A/N: Thank you all so much for the lovely and awesome favs/follow/and reviews! I love them all so much and I love you all so much!
This chapter is the beginning of the final arc before The Dawn segment of this fic. This arc will contain the final part of Olivia's development and the further development with her changing dynamics with the characters!
Oh, and since I rarely use it, Sic Parvis Magna is the name of Olivia's bow so I think I should start using its name! LOL!
Please enjoy this chapter! And I welcome all new and returning readers! :D
Olivia winced as she watched Walter light up another cigarette, half tempted to rip the damn thing from his lips and give him a kick in the throat for good measure.
Since that night on Tower Bridge, there had been a far off look in his eyes and this air of disgust always radiated around him when seeing elderly people on the street; not a day has gone by when Olivia didn't regret keeping her silly thoughts to herself.
She wanted to blame Alucard, since he was the root of all her problems as of late, but Olivia knew it was her fault for not being tactful. Walter took immense pride in his title and battle prowess, so it was only natural that he would be bothered if someone told him he would be forgotten and all his hard work will be for nothing.
Still, did an eleven year old boy have to take up smoking as a stress reliever of all things?!
Olivia dug her nails into her knees as she peered over at Sir Hellsing and Martha, both whom did not seem to mind in the slightest. Sir Hellsing continued to read the papers on his desk while Martha diligently re-filled their tea cups and even placed an extra helping of Victoria Sponge cake on Olivia's and Walter's plates.
'Fine. If they won't say something, then I will.'
"Walter?" Olivia leaned over and whispered, cupping the side of her mouth with one hand. "I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean to upset you."
Walter didn't reply, taking another drag and blowing out a smoke ring.
"Walter," She scooted closer until they were shoulder-to-shoulder. "You are far too young to be smoking. It is not-."
He turned and grasped her by the chin, smiling sweetly before blowing a smoke cloud into her face.
"Don't tell me what to do." Walter sneered before placing the foul cigarette back in his mouth and watching Olivia cough her lungs out. "You dumb rabbit."
"YOU LITTLE-!" She jumped up and whipped out Sic Parvis Magna, only to have it plucked out of her hands by Sir Hellsing.
"Behave, Olivia." He chided, folding it in half and handing it off to Martha. "Walter is not a baby, and as long as he does his job, I could care less about anything else. So stop pestering him, understood?"
"Yes, sir…" Olivia bowed in apology before taking a seat, discreetly flipping Walter the bird when he gave her a shit eating grin. Martha giggled behind her palm at their usual antics and handed the bow back to Olivia with a reassuring pat on the head.
"So what is the mission this time, Sir Hellsing?" Walter asked, stubbing out his cigarette on the table's ash tray and picking up his tea cup.
"Is it urgent?" Olivia added on, taking a sip from her own cup. "You only summon the both of us when there is something dire at hand."
Arthur sighed and took a seat across from them, leaning forward and tossing the stack of papers he was reading onto the table.
"The Queen wants to see us-AGH!" Arthur fell back as Olivia and Walter spat out their tea in perfect unison and drenched his face and torso in Earl Gray tea. Martha immediately rushed over with a tea towel, her eyes wide in worry.
"Are you alright, Ar—I mean, Sir Hellsing?!" She fussed over him, gently dabbing away the tea and making sure nothing got into his eyes. "Let me fetch you some ice and a new suit. I don't want these burns to scar!"
"I'm fine, Darling." He grinned, stroking her cheek with the back of his knuckles and lowering the towel away from his face. "The tea wasn't that hot, and if being doused in tea means I have someone like you to worry over me, I'll have the both of them dump the entire pot over my head."
"They better not!" Martha sent a stern glare in Olivia and Walter's direction, and the duo immediately shrunk back in fear.
"Aha! I'm just teasing you, Martha." Arthur chuckled, placing a kiss on her cheek. "I'm perfectly fine, so relax. Alright?"
"Yes, Aru-I mean, Sir Hellsing." Martha bowed and scurried away to her position by the door, her cheeks redder than usual.
"So," Arthur cleared his throat and faced the bemused duo once more, returning to commanding officer mode. "Shall I finish or do you want to spit cake crumbs on me next?"
"Pardon me, Sir Hellsing," Walter mumbled while Olivia rubbed her arm and whispered, "Please continue."
"Well, I suppose it's my fault for jumping right into the meat of it without a proper explanation." Then he gestured to the stack of papers which all had the royal seal stamped at the top. "Lately, there have been reports of missing soldiers on the battlefield and the Queen, along with MI6, are becoming concerned about it."
"Soldiers go missing every day, Sir Hellsing. It's a fact of war." Walter pointed out, finishing off his cake and stealing some from Olivia's. "Why would the Queen want to see us over that?
Olivia nodded in agreement, poking Walter's hand with her fork.
"Because we are The Royal Order of Protestant Knights and whatever Her Majesty commands, we follow." Arthur reminded them. "But you are correct, this situation is not in our division, but Her Majesty knows of our military resources, so should their suspicions be confirmed, the Queen will see us before sending us out to fight."
"Is there someone special among the kidnapped soldiers?" Olivia inquired, trying to wrap her head around this. "I am all for returning lost soldiers to their families, but why would the Queen and MI6 be so involved in this? Is there something paranormal going on? Is there—?!"
"At ease, soldier." Arthur raised his hand, silencing her instantly. "You are thinking too much into it. MI6 has simply noticed soldiers from battles with Germany, in particular, have disappeared, with some of them being Lieutenants and Captains. Germany is one of our main foes in this war, and if they truly are kidnapping soldiers, there must be some ulterior motive so it is our duty either find out, destroy it, or both. However, it is simply an observation made by Intelligence, so there is no need to panic until we have solid proof there is something going on beneath the surface. And since you two are my best and brightest, I just wanted to make you aware of the situation first. Are we clear?"
"Yes, sir." They replied in unison.
"Good." Arthur then stood up and snatched the papers up in his hand. "The possibility of us going out to the front lines may become a reality soon. So, before that time comes, prepare yourselves because neither of you have experience war firsthand before."
'I have.' Olivia thought to herself, thinking back on her memories in Hungary and her experience in Alucard's coffin. But she didn't say anything and simply stood up and bowed alongside Walter.
"We will be in top shape, Sir Hellsing. That I can promise you." Walter declared, placing a hand over his heart. "As The Angel of Death, I have decimated all of your enemies, quick and precise." Then he peered at Olivia with a sharp gaze. "I am known, and will always been known for that. No matter what."
Olivia was starting to lose her patience and shot an equally venomous glare back at him.
'Oh, grow up, Walter! Are you honestly that sensitive?!'
"Glad to hear that." Arthur waltzed back towards his desk and took a seat. "Now, Walter, I need you to monitor the training sessions out on the grounds. Captain Morrison is dealing with an errand in Bristol, so you will act as the supervisor in his place."
"It shall be done, Sir Hellsing."
"As for you, Olivia, I order you to march yourself down to the archery room and train until your fingers ache. I should not be able to snatch your bow away so easily!"
"Y-Yes, Sir Hellsing." Olivia blushed a tomato red and bowed before following Walter out into the hallway.
Sparing her a final glance, Walter lit up another cigarette and was about to walk away when Olivia latched onto his shoulder.
"Wait a moment, Walter. I-."
"Do you really think your words have that much of an influence on me?" Walter scoffed, prying her hand off his shoulder. "I am smoking because I want to! And by the way," He got on his toes so he could reach her face and leaned in close. "I will never be forgotten, and I will do anything to make sure that never happens."
A shiver ran down Olivia's spine at the veiled threat, and before she knew it, she threw her arms around Walter and held him tight against her.
"H-Hey!" Walter flailed around in her iron grip. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
"Didn't I tell you before?" She mumbled against his hair. "I will always remember you, so please don't do anything stupid. I would never forgive you if you got yourself killed."
Walter groaned and shoved her away.
"I'm not that foolish, Olivia! I don't need you to protect me."
"We protect each other." Olivia lifted her wrist and jingled her bracelets. "You even said so yourself as I recall."
Walter's cheeks and ears flushed a cherry red, and he quickly turned on his heel and marched away.
Olivia couldn't help but giggle at the adorable sight.
"I love you too, Walter!" She called out, laughing as she raced down the hallway with Walter hot on her heels.
"GET BACK HERE, YOU TWIT! I REGRET MAKING YOU THOSE BLASTED THINGS!"
"BUT YOU MADE THEM OUT OF LOVE, WALTER!"
"SHUT UP!"
Later that day, during her etiquette lessons, Oliva was still giggling about the squabble in the hallway.
In the end, Walter caught her using his wires and they wrestled for a while before Arthur emerged from his office and banged their heads together, demanding that they grow up and follow his orders before he took away their dessert privileges.
Covering her mouth, Olivia snorted in a very unlady like manner, drawing the attention of Ms. Thomas.
"And just what is so funny?" Ms. Thomas crossed her arms while tapping her foot, a pose Olivia had come to associate with her stern, yet well-intentioned instructor. "You are supposed to be memorizing a song for your vocal lessons, not snorting like a pig."
"My apologies, Ms. Thomas." Olivia coughed, still attempting to quell her laughter. "I'll focus now."
"Please do." She sighed, returning to her seat by the fireplace and picking up her journal and pen.
'Get it together, Olivia. Be a good student!' She chided herself before clearing her throat and singing the lyrics printed on the sheet.
Say, it's only a paper moon
Sailing over a cardboard sea
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
Hanging over a muslin tree
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
This was the type of song Olivia could picture Sir Hellsing and Martha dancing to, and in fact, she had once caught them dancing to some records in his office a few years back. They looked so happy and in love with each other that Olivia was still baffled that they weren't officially a couple.
'It is so stupid. Sir Hellsing said so himself that the possibility of us going to war is rapidly becoming a reality, so shouldn't they seize the chance and profess their feelings before things get hectic?! Ugh!' She hit the sheet music against her forehead. 'They were so obvious in Sir Hellsing's office today too! I'm tired of seeing them dance around the subject of an actual relationship! Maybe they need a third party to give them a push in the right direction….'
"THAT'S IT!"
Ms. Thomas nearly fell out of her chair as Olivia sprung out of hers and darted over to her.
"What in the Heavens?!"
"Ms. Thomas," Olivia knelt before her with a huge grin. "When exactly is my graduation from your lessons again?"
"…Next year, on your 14th birthday." Ms. Thomas narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, on my graduation day, I would like to have a party in the estate's grand ballroom. I would like to showcase my singing and dancing abilities as a thank you for all your teachings."
Ms. Thomas continued to stare down at Olivia's innocent face in doubt.
"What is the real reason? Be honest."
"It is the real reason! Honest!" Olivia whined before averting her eyes and twiddling her thumbs. "…Well, maybe not the complete reason."
"I knew it."
"H-Hey, here me out first!"
Ms. Thomas slid her glasses off her nose and sighed, feeling a migraine coming on.
"…Fine. Proceed."
"Well, I was hoping to use this party as a chance to bring two people I love dearly together. Neither of them are taking the first step, whether it is for a silly or unknown reason. But they are so obvious with their feelings that it physically pains me to watch this go on!" Olivia then reached over and clasped Ms. Thomas' wrinkly hands in hers. "So please, allow me to do this! I promise to pay attention and do extra homework every night if you will grant me permission as my instructor."
Ms. Thomas stared into her pupil's pleading eyes, aware that while Olivia was an airheaded student and had a bit of a temper at times, she lived and breathed for her loved ones and Ms. Thomas commended her for that.
"If I grant you permission, you will have to agree to something else first."
"Anything!" Olivia beamed, jumping up and down in joy. "I will do anything you ask!"
"You will have to compose the lyrics and music yourself."
Olivia immediately froze in place, feeling much like a balloon that Ms. Thomas had poked with a needle.
"W-What?"
"I said you will have to compose the music and lyrics yourself. All proper young women should be well versed in the musical arts."
"But...I don't know anything about composing music. It will take me years to understand the basics!"
"Then I suggest you better get started."
And, with a triumphant chuckle, Ms. Thomas raised her journal back up and continued to write as Olivia's mind caught up with her body.
"O-Okay!" Olivia curled her hands into fists, that well-known fire blazing in her eyes. "I accept your challenge! I will write a song that they will dance to even when they are old and gray!"
She hurried back to her seat by the window and got right to work, tapping her pen against the paper and praying for a miracle to occur.
'Dear God, what have I gotten myself into?!' Olivia mentally sobbed, wishing she offered to do an interpretive archery dance instead. 'But….I have to get them to confess their feelings before time runs out, and…if I have to go out of my comfort zone to do so, then so be it!' She raised her pen to the heavens. "Anya, Apa, please bless me with your musical talent!'
And with that, she got to work.
A/N: Soldiers missing? I wonder what that could led to~?! I always figured The Doktor's experiments started with the kidnapping of enemy soldiers (both injured and uninjured) and it would take time for him to develop the protocol/method to make ghouls. And I wanted to develop more of Arthur and Martha's relationship since it does have a huge impact on the events prior to The Dawn and on Olivia's development. And I just wanted to do more with Martha and her dynamics with everyone else. This arc is basically training for The Dawn and relationship/character developing! It should only be 5-6 chapters, so if you are anxiously awaiting for some kickass action, it will come soon!
In the next chapter, we will see Richard again (aka Olivia's archenemy) and she will work more on her mission to make Arthur and Martha confess. However, this fic follows the manga and OVAs very closely so you can make your guesses on if Olivia succeeds or not. Lol.
And the song Olivia is singing is posted on my profile page under the "L'amour Et La Mort" section! It is called "It's Only a Paper Moon" and it is one of my favorite songs from the 1930s. Please give it a listen!
Thank you again so much for reading! Next chapter will be out very soon!
Please leave a review! I love them so! And I will see you in the next chapter~! :D