Chapter 9: The Calm Before the Storm
The painful tale was told.
Hans laid it all out for his sister as they sat next to each other in one of the museum's benches; watched over by the works of Gauguin. He told of his capture by Millennium, his forced growth into a man, his enslavement, and his murder of their mother. He told her the truth, there was no point in lying. He knew that this could have dire consequences, but he needed Maria to understand the truth. He needed her to know it all. He knew that this could cost him her love and whatever family bonds that still existed between them. After all, how could she not hate him for what he had done? He had choked the life out of their mother.
Imagine his surprise when Maria flung his arms around him and cried into his shoulder. "You poor little kleiner junge." She said softly too him. "Oh my poor little brother." She said, tears in her eyes. "Vhat have ze done to you?"
Hans was astounded by this. Never did he imagine that his sister would find him blameless for the death of their mother, let alone pity him. It was incredible! Hans may have been under Millennium's control, but it was still him who had choked the life out of her, his hands that had strangled her. It may have been the Major pulling the trigger, but it was still him doing the killing. "Maria, you do not blame me?" he asked in a perplexed tone.
Maria pulled back and softly whacked him upside the head. "Of course I do not you silly dummkopf!" she said in a half sympathetic, half playful tone that was colored with grief. "Vhy vould I blame you? It vas zat schwein of a Major zat killed her, not you little brother. Blaming you vould be as stupid as blaming a gun or a knife." She said with a slight smile as the silent tears continued to fall from her face.
Hans immediately felt guilty. Here he was feeling sorry for himself and he never thought to extend his comfort to his sister. He had assumed that she would be so angry at him she would reject any attempt at comfort so he had made none. And yet here she was, having learned so recently that her mother was dead and she was comforting him, who had known for years. The rush of guilt was sharp and fierce and he hoped to remedy it. Awkwardly, he put his arm around his sister who gratefully accepted the hug from her giant of a brother. "Do not blame yourself my little brother. It iz ze Major's fault und no one else's." she said, returning the hug.
They remained like that for a moment, silently exchanging comfort to each other, a support for one another. They finally broke apart when an inhuman and very familiar chuckling came from the wall to the right of them.
"My, my. Isn't this simply the most touching thing to be seen?" said the mocking baritone of the No Life King as he strode from the wall. The two broke apart to look at the vampire; Maria with surprise and Hans with disgust and anger. The vampire turned his sinister smile onto them. "I may just shed a tear, poor little dears." Snickered the vampire.
"Vhat do you vant Alucard?" Said Hans in a low tone, standing and facing the vampire. "Did Integra send you?"
Maria blanched. "Z-zis iz ZE Alucard!" cried the German nun in surprise, a note of fear in her voice. Anderson had told her about the infamous vampire before, but by his descriptions she had expected devil horns and a pitchfork. But she had to admit that her Paladin friend had been right on one thing, Alucard was intimidating. The colors he wore, the deranged smile, the look in his red eyes, all of it gave an impression of fear and intimidation. Plus, there was a certain feel about him, a darkness that pervaded everything around him, like a virus.
"Aye little girl, I am indeed the infamous Alucard that I am sure the Judas Priest has spoken of so much." Said Alucard with his trademark smirk. "Though I doubt I look like Satan incarnate as he has said." Said the vampire. Alucard turned back to Hans. "And as for you, werewolf, Master has summoned you and your sister back to the manor. The time has come to take the fight to Millennium." Said the No Life King with a smirk.
In an instant Hans's face twisted into an animal smirk, every bit as vicious as the vampire before him. Finally, finally he could take the fight back to the monsters who wanted to cause so much pain and suffering. He would make the Major suffer a thousand deaths for his crimes, he would rip the Dok apart limb from limb and make them feel the ultimate despair. Finally his mother would be able to rest in peace as he sent their murderers after them to be her slaves. The Captain was returning to Millennium, this time with the vendetta to end all vendettas.
He didn't even notice his sister staring at him with an expression that looked like horror, the same one she looked at Alucard with. The look of staring at a monster.
Integra sat at her desk in the Hellsing Manor, twirling a cigar in her fingers. Before her were her greatest assets, her subordinates, her knights. Hans and Seras stood at rapt military attention, remnants of their training as a soldier and a police officer respectfully. Walter slouched in a chair, smoking a cigarette. He let out a puff of smoke inhaling the tobacco. He was enjoying being young again, but Integra made a mental note to herself to beat some discipline into him. Why did he have to turn into a douchebag teenager again? Why?!
Maria, Hellsing's newest occupant lurked shyly by her brother, looking out of place in her habit and the docile look on her face. Integra was a bit skeptical about having a nun on her property, and there was the possibility that she was an Iscariot spy. She would have to keep the werewolf girl close, just to be safe. Hans would probably rip her head off if she hurt Maria, but if all went well that wouldn't be a necessity. Plus, she could take the werewolf in her own opinion.
The new head of security, Pip Bernadotte, was lounging in one of her chairs, alternating between lazy glances at the different people around him, save Hans who he ignored. Frankly, after nearly giving the man a heart attack, she didn't blame the Frenchman. Still, they would have to at least tolerate each other if they were to properly work together, which would become a necessity at some point in time, more work for her. God knew this idiots weren't going to do it. Stupid men with their stupid dick measuring contests.
Alucard was in the shadows at the back of the room, observing everything with that same veiled amusement that he looked at everything else in the world. The vampire seemed to be uncommonly amused by all of this, like this was all just a play put on for his personal leisure. The infuriating living corpse seemed almost aroused by all of this. It made her a little sick. Especially when he smiled that goddamn alluring smirk that made her want to either blow his head off or jump his bones, both desires made her furious. She needed some serous help.
"As you all know, we are now fully aware of the resurfacing threat of the Nazi terrorist group known Millennium." She began, meeting each of their eyes in turn. "And now that we have been given proper clearance from the Queen we are free to move ahead and attack them directly." Hans and Alucard smirked at that, the werewolf in grim satisfaction and Alucard in macabre delight. She filed this away for later use, never knew when it might come in handy.
"Spectacular Sir Integra," drawled Walter. "We got a plan or are we going with default 'Plan Alucard', namely rushing in and murdering everyone and everything in sight."
"Walter, you flatter me." Snickered Alucard.
Integra coughed, gaining their attention once more. "If you would please listen. According to the Captain's information Millennium is currently stationed in Brazil, near Rio de Janeiro specifically." She leaned back in her chair. "Captain Hans, Police Girl, Captain Bernadotte, Walter, and Alucard." She said, addressing each of them directly. "You will arrive in Rio tomorrow after your departure in three hours' time. You will check into the Palace Hotel and wait for nightfall. As soon as the moon rises you will follow Captain Hans's instructions and strike the Millennium base." She leveled her glare at them. "This is a high profile mission, and under no circumstances are there to be any survivors. You will go in, eradicate Millennium PROPERLY this time," she said levelling her glare at Alucard whose face became neutral, reacting to the insult. "You will extract Madame Van Winkle and get out. Is that understood?"
Pip raised his hand. "A question Mademoiselle, but what exactly shall I do. I cannot exactly keep up vith werewolves and vampires."
"Ah, yes, I will explain that after this current meeting." She said. "If you are so willing that is, to listen to me." Pip shrugged, ignoring the perverted part of his mind suggesting what Integra really wanted to do without anyone else. 'Your life is not a porno Pip!' he mentally chided himself. 'Besides, Alucard would probably eat you if you tried.'
"Um, Fraulien Integra, vhat vill I be doing." Asked Maria, confused as to why she was at this meeting. She was no soldier like her brother, or even very experienced with her powers really. She might be able to help fight, but really she would just be an obstacle for those more experienced in the fine art of murder and destruction.
Integra nodded. "I believe that we should talk together later, for now you and the others are dismissed. Say goodbye to your brother and meet me here at noon precisely. Understood?" she asked. Maria nodded and Integra smirked. "Good, and now, with the exception of Captain Bernadotte, prepare for your mission."
"Yes Sir Integra!" said Hans and Seras. "As you wish Sir." Said Walter with a lazy salute. "Of course, Master." Said Alucard as he melted into the shadows. Hans walked out with his sister and Seras, heading towards the dungeons to prepare for the trip. Walter stood and replaced his Fedora on his head, departing after the others to his own quarters.
Pip adjusted his seat and cracked his neck. "So, Sir Integra, vhat is it zat you vant vith me?" he asked his employer, taking out a cigarette and lighting it up as Integra did the same with her cigar.
"Well, Captain Bernadotte, when you said that you cannot keep up with the likes of vampires and werewolves, you actually brought up a very pressing issue." She said. "You have seen Captain Gunsche and Alucard's powers in small, but they are also capable of much greater feats. What you have seen is a small sample of what they can do. And vampires and werewolves are only a small portion of the various nightmare creatures that the world has to offer us. Not only is humanity not alone, but we are hopelessly and hilariously outgunned." She looked back at Pip who looked a tad nervous. "Are you alright Captain Bernadotte, you look a little green."
Pip swallowed and nodded nervously. "O-Oui Sir Integra, I just need a moment."
Integra snorted and leaned back in her seat. "I can understand that it is a bit overwhelming, but it is the problem that the Hellsing Organization faces every day, and even then we rely entirely too much on supernatural forces who, upon some whim, happen to be friendly. We cannot rely on their goodwill forever." She reached beneath her desk and pulled up something. It was a small cooler, the kind used by hospitals to transport organs from place to place. "And that, Captain Bernadotte, is where you come in." she said, opening the cooler.
Pip leaned forward to get a better look at the item inside. It was a small syringe filled with a slightly phosphorescent green liquid nestled in a bundle of cotton stuffing. "Vhat… vhat is this?" asked Pip in a slightly nervous voice. He had a bad feeling about that liquid, it made him nervous to look at, the same kind of nervous he felt looking at Hans, or Alucard.
"This, Captain Bernadotte, is the Regenerator Serum. Over time, as our cells reproduce, they get less and less stable and good at their job, and thus aging occurs. It is also why we die." She smirked at Pip. "And this serum, created by our fellow monster hunting organization Iscariot, solves that. It makes the cells in the human body infinitely regenerative."
Pip stared at Integra, trying hard to wrap his mind around what she was saying to him. "So, you're saying, that this serum can make a man immortal."
Integra shook her head. "Sadly no, it does not extend so far. You will live for an unknown amount of time, longer than any one of our human minds could comprehend, but it cannot keep you from dying. Your wounds will heal incredibly fast, but severe enough damage, like your heart being ripped out for example, will kill you."
Pip nodded, still slightly disturbed by all of this. "Vell, zis is interesting and all, but vhat does it have to do vith me?" he asked.
Integra smiled a positively predatory smile that made Pip a strange mix of turned on and terrified. "Captain Bernadotte, this serum is the key for man to finally stand toe to toe with monsters. I've seen a man who has taken this serum fight Alucard and Captain Hans on even levels. He had multiple gunshot wounds to the face and brain, and he treated them like beestings. This is the key to curing humanity's weakness. Of the two samples we have one is going to Hellsing Labs to be reproduced. The other, this one, is yours. If you want it that is."
Pip felt his breath leave his lungs and shock came over his face. His mouth gaped at Integra's words and his cigarette fell out of his mouth. He barely noticed. Integra here was offering him the chance to become some sort of Captain America, or Captain France in his case, and have the strength and will to contend with the likes of Alucard and the Captain. A week ago he would have thought that anyone telling him such things was an absolute nutcase, but after seeing people walk through walls, werewolves shift right in front of him, he was bit more open-minded than he was before. "E-e-excuse moi?!" cried Pip, reverting to his native tongue.
Integra smirked. "You heard me Captain Bernadotte, if you so desire you will be the first of Hellsing's super humans, the Knights of Hellsing."
Pip nodded and took a few deep breaths, processing the information. "Vell, z-zat certainly iz a tempting offer." Said Pip, and he meant it. The power she was offering? You'd have to be insane to turn it down. But still… he wasn't sure if he should. To take this serum, it would of course allow him to stand against the monsters of the world like the werewolf and the vampire, but it would mean relinquishing his humanity, or at least part of it. "But I-"
Integra held up a hand. "I want to give you time to think it through. During the mission to Rio, I want you to think about my offer during. Witness first-hand the destruction beings like Alucard and Captain Hans can wreak, and then bring me your answer." She sat back in her chair, lacing her fingers together. "I'll be waiting."
Hans hated flying. He had never flown before his capture by Millennium, and he hadn't really been able to draw any opinions from his time as Millennium's personal toady. But he decided now that he hated it with a passion. He hated feeling like he was in a giant tuna can hurtling through the air at thousands of miles an hour. His place was on the ground, feet firmly on the Earth. Not up inside this tiny tin can of death!
It was clear that Walter was having the same problem, glancing out the window of the private jet they were in, nervously bouncing his knee, and overall acting nervous. Maybe it was a werewolf thing, this fear of flying. So Hans spent the trip firmly in his seat, seatbelt buckled, and trying to find ways of distracting himself from the deadly combination of boredom and fear. He literally had no one to talk to. Walter was just as jittery as him, Captain Bernadotte was staring thoughtfully out the window, and Alucard was sitting, as cool as a cucumber, with a glass of questionable red liquid in his hands. Besides, he had no desire to ever speak socially with Alucard. It felt like trying to make friends with a rabid lion. He would have liked to talk to Seras, but she was in the cargo hold in her coffin as per her master's orders.
So he was surprised when the Frenchman sat in front of him. Pip's mouth quirked into a little smile. "A bit nervous about flying are we?" asked the Frenchman.
Hans glared at him and refused to dignify the little barb with a direct response, so opted to change the subject, rather than murder the man. "Vhat do you vant?" he said simply.
Pip sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Honestly, to apologize for, you know, earlier." He said a little embarrassed. "I… I acted like an ass and it vas not fair." He said.
Hans merely stared at him for a long moment. He had never expected the Frenchman to apologize, there was much bad blood between both of their native countries. It seemed that he had grossly underestimated the man. Either he was stronger of spirit than he seemed or he was more intelligent that Hans had given him credit for. "Um… thank you." Said Hans finally. Really he had no idea what to say in response, so he figured that was better than nothing.
Pip seemed relieved, probably because he was certain that no 6'6 werewolves would come after him for being a racist ass, and sat back in his seat, not really sure what to say. Finally he decided to speak up. "So, what else can you do? Besides turning into a giant wolf-beast?" asked Pip curiously. He was genuinely curious, because what Integra had told him had unnerved him. Just how powerful were these creatures? And as for Integra's proposal… he wasn't sure that he wanted to think about that. The werewolf, however, simply stared at him. "Um… I am sorry if I offended you I-" began Pip, but Hans cut him off.
"Nein. You have not. I am just not sure if I vant to tell my powers to somevone I barely know." Said the werewolf, surprisingly not at all sarcastic. He seemed to be genuinely pondering the answer.
Pip held up his hands. "Hey, it vas a stupid question. Just forget it." He said. He decided to change the subject to something that all men could relate to, even werewolves. He hoped at least. "So… ze mignonette, she iz single?" asked Pip.
To his surprise, Hans narrowed his eyes at the Frenchman, and to be honest Hans wasn't sure why he suddenly felt hostile either. "Vhy do you vant to know?" he asked in a low tone that sounded almost like a growl. "Und yes she iz." He said, still glaring at the Frenchman for reasons that he couldn't fathom.
Pip, on the other hand, could hazard a guess and decided to back off. Best not to move in on the vampire girl that the German werewolf had the hots for. "No reason, just vondering." Said Pip quickly. He raised an eyebrow. "Are you interested though?" he asked, not being able to resist the little jab. He was probably being stupid, provoking the werewolf like this, but it was common among the Geese to tease each other like this. Call him crazy, but maybe he could get on the wolf's good side if he treated him like a normal guy.
Hans raised an eyebrow. "Vhat do you mean… interested?" he asked, honestly perplexed. What was Pip alluding to?
Pip blinked in surprise. This was not the response that he was anticipating. "You- you don't know? You know… interested." At the werewolf's continuing puzzled look, Pip came to a sudden realization. "You… you honestly don't know what it means?" he asked, not really believing it. How could he not?! It was one of the most basic things in life to know!
Hans furrowed his brow in a glare. "Vhat in Gott's name are you talking about?" he asked, now a little peeved at the Frenchman.
Pip merely stared in surprise. The werewolf had NO IDEA! Oh God, this could not stand. A man not knowing about one of the most amazing things on Earth? It wasn't right! And if no one else was going to do it, it would have to be Pip Bernadotte!
Pip sighed and settled back in his chair, a positively predatory look on his face. Hans felt a very distinct chill up his spine at the Frenchman's look. "Sit back my friend. It iz time to learn about ze Birds and ze Bees." He said with a smirk. And, maybe it was his imagination, but he could have sworn that he heard Alucard cackle to himself ahead of them.
(Millennium Base, a few miles from Rio de Janeiro)
The Millennium base was a flurry of activity. The soldiers were hastily packing and preparing the zeppelins for travel, but more than that they were being prepared for battle. Missiles were being loaded, equipment was undergoing diagnostics, and all over drills were running for the impending battle.
And amidst it all, standing like stones amongst a raging river, stood the Major and his two newest accomplices: Light and Azazel. Light wore the garb that he wore when he had first met the Major, the porcelain mask still secured over his face. The crimson eyes beneath gleamed in amusement as they watched the FREAKs run about the base, as though they were children attempting to put together a great toy that was beyond their understanding.
Azazel was now adorned with a white cloak that came to just below the knee and was trimmed with gold. His legs and arms were wrapped in white linens with his sword in a black sheathe at his hip. His wings were folded against his back, unnaturally still against the tide of movement around him. He looked for all the world like a righteous and pure hero of the light. Only the malevolence in his eyes spoke the truth of what he was.
The three of them walked in near synchronization towards the mighty flagship of Millennium, the Deus ex Machina: the God from the Machine. As they walked, the Major addressed them. "From vhat ve know, Hellsing is on ze move. Ze plan to strike us down before ve can attack zeir dear little home." Said the Major, amusement in his voice.
Azazel let out a short bark of laughter. "Yes, it would be funny if it were not so pathetic." Sneered the Fallen Angel. He knew all about Hellsing, and the vampire who served as their attack dog. It made him sick, seeing the pathetic humans wield such power like it was their father's toy gun that they had found. His deposition of them, and humans as a whole, knew no bounds. He would relish breaking them like the vermin that they were.
Light, on the other hand, was of a different opinion. "You are arrogant Fallen One, Hellsing is mightier than we know, especially with Alucard in their midst." Said the vampire, and he spoke the mane Alucard as though it were a curse. "Such folly will be our doom, as it was the last time that Millennium rose." He said snidely.
Azazel shot Light a look of barely concealed contempt. He disliked vampires almost as much as he did humans, mainly because of their human origins. "Perhaps for you nightwalker, but for me they are but dust beneath my fingernails. Fear them if you choose, but will not deign to lower myself to fear such pathetic beings." Said Azazel.
The Major tsked like a scolding school teacher. "Nein, nein, nein. No fighting little ones. Hellsing vill be crushed in due time, along vith ze jewel of England, London." He said with a grin. "But for now, ve must stall ze dogs so zat we can properly give England our regards." He said with a poisonous glint in his yellow eyes.
With a sigh of false martyrdom Light stepped forward. "I suppose that I will have to go then, shan't I?" He said. "I guess that it wouldn't hurt to remind Alucard of who I am and what he faces." Said Light, his eyes glowing with a manic anticipation.
The Major gave an inquisitive look at the vampire. "Tell me, Captain Light, what is your connection to ze resident thorn in our hide? Vhy do you pursue him vith such passion und fervor?" he asked in an amused tone. "Did he kill your family? Raze your village? Or vas it something else? Something more… intimate?" asked the Major.
The vampire leveled a cold gaze at the Major which only made the wicked maniac smile. "The bond between Alucard and I is old, older than you know Nazi. He and I are joined at the hip in an intimate way that you cannot fathom. It will end only in one of our deaths." He said with a surprising amount of vitriol. Even Azazel looked mildly impressed. Light's face became impassive again, calmly glaring at the Major. "Now, which of your little minions shall I bring with me to my little jaunt in Rio, Herr Major." Said Light in a condescending tone.
The Major chuckled, unfazed by Light's lack of respect. "Vell, Captain Light, I have just ze man in mind for you. A guide who knows ze territory und can help you navigate ze land." Said the Major. "A recent recruit of our named Tubalcain Alhambra: a Brazilian dog who vill be excellent cannon fodder for you." Said the Major, knowing that against the warriors of Hellsing that the 'Dandy-Man' had no chance of survival.
Light snorted and turned away, but beneath his face a terrible grin grew. "Soon, Alucard." He thought to himself. "Soon, the two of us shall meet face to face, and then…" he looked up at the stars visible through the glass window above him. "…deliverance."
(France, the City of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral)
Heinkel Wolfe slowly walked own the center hall of the mighty and beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, light streaming through the magnificent Rose Window behind her. The sound of her footsteps was the only noise in the great structure, and they echoed off the walls in an eerie symphony. Her face was bland, her expression carefully neutral.
Heinkel was hunting.
Every step she took was carefully measured, every muscle was coiled and ready to strike at a moment's notice. She was hunched over with her hands were stuck in her pockets, carefully clasped around the powerful handguns she kept there, ready to be drawn at a moment's notice. Her glasses glinted in the light of the cathedral, and behind them her eyes seethed with a dark and righteous fury. A fury of madness.
For over a week she had been relentlessly pursuing the monster she had been assigned, the one that was now hiding in the Notre Dame cathedral. At the knowledge that the monster was defiling the house of God with its unholy presence, Heinkel's wrath had been terrible, and now it was focused like a laser, ready to strike and destroy the audacious monster that dared to flaunt God and defile His home in such a presumptuous manner. It was here that the final showdown would take place. It was just her, and the monster.
She came to a stop in the exact middle of the church, standing perfectly still. There was a long moment of silence as she waited, listening for the barest movement around her. There was nothing, but as she strained her ears, enhanced by the Regenerator Serum, she hear a tell-tale rustling to her right. Fast as thought, Heinkel turned and drew her pistols, firing a single shot from both of her guns. Both of the bullets produced a sharp crack of thunder, but struck only stone. Whatever had been there was long gone. Heinkel kept her guns up, slowly turning about, searching for the monster that had evaded her. She had to bite back the frustration of her quarry evading the shot, keeping her head cool to better hunt the beast.
Then, from behind her, she heard nails against the stone floor. They were moving quickly, charging her. Heinkel swung around, he pistols drawn and fired twice at the beast charging her. There was a shriek of pain as the bullet hit the monster's shoulder, and it gave an inhuman scream of pain.
It was a Hagraven: a monster in the guise of a beautiful and busty woman, but with a bird-like beak and wings on her arms. Her raven black hair was laced with feathers and bones, and her eyes glowed with madness.
The Hagraven stumbled back, hissing in fury. "I will have your blood for that you whore!" screamed the Hagraven.
Heinkel smirked and raised her guns again. "You will try." She said coldly, but with an excited grin on her face. The blood was pounding in her ears, her adrenaline was pumping. This was what she lived for. This was who she was, a hunter of beasts.
Screaming her rage, the Hagraven summoned two balls of black fire and threw them at Heinkel, with the German Paladin nimbly dodged. The fireballs left a smoking craters in the stone, infuriating Heinkel further. How dare this devil's harlot desecrate this sacred place in such a way! Infuriated, she drew leveled her guns at the Hagraven, but the she-devil took off into the air, screeching down at Heinkel.
"Die demon scum!" screamed Heinkel, blasting off a few rounds, two of them clipping the she-devil on its right wing. The Hagraven screeched and fell to the ground with a resounding thud. Sensing victory, Heinkel gave a great leap, intending to finish it.
But, much to her surprise, the Hagraven leapt up and tackled her to the ground. The she-devil had been faking, and had taken Heinkel by surprise. Heinkel's guns went flying as the Hagraven pinned Heinkel down. The beast leered down at Heinkel, evil in its eyes.
Heinkel grunted in effort, but called upon all of her enhanced strength to fling the demon from her. Heinkel turned and ran for her guns, knowing that she would have little time to get her weapons. Indeed, she already heard the demon rushing her. But then there was an angry squawk from behind, and something arrested the Hagraven's advance. Heinkel didn't stop though, her arrogance had already almost killed her once today.
She quickly turned, and she gawked at what she saw. Some…thing was wrestling with the Hagraven, and giving it some serious trouble by the look of it. The fighting was such a blur, she couldn't get a shot off without hitting her new ally.
SNAP!
Heinkel winced at the sound, and gaped when she saw the Hagraven fall dead to the ground; its neck twisted in a one-hundred and eighty degree angle.
She looked up at the man who had vanquished the demon, who was shying away from Heinkel, clearly terrified of her.
The man was hideously deformed, his face was impossible to look at without wincing, and he walked with a hump in his back. A hunchback. His arms were long and powerful, resembling a gorilla's in that they were as thick as his legs and were longer than they should have been. A fuzzy mop of red hair adorned his head, and he wore a green cotton shirt along with a pair of old jeans. He wore no shoes.
But despite his grotesque appearance, his blue eyes were filled with, well, kindness. There was a softness and gentleness in his eyes that put one at ease when they looked at them. The hunchback started to run from her.
"Wait!" she cried, holstering her guns. "Wait, I will not hurt you!" she called, and followed him. Given her enhanced speed she quickly caught up with him. Seeing that he was caught, the man skidded to a stop and flung up his hands as though to ward off a blow, whimpering in fear. Heinkel couldn't work it out. This man had just killed a demon like it was nothing! What had he to be afraid of? "I will not hurt you." She said gently. "I wanted to thank you, for… helping me." She said the last pat through gritted teeth. He pride would not allow he to admit that, if not for this deformed man, she would most likely be dead right now.
The man slowly lowered his hands, his gentle eyes still fearful. "You… you promise?" he asked. Heinkel nodded at him as he turned to look up at her, interest replacing fears. "No one… no one has ever thanked me before." Said the man quietly.
Heinkel smiled, charmed by the man's innocence. "My name is Heinkel Wolfe, a Paladin of Iscariot." She said.
The man gave a tentative smile. "I am Quasimodo, the ringer of the bells of Notre Dame."
AN: I AM SO SORRY! I CAN'T SAY THAT ENOUGH! I AM SO SORRY!
Seriously guys, I never intended for the wait to be this long. Everything just got away from me and I completely lost my inspiration. But it is back again, and I hope you enjoy it!