"Hahahahahaha!"
"Oh man!"
Three boys could be seen being seated on a set of stools before a bar counter, drinks in their hands while grinning/laughing at some stories that had been told. The trio looked to be having the time of their lives, which was a blessing considering the hectic times that they'd been going through. One just had to enjoy the little things during brief respites like this, something which the trio knew all too well.
It had been at least 5 days since the meeting with the Shinto pantheon's trinity Gods, and in those daysa fairly decent bit of stuff had been happening which kept Hellsing pretty busy in all corners of their daily lives.
Right now, they (Vali, Kuroh, and Theseus) were currently at an underground bar created by the Shark King having some bro time, and considering that there weren't any other 'customers' in the room this really was their time to catch up with one another. This was something that they'd been intending to do for a while now, but various issues had been taking up their time with this current moment being the one time they'd each been unanimously free.
The bar itself had been conjured into existence thanks to Theseus himself, the male having decided to renovate and construct it in the midst of the repairs being made to their base in Kuoh. He'd done this so they could be out of the wy while the work was being done, giving everyone else a chance to get things done without fearing the possibility of their squabbles prolonging the repairs.
THEN there was the fact that Theseus had made this place so that he could spend some time with his bros (not like he'd admit that-he'd learned his lesson after what had happened with that recording of him and Maria), and more importantly to get away from the girls for a bit so he could be more of a man for once. He'd been WAY too mushy for his liking, and worse he'd been sober so he recalled every cringy ass line he'd been saying to them ever since they'd returned from that shopping trip with the teasing smiles his adoptive aunt gave him whenever she'd seen him with Mio and Maria not helping things.
Speaking of those two, the redhead herself was currently busy in another section of the underground floor or to be more specific in the room she'd housed her new Famliar, getting familiar (pun not intended) with him while building up trust with him via trust exercises. Her intention was to familiarize (again, pun not intended) herself with Karanak's traits, powers and abilities while also helping him get accustomed to her own so that they could fight better as a team. Something which Maria had approved of since throughout their time as unwilling nomads they had to rely on one another to survive in battle.
This, combined with Meredith being preoccupied with her own affairs with the same being said for Chisato, Arthur, Michel and Kuroka, meant that Theseus could FINALY spend some bro time with Vali and Kuroh.
A sentiment which the other boys shared judging from how eagerly they accepted the invitation to his bar that he'd offered.
"It would appear that the supernatural delivery service's reputation is well-earned." Kuroh remarked after stifling some of his chuckles at some jokes that had been told by Theseus, his gaze having glanced over to the counter and eyeing the plethora of drinks that were now stacked behind it. "Irish, British, Indian, Egyptian, there's drinks from almost every corner of the world here." He had to admit that it had been an impressive sight the moment that the duo had first stepped into the bar that the Shark King had created, using earth to form the furniture and ordering what he needed to for the drinks. Even now, he held a cup of piping hot English morning Tea since it was indeed morning at this time according to the last time he'd checked his watch a few minutes ago.
Also, there were several differences between the boys now, and they were mostly connected to their outfits of choice. Ever since getting Theseus' recommendations, Vali and Kuroh in a classic case of competitiveness had decided to re-style themselves in different outfits compared to their base ones, with their primary motivations being to try and show up Theseus and the girls. Let it not be said that guys when motivated could become drip lords when they wanted to.
As for the butler/samurai in question, he had changed his assemble to some more classic british clothes, having acquired a taste for that type of fashion thanks to looking through various fashion magazines during his stay in London. His current outfit consisted of the following: a black hat with a red hatband and a thin silver chain that hung over the brim. Alongside these, were a white button-up shirt under a dark red vest, a black choker, and a black ribbon bolo tie held together with a small silver buckle. Atop this assemble was an open black cropped jacket with the sleeves rolled up at the elbows, with his legs being covered by formal-looking black slacks, a black belt hanging off his right hip and black low-arch shoes. Covering his hands were a pair of black gloves while the man was also wearing atop everything, a long black coat with light-colored lining and lapels, sporting a red interior. Currently that coat was hung on a rack next to the bar's entrance alongside his hat and swords.
Vali nodded his head, taking a sip of his drink which turned out to be a Mexican one. "No underworld beverages, naturally." he stated, smirking darkly to which Theseus nodded his head repeatedly in agreement. NOBODY in this room liked the Underworld for their own reasons, so it brought the boys great pleasure to see that no drinks from said place had been brought here.
Like his bros, Vali had also changed his outfit in an effort to not be left in the dust by them. The most notable clothing piece of his new getup was the long, black Trench Coat that had a medium length straight collar, two buttons on the left side next to the dark blue line that indicated where it was currently fastened into place. The line traveled down the left side before congregating in the middle of his waist, forming a square-like shape in front of his waistline before splitting in two there, showing a dark blue interior. Beneath the coat were a pair of black trousers with 3 ripped lines over each knee, tucked into a pair of boots. Several belts and pouches surrounded his waist, while his right hand was encased within a black glove that had a silver armored plate on the back of the palm, leaving his left bare to the world. Hanging around his neck behind his collar was a thin cloth that served as Vali's mask of choice that he intended to pull over the bridge of his nose when on missions, giving him this somewhat sinister assassin kind of look.
So yeah, one turned even edgier than he was before and the other just remained a classy gent.
"You DO know I'd rather DIE than have anything to do with that shithole here, right?" Theseus dryly commented, sipping a glass of Lucozade. His favorite drink from the UK, the Shark King always appreciated the buzz it gave him and since it was a non-alcoholoic drink (he didn't like drinking alcohol, since he'd heard and seen WAY too many instances of what that does to people: one-night stands, accidents, brawls etc) Theseus only liked it more.
"We all know that." Vali mused, rolling his eyes. They all knew his hatred towards anything from the demonic, it was essentially part of their daily lives at this point. "Speaking of drinks. Hey Kuroh." He called out to the butler boy.
Catching his attention, Kuroh turned to Vali with a raised eyebrow, "Hmmm?"
"I've got a challenge for you, to see if your a man or not." Vali said to Kuoh with a challenging tone and a glint of challenge.
In response the samurai narrowed his eyes and got off his seat. His pride felt like it had been stabbed by a knife, and he did not appreciate that. "Are you questioning my pride as a man?" he questioned Vali, his tone soft yet a dangerous edge could be sensed beneath it.
Nothing which could bother the white dragon emperor, however. "I am." Vali answered back with no hint of fear of the black-haired boy.
"Then bring me whatever you have for me, dragon."
"Gladly." Vali said to Kuroh before getting something from the counter and slamming it on top of it.
BAM!
Vali slammed what looked like a special type of vodka. It was a black colored bottle but with a skeleton spewing out flames, horns on its head and eyes like the devil. The liquid inside could be seen as glowing red, even the dark color couldn't hide its contents. Vali grinned at Kuroh surprised reaction and began to explain. "This is the 'guarida de los demonios' or in english….devils lair." The liquid glowed in response as if it had a will of its own. "Its the spiciest drink there is in Mexico. Not a single normal person has ever survived. Only a man can survive its content." taking a glass cup from the side, Vali popped out the cork and poured the liquid into the glass cup, relishing in the sounds these actions made as he continued the explanation about this drink. "It's made from a mix of fire dragon blood, carolina peppers and black mamba venom."
'Holy crap…' Theseus couldn't help but think in a mildly impressed manner, having to clutch his nose to try and block out the harsh smell emitting from the drink. He wasn't sure even HE could handle this one, let alone the butler of the group. "Ahh damn, thats powerful!" he hissed under his breath as even with his nose blocked, he could still somewhat smell the potency the drink had. Leave it to Vali to have his love of spice come in the from of a drink. Remind him why the heck he'd ordered it again?
While the blonde had his internal monologue, the other male had a much more visible reaction to it. "Uggh!" Kuroh took a step back, even from a single cup he can see the red steam was flowing from the cup with a powerful smell that almost made him cry. "Is it really okay for humans to drink this?" he asked Vali.
"I said normal. Not supernatural beings." the half devil repeated back to Kuroh. "As I said before only a REAL man can survive this hellish drink. That is unless your not a man?" Vali fanged a smile at Kuroh, launching attacks he KNEW would stick to where they could hurt.
Hearing those words, the black hair boy shook his head and hardened his gaze. He stared at the drink for a few seconds. He could've sworn it was laughing evilly at him, mocking him. That hardly stopped him as he grabbed the cup before drinking all of it in one swallow.
BAM!
Slamming his cup at the table, Kuroh exhaled audibly whilst his two fellow drinkers eyed him intently, one with a neutral look and the other with a knowing grin as both waited for the impending doom that would be happening anytime soon.
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
Anytime now. Anytime right now.
Smacking his lips together while tasting the flavor, Kuroh stood tall as he reached a conclusion about the drink. "Huh. What do you know, thats actually pretty good-"
BUUUURRRRRRRPP!
He suddenly burped a small flame… one that quickly grew into a massive flamethrower a dragon would make. Kuroh wailed, spewing out flames from his mouth and charcoaled Theseus right in his face.
Soon the flames ran out, leaving Theseus' neutral look on his face covered in charcoal, black marks were around his face which hardly fazed him. A tiny flame was on his side hair.
After finally ceasing cosplaying as a pseudo dragon, Kuroh swerved to and fro like a 2am drunkard from the effects of Devils Lair, which one can clearly see lived up its name. "Ooooohhhh." he moaned like a zombie before falling to the ground in an unceremonious heap. He layed there, motionlessly looking like a dead corpse with the two boys swearing that they could see his soul leaving his body.
Theseus leaned forward and stared at Kuroh for a while before he made the following comment. "Well he drank the whole thing in one go, so..." He put his hand on the side of his head and extinguish the tiny flame on his hair. "He is a man, only for one time."
"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Vali exploded in laughter when Theseus made a funny comment. The blond hair boy smiled in amusement.
"Anyway, lets change the subject here." After recovering from that little incident (while swearing vengeance against Vali that little shithead) which took a good few moments, Kuroh interjected into the conversation by starting another one. He puts his elbow at the bar counter. "You know, I recently learned that some people say hate can also form of what they call passion." he began, sipping his drink to hide the smile threatening to break out onto his lips.
Those words filled Theseus with a sense of dread, but before he could formulate a response a certain White Dragon Emperor glanced over at the classy-looking man. "Passion you say?" Vali mused, suddenly having become quite interested in the topic. Drinking a cup of liquor, he hid a grin as he began getting an idea as to where he was going with this. If he was right, then this would be a riot. "Do tell me more Kuroh."
"Do you remember the time a certain somebody was dragged by a certain pair of girls into some shopping? The most dreadful thing a man has to go through?" Kuroh questioned, now no longer trying to hide his smirk. Instead, he aimed it at Theseus whose dread only grew with each passing second. "Hate equals passion, which means you… liked the shopping trip more than you claim." taking a sip of his drink while also adding in another comment. "Guess we have to put in a suggestion to Meredith for you to go shopping with them everytime."
Vali chuckled at the small joke Kuroh made to Theseus, finding the thought that the Shark King may have been more of a masochist and a tsundere to be quite hilarious. Then, when the silver haired boy looked at the male he was thinking about, he almost burst into full-blown laughter.
Meanwhile, the blond-haired boy made a sour face. Just by his expression Theseus would want to commit suicide at the thought of going on more shopping trips. Worse still was that it hadn't been as bad as he had thought either, not only did he get to show up Maria and preserve his manly pride, but several times the girls showed consideration for him instead of just leaving everything to him without a care for his own feelings on the matter.
Not like he'd admit that part though, these two would never let him live it down.
Quickly thinking of a response, Theseus dispelled his sour face and begun his counteroffensive against Kuroh's joke. "Oh? How about try being in my place, then? Carrying a mountain full of clothes, waiting for days for the girls to decide which ones they liked best AND!" taking out a feminine perfume bottle, spraying some into the atmosphere, much to the displeasure of the boys. "Test out many perfume smells for the ones they liked."
"PFFT AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"HAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!"
Both Vali and Kuroh guffawed at Theseus comment, despite the blonde-haired boy telling him to imagine him taking his place in this torture. Though it sounded more funny than an actual threat…but was it? Kuroh dreaded the feeling and thought of it though he threw away that feeling and instead stopped his laughing and drank his beverage.
Elsewhere in the damaged building…
"WHO THE HELL TOOK MY JASOLIN PERFUME?! WHEN I FIND WHO DID THIS, I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL CASTRATE THEM FROM THEIR BOTTOMS TO THEIR TOPS, AND FEED THEM TO KARANAK!"
Back to the boys
"Uh oh!" Vali smirked at Theseus, who looked like a little toddler being caught stealing from his parents. It was rather obvious who the culprit was here. "Looks like your in deep shit when Meredith finds out it was you." He remarked at the masked boy. He may not find women appealing compared to battle, being a battle maniac and all, but even Vali knew that women were ZEALOUSLY protective of their makeup. Worse, Meredith was even more protective of it since it was one of the few things that made her feel more feminine.
In response the scarred boy shrugged his shoulders. "Eh that is IF she finds out, and besides…" He threw the perfume bottle away and shattered it, spilling the liquid around his floor. "She has hundreds of perfume in her collection. One missing bottle doesn't mean its the end of the world." Taking a drink of his beverage, Theseus exhaled audibly before placing it back down onto the counter. "Besides, most women I've seen are either idiots, Karens, or even airheads. Believe me, women are sometimes the most stressful thing a man has to deal with."
"Ugh, tell me about it." Vali slumped into his seat while agreeing with what Theseus said about women. He looked like a puppet suddenly cut loose from it's strings by it's puppeteer. "Can you believe how many times Kuroka has tried to get into my pants? Its already becoming a daily routine for me to deal with." he groaned in complaint. Ever since they had moved in to that house together, Vali had to deal with a sharp increase in seduction attempts from the Nekoushou to a level far unlike what he'd been previously used to.
He could only count his blessings that the time of the month for her to go into her heat phase hadn't arrived yet. THAT served to chill him to the bone.
Kuroh arched a brow in Vali's direction. "Doesn't she do that all the time, though?" he questioned, not understanding what Vali was going on about. Kuroh had always assumed Kuroka kept doing what she could to whittle down Vali's defences so she could finally jump him.
"No, back at Hellsing she was at least manageable, simply tell her that Alucard would come and she'd cower in the corner. Also, Sir Integra sympathesized with me and often helped me behind the scenes to keep her in line. Now? A whole new ball game." Vali retorted, before slouching and resting his head on the counter with his arms crossed. "I get now why that guy from that show Naruto kept saying 'what a drag'. Women are indeed troublesome."
"Hah! Troublesome?" Theseus mockingly laughed at Vali before taking a big gulp on his drink. "You haven't seen the worst part of it. When I was shopping with Mio and Maria I encountered two bitches at a dress shop. I wasn't the only one who was suffering at that time." shaking his head and lowered it, the blonde slumped forwards just like his silver-haired companion. "Then again I had to go through it or else that woman would tie me up and watch…my little pony."
Vali shuddered at that thought of it because no man ever wanted to literally watch a kids show that was so exceedingly cringey. Even fathers and husbands wouldn't choose to watch such garbage unless their daughters/wives forced them to
Kuroh had a sympathetic expression on his face as he went and patted Theseus' slumping figure. "I'm sure it was worth it from going through all that Theseus."
Lifting his head up and genuinely smiled at Kuroh. "Sure was. I did get some good stuff on the way." He shifted his attention to the clothes both Kuroh and Vali are wearing. "Speaking of which, what do you guys think of the outfits you got? It cost me a small fortune to have them customize it." He asked both of his companions, showing his kind side rarely seen by anyone beside the two boys.
Both of them recognized this instantly, an example of how close the three of them had gotten thanks to years of being together (not in THAT way you fujoshi perverts. They already get enough of that from the fanfics of them that their small fanclubs have made!).
The first to answer him was Kuroh, who looked down at his outfit with a look of approval. "It is satisfactory. Although it doesn't look it these clothes offer quite the mobility to them, not to mention they have the class one should expect from someone affiliated with Hellsing." Kuroh replied, smirking in appreciation for his new getup. Now he didn't look so much like a wandering ronin as some japanese folks took to calling him a few times, now he looked much more presentable like Walter and Sir Integra.
"I'll say, you picked up a good tailor I'll admit." Sitting up from his former slouching position, Vali ran his gaze down his arms one by one with a slight smirk on his lips. His eyes shone with how much he appreciated the new gear. "Though I'll be blunt: I only got this stuff to show up the lot of you. We all know I'd have you lot eat my dust in the fashion department." he stated bluntly yet his grin stretched across his entire face.
Something which caused chuckles to leave the other two males at the mention of their competitive streaks.
"You also get the crazy fangirls, eh Vali?" Theseus sneered back, his grin widening at how Vali's own got smacked off at the mention of said individuals. Biting back his own urge to shudder at the mention of them, Theseus continued to tease his old pal. "I distinctly recall there's a lot of fujoshi's in your fanclub…"
Immediately, Vali lost all color on his face at the mention of 'that' particular horror. "Oh, hell no. Don't tell me, I don't need to hear it or know what the hell they're doing." he almost hugged himself when he was thinking of the cursed Yaoi stuff. He's not gay dammit he's straight for god sake!
Quickly trying to get the topic out of his mind Vali desperately rummaged for something to change the subject. He tried to think of something and the first thing that came in his mind was something he'd noticed. "Say, I haven't heard you complaining about the girls recently, specifically Mio and Maria..."
Theseus narrowed his eyes at Vali. He wasn't sure what he was talking about, given his prior assumptions he made towards his… complicated feelings towards them, Mio especially. But nevertheless, the blonde played along for now. "What are you talking about?"
Vali turned his head to Kuroh. "Correct me if I'm wrong here Kuroh but have you a single word or sentence this guy here complained about the two girls he was with?"
"Not a single word, Vali." Kuroh answered the silver-haired boy's assumption as he too clearly did not hear their companion complaining about them.
Now his suspicions were reaching the 90% mark, which was more than enough reason for Theseus to be cautious on the way this conversation was going. "What are you up to Vali?" he warily questioned.
"Nothing." he raised his devil lair drink, assuring the masked boy before taking a sip. "I'm just saying, you have a natural ability with relationships. Guess your mom raised you right."
"First of all, my mama raised no fool and second I'm not that good with relationships." Theseus denied. Sure when he was younger he interacted with some girls in his youth but thats just it. What's more, was that males and females were not exactly the same.
"Bullshit."
"I'm telling the truth Vali, I know very little of it." Theseus was telling the truth to Vali as much as to the displeasure of the white dragon emperor. "You know fine well how females are hardwired mentally different compared to us males. Its why shit like equality between the sexes, no matter how much people like me wish it were so, will never truly exist. We're different on a fundamental level."
"Oh really, and even when you say that you still have the gall to say you know very little of them?" Vali retorted before turning to his drink, staring at the red liquid before he said the following. "Guess your not as heartless as you seemed to be."
"?!"
From those words, Theseus widened his eyes. The male lifted his head in surprise as those words triggered some memories in his mind, memories that he had honestly forgotten up till this point.
Flashback-London Hellsing
"Theseus."
A door opened in Sir Integra's office in response to her words. From there entered the younger version of the soon-to-be Shark king. He looked to be in his teens right now and given his currently somewhat ragged state he had just arrived after another training session with Alucard.
Once he opened the door, he walked forward and stopped in front of Sir Integra's desk. He stood straight and had his Trident on his back, his hands crossed behind him in a typical manner for when standing before Hellsing's leader. "You called for me Sir Integra?" the teenage boy asked the iron lady in front of him.
Though he may as well not have asked since he could already guess what was going to happen. Odds were, he had a mission coming up.
Sir Integra had a cigar on her lips, inhaling a few quick breaths before she went and spoke. "I have called you here for a very specific reason." breathing out some smoke from her mouth, Sir Integra pulled the Cigar from her mouth before she went and confirmed the young Theseus' suspicions. "An anomaly has sent us 200,000 thousand pounds to our financial account. It is to kill a vampire."
"I see." Theseus nodded his head in understanding, he also wanted to add in another question he has on his mind so he did so."Will my master be joining me in this extermination?" It wasn't often that he got the chance to go on a mission on his own, as according to both his master and Sir Integra he was still a bit of a greenhorn and not up to Hellsing's standards just yet. Though they were satisfied with the progress he'd been making.
To his surprise, he saw the woman shake her head. "No." she sharply answered the young boy in front of her. Leaning forward, her glasses glinted in brightness. "Alucard is being sent on a mission to Ireland to deal with an escapee vampire that threatened to spread ghouls across the Celtic ground. He will not be available at this time." she explained.
So this would be one of those rare solo missions, was it? Theseus' heart leapt inside his chest at the opportunity, a sense of eagerness and excitement flowing through his blood. "I understand Sir Integra." he spoke, trying to mask his happiness behind the neutral expression he wore.
Sadly he wasn't quite good at that yet, if the way she gave him that knowing glance of hers was any indication. Nevertheless, Sir Integra saw fit to continue the mission briefing. "The anomaly's also provided us intel of where this vampire will be, the location is close-by: a London hospital. Thats where the vampire will be." she told him, surprising the boy. She honestly hadn't been expecting such knowledge herself, and it gave rise to a bunch of suspicions about this assignment. The vampire must have been stealing blood from the hospital or using the opportunity to drain most patients from there, perhaps to field their own Ghoul army.
As for the 'client' in question she had her own thoughts about them too. The amount of intel provided was suspicious enough since clients rarely did so since it risked them getting caught by said Vampire and ending up on the news as a casualty.
None of these thoughts were known to the boy yet, but by the end of the mission everything would become clear.
Said boy meanwhile didn't think of any of this, his mind till focused on the joy of taking on a solo mission. This would make GREAT material for bragging with Vali, he could already imagine the look on his face as he lorded the fact he got this mission instead of him. Such thoughts made him almost tremble with glee. "I will leave as soon as possible." He bows to Sir Integra before heads to the door. Once he was at the door. He stops for a moment and looks at Sir Integra who still had her glasses glint.
She leaned back and closed her eyes as she sighs. "I trust you will not make a mess in the hospital because there are many sick patients and innocents there." Opening them as she sharpened her eyes. "Find the vampire and kill it. Search every corner of the medical place and destroy it. Rip and Tear, until its done. Do you understand?"
His face was shrouded in darkness, his green eyes glowed in the dark before turning to Sir Integra. "I will not fail you Sir." he opened the door and closed it behind him. He then sunk down to the ground like water.
Later
Soon he was at the hospital, walking through the medic field. The boy ignored the doctors, patients, nurses and visitors inside of the hospital, yet while he was not good at using his sensing magic he nonetheless couldn't mess around with his rare solo mission. He was still young and needed an adult supervision for him for the most part.
Not only that, but he needed to be back soon or else Sir Integra will punish him for being late for his homeschooling. It didn't matter if he was on a mission, if he returned past the time limit then he'd be punished. It had happened several times before after all, and not necessarily to just him.
Just because he and the rest of the boys were a part of this side of the world. doesn't mean they could skip their general education. As such he, along with Vali and Kuroh were being taught by Hellsings tutors in place of going to school, essentially they were being homeschooled like they were sons of a noble household. It was recommended by the butler of Hellsing, Walter, that the boys needed their general education.
Not wanting to make Sir Integra frustrated or face her fury, the young Theseus suppressed most of his bloodlust as he continued to walk through the halls of the hospital. He glanced left and right, curiously looking around at the hospital, seeing some paitents and their doctors.
He looked up before lowering his head. Soon the halls was becoming empty the further he goes to the hospital. After some time walking, the boy soon found that there was no one in the halls, only just him. Everything no longer had that warm, cosy feeling that came with a hospital filled with people preserving the lives of the UK's people, what there was instead was this cold, desolate and eerie atmosphere. For a comparison, it somewhat resembled the silent forest and he were a deer, a deer on high alert after having sensed that eyes were watching it from afar.
Minutes later, Theseus finally stopped his stride when he saw a feminene figure looking down at the floor before her. She had a baby carrier beside her, one which looked to be occupied judging from what his limited sensing powers were telling him. That and he could faintly make out some faint movement within the carrier.
Curious, the young boy walked towards her. Once he was close to her she sensed he was close to him. Lifting her head, she turned to face him and what Theseus saw made him stop in his tracks. His eyes shot wide open in stunned disbelief, his hand which had been reaching for his Trident beforehand simply fell limp towards his side.
Before him stood… a female vampire who was crying.
"Are you an agent of hellsing?" she asked him, her lower lip trembling slightly as she tried to keep her voice from cracking.
Upon hearing the sorrowful tone of voice she used when addressing him, Theseus regained himself and hardened his stance. Now that he had found the vampire there was only one option left available to him. He could slaughter her into pieces, cut her up and tear her limbs apart like the beast that she was, giving her the ending that her kind deserved in his mind. Every fibre of his instincts demanded that he did so, a faint growling echoing in the back of his mind from the beast that was his nature goading him further down this path.
Yet even as he was about to slip into that crazed state, the look in the crying woman's eyes combined with her tears prevented him from taking that last step. In the past, enemies never gave him that look until he had been about to end their lives not like it saved them any, he just simply butchered them with a ferocity that could in the future contend with that of Alucard's. However, he had NEVER seen someone give that look right from the start combined with a gaze that spoke volumes, saying that this woman knew well how this was going to end. In fact he swore that she seemed like she wanted this to happen or something, he wasn't sure but what he DID see was a lack of aggression from her.
That last bit somewhat mollified the beast inside, just like how when Jaguars charge at a human simply backing away slowly while yelling and remaining upright was enough to give them pause. "Yes." Theseus answered, slightly narrowing his eyes at the woman. Even under his near-blood rage, a small part of him wanted to know why she had simply asked him his alliegence instead of running away or attempting to attack him.
The female vampire nodded her head and return lowering her gaze down towards the carrier. "It seems the transaction was a success." she muttered under her breath.
'Success?' Theseus wondered, blinking owlishly as he processed that confusing word. His brained worked a million miles an hour to try and decipher the meaning, before the young boy widened his eyes in realization. "You were the one who sent the money to Hellsing?" he whispered, but the silence of the hospital made his words echo loud enough that they may as well have been said normally. He did not get a response from her, but that was telling enough. Not like that confirmation helped lessen the befuddlement he had over this situation. Confusion took over his face as he stepped forward and waved his hand. "But….why would a vampire like you pay Hellsing for an assignment, knowing full well who we are?" he asked her once more.
This time his question had gotten a response from her, but again the response completely foored him. Theseus' eyes became wider than dinner plates when he saw tears falling from her face, dripping down from her chin towards the ground. "I paid Hellsing for one reason…..To kill my husband while he's still in a coma." she answered.
Theseus looked at the female vampire and the hospital room for sometime before he decided to enter the room. When he entered the patients room, he was greeted at the site he never expected to see in his life.
An adult male lay within a hospital bed, looking very sick. He looked beyond pale some black marks were present on his cheeks, forehead and hand. He was wearing a patients outfit and had some medical equipment attached to his body. He was holding a young boy who's eyes looked lifeless, confirming that the boy was indeed dead, he also had the same mark as the adult. The man was holding tight to the boy and tears flowed from his eyes like waterfall.
Soon the sick vampire shifted his gaze from the boy(Which Theseus assumes that was his son) and looked at Theseus. He smiled all of a sudden. "Ahhh, you finally arrived. I'm….so glad-COUGH-COUGH-COUGH!" Unable to properly speak completely, the man erupted into a mad coughing fit that threw the boy for a loop, nearly making him jump at the sheer suddenness. Even if he didn't know how it had happened, that coughing seemed to confirm to him that this person was indeed not going to last much longer.
After a few seconds of coughing, the man managed to regain his composure after taking a few deep breaths, albeit weak ones, before he resumed his speaking. "Thank god your here."
Now at this point, given everything he had gone through there was no reason for Theseus to have felt anything for this being. He should have felt heartless or even the strong desire to kill them… but he didn't. His inner beast had been silent from the moment he first entered, and instead he felt appalled by this sight. It may have been the first time a vampire had asked Hellsing to kill another vampire. He doesn't know what to do now as his goal was clearly here. Kill the vampire, end its life but some kind of feeling inside of him was stopping him.
In the abstance of his usual killing urges, Theseus decided to go out on a limb and chose another option, the first time he'd ever done this: Listen to the sick vampire in front of him. He took a seat beside the vampire, still having his trident beside him ready to finish the job. "Why did you ask me to come and end your life, vampire? Is there a reason why? Don't you vampires have a superior body compared to humans?"
"Hhhaaaa. Your young….you don't understand…..that much….it's fine….for you to be confused." The vampire weakly said to him before taking some deep breathes. He looks up at the ceiling and began to explain. "You are right…to think our bodies are…superior than humans…..but alas…..not even we are spared….from diseases."
Theseus stayed quiet and listened to more of the sick vampire's words and was a bit surprised to hear that not even they are safe from diseases.
Even so, the vampire continued to speak. "Even….a vampire like me….can suffer the same…..as humans. Both monster…..and human are…the same, in that….regard."
Theseus blinked owlishly in befuddlement. 'Same?' He wondered in his mind. He couldn't believe the vampire would even TRY to compare himself and the boy's kind by saying that they were the same as humans. Yet before him lay a Vampire suffering from a human disease the same way one would, completely blasting some of Theseus' preconceptions about this non-human species.
Yet things weren't done baffling the boy yet, for sensing that his time was nearing the vampire started crying again as he glanced down at his recently deceased son, catching the young boy's attention. "My family…..has a record of a…genetic disease…..it has claimed many…..of our family. My father died when he was 32…my mother died 34…..my young sister 12…..it even took…..my son." he tried to explain between raspy gasps and coughs.
A genetic disease, Theseus thought as a frown formed on his lips. So they had a history of the disease from their family record. The question still remains in his mind. "But, shouldn't the disease….go away when you become a vampire? It should've been gone by now." He questioned the vampire in front of him.
"My great grandfather….thought the same as well….thinking the disease would go away…it only worked for one generation….but it somehow evolved…..turning it into a curse. Evolution is…..both a blessing….and a curse."
The boy stayed quiet, hearing the vampires answer and could not fault him, to much of his own shock.
The vampire spoke once more, his voice breaking every minute he breathed. "I'm scared….scared of dying…but what choice…do I have? Its either…that or be… tortured by this…..damn disease…." He turned his head to Theseus. "I was the one….to convinced my wife…to call the only…..ones heartless enough…..to kill me. Please." by the end, the Vampire started to literally beg Theseus while weakly reaching out towards him with his frail-looking hand. "End this pain….put me out of… this worthless misery….please…"
For the first time the young boy hesitate for a few minutes. It was as if his feelings were preventing him from doing so and making way for the growing urge to spare this Vampire. But if he spared him, not only would this torment seem to continue till he finally tapped out anyways but he'll continue to suffer until his natural death. Something which would be full of pain and sorrow compared to his usually brutal but swift methods.
In that moment of indecision, Theseus' gaze bore down onto the Vampire, his pleading gaze meeting his apathetic one. However, that apathy soon vanished like a man hurrying to flee his pregnant wife when the Vampire's frail form overlapped with that of… another, one which he never thought he'd ever see again. He began to see in the Vampire's place, the principle of his school, the moment that he had lost everything yet still holding that pleading gaze, that earnest desire for it all to end. There was practically zero difference between the two at this point, and thanks to this revelation all prior conflicting emotions were ejected like a disk from a computer, replaced with grim determination.
Slowly getting up from his seat, Theseus went and put his hands together.
CRACKLE-CRACKLE-CRACKLE!
Upon doing so, lightning danced around his hands before he approached the sick but thankful vampire. He had enough strength to finally speak his last words.
"Thank….you…"
The female vampire was beside at the hospital door, waiting for it to be done. It had taken a while and she wonders if Hellsing was merciful enough to grant a vampires wish.
BOOM!
She soon got her answer when a large thundering noise and a sudden flash came from inside of her husband's room. Those two things may as well have served as the death toll for the female vampire since they indicated to her that the Hellsing agent finished the job. Part of her couldn't help but wonder if this had been what the French Queen Marie antoinette had felt like prior to her execution during the french revolution. Did she mourn her husband the way she was doing so now? Did she have similar thoughts to the ones she was having right now? The woman didn't know, but maybe she would soon enough…
Before long Theseus came out of the hospital room, looking both weary and almost tired. It was the first time he did not feel any pleasure from killing a Vampire, a supernatural species that had been part of the world that reduced his life to a hellish nightmare. All he felt inside… had been emptiness. Like he had never even done anything before, he just felt like a damn blank slate. Lightning still danced around him while he had his hands in his pockets.
Upon seeing the boy approach her, the female vampire got up from her seat making Theseus turn to face her. Awkwardly shuffling on the spot, she nonetheless nervously spoke in a low tone. "Is it done?" she simply asked him, wishing to know if her husband had indeed been put out of his misery with a hopeful gaze burning behind her crimson eyes.
"..."
The boy did not speak to her initially, but his silence was all she needed to know to confirm everything. Seconds later, Theseus turned his head away from her unable to look her in the eye any longer. This Vampire shared many similarities to the man, for she also seemed more human than monster with the variety of emotions crossing her face one after another.
With the confirmation of her husband's demise, tears flowed down from the female Vampires' eyes like twin waterfalls. "Thank you for putting my husband out of his misery." She puts her mouth together before having a lifeless look on her face. "I have another request for you, if you…are willing to accept."
Theseus turned his head to the female vampire, not speaking a word to her but indeed deciding to hear what she wanted to say to him.
"Please, kill me." she pleaded with the young boy in front of her. "I don't want to live in a world…..where there's no happy ending for those born in this cursed world. End my life." Her eyes glistened with desperation, more tears of despair streaming down her cheeks like many rivers joining together
Turning his head away from the vampire, Theseus' lips tightened into a firm line. Like always, he didn't hesitate to raise his hand and aim it at the female vampire. "If thats what you wish for. I will be merciful." Pausing his sentence, lightning danced around Theseus once more before it was directed down his entire arm, crackling with power through his sacred gear. "Enough for a painless….Death."
BOOM!
Instantly, he blasted a lightning bolt through her entire upper body with her lower portion stumbling a few times, before falling backwards. It then turned to a pile of dust that Theseus dispersed by opening a window and using the wind to carry it out into the atmosphere. It was an instant death and a merciful one for the wife of the now deceased sick vampire.
His job was now complete, and thanks to this revelation Theseus put his hand down. He stayed in this position for some time now, before noticing the baby carriage that had been beside the female vampire. Since his attack had merely been aimed at her, the carriage had been spared from it which included the child that lay within.
Walking up to the carriage, Theseus stared down at the now sleeping infant that lay within, his eyes cold and empty… yet no malice could be detected in that gaze. Not a single shred of it. The boy no longer had any desire or bloodlust inside of him for today, he felt certain that it'd return with time and he'd be back to his usual ruthless self, but for now he… he needed a rest. Not something he would have expected himself to admit, but this day's events had exhausted him in more ways than one.
But before he could, Theseus knew he needed to do something about this kid. He couldn't do nothing and leave it here to starve, many questions would be asked that were too troublesome, and also… for the third time today he didn't want to do what he usually did towards supernatural species.
Therefore, he needed to make his mind up and before long an idea formed inside his mind. He glanced at the now orphan child before he made his decision. He looked around before noticing a hospital phone hanging in it's phone box attached to the wall, so walking towards it he grabbed the phone and dialed a number.
"9-1-1, what is your emergency?"
Hearing their instant reply was all he needed to hear. He walked towards the child and put the hospital phone at the carriage and began to leave the area.
"Hello? Hello? Hello? Is anyone there? Hello?"
Flashback end
After experiencing a flashback of his past, Theseus was brought back into the present in a bit of a frenzy, the boy nighs blanching as he almost fell from his seat. He probably would have fallen if he hadn't hung onto the bar counter at the last second.
"(PANT)(PANT)(PANT)." he panted heavily with some sweat slowly falling from his brow before he regained his breathing. Nevertheless, that experience left him shaken and somewhat flustered, his usual peace of mind completely off the rail. His eyes were reminiscent of dinner plates as he gazed downwards towards the counter.. 'That memory…I completely forgot about that time.' he mentally said to himself.
Though he couldn't help but find it kind of pathetic that he'd forgotten about it, he could nevertheless understand why. He'd been a kid back then and a lot of time had passed, time when he had spent wandering countless battlefields under Hellsings' orders immersing himself in the bloodshed. His memories may as well have been stained with the blood of countless threats to her majesty's Great Britain, in fact he could hardly recall his childhood half of the time unless something explicitly reminded him of a part of it like when he heard of the word 'hero' from that bastard's mouth or when he reunited with his adoptive aunt.
Unbeknownst to him, Vali and Kuroh looked concerned over Theseus since they had bore witness to his little sudden panic attack. They briefly glanced towards one another and shared uneasy looks, having never ever seen such a thing happen to their friend before. After a few seconds, they looked back to him with Vali having leaned forward and opening the question on both of their minds. "Hey, what's wrong? What happened? What's with the sudden reaction mate?" He asked Theseus with concern.
Quickly regaining his breath and composer. He sit up straight and shook his head before speaking to the half devil. "Nothing." He took Lucozade bottle and drank a big sip out from the non-alcoholic drink before putting it down. "I just had a weird moment there." He turned his head to the silver haired boy in amusement. "You can't expect something not to happen whenever you drink either vodka or non-alcohol drinks. They bring out some nasty effects, especially when they lower your inhibitions." After saying this, an idea formed in his mind that made him grin like his namesake. "Who knows, it might actually make you stop holding back and get laid with Kuroka."
"Oh hell yeah!" Vali was instantly convinced by Theseus' quick thinking, grabbed the devils lair and began to drink a large amount of content. Kuroh groaned in displeasure at Vali's antics which embarrassed him. He was lucky they weren't in public but still.
He didn't realize (or perhaps ignored) the insinuation Theseus made about him and Kuroka.
As Theseus watched their antics, the masked boy frowned in though as he remembered a little detail he almost forgot. 'Its been years since I remembered that family….wondered if that kid is doing fine.' Normally he wouldn't be thinking of this, but the thought came to his mind now so he let it wander around his brain. Theseus only recalled it now due to the memory flashback making it resurface inside his mind.
After he had called the emergency number, it had been about a few weeks when he'd heard an update on the child's condition from Sir Integra. Apparently the child had been picked up and sent to an orphanage, one of Hellsing's orphanages more specifically. 'The vampire mother was admittingly very selfish for leaving her child, her only link to her husband alone in this godforsaken cruel world.' he mentally remarked on his mind.
He didn't really approve of how the mother who requested him to end her life, while not thinking about her child's future. Unlike her husband who had lost his son and was literally on death's door anyways, she could have continued on and perservered for her child's sake. That woman wasn't an example of a mother who would do anything to protect her children, instead she sounded like those animals who would discard their young when being chased by predators to save their own skin.
Then one thought of his mind came to him. 'Then again, she had lost her husband, her family and her son from that genetic disease. One can see how that must have weighed on her more than once, and then one must consider that she must have been watching her husband's condition deteriorate so badly. That must have been utter hell for her. She must have essentially lost the will to live after all of that. Doesn't excuse her selfishness, just explains it.' He sighed before pouring his Lucozade into another glass cup, staring at his own reflection within it. 'What a cruel world we live in.' he said to himself before drinking the entire glass cup in one go and relishing in the buzz he got from the fluids running down his throat.
Already having enough with those depressing memories and monologuing himself, he quickly tried to think of something else to distract the two boys from asking more. Not like he wanted to lie to them, but he did NOT feel mentally composed enough to ask them about such a sensitive topic. He probably wasn't the only one though, since all three of them had their own baggage. Before long his eyes briefly widened when he remembered something, they hadn't asked Kuroh for his opinion on lady problems. Him and Vali had their fair share, but what about their resident samurai/butler who had the composure of a typical British gentleman yet also possessed the ferocity of a fierce warrior?
With those thoughts set in mind, the male decided to get those answers. Nobody deserved to be singled out after all. "Hey Kuroh." He called out the butler boy.
Getting out of his embarrassed mood, he turned his attention to Theseus. "Yes? What is it?"
"You haven't mentioned any lady problems before. So you got any stories to share? I can definitely see you being popular with the opposite gender, and correct me if I'm wrong but isn't your fanclub at the university the largest out of us three?"
Kuroh straightened up his position and adjusted his vest before he spoke. "I don't have any problems with the female students in the university. They don't disturb me very often, though that might be because of that part-time butler job I took. Was recommended it by as I take a teacher who saw my interest."
"Let me guess." Theseus slides his glass cup around while guessing the answer. "Girls often ask for your services specifically when you visit?" he queried with an arched brow, though his tone implied that it was more of a statement than a question. He could see that happening especially the thought of Kuroh dressed in a butler outfit, though the classic one and not the assemble Walter used back in her majesty's London, the dude had the manners and the demeanor for it if one asked him. Though that didn't mean he was above getting pissed and dirtying himself, as he and Vali had plenty of experiences to prove that.
"That is correct Theseus." Kuroh nodded his head to the masked boy, confirming what the male had already pretty much guessed by this point. He then leaned back on his stool slightly while putting one foot over his thigh, holding his drink up with his hand while it's below leaned against the counter. "I've been invited multiple times by other girls. Most seem to come from privileged backgrounds such as compan CEO children or the children of high ranking officials. Somewhat similar to the nobility in the supernatural world though most don't really look like it. Also, they only ask for me to provide the highest service to them."
While saying this, the man looked to the ceiling with a gaze of melancholy, memories starting to flow into his mind. He did recall one time he was called in by an upper class person, a young woman with beautiful blonde-hair styled into two long twin tails and blue eyes, as well as a voluptuous figure. One could have considered her a prime and proper woman, given the uniform she wore implying that she was part of a prestigious school. Her uniform consisted of a red blazer with white lapels, cuffs and lines down the sides of her sleeves. Beneath that had been a white shirt with a black tie, a matching skirt around her waist that had a paid of thigh high stockings attached to some belts that ran up into her skirt, as well as slid into a pair of brown knee high boots.
He'd noticed some ornaments on her uniform that implied she had a high ranking position in some kind of group, perhaps a student council since there were schools who designated their students that way.
Though like the majority of women, she had been particularly hard to deal with due to her classic superiority and attitude, although compared to other girls he'd tended to she wasn't the worst one. She had actually a tolerable attitude and seemed to value competence judging from how she kept eyeing certain individuals like she were testing them. Also there was the way she moved and held herself, like she'd been trained in some form of martial arts and knew how to defend herself.
Nevertheless with his experience, training and time he had with Walter he managed to go through few days with her. If he didn't know any better the way she looked and spoke to him Kuroh would sweat that she had grown fond of him. He figured this because he'd noticed that the few times he'd seen her she'd been eyeing his movements and actions with what looked like approval. Like she preferred him compared to the other staff members, it definitely irked those said staffers who would then complain to him within the privacy of their changing rooms. Nevertheless it wasn't a big deal for him. It had been a deduction he had in his mind since he was no fool when it came to knowing what a woman felt like.
Shaking his head to get back to reality, Kuroh returned his attention to the boys. "Anyways, thanks to those times I managed to secure some business deals with some CEO's to Hellsing." he explained, thinking to some of those daughters who had went and told their parents about their visit to the shop he'd worked at. One thing had led to another and Meredith had found several new supporters for her trade deals and other political endeavors.
After hearing this, Vali had a small smirk on his lips as well as a pleased look in his eyes, the silver haired male patting Kuroh on the back in a sincerely congratulatory manner unlike his usual response. "Normally I would be all sarcastic with you, but great job man! You seemed to have a pretty good back-up plan."
"Much appreciate it Vali." He puts on a frown on his face and spoke in a low tone. "But its also to make sure we have some connection to the territory of Japan when in case something goes wrong and Sir Integra declares the mission a failure. That would result in her calling us back to London, and possibly leaving Asia, Issei, Mio and Maria to fend for themselves."
Each of the boys frowned at that possibility, not liking the thought of doing that when they've done so much for the girls already.
Theseus was reminded at the time of the Youkai faction for securing a deal with Meredith. "At least you had thought of something when things were becoming deep shit. I haven't told you guys this yet, but….." He paused for a minute before gathering enough courage to speak. "I screwed up big time." he lowered his head
Kuroh and Vali paused their merriment for a moment, before paying their full attention to Theseus. He rarely spoke honestly about mistakes that he had made, and when he did it usually was pretty serious.
Once he took a slow, deep breath to settle his jittering nerves as well as the growls his inner beast released at the memories he was digging up, Theseus began to explain. "Do you remember the time when me and Meredith left to secure a deal with the Youkai's?" He asked them.
Vali nodded his head, remembering the time they prepared for the meeting with the west side of Youkai factions.
Kuroh mimics Vali before he widened his eyes in realization. His eyes returned to normal and began to speak in a slow, measured voice though his eyes shone with concern. "It did not go so well, did it?"
In response the blonde shook his head, answering the butler boy's question before growling. "Some dumbass assassins came out of nowhere. Injected me with something they thought could hinder me, but they guessed wrong. I could've dealt with those assholes easily, but Meredith made sure to place a seal on me so I could not use magic or my sacred gear to escape. It was a hard fight due to the cybertronic equipment they had, but I managed to deal with them eventually. Unfortunately, I suffered some backlash." at this point, the memories ignited his fury like reopening an old wound, His features crinkled in anger while the male gripped his free hand (the one not holding his drink) hard. "Instead of thanking me for saving their asses, they ranted out at me for destroying their precious property. I couldn't hold my anger anymore and threatened them."
"Heh, serves them right." Vali smirks at the thought of Theseus threatening those rich assholes. Though the satisfaction feeling went away when Theseus did not remark back at Vali. Usually, he would always remark positively whenever they mocked the high-class people or bluebloods. This time he didn't, which made Vali put on a concerned expression. "That wasn't it was it?"
"Yes, Meredith backlashed at me for ruining securing an alliance with the Yokai's. I tried to hold it in, I tried to but I had enough of her rant. I…exploded on her, slamming her against a wall and threatening her with every intent to follow through if she tested me."
Now THIS caused the silver haired hybrid to hiss and wince at the same time, with a similar reaction befalling their resident butler as such a thing played out in their minds. What's worse was that they could actually see that happening, which didn't make things any better. "Oh shit. You did that to Meredith?" A stunned Vali questioned in disbelief, having widened his eyes when Theseus revealed his actions and the reason why he and Meredith were not speaking to each other.
The male shamelessly nodded his head. "Yeah. I could be the reason why this mission would fail so horribly. I'll be a mocking state in Hellsing and my master will be disappointed in me, for not keeping my anger to myself." afterwards Theseus lowered his head with his expression losing its shamelessness every second, a flurry of emotions in his chest as he reflected on those instances with the new perspective Hijikata had forced onto him. "Sorry for keeping this to myself, guys. Meredith also musn't have told you either, to keep knowledge of her breakdown a secret. We all know there'd be many who would use such a thing as a political tool against her."
In less than a second Vali broke the silence and patted Theseus back.
PAT-PAT!
"Its not your fault man." Vali comfort Theseus with a sympathetic expression on his face, making the blonde lift his head to gaze at him. "You were just being pressured by those bluebloods. From the shit I bet they spewed out at you, you couldn't hold your anger in anymore, combined with you just recently preventing an assassination attempt and Meredith's backlash its enough to give you a reason to explode the way you apparently did." Vali assured Theseus. Giving him a logic reason to the blonde that made him feel a bit better.
Kuroh also interjects the conversation. "While I do not approve of your reaction to Meredith, almost jeopardizing the mission, I can understand your reaction. Meredith was not clearly thinking straight when she instead checked on you to see if you were alright when instead she blasted at you. She was also at fault for placing the seal on you Theseus in the first place." He stops for a moment before slides his finger across his cup. "Then again, I can understand Meredith's breakdown as well since the seal was to limit your powers after the whole fiasco with the hero clan incident, which was your fault as well." He stops his sentence and shifted his attention to the scarred boy. Putting his hand on the masked boy shoulder. "The only one who is truly at fault here was the Yokai embassy. He was only focused on blasting Hellsing instead of investigating how this had happened in the first place. Don't think of this the hard way but let it help you improve in case something like this ever happens again. Here is something that might help you, "Life is like a trampoline. The lower you fall, the higher you go.". A famous reference a yakuza used."
Theseus was silent for a few minutes before he put out a smile on his face, a relieved look in his eyes. "Thanks guys. I really appreciate what you said to me. I'll remember this." he said to the boys.
Hearing those words quelled several reservations he had in his heart over the likelihood of him having to reconcile with Meredith, as declared by Hijikata. He'd been a bit torn about the possibility of doing that at all since he didn't see himself as someone who needed to apologize for anything in that incident, most of it came as a reaction to being blasted by two blueblood politicians who didn't seem to give a shit that he'd saved their lives. Collateral damage can be fixed, but losing lives could not and he should know that better than anyone. Knowing that others understood his point helped reinforce the idea that he wasn't alone in this, that he could rely on them if necessary.
Part of him also wondered what Meredith thought about all of this, what her views on this were.
Vali nodded his head and smiled. "I'm sure you won't." Putting his cup up on the air while making a toast. "To a toast, to you and Kuroh for being the badasses in Hellsing and mostly a toast! To Hellsing!"
""TO HELLSING!""