Disclaimer: Ok folks so here we go. The fighting will die down for a little bit as the story moves forward and we delve into much of the main characters a little bit.
With the devastation caused by Klaus' forces in St. Petersburg, our heroes are forced to pool their resources together and begin the search for the mysterious devices Klaus searches for.
Klaus himself is on the move. Theokoles, the most terrifying and savage demon in history has been unleashed upon the world. But even he serves Klaus despite his brutality. Turns out Klaus is holding something dear to Theokoles, the one fated way to destroy him forever. It is revealed that even after the recent battles, Klaus still has yet to unleash the deadliest of his minions and the full brunt of LOD's might. What is it that Klaus has yet to reveal? Will it prove too formidable for our heroes?
The Order of the Cross hones in on the remaining artifacts, able to pin point the exact location of the one hidden in Egypt. Meanwhile, Hellsing begins to draw closer to the one in Carthage while the Nighstalkers deal with Kazuya's swath of mayhem. While investigating possible leads, Seth and Dexter are ambushed by a trio of powerful fighters. They reveal they are after a certain individual whom has stolen something precious to them. Will Seth and Dexter survive this encounter?
Expect some big things to happen in the coming chapters. Several characters will get their backstories covered and some questions will be answered (so stop emailing me haha).
As per usual you guys know all the copyright crap so I'll forgo that.
Chapter Twenty Two- The Man Who Despises God and the Harbinger of Death
"Do you find everything suitable, Theokoles?" Klaus asked his newest ally. Standing before him was Theokoles, the Shadow of Hell, the Harbinger of Death. Located at one of LOD's numerous lairs the duo were amidst conversation.
Theokoles snorted a response, his eyes narrowing as he said "Hmph. More or less."
Klaus watched as Theokoles finished assembling the last of his outfit. Theokoles wore a long black coat with a high collar reaching his cheek. He had on black pants and black ankle high boots. Theokoles had four rings on his fingers; two on his left pinky and middle and the other two on his right index and right ring finger. He ran a hand through his spiky blonde hair, closing his eyes and slowly reopening them.
"Spare me the boring details. Why have you awoken me? Speak quickly" Theokoles said strongly. Klaus chuckled, folding his arms behind his back as he began pacing.
"For thousands of years humankind has shuffled about life bound by the greatest lie ever told, that they have a say, a choice even in their fated lives. My group has fought since the time of the church to expose the truth. And now, after so many years it will pay off. We will destroy the illusion of free will, and bring in a true age of peace. Free from lies, free from malice or suffering or death" Klaus explained. He found much to his surprise, Theokoles began laughing. Though to a common observer, it sounded more like a wounded Hyena suffocating.
"Seriously? That's what you brought me here for? I'm almost beginning to wish I were back in my grave" Theokoles said shaking his head. Klaus did not seem fazed.
"You pathetic bunch of miscreants are nothing but a bunch of big cry baby pussies. A bunch of angry little girls shaking their puny fists at God. How sad" Theokoles said in a mock tone. "And you ask my assistance?" he questioned.
Klaus tilted his head. "You seem to be confused my friend, when did I ever ask for your aid? I am telling you, that you will serve my goals." He said reaching into his cloak and pulling out an item.
"And here's why" he said. Beneath his mask, a wicked grin crept to his face. Theokoles stared at what Klaus was holding, recognition soon formed, which in turn, formed to anger and horror as his eyes widened and he bared his teeth, his fangs growing as he growled.
"You….FUCKER! How the hell did you get that? Impossible!" Theokoles roared. If it were any other situation he would have assaulted Klaus, but Klaus was prepared. In his hands he held a glass jar filled with a dark blue solution with a floating red object. Tossing it up and down casually, Klaus chuckled. "Did you honestly think, that I would awaken the Shadow of Death without a plan?" Theokoles clenched his fist, trembling at what Klaus held. The one fated way to kill him.
His heart. Long ago, Theokoles approached a noted witch and in a savage and twisted ritual, she pulled his heart from his body and bound it to a sacred jar. No matter what damage he took, as long as his heart remained intact Theokoles could never truly die.
That is, before Klaus had gotten hold of his heart. Klaus took a step forward. "I don't plan on killing you Theokoles. Your power shall prove quite useful. Just consider this 'leverage'" Klaus explained.
Theokoles narrowed his eyes; sheer raw anger coursed through his veins.
"You…bastard. I won't forget this. Even if I serve your cause just know that at some point, you're going to fuck up. When that happens, no matter the situation, no matter the cost. I will rip you apart and feast on your corpse." He threatened as Klaus chuckled. "Fair enough, my friend. Lastly, is there any other mater that we must attend to before we move forward?" Klaus asked as if Theokoles' outburst never happened.
Swearing, Theokoles narrowed his eyes before turning his back. "I need to reclaim something. Something that was taken from me before those cunts locked me away" he said turning back to look at Klaus.
"Ah yes, your weapon. I believe I know the location, if you'll follow me, friend" Klaus said turning to exit. Theokoles stared;
"Hold the fuck up" he said as Klaus paused.
"Just who the hell are you, really? No one, not even a devil himself could accomplish what you did. You look the Shadow of Death in the eyes and do not flinch. You command that gaggle of low lives you call your allies without fear of reprisal. You have located not only my grave but my heart as well, something that was said to be lost for eternity. No being in this world, could pull what you have. I ask again, who are you, Klaus?" Theokoles said.
Klaus slowly turned, his body completely still. Finally after several moments he responded.
"I'm no one. I'm nothing. I'm nobody. I don't want to be anyone. All I care about is fulfilling my Eye of Heaven plot. Nothing more and nothing less." He answered and turned and exited the room.
Meanwhile, in New York
"Tap out. Come on, tap out"
"Nope. Not gonna"
"Come on. You know you wanna"
"Nope, not this time damn it. You're not going to win three times in a row" Dexter said panting and gritting his teeth. He and his lovely fiancé Rosette, were in the gym at the FBI's headquarters. Currently, the pair were practicing grappling and wrestling techniques with Rosette moments from victory. Lying on her back, she had Dexter trapped in a tight and fearsome arm triangle of which he was viciously struggling against as her grip grew tighter. Dexter, dressed in black shorts and a white tank top was dripping sweat. Rosette wore blue shorts and a black sleeveless shirt as she giggled and squeezed tighter. Dexter had to accept his fate; with one hand, he tapped on the matted floor as Rosette released and he rolled backwards.
"Damn! Not again. How the hell do you always do that?" he asked annoyed as he panted and wiped his brow. Rosette chuckled, likewise wiping sweat from her face as she sat up straight. "It's because you try to muscle it. Dexter, grappling isn't something you win by brute force. It's about leverage; using your opponents size and mass against them. The more you muscle it, the easier it becomes for him to slip through and catch you off guard. That's why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is so effective. When Royce Gracie first began to truly pioneer it, the martial arts community was shocked. His opponents were often bigger and stronger but he would tap them out within seconds. It's exactly for that reason I gave you" Rosette explained.
Dexter frowned, sighing as he began stretching, holding one leg in while he stretched the other out and pulled his toes back. "Yeah yeah." He grumbled.
Rosette smirked, "You're not still upset are you?" she asked, amused he was throwing a tantrum at losing to her. It was adorable, for her at least. Dexter still hadn't replied, instead he kept stretching.
Rosette moved closer to him, bumping his shoulder with hers playfully as she smiled. "I love you" she said.
Dexter turned his face the other way. A moment later he turned back and smiled, "I love you too, cheater" he teased as Rosette laughed. Dexter then said, "You look hot, all sweaty and worn out" he said as she raised an eyebrow and put on a coy smirk. "Uh huh. But really you like the way my ass looks in these shorts" she said.
Dexter shrugged, "Both" and then laughed as she punched him on the shoulder playfully.
It was now exactly one month since the events in Russia. Rosette and the Nightstalkers have returned home to New York and continued their usual duty of monitoring and investigating all supernatural activity. However, most recently, they began to investigate the swath of killings and violence sweeping across the city. Kazuya's kills have left the city in a state of terror. The criminal element of New York were left shaking in their boots; every type of scumbag imaginable fearful that the man who slays criminals in the name of God would soon target them.
The public was split; some praised Kazuya's work, dubbing him "The Right Hand of God", "The Night Angel" and other such monikers. If it makes the city safer by having murderers and rapists systematically hunted down, then so be it they said. Others of course, were not as enthusiastic. They cursed Kazuya, calling him a murderer and a criminal for thinking he has the right to judge and execute criminals. As if that weren't complicated enough, Rosette was facing increasing pressure from the board to handle the latest killings. She argued that the Nightstalkers needed to begin the search for the remaining devices. Nontheless, Rosette faced a difficult task. And she knew it.
Sometime later Rosette sat back in her office. Looking down at her desk, it was a mess, with piles of papers and folders scattered around. Frowning, she sat up and began tidying up. She hated mess, she hated disorder. A moment later her door opened and in walked Dexter, now dressed in blue jeans, brown boots, a black hoodie and dark brown leather jacket. Seeing the mess in her office he chuckled. "You ok babe?' he asked. She exhaled sharply but managed a weak smile.
"Just a little stressed, as always. Need something?" she asked as she turned and sat down on top of her desk. Dexter just stared at her, for a long time, causing her to blush a little. "What?" she asked.
Dexter sighed, this wasn't going to be easy. "I'm just going to come out and say it. I think we should hold off, on you know, the wedding. Until we stop Klaus." He said.
Rosette did not answer for a long time. Finally she said, "Why would you say that?" she asked, hurt creeping into her voice. Dexter walked forward, taking her hands into his and holding them tenderly. "Because I love you, and I don't want to risk losing you. If Klaus is dead set on this crazy ass plot of his there's no telling what can happen. LOD has already proven they're willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve their goals, even if it means killing anyone they deem as an obstruction. When they killed Johnny in Inwood Hill. The murder of the Russian politician, Oskar. And now, more recently, the awakening of Theokoles. We've faced some tough foes before. The Giamotti Brothers, the incident on Long Island with Ozwell Carter and things like that. But this, babe, this takes the cake. Klaus has got to be the greatest threat not just against us but all of humanity." Dexter said with a rising tone. Rosette continued staring into his eyes, she had never seen him so serious about protecting her.
"I just want to do everything necessary, to keep you safe. So if that means I have to wait just a little bit longer before I can take you for my bride, I can accept that" he said.
Rosette stared into his eyes, unsure of the emotions swelling in them, or for that matter, within her own being. Then to Dexter's surprise, she smiled. "Now who's being the worry wart? I thought I already told you, that I love you and want to be your wife?" she said.
"But Rosette what abou-?"
Rosette promptly cut him off, placing a finger to his lips. "Listen. When I said I would marry you it means I took everything into consideration. The good and the bad, even the ugly. I'm not afraid of Klaus or LOD. I'm not afraid of fighting them to protect this world from evil. And I am certainly not going to postpone my special day, because of Klaus' threats." She said very seriously. Dexter just stared, he then watched as she leaned closer, placed a deep kiss on his lips and inched back. "I love you. I want to marry you and become Mrs. Smith." Rosette said smiling.
Dexter then grinned, "Wow, you're willing to give up your family name? Considering what follows with it?" he said pulling her close as she kissed him again. "Of course silly" Rosette responded.
"By the way, where are you headed?" Rosette asked checking his outfit. Dexter said, "Some new leads have popped up. Seth and I are going to check in on some stuff downtown. We'll be back in a couple of hours" he said.
He kissed her. "I love you"
"Love you too" he said back.
Meeting up with Seth, the two piled into his car and headed down to the Financial District. Seth leaned back into his seat, gazing out the window as the busy and hustling streets of downtown passed them by.
"Hey man, there's something I wanted to ask" Dexter said turning the wheel to the right as they made a sharp turn. Seth slowly turned to look at him.
"I know how you feel about Klaus awakening Theokoles, you know, about your mom and everything. I just want to say it doesn't matter what it takes, we'll find some way to stop him" Dexter said quickly gazing at Seth before shifting his attention back to the road.
Seth sighed and said, "The day before she was killed my mother told me I had a special destiny. That when the world needed aid, I would rise to save it." He said again staring out at the window. Dexter made a left turn before switching gears and turning right as they slowed to a traffic light as it turned red. "She told me to live. 'Live and grow strong Seth.'" He said turning to look at Dexter.
The pair had arrived at their destination, Battery Park in downtown Manhattan. Pulling the car to a curb Dexter turned off the ignition and just waited. "Your mother would be proud of you Seth. I know she's looking down from Heaven and marveling at the warrior and protector you've become. Like I said, we'll find a way to stop Theokoles." He said holding his right fist out and flashing Seth a grin. "In honor of your family, your mother, I promise we'll stop Klaus." Seth paused, then smiled and took his own hand as the two bumped fists. "Thanks Dex".
"Now let's go meet this source. He's an old FBI informant, said he's got some info we need" Dexter said exiting the car.
Over at Hellsing…
"Walter, could you please summon Alucard in here for me please?' Integra said buzzing her intercom.
"Yes of course Madam" Walter replied. Integra then waited, 20 minutes later Alucard entered her office, removing his hat as he bowed lowly.
"You summoned me, my Master?" he said. Integra stared. "Where's Seras?" she asked.
"Sleeping" he replied as Integra blinked but then cleared her throat.
"Alucard, I'm curious. What's your take on everything that has happened recently? Klaus' plan for human subjugation, LOD waging that fight in Russia and now more recently, the awakening of Theokoles. What does it mean? Is this what we have to look forward to? More death and chaos?' she said facing her servant.
Alucard remained silent. Then, a small but wicked grin slowly crept to his face. Chuckling, he slowly reached for his red wire framed glasses as he pulled them off, exposing his alluring crimson eyes. Gazing directly at Integra as he began pacing.
"Integra, I'm surprised you would even ask me that. You of all people should know my take on this. Honestly, I can hardly wait. The sight and smell of blood as you rip through your enemies and slaughter them like cattle. Their cries of anguish. The feeling of ecstasy as you snuff them from existence. Integra. My Master, it's what I live for." Alucard answered excitedly as his hair began flapping and his eyes flashed.
Integra couldn't help but smirk; The famed monster of the Hellsing family excited by the prospect of destroying his enemies. Life as usual.
"Just thought I'd ask. We've begun a search for information regarding the remaining devices. Should anything turn up, I'll let you know" she said. Alucard bowed and soon phased from the room.
In Russia…
Vladimir tensed; his breathing hard, his face drenched in sweat as it dripped to the floor and stained the mat. Before him, Master Sato stood still, legs apart, arms folded behind his back as he narrowed his eyes.
"Ichi!" he shouted. Vladimir spread his legs apart, settling into a deep horse stance as he clenched his fists tightly by his waist.
"Ni!" Master Sato shouted again. Vladimir stepped forward with his left foot, now in a front stance as he slowly raised his right hand in an open palm strike above his head keeping his left hand clenched tightly by his waist. He then performed a high section roundhouse kick, landing down and stepping forward into a cat stance and with both hands forward in a palm strike.
"San!" Master Sato shouted.
Vladimir finished his performance of kata as he exhaled sharply, raised his right leg, stomped his foot down and executed a sharp and powerful kiai as he dropped into a deep front stance with one fist outstretched.
"Good, your skills remain sharp, my pupil" Master Sato said as Vladimir relaxed and wiped his brow. "Reminds me of the good old days, when my dad first sent me to your school when I was a kid" He said facing his mentor who chuckled and began pacing.
"Yes I remember the day you first arrived. You were strong, focused and eager to prove yourself. You never had to be told twice to do something. When all the other new students backed down at the first sparring classes you were the only new recruit to accept." Master Sato said as Vladimir smirked.
"Yeah. I also remember we were a bunch of trouble makers. Me, Kenshin, Toshio, Sakyo and Ukyo. Pulling pranks on some of the other kids after training. We would always get into those streets fights with those kids from the rival school. I remember Kenshin would never back down if they challenged us, even when we would be outnumbered. I remember how when after school I almost got jumped by six of them, Kenshin and Toshio were there to back me up. I remember how after the police brought us home after one fight, you beat my ass like I was your own son" Vladimir said as he and Master Sato both laughed. However, Master Sato's expression soon dulled, gazing down at the floor as he turned his back. "Ah yes, my son, Kenshin. I view all my students like my own children, but he, was my own flesh and blood." He said with a tone of loss and sadness creeping in. Vladimir sensed it as he too grew a little down. "Kenshin was more than just my best friend. I was an only child, he was like the brother I never had. When I first joined your school, he was one of the few who didn't look at me with disdain because I wasn't Japanese. A lot of the others did not believe a privileged white boy like me had the right to train under one of Japan's most renowned teachers. But not Kenshin." Vladimir said remembering the day he first arrived. While many of the other students mocked him and even hated him because he was different, Kenshin from day one treated like an equal, like a friend and most specially, like a brother. Then came the day years later when Kenshin was tragically killed, the culprit: Vampires. Vladimir had sworn to avenge his brother's death, it was this resolve coupled with his bloodline which what caused him to defend his nation from all manners of evil.
Vladimir's training under Master Sato was wrought with physical and mental difficulties, but the results were well worth it. Aside from his obvious fighting and martial art combat skills now, Vladimir had been forged into a strong and dedicated leader.
After wrapping their training session up, Vladimir retreated into his personal study. There he saw Mariska, standing by the bookshelf with a large textbook open as she carefully studied it. Tip toeing behind her, Vladimir crept to within close distance, lowered his hands and proceeded to shake her by the side causing her to jump and almost drop the book.
"Vlad I hate when you do that!" she shouted as she slapped him against the chest causing him to laugh. "I know, that's why I do it" he teased. Frowning, she then chuckled and said "I was actually just coming to get you. I was doing some reading and think I found something." She said as he went and took a seat in one of the large chairs. "Yeah, what is it?" he asked. Mariska walked over, sitting down beside him as she pointed to the textbook she had been studying.
"I was looking through ancient world history, trying to find if there is any truth claim to what Klaus has been saying about those devices. I think I got something. Rosette mentioned that one of them was said to be located somewhere in Egypt. So I've been doing a study of ancient Egyptian mythology, archaeology and history. I've been specifically homing in one the tombs of the ancient Pharaohs when I came across this." She said pointing to a highlighted text. Vladimir began reading it aloud.
"In the year 2500 B.C. the Pharaoh of Egypt came into possession of a mysterious orb like artifact. It was discovered after a military campaign in foreign lands. Scribes and priests described it as possessing frightening magical powers and as such only the Pharaoh's priests were allowed to handle it. No man could truly control it, and it's true worth or purpose was never deciphered. When the Pharaoh died, it along with his other most prized possessions was buried in his tomb. Since then scholars and historians from around the world have failed to understand or decipher the meaning behind the Pharaoh's acquisition of this 'magical' artifact."
Vladimir stared at it and then at Mariska. "I've been contacting the top Egyptologists in the world. They all don't know what to make of this. The tomb has never been discovered and no one has the faintest clue of this orb could have been." She said as Vladimir crossed his legs. Running a hand through his black hair he leaned back and said "It was said to possess magical properties. Do you..do you think that this could be the device Klaus is searching for?" he asked.
"My gut tells me so. It's the only thing we've uncovered so far. The question is. Where is it buried? Where is the Pharaoh's tomb? The experts I've spoken to said his record and past is sketchy, so finding where he is buried will be extremely difficult" Mariska said crossing one leg over and looking at her husband.
Vladimir stared off into space. The threat Klaus posed forever loomed over. "We'll have to use all available resources to try and find out where. Thanks babe, we're one step closer" he said kissing her and getting up to exit the room.
While Vladimir and Mariska searched for more clues, the wolf pack were busy doing an investigation of their own.
"YO!" Sergei shouted from the kitchen of the pack's living quarters. Everyone turned to look up.
"Who's turn for dishes?" he shouted pointing to the growing and quite messy pile of dirty dishes stacking in the sink. Alex frowned, "Not mine. Boss?" he asked shouting over to Michael, whom was busy sharpening his sword.
"Nope? Kathy?" he asked turning to Kathy who rolled her eyes. "I did them last night. Wait. Hey, Hanya! It's YOUR turn!" she shouted. Hanya grimaced as he rose from his seat on the sofa, walking over to the sink and beginning the arduous task.
"I hate dishes" he grumbled unhappily.
Back in New York…
"Man I don't believe this bullshit. We must have checked in with four different sources and no one can tell us anything." Dexter said scratching a name off his note pad. He and Seth were taking a stroll through Battery Park, upset at how their search was turning up. None of their visits turned up useful information. Neither in regards to the remaining devices, Klaus' whereabouts or anything related to LOD. Taking a seat on a bench, Dexter pulled out his note pad. "We've got two left. Want to split up?" he asked Seth who shook his head.
"No, it's better we stick it together." He answered. Seth then reached into his vest and pulled out a black object. Upon further inspection it turned out to be an iPhone. Dexter looked at it, then back at Seth.
"Jesus man not you too" he said shaking his head as Seth laughed. "I find it to be quite useful" Seth replied.
Dexter then turned his attention to the park. It was now April, the early stages of spring so the weather was becoming more pleasant. Bright and sunny, clear skies and mild weather made it a perfect outing for the park. People were busy about their comings and goings. Joggers trotted down the various paths and trails. Mothers with their children in strollers ambled along. The pair did not notice that just some 15 feet away, residing next to a large tree were three individuals watching them pass by.
"That them?" one asked.
"Yup. They're both FBI. They're with the Nightstalkers. Rumor has it they had an encounter with him on Fortuna Island not too long ago." Said the second figure as they all began laughing. The third and final one, smaller than his companions frowned and said. "I say we quit yapping and lay the smack down on these chumps." And proceeded to step forward but was halted by the man standing beside. "Patience, little bro. We will but just be wary. The human is no threat, but that Shapeshifter, he's not to be underestimated. He is no ordinary shifter." He explained. "I don't give a damn what he is, they both know where to find him and they're going to tell us. Whether or not they still live, is a matter entirely that is different" the shorter individual said as all three turned their attention to Seth and Dexter.
"Ok, so next on the list is this guy that goes by the name Zen. Works on Wall St. at some top banking company. Says here he was vital when we went after that genetics company that was experimenting with devil arms." Dexter said reading from his note pad before placing it in his jacket.
At that point, Seth's stomach grumbled. "Tacos?" he said. Dexter smirked, "Sure" he said as he prepared to stand from the bench.
"Dex" Seth said as Dexter turned. Seth began fiddling with his phone, using his finger to quickly type a message which he then texted to Dexter. Dexter's own phone, a Droid Razr rumbled as he picked it up. Reading the message, he stared at the screen.
"3 guys watching. Been stalking since we got to the park. U strapped?"
Dexter typed a response and sent it. Seth's iPhone vibrated as he picked it up.
"Yeah. .45 cal and two Baretta. U?" the text read as Seth responded. "2 Glock 10's. On ur go"
Dexter nodded and put his phone away. Such a shame; it was a gorgeous day and they were about to get into a fight.
"Go!" Seth shouted. He and Dexter jumped up, removed their firearms and unleashed a hail of bullets whizzing at their assailants. The trio likewise pulled out their own weapons, armed with handguns and sub machine pistols as they returned fire causing Dexter and Seth to dash for cover. The park was in a state of chaos, people screaming and shouting and ducking for cover trying desperately to avoid being shot.
"Son of a bitch!" one of the taller individual shouted rolling to the side as he again opened fire. Dexter dove behind the bench, reloaded and fired twice while Seth fired three rounds. He was busy he didn't notice the third person, the smallest of them had snuck behind him. Leaping high into the air, he raised his leg over in a vicious axe kick. Seth cartwheeled to the right and flipped away several times just as the kick smashed the bench to crumbling bits. Getting to his feet he was suddenly knocked down as one of the other men shouldered him hard causing him to drop his guns. Seth turned, kicking his assailant as he rolled backwards. The smaller more rowdy individual charged as the taller man hung back and watched with a big smirk.
Seth dodged and evaded a series of powerful kicks and punches, surprised at how quickly his opponent moved. Blocking a kick, Seth threw out his own as his opponent leaned back, falling backwards into a kip-up position as he kicked his feet at Seth knocking him backwards before jumping back up. The second opponent charged. Seth threw a quick punch, only to have his whole arm caught as his eyes widened. His opponent laughed and said, "Come now shifter. You've got to do better than that!" he said picking Seth and throwing him over his shoulder as Seth landed but rolled back to his feet.
Dexter fired at the third individual, only to have him dash in faint after images as he avoided his gunfire. Sucking his teeth Dexter placed his gun away. "Giving up? I must say you're the first human who has ever realized when he's outclasses. Do not worry, we will not kill you. My brothers unfortunately are far more temperamental than I" he said gesturing to his dueling brothers as they continued attacking Seth.
Dexter stated, "Who the hell are you clowns?" he asked. The man before him merely smirked. "Your allies, believe it or not. We all seek a common enemy" he said crossing his arms as Dexter relaxed a little. He then turned over to where Seth was viciously dueling with the remaining brothers.
Seth was double teamed, but held his own. He ducked under a roundhouse kick as he spun and threw a back kick, tossing aside one brother while the other raised his arms. Seth threw a jab that was caught, he took his free hand and punched only to have his hand grabbed. "Not bad, shifter" his opponent taunted. Growling Seth then realized his opponents were far stronger than he realized.
"What the hell are you guys?" Seth asked pushing his opponent back. He laughed, his eyes flashing as his fangs grew. At that point, Seth stared into his eye. Amber colored, with an alluring gaze. He had his own question answered as his opponent gave a short howl and kicked him in the gut before back handing him away.
"Dex, these guys are Werewolves!" Seth shouted rising to his feet. Dexter's eyes widened, the man before him flashed a deadly grin before chuckling. Seth then turned his attention back to his opponents. The man stretched out his arm as it expanded, a layer of thick heavy muscle formed before dark colored fur formed and his hand formed into clawed paw like appendage. He took one swipe at Seth, intending to severe off his head. However, he was shocked to find Seth stop his arm as if it were nothing. Struggling his own eyes now widened, as did his two brothers.
"What?" he stammered struggling against Seth's obscene strength. Seth's dark green eyes narrowed, "It's been a while since I've fought with a wolf. You caught me off guard, now that I know, things will be quite different" he said. Moving faster than before, Seth unleashed a flurry of lightning fast punches in rapid succession, pummeling the man before spinning and kicking him. His brother charged, but not before Seth elbowed him in the nose, grabbed him by the shoulder and tossed him into his brother as the two crashed to the side. Dexter then took the opportunity to reach for his hand gun, he fired at the third brother who again dodged the shot, sprinting over to where his brothers had fallen.
"I told you not to take him lightly" he said shaking his head. The younger brother stood slowly, clutching his head. "Shut up! You didn't even help!" he shouted as his brother swore and held his jaw. Seth and Dexter now stood side by side, Dexter still having his gun held out as Seth took a step forward.
"Relax, we don't wish to fight anymore. My brothers like I said are more volatile then I unfortunately. You see, we have been searching for something for some time now and we believe you can help" the one man said with his arms crossed. The younger brother pointed his finger. "Tell us where Klaus is" he demanded.
Dexter and Seth froze. "How the hell do you know about Klaus? Who the fuck are you three asshats?" he asked.
"Very well. We are the Salvatore Brothers. I am the second oldest, Ramone Salvatore" he said with a light bow. The next brother answered, "I'm the middle brother, Jason Salvatore. This is our little brother, Jacob Salvatore" he said. Dexter and Seth stared, for a long time, finally getting a good glance at their opponents.
All three brothers were dressed in similar outfits consisting of dark blue jeans and black boots. Ramone wore a black hooded leather jacket with a white t-shirt underneath; Jason wore a black hooded sweat shirt while Jacob wore a black sweater vest with a hood. Ramone had thick cut brown hair with three locks hanging over his face; Jason had short but thick wavy brown hair past his chin while Jacob had thick and slightly curly brown hair. They all had amber colored eyes, denoting their Werewolf origin.
"Ok Salvatore Brothers again I ask. Why are you asking about Klaus?" Dexter said.
"Klaus has committed awful tragedies. Against my brothers and I. We have been hunting him down for years. We heard of the incident on Fortuna Island and more recently, the attacks in Russia. We know Klaus orchestrated it and so we came here, knowing that the Nightstalkers would be searching for a way to stop him. " Ramone explained.
"Uh huh" Seth said eyeing them cautiously. "You said before you were second oldest. I'm assuming then there is a fourth brother. What, he not up for brawls in the park?" he asked sarcastically. Seth then noticed a sudden change in the demeanor of the Salvatores. Their aggression shifted to sadness and pain, especially in the youngest one, Jacob. Ramone swallowed hard and said "That is what Klaus has done. He has our older brother, Lucian. For years he's been using Lucian as his experiment, conducting savage and twisted rituals to form the perfect weapon. But no more" he said trembling. Jason lowered his head while Jacob, normally feisty growled and swore.
"We want Klaus for one reason and one reason only. We are going to kill him, for what he did to our brother." Jacob said.
Dexter sighed and placed his gun away. "I'm sorry for your brother, but Klaus is not going to be easy to kill. You have no idea the kind of madness and evil he is plotting" he said.
"I DON'T CARE! He took our brother from us! He's going to pay with his life!" Jacob shouted clenching his fist so tightly his hand bled slightly. Jason calmly placed his hand on his younger brother's shoulder to console him. In the distance, they heard the sirens of police vehicles fast approaching.
"Ramone, we've stayed too long" Jason said as he and Jacob turned to walk away. Ramone stared one more time at Seth and Dexter before bobbing his head. With his back turned he said, "We shall meet again soon, Nightstalkers." And with that the trio leaped high into the air and promptly disappeared in a swift motion.
Back at Hellsing…
"Where in bloody hell are those devices?" Integra grumbled for the third time. She was flipping through a large text book in her office before shoving it aside in frustration. As if on cue, Seras entered her room, followed closely by Walter. Holding several sheets of paper Seras nodded.
"I think I found something" she said as Integra nodded and sat up straight in her chair. "Walter and I have been combing through the archives, trying to find any information about what Klaus was referring to. One device is said to be buried somewhere within the ruins of ancient Carthage right? So we did a brief search of the areas topography, geography and archaeology and think we found something. There is an old legend regarding the Battle of Carthage during its sack at the peak of the Third Punic wars. Romans armies invaded and eventually subdued and utterly destroyed Carthage. It was said the king of Carthage had acquired a mysterious and powerful artifact he believed would turn the tide and allow his people to defeat the Roman armies. Unfortunately for him, the commander of the Roman forces, Scipio Aemilianus stole the device which he used in Rome's favor."
Integra's interest grew more apparent, she nodded for Seras to continue. "Scipio said this device boasted phenomenal power and that it could 'control the minds and actions of a Roman Legion, even until their very death'. This artifact was then forever lost to time after Carthage fell, but historians believed it to lay somewhere within the crumbling ruins" Seras said looking from her sheet.
Walter walked to Integra's desk, rolling out a regional map of Carthage. Several sites were highlighted in red as he traced them with his finger. "Based on current theories, these three locations are most likely to yield results but it is my best estimate that here" he said pointing to a location, "Is our best bet. It's a temple dedicated to one of the chief goddesses of the Carthaginians, Tanit. Sir Integra, it's my recommendation we gather more evidence and present our findings to the Round Table" Walter said.
Integra nodded, standing up from her chair and walking to the window, gazing outside. "Let's continue our search." She said turning back to Walter and Seras as they resumed their task.
Lastly, in New York…
"Please…please…spare me" the man's cries of mercy carried out as he whimpered and stammered. Six men, all notorious drug peddlers and gang bangers sat on their knees, hands bound in front tightly and covered in bruises and bleeding in a grassy field deep within Central Park. The time was about 10:45 pm. Kazuya faced the men before him, tilting his head as he reached within his cloak and pulled out a Beretta which he cocked and loaded.
"Did you spare the ones you sold your crack to? Turning men and women and sometimes even children into addicts, all for the love of money" Kazuya said lowering his weapon. One of the men, a Hispanic men in his late 50's spat to the ground and stared. "Fuck you hombre, you ain't special. Not my fault people are so easily lured with a cheap high".
Kazuya promptly responded by shooting him right between the eyes, his body falling limp as the roar of the gun echoed in the still night and causing the remaining men to jump. Kazuya walked down, shooting them one by one in cold blood and without hesitation. The second victim; Lacara Sanchez. Convicted of murdering three men in a drug deal gone bad. Then there was Christopher Kosta, notorious Mafia enforcer who tortured and murdered a woman in front of her children. Lastly, the only man to remain was Leroy Rogers, a member of the most powerful crime syndicate in Harlem, the Black Sun. Leroy has multiple priors for torture, murder, theft and kidnapping. His most recent crime was the slaying of an undercover officer infiltrating his organization.
As Kazuya raised the gun Leroy again pleaded. "Please…I've got kids." He said.
Kazuya froze, staring back. Lowering his gun he said, "Prove it."
"In my wallet, I've got photos" he said. Kazuya then searched for his wallet, rummaging through before pulling out two photos. One was with Leroy, a woman, presumably his wife or girlfriend and with a newborn baby girl. The second with Leroy, his infant daughter and older son, his son the spitting image as he smiled brightly in the photo and held his father's hand tenderly.
Kazuya then had flashbacks of his own mother, her sweet smile as she would kiss and praise him for completing his chores. Her loving embrace when he would wake up screaming from some awful nightmare in the dead of night and she would hug and soothe until he fell back asleep.
"No child should have their innocence shattered because their parent is a deviant" Kazuya said setting the photos down. He pulled out a knife, cutting Leroy free from his bonds. Walking behind him, Kazuya watched as Leroy remained seated, too terrified to move. "Your life is spared." Kazuya said stepping to the side as Leroy began to rise to his feet. He slowly turned to face Kazuya.
He never saw the sword unsheathe, hidden within his black cloak. It wasn't until he felt searing hot pain and blood flow freely that he realized what had happened.
"But you must still face God's judgment. I will show you mercy, but at a price. You have used your hands for evil, so I remove one" Kazuya said lowering his sword. Kazuya had sliced off Leroy's left arm as the man rolled on the ground in pain, blood collecting underneath. Sheathing his sword, Kazuya turned and exited the park, leaving behind his most recent work.
End Chapter
Sorry this took so long. New semester of school started so I will update as frequently as I can. Please be patient, this story is far from over. In fact, the madness is only just beginning
Next chapter: The race is on as The Order of the Cross prepares to head for Egypt while Hellsing and the Nightstalkers head for Carthage. Two devices hang in the balance, potentially paving the way for Klaus to go forward with his plan. In a shocking twist, Iscariot offers their assistance with Maxwell revealing a surprising revelation: Can they be trusted?
Stay tuned!