Rain

Disclaimer: Yeah, I don't own Hellsing and company. They belong to the creative Kouta Hirano. However, the taisho mark and a few original characters: Dru, Yosh and Rathlan are mine. Also, there'll be violence, adult situations and language in this story. Just a fair warning.

“ ”...indicates mental conversations

Rain

Chapter 5: Rising Shadows and A Sephiroth's Destiny

“Out with it, Dru”, Alucard snapped as they entered the library at Hellsing.

Seras was sleeping comfortably downstairs, exhausted and none the wiser. Pip and several of the Geese stood guard in the dark hunter's stead, watching over the slumbering former draculina. Even Walter and Sir Integra had made themselves scarce this evening. No one knew where they'd gone. No notes left in their wake. No clues at all, which was completely unlike the staunch protocol supporter that was his master.

“Tell me everything you know: abilities, history, everything.” Crimson eyes narrowed, fists balled tightly, posture tense. “The more I know, the better prepared I am for what's to come.”

Dru gestured towards two dark, red leather chairs, high-backed and ornate. “Well, we better get started then. It won't be long before Rathlan begins his hunt for your fledgling. In which he'll fail”, the Sephir added swiftly, noting the hostility radiating from his old friend, mixed with low growls emanating from his throat.

“Most of the history you're already aware of, but as for the abilities....they differ. Most will have the same abilities in regards to strength, only their levels determine the gaps in power between each one.”

Dru continued to explain in hurried detail about the more well known abilities, and some of the less known as well. One thing that didn't differ from vampire to Sephiroth was the accrual of additional abilities and strengths that grew with age.

“I take it Seras will become a most formidable Sephiroth, if her powers, now, are any indication of what's to come”, he mused with a smirk.

Knowing Alucard as he did Dru replied, “That she will. Seras has a dark destiny before her. One that will require both of us to aid in her preparation.”

“Excellent”, Alucard stated darkly. “Now on to your weaknesses.” His eyes sparked crimson, his smile deadly, and an aura of unmistakable darkness surrounded him.

...........................................

Seras awoke to silence. Alucard's room, though large and dark, felt lonely. Concentrating, she smirked as she located both Alucard and Dru. She couldn't breathe. She needed to get out- to escape. There's no way that either male upstairs would willingly allow her the breathing room she desperately needed. Shrugging her shoulders, her mind set, she smiled with resolve. Throwing up a resonating blue shield, she knew this was the only way to escape without detection, and so her slender physique quickly evaporated, leaving behind no evidence of her presence or lack thereof.

...........................................

Flapping her wings, several layers of midnight colored feathers pushing her fluidly and quickly through the air, Seras felt the rush of power in her veins- the unmistakable glee accompanying it. It felt so good- so right. How could anyone ever deny this? Even more, how could her master deny himself this? Deny her this? Such power was a rush. It just felt so.....good. Too good.

That thought alone brought to mind a rather sobering trail of thought.....maybe the reason that people backed away was because of the rush- the addiction- it brought. Misuse would be all too easy. But would the consequences be as easy to dismiss? Time, alone, would tell.

She bit back a chuckle, realizing she'd given both Alucard and Dru the slip. They weren't aware she'd literally slipped through the cracks of the mansion. Oh! The irony... Her first joke on Alucard! And she'd gotten away with it, too. Seras could help herself no longer. Her laughter, pealing as musical bells, danced on the wind, grazed the trees, sending rippling sensations echoing throughout the darkness.

Spotting a beautiful tree-framed meadow, Seras' wings fluttered, allowing her to hover while slowly lowering her to the soft, thick grass so green and inviting.

Her sigh, quiet and adoring, took in the beauty surrounding her. She felt strongest in places such as these, adjoined with nature, waiting for their magical resources to be tapped. That's when they began.

Whispers....... So many of them she lost count. They caressed her skin, her mind. Calming hands held her as angelic voices beckoned her, sang to her- but for what purpose she was unsure.

A light breeze blew, stirring the leaves, tree branches lightly swaying under the pressure; knee-high grass in the meadows danced to the wind's slight tune, inducing all of nature to join the song. Animals were silent, but the rest of nature made its presence known, taking its turn while watching the unfamiliar female creature who stood silently observing the moon and everything around her.

Entranced, Seras threw up her hands, twirling 'round in circles, laughing giddily as she spun. As she twisted, the voices increased their volume, but not their intent. Some of their voices were akin to crystalline bells and others were reminiscent of soft, comforting whispers or rustling leaves. All the while speaking to her of many things and nothing.

“I can't believe this,” she whispered in awe.

Taken aback by the beauty of everything happening around her- to her, she ignored feelings of darkness, of shadows, as they crept towards her.

Seras' eyes opened wide in alarm as she begged the voices not to go. “Why must you go?” No answer. “Am I the one who must leave?”

Tears sprang forth as the answer sang to her mind. The voices spoke of danger coming here. Abruptly, their voices, no longer calm and comforting but panicked and shrill, screamed of impending danger. To them. To her. They advised her to leave immediately, leading evil away from them all.

“Farewell.”

Seras bid them all a teary goodbye and launched herself into the air, feeling a sense of foreboding envelop her. Then she realized what the voices had done. They'd told her several dark, evil secrets, however they weren't evil themselves. One of the secrets made her sick, her heart heavy and filled with tears. It couldn't be true! She had to find out from him directly. So much depended on his answer. She had to return to Hellsing. More than that, she needed to return to Alucard and Dru. She now possessed information they needed to know.

Eyes narrowing, her iris' flared, their colors flaring a bright blue-green, sensing a presence closing in on her, seeking her. Cursing inwardly, Seras intuitively knew the perpetrator. All the more reason to hall ass home. Giving her obsidian wings a powerful flap, her body propelled itself faster, flying with greater haste through the darkened night, racing against the creature attempting to close the gap, trying to catch her before she could get there.

...................................................

Several men sat silently, nervously around a rectangular table etched from mahogany, their expressions flitted to each other as they awaited the last member. This person held more authority in their eyes, in their voice, than any other person they'd ever known. No foolishness or bullshit tolerated. Period.

A young brunette gentlemen glanced at his watch. “It is nine pm, and we have assembled as ordered. The guest of honor should be arriving-” A knock interrupted his sentence. He gestured to the butler to open the door.

The door opened quietly, admitting two persons: a tall blonde, wearing glasses, thin and wearing a blue, tailored suit, and her companion, an older gentleman with dark hair, containing graying streaks, a monocle adorning his face, dressed in a black suit, following closely behind her.

As they moved toward their designated positions, the brunette stood as he said, “As I was saying, Sir Integra, that you would be arriving any moment.”

There were ten others not counting the brunette and herself. Irritated, she snapped, “I'm here. Let's not fool ourselves and stand on ceremony, as you're well aware that I'm not a lady, so please don't stand on my account,” she finished as she sent them all a withering glance.

These idiots were the progeny of the former knights. The ones who got themselves killed by rebelling against her, ordering a hit but unknowingly sealing their fates by hiring the wrong assassin. A small smirk surfaced as she remembered Alucard reporting back to her after their eliminations. How could the blokes have been so stupid? How could they not have recognized her top hunter? Alucard, if so chosen, could be extremely flamboyant, not to mention his outfit always stood out terribly.

Death. That was the fate of those who chose that path. The one of betrayal. A constant thorn it was....gone for the moment, but not forgotten.

“Well, now”, she murmured as she lit a cigar, “let's get down to business, shall we?” Exhaled smoked plumed toward the ceiling, circling lazily as it rose. Flashing Walter a meaning look, “Walter, the floor's yours.”

“Yes, Sir Integra.” He nodded slightly as he quickly set up the evidence needed for tonight's session. Without further ado, the ex-assassin passed each member a file and began explaining the meeting's urgency and purpose.

..............................................................

Amidst their discussion, Dru and Alucard froze, their connections buzzing- alive with burning, churning emotions. Adrenaline. Fear. Excitement. Too much to sift through. Something was happening. Something big. Something bad. And it was headed this way.

“Seras.”

Neither realized they'd spoken her name aloud. Instantaneously, they vanished, reappearing outside Alucard's quarters where Pip and his men sat drinking and playing cards.

Angered at their nonchalance, Alucard jerked Pip up by his collar and growled, “Where's Seras?”

“Inside where you left her,” he replied unshaken. It took a lot to shake the captain of the Geese. He'd seen a lot in his life. Too much. Much more than a human should ever see. Secretly, he was sometimes thankful he only had one eye.

They all rushed inside to find a dim room devoid of anyone, living or undead.

“Damn!” Alucard swore furiously. His glare pierced green. “Dru, you're with me. Let's go.” Once again the duo vanished from sight.

Two forms appeared on Hellsing's back lawn. Crimson and green eyes surveyed their surroundings, heads swiveling to and fro, searching for the cause, the subject of the distress. Suddenly, blue lightning forked through the clouds, waiting for a target. The eerie flashes lit up the clouds and the night sky, sending bright bolts cloud to cloud and to the ground.

“She's in trouble.”

“What are you talking about? That's not Seras, is it?” Alucard wasn't worried. He was more amazed than anything. The being he sensed in the sky contained more power than anyone he'd ever known. There were other things he sensed as well. Emotions. Pain.

“Yes. That is Seras, Alucard. What's worse....she's got a hell of a problem on her ass.”

“English, Dru. Plain and simple. Try it sometime. You might find it beneficial in your contact with others.”

Gesturing behind the lightning encased Sephiroth, he said, “Rathlan's on the hunt. It has begun.”

Sure enough, an extremely dark, evil shadow followed Seras, feelings of fear thrummed harshly from its midst.

“Son of a bitch!” Crimson eyes flared to fire. “He can't have her!” A hand grabbed his wrist gently, but Alucard felt the power within his friend's veins.

“No. Alucard, we have to draw her to us and calm her. We only have one shot to get this right. You both must follow my lead or we're screwed, got it?” Dru calmly pleaded with him. “I'm going to contact her and give her instructions. You are not to interfere in any way. I don't care what you are to her, but if you risk her you'll face my wrath. She's Sephiroth now, under my care, so this is my call to make. Technically, you could say she's my fledgling now,” he admitted hesitatingly.

Alucard glared at the male Sephiroth. “Why are you telling me this now?”

“It's obvious your feelings are going to intrude and mess up everything, so I'm taking charge of the situation, and of Seras.”

The vampire growled in fury. Yet, he knew Dru was right. As long as the change remained unfinished, Seras wouldn't be quite herself. Neither he nor Dru knew what to expect. Too many variables. Too many equations. And Alucard didn't believe he was considered in either.

A surge of adrenaline pushed her faster. Seras felt afraid and angry at the same time. Truth be told, her anger was beginning to win out over her fear. She wanted nothing more than to stop where she was, face Rathlan and blast him back to the hell he broke out from. That'd give her no greater pleasure.

“Seras....”

A familiar voice pierced her heart. Dru.

“Dru? Is that really you?”

She felt his sigh of relief.

“Yes, it's me. We don't have much time.”

“That's an understatement, Mr. Obvious!”

“Just like Alucard....man...I've got my work cut out for me.”

She giggled slightly as she imagined him rolling his eyes. Dru and Alucard were one of the few who could make her laugh in a scary situation. Calling upon more energy, her wings thrust her forward again, gliding along currents of air illuminated with the color of her fear and anger.

“Seras! Be serious!”

She snapped to attention.

“As I was saying, we don't have much time. You must reach us, quickly. The moment you're above us, here's what you must do....”

Seras listened to his instructions, slightly dubious that his plan would work without a hitch, but if Alucard was backing it there must be a chance in hell for it to work.

Okay, here goes nothing, she thought. Closing her eyes, she forced her lightning to cease; blue streaks and forks stopped immediately, returning to their owner. She was now in place. It was now or never. All she had to do was believe in herself and trust that Alucard and Dru would do their parts.

Her wings folded, retreating back into fleshy depths. Holding her arms straight out parallel to the ground, she flew for a few precious seconds before plummeting to the ground.

She felt free. For once, there was no fear of being let down. The knowledge that they'd help her and take care of her come what may gave her a warm feeling, a happy feeling. The wind caressed her hair, brushing its long strands wild and rippling her clothes. This free fall...there was nothing like it. It didn't even bother her that the ground was quickly approaching, and that several figures watched her carefully, interested in this outcome. Seras didn't even care if she could fall forever. Just as long as she never hit the ground.

Her blue-green eyes shot open and her tongue nervously licked her lips. No one was there. Closer. Ever closer the ground loomed. Would she have to activate her powers again? Had something to keep Alucard or Dru from following the plan? Panic filled her and she swallowed hard. This is it, I guess, she mused, as she neared the same height as Hellsing. She closed her eyes again, hoping for the best.

A pair of arms caught her. “Gotcha!”

Seras cautiously opened her eyes. Dru. Time for the rest of the plan.

Dru held her tight as he wove an invisibility shield around her, cloaking her presence, while hiding himself as well. Before either could blink, they both sank into the ground, the area empty as if they've never been there.

“Looks like I'm up,” Alucard declared eagerly.

Calling upon his deeper, older magic, he transformed into something more than vampire, something ancient. Launching himself into the sky, he gave chase to the creature who dared to challenge him over Seras. Already he felt Rathlan retreating, aware he was outnumbered three to one; knowing he wasn't strong enough or powerful enough to take them all on at once.

The shadows fled, protecting their master, hiding him in their midst; making it hard to ferret out any sense of his direct location. The enemy was fleeing! Not that was necessarily a good thing because he'd return later and with reinforcements. And there's no telling what or who he'd bring back with him.

A tunnel opened up and began to swallow every inch of the shadows stretched across the sky. In the blink of an eye it was all gone. He was gone! Just what the hell was going on?

Disappointed, Alucard took advantage of the silence, allowing himself to change back to his vampire form. There was much to do. He quickly headed back to Dru and Seras.

Seras embraced Alucard tightly the second he appeared in the library. Once he reassured her he was perfectly fine, she settled down.

There was no sense in relaying details of their enemy's disappearance. As they were all linked.....they knew what he knew. Alucard gestured for her to take a seat. “Care to explain what happened tonight, Seras?” Alucard gestured for her to take a seat.

Shrugging, she quickly recounted her experience in the meadow and everything that led up to the last few moments. Every detail so vivid, she felt she was still there in that meadow, feeling the wind's touch, the voices' words. At times she felt overwhelmed by her remembrance and quickly pushed back the tears that pleaded to be released, but she knew there wasn't time for that now.

Dru felt a strange feeling overcome him. Not good. Not bad, either. He had to know about those voices. This feeling had something to do with Seras' experience in that field tonight. Taking the leap he asked, “These voices Seras.....what did they say? What did they do?”

Smiling peacefully she said, “There were so many of them. They urged me not to be afraid. To accept myself for who I am, and who I'll be. Then they began to sing....it was such a beautiful song. I couldn't understand the words. The language was like nothing I've ever heard. As they sang, I felt myself change. Something deep inside me changed- like they unlocked a door, letting this change occur. Of course they divulged things that should've been left alone, things better left buried", she confessed with a pointed glare at Alucard. "Shortly after is when I felt Rathlan approach. The voices ceased singing and began warning me of danger and that I needed to leave. Of course, I did and well....you know the rest.”

Alucard smirked as he realized the purpose behind Dru's questions. The Change had finished. “These voices, Seras, did you a favor.”

“And what is that?”

“They unlocked the rest of your powers, the heart that beats, that resonates, behind your Sephiroth. They freed her. Am I correct in this, Dru?”

“Yes. Apparently you were in pain and the voices, which are our ancestors, could not bear your pain. So, instead of waiting for your body to physically finish on its own....they did it for you,” he stated matter of fact.

Seras suddenly turned her glared towards Alucard. “By the way, speaking of the voices and what they told me, you have some explaining to do as well.”

Dru's eyebrows pointed at the ceiling, his interest highly piqued. “I sense this is gonna be good. Really, really good.” Crossing his arms, a smirk stretched wide, he waited to see what “explaining” Alucard was due.

Surprised, she asked him, “Oh! You didn't know?”

Dru shook his head, dark locks rippling with the movement. "Know what? I'm out of the loop on this one, I swear, Seras."

“So...you're telling me that you didn't know our boy, here,” she spat angrily in Alucard's direction, “is not only a vampire, but a Hell god!?”

Silence exploded. Nothing.

Dru grabbed Seras' arm, yanking her to his side, instantly, his body formed a green protective shield around them and a brilliant green hue enveloped his body. This was his Sephiroth. This was him reacting instinctively, protecting Seras from one of the very few creatures who could kill them easily.

This meant trouble.

Seras begged Dru to listen instead of just blindly reacting. She tried to break out of his shield, but her attempts were futile which angered Alucard because she was his mate being held against her will.

Alucard's temper flared. He was so tired of being judged by anything other than his deeds. What a damned hypocritical society. He'd not harmed an innocent in centuries, not since his imprisonment long ago. If he were free....he still wouldn't harm them, due to the edict he'd learned, ingrained, over the centuries.

A red aura surrounded the vampire. His old friend wanted a show....he'd give him one. Slowly the change began to take place, enveloping his entire body. Inky shadows surrounded him, burning crimson slashes appeared on his forearms, chest and face.

Her lover never appeared scarier. His countenance was even more frightening. Snarls erupted from his throat as twin red bands snaked down his arms, threading themselves amongst the ancient rune etchings, crimson ancient language akin to snakes winding, wrapping themselves on top of his darkening skin.

Worried, Seras, pleaded with Dru, “Let me out, Dru! Please? Come on, Dru!” He ignored her cries- her pleas. “Obviously you've never seen him like this because you didn't know this was buried deep inside, hidden from us all. A secret meant to stay hidden, never meant for our eyes. I know I haven't seen anything like this and I don't really want to.”

“Seras, you're not safe. None of us are....safe. He's dangerous, more than you'll ever know.” Dru's posture tense and unyielding, he refused to give her the one thing she wanted. The one thing she needed. He wasn't giving her a choice, he knew, but this is the way it had to be.

Afraid for them all, Seras contemplated her choices. Very few with even fewer chances of a good outcome. Blue-green eyes widened as Alucard's physical form seemed to enlarge before their eyes. His entire presence filled the room, giving rise to fear, feelings of futility and chaos.

“This must be what he was bred for.....the very one I've been searching for all this time,” Dru spoke in hushed tones, laced with- could it be- awe?

Seras found herself dying for explanations but they could come later, but for now.....they had to bring Alucard back to his senses and soothe his affronted pride, his abundant source of frustration and anger.

Thinking quickly she welcomed her Sephiroth's energetic embrace. Hoping her plan would work, she muttered a quick prayer. Stepping backwards from the protection of Dru's shield, her wings emerged, unfolding in their black splendor, stretching towards the sky as a sheen of brightest, purest blue enfolded her slender body.

Crimson eyes narrowed as the beautiful, sentient being approached him cautiously, judging his intent as he was hers. He consciously knew she'd never hurt him. She was Seras- his mate. She was innate goodness, always thinking of others, even him, though he never deserved her consideration. He'd been evil incarnate, killing indiscriminately, reveling in it- enjoying it immensely until his master's ancestor came along. After that, another set of rune-like chains bound him into slavery, forcing him to eliminate the very creatures he'd worshiped the night alongside.

Heart in his chest, figuratively speaking, Dru felt it being squeezed tightly as he watched Seras moving ever closer to Alucard, a caged tiger who was capable of lashing out if anyone got to close. He could only pray that Alucard remembered who she was, and that she would never harm him. “Be careful, Seras!” Dru shouted, but he sincerely doubted the she would listen to his warnings. She was female, and one largely in love. Someone who'd risk her very existence for the one she loved, if only to rescue him from himself.

A smile, sweet, serene and full of confidence lit up her face. Slowly raising her right hand, her blue shield shimmering, an iridescent glow, a mesmerizing shade of blue, burned like flame, dancing harmlessly across her palm as she reached out to her emotionally chaotic lover. Speaking to him, her voice sounding like distant chimes on the wind, alluring and resplendent. Her words, ancient and soothing, reached deep inside and he answered back.

Dru watched the exchange in shock. Just what the hell was going on? Tomorrow was gonna be one hell of an explanation day! His head already hurt badly just thinking on it. Maybe he could use his energy to make it go away, or maybe he could ask Seras to do it, if it didn't piss Alucard off too badly. No matter what he couldn't remain silent behind his shield any longer. Every hint of green evaporated as he walked towards Seras, slow, showing he meant no harm to either.

Meanwhile, Alucard and Seras both palm to palm speaking in low voices, energies shifting as Seras' focus switched. Placing her left hand on his heart she muttered again, begging, pleading for him to return. She missed her mate. The pain in his heart was comparable to hers. Such a weighted burden, bore heavily upon her, a yoke she didn't know if she could bear without his help.

Blue energy continued to flow from her palm to his chest. Alucard gritted his teeth, welcoming the pain she brought. Abruptly, the language she'd spoken flawlessly switched from ancient to English. Her voice no longer soft and yielding, but hard and demanding. “Wake up Alucard! Return to me. Return now,” she commanded. “I refuse to give up, not now. There's too much left.....” her sentence dropped, her thought unfinished.

They all knew what she'd meant to say: Rathlan was still left. He was still out there. More importantly, she and Dru both needed Alucard's help in finishing this, and to keep Seras from Rathlan's all too greedy hands.

Alucard heard her.....her words.....her voice.....they called to him, but stronger than her call or her words, her passionate entreaty for him to come back. To be the Alucard she knew and loved. With a resonating growl, rising in volume, the thorny spiral tattoed over his heart glowed fiercely, fighting her for the hold of his sanity and his body, which suddenly spasmed and jerked. Gritting his teeth Alucard prepared for one last stand.

Seras feeling defeat creeping up, refused to give in. Reaching down into the well- the source of her power, she called on an even stronger power and poured it forcefully into her lover, giving him no chance to refute the action. The strength of her power forced Alucard to his knees. The tattoo brightened momentarily, turning black, as inch by inch the former vampire found himself coming to.....returning to his normal self.

The last of the Change faded, leaving him panting from exertion and the enormity of what he'd contemplated- of what he could've done had Seras not interceded. Long, ebony draped over pale shoulders to hide his face.

The room so silent a pin drop could be heard on the other side of the house.

“What the hell is going on?”

Alucard stood to his feet, reclaiming his place by Seras' side. The three of them stood to face the newcomer: Integra.

Icy eyes ablaze, “I don't know what just happened here, but I want some answers. Now.”

Dru smirked as he replied, “Be our guest. We'd like some of those,too.”

All four of them made themselves comfortable, Integra and Dru stretching their limbs in a pair of high-backed leather chairs; Seras and Alucard sat side by side on a leather couch, exhausted, wishing they could wait for a debrief until the evening. Only Integra wouldn't allow it, he was certain. Walter brought in appropriate nourishment for the four and they settled in, preparing for the long day ahead. It wasn't going to be easy, but at least they'd be better prepared to deal with future events.

Dru cleared his throat and said, “Well, I guess I'll go first.....”

A/N: I'm going to leave it here, guys. It's been so long and I really couldn't find a place that I wanted to leave it here, so this is as good a place any. I only hope it won't be so long 'til my next update. Thanks for reading and have a great day! :)