Disclaimer: Ok this is it! Quick chapter then unto the free for all. You guys know all the copyright crap so I'll forgo that.
Chapter Ten- Race to Fortuna
Seishiro and the other knights watched as Anderson charged. "Get him!" one shouted. Anderson took his bayonets and swiftly cut through several of the knights. Slicing them to ribbons blood filled the streets as more citizens began running and fleeing in panic. Seishiro watched in horror as his men fell.
"BASTARD!" he shouted rushing the priest. Their blades clashed as a fierce struggle broke out. "Who the hell are you? Why have you come to attack us?" he asked.
Anderson smirked. "My name is Father Anderson. Your little band of devil worshippers is an affront to Iscariot. All heathen and heretics shall burn" he answered simply. Shoving Seishiro back he slashed rapidly with his blades. Seishiro parried the attacks and began countering, mixing in his own. The sound of their blades clashing filled the air.
Jumping back Seishiro raised his sword defensively. "What are you talking about? What the hell is Iscariot?" he asked. Anderson stopped and rotated his neck. "Humph I didn't expect you to be familiar with us. But it doesn't really matter. I was ordered to come and see if the rumors of a group worshipping a demon as their god were true. And so they appear to be" Anderson said.
Seishiro simply stared dumbfounded. "What? We don't worship Sparda anymore! You're killing innocent people for now reason!" he shouted charging again. Seishiro swung his sword in a wide arc as Anderson parried the blow. Anderson brought down one bayonet before slicing with the other as his opponent dodged.
Busy with his fight he did not notice Nero sprinting down the street towards him. Nero ran, jumped, turned his body sideways and unleashed his trademark flying drop kick. Anderson turned just as the young knight's feet smashed right into his jaw sending him crashing across the street into a wall.
Nero landed, glaring harshly. "And he lands ten points" he said jokingly as he stood to full height. Both men watched as Anderson slowly walked out of the hole he had formed, body bruised and his head bleeding slightly. Chuckling Anderson cracked his neck and then stared at his new opponent.
"Ah and you must be Nero. They told me briefly about your hidden powers. Hopefully I'll get to witness them before this day is over" Anderson said wiping the blood away. He pulled out a Bible from within his clerical robe as he opened the pages and slammed his palm down. "Meet me at your headquarters. That is where we'll settle this little duel" Anderson said disappearing in a flurry of Bible pages. Seishiro sheathed his sword and swore.
"Damn! Nero go after him. I'll summon more knights and we'll finish evacuating the citizens. Whatever happens do NOT let him leave headquarters alive. Now MOVE!" Seishiro shouted sprinting off into the other direction.
Nero frowned and then began the very long trek to the Order's headquarters. "It's time like this I wish we had a helicopter or something. What's the point of trying to save the world from devils when we can't even have a freak in' plane or something?" he mumbled annoyed.
In London….
Integra and Walter entered the conference room. The Round Table was going to hold a video conference with the Nightstalkers in New York. Taking her seat Integra watched as the large screen before them turned on. Walter went and stood by the screen as everyone looked on.
"Gentlemen of the Round Table. Sir Integra and I have called this emergency meeting in order to resolve the vampire conflicts. We have done extensive research into the problem and have turned up several key pieces of information. But first we must introduce those we will be working with" he explained.
The screen then showed the Nightstalkers. Sitting around a large table were Director McGrath, Chief Quinton, Rosette, Dexter and a few other officials with the FBI. After some brief introductions Walter again began to speak.
"Director McGrath has agreed to lend us any assistance as we track down both the vampires and those that control them. A group calling itself LOD. LOD apparently have been using vampires for some time, towards some dark unknown purpose. These incidents are not limited solely to London. In New York, the Nightstalkers had been tracking their own situation for some time. Most recently, a terrible beast by the name of the Oboro had been summoned by LOD to attack the city. Though they managed to fight back it caused considerable destruction. But what's more disturbing is that the leader of LOD himself made his presence known"
At that point small chatter broke out amongst the men of the Round Table. "And who is their leader?" Sir Penwood asked. "His name is Klaus sir. We have only his name and nothing else I'm afraid. But this is where they come in. Ms. Cristobel can explain. Ms. Cristobel if you will?" Walter said.
Rosette cleared her throat and straightened her posture. The screen panned in on her a little more closely as she began to speak.
"We recently captured a member of LOD. She revealed some key information. She said that their leader, Klaus has been planning to remove human free will for thousands of years. To do so he has acquired a device that will assist him. We don't have the exact specifications of this device only that it is a weapon of some kind" Rosette stated.
"A weapon?" Sir Islands asked. Rosette nodded in response.
"A weapon to eliminate free will? What the devil could that mean?" another member asked.
"That's the problem. The prisoner revealed the way it works. Apparently when activated it places the subject under total control, eliminating their memories, emotions and personality. It effectively removes their humanity leaving them in a controlled state. From there they can be ordered to commit just about anything. Unfortunately we do not know what this weapon is called nor of how Klaus has acquired it" Rosette explained.
At that point Integra spoke for the first time. "I want to also bring to light a growing problem" she said as everyone turned to look at her. "Keep in mind this is very recent information. We've been monitoring the Vatican for some time now. They're on the move and growing bolder. Anderson was dispatched recently to a location called Fortuna Island." Integra explained.
"Fortuna Island?" Rosette asked.
"Yes, a small island nation. Fortuna is the home of the Order of the Sword. They are a militant religious group that hunts demons and devils. The order was centered on the worship and reverence of the Legendary Dark Knight Sparda who apparently served as the island's feudal lord centuries ago"
"Come now Sir Integra. Sparda is nothing but a myth." Sir Penwood said rather strongly. Integra simply looked at him. "Well then perhaps you can explain to Dante later how his father is nothing but a myth" she said with a very slight smirk.
There was silence.
"Yes, Dante is the only surviving Son of Sparda" Integra said watching as faces dropped.
From their side, the Nightstalkers began talking as well, taking note of the new information. "Ok so this Father Anderson is headed for Fortuna. Why the concern?" Director McGrath asked.
"Because knowing how the Vatican likes to operate, Anderson's mission was most likely to eliminate the residents of Fortuna should they pose a threat. And with their history he is likely to attack and kill any in his way. He is their top assassin and a very dangerous combatant." Integra explained. "My point is this. I have already sent Alucard and Seras there. If they encounter Anderson or members of LOD they are to eliminate them without hesitation. Director McGrath, if you have any men to spare I'd send them to Fortuna. Otherwise we could be looking at a major disaster" Integra said.
Rosette folded her arms. "If you insist so strongly then consider it done. What else is there?" she asked.
Integra leaned back in her seat. "If Klaus has a weapon which he can use to place humans under control then that means our problem is even bigger than we expected. We need to figure out a way not just to find him but to learn the identity of this device as well. LOD has already proven three things. One, they are incredibly meticulous in their planning. If Klaus truly has been planning for this for thousands of years then he is certainly willing to bid his time. Two, LOD has proven they are willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve their goals. The violence here in London, the attack on New York. These are people who will slaughter any in their path. And lastly what I fear the most, if we don't put a stop to LOD it won't just be our homes which suffer but every person on this planet" Integra said as her eyes narrowed.
And so the race was on to Fortuna Island. But while that transpired danger still lurked.
In Russia….
The servant entered Vladimir and Mariska's bedroom. Looking around she saw the room was empty save for the infant Joseph's crib. The child was wrapped snug in blankets and sleeping peacefully. Closing the door behind her she slowly walked over to the crib. Looming over she reached behind her and pulled out two black gloves which she placed on. She bent down and pulled out a large combat knife strapped to her leg.
The servant woman held the knife over the still sleeping Joseph. "You are such a precious baby. Unfortunately my superiors wish to see you die. If only fate had chosen a more favorable outcome for you. Rest in peace dear one" she said pulling back the blankets and intending to stab the infant.
The crib was empty. Panicking she tossed all the blankets out the crib only to see Joseph was nowhere in sight.
"What?" she shouted growing frustrated.
"Looking for someone?" a voice said behind her.
She turned behind her to see Mariska leaned against the wall, arms folded, legs crossed and with a blank expression. The servant glared. "How are you still alive?" she spat. Mariska smirked. "Did you really think we didn't know LOD put you here? We've known for weeks about your true identity. Sarah Gurlukovich. LOD promised you great wealth if you were successful in killing Joseph and I didn't they? Too bad. It seems your leaders greatly underestimated us" she said.
Sarah held the knife tightly. She then slowly walked a few feet away from the crib. "But I saw you drink the spiked tea" she said.
"True. If only that chemical you added was in fact the cyanide mix. We switched it out with a harmless flavor substitute. Quite tasty actually. Just to keep you under the guise you would be successful so you could be rooted out. " Mariska explained.
Sarah stared for a long time. It was now or never. She was still going to complete her assignment. "I was ordered to kill you and your blasted child. I plan to see this through" she said raising the knife.
Mariska hadn't budged an inch since this encounter began. With her arms still folded she simply blinked. "Then you should get on with it".
Sarah charged raising the knife and bringing it down with great force. Mariska avoided and spun around facing her assailant. Sarah slashed and swiped in clean strokes with the knife. She wielded great proficiency with it. Switching to a reverse style grip she brought it over hand in a downward attack. Mariska dodged each strike, moving fluidly. She knew however that the longer she prolonged the fight the greater risk of injury. A basic rule of knife combat was to quickly seize and neutralize the weapon. If time progressed, Mariska very well could meet her end here.
Sarah again attacked in an overhand strike. Mariska raised up both hands in a cross section block. Seizing her wrist she took a step to the right and brought the knife hand down strongly. With a tight grip Mariska then skillfully disarmed her opponent. Batting the knife away as it skidded across the room. Mariska then maintained her grip on Sarah's wrist as she flipped her over in a toss and then backed away. Sarah quickly jumped to her feet and turned around. Seething mad she charged Mariska attempting to strike her.
Sarah threw a jab which Mariska parried by dropped the punch. Grabbing her arm she then brought her hand in a palm strike hitting Sarah in her jaw. Sarah's head rocked back before she felt a blow to her stomach as Mariska dug her knee into the woman's solar plexus. Mariska then ended the fight by throwing a quick succession of physical blows causing Sarah to reel from the pain and shock as she was tossed to the floor. Mariska took the opportunity to then mount Sarah to keep her from rising. With her knee pressed tightly against the woman's trachea she grabbed her wrist and bent it in a supine lock as Sarah shouted.
"Urgh! Fucking cunt! They said you were just a housewife. Just Vladimir's hot piece of ass he kept for convenience. " She said struggling. Mariska tightened her grip causing Sarah to wince.
Staring, Mariska then spoke in smooth and cold tone.
"Listen very carefully to me. You thought I was just some boring defensive little housewife? Idiot. My family has been fighting against the forces of darkness for centuries. At 10 years old I knew everything there is to know about Werewolves. Their strengths and weaknesses, the social structure of the pack, their origins. By the time I was 16 I was sharpening silver stakes and leading hunts for Werewolves and even Vampires. You failed your mission for one reason and one reason only. You dare raised your blade against my son. My beautiful Joseph." She said with a fierce indignation as she pressed tighter. Sarah tried struggling but to no avail.
"I am Mariska Alexandra Sokolov. Formally Mariska Rosenthal of the Rosenthal bloodline. Never forget who you raised your blade against" she said. Mariska then struck Sarah once across the face, knocking her out as she stopped squirming and lay there unconscious.. Sighing Mariska stood to full height, rotated her neck and stared down at her would be assassin.
Ten minutes later the sound of sprinting footsteps could be heard from the hall. With one kick Vladimir kicked in the door to his bedroom, followed by two of his guards. There, to their amazement was Mariska standing unharmed. The still unconscious form of the assassin Sarah was slumped over her right shoulder as she held her securely. Staring back Mariska simply said. "Hey honey" and then smiled ever so gently.
Back on Fortuna…
Nero grumbled and then swore for the fifth time. He had finally after about two hours made it to headquarters. Chasing after Anderson had left him in a bitter and foul mood. The massive headquarters of the Order of the Sword overlooked a massive cliff structured above the sea. Nero entered the main entrance. What the young knight then saw infuriated him even more.
Dozens upon dozens of slain knights littered the hallway of the Order's entrance. Blood stained the walls and floors. Nero stopped, clenching his fists. "What the hell has that bastard done?" he said.
One knight, with deep lacerations across his body crawled to Nero. "He…he kept on killing. He wouldn't stop. Please Nero go and stop…him" the man said trailing off before he succumbed to his wounds and died.
Nero swore again and pressed on more determined to find Anderson. After a while he found who he was searching for.
Anderson had just finished slaying a group of vampires that had stormed the northern section of the headquarters. In a grand hall with several stone carvings of the devil knight Sparda. There was a large stair case at the front section which led to the upper levels and the weapons division of the headquarters. Anderson cut through the attacking vampires before finally slaying the last one. The room became stained with the blood of the undead fiends as Anderson sighed and waved his blades.
"Is this it? THIS was the order that worshipped the devil Sparda and hunted devils in his honor? And these vampires..such low level trash. Honestly this whole hunt has been one big disappointment." Anderson complained.
"Then how about facing me. If you're looking for a real fight I'll be sure to kick your ass good and well" Nero challenged.
Anderson turned to see the young knight approaching. Nero wasted no time and pulled Blue Rose out firing several times and shooting Anderson in the torso. The priest staggered back, bleeding heavily but not before laughing wildly. His wounds soon closed up causing Nero to stare in shock.
"You'll be needing to do much better than that boy. Now let me show you how it's really done" Anderson said. With one swift motion Anderson pulled out scores of blessed bayonets and threw them at Nero. Nero jumped, evading some of the blades but not before getting pierced in his stomach and chest by two of them.
Nero dropped to one knee, the blades steaming from making contact as he grunted and strained. "What the? What the hell are these things?" he shouted. Anderson slowly approached, pulling out more blades.
"Weapons blessed with the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Works particularly nasty on anything unholy. And judging from your reaction I'd venture a guess and say you aren't human." Anderson explained stopping a few feet from Nero who struggled to his feet. Swearing Nero again raised Blue Rose.
"You shrugged off those rounds like nothing. Just what the hell kind of freak are you?" he asked. Anderson raised his blades and said "I'm just a priest" and brought them down in a fierce swing.
The blades never connected as something obstructed their path. Both Anderson and Nero watched in total amazement as the former's attack was stopped by another individual. This man was tall, very tall. He wore a long black coat with a large hood and a red interior, black pants, black boots and black fingerless gloves. Raised in front stopping Anderson's attack was a nodachi with a red scabbard and a black cross guard. The man had shoulder length black hair but most striking were his eyes; brilliant amber color.
Anderson jumped back and glared at this new arrival. "You? So Vladimir sent one of his mangy hounds here as well" he said.
Michael stood to full height and smirked. "You won't be smug this time priest. Remember that as I rip you to pieces" he challenged. Nero took the time to pull out the blades as he too stood to full height.
"You know" he began to say. "This whole day is really starting to suck. First vampires and now you two clowns. Hey pal, this asshole is my fight get your own priest to kill" Nero said annoyed. Michael simply turned and stared at the young knight. He was about to talk when a voice interrupted them.
"Then it seems we have all marked this priest for death"
All three turned towards the large staircase to see yet another individual. This time this person wore a large hooded black cloak with a white porcelain mask. Anderson grinned wildly as he recognized this newcomer.
"So you're here as well" he called out to the assassin who stared back. "Priest. Your fight lies with me. I don't it too kindly to those that interrupt my hunts" he said in reference to their duel in Russia.
Anderson quickly darted his eyes between Michael, Nero and now the assassin. What he did next happened very swiftly. He removed a Bible from him and flung it towards Michael. Michael in an instant removed his twin Desert Eagles and fired. The Bible exploded into dozens of pages which swarmed and engulfed him and Nero. Anderson used the distraction to sprint up the stair case towards the assassin whom removed two sub machine pistols and opened fire. Anderson ran through the hail storm of bullets as he chased him out the hall leaving behind Nero and Michael.
Meanwhile on another part of the headquarters….
Dante walked down a long corridor before turning and stepping into a large chamber. The chamber had a large platform area almost resembling a training area of sorts was well as a small altar and then a pit of sorts.
"So this Michael guy just up and walks out on me. Guy seems to be a real catch. I get to have all the fun of tracking these things down myself" the devil hunter said sarcastically.
He was busy walking he almost didn't see the man leaned against the nearest wall, arms folded and watching him. Dante quickly sized him up. Tall, purple jacket with a black flame pattern, brown hair, a weird crown of sort on his head, six rings on his wrists, black pants, a black clothes tied by a purple rope belt over and a massive sword strapped to his back.
Dante simply stared. "You lost dude?" he asked. Sion shook his head. "It seems we have the same issue. Vampires." He said.
Dante shrugged and simply said "Yeah everyone seems to be after them. Look if you're looking for some vamps can't help ya pal" he said turning to walk away.
Sion straightened his posture. "That's too bad. I was sent here to kill some vamps. Guess we'll just to find something to occupy us in the meantime" he stated letting a challenging tone creep in his voice. And Dante detected it.
"Man it seems everywhere I go there's someone wanting to fight" Dante said walking in place. He then turned and quickly pulled out Ebony and Ivory as Sion pulled out two large handguns. Both men stared down one another before smirking.
"Time for some action" they said in unison.
Elsewhere…
Trish watched as several more vampires charged. She had encountered waves of them in the long corridors of the headquarters. With a toss of her blonde hair she pulled out her own pistols and opened fire. Killing three of the attacking vampires as more approached. "Tch that Dante leaving me to clean up his mess. He gets to have all the fun." She said disappointed. She prepared to fire on her remaining foes when several gunshots rang through the air. The vampire's heads were blown off as blood sprayed everywhere. Trish watched much to her shock as a man clad in all red including red glasses, a red fedora hat and red coat and wielding two enormous firearms stepped out from the darkness.
With a shrill cackle he lowered his weapons and then turned to face her. "There's something so exquisite about the lure of combat. Don't you agree my dear?" the man asked facing Trish.
Trish smiled slightly as she laughed. The sword Sparda attached to her back shifted slightly as she faced this newcomer. "Well you've got quite the weaponry there. Can I get a try?" she asked seductively.
Alucard grinned, baring his fangs. "Only if you can handle the big package blondie" he said. Trish frowned and cocked her hips. "Wait now I remember. Yes it is you. That vampire from the London incident. Alucard right?" she said as he nodded. "Very good. But your name is lost on me" he said. "The name is Trish" she responded.
"Well then Trish I don't suppose you can provide me with a more suitable fight than these pathetic bloodsuckers." Alucard declared slowly raising the Jackal and Casull. Trish simply stared before raising her own pistols. "Whatever you say hun" she said with a smirk.
Meanwhile…
Seras walked aimlessly around the Order's headquarters completely unsure of where to go. She had wound up in a large conference room with a large round desk in the center and massive walls. "Oh that Alucard sometimes I swear. Leaving me behind like this and we've never even bloody been here!" she shouted.
"Man that Alucard guy sure does sound cruel then"
Seras paused to see a young man sitting on the table, legs crossed and grinning at her. He had ragged black hair and green eyes. He wore a black denim vest that was open, a black tank top, black cargo pants, black boots and a belt with a gold buckle engraved with a bear. Strapped across his back was a long double edged sword, ornately designed along with a similarly designed shield.
Blinking Seras stared before pulling out her rifle and opened fire. Seth responded by pulling out his shield and dropping low as it deflected the bullets. "Whoa easy there hot stuff! That's not very lady like" he grinned as she stopped firing. Seth lowered his shield watching her expression.
"It's not very smart to sneak up on a vampire" Seras responded as her eyes flashed. Seth chuckled and lowered his shield. "Wasn't my intention. But since you initiated this little sparring contest then why walk away?" he said reaching for a handgun behind him. "Tell me are you a member of LOD?" Seras quickly asked.
Seth's face dropped. "What? Hell no you crazy?" he quickly responded watching as Seras raised her rifle. "Well do you know anything about them? It would be best not to hide anything" she said strongly.
"I can ask you the same thing babe" Seth said staring her down.
Also…
The assassin and Anderson stared each other down. The two were now in a large room in a further section of the headquarters. It was the place where Nero and Dante had dueled each other for the second time during the incident with Sanctus.
"Tell me something. Are you really from that bloodline? Your tattoo is proof enough but still. They were wiped out ages ago' Anderson said. The assassin did not answer for a while. Finally he reached for his sword strapped to his waist.
"It does not matter where my bloodline originates. What matters is my mission, priest" he said. Anderson pulled out a pair of bayonets. 'One last thing before I kill you. What is your name?" he asked.
There was silence.
"Kazuya" was the response as both men charged forward.
And lastly…
Nero's wounds closed up. Michael sighed and started walking away. "Wait a sec just who the hell are you?" Nero demanded. Michael ignored him and continued walking until the young knight ran in front and blocked his path. "Listen pal a lot of crap has been happening and it's been pissing me off all day. You gonna answer me or not?" he shouted.
Michael cocked his head before staring. "The name is Michael. My business lies with Anderson. Now are you going to assist or get in my way?"
Nero didn't flinch. Instead he smirked and began chuckling. "Tough guy huh? Well then…" he said trailing off and reaching behind for the Red Queen. Nero gripped the handle of his sword tightly, never taking his eyes off Michael who sighed.
"It seems that priest is on everyone's shit list. That asshole is mine got it pal?" Nero said sliding one foot back. Michael laughed. "It seems then to achieve my goal I must fight you. That doesn't sound too bad. Two fights for the price of one. Oh yeah I definitely am going to live this up" he said reaching for the handle of his weapon. With his thumb pressed against the cross guard Michael flicked the blade slightly out of its scabbard as he braced himself.
Nero smirked, "You sound pretty confident. Guess I'll have to smack that smirk right off your body"
Michael grinned, "Whatever you say kid."
End Chapter
Alas folks this is it! Next chapter is already in the works. The best of both the DMC and Hellsing worlds collide in a clash of superpowers. Guns and swords meet fangs, fists, and fur. Keep reading, drop a comment/review if you like and stay tuned.
P.S. Did I mention there's going to be guns and swords?