Disclaimer: Two days remain until the UN General Assembly. Our allies are busy preparing for the coming conference. The Hellsing Organization, the Nightstalkers, the Order of the Cross, the Iscariot Organization, the Order of the Sword; five organizations dedicated to the protection of mankind from any and all supernatural threats. The time is coming for these agencies to band together. And with very good reason, Klaus and his minions are growing more powerful with every step.
In New York, Dexter continues to seek aid for the coming conference. He begins seeking out powerful and potentially deadly allies in the form of old rivals. But will his desire to protect his friends and loves ones prove his undoing? Dexter will stop at nothing to counter Klaus' coming attack and he may end up taking extreme actions which could potentially jeopardize, and even end, his career with the FBI.
At the same time, Rosette seeks out the Salvatore Brothers so that she may personally invite Lucian to the conference. But with his disdain for humans and weakness, will Rosette be in over her head?
This chapter will be shorter. Only a few more before the next massive battle. Keep reading folks, it's going to get crazy!
Chapter Thirty- Deadlocked
"So, is he in or out?" Seth asked casually. He and Dexter were purchasing snacks and drinks inside a local convenience store while discussing Dexter's visit with Raskos. Dexter reached up for a pack of Oreo's and frowned. "No clue. I told him I want him fighting with us and he just threatened to eat me as usual" he said checking the price on the Oreo's.
"Honestly Dex, we got a better shot of Lucian joining us" Seth said walking over from the back where he held two Mountain Dew sodas in his hand. "That might be true, but, I have a history with Raskos and I know what Klaus' goons did to him. To forcibly imbue a human being with the cellular and genetic makeup of various demons and subject them to years of gene splicing is just awful. Raskos may be full of hatred, but it is directed towards Klaus and the ones who tormented him. Deep down he desperately wants to avenge the evils done to him. But knowing him, he just wants to bite off Klaus' face" Dexter said chuckling.
"By the way Seth, I need a favor" Dexter said turning to Seth. Seth shrugged and said, "Sure man"
"Come with me uptown to Washington Heights. There's someone I need to see, someone who can lend some heavy firepower for the coming assembly" Dexter said as he and Seth walked over to the line to pay for their snacks. Seth said, "Wow, who is it?" he asked.
"My cousin. He served with the Marines for years before retiring. He's a little…crazy. In fact, very crazy, but he's reliable and he's got connections. It'll be of great use. You in?" Dexter asked as Seth smirked and nodded. The two men paid for their snacks and exited the convenience store. Getting into Dexter's car, they made the drive from their current location on 23rd street and 5th avenue uptown to Washington Heights.
"Been a while since I've seen my cousin. He would always spend time over at my house, spend holidays, birthdays, everything. It was like having the big brother I always wanted" Dexter explained making a right turn as he and Seth continued driving. He continued explaining a little more about his cousin. As Seth listened, he detected the very noticeable elements of hero worship with Dexter continuing on about his relationship with his cousin.
"Thing is though, he always was a little crazy. But in a good way I suppose" Dexter explained. Seth said nothing, just continued listening as they continued the drive. Eventually, the pair made their way uptown to Washington Heights. Dexter pulled up to the corner of 166th and Broadway and parked just on the curb as he and Seth exited the car. Stepping out, Dexter reached into the backseat, grabbing his black jacket as he tossed it on and smoothed out his cargo pants. Seth likewise tossed on his trademark black denim vest and placed his hands in his pockets.
"I admit, I've been in New York a long time and I've never been to this area" Seth said casually gazing around. Running along Broadway were dozens of small grocery stores, bodega shops and small mom-and-pop diners. People from all walks of life were busy going about their daily activities.
"It's a great neighborhood. I was thinking that after we get married me and Rosette get a place here. She would love it" Dexter said walking beside Seth on the sidewalk, passing by groups of people.
"Really? Didn't she want to move back to Queens, where she grew up?" Seth asked curiously. Dexter said, "Yeah we're still talking about it"
Dexter and Seth continued walking along Broadway before turning on the next corner. They approached a series of Brownstone buildings. Walking to the middle of the block, Dexter approached a building numbered "732" as he and Seth pressed the intercom. The sound buzzed as they waited for a reply. Moments later, a voice responded.
"Who the fuck is this?! Look I told you I don't care about Jehovah's return, go away!" came the gruff and angry response.
Dexter stifled a chuckle while Seth cocked his eyebrow curiously. "No witnesses here, it's your little cousin negro" Dexter said. Seth stared him. Moments later, the door buzzed as they opened it and stepped inside.
They entered inside, walking up the flight of stairs to the fifth floor. Exiting the stair case they made their way down the hall, towards apartment 5A. Seth sniffed the air twice.
"Wow, something's cooking. Smells awesome" he complimented as Dexter nodded. Reaching the door, Dexter banged twice, cleared his throat and said "Yo! Dutch! It's your cousin homie!"
The doors clicked as the locks were taken off. It opened as an individual stepped out from the apartment. He stared first at Seth, more curious than anything else. Finally his eyes made it to Dexter as he grinned, spread his arms out and said "If it ain't my little cousin Dex! Come here nigga give you your big cuz a hug!"
Both men promptly laughed as they embraced each other in a deep and warm hug, patting each other on the back several times. "Big cousin, it's been a long time man" Dex said stepping back as Dutch patted his shoulder. Seth simply watched, surprised at how different he expected Dexter's cousin to be.
Dexter's cousin, Jeremy Miller nicknamed "Dutch" stood taller then Dexter; at about 6'6. He was wearing a tight fitting white tank top, blue jeans and white socks with brown house slippers on. He had dark brown colored skin with brown eyes and a balding head. He had thick and long neatly shaped sideburns. His body frame was massive; deep rounded and thick muscles forming his arms, chest and shoulders, stretching his tank top.
Dutch noticed Seth standing there and then bumped Dexter. "Well nigga you ain't got no manners? Introduce me to your friend duh"
"Sorry man. Dutch, this is Seth, my partner in crime when it comes to catching baddies. Seth, this is my big cousin United States Marine Corp. Sergeant Jeremy "Dutch" Miller" Dexter said watching as Dutch and Seth shook hands. Seth then said "Wait so if you're Dex's cousin then that means you're.."
"Black, yeah" Dexter answered for him while Dutch laughed. Seth blinked; "Dex, you're black?" he asked genuinely shocked. "Only half. Dutch is my cousin through my dad's side of the family. He's black, my mom is Irish and German"
"And here I thought you were just some puny white boy from Brooklyn" Seth chuckled.
"Well shit don't be strangers, come on in and get comfortable" Dutch said inviting them inside to his tidy two bedroom as he shut the door behind them. Seth again sniffed the air as he said "Man something smells good"
"I was just cooking some burgers, you guys hungry?" Dutch said leading them to the kitchen. It was moderately spacious, marble cabinets and drawers, a large Kenneth brand fridge and other amenities. At the stove, Dutch hovered over a large frying pan where he proceeded to cook up several hamburgers. Flipping them over with a spatula he looked over his shoulder as Seth and Dexter sat down at the table.
"Make yourself comfortable Seth, any friend of Dex's is a friend of mine. Mi casa es su casa" Dutch said flipping over a patty.
Seth again sniffed and said, "I can tell that isn't regular beef you're using. It's a little more gamey than a standard cow"
"Yup. It's bison, a buddy of mine own a bison ranch out in the Midwest and he'll ship me some occasionally. Twice the protein of standard beef and it's leaner too" Dutch explained beginning to place the cooked patties unto a plate. He then said, "But I've never heard of someone noting the way they smell…that closely" as he eyed Seth curiously. Dexter said, "Dutch, Seth is a Shapeshifter"
"Wow really? No shit then." Dutch said as he continued cooking. He finished cooking about a dozen burgers, bringing them over along with buns, plates and napkins. The three men sat down and after fixing their burgers, began eating.
"So what's up cuz, long time no see and I get the feeling it's an emergency" Dutch said finishing his first burger and taking a long swig of the Corona he placed before him.
Dexter chewed, swallowed and said "It's a long story. You think that shit a few months ago with the Mayor was bad? What about that monster's rampage in the subway? Or the vigilante killings plaguing the city? Dutch, there is some bad shit brewing, and it's only getting worse"
Dutch narrowed his eyes, pushing his plate away. He looked at Seth who was busy engrossed in his meal then back to his cousin. Folding his arms he said "Explain"
Dexter promptly informed Dutch of every single event which had transpired in the past few months: The rising threat of LOD, Klaus returning to full power, the super powered vampires fed demon blood, the Oboro, the attack in St. Petersburgh, the Vatican's shady activity, and the looming threat over the coming UN General Assembly meeting. Dutch listened intently, never uttering a word as he continued talking.
Dexter finished his lengthy explanation. He was so engrossed, he only managed to eat one burger. Seth was more than happy to finish the rest of his.
"So that's it. Klaus is coming, and he's not holding anything back. I've been busting my ass trying to bolster our security and fighting forces for the assembly but it may be a long shot. There's Raskos but…knowing him he will just try to eat anything in sight" Dexter said frowning. Seth at that point grabbed his last burger, took a big bite, began chewing and then said "I still say the Salvatore Brothers are a long shot as well"
Dutch said, "I don't know about whom you want to use to fight, but I can help you with weapons and explosives. You know me man" he replied with a smirk. Seth finished his hamburger, taking a long drink from the cold beer in front of him.
Dexter at that point stood up to look out the kitchen window. "I could ask…them" he said. Seth cocked his eyebrow, "Not the Salvatores you mean?" he asked. Dutch said "Who Dex?" he asked.
Dexter hesitated: "The Black Hand"
"Oh SURE. Why NOT those madmen? Afterall, if Lucian Salvatore, who hates humans and loathes weakness is sure to be our friend and ally then certainly them of ALL people will join our crusade against Klaus!" Seth said sarcastically as he threw his hands up in frustration.
Dutch blinked twice before saying, "The who?"
Dexter sighed before explaining. "They are notoriously violent and savage criminals, born in the foulest levels of the Demon World. They are the most vile, feared, treacherous, infamous and terrifying criminals in the history of the Demon World. They share a love of two main things: Killing and a fondness for collecting powerful devil arms, swords more specifically. We've tangled with them before in the past. At one point, they threatened to open a portal to the Demon World directly over New York which would send this city into the blackest depths of Hell. Thank God we stopped them, and they've laid low ever since. Lately I've been getting reports they're on the move; some activity is stirring them again. I believe it's because of what Klaus is planning"
"Damn cuz, do you happen to know any normal criminals? You know, just your garden variety rapist/serial killer/cannibalistic fiend?" Dutch asked.
Dexter smirked, "I wish we were dealing with a serial rapist or cannibal. But we aren't. We're desperate and we make desperate choices"
Just then, Dexter's phone began ringing. Pulling it out he saw that it was Rosette calling.
"Yeah babe?" he asked picking up.
"Dexter, where are you?" Rosette asked.
"I'm at Dutch's crib"
"Oh, wow. Hey tell him I said hi!"
Dexter looked at his cousin. "Rosette says hi"
"Hey what's up Rosette? When are you guys eloping already?" Dutch joked as Dexter shot him an angry glance.
"Charming as always. Anyway, the reason I called is I have to tell you something. Is Seth with you?"
"Yeah he's right here" Dexter replied as Seth blinked curiously.
"Listen closely: I know how to contact Lucian Salvatore. I want to ask in person, will he side with us against Klaus"
"….and how the hell do you plan on doing this?"
"By going to visit him of course"
"Jesus Rosette we-"
"Don't try to change my mind. Can you have Seth meet me here at the agency in twenty minutes?" Rosette asked. Dexter swore under his breath; for Rosette to be this stubborn, she really had a plan in mind.
"Yeah. There's something I need to do actually as well. I'll tell Seth to head on over. Rosette, please be safe"
"I will baby, I promise you. I'll see you soon"
"Ok. Hey, Rosette?"
"Yes Dexter?"
He hesitated, then said. "I love you with all my heart"
The phone grew quiet as Rosette's tone changed, more tender and soothing.
"I love you too, always and forever"
She hung up as Dexter placed his phone away. "Rosette wants you to meet her. She says she can contact the Salvatore's and ask them to assist"
Seth narrowed his eyes and said "Sure thing"
"So here's the plan. Seth you go meet up with Rosette. Dutch, you and I are going to meet with one of your suppliers. If you say you can get weapons, we'll need weapons. After everything is said and done, let's meet back at my place to figure out or next move" Dexter said.
Dutch then said "Let me go call him, let him know we're coming" as he walked out the kitchen. Seth turned to Dexter, folding his arms. "I hope you know what you're doing Dex"
"Me too man, me too" Dexter said clenching his fist.
At the Vatican…
"A secret conference? Hhm, how peculiar"
"I hope such an action taken by the Americans will not at all be an inconvenience, your holiness"
Maxwell prostrated himself before the Pope, reporting on the Vatican's invitation to the UN Assembly meeting in a couple of days. Beside him, Father Anderson likewise prostrated himself before the leader of Rome's church. The Pope shifted in his seat, gazing down at his two subjects.
"Do they know of the church's ties to LOD?" he asked.
"Yes your holiness. I'm afraid the British forces have been doing their research. They are all aware of the great transgressions LOD has committed against us. Hellsing is also aware that Iscariot plans to eliminate LOD for such transgressions" Maxwell answered narrowing his eyes. The Pope remained silent before finally saying "It is of no concern. Let Hellsing or even the Americans try to intervene. Klaus has committed terrible sins not just against our church, but against everyone he has crossed. He will pay, with his life. Mr. Maxwell, you once told me Iscariot is a blade to be wield against our enemies. Do I have that same commitment?"
Maxwell bowed his head, slowly rising to his feet as Anderson did the same. "Of course your Holiness. Iscariot is a weapon, created to be used however you see fit"
"Then go Enrico. Go to the assembly, learn all you can about the enemy's movement and when the time arises bring down the full hammer of judgment upon Klaus" the Pope commanded.
"As you command" Anderson said finally, a wicked and sadistic grin crossing his face.
On Fortuna…
"Wait so let me get this straight. Klaus is planning something else, something bad and this time it's aimed at New York. They may be masking it as a terrorist plot and so the President of the United States herself is calling for an emergency conference to discuss the rising threat of LOD and how to defeat them?" Nero asked Seishiro as the two men were discussing the looming conference.
"Yes, and the Order of the Sword agreed to the invite. Nero, it is very important we go and discuss what to do with Klaus"
"What's to discuss? We find him, and kill him" Nero said shrugging. Seishiro shook his head. "Come now, don't be so simple. There's also the issue of Klaus returning to his full power. He escaped Egypt with his original body"
Nero then frowned and said, "Shit that's right. If what Dante told me is correct, Klaus is planning to destroy the world by the end of summer. Don't you think this is something we'll need to let them know?"
"Of course" Seishiro said standing from his chair. "As representatives of the Order of the Sword, we will need to relay any information we encounter"
"Great. So this is just going to be another boring meeting" Nero said sounding disappointed at the apparent lack of fighting.
Seishiro stared before sighing and saying, "Considering everything we've encountered Nero, I pray for boredom"
Nero said nothing as Seishiro turned his back, staring out the window. "Let's prepare ourselves."
At Hellsing…
Integra was busy wrapping up yet another meeting of the Round Table. The men of the Round Table listened intently as she relayed everything to them; her discovery over Klaus' true identity, the threat against New York and Hellsing's participation in the coming conference. Finishing Integra looked around the table as the men gathered their own thoughts in silence. Breaking the stillness, Integra finally spoke.
"Gentlemen of the Round Table, I will close this meeting with this: My ancestor, the great Abraham Van Helsing formed this agency to protect the British society from the forces of darkness, the vampire in particular. Hellsing has never come across an enemy she couldn't defeat. With sweat, and tears, and blood, we have protected Her Majesty the Queen and her empire. But this…this may very well be the first opponent where we are at our wits end. Because of how crafty Klaus is proving to be we must rethink our battle strategy. Alucard…Seras" Integra called to her vampire servants.
Alucard promptly phased through the wall, startling many members of the Round Table. Seras followed behind her master, a confidant and cocky smirk on her face. Alucard began laughing wildly as he spread his arms.
"We will go to New York and deal with the coming conflict with Klaus. We will go forth in the name of Her Majesty and of Hellsing" Integra said rising to her feet.
Sir Islands nodded, adjusting his suit before he too stood to full height. "God be with you Integra. Alucard, Seras, keep your master safe" he said eyeing the two vampires. Seras blushed and scratched her head while Alucard again chuckled. "It's all in a night's work" he said confidently.
Lastly…
"Welcome back Lucian! We are delighted to see you safely returned to your brothers!" a large and heavily built man shouted, raising a tall pitcher of beer. Lucian Salvatore, finally freed from captivity was celebrating his return. The Salvatore's were holding a welcome back party at their lavish mansion. In their massive ball room, Lucian sat in a large throne facing a descending level of stairs as numerous wolves congregated, drinking, laughing, and raising toasts in his honor.
To his right stood Ramone, arms folded behind his back as he calmly observed the party. Jason and Jacob stood to Lucian's left; Jason enjoying the light music playing while Jacob seemed especially grumpy.
"Pfft. Half of these bastards aren't even pure bloods" Jacob stated angrily. His eyes roamed to a couple who were holding hands and dancing to the beats of the music. Jason nudged his younger brother. "Relax little bro, many of these wolves have a debt to Lucian. Pure blood or not, we'll see to it that it is paid"
Jacob eyed his big brother, "And if not?" he asked slyly as he grinned. Jason formed a sinister grin. "We 'kindly' remind them to pay up" he said happily as the two bumped fists. Ramone, overhearing their conversation rolled his eyes. "Idiots" he grumbled.
Lucian on the other hand, despite having a party formed for him in his honor seemed bored and distant. He sat cross legged, his chin resting comfortably in his palm as he watched the party play out. Occassionally, guests would prostrate themselves before Lucian, thanking him for past kind deeds or stating they would repay a favor. Lucian would calmly nod and tell them their debt was re-paid.
One of Lucian's servants approached; a beautiful woman with sandy blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, fair skin and wearing a dark midnight blue dress and matching heels. "Excuse me Master Salvatore?"
Lucian turned to her, "Yes dear, what is it?"
The woman turned to an approaching guest. "This woman here says her mate was in debt to you and she wishes an audience"
Lucian watched as another woman, dressed in an elegant red silk party dress with knee length boots approached his throne. Her head was low so he couldn't see her face and her dark brown hair framed her cheeks. Sniffling she said, "My mate was among the wolves who fell when your brothers freed you"
Instantly, all the Salvatore Brothers tensed. Even Jacob's foul and grumpy mood softened. Lucian's eyes softened; "What was his name, my child?"
The woman answered. "Gustave, my name is Celia. We had been mated for over a century. We were…we were just getting ready to have pups. When he heard your brothers were going to free you, he wasted no time. I offer my services, given that his debt was not paid. If there is anything you ever require, ever, I am at your service" Celia then dropped to her knees, sobbing lightly at recalling the pain of losing her mate.
"Come now, I will have none of that. Stand tall my dear, no tears before me" Lucian said. Celia did as told and stood up.
Lucian sighed and said, "Your mate's debt is repaid. Fighting with the Salvatore's paid any debts he had. Go now, live in peace" he said smiling gently.
Lucian prepared to speak again when he paused, sensing a strange presence. His brother sensed it as well, as they instantly swarmed his throne. "Someone dares disturb our presence?" Jason growled as his claws lengthened. The guests began noticing the shifting mood as they began murmuring.
"Yo! Kill the music" Jacob shouted. The music died down as the voices of the guests began increasing. Lucian narrowed his eyes as he watched three figures walk forward. Instantly, Ramone, Jacob and Jason's eyes widened as they recognized one of the individuals.
"It's…it's you, from the park that afternoon" Jacob said clenching his fist. Approaching were Seth, Rosette and Sion. Rosette walked at the front with Seth and Sion escorting her. She was entirely calm, focused and reserved, not appearing to be the least bit disturbed by the fact she was in the presence of dozens upon dozens of Werewolves. The wolves surrounded the trio, some growling and baring their fangs as their amber eyes flashed dangerously.
"Humans?! In the presence of his greatness, Lucian Salvatore?" one shouted and took a step forward. Seth, armed with his sword and shield strapped to his back casually reached for them while Sion's eyes narrowed.
"We're not here to fight. In fact, I seek an audience with Lucian" Rosette stated calmly.
At that point Lucian sat up straight in his chair, staring down at Rosette. "And for what purpose? If you seek us for an assignment, all details and payments are made through my brother Ramone" he said gesturing to Ramone who narrowed his eyes.
"Brother, that one there" Jacob said pointing to Seth, "He's the one we fought in the park. He's with the Nightstalkers, they all are"
"Nightstalkers? Ah yes, the ones seeking to put an end to Klaus' schemes. Very well then. You there, woman, tell me your name" Lucian commanded.
Rosette cocked an eyebrow as she said, "My name is Rosette Cristobel. I run the Nighstalkers. Lucian, the reason I have come seeking you is we need your help. All of you" she said gesturing to his brothers. "Klaus is threatening to attack New York, and he plans to do so within the next couple of days. I fear that this time however, his schemes will have far longer lasting consequences"
Rosette then took a step forward. "Lucian, you were taken from your brothers and subjected to Klaus' experimentation. There are others who have suffered similar fates. Tortured, tormented and savaged like a beast. Klaus has done awful crimes against yourself, your brothers and against my people. I ask you this: In two days, there will be a conference scheduled at the UN Assembly to discuss the recent encounters with Klaus and his minions. I would like to personally invite you to attend"
Lucian immediately threw his head back and began laughing. "My my, I have walked this planet for well over 2,000 years. I've witnessed the fall of the Roman Empire, the spread of Christianity through Europe, the Renaissance, the spread of modern science. I've seen things your history books can only speculate at. And you are, a human, asking for my assistance. Tell me, why should I, Lucian Salvatore help in human affairs?" he said grinning.
Rosette sighed and said, "Because surely you don't want Klaus to continue living, knowing he made a mockery of your family name? The Salvatore Brothers are said to be the best of the best, maybe it's just hype"
"Don't push it Rosette" Seth said eyeing the Salvatore's carefully. They didn't exactly appreciate Rosette doubting their abilities.
"We ARE the best!" Jason shouted angrily and let out a brutal and feral snarl. The wolves surrounding the trio began backing away nervously, knowing full well Jason could leap and attack at any moment.
"The Salvatore Brother's answer to no one! We serve no one, we fight who we want, how we want, when we want! We watch each other's back and no one, tells us what to do!" Jason angrily yelled as he took a step forward. Instantly Seth jumped in front of Rosette. "Back off wolf, we never did finish our brawl in the park. Shall we continue our dance here?" he challenged. Jason began grinning, in a swift motion he was now standing just two feet from Seth.
"Bring it on, shifter!" Jason taunted and assumed a fighting stance as Seth did the same, raising both arms up, sliding his right foot back, elbows in close with his chin tucked.
"Jason, I gave no such command. Despite what she has stated, there is no need to fight. Stand down, my brother" Lucian ordered slowly rising to his feet. Jason mumbled an obscenity and backed down, staring coldly at Seth the whole time who never dropped his fighting stance.
"Whatever you say big bro" Jason stated backing away and joining his brothers.
Rosette patted Seth's shoulder, a signal to stand down. Seth relaxed and again allowed Rosette to take point.
"Lucian, I can see the anger in you. You hate Klaus and want to destroy him. We can both help each other. Please, join us Lucian." Rosette again pleaded.
Lucian stood to his feet, descending down the steps and approaching Rosette. "I must say, in all my 2000 years I have never met a human, let alone a woman such as yourself. You are very brave, Ms. Cristobel" he complimented as Rosette smirked. "Just call me Rosette"
Lucian then turned to both Seth and Sion. "This woman, she is your master?" he asked curiously. Seth "She's boss lady alright" he said winking as Rosette blushed. Sion merely said, "Let's just say we share an interesting past"
Lucian smirked and closed his eyes. Slowly re-opening them he then said "Ramone, Jason, Jakey, come forth my brothers"
Instantly, they were at his side. Lucian then said, "Klaus shall pay dearly for what he has put us through" he turned to Rosette.
"In the name of our parents, Antonio and Alessandra Salvatore and all Salvatore's before us, we will fight with you, Rosette Cristobel"
Rosette smiled, offering her hand. "Thank you" she said as Lucian shook it. His brothers along with the remaining wolves surrounding them gave a long and joyful howl.
End Chapter
Stay tuned, next chapter is in the works!