pulling his guns, twirling them every so often. They met up with the other troops near the door that Steadler wanted down moments later. The men got against the wall and put their mask on as the General glanced around. They handed him one as she started to put one on.
"Thanks, but I don't need it. Why are you putting one on?" he asked very quietly.
"To avoid…." she said in the same low voice.
"You don't actually breath. Unless there is silver particles in the air, highly unlikely…"
"Oh, right." she said giving it back. "I'll take a look…"
"I'll look. Safer that way."
"As much as I appreciate the gesture, I don't need protection." she said hearing a few men laugh lightly.
"And if you get shot?" he said making a drinking gesture.
Her eyes narrowed slightly and then she nodded her head at the door as she lifted her weapon at ready. He opened the door slowly while peeking inside and then suddenly sneezed.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Dust. And a dying guard." he said blowing the head off.
"It was a mercy killing." she said turning to them as they murmured between themselves. "Otherwise he would have became a ghoul soon and then attacked us."
A few of them nodded in understanding as they remembered their training and lectures.
"We may come across others like this. If you're not sure about someone you see, ask one of us." the General said.
"We'll take the lead." she said as they left.
Integra had left, going back to her office though Walter stopped her and called her back as she crested the top of the stairs. There was a new snuff film going on, a very familiar one, where it showed the current mission that Hellsing was on, live. One scene showed a few soldiers shooting a bunch of ghouls in a hallway. Ferguson was outside hearing the gun shots inside when a solider in the A.P.C. called him over to talk to Walter. He listened in slight shock and then reported to the news to Steadler quickly. Integra was thoroughly pissed off and headed to their location shortly after telling Walter to call Ferguson. The biggest problem was the news was broadcasting the attack live and saying it was armed soldiers attacking private citizens. A certain familiar blonde was doing the reporting from the news studio.
They ended up on the second level and another room full of dead people. She showed her light around and noticed words on the wall. Plus dead bodies on the ground that the General shot all in the head to be safe.
"This is a mess." one of the men said.
"Welcome to the world of the living dead. This isn't like the movies. Well, some of the movies Hollywood has been putting out is rather close…" the General was saying when Seras noticed a hole in the ceiling.
Another ghoul dropped upside down through the hole and shot a semi auto assault rifle. The men backed up quickly as a few rounds hit the floor near them. She was only protected because the General was in front of her, well, enough that she wasn't hit. He was however, by almost all the rounds, though it was hard to tell since he didn't move. She rolled off to the left as the ghoul started to aim more accurately. The grenade round impacted on the ghoul easily and blew him apart, scattering dust everywhere.
"Are you okay General?" one of the men asked as he was waving dust away from his face with one hand.
"Just fine." he said rubbing his backside with the other. "Damn ghoul shot ass. Coat held, but it still hurts."
Seras barely kept from laughing as did the men. Though some of the soldiers didn't know a lot about the General, everyone at the mansion knew his coat was bullet proof. Alucard shot him the back once to see how bullet proof. Needless to say, the General was not amused at being slammed into the floor. Only because Integra told him not to do anything was why he didn't shoot Alucard back and chase him around the house for revenge.
"Nice shot by the way. But you didn't get them all." he said as they heard some movement above them.
"You want me to bring the ceiling down on us? Don't answer that." she said grabbing the small com on her ear. "Our target is entrenched on the third floor."
"Don't worry, I'm on it." they heard Steadler say on the coms.
A few seconds later they heard several burst of ammo followed by the sound of a body falling and more dust dropping down the hole.
"Victoria, we need you to do a bit of rat catching." Ferguson said over the line.
"What?" she said as he gave her orders.
Integra showed up outside and was informed by Ferguson of what was currently going on. Inside, the two were going very slowly down a hallway, keeping watch for anything and anyone. It didn't take them long to get the basement area and find the person who was filming what was happening for the news crew. After quickly bursting through the door, they found him on the floor, crying, with a computer linked up to several cameras in the building.
"This isn't good. Especially for you." the General said after they called people to come in and deal with the, crying idiot.
"Why? I don't come out on film." she said.
"It wasn't you personally. He was spying on Hellsing for a reason, why I don't know. Good thing you don't show up on the cameras. From some of these angels, he would have seen right up your skirt."
"Humph." she muttered crossing her arms. "A good point for the side of being a vampire."
Troops arrived and took him away to the actual police as Integra was standing outside watching the man taken away as the two walked out of the building. Seras was angry at being watched even though she didn't appear on the cameras, and about something else.
"Captain Steadler." she said sternly.
"What?" he asked not turning to her.
"How did you know the enemy was on the third floor?" she asked harshly. "And why did you not share this with the forward unit?"
"Integra wants you General." he said turning around slowly.
He looked over seeing she did glance his direction and took off.
"You think you're just the hot inhuman shit, don't you? I don't care who you are or who he is. Superior officers don't have to share everything with their subordinates. I'm in charge and that's all you need to know." he said leaning close to her face. She looked away a moment and he grabbed her face pulling it back to his. "Once you're done fucking him, why don't you come see me…"
The grenade launcher's handle, trigger and trigger guard were crushed so hard and fast just about everyone heard it. Since the safety was on, it didn't fire, not that it was ever going to now. She wanted to kill this man, though she wasn't sure if it was her or her vampire side but she did know she didn't want to drink him dead, or at all. Her barely hidden growl of contempt and anger went away rather quickly as she noticed her, superior by rank only, Captain was on the ground a few feet away suddenly.
"I hear anything like that again or so much as see you look at her wrong again, I will personally put you down!" the General shouted as he pointed a finger.
Several troops grabbed the General quickly as Steadler got up holding his badly bleeding lip. Just about everyone, more so the five men holding him, were surprised when he knocked them all off and knocked two of them out in the process. Integra waved them to lower their weapons as she walked up.
"I hope you have a very good explanation for what you just did General." she asked with anger in her voice.
Ferguson quickly had the rest of the men pack up and get ready to leave as he walked up.
"Seras, I heard what he said. All of it."
"Captain Steadler?" Ferguson asked after she repeated it, word for word.
"I was kidding about the last part sirs. It was a terrible joke. I'm sorry, it won't happen again." he said solemnly while still holding his lip.
"We will talk later Captain." Integra said barely keeping her rage checked.
Ferguson took Steadler away, also coming down on him in the process.
"General, the proper procedure would have been to inform me what you heard. I would assume you would have done so anyway Miss Victoria?"
"I'm, not sure. In my past, this has happened before. Though by drunks. I probably would have brushed it off like I had in my past."
"Why?" Integra asked.
"It's his word against mine. I'm not human and he could say I tried to attack him or something even worse. You wanted the General so I had no alibi." she said looking more at the ground than anything else. "I didn't even think the General heard any of it anyway."
"You forget that Alucard can read minds Miss Victoria." she said crossed. "And I did not want the General."
"Steadler lied to get me away. Figures. As for Alucard, he isn't much help in anything with her." the General grumbled. "And he is still harassing me."
"I've noticed on both accounts. I'm guessing you don't want his help otherwise you would be asking him or me to get that help Miss Victoria. That being the case, unless you really want his help, I will not order him to do so."
"I'm not ready." she said quietly while looking away. "I'm still getting used to being this way. Some day's, it's hard to handle the cravings. I want to learn better control of that first sir."
"Very well. I am glad to hear you are at least drinking. That much, I can live with." she said uncrossing her arms and lowering her voice. "Personally, I find it very relaxing that I have a kind, considerate, caring, more obedient and un-evil vampire not only working for us, but also around. You have turned out to be quite the opposite of what I expected. But you two never heard that, understood?"
"Crystal." the two said quickly.
"Very good. If there is another incident, involving words, come to me. Do not engage in violence. Self defense for you isn't a problem. And as for your problem with Alucard, do you want me to have him stop?"
"He says it is for my own good. Keeping me on my toes sort of thing." he muttered as he crossed his arms. "Unless he starts shooting me again, you don't have to bother Sir Integra."
Seras understood that last bit of information to her very well. Unless she was badly injured, near death or incapacitated in some way that she couldn't get loose, no man was going to over power her. No human anyway. If it really was bad and she couldn't defend herself, all she had to do was call out for her Master.
"We're going home." she said yelling to Ferguson as she turned from the other two.
The man behind the camera, known only as Flesh, was not very forthcoming with info. He was even, interrogated, with some forms of torture. Walter had the General come in and see if he could try anything. Though he tried to back out saying it was never his field, but he did have some ideas he learned about, one of which, in particular did work. Unfortunately, even though he was threatened with getting very small, hot and very thin needles inserted into his balls until he talked, he didn't know anything. He was just a small time mover and shaker on the net, providing people with what they wanted to see and hear since snuff films were really popular in the underground. Even with the computer hacking skills that both Walter and the General had, they didn't find much on the hard drives the man had to indicate who he was working for. The General was sure there was no ulterior motive other than to make lots of money off such sick films. Beyond that, he didn't think much on it. Though Walter and Integra was sure the mission was a set up for the broadcast.
The next day was rather uneventful, no mission was ahead for the night as far as Walter could tell, though a Freak could show up at any moment. Despite being during the day, Integra did allow Seras to leave and look around in town. Unlike Alucard, she could blend in well. Not to mention, she was a far cry from anything Alucard was. She'd rather burn in the sun than drink from someone, even a certain willing someone. Just in case, there was a couple of blood bags in a cooler behind her seat in the General Lee. They both went to town together after she told him she wanted to see something. He was wearing his coat like always and the only time he wasn't wearing it she had noticed was when they were together talking at night. Otherwise, he had it with him anywhere else around the house. A white suit was under that, which, she also noticed, all his suits were three piece types.
She had on white jeans, a black T-shirt and a black vest. Plus a thin black choker to hide the small bite marks on her neck. She did have a hat on, one that reminded the General of the French because of its style. The word being did have it on until he said it didn't look good on her. There was plans of shopping, buying a few movies to watch together, maybe books since she had always liked when her father or mother read to her and he said he would if she wanted it. But their first stop was the building they went to last night because she wanted to check on something. They parked in an alley way nearby and went in.
"Not that I mind, but why are we here?"
"I want to see the third floor. Where the target was."
"Ah, still a police officer at heart." he said patting her back.
"Sort of. Something about the mission bothers me."
"It was rather easy, too easy. Years from now, even if it is a hundred or more, you'll look back on this one and be glad it was easy."
"Because there is bound to be worse to come?"
"Unfortunately. I had a few, we'll say Black Ops missions that went all according to plan and some that blew up in our face before it they even started."
The bottom of the door looked blown off and it was holding on by the top hinge only. There was a made bed in the far left corner, to the right of that was a old love seat. The large hole in the middle of the floor and boarded up windows with some sunlight getting through, but not much. A desk was off to the left by the door with a radiator heater by the wall to their right.
"This doesn't look right at all does it?"
"It's been a long time since I was in, law enforcement. Always wanted to be a detective, but didn't want a lot of publicity. But you're right, what sort of vampire would live here? Doesn't matter how messed up, no vampire would live like this. And this isn't one of the run down areas of town either."
"Right." she said looking down the hole. "I see something."
"See what?" he said getting down and looking. "I don't see anything."
She backed up slightly and turned his head to the left with one hand.
"Do you now?"
"There's a camera under the bed? Interesting. Wait a minute…" he said rolling over quickly and pulling a gun.
"We're not the enemy." one of the two men said holding their hands up. "Since when did the Hellsing Organization has an investigations division?"
"Oh, rather recently." the General said as the two got up, but he left his gun on the two men. "It was our mission to stop the vampire so we should also look into why this vampire was in this particular dump. Not a place one should be."
"I don't know who you two are, but Hellsing doesn't have a investigation department." the man said lowering his arms. "You lot handle infiltration."
"Get those back up…"
"And how do we get them down?"
"Who are you would help."
"MI-5." the man said and then slowly pulled out his badge.
"Okay." he said putting the gun away slowly. "I thought you guys were rather quick on the job. Must be a hectic day."
"Why don't you two leave and let us do the jobs we are trained in, all right?"
"This camera must have been placed here rather recently. The duct tape is still practically new. The informant must have already known about the vampire." she said pointing.
"Young miss, it is also our job to evaluate any evidence." the mans said sternly.
"Now I know why I wanted to get into law enforcement again and avoided it. To learn what the hell it was that people like you were hiding. I didn't join because I knew I'd have to keep my mouth shut about it."
"That's right. If you two would please leave kindly. Before I have to make any calls." he said pulling a cell phone out.
"Let's go miss. We wouldn't want to keep these gentlemen from performing their jobs." he said very sarcastically as he linked his arm with hers and walked out.
Once outside they headed for the car.
"What irresponsible idiots!" she exclaimed. "You offer advice and points of view that make total sense and they brush it off!"
"This gives me an idea. One Integra might like." he said as they got in.
"What sort of idea?" she said starting the car.
"What if, there was a investigation division."
"Walter does that, somewhat."
"No, seriously. You were a cop." he said as they took off. "You know a lot about investigating. I've got, some training in it. I quit the law business when more paperwork became standard. It was fun being a Texas ranger, riding around on horses and catching bad guys. Though I do not miss the saddle sore balls that came with."
She couldn't help but laugh at the last part as he continued.
"As the old west or cowboy age was turning to the technology age, I got out and went onto other things. Now, I can usually spot things rather well. I learned how to be a ninja once and even a samurai. Back there, I did notice some other hidden cameras in the walls today that I didn't see during the mission. Between the two of us, we could pull it off."
"Sounds like an idea that would work. If Sir Integra approves. You certainly have the resources which might win her over. We still don't know who's making all these Freak chips. Wait a minute…I just realized something about that room. The informant must have known Steadler since he knew the target was on the third floor."
"That would explain, other than his rude suggestions, why he made those other comments about him being in charge and stuff last night after what you said to him."
"He could be a spy. But I can't think of for who." she muttered. "And I doubt it is those people in Rome."
"Same here. So, where to next?"
They did go shopping for an hour. Well, she did the clothes shopping since he didn't find anything of real relevance to buy for himself. After calling Walter, they learned what they needed and looked around, and eventually, she found who she was looking for at a bar. At the other end, a particularly familiar man sat watching a soccer game while drinking a beer while they sat at the other end near the door. She kept stealing glances at him waiting to see what he was going to do and when he was going to leave.
"You keep looking, he's going to either think you're watching him for the wrong reason or for the other wrong reason and make me jealous." the General muttered quietly as the bartender walked up.
"Jealous?" she said suddenly laughing. "That jackass. Not if he was the last man in the universe. I'd rather burn."
"Glad to see you are having a good time miss. Can I get you anything?"
"Um, just a tomato juice please." she said noticing the man did look their direction, but she made sure not to look his way.
"And you sir? Beer perhaps?"
"Thanks, but no. Any pop perhaps? I can't drink alcohol."
"We have a variety of pops sir."
"Root beer?"
He nodded grabbing one from under the counter in fridge.
"Glass?"
"No thanks."
He set the bottle down along with the juice.
"What's wrong?" he asked seeing her look at the drink.
"Guess?" she said sarcastically.
"Um, the drink looks like something you hate to drink." he said very softly.
"Wow, you caught on quickly." she said sarcastically.
"You ordered it."
"Bloody stupid thing to do to." she muttered taking a drink anyway.
"What happens to you when you drink alcohol?"
"I don't know. I haven't drank enough to find out. When I turned 19, the guys got me a beer, just one to celebrate. They also told me don't get used to it. I didn't like it much and didn't finish it. Why?"
"Just curious."
"What did your wife do?"
"That obvious huh? Well.." he said quietly. "She was a, stripper. But only when drunk. Half a bottle of wine is all it took. Rather surprising at first. I didn't think, vampires could drink anything other than, blood at the time. At least she didn't mind it when I intentionally got her drunk, usually for the show and what came afterward."
"If it wasn't for you talking about your former wife, I'd say your mind was in the gutter a lot."
"In my opinion, once married, the mind can stay in the gutter, as long as it's thinking about that person you married. Though I tend to not remember those moments or any others as much as possible. On the bright side for you, if you do drink a lot, there is no hang over. She always remembered everything too." he said draining his bottle. "Few times I did drink with her, I don't remember much."
"Hmm. There was a few drinks I wanted to try. The guys said they were going to treat me to a few once I turned 21. Not going to do that physically now. But as you said, if I don't get the hanger over…"
"Not to mention the fact of no health problems if you binge drink." he muttered even quieter.
"Yeah. Did it also make her sleepy afterward?"
"Um…" he said blushing slightly as he pulled several pounds and set them on the counter. "Do you want me to answer that?"
"Let me guess, that old saying about going at it like weasels?" she asked awkwardly.
"The feeling, was extremely more intense for both of us, when she also drank from me." he said so quietly that only she heard because of her superior hearing. "I wonder if I have the stamina to go two hours straight again?"
That made her choke a moment.
"You asked." he said lightly slapping her back with a laugh.
"I think that was more than I wanted to know."
"Gotta learn sometime. Got a lot of stories and eventually, even my embarrassing ones will come up." he said with a laugh. "You do know...."
"Not funny. Yes I know what sex is. I'm not that out of the loop."
"That was a joke."
"Not a very good one." she said glancing over and seeing Steadler still watching the TV. "Hey, do you like sports?"
"No. Waste of time in my opinion. I did try out for professional baseball once. Quit because I lost a lot of my free time." he said before taking a drink. "I did like watching the race cars drive around in America back when they used cars you can find on the road. Not these NASCAR cars. Got speed but shred like paper on a dime. Besides the fact they don't look cool anymore."
"You must have been in those races."
"Quite a few of them back when racing started in the 30's and for a few decades. I did run moonshine for awhile too. Even learned how to make some myself. I was passed out for the rest of the day after tasting my first batch, didn't touch it after that. The alcohol content was over 200%. Practically jet fuel." he said taking another drink.
"So, when did you quit racing?"
"For awhile, I continued to drive. Then I learned about the 69 Dodge Charger. The car I had was black with the number 25 on the side at the time. I won many races and still have my trophies. God I miss those days." he said with a happy sigh. "Then one day I saw that TV show, the Dukes of Hazzard and that's why I have the car I have with the current number and such. Several rebuilds, but still going strong. I don't plan on ever getting rid of him either."
"And the reason you quit was because the cars became what NASCAR is now?"
"Yep." he said nodding. "The General Lee is much better looking than any of those cars. I have been thinking about doing an A.I. system for him lately."
"Huh? A.I.?"
"I'll explain later. Too many people around." he muttered.
"How many cars do you have?"
"A dozen or so. All in Colorado. You need a car too, something exciting. When you think of one you might like, let me know. I'll buy it for ya."
"What if I want a truck?"
"How about Big Foot?"
"That monster truck?" she said laughing with him. "I don't think Sir Integra would like that on the property."
"I don't think so either. Maybe I should have one brought in just to see the look on her face."
The two laughed thinking about how she might react and then laughed about how Walter would also possibly react.
"Can I get you two anything else?"
"No thanks. You can keep the change." the General said pointing at the pounds.
"Thank you sir. If you need anything else, just call." he said taking the pounds and walking away.
"This all, reminds me of all the times with my former team mates. Though those times were less personal." she said sadly. "I know you're not trying to fill the void either."
"Did any of them care like I do?"
"Well, Jack sort of did. But in some ways, he was more like a father figure sometimes." she said finishing her drink. "When is…."
"Now I think." he muttered as they saw some blonde woman come over to him from a door that lead into the basement of the bar.
They talked a moment and then left the bar together.
"She looked familiar." Seras muttered as they left. "I've seen her recently."
"No one I know."
The two followed along shortly after, keeping to the shadows rather well. Steadler and the girl went into an old building that had a deep basement, then went behind a one way mirror and started a couple cameras. There was some Scottish guy sitting in a chair that was apparently promised to get a very extreme high, thinking it was a drug. A vampire, that looked more like an actual monster with all his sharp teeth and gray skin came out and was about to rip into the mans neck. The General had his guns out and was about to move forward when the camera suddenly shut off and Seras stopped him. Alucard entered the room, completely spread eagle across the ceiling with a very creepy smile on his face.
"What exactly is amusing about exposing your filthy face to the world?" he asked after landing softly.
"Who the fuck are you?" the vampire demanded while still holding the man's neck exposed.
"Does having an audience for your sins make you feel special? Does it make you proud?"
"I'm sorry. What's is this, hey? Are you lads going to fight?" the man asked. "I'll just go.."
The vampire lifted him up and tossed him into the wall, head first. Blood splattered across it along with brain matter as he slid down. Seras cringed at the sight but didn't say anything.
"Now look what you've done. You've gone and killed your co-star."
"Bastard! You fucking talk to much!" he said pulling a black .357 from behind his back.
"I can only pity such a vampire. A titan reduced to a puppet just to give humans a good show."
Two rounds went through Alucard, only making him jerk slightly.
"Well, it also seems I am in the service of humans as well." Alucard said pulling his gun. "That's something, we had in common."
The bullet ripped through the guys head and he turned to dust before he hit the ground. The window behind him shattered showing three people, Steadler, the dead guy and a particular blonde woman. Seras realized who she was quickly as she saw her face more clearly. It was the woman she was suppose to save from a vampire attack on her first night with Captain Ferguson. Only she didn't fire and Captain Gareth did it. This was also the news woman who was reporting on the mission they did the other night.
"I…we're just observing the situation." she said quickly as Steadler pulled a gun out.
"It's the Hellsing Organizations vampire." Steadler said with distain.
"Why did you need to witness this?" Alucard asked as he aimed for them. "I will never understand humans."
"Wait! Please don't…" she began when a shot rang out.
She screamed and felt herself only to notice a couple seconds later that Steadler was holding his bleeding hand. Alucard was actually surprised when his fledgling and the General walked out, one gun smoking. Her gun was still in her belt even though her hand was on the holster.
"Master, these people need to be judged and punished by man's law, not ours."
"Not this guy though." the General growled as he grabbed Steadler and pulled him through the window.
"Wait….you can't do this!" he said holding his hands out in a surrender gesture.
"Who's going to stop me?" the General yelled tossing him on the floor roughly and putting the gun to his forehead. "I can tell Alucard is waiting for me to do it. And after what you said to Seras, I doubt she cares either. And that girl in the booth doesn't count."
"Wait General." she said putting a hand on his arm.
"See, she does care." Steadler whimpered.
"I get to shoot him." she said pulling her gun.
"Please do Police Girl." Alucard said with a chuckle as she pulled back the hammer.
"Neither of you will be shooting anyone. Stand down. We'll take it from here."
They turned seeing Ferguson standing behind them. They put their weapons away as Ferguson walked up and after dragging the man to his feet, handcuffed him.
"Don't you get sick of it? You risk your life for this country and this organization hides it and treats you like you don't even exist…."
"And this guy was suppose to come with good credentials?" the General asked as Integra also walked in. "Hello Sir Integra."
She nodded to the two of them.
"Unfortunately, I overestimated his character." Ferguson said. "I should have realized it after last nights incident."
Integra nodded to Ferguson as he walked out with the man. The female continued to watch them as Integra walked over.
"Were you really planning on shooting him Miss Victoria?" Integra asked.
"I wanted to. But no." she said shaking her head slightly. "I was hoping he'd pass out or start talking. Failing that, I'd knock him unconscious and call you. Unless he really tried something and I had to kill him to defend myself."
"At least you didn't answer with sucking him dry."
"Ugh!" she said with a disgusted look. "Not even to save my life. I don't want his sick thoughts in my head."
"I…just can't believe what I have seen. I have a journalistic obligation to show the world." the blonde lady stated.
The General laughed and then shook his head.
"Those reporters at Roswell said the same thing. Alien life does exist, I just agree with the governments that it should be keep a secret. Too many wacko's out there that have or think they have been abducted. Though I agree that the existence of vampires should be revealed to some people. This is just not the way lady. You were just portraying them as the fairy tales and myths say. Not all vampires are evil blood suckers. Most just don't know how to live any other way."
"Aliens exist?" she muttered. "That's an even more important story than the existence of vampires. My career would go beyond anything I ever dreamed!"
"What do we do with her?" Alucard asked as the General slapped his forehead and muttered something unintelligible.
"Do you feel any remorse? No guilt from watching?" Integra asked.
"None. What I do is for the people. They deserve to know what is really going on out there." she stated forcefully.
"Man's law is beyond the severity of her crimes." Integra said as the lady went stiff from fear.
"If she is beyond mans judgment, mans law, then I guess it is up to me." Alucard said now standing behind the woman.
The General knew what was going to happen and noticed Seras knew it as well. Her vampire side showed up quickly, her fangs grew slightly and her eyes changed. For a brief moment, he thought she was going to ask to join him. And if she did, Alucard would probably let her. Even Integra noticed the change out of the corner of her eye.
"What?" the news lady asked in fear and confusion.
"That's my cue to leave." the General said after picking the .357 up and heading for the door.
"You're not going to stay?" Integra said.
"Not unless ordered."
"This, coming from a man, who married a vampire and let her drink his blood." Integra said not noticing the reaction from the scared reporter. The reaction of her hearing about another great story despite her predicament.
"Being drank from and watching it are two different things Sir Integra." he said with a hint of visible anger. "Steadler I could understand better. He would deserve it. With Alucards powers, he should be able to just mess with her mind."
"Only those with a weak mind does that power work on. Many people have much stronger minds in this era." Alucard said with a small smile as he held the girl.
"Anyway, unless you need me Sir Integra, I'm going home."
"You two are done for the day. Good work." she said turning back with her arms crossed. "Finish it Alucard."
"With pleasure." he said with a gleeful smile.
"What? Wait…" she began as he leaned closer.
The General motioned for Seras to follow and for a moment, she looked like she was going to stay, but ended up following him out.
"Are you still going to offer yourself?" she asked as they got in the car.
"Like every night? No. Don't have to anymore. Wait, do you need a drink?"
"The craving is really strong right now." she said trying to ignore it.
"Must be his influence. I saw the effect it had on you when you realized how she was going to be punished. Well, I can pull over if you need it that bad. I'll just sleep it off and you can drive home. I had more chocolate earlier so I should be rather sweet."
For a moment, she looked ready to take the offer as her fangs showed and her eyes changed again. She started to lean forward as he gently rubbed her hand.
"No. I can't." she said turning away to look out the window. "I'll wait till we get home and have a bag."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Then we need something to talk about to help pass the time."
"Why do you mean by don't have to anymore? Did Master drop the threat?"
"Alucard can't do anything because Integra over rode him. He wasn't all that happy about it, but in some ways, he doesn't care. Integra thinks I am a great help and influence on you."
"In what way?" she asked skeptically.
"The way she put it, I'm helping you keep your humanity. Alucard would probably have the reverse effect. Bad enough she has to deal with him. Rather not have to deal with you having blood lust cravings as well. Plus the attitude he gives her is pretty disrespectful sometimes where you give her respect. Another way of putting it, say you get your freedom from him. Like right now, hypothetically. Now you can do anything you want without his permission. Technically, you wouldn't even be bound to have to stay at Hellsing anymore either. You're really only here because you need the job and you are still under him. Anyway, say years later or maybe even now, Integra unfortunately dies, heart attack or an actual attack that from whoever. Alucard is free, no more seals, he can go anywhere, do anything. You would also be free since there wouldn't be a Hellsing Organization anymore. The blood bank already knows why Hellsing gets the blood, so you would be able to get some job, something at night obviously and live in the community with everyone else. No one ever need to know what you are unless you told them. Alucard, couldn't blend in anywhere. Not even those occults back in America , sticks out to much and his dark aura radiates almost visibly."
"I see what you mean." she said grabbing his free hand. "You've given me so much, in the way of help and other ways. And I haven't done anything back."
"Trust me, your company is everything right now. I haven't been this close to any woman in a long time. Anything else that comes from you, I can wait."
"I sometimes wonder if you are to good to be true." she said with a small laugh.
Once back home, she showered and changed into blue pajamas. But after drinking the blood, and rather quickly. She did her best to ignore the fact her body craved more and eventually it went away. The two watched a movie in his room, though she got tired quickly and fell asleep on him. Though they had the different protections for her to be able to walk in the sunlight, for brief periods of time, it did take a slow toll on the body. Which was one of the reasons she was currently so tired. If it wasn't for the fact he couldn't take a picture, he would have. Walter gave him a certain sly look as he was carrying her back to her room. The only problem, other than the look he was getting from Walter, she was dead weight, literally.
"She fell asleep during a movie Walter, nothing more. Get that look off your face." he said coming down the stairs.
"Can I believe that old man?" he asked with a chuckle.
"Trust me, you'll know when she finally decides to go that far." he said walking down to the basement.
"I only hope it happens in my lifetime."
The General almost dropped her from laughing so hard. She was so, dead to the world, she didn't even notice. Though she was surprised later when she woke up the next day that she was in her bed instead of next to him, where she secretly wanted to be.