Chapter 6- Red or Black

A vampire was attacking somewhere in the woods. A farmer was running as fast as he can from the vampire. He knew the creatures were real but he never knew he'd meet one especially when there're less of them after the all the years when the war came to an end and that the military were fending off the monsters. He stumbled and fell, rolling down to the hard ground to a pile of mud. The vampire was closing in when there was a tall person who blocked the way. He was wearing a long red military trench coat with a hood. All the farmer could see was his shadow and the faint color of his coat with the dim light of the moon. He witnesses the clash of the vampire and the man-in-red. The vampire attacked the man-in-red with his bare hand, trying to pierce the man's heart but the man-in-red quickly dodged it. The farmer couldn't believe what he's seeing or what he couldn't see… Both were fighting hand-in-hand with Mach speed. Then he realized that both of them were vampires because of the man-in-red's glow in his eyes. The man-in-red's eyes burned the color of red and the vertical-slit pupils were distinguishable. In the end, the man-in-red caught the vampire, piercing his chest with his white-gloved hand. The farmer shivered in fear, expecting his end would be the same as the vampire but the man-in-red turned to him, offering his hand. The farmer then paused for a long while, thinking what he should do. The vampire in front of him was showing no hostility. In fact, he was aiding him to get up from his state. He was surprised to look into the eyes of the vampire. It was red as blood but it was calm and kind. He took the hand... It was strong but gentle. He looked into the eyes again but couldn't see his face. It was too dark but he felt like the vampire gave a small, gentle smile. The vampire pointed to the road, telling him that it's safe and that he'd find sanctuary that way. The farmer was gonna ask him why he helped him when the vampire just patted his shoulder before disappearing in a blink... The farmer then felt something strange and that he could believe that there were monsters that protect humans from the other monsters.

Two decades and 9 years has passed after the chaos brought by the dhampirs. It's now the year of 2135. Sherwin Penwood passed away at the age of 72, in the year of 2115. Henry took his position in leading the vampires as well as the Vice Admiral of the military headquarters. Henry's leadership was stricter than of Sherwin's. He inherited his ancestor's nervousness at times but he was stronger. He was somehow like Integra because of his diligence when it comes to work and his duty. He also has children now, his reason why he's working very hard and the reason why he's always putting a brave front– for his family.

The vampires has changed a bit as well. Alucard saw how Henry became as a young adult to an almost middle-aged man. He gave more respect to him than to Sherwin because he sees Henry almost the same as Integra with his strictness and seriousness when it comes to the topic of duty. Seras, on the other hand, was ever the same, only a bit quieter; less noisy. Whenever they were given a mission, Alucard would now go with Seras as commanded by Henry. Alucard finds that whenever Henry gets angry at him, his cheeks would flush just as Integra would whenever he'd annoy her before– another reason why he finds Henry somewhat amusing.

The current situations are different as well. Alucard and Seras' missions were less frequent. They'd easily finish the job and get back to report early. Unpredictably, the vampires they were facing were either too weak or too strong sometimes. Henry was aware that there were less problems regarding vampire attacks or situations that involve bloody catastrophe caused by the monsters that's why he calls for Alucard and Seras about what they think is happening.

The two came, Alucard appearing out of nowhere and Seras, coming from the door. Henry is seated on the comfortable chair, his head resting on his twined fingers, arms resting on the table. He was a bit in deep thought. When Seras and Alucard stand before him, he sighs and closes his eyes.

"Alucard, Seras, why do you think there're less cases of attacks from the vampires? It seems weird that there's this sudden change of event…"

"It can't be helped. Even in the past, there were some cases that there were no missions for a week or weeks. We should think of it as an accomplishment for us because of our hard work." Seras smiles, a bit cheerful.

"I hope so too, Seras. That aside, the council has called for a meeting. It'll be held here in the weekend… Alucard, how are you?" Henry looks at him sternly. Alucard grins. Henry usually asks him about how he's doing… Just like how Integra used to ask him.

"I'm fine, thank you, Henry." He says with a small hint of mockery. "These times are grace periods but I have a feeling that the situation will get worse. We just don't know when trouble will be coming back. I can't wait for a good opponent." He grins, showing his white teeth and sharp fangs.

Henry sighs. Alucard was always like that and he never really did change. He dismissed them after their talk and prepared his reports for the coming round table conference the coming weekend.

The meeting has taken place. Everyone is present. When Henry came, all of them were rather glaring at him. He ignored them and took his seat.

"Good morning, gentlemen. What brings all of you here for a meeting?" Henry asks, getting comfy in his chair.

"Good morning to you as well, Sir Penwood." Greets Sir Gawain Leonard who is the current leader of the military forces that is now part of the council.

"We have some reports that you might want to see. Henry, you informed us that there are less vampire attacks for the past three months. Am I correct?" It's Islands who speaks. Howard Islands. Nothing has much changed in the Islands' bloodline but it seems that in this generation, the Penwoods and the Islands aren't that close compared to their ancestors. Their own duties and work failed to pact a strong bond with each other.

Henry sighs and prepares himself to explain.

"It's true, Sir Howard. I've talked to the vampires and they say that there're times like these where there would be grace periods before something new comes up. We shouldn't worry because I can have the vampires to assess any problem at hand."

"There's more, Sir Henry." Sir Gawain cuts him before he says another word. "I have received some reports from the local police from the appointed district which I govern. And there seems to be an unknown auxiliary that's been aiding local citizens at dark." When Gawain stops, he gently tosses a folder across the long table, ceasing in front of Henry.

It wasn't only Gawain who did that but some of the other knights as well: Wyndham, Hyde, Warren, Lyttleton, and Byron. Six of the knights passed their folders of reports to Henry. Henry then scanned the folders, leaving Gawain's folder to be the last that he checks. He read most of them about an unknown person who aided civilians in escaping a rogue vampire that's been causing trouble. Henry was surprised when he came to realize that all the incidents were about an unknown individual who's helping the local citizens in different towns, district or city.

"Aren't there any descriptions about the said individual? Or what does he look like? So far, none of the reports said anything about what the individual looked like but all are them are aided by… 'A tall man… average height…'." He reads from folder to folder, stuttering a bit to find more about the possible appearance of their mystery.

"Read the folder that I gave you, Sir Henry. You'll find your answers there." Says Gawain, resting his chin on his intertwined fingers as his arms rest on the table.

Henry opens the folder containing a report of a farmer to the local police. He read: "I was getting my bag of rice that I forgot to carry home after a day's work. It was rather late but I didn't want the bag of rice to end up being stolen or taken by anyone else so I decided to retrieve it and take it home. It was very unfortunate of me... When I was nearing the fields on my way home, the vampire was having his meal of 2 young women. He noticed me and chased after me. I ran into the woods, dropping my bag. As a mere farmer, I didn't have any firearms or any weapon to fight the vampire. I wanted to hide and maybe I could get spared. I believe there were monsters such as him but I never expected to meet one. As I ran, I stumbled on a thick root of a tree and rolled into a pile of mud. It wasn't before then that a tall man wearing a military trench coat stood before me. He was wearing a hood so I didn't see his face… and it was dark. With the gleam of the moon, I saw the color of his coat. It was red. He fought the vampire hand-in-hand. Their battle was fast because of their inhuman speed but I got to get a glimpse of the man-in-red's eyes as they glowed in the darkness of the woods, illuminated by the gleam of the moon. His eyes were red as well. It was like hell burned in his eyes. The next thing I know is that he pierced the vampire's heart and offered a clean hand to me. He helped me stand then pointed the way back to safety. But when I was about to ask him, he gently patted my shoulder and quickly vanished in thin air. At first, I thought I was gonna die by his hands, knowing that vampires drain the life out of human beings but no… He was a vampire who killed vampires who threaten humanity." When Henry finished, he only had one lead. He only thought of one lead and that's Alucard.

"Was there a report about the two young female victims?" Henry asks, still looking at the folder, wearing a stern face.

"Yes, it was reported to me that the two young women were killed… Their chests were pierced and upon investigating further, the detectives found both women having bite marks on their necks. It seemed that the two young women were on their way home when they were attacked by the vampire." Gawain answers.

"I see. Then this humble vampire is an expert. He knows that the young women would turn into vampires because the report says that they were clearly virgins. Or if not, they'd turn into ghouls." Henry says.

The council started to chatter, their voices echoing around the chamber as they talk their own conclusions and hypotheses. Islands took the liberty to silence them and gestures to Penwood.

"What do you think this is, Sir Penwood? Do you think that Alucard is the one doing this without your summons? He's the only vampire who matches the descriptions given in the report." Islands looks at him sternly. Henry sits and thinks, massaging his temples.

"Alucard. Report." Henry summons him. After a few beats, Alucard appears to his side, wearing his orange sunglasses and his red fedora hat. Most of the members jolt because of his sudden appearance except for Leonard and Islands. Henry continues. "Alucard, are you taking missions outside my knowledge? I'm sure you're aware of what we're discussing." Alucard bows slightly to Henry as if to give a sign that he is in command.

"I've heard of the situation, Sir Henry. But I am not the vampire you're referring to. I only go to missions that you order me to accomplish. This vampire you're speaking of might be a new adversary for me. Just give me my orders and I'll pleasurably finish my task." He laughs darkly which gave the same members who jolted a while ago, feel a touch of fear down their spines.

"Alright. We'll just have you investigate on the matter." Henry says.

"We don't know if this vampire is a friend or a foe; we don't know its true intentions." Says Gawain.

"If it's exterminating vampires and keeping your citizens safe, then it must be a friend." Alucard grins, passing a look on Gawain who was just composed even through his eerie gaze.

"Still. You must investigate about this, Sir Henry. For all we know, this might even be a threat or a start of a cult. We can't have a roaming vampire and let it help out citizens without knowing its true intentions." Gawain scowls.

"Very well, Sir. Gawain. I'll have Alucard investigate the matter. Should the vampire be alive or dead?" Henry asks.

"Alive. We have to interrogate this said vampire." Gawain says sternly.

"Can I eat him afterwards?" Alucard grins as he asks. The other members of the council were ready to piss themselves. Henry sighs and Alucard chuckles deeply.

"Thank you, Alucard, you may leave. It's almost noon, I'm SURE you're tired and sleepy." Henry glares at him to which Alucard passively stares back, wearing a frown for a while before grinning into a Cheshire grin.

"But I'm bored, Sir Henry. Even sleep isn't enough to fill it." Alucard stands his ground. He found it amusing to annoy Henry in front of the council. The members were now watching the two. They think that Alucard is just an elementary bully that wants nothing but games. Henry's face flushes into a shade of red. He was getting angry to which Alucard enjoys. He remembers how he angers Integra and makes her cheeks flush the same.

Henry massages the bridge of his nose then to his temple. Alucard is just so very hard-headed. The council sees how Henry couldn't fully make the vampire obey him. Islands was the first to think that if Alucard was this hard-headed, how does Henry cope with him? Moreover, Alucard's hard-headedness is very suspicious, given the current situation. But he had no evidence to point it out yet. His train of thoughts were disturbed by a shout coming from Henry.

"Get out, Alucard! Or else I'll empty all my blessed bullets into your thick skull!" Henry stands and pulls out a handgun: SIG-SAUER P226. Alucard bursts in laughter.

"Very well, Sir Penwood. I shall retire for the rest of the day." With that, he vanishes but his voice still echoes in the room. "You remind me so much of my Master." His laughter slowly fades away.

Henry sighs and gets back to his chair. "I'm sorry gentlemen. He's hard-headed but I'll assure you that he'll follow my orders regarding on the matter and the destruction of the monsters that dare threaten our country."

"Sir Henry, what does Alucard mean by you, reminding him of his master? Aren't you his master?" Gawain asks. Islands kept silent for only he knows something about the matter. Many look at Henry as well. It seems that many of them weren't very informed about the situation of Henry and the two vampires.

"His master passed away decades ago. She was the real master of Alucard, bounded by blood. When Sir Hellsing died, she gave her last order to Alucard to submit to my bloodline and follow my orders and to my descendants. It seems that Alucard had a bond with his master and that he gets sentimental sometimes."

"But Sir Penwood, are you sure that he'll follow you?" Gawain asks more.

"It seems that it's difficult to make him follow you." Ragenald Byron speaks.

"Moreover, he's very intolerable. We can't be sure that he's saying the truth about him, not being the vampire in the report." Says Christian Lyttleton.

"Please secure what we're doubting, Sir Penwood. We can't have that vampire betraying us. Do what you can to make him follow you." Adan Hyde says angrily.

"Please calm down. My grandfather and my father made sure he follows our bloodline and up until now, gentlemen, he's still following Sir Hellsing's final order before her death. He's been serving 3 generations of us Penwoods so please rest assure that he'll not betray me nor us." Penwood says assuring.

"I will agree to Sir Penwood because my grandfather was a witness to the actual demise of Alucard's master. For now, we'll wait for the investigation and let's meet until then." Islands stands. The rest follows, dismissing themselves before Penwood.

Henry got very tired of that day. When the evening came, he called for Alucard and Seras in the office. He simply ordered them to patrol for the rest of the night to find the mystery vampire. They were ordered to capture the vampire and not kill it. Henry gives a glare to Alucard.

"Alucard, please try not to exterminate the vampire. We need to interrogate it." Alucard grins at him.

"In all honesty, Henry, I can't promise you that. If the vampire will oblige, he will peacefully join our ranks. But if not, then I don't know what will happen. All I can do is try, Henry. If, by chance, that vampire will commit suicide, I'll eat him." Alucard laughs.

Henry sighs. "Are you that deprived of blood, Alucard? I know from my father that you're prohibited to directly drink blood because of what happened in the war. You even need it, given your state?"

Alucard grins wider, amused. "We vampires have that inescapable thirst for human blood, Henry."

Henry then turns to Seras to ignore Alucard. He found out that ignoring Alucard would be one of the best solutions to be in peace somehow. "Seras, this will be the plan… You scan town after town every night. Be thorough. And when you find something, notify Alucard for him to take action. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Sir Henry, Sir!" She salutes.

"Alucard, consider that as an order." Henry glares at him and Alucard bows slightly.

"Very well, Henry." He was very amused at how Henry took authority. How he missed Integra doing that to him. But now is not the time for him to be sentimental. He must execute what Henry ordered him to do.

And so, Seras took her leave, bringing Pip with her and scanned the areas nearby. She continued to do so for a month or three but all she got were rogue vampires and ghouls. She conducted her search every night but so far, the vampire didn't show up and she cleaned up the mess of the vampire attacks.

Ma Cherie, you should take a rest… I know you're a vampire and I know that we don't need to but we've been searching for three consecutive months. There might be something in this that we don't know.

I know, Pip. But we can't take the chances… Whether or not that vampire will appear, we can't miss any opportunity. Are you tired?

Uhhh… Not exactly, Seras. But I've been wanting to rest with you or spend time with you. You know, a date? Just spend time together?

Oh, Pip. I wish I could. Maybe if we find a day off, then I'd spend all my time with you, all day. But for now, we have to do our work. Work is much easier with you, you know. I couldn't do this without you. She chuckles.

There you go again, Ma Cherie. Flattering me when I'm asking you out on a date. Your tactics of declining me is perfect but next time, I won't take 'no' and 'we have work' as an answer. We must have a date every once in a while.

Seras giggles. She knows he's sulking. Even though he's something… different– her familiar, she still cherishes every moment spent with him and she'll do everything to keep him stay with her for eternity. She never knew that even after his death, he'd still be with her, continue to be with her, and will always be with her. And now that she became stronger than ever before, she can manipulate him into a solid form. A form where she can hold him in her arms and embrace him. There was no one else like Pip in her unlife. She couldn't disagree with him in his protest but she'll eventually find time to give him what he wants.

Alright, my Captain. We'll have our date when we're given a… should I say… night-off. She smiles. They'll both get there when all the trouble is done.

The months became a year of searching and she never found the said vampire. Henry then told her to stop the search when he received summons from the council. The council told him that they will have a meeting the next day after the call. The meeting seemed urgent because of the sudden call to Henry. It was obvious that it was important. And so, they held a meeting…

Howard Islands started the introduction of the conference then tossed a folder to Henry. "I believe that we have failed."

Henry opens the folder and examines its contents. It was hard to believe. It was a report. It contained a picture of the crime. The image in the picture were clothes: black shoes, slacks and jacket.

The black jacket was wet of blood because its chest has a hole, and inside of the clothes were gray ashes, forming the body of the demised.

There were ashes that formed into the shape of a head, resting upon the place where the forehead should be is a crucifix made of silver.

And under all of them is a red military trench coat with a hoodie that signifies the end of their search.

A/N: So! How's everyone? I have the feeling that many are preparing for Christmas! I, too, am preparing for it. 3 more days before Christmas! Yay! I've updated because I will update again this weekend. *Cheshire grin* These chapters, chapter 6 and 7, would be my Christmas presents for all of you! Let's all be happy!

I'm having fun with Seras and Pip. Their missions would always be their date. I'll have to think of something so that they'll have a date where they can really spend time together. There has to be a chapter in this fic where their date is the majority of the content. LOL. I believe those two deserve it. My eyes tear up whenever I watch the part where Pip just saved her and his words: "You're a rare woman, Seras. I die so that she can live? Alright."

Again, patience is the key for something GREAT in the end, either the best of it or the worst. Just kidding! LOL. It's the best of it, I promise. Haha! Please review and tell me what you think. I'll be doing some future chapters ahead of these so I can update regularly before classes start! *Tries to make the best out of my Christmas vacation* LOL.

Stay tuned for more! And I'll be back on the weekend! Mwahahaha! *Sings Das Engellanlied* (One of Rip Van Winkle's favorite songs) Tschüß!