Eternal Hearts: Book Two-Homecoming | By : alucardsangel1973 Category: Hellsing > General Views: 14939 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Hellsing, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
Homecoming
Chapter 9
Soon after Seras, Pickman and Alucard arrived at
his castle. Seras opened a portal and helped Alucard through into
one of the bedrooms that had multiple beds. She helped Alucard
lay down on one bed. Pickman found a tall dressing shield and set
it between the bed Alucard lay upon and an empty bed beside his.
Then Pickman took a bed sheet and draped it across the dressing
shield.
"The villagers will be more convinced
they're giving blood to another human being this way. Somehow I
don't think they'd be too willing if they found out it's a
vampire getting their blood." He said.
Pickman looked behind the shield to see Seras
sitting at Alucard's bedside. She gently touched the elder
vampire's somewhat disfigured face. Others would most likely been
repulsed by what they saw, but Seras did not let the wounds
bother her. She stayed by Alucard's side.
"He's gonna be all right Seras. Alucard can
take a lot of punishment that leave other vampires nothing but
dust." He said trying to lift her spirits. However she
remained focused upon her sire.
"Alucard..." She said softly.
"Don't...worry about...me...Seras." He
replied wearily. "These wounds...will heal. You...you did
very well...tonight. My dark rose has finally...blossomed."
Alucard said trying with all his strength to crack at least a
little bit of a smile. Seras lowered her head gently touching her
face to her maker's.
Pickman approached the two vampires. He undid the
bindings over the wound Anderson gave him. He knelt down on the
other side of Alucard's bed. "Look, the damn thing's
bleeding anyway. Take a little. You need it." The Hellsing
soldier said.
"But you've already lost quite a bit. You
can't...." Alucard began.
"Drink before I put my foot up your bloody
ass." Pickman said somewhat sternly. Not many humans could
get away with saying such a thing to Alucard. But the vampire had
taken a liking to the Hellsing officer. He had spunk and wasn't
afraid to show it when the occassion called for it.
"You kiss your mother with that mouth?"
Alucard chuckled wearily.
"Yah I do. Now shut up and lick this wound
before I change my mind."
*****************************************
Pickman's blood wasn't enough to help Alucard
start healing his wounds, but it was enough to give the vampire a
little strength to talk. Half an hour passed when Ferguson
finally returned to the castle with a doctor, a nurse and several
villagers. They also brought a translator since no one except for
Ferguson and the translator spoke English. After being promised
compesnation for their services, the doctor and nurse set up
their equipment.
Alucard kept his eyes covered behind his
sunglasses so the doctor nor nurse would suspect what he was. He
also did not speak since doing so would reveal his fangs. They
were to have no knowledge that he was a vampire, let alone the
man whom they'd learned about in history books in their
childhood. Ferguson made it clear to them he was a severely
injured man in desperate need of blood. And once the transfusion
began they were to step away from him and stay with the doners
instead. Seras and Pickman stayed at Alucard's bedside while the
process began.
One villager after another, five in all, gave
enough blood bring Alucard's strength back up. Seras heard him
speak to her in her mind. "Tell them to stop. This is
more than enough. I must cover my face. The wounds are healing
and the nurse and doctor both have seen them. They'll know what I
am if they see me healing so rapidly."
"Sir..." Seras called softly to
Ferguson motioning for him to come to where she and Pickman
stood. The commander quickly complied. "Alucard has enough
blood now. He needs his face covered. The wounds are healing very
fast now." Seras said quietly.
"Understood." Ferguson took off his
jacket and put it over the wounded section of Alucard's face.
Then he called for the translator and told him what to tell the
doctor and nurse. The nurse walked over to Alucard and carefully
took out the needle and pressed a small cloth over the hole to
stop the bleeding. Without question the doctor and nurse along
with the translator and donors were ushered by Ferguson and
Pickman away from Alucard and Seras.
After the villagers were gone, Ferguson had the
task of making the grim report to Sir Integra. He would not only
have to report the loss of the Hellsing soldiers, but also the
fact that Steadman had left his post leaving Pickman to fend for
himself along with what was left of the human troops. The
Hellsing leader was not going to be happy at all.
***************************************
Alucard and Seras retired to the catacombs. The
night was coming to a close and they both would need a day's rest
to recover from the battle. Normally Alucard climbed into the
coffin first, but this time he lifted Seras up and placed her
gently into the structure. Then he climbed in. They both settled
but did not yet go to sleep.
"You were magnificent in battle tonight.
Those ghouls didn't stand a chance. To say the least I am very
impressed." Alucard commented.
"I didn't hurt any humans did I?" Seras
asked. The thought had now just crossed her mind that more than
ghouls might have suffered her wrath.
"No. Of course, by the time you had...gone
beserk to put it kindly, the only humans left were Ferguson and
Pickman. And they knew to keep their distance from you. It is
something the new human recruits will learn quickly enough."
Alucard answered.
"I don't know how to describe what happened
to me. At first when I was surrounded I felt panic. Then when
they had me on the ground I was terrified. But the moment they
put their hands on me something in just snapped. I couldn't
control myself. It was almost as if I had turned into somebody
else. I was myself but I wasn't myself; in control yet not in
control. It was kind of like I'd blacked out for a moment. For a
second it frightened me." Seras said.
"For a newly freed vampire like yourself the
experience can be frightening. But as time passes the feeling of
fear is dulled. Remember that even though they might have worn
Hellsing uniforms, they were no longer Hellsing soldiers. Once a
human is turned into a ghoul, they remain that way forever. There
is no chance for them to be normal again once they have been
tainted. The best you can ever offer a ghoul is a quick death. Of
course that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun while you're
at it." Alucard replied.
"Fun?" Seras asked.
"You enjoyed destroying those ghouls. I
could feel it from you even in my weakened condition. You showed
them no mercy. You were ruthless about their destruction, and
that is how you must always be. In battle, there is no room for
compassion. Remember one thing above all others. You must never
show mercy in battle, for you shall receive none in return."
Alucard answered.
"Personal experience?" Seras asked.
"More than I could possibly recount."
Alucard replied.
*****************************************
Pickman stood outside the castle while Ferguson
caught a bout of sleep. His eyes narrowed across the landscape.
"The missing soldiers were turned into ghouls, every last
one of em. Every last one that is except Garreth. I didn't see
Garreth anywhere at all. If he wasn't among the ghouls then
there's a chance he might still be alive. And Steadlum, that
cowardly bastard. How could he run out on us when we needed very
man we could spare. What if that's what happened before? That
bastard probably ran off while our men were being attacked. Sir
Integra never should have allowed him in our noble organization.
And he has the gall to judge Seras Victoria because she's a
vampire. She's more of a real soldier than Steadlum could ever
hope to be. Bastard probably wanted the position for bragging
rights and making passes at all the women. It's a wonder Alucard
hasn't ripped him asunder for the way he's treated Seras."
Pickman growled to himself.
He turned around when he heard the door open and
footsteps behind him. There was Ferguson. "Sun will be
coming up soon Pickman. You should get a little more rest. The
two of us will have to go back to the bunker and recover what we
can. Sir Integra has ordered us to find Steadlum if he's still
alive. If by some miracle he did escape the ghouls he'll have to
answer for his actions." Ferguson said.
"He doesn't deserve to wear the Hellsing
Coat of Arms. The bastard probably fled when Garreth's unit was
being attacked. Then he shot at Seras Victoria without
provocation. If I get my hands on him..."
"All right Pickman. Just cool your jets.
Even if Steadlum is alive and he's guilty of desertion it is up
to Sir Integra to decide what action to take against him. Right
now we have to see about recruiting some of the local men to help
us fight. The main headquarters is strapped for man power as it
is. Sir Integra can't spare any more soldiers from London and
there isn't any time to recruit new members and bring them over
here. So we're on our own for the time being." Ferguson said
firmly.
"I know sir, it's just that so many men have
given their lives. That son of a bitch Steadlum deserted
us." Pickman growled.
"I know, but Steadlum will answer for his
actions if he escaped the ghouls. For now you are to get some
rest and that's an order officer." Ferguson commanded.
"Yes sir." Pickman said with a shrug.
He went back into the castle while Ferguson took his turn to
stand watch until the sun came up.
*****************************************
In London:
Integra sat at her desk fuming. "Damnit! Our
manpower has been spent in Romania. The damn FREAKS just don't
seem to quit! Every one of the missing soldiers turned into
ghouls. The hosts are destroyed and yet more seem to spring up to
take their places. Something about this mission doesn't seem
right. I need Alucard and Seras back here. Yet there's more FREAK
and ghoul activity to keep them there. Damnit all!" Integra
said slamming her fist against her desk.
In the midst of her venting Walter appeared at
the door with a concerned look on his face. Integra looked up to
see the aged retainer waiting for her to acknowledge his
presence. She straightened her glasses.
"This isn't a good time Walter. Whatever it
is will have to wait." She growled.
"I'm sorry Sir Integra, but I'm afraid it
cannot wait. You have a visitor, and I'm afraid he isn't going
away until he sees you." Walter said.
"Who in the bloody hell is so insistant upon
seeing me? The queen's messangers have already informed me upon
the situation at hand. Ferguson has also made his report. So
whoever it is send him away." Integra ordered.
"It's Enrico Maxwell Sir." Walter
replied almost tempted to hold his ears. He anticipated quite a
roar from his employer upon this news.
"What! That holier than thou stuffshirt has
no business being here on Hellsing grounds!" Integra yelled.
"Come back here! You're not permitted in
there!" A guard shouted.
"Out of my way! Where is she?" Demanded
Enrico Maxwell.
"Stop right there. This is Sir Integra's
private office and no one is allowed in without her
consent." Walter ordered standing in front of the door.
"Get out of my way! I'm going to have words
with that obstinant English sow if it's the last thing I
do!" Maxwell shouted angrily.
"How dare you talk so rudely of Sir
Integra." Walter replied sternly.
"Maxwell! What the hell are you doing
here?" Integra demanded ushering Walter out of her way.
"I demand that you withdraw whatever is left
of your sad little army out of Romania and let a real vampire
slayer do his job!" Maxwell barked.
"You dare come here and order me! You are
the one interfering with Hellsing's mission in Romania! And for
your information there is a REAL vampire slayer in Romania, and
your botched up science fair attraction isn't it!" Integra
snapped back.
"Father Alexander Anderson is the Vatican's
master slayer! And no vampire has ever escaped him, that is until
now! He has yet to put down you pet abomination! As far as I'm
concerned your little clubhouse is interfering with Vatican
affairs!" Maxwell rebounded furiously.
"Hellsing got to Romania first! We received
orders from the Queen to take care of the problem in Romania! I
am demanding you order Anderson out of Romania immediately! We
have the situation firmly under control and we do not need nor
want any help from you!" Integra shouted.
"We recieved orders from the Holy Father
himself to go to Romania! This is OUR mission, not yours!"
Maxwell refuted.
"I am warning you Maxwell. Continued to
interfere in Hellsing's business, and I cannot and will not be
held responcible for the consequences!" Integra yelled.
"You dare threaten the head of Special
Section 13!" Maxwell roared. The moment he began to advance
toward Integra he felt his glasses suddenly split in the middle
and fall from his face. Walter stood with a stern look in his
eyes. A thin silver wire slithered back into his shirt cuff.
"Sir, I must advise you to back away from
Sir Integra before I have to split more than your glasses."
Walter warned.
"This is not the last you will be hearing
from me Integra Wingates Hellsing! Count on it!" Maxwell
yelled and stomped off.
Integra straightened her glasses again and then
fixed her tie. "Thank you Walter. It is perhaps a good idea
Alucard is in Romania. Had it been him who stopped Maxwell
Hellsing would have quite a mess on its hands with the
Vatican." Integra said regaining her composure.
"How is it Maxwell recieved orders from the
Pope to go on this very mission when Hellsing recieved orders
from her majesty first?" Walter asked.
"I don't know. There's a great deal about
this mission that is beginning to bother me. It seems every time
the targets are silenced there, more pop up to take their places.
It's almost as if the remaining officers as well as Alucard and
Seras are being kept there for some reason. I can't afford to
have my two best agents away much longer. I can't recruit and
train soldiers quick enough here as it is. I know it has been
hard on you having to take more than your fair share of the load
Walter, but I must ask you to continue until we get Alucard and
Seras back here." Integra said.
"It is no trouble Sir Integra. My first duty
is as always to the queen and your sacred Hellsing family."
Walter said graciously.
*****************************************
Romania, sunset:
Alucard and Seras awoke and prepared for the
night's activities. Ferguson and Pickman had long since left the
castle to go into the village to try and recruit local men to
help them in their fight. The two vampires made their way to one
of the inner rooms of the castle. It was quite large and wide.
Seras looked around at the collection of swords that lined one of
the walls. She ran her fingers along the flat side of one of the
ancient blades. The dust gave way to aged metal.
"Did you ever use any of these swords in
battle?" She asked.
"These...no. These are the blades of my
predecesors. The Dracul forefathers who came before me used these
weapons long, long ago." Alcuard answered.
He looked and spied one particular sword. The
weapon drew him to it instantly as he walked rather hurriedly
toward it. "It has been well over a century since I've seen
this sword." He said running his gloved fingers over the
blade.
Seras rushed over to him. "Is that one
yours?" She asked again.
"Yes. I cut down many a Turkish soldier with
this sword. My father taught me how to wield it." The elder
vampire replied looking at the blade. He took the sword from its
sheathe and looked at it in the dim light of the flaming torches.
"Does it still feel the same?" Seras
asked.
"Full of questions this evening aren't
you?" Alucard questioned in return.
"I can't help it if I'm curious. This may be
the only time I'm in your homeland for a long while." Seras
replied.
"Fair enough. No, actually it doesn't. When
I was human the blade felt heavier. I actually had to retrain
myself to use a sword after my birth into darkness. I became far
stronger than any normal human. The first time I used a sword
after becoming a vampire it actually flew out of my hand."
Alucard said.
Seras tried to supress the giggle that inevitably
escaped her mouth. Alucard looked at her with a half crooked
grin. "Find something amusing in that did you?" He
asked.
"Well, you're always so skilled and perfect
in battle when I've seen you. I just find it hard to imagine you
actually...messing up." Seras said giggling some more. The
picture of Alucard swinging a sword and having it fly out of his
hand made it nearly impossible for Seras to keep a straight face.
"Don't make too much light of that police
girl. It's that same power that kept you from being blown into
Hungary when you fired your canon. It would take a small army of
normal humans just to steady that thing before firing it."
Alucard replied firmly.
Seras's face went serious for a moment. Her mood
quickly changed from light hearted to cautious. She could sense
something was near. She started sniffing the air.
"What is it?" Alucard asked noticing
her actions.
"I don't know. I can smell something, feel
something near the castle." Seras said.
"I can sense it now as well. Hmmm, you
sensed it before I did. You're intuitions are sharpening much
faster than I anticipated." Alucard commented.
Their conversation ended, they both headed toward
the entrance of the castle. But when the door opened Seras gasped
and turned away in shock. There tied to a single poll was the
body of a Hellsing soldier. Alucard lowered his head knowing who
the unfortunate victim was.
"Garreth." He said silently.
At the same time Ferguson and Pickman were making
their return to the castle as well. Pickman, seeing the body and
recognizing who it was ran furiously toward it.
"Damnit!" He yelled as he fell to his
knees clenching his fists.
Ferguson shook his head solemly. Alucard
approached the body while Seras rushed over to Pickman's side.
The elder vampire noticed something pinned to Garreth's uniform.
It was a cryptic note.
"The FREAK shall inherit the Earth." He
read. His eyes flashed angrily. "They shall inherit hellfire
and nothing else." He growled.
"Damn them! Damn them all to hell!"
Pickman shouted trying to hold back tears as they welled in his
eyes.
"Alucard, I can sense another human
nearby." Seras said looking in the direction of the woods.
She headed in the direction of the scent she'd picked up. She
moved with inhuman speed to the source of the scent. She crept
silently the closer she got. Alucard, Pickman and Ferguson waited
on the young vampire. They all turned their heads suddenly when a
loud cry cut the silence. Seras emerged dragging a half concious
man behind her.
"I found our deserter!" Seras shouted
as she drug Steadlum in a heap toward the two humans and elder
vampire. She drug him a few more feet until she left him dazed in
front of Garreth's body.
"BASTARD!" Pickman roared as he got to
his feet and lept on Steadlum. Ferguson rushed to pull the angry
officer off before he beat Steadlum to a pulp.
"You bloody traitor! I'll rip your guts out
and shove em up your ass you son of a bitch!" Pickman yelled
with rage. Ferguson struggled to pry Pickman off Steadlum.
"Damnit man, calm down! We have to bring him
before Sir Integra!" Ferguson shouted. But Pickman was too
busy trying to crush Steadlum's face to listen.
Then a voice thundered, "PICKMAN!"
Pickman stopped and looked up to see Alucard's
glaring red eyes burning right into him. The Hellsing officer's
face glazed over as he stared into the blazing red orbs.
"Release him." Alucard said in a cryptic tone.
Pickman immediately let go of Steadlum and got
off him. Then Alucard fixed his hyptnotic gaze on Steadlum, but
it did not have the same effect. This puzzled the elder vampire
as Steadlum looked up with pure malice in his eyes.
"You're too weak to resist my power human.
How is it I cannot see into your mind?" Alucard asked
sternly.
"That mezmorizing shit isn't gonna work on
me bloodsucker." Steadlum gasped as he tried to recover from
the beating Pickman gave him.
"How can that be Steadlum? Alucard is most
powerful vampire we know." Ferguson enquired.
Steadlum remained silent. "Answer me
officer!" Ferguson shouted.
Again Steadlum was silent. Ferguson looked at the
beaten officer suspiciously. "Your refusal to answer and the
fact you're able to prevent Alucard from seeing into your mind
means you're hiding something." The Hellsing commander said.
"You won't find out in time. None of you
will." Steadlum hissed.
"Find out what in time? What are you hiding
you bastard!" Pickman demanded.
"I'm contacting Sir Integra now to see what
is to be done with Steadlum." Ferguson said. As he took out
his cell phone Steadlum got to his feet and lunged at Seras. His
attempt however was quickly thrawted by inky black tendrils
wrapping around his legs and arms. Alucard had him effectively
restrained by his shadows.
"He isn't going anywhere now." The
elder vampire said with a sadistic grin.
"Sir Integra, this is Ferguson. We've
recovered the last missing soldier Garreth. He must be reported
as a fatality. We've also recovered the Hellsing deserter
Steadlum. But somehow he's managed to block Alucard out of his
mind. He's hiding something but at the moment Alucard is unable
to penetrate his mind to see what it is he's up to."
Ferguson said.
"Is this true servant?" Integra
asked the elder vampire through their mind connection.
"Yes master. It is not by his own power.
I do not understand how he can block me from his mind but it is
not purely by his own strength. The idiot is far too stupid to
pull off such a feat. He obviously has obtained some sort of
assistance to do this. He is hiding something but I cannot
acsertain what it is as of yet." Alucard responded.
"Ferguson, Steadlum is to be handed over to
Alucard for interrogation." Integra replied over the
speaker.
"Sir, are you sure that is a wise
idea?" Ferguson asked.
"Alucard is not allowed to kill him without
command from me." Integra replied.
"Obtain the information from him. Use
whatever means you deem effective but do NOT kill
him...yet." Integra ordered.
"My master's wish is my command." Alucard
thought back, a sinister smile curling his lips.
"The traitor is mine for the time being
Ferguson. Don't worry, I won't damage him...too much."
Alucard said with an evil chuckle.
"Alucard, would you grant me a favor?"
Seras asked as she walked over to him.
"And what might that be?" The elder
vampire questioned.
"Let me watch." Seras whispered.
Alucard's wicked smile grew even wider. Then he
turned his twisted expression toward Steadlum. "You and I
are going to have fun tonight." He said smoothly.
to be continued...
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