Authoress: Hehehe, I'm glad people are so happy to see me again! I'll try to keep up with it now. I'm sorry.
Alucard: You apologize too much. Get on with it!
Authoress: I WILL! Stop that! And this is a Christmas Chapter. If you stick around, not long after this I'll give you the bonus chapter I was planning for the Holidays. I'll give you a hint… after you read all the way to the end of this chapter! Again, sorry this is late and it's now January… but snow is falling somewhere, so think of this as an extension of the season!
Disclaimer: I don't own Hellsing, its characters, and all the fun stuff included in the fun anime and manga! Also, I don't own a good enough way to write out a French accent…. So bare with me when it comes to Pip.
I'm Not Asking for an Accomplice
Chapter 4: Lessons, Learning, and Christmas Promises
The target was still and pale as the moon that hung above. Like a sitting duck, there was no cover. There was nowhere to run. There was no escape. The spineless prey of a determined predator stood waiting for the inevitable. Then, just as the hunted gave a small twitch a shot rang out in the night sky. The sound of a bullet being fired from the barrel of a deadly weapon pierced the steady air and echoed across the vast playground of danger.
The projectile ripped through the shoulder of the poor victim, making an awful tearing sound. Pain would be most prevalent, but not death. Death would come later if such a wound was not looked after. Yet, no aid came to the rescue of this villain. No doctor was going to see to this patient as he suffered from his wound. However, a curse came from the hunter across the way.
"The shoulder? I thought you said I was aiming correctly! I was aiming for the heart, not the shoulder!" Rachel shouted as she glared at the large piece of paper with the outline of a person on it. The annoying paper target now sported an inch wide hole in its shoulder area. The wind slid through the open-air shooting range as the young girl continued to growl and glare. When she heard chuckling, she looked to her teacher and hissed dangerously.
Despite what you might guess, her teacher did not return a predatory grin filled with many sharp teeth. Instead she received the apologetic smile of an obnoxious French man, his non-eye patched eye glinting with mirth. For a moment Rachel wanted very much to strangle the man with his own braid. Instead she lowered her weapon and stared at him expectantly. When she was told she would be learning how to shoot, she had been looking forward to some fun time and bickering with Alucard.
Instead she got the mercenary and his strange style of teaching.
"Look little mignonette, you 'ave to 'old the gun steady and you can't close your eyes when you pull ze trigger. Zat's not going to help with the aiming prozess," the captain tried to explain. He could hear the chuckles from the other Wild Geese that were peeking around the corner and watching the lessons. He would have given them all a piece of his mind, but he was trying to keep the girl from getting more upset. He already knew what was in store for him if he pissed off Rachel.
"Alucard, this is non-negotiable," Integra said, feeling that familiar grating sensation against her temples as a headache began to creep up on her. The staring contest initiated by an angry vampire sitting across from her desk was the least of her worries, but he wasn't about to give up. Not to mention he was wearing sun-glasses, which was really cheating when it came to staring contests.
"You are letting Rachel take shooting lessons from the perverted Frenchman?" Alucard asked icily as he finally broke the glare and instead turned his anger toward the window. Oh God, Integra thought, he's pouting!
"Alucard, I would happily let you teach Rachel how to shoot-" the Hellsing head began. The vampire perked slightly. Wow, he was predictable when it came to the little human. She shook her head and hurried to continue, "If she was a vampire. She's human, Alucard. She doesn't have the senses, the third eye, or the unnatural skills you and Seras possess. She needs to be taught by another human how to aim and fire a gun."
The immortal in red was about to suggest Walter, but then remembered that the retainer for the Hellsing family was currently out doing Christmas shopping for the Hellsing heir. Having a child in the manor tended to grind on everyone's guilty conscience. You can't, not have decorations and some kind of Christmas atmosphere with a young person around. It was blasphemy and unfair. Not to mention Rachel had outwardly expressed –in the presence of Integra and Alucard and numerous other staff members – that she thought that this Christmas would be the best ever because she was in a place that she considered home. After a silent chorus of "aw's" went through everyone's head, it was decided that it wouldn't hurt to… pump up the cheer a little.
Seras was way ahead of everyone. Being just as comfortable with the Holiday spirit, she had volunteered to get everything ready. In one night, an evening without a mission, Seras had tested out her speed and strength. All the railings were decked with long shiny limbs of garland. The large front doors sported gold and green wreaths. A tree, waiting to be decorated, was standing in the corner of the big meeting hall. After begging from Rachel and Seras, Alucard aided in putting Christmas lights up on the house. Integra had tweaked an eyebrow when she saw the blinking red and green lights, but had just grumbled something unintelligible and walked inside.
"So," Integra snapped, bringing Alucard back to the present, "Captain Bernadette, after being warned that you would have his throat if Rachel was even just a little uncomfortable, has agreed to teach Rachel how to shoot and when she is ready she will accompany me and you out on a mission."
That was new information and actually caught the vampire king off guard. Looking up, he gazed into the woman's eyes to make sure this wasn't making some kind of joke. There was no flinching or masking in her tone or gaze. The Iron Maiden was serious. Alucard could not help the grin that quirked the edge of his lips. Rachel in real battle! The girl with an outstanding IQ, clear common sense skills, and the vampire's ward becoming a Hellsing weapon against the armies of the undead. How… intriguing. A dark chuckle escaped Alucard's lips and he nodded.
"Very well, my master. Have her taught however you see fit, but when it is time for her to step out onto the battle field, know that she will be under my shadows and with your ace weapon every step of the way," the midian promised before he disappeared into the shadows with a dark laugh.
"I had hoped so," Integra whispered softly before lighting another cigar. The flare from the flame lit her face for a moment before dying. She took a drag before blowing out a spindly snake of smoke that slid upward toward the ceiling.
Pip visibly shivered at the thought of this tiny slip of a high schooler on the battle field with a gun. In his mind he could see the great shadow of Alucard over her, his own weapon poised above her ready to mow down any that neared his young ward. The Frenchman shuddered again and closed his eyes. God, he hoped that was not a premonition of the future. Rachel was a sweet girl and he really didn't want to see her marred by the fires of battle.
The sound of bullets flying and the emptying of a chamber broke his thoughts and he looked back to a determined Rachel who was holding the gun steady. Her eyes were narrowed and her hands were gripping the gun in a white knuckle hold. The bullets had hit the paper and the Captain reached past her to press the button to recall the paper target. The little motor above them whirred as the pulley yanked the defenseless and flimsy 2D figure back toward the shooter and her teacher. When it neared Rachel felt her heart soar a little higher.
"You are a quick leaner," Pip told her truthfully as he looked over the human-like outline. Beside the one shot in his shoulder that Rachel had complained about, three others had hit various areas of its chest and two had even managed to make it in the head. They weren't right between the eyes or anything, but getting anywhere within the head-space was what they needed for the battles they fought. The girl was about to rejoice, but another clip was offered to her before she could get to celebrating.
"Now, do it again and make sure your shoulder iz square and you are not letting ze gun pull to the side," the man told her. The girl nodded and took the clip, reloading the gun. Pip hung up a fresh victim and pressed the button to send it out. More shots echoed out across the shooting range.
That night, the soldier and high schooler covered small arms, aiming, and even touched on larger weapons. Pip knew she couldn't manage anything too big, but she needed to know just in case. They didn't know how much time had passed until Walter came out and told them that Rachel was requested inside and that Integra said that was enough training for the night. The girl's nose was dusted a soft pink and she had begun to shiver slightly. The space heaters in the outside shooting ranger could only do so much good.
"Thank you, Captain Bernadette," the brunette thanked the man with a rather sunny smile. The soldiers were all amazed that she could be so warm even in this horrible weather. The Captain saluted and waved as Rachel followed Walter back toward the Hellsing manor.
Truth be told, Rachel liked learning about the weapons and how to fight. She complained because that's what people at her age did when something was difficult. Even she wasn't immune to that habit. But these lessons were far more interesting than the ones at school. This was an art that they didn't usually teach people her age. It was dark, but this was the art of killing. It wasn't very festive and certainly didn't go along with the season, but what she was learning was something she could do with Alucard. In a strange and unexplainable way, the teen looked up to the vampire and wanted him to be proud of her. She had just found a new way of making him proud.
'When it comes time to use the skills, I know I will just have to find a way to explain the situation to myself,' Rachel thought as she hurried inside and took off her coat and boots. Walter helped her hang the coat up and then she told him she was heading downstairs. As she descended the dungeon stairs, she continued to think about the conversation she had had with Integra not long ago; the conversation that had lead to Rachel's need to 'explain situations to herself.'
The platinum blond woman was itching for a cigar as she stared across the desk at the young woman that sat in the ornate chair. The chair's occupant seemed to want to stare rather intently at the Hellsing heir's hands. Rachel didn't want to meet the woman's eyes. She didn't want to appear weak, which Integra found incredibly admirable. These conversations were always tense and the older female had just finished giving the full explanation. Like the talk that her father had given her, Rachel had just received the entire break down of the Hellsing goals and operations, leaving nothing out.
Though she believed Rachel to be a little young, Integra believed that the girl had to understand what was going to be expected of her and what she would have to face. It had been difficult for Seras to understand at first, but she had soon fallen into step with the missions and made sense of her duties.
"So these ghouls," Rachel began slowly, breaking the silence that had permeated the air at the end of Sir Hellsing's explanation, "They are no longer human. They cannot feel and have no mind of their own. They are just trappings for a person's soul. In order to free the soul, a ghoul must be killed."
"Yes," Integra agreed, preferring Rachel's explanation over Alucard's and Seras'. The master vampire saw them as vampire leftover trash and Seras called them, how did she put it? Oh yes, 'zombie pumpkins.' The woman guessed that everyone had to rationalize it differently.
The head of the household found it interesting that out of all the things Rachel had picked up from their conversation, was the fact that ghouls, often a lot of them on one mission, had to be killed. Though, she could see why that was a big point. At one point these creatures had been human. However, there was nothing to be done with them after the turning. Death was the only option. Integra thought it was intriguing that the girl didn't want to know more about why Alucard was so powerful, what the chipped FREAKS were and where they came from, or who their enemy truly was. Integra had mentioned Millennium, but the teen seemed focused in on the ghouls. Maybe she thought that was going to be the hardest part.
"Alright then," Rachel piped up, interrupting the woman's thoughts again. Looking to the girl, she saw Rachel smiling softly. It wasn't a sure smile, but it was enough to convince Integra that Rachel believed in herself and was going to try as hard as she could. "Thank you, Sir Integra. Thank you for letting me know all this and teaching me. I will do what I can to help Hellsing, you and Alucard."
Integra nodded and dismissed the girl with a small smile and a quirked eyebrow. What an odd girl... God, she really wanted a cigar now.
The sound of socks on concrete was light, but it still bounced off the empty hallway walls as the young woman made her way through the simple maze of turns until she came to her room. The young woman slipped inside and hummed with happiness as her warm room seemed to wrap her in a welcoming embrace. A very diligently working space heater had been put in her room by the retainer and soon Rachel's quarters became the warmest room in the dungeons.
As soon as she was warm enough, she pulled off the black sweater and tossed it on her bed. The girl flicked on the radio and rolled her eyes as another Christmas carol began to fill the air. She kept the stereo on low volume, knowing that there were only so many renditions of "Winter Wonderland" that any vampire could take before insanity took over and another stereo lost its life.
Standing there in a simple red tank top and her dark blue jeans, she looked around her room carefully. Lately she had come back to her room and felt something out of place. As the sound of Christmas songs settled about her, she then thought of something.
"Someone has been snooping for their Christmas presents in here!" Rachel exclaimed with a glare at the door. Of course she had guessed wrong on 'popping in' location this time. The shadows instead formed on the ceiling and Alucard dropped through with a chuckle.
"Now who would do such a thing? How could anyone ruin the lovely surprise of opening a Christmas present?" Alucard asked smoothly as he took a seat on the edge of the girl's bed and grinned like a Cheshire cat. Rachel thought he looked exactly like the cat that ate the canary… and enjoyed it a little too much.
The girl rolled her eyes again before rubbing her shoulder. Keeping her arm rigid in the cold for so long out at the range had made her a little sore. Looking to her arm, she saw some of the bruises forming near her shoulder from where she had tried a larger weapon. The kickback had been horrible and she told Pip she would need more practice before she could actually aim correctly. Her eyes were soon drawn to her hands and she saw the red marks between her thumb and pointer finger as well as a small burn on her middle finger where she had touched the still hot chamber too quickly. A blister was forming on her other hand from where she had squeezed and rubbed the skin too hard.
"Mortals," Alucard murmured, breaking the girl's focus on her hand. She blinked and looked up at the vampire who was suddenly in front of her. When had he crossed the room? Rachel didn't remember and she really didn't mind. One of his gloved hands came up and cupped her shooting hand, examining it closely. "You bruise and mar so easily."
"Well, that's the price we pay for being human, Alucard," Rachel mentioned with a shrug before flexing her hands. She showed him she was fine before pulling away and moving around him.
Her eyes discretely scanned over her room and she felt a small wave of relief when she noticed the small wooden panel on the side of her desk had not been moved. Her presents for the rest of the household had not been found. Of course, if the red-dressed vampire found those gifts, he would not find his. This thought made the girl a little distressed. They were only a few days away from Christmas and she had still not gotten him anything. The girl was just too conflicted as to what to get him. Chewing on her lip, she worked to calm her nerves.
"So, how were the lessons with the frog?" Alucard asked with a grin as he took a seat on her bed again. The teen laughed at the nickname before she tossed herself on the bed beside him and lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling. Dotting the ceiling were small glow-in-the-dark stars stuck to the concrete above, courtesy of a more carefree Walter after a trip to the store.
"They were fine. I think I'm doing well, but you would have to ask him for sure. I don't really know a lot about these things. Pip says I'm making progress though. At least I'm hitting the target in a somewhat predictable pattern," Rachel explained with a nervous smile. Again, she really did want to make the vampire proud of her. She had no idea why she was so dependent on his approval, but she was.
The vampire leaned back on his hands, looking up at the ceiling and thinking to himself. His trademark wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses were gone, probably sitting on that small table that remained by his throne at all times. For a moment the male seemed solely absorbed in his thoughts. Rachel stared up at him, but she could not read his mind like he could her own at times. Letting her eyes roam over his face, she found that he almost looked conflicted as he stared at the plastic stars adorning her ceiling. His crimson eyes were half-lidded and his lips pursed in a thoughtful position. His back was arched only a tiny bit and his hands were palm down on the bed as he supported himself in what looked like a lazy yoga position used to stretch one's back. Rachel guessed that Rodan's 'The Thinker' would be in this position if a different form had been chosen. Was the vampire contemplating her ceiling or what lay beyond, much higher… toward the heavens?
"I wanted to teach you how to shoot," Alucard suddenly told her.
The girl nearly toppled off the edge of the bed when he seemed to bluntly explain his thoughtful moment. He was pouting! The great vampire was annoyed that he had not been able to teach her how to shoot. Rachel told herself that she should have seen that coming, considering that he loved any excuse to fire off his twin weapons and let their dangerous roar dash through the night. Well, she could understand his reluctance to let anyone else teach her such a skill.
"I'm sorry Alucard, but you know why Integra wanted Captain Bernadette to teach me," Rachel was able to get out as she conquered a giggling fit and sat up again. She reached out and looked up at him. Her shoulders shook as she tried to control any laughter that was threatening to bubble forth.
"I'm aware. You are human and I am not really one to teach you because you do not have the senses I do. This would not be the case if you were one of the children of the night," Alucard mentioned, sitting up and crossing his arms in front of his chest. Rachel finally let out a soft laugh, almost finding his pouting and blunt solution too funny.
She responded out of kindness and naivety before she could think about what she was saying.
"Alright, Alucard. When I become a vampire, you can teach me how to shoot," Rachel told him with a small chuckle. She had meant to play it off as a joke, playing along with his 'scenario' of her being a vampire. The man in red did not see this as any kind of joke.
"Do you promise?" Alucard suddenly asked, his voice level and serious.
The room fell silent as Rachel suddenly looked up at Alucard, all the humor gone from her expression. Their eyes met and for a moment the girl felt herself being pulled into the blood red orbs. In that second she was sure she had glimpsed the man's soul. It was dark and strong – something many would draw back from in fear and near insanity. Rachel continued to let the darkness surround her mind, knowing Alucard would never harm her. An unspoken understanding was solidified between the two of them when the true nature of the vampire's question was made crystal clear. Such a promise meant Rachel was accepting the option to walk into the darkness. Not now, but someday when the choice was presented to her.
The room remained silent until Alucard bid her goodnight and slid through the wall. The lingering shadow in her mind retracted, but not before giving a little hypnotic push and lulling the girl to sleep. Christmas carols swam through the air again as if they had been silenced during the conversation between mortal and immortal. Rachel fell asleep to the soft melody of 'Silent Night.'
The next morning, the sun rose on Christmas Eve and Rachel knew exactly what to get Alucard for Christmas.
"Walter, I know it's Christmas Eve, but could you please help me with something before I help decorate the tree?" The teen questioned with pleading eyes as she finished up her breakfast of oatmeal and apple slices. The retainer smiled softly and nodded.
It was then that Rachel described her wish for Alucard's present. The old man chuckled softly and nodded, agreeing to help her before grabbing his coat and pulling it on. Rachel retrieved her own and quickly buttoned it before heading out with the Angel of Death and making a beeline for the discrete Hellsing car. They had to make one last trip to the store, both praying that the last-minute holiday rush wouldn't kill them.
Two hours later, after battling with angry last minute parents, overworked cashiers, and scary drivers in London the two returned from their adventure. Rachel was amazed by Walter's patience with people, but she swore at two separate times she saw the Retainer reaching for his special gloves hidden in his pocket. Once had been when Rachel had picked up the last roll of the golden wrapping paper and a rather large man demanded that he had claimed it first. The other time was when a red faced mother had cursed at him for not getting into the car faster and getting out of the space so she could have it. However, both people had backed off considerably when Walter sent a rather dark look their way. Rachel knew the butler could be just as scary as Alucard when he needed to be.
Rachel huffed in relief as she collapsed into one of the cushy chairs in the meeting hall. Though exhausted, she looked toward the large tree in the corner with determination. She would triumph today! Standing, she rolled up the sleeves of her black sweater and cracked her knuckles. Even if she had to do this alone, she would make sure this tree was ready for presents and her vampire friend.
"Don't think you are doing this alone, Rachel," came an equally determined voice from the doorway. Blinking, the girl turned around and saw the most interesting sight in the world.
There in the doorway stood Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing in jeans, tennis shoes, and a deep green sweater. A festive red Santa hat sat on her platinum blond head and a pair of bell earrings hung from her ears. She had one hand on her hip and a serious look on her face. Though she may be dressed for Christmas, she looked like she was on a mission that was just as important as any other during the year.
The girl had to blink a few more times to make sure she was not hallucinating or that the eggnog she had had a few hours ago wasn't spiked. Nope, there she was; the Iron Maiden of fame was really there decked out for the holidays and ready to help the teen with the decoration of the huge tree. Rachel thought that she had probably just received the best Christmas present already. As the woman walked forward, the young lady saluted with a grin.
"How shall we defeat this enemy, sir?" Rachel asked as she straightened her posture and looked to her ranking officer, ready for duty. The woman grinned and advanced toward the tree, sizing up the opponent as if she were ready for war. Then she pulled the box of Christmas lights out from underneath the undergrowth of the evergreen.
"Divide and conquer, soldier!" Integra ordered and then yanked out the tangled madness that was the festive lights. Rachel laughed and hurried forward to thrust her hands into the mass of wires and lights.
A good three hours later the tall tree was deck out with layers upon layers of Christmas spirit. Underneath, hidden in all the green needles and limbs were bright white lights that shown through like stars. Then came the few hundred ornaments and baubles that clung and hung from the outstretched arms of the fur tree. Shiny red, green, blue, silver, and gold orbs were scattered and dispersed about the tree. There came then the silver and white snowflake shaped ornaments that twirled slightly on their little clear strings. Garland - silver and red - was hung after that, wrapped in a swooping like pattern around the tree. For the last touch, tinsel was thrown about the place. The feather-light white strands lay themselves down on the needles and hung on like tiny icicles. After a tree skirt of red with white fringe was wrapped around the base, Rachel felt that they had truly conquered this advisory.
Taking a step back, the young girl stood beside the powerful woman as they gazed up at their glorious accomplishment with pride and wonder. Of course, there were just two more important things that were left.
"Last but not least," Rachel commented as she help up a beautiful gold metal star with opaque paper lining. Using the ladder they had used to reach the upper branches, the girl ascended and placed the star on top before connecting its small cord to the end of the Christmas light cord near the top.
With much anticipation the teen grabbed the end of the deep green cord lying coiled near the wall and plugged it into the socket. The meeting hall was suddenly flooded with light from the tree and the beautiful festive plant was glowing with Christmas cheer. It shone through the window and even the hired guns in the barracks could see the tree through the tall windows on the bottom floor. The star burst to life like a beacon and for some reason the room seemed a whole lot warmer now.
The brunette tossed a glance over at Integra and for a moment just stood in awe. The woman was staring up at the tree in complete reverence and… joy. The light was reflected in the woman's glasses and the sight seemed to have trapped the older woman in a place of good memories and better times. For a moment Rachel thought she saw a tear escape from the mask that the hardened woman always wore, but it was hidden well in strands of platinum blond hair. Rachel committed this sight to memory. Integra had a big heart, no matter how well hidden, and the girl would never forget that.
The older woman gave Rachel a sideways glance before smiling and moving to the teenager and putting a hand on her head gently. They enjoyed the glow of the tree for a moment longer before Rachel gave a small yawn. After a day of trying to survive last-minute shopping and then decorating, the girl was rather drained.
"It's time for all good little boys and girls to get to bed so Santa can come," Integra joked softly before giving the girl a small push toward the door. Rachel nodded and headed toward the door. She looked over her shoulder once more, watching the Hellsing head continue to gaze at the tree in all its splendor.
And there in the illuminating aura of the festive light and reflective garland, Rachel could almost see it. A younger Integra there, waiting patiently for Santa to come and leave presents for her. The brunette smiled softly before turning and heading down to her basement room. Of course she had one last thing to do before she climbed into bed and dreamed of sugarplums.
The large metal door opened with an ominous creak as the teen pushed it aside. She had not asked for entrance because she knew he was there. He was awake. What mischievous little boy was asleep on Christmas Eve night?
The girl was decked out in a festive red flannel nightgown with white frills at the bottom and long sleeves. The nightgown had been Seras' idea. Apparently the vampire woman was wearing a matching one because it reminded her of Christmas when she was younger. She stepped over the threshold and made her way toward the throne that was normally placed in the center of the room, facing the door. However, when she got to its normal spot, she felt nothing but air. Confused, she searched the area blindly.
Suddenly a gloved hand caught her searching fingers. She was pulled forward gently and in a blink the room was lit by candles. In the corner was a small table. On the table was a gold plate, shiny and new. Curiously, Rachel let Alucard lead her forward. Once she was closer, she could see there was something on the plate. Sitting there, as if it was just made was a beautiful loaf of braided bread. It looked like it was glossed with honey. Two simple chairs, most likely borrowed from upstairs sat in front of the modest table. Behind the plate was a small figurine. Rachel couldn't help the giggle that slipped from her lips.
"A pig?" The girl questioned him about the figurine. Sure enough, sitting there next to the plate was a fat little pig figurine that seemed to be smiling happily. With the candles aiding her she was able to look from the table set up to Alucard. His jacket, hat, and sunglasses were all gone. He wore only the white dress shirt and slacks as he stood next to the table and knelt down in front of her.
"The pig and the bread are both part of a long Romanian tradition. During Craciun, or Christmas, both of these things were celebrated. The braided bread represented hope for a good harvest and often given as a gift to family members. I'll tell you about the pig another time. Right now, I would like to enjoy this tradition with you, Rachel. I have not celebrated during this season in a long time, preferring usually to sleep through it. Now I have chosen to share this with you, my friend," the vampire told her softly, giving a soft smile. He then reached over and cut the bread in two with a knife that sat next to the plate.
The young woman felt tears begin to form at the corner of her eyes and she swore she could hear her own heart flutter with happiness. She took the small piece offered to her and looked it over as if it where the most precious gift in the world. For a moment, she didn't want to bite into it for fear of losing the moment. The girl met the vampire's crimson eyes and she happily took a bite of the sweet bread. It was warm and tasted very good. She enjoyed the taste immensely, but whether that was because it was cooked perfectly or because it was a very special piece of bread, it was hard to tell.
"Thank you," Rachel whispered when she had finished the piece of bread. Alucard could not eat the bread, but just sitting with her in the candle-light as the sound of her radio drifted from down the hall… that was more than enough.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
The young human sat with Alucard for a while. She had no idea how much time had passed before she felt him lift her off the chair and into his arms. Though she knew no warm blood flowed through the undead man's veins, she could feel the warmth there with him. This was the kind of warmth one could only get from someone they truly cared for.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
The tall male moved into the bedroom and lay his ward down. He pulled the plush comforter up over her. Rachel smiled softly as she snuggled into the pillow and began to dream of what tomorrow might bring. The vampire watched her as she slept, remembering the first time he had watched her so intently as she dozed. It had been cold then too and he had let her have his jacket for warmth.
No other human would ever witness or deserve these moments. She was special and he had no idea why. There were some reasons he could give, but they were flimsy and could be torn apart so easily. The truth was that he had no idea why she was so special to him. You see, Rachel wasn't the only one learning while she was here with Hellsing. Alucard, the no-life king and weapon for the Hellsing family, was learning too.
"It is also possible you are teaching the others as well," the immortal murmured softly as he looked up at the plastic glowing stars on the girl's ceiling. He sat by her bedside as she slept.
Though he never would admit it, he was listening for sleigh bells.
Here we are as in olden days
Happy Golden of days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us, once more
The sun rose on a beautiful, frosty Christmas morning. Snow was falling once more outside, forming a new layer to the permafrost beneath. The drive way would need to be shoveled again. The grass was going to be damaged come spring. No one cared about these things though. They were enjoying something completely different.
In the meeting hall the small Hellsing group that Rachel had come to consider a family gathered around the tree, the small table full of steaming mugs of hot cocoa and cookies, and the tall windows that looked out on the snow front yard. Many of the Wild Geese had asked off to go visit family, but some chose to stay behind. They had exchanged small gifts in the barracks last night. Integra gave them all a generous Christmas bonus before sending them on their way to enjoy the holidays.
Rachel and Seras were sitting near the presents like a couple of giddy children ready to tear into their gift wrapped surprises. Integra, in a simple sweater and pair of slacks sat on the small chaise nearby, holding a cup of coffee close to her chest. Walter was speaking with Pip about plans today after presents and brunch. There had been talks of an epic snowball war challenge that had been thrown around by the Wild Geese. A certain red-clad vampire had yet to show up.
"Where's Alucard?" Rachel asked as she looked around, a little confused. Seras too did not see her master, but she could feel he was in the building. The fledgling had an idea he was doing some finishing touches on Rachel's gift. The vampire reassured the girl he would be here soon
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hanging a shining star above the highest bough
And have yourself a Merry Little Christmas now
Five minutes later the vampire master in question walked in with a few different packages in his hands. He set them down around the tree and looked to the others, raising a brow. He looked to Integra and she just chuckled.
"I think we just expected you to come down the chimney," the Englishwoman mentioned with a grin. Then she looked to Seras and Rachel before nodding.
Paper flew and joyous claims of happiness and surprise rung out in the meeting hall as the two young women tore into their presents. Walter aided in passing out the marked gifts to the other occupants that were happy to wait patiently. Pip was surprised to receive a gift from Alucard and Integra soon found herself surrounded by presents from the whole household. The retainer blinked when a present was suddenly pressed into his hands, Rachel looking up at him and beaming with pride.
The teen had set aside the present she had received for Alucard, wanting to open that with him later. Pulling out a beautiful green and gold leafy picture frame, she looked over the picture they had all taken together after Rachel's birthday a few months ago. Walter had made sure the date and who was in the picture was written on the back. From Seras, Rachel received a gorgeous deep red velvet covered journal and gold metal pen. The head of the household had given Rachel a pure silver cross pendant and chain, much like the one the Knight wore on her collar.
"It's blessed too," Integra told her with a soft wink as the teen ran her fingers over the precious metal. Her name was etched in the back of it as well as her birthday.
After Rachel opened Pip's gift, which was a firing range target with her name shot into it, the girl glanced around at the others. She hoped they all liked her gifts to them. Seras laughed out as she opened the box to reveal six pairs of different kinds of colored and patterned socks. The Hellsing heir opened her box and gasped softly. Sitting in the tissue paper was a glossy, hand carved cigar box with a silver 'I' on the top. Walter was equally as surprised when he opened his small box from Rachel and found beautiful gold, slightly curved tie pin with black angel wings engraved on them. Next to the wings were the initials AOD. Of course only those in the Hellsing circle would understand, but that suited the allusive butler just fine.
Rachel was saving Alucard's gift for later, and the vampire was returning the favor. He was keeping his well-thought of gift to himself. They were both sure the other would love their gifts, but their Christmas would be private.
A few other gifts were exchanged between those of the household before one by one people began to drift off toward the door as the afternoon began to descend upon them. Outside the window snow continued to fall and layer the front long with a blanket of white. Inside the meeting hall the tree continued to blaze with holiday cheer like a beautiful beacon of joy and warmth. Seras excused herself first, saying that she wanted to visit her parents' graves for Christmas. Integra offered to accompany her, agreeing to do the same to her father's grave. Walter slid out without a word and simple nod of the head to the others, he had a brother to call and a little niece to spoil. Two of the soldiers were called to escort a quite tipsy Captain Bernadette back to the barracks, who refused to relinquish his hold on his fourth eggnog cup and his hip flask. Soon on the red-clad vampire and his hot-cocoa sipping ward were left admiring the tree quietly.
The silence that followed was noted, but not uncomfortable. Rachel sat on the small couch and sipped at the chocolaty drink that sat in her hands. Alucard stood staring at the large tree for a moment, possibly reminiscing about Yule times when he was human, many decades ago. Soon the vampire moved over and sat next to the brunette on the couch. His hat and glasses were missing and he easily slipped of the jacket and hung it over the arm of the sofa. Curiously, Rachel then noticed that he wasn't wearing his normal white shirt, dark vest, or cravat. Instead he was wearing a black long sleeved shirt that just barely creeped up on his pale neck. She liked that look on him.
The girl didn't have time to dwell on his appearance however when the midian pulled something from under the couch and placed it in her lap. It was a delicately wrapped present that was dressed in deep red paper and had a black string tied around it. Immediately her first thought was 'It's heavy!' Her second was 'I'm pretty sure Walter wrapped this.'
Deciding that it was a good time, Rachel leaned over the side of the couch and retrieved the tall, medium sized present wrapped in gold paper and passed it to him. He smiled thoughtfully and looked it over. They made eye contact once more before they gleefully ripped into their gifts and tore off the wrapping paper, ignoring all respect for the wrapping job. When the boxes within were flipped open silence took over once more.
Sitting in the glossy pine box, wrapped in a velvet lining was a masterpiece just for Rachel. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked over it. Mother of Pearl winked up at her from the handle and the heavy gun-silver metal was shined until she could almost see herself in it. Cautiously, she reached out and slowly slid her fingers over the medium sized barrel.
"It's a Colt 45, modified of course," Alucard told her as he looked over the gun that he had asked Walter to make specially for the little human. It was modified for special rounds that would aid in their missions and had a few other specifications that would suit the young girl. It was an American gun for the American girl. The best part he thought though, was the inscription.
Sitting on the handle was a beautiful etching of a coiled snake with its fangs poised in threat. The words riding the barrel of the gun were 'Don't Tread On Me.' Rachel was completely speechless and she didn't move until she heard Alucard open the white box that held his precious gift from the young woman. She blinked and looked up as he pulled it from the tissue paper within.
With great care the vampire master held the crystal and gold chalice in his hand with great reverence. Starting at the bottom gold vines formed the base and stem of the glass before entwining upward to wrap slowly around a crystal vessel that belled only a little at the top. The crystal had a gorgeous crisscross pattern cut in a border an inch from the top and shone in the light from the window. But what truly caught Alucard's eye was that this also had an inscription. In the center of the base, on a small oval inscription plate, surrounded in gold vines were the words 'I Promise' written in curved script.
For a while nothing was said. Both just stared at their gifts. Rachel's heart beat slowly and Alucard's heart didn't beat at all. The world seemed to stand still for a moment as they looked adoringly upon the gifts they had been given. Outside the only sound was that of the snowflakes gently landing on the lawn. There was no music, no fanfare, no fireworks, no sleigh bells, or anything of the kind. In the hall the Grandfather clock tolled the hour with three long chimes.
Slowly Rachel looked up from her present to the vampire next to her. The sun was guarded by cloud of grey that were sprinkling the white flakes down upon the earth, but she could still see in the light the smile of true happiness that lay upon the immortal's lips. This small contained no teeth and was really just a small turn of the corner of his lips, but Rachel could see it clearly and loved it.
"Merry Christmas Alucard," she whispered as she closed the box with her present on it and held it close to her chest. She scoot over and hugged him with one arm.
"Merry Christmas Rachel," Alucad returned softly as he slid one long arm around her and hugged her tightly as he cradled her gift to him in his other large hand. He closed his eyes and took in the moment. "Crăciun fericit."
And for a split second, a small minute amount of time mind you, Rachel could have sworn she felt Alucard's heart give a soft beat.
Authoress: AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!
Alucard: Merry Late Christmas Everyone!
Authores: And Happy Late New Year!
Alucard: Don't get too mad at her, as a New Years resolution she's off soda... so her ability to write suffers.
Authoress: It does not! *growls* Ok, maybe a little... Anyhoo! Onto the Notes:
I looked up original Romanian traditions during Christmas so that's where the bread comes from. It's actually quite sweet... as for the pig. Well, in Romanian great joy is taken in partaking from a well cared for and fat pig at the end of the year to represent many different things, but I didn't really think Alucard wanted to spoil the moment with that piece of information. Look up Craciun, it's really cool how different countries celebrate Christmas!
Alucard said "Merry Christmas" there at the end!
Rachel is American, thus the homage with the gun and the inscription! I don't know a lot about guns, so forgive me for not going into great detail. I'll try again when she actually starts using it.
Authoress: So you've read all the way to the end! Here's your hint for the little present that is going to be next chapter (which will be more of a half-chapter):
Rachel stumbles upon a man that loves WAR (or as he says 'VAR') and she decides to give him a snow-ball battle he'll never forget! Stay turned for the Bonus Chapter: Rachel and Schrodinger's Epic Snowball War.