Black Lagoon Fan Fiction / Hellsing Fan Fiction / Gunsmith Cats Fan Fiction ❯ Night Angels ❯ Old Aquaintances, Pt. 5 ( Chapter 15 )

XXX

Evening in Roanapur was like evening everyplace else – that is, if ‘everyplace else’ just happens to be populated with every sort of criminal and cutthroat mercenary found. But as unusual as it is, there were decent people that lived on this corrupted island. So for those who didn’t indulge in either pharmaceutical or carnal releases, they slept. Even some of the corrupted did the same.

In one particular hotel in one of the more stable of the island’s districts, several guests managed to get their share of shut-eye. Deepak Vincent and William Collins had already had their meals and got themselves settled-in in their rooms. Becky ‘the Nose’ Farrah lingered for a little bit longer, working on her laptop computer with reports she hoped to forward to Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing. But soon, even the red-haired information expert couldn’t ignore the call to sleep, and soon put everything away and had gotten herself to bed.

But for Moria Hedgley, it was a different matter. Granted, because of an extended awake period, mostly to avoid jet lag – not to mention a rather ‘personal’ problem – she had kept herself awake far longer than any human should normally do, and when she gotten herself undressed, she fell asleep just as soon as her head hit the pillow. But soon, the same dream that had plagued her for five other nights appeared; a night of lesbian passion with Irene ‘Rally’ Vincent… followed by asking the vampire to drink her blood until she died.

It was while she was tossing about during this dream, Moria hands began to act on their own. While in her sleep, she pulled-up her shirt, exposing her full breasts. Then her right hand plunged into her panties, and while her left hand massaged her right breast, she began to masturbate herself with the other, the finger frantically rubbing her slit, the secretions from her vagina flowing around them.

“Hmmm… yes… Rally… yes… AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” Suddenly, Moria ejaculated her panties as well as her fingers becoming drenched as she came. She paused for a few seconds, breathing heavy while still asleep. Then she shot up from the bed, her left hand going for her neck. “WHA- WHAT!!!” Moria then examined her neck, finding it still unharmed, and then once again finding her right hand wet.

For a few minutes more, Moria just stared at her right hand, trying to comprehend what happened. Then her lower lip began to quiver as she fell back onto the pillows, tears streaming from her eyes. “Oh why… why am I doing this?” she sobbed. “What does this mean? I cannot possibly have this desire to become a vampire! I simply cannot!”

Moria just cried in her pillow for a few minutes, feeling so hateful of her actions. But as soon as she settled down, her ears caught the sound of a low moaning. Finally looking up from the pillow, she found that the sound was coming from the adjoining room, the one shared by Rally and Seras Victoria. Curious, she slowly crept on the carpeted floor, avoiding the swing that hung in her room, and made her way to the door between the rooms. Her door, like the door on the other side, was left open to allow her to see to the vampires’ needs as was her assignment. But when she peered inside, it was all she can do to keep yelping in surprise.

Both Rally and Seras were in their bed, both nude. Rally was kneeling behind her master, massaging her right breast with her left hand, while her right was busy fingering Seras’ crotch, wet sloshing sounds issuing forth. Seras’ face held a look of bliss, occasionally clenching as her servant brought her up to new heights of pleasure. “Rally…” she breathed, “you’re… uh… getting more talented every… uh… day!”

Rally nuzzled the nape of her master’s neck, her tongue causing Seras to shiver more. “I just love to make my master happy, that’s all,” she replied in a low voice, her ministrations upon Seras’ clitoris increasing.

Moria began breathing heavily as she absently began to fondle her own right breast with her left hand. Absently striping what remained of her clothing, she began to masturbate herself again, still keeping sight of the two. But as she did, an unusual thing occurred – she imagined that Seras was absent and that SHE was the one Rally was making love to. Through lust-heated eyes, she saw herself moaning and convulsing with every movement Rally was making, bringing her closer and closer to orgasm.

It happened quickly. Seras came at the same time Moria did, the human girl biting her bottom lip hard to prevent herself from crying out, drawing blood as she did. At the same time, the brunette again ejaculated, her juices flooding over her thighs just as the Draculina did the same.

For a few seconds, all three girls paused, Rally watching her master as she recovered. Then a scent of blood wafted into her nostrils. Glancing discreetly, the dusky vampire was surprised to see Moria on the floor, apparently recovering from her passion. ‘Master,’ Rally told Seras telepathically, ‘I think Moria was… watching us!’

Upon recovering, Seras used her ‘third eye’ to observe Moira lying on the floor. ‘I see. Well… let her watch, I say.’ Seras then turned around and drew Rally into a deep kiss, their tongues playing outside their mouths as the parted. ‘I have no qualms about her voyeurism. In fact… I think she might learn a thing or two watching us make love.’ The two continued to kiss each other before Seras thought, ‘So, are you game for a little… what is it that Americans call… ‘sixty-nine’? I’ll let you be on top, Rally.’

‘Master, you are so kind,’ Rally replied slyly. And with that, the dusky vampire rolled Seras on her back, then positioned herself until her head was over her master’s crotch. Then diving down, Rally parted the Draculina’s thighs and began to furiously lick Seras’ labia, sometimes plunging her tongue deeply into her master’s vagina. Seras, at the same time, was doing the same with Rally, with both vampires moaning loudly as a result.

However, Moria looked with surprise, not at the vampires’ actions – but what she saw on Seras. The clitoral hood of the blonde vampire was apparently pierced, a metal ring with a red bead on it. ‘That must be painful to be adorned in such a manner,’ the brunette thought to herself as she once again fingered herself in concert with her charges.

ANOTHER PART OF THE ISLAND…

Hueng could scarcely believe his eyes at the sight. Natasha Radinov had asked him if he had some storage facilities that she could use. The assassin paid him well, but even he could not comprehend the fact that she had led several zombie-like beings into it – one of them a woman. “This… this… I cannot believe it!” He then took another look at his old friend, this time scared out of his mind. “Natasha… what in the world have you become?” he gasped.

“I’ve had… sort of a problem on one of my assignments,” Radinov replied. “I was injured and my new employers healed me, but with a few additions, mind you.” She then glanced over to Hueng, who was trembling. “Do not worry, old friend,” she reassured. “I value our relationship far too much to even harm you.”

“If you say so, Natasha… but it is so unnerving,” Hueng said, turning away.

That was when Radinov saw it – a huge bruise around his swollen eye. “Still being pushed around, Hueng?” she asked, shocked at the injury.

Hueng nodded. “A couple of punks working for one of the minor groups working here.” He slunk his shoulders down before adding, “I never got this much hazing when Verrocchio was alive and I was one of his best fences, but Dago is not even concerned about my previous working relationship with his predecessor, just on his business.”

“Well, I cannot do anything about how Dago does business – but this rabble pushing you around is something I will NOT forgive!” Radinov looked at two of the ghouls she created, who responded to her mental summons. “I need you to show me where these bullies are – then I will deal with them,” she said. Then looking to Hueng, she added, “who knows – maybe after my mission, I could arrange for my employers to equip you to be the same as me.”

“The same as… you?” asked Hueng.

Radinov smiled. “Yes… and then you will NEVER be pushed around again! You can even run this island if you like.”

“Now that would be something,” Hueng remarked, smiling. “Maybe I can even replace that fry-faced bitch Balalaika.”

“One can hope,” remarked Radinov.

XXX

A group of Thai men, obviously members of one of the minor criminal gangs on the island, gathered inside a deserted warehouse, going over their latest shipment of opium smuggled from Afghanistan, to be processed into heroin. Between their drinking of beer and idle talk, they didn’t interrupt their work… until the door behind them opened. Immedietly, all of them dropped what they were doing and drew various machine guns, prepared for a raid. But they all relaxed when a single man entered.

“Well what do you know,” one of them smirked, “it’s that loser ‘Hard-Luck’ Hueng, ready for another ass kicking!” The other men then broke-out into hysterical laughter.

“Laugh all you want, you assholes!” Hueng shot back. “You guys are not going to be pushing me around anymore!”

“Oh sure, make your big speeches as usual,” another scoffed, stepping up to the slightly-built man. “Granted, you may have been big stuff when you worked for Verrocchio, but now that he’s dead, you’re nothing but old news. Even his replacement Dago doesn’t want to have anything to do for you.” He then grabbed Hueng by the shirt, “Now just hold still and MAYBE this ass-kicking won’t hurt as much!”

“That is quite enough, thank you,” Radinov interrupted, stepping out of the doorway and in-between her friend. “Hueng is quite right, gentlemen. It is time that you are all shown a lesson – one which will be your last!”

The man threatening Hueng stepped back, then joined his fellow. “Natasha Radinov?” the first one said. “We’ve heard rumors that you were dead!”

“You could say that,” the assassin said, taking off her bulletproof coat. “In fact, before you meet your fate, I’ll let you shoot first.” She then handed the coat to Hueng, saying quietly, “Cover yourself with this.”

“But Natasha,” Hueng countered, “you’ll be helpless without your coat!”

“Just watch, friend… and see the power you’ll soon receive,” Radinov reassured. Once confident her friend was protected, she stepped up to the group, proclaiming, “Go ahead – shoot me!”

The group didn’t hesitate. As one, they opened fire on Radinov, riddling the assassin with countless shots. Hueng, under her coat, could only look in horror as his friend took the shots. However, as soon as they stopped firing, everyone could only gape as Radinov still stood.

“I don’t get it,” one of them said, scratching his stubbled chin. “She should’ve fallen down with all that lead in her.”

“H-h-hey guys… LOOK!!!!” Their eyes – and Hueng’s – widened as the wounds Radinov suffered began to heal, disappearing in less than ten seconds.

Radinov’s head finally craned upward, the headshot she suffered healing as it did. “If you thought that was something,” she smirked, displaying her fangs, “you’ll REALLY get a kick out of this one!” She then shot across the floor and grabbed one of the men, sinking her fangs into his neck.

The remaining gang looked in horror as Radinov fed upon their fellow. Then dropping the bloodless corpse, the FREAK turned around and called out, “Hueng, open the car door and allow our other friends in to join the party!”

Complying, the slight man pressed a button on the wall, the carport door opening to reveal three ghouls waiting outside. They then shambled inside, causing the remaining men to open fire on them. But no matter how many shots they fired, the ghouls still advanced, grabbing some of them and tearing some to pieces, the others biting them to death.

Radinov then grabbed another of the group that tried to flee, turning to her friend. “This is the power I will give you once my mission is finished, Hueng!” she called out, seeing her friend smile. “And once you have it, this island – maybe all of Asia – will be yours for the taking!” She then sank her fangs into her victim, draining him of his life.

Hueng smiled wickedly, “Yes… ALL of Asia!” He then saw that, of the men that were not being eaten by the ghouls were rising as ghouls themselves, as well as Radinov’s victims. Indeed, the power he would receive from his friend would be a great gift!

A SECRET LOCATION, SOMEWHERE IN SOUTH AMERICA…

However, what the two didn’t know was that, Radinov’s actions were being monitored as they spoke. “So far, so good,” the Major observed, watching, along with his inner circle of Millennium – the Doctor, the Captain, Zorin Blitz, Rip Van Winkle, Tubalcain Alhambra and Schrödinger – the carnage unfolding. “Radinov is exceeding even our greatest expectations.” Next to the Major, the Captain nodded, giving his silent approval.

“Ja, I have to agree,” Zorin added, the tattooed woman nodding in turn. “The closest thing to a true vampire. Your plan vill greatly benefit from this.”

“But still,” Rip countered, her grip nearly crushing her yellow parasol, “Ve had to give the prototype chip to that Slav pig. It’s so… so… galling!”

“Oh I vouldn’t vorry to much, Rippy,” Schrödinger chirped, the catboy seated at the Major’s feet. “After all, this is just a test of the chip. And once Dok gets the other back, ve can make more of them. But if it doesn’t vork,” he shrugged his shoulders, “no big loss, she’ll be gone.”

“Von can only hope,” Rip said, relaxing her grip on the parasol.

However, the Doctor just stood there silently, wringing his hands in worry. “But if ve loose the chip,” he whimpered, “it vill set me back thousands of hours of vork! It has GOT to vork, it has to!”

The Major just glanced over at the trembling Doctor. “Try not to let this vorry you too much, heir Doctor,” he said casually, taking up his cup of chocolate-flavored coffee from a nearby table. “Ve still have enough of our original chips… and more than enough loyal followers – FREAK and human – to set our plans into motion.”

“And once that happens,” Alhambra added, fumbling a playing card in his hands, “the might of Millennium will set this world on fire!” He then flicked the card at a nearby statuette, cleaving it neatly in half.

The Major sighed. “Really, Dandy Man,” he grumbled, “you should be grateful that you only cut the cheap statues with your damned cards.”

ROANPUR, MORNING…

The ringing of the telephone was what awoke Moria from her sleep. Still nude, she got herself off the floor and wandered to the phone. “Yes,” she mumbled.

“Hey girlfriend,” Becky’s voice chirped over the other end, “just wanted you to know you’re invited for breakfast downstairs.”

“Oh, y-yes, just let me get cleaned-up and check on Rally and Seras first,” the maid said, finally clearing her head. “I’ll see you in a half an hour.” Setting down the phone, she quickly made her way to the shower.

As she cleaned herself up, she took time to take stock of last night events. ‘I have to admit, I even shocked myself,’ she thought to herself. ‘But at least afterward, that dream didn’t return. I guess it must be a lot of sexual tension I had, fantasizing about Rally and all that.’ Once finished, she dried herself, quickly brushed her hair, then dressed herself casually. She then made her way to the other room to check on Rally and Seras.

Both vampires were deeply asleep, although they didn’t bother to cover themselves. Their inner thighs were still glistening from their secretions coming from their shaven crotches, obviously they continued pleasuring themselves and each other until sunrise. ‘Well, I’m not surprised, the way they were going at it.’

As she prepared to cover the two up, Moria just happened to glance down at Rally and was surprised that the dusky vampire had a clitoris ring similar to what she saw on Seras, as well as two golden rings on each side of her labia. ‘I didn’t really think Rally was the type of person that would have such adornments!’ she thought, then smiled and added, ‘They are quite lovely, though.’

As soon as she was satisfied that both vampires were modestly covered, Moria bent over to Rally’s face. “I cannot wait until we have a chance, my lovely,” she whispered, kissing Rally lightly on the lips. Then as an afterthought, she grabbed-up the ‘do not disturb’ sign from the table near the hallway door and placed it on the outside knob. Making sure the door was securely locked – which meant adding additional securement they brought, Moria exited through her own room and preceded downstairs.

As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, Moria made her way to the restaurant. Once inside, she quickly made her way to the table which Becky, Collins and Vincent sat. “Well, it’s about time you arrived,” Collins playfully remarked. Then his tone changed, “Sorry to say this, but I’m afraid you, Rally and Seras are stuck in those rooms for the duration of this little trip.”

“Well, that’s alright, Bill,” Moria said. “Anyway, how were all your nights?”

“Slept like a rock,” Becky said, “although I did wake up to go to the bathroom, only to hear Rally and Seras going at it. Guess the people who built this place didn’t take into account sound insulation.”

“Or possibly the money for such was lost due to kickbacks,” Vincent added.

Then Becky had an odd look on her face. “Anything happened to you, Moria?” she asked. “You look like you’ve cut your lip.”

Moria then remembered the place she bit herself. “Oh that?” she blundered, trying to make up a story. “Well… just before I went to bed, I turned on the telly and found the most… engaging movie I’ve ever seen! Guess I got so nervous I bit myself.”

“Uh… right,” Becky muttered, wondering if the brunette was listening in on Rally and Seras’ activities. Then something caught her attention. “Oh my, I wonder what happened to her?” She pointed out a woman – the crimelord Balalaika – as she entered the restaurant and was greeted by the hotel’s manager. “She looks like she got burned or something.”

“Everyone… try not to look too hard at her!” Vincent hastily whispered, causing the others to quickly avert their eyes. “We don’t want to cause her to suspect us!” The group then forced their attentions to themselves, although it was a bit hard not to look at the scarred, but still beautiful woman.

It was a little while before Balalaika, along with her second-in-command Boris, accompanied the manager to another part of the area. “Okay, so what’s going on with that woman?” Becky hissed.

“Did you get a look of that coat she was wearing?” Vincent asked.

“I sure did,” Collins said. “Looked like an old Red Army coat, with quite a bit of decoration on her ‘fruit salad’. Couldn’t tell what division, though.”

“From the looks of it, possibly a paratrooper,” Vincent added, then thought for a while before continuing. “You know, I’ve heard mention of a specific division within the Red Army’s paratrooper division – the Desantniki, also known as ‘the Tigers of the Khyber Pass’. As special forces go, the Desantniki were one of the best, if not the best. The soldiers who fought in that group were rigorously trained and highly motivated. They were more than a match to the various groups of Mujahideen they encountered – and the most remarkable thing is that their commanding officer was a woman – a blonde, in fact!”

Becky looked incredulous. “You mean to say that woman could have been the commander of that division?”

Vincent nodded. “Her code name was ‘Balalaika’, after the Russian musical instrument; NATO couldn’t get her real name. But from what they were able to gather about her, she was known as a tough, ruthless commander, who wouldn’t hesitate to wipe-out an entire Afghan village if even one member of her platoon was ever injured or killed by a member. And she always looked after her men, for which they gave her their undying loyalty.”

Then Moria asked a question, “Whatever happened to this… Balalaika and her division.”

“The Desantniki were disbanded by the Russians not long after they got their butts kicked in Afghanistan,” Vincent answered. “She and a good number of her former troops disappeared not long after that. She was a real legend among the Red Army, and it was rumored that they had quite a few desertions after she left.”

“And now it looks like she’s set-up shop here on Roanapur,” Collins said. “We better watch ourselves, no telling who else we might meet here.”

“Point taken, Bill, but I’ve got some shopping to do while I’m here,” Becky said, smiling.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Vincent remarked. “There’s no telling what you’ll get, not to mention you might be buying stolen merchandise.”

“Oh don’t worry, I’ve considered that angle already!” And with that, Becky produced a list, possibly from a computer, the title “Legitimate retailers on Roanapur” on it. “The information’s there if you look for it.” Becky then looked to Moria and asked, “Care to join me?”

“Love to, but I better stay close to the motel to look out for Rally and Seras,” Moria said. “Besides, I dread to think what may happen if the rooms end-up getting burgled and no one is there.”

“Well I’m certain Irene and Seras can take care of themselves,” Vincent said. “After all, it’s not like they don’t know what’s happening around them while they’re sleeping.”

“Pardon?” Moria asked.

Vincent then went on to say, “Vampires are always aware of their surroundings, even while asleep. Sir Arthur told me that little fact some years back. They see and hear everything, which can fool even the most observant of vampire hunters.”

“What?” Moria squeaked, her face blushing furiously.

“Anything wrong?” Becky asked, noticing.

“HU-WHAT?” Moria then forced herself to be calm. “Uhhh… I… think I’ll tell you later.” She then mentally bawled herself out. ‘Moria, you bloody idiot! That means that Rally knew I kissed her! How in the world am I going to explain it to her!?!’ She was then brought out of her thoughts by the sound of her cellphone ringing. “Yes?” she said, switching it on. “Oh, sure Sir Integra.” She then handed the phone to Vincent. “You should hear this.”

Vincent then took the phone. “You want something, Sir Integra?”

A PRIVATE JET SOMEWHERE OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN…

Pip Bernadotte exited the cockpit where he was consulting with the pilot. “We should be landing in about two hours, ze pilot told me,” he said to Sir Integra.

The leader of the Hellsing Organization nodded, then said over the phone. “Mr. Vincent, I should inform you that myself and Captain Bernadotte will be landing within two hours. I would like to have transportation ready when we arrive.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be there personally to take you there,” Vincent’s voice replied.

“You do that. I will see you then.” She then hung up and looked over at the one-eyed mercenary. “Hopefully we can have this resolved while avoiding bloodshed… but we must be prepared for the worse nonetheless.”

“Oui,” Pip agreed. “But I hope Rally and Mignonette can recover ze chip without firing a shot.. or our interference.”

“It would be a miracle if that was accomplished,” Sir Integra sighed.

ROANAPUR…

“Sorry, but I’m going to have to get over to the mainland,” Vincent said, keeping an eye on Balalaika’s party, who was leaving the restaurant. “Sir Integra’s going to be landing in about two hours and needs a ride up.”

“You do that,” Collins said, “I’m going to look around more of the island, try to find out where we’ll find the Lagoon Company.” He looked over to the girls and added, “And you two keep an eye on your surroundings.”

“Will do, Bill,” Becky said jauntingly.

“And please be careful,” added Moria.

XXX

As their limousine made their way from the hotel, Balalaika took some time to light-up a cigar, while Boris gone over the latest figures for the month. “Sergeant,” she began, taking a puff, “did you happen to see that darker-skinned man in that party of four.”

“Not really, Captain,” Boris remarked.

“Well I did. He is Deepak Vincent, born in the United States of Indian-Pakistani parentage. Former U.S. Army, former Green Beret, and an Olympic gold medalist in target shooting.”

“Now that you mentioned it,” Boris remarked, “the party did take notice of us when we arrived. But why did you notice him in particular?”

Balalaika smiled as she turned to her second. “Deepak Vincent is also a widower, his British wife shot to death in front of the gun store he owned while serving divorce papers. Mrs. Vincent, while she loved her husband with all her heart, hated guns and wanted to protect their daughter from their influence.”

“Daughter?” Boris asked.

“Yes – Irene “Rally” Vincent, who would later become the gun store’s owner – and who would later sell the store when she became a member of the Hellsing Organization!”

Boris looked alarmed. “So the Hellsing Organization is here?”

“Maybe. It could possibly be an advance party, but Dutch should be told nonetheless.” Balalaika’s brow then furrowed. “However, I’m still bothered by the name of that organization. Where in the world have I heard the name ‘Hellsing’ before.”

“I had that same problem too, Captain,” Boris began, “but then last night, I decided to pick-up a book to read – and there it was, albeit spelled differently.” He presented a book he had with him to her.

Balalaika looked at the cover. “It’s in English,” she observed.

“Yes, one of the few I have in that language. Please Captain, go to the page I have marked and you see what I’ve discovered.”

The scarred crimelord then took the book from Boris and turned it to the page indicated. She then read the passage and her brow furrowed. “So that’s where I’ve heard that name! But is that possible?” she mused.

“I find it doubtful,” Boris added, “but the coincidence cannot be ignored.” He then added, “Should we tell the Lagoon Company of our findings?”

“I am not certain that Dutch would believe it even if I told him,” Balalaika said. “However, it does warrant further research. As soon as we return to Hotel Moscow, I will consider the matter.” She then handed the book back to Boris – the title read ‘Dracula, by Bram Stoker’.

THE HOTEL, LATE AFTERNOON…

Despite her misgivings to the contrary, Moria decided to take-up Becky’s invitation to go shopping anyway, hoping to ease any lingering stress issues she had. Taking advantage of the list the information expert had researched, the two went to many of the more reputable shops listed. Of course, Becky’s choices tended to lean closer to all the electronic stores around, and she was able to find quite a few choices of hardware she was looking for, and at good prices. However, Moria had looked at the time and excused herself to return to the hotel, knowing that the vampires were strong enough to be out and about with the late sunlight.

She had a lot on her mind about her duties as she made her way to her room: check on Rally and Seras, make sure their blood rations were ready and getting ready for the night. But as she entered her room, Moria was surprised to hear the shower in the adjoining room running – as well as the sounds of moaning.

It was all that Moria can do to avoid dropping her purchases in shock. ‘I don’t believe those two!’ she thought, aghast, ‘they were shagging practically all night, and the minute they hit the shower they’re at it again! I swear those girls’ libidos must be on overdrive!’ However, just from hearing all that moaning caused Moria to almost instinctively start fondling herself. Sliding down the wall outside, Moria began to rub and squeeze her right breast with her left hand, at the same time beginning to rub herself through her pants.

But rather abruptly, the moaning in the shower died down, followed by Rally muttering, “Oh crap.” Then loudly, she called-out, “HEY MORIA, YOU OUT THERE?”

“EEEP!!!” Rather quickly, Moria stopped herself, then answered, “Uh… yes Rally. What do you want?”

“Moria, we seemed to have forgotten to bring the shower gel,” said Rally. “Could you go into the suitcases to get it?”

“S-sure, why not?” Moria then got herself off the floor and rushed to the suitcases the vampires brought with them. Then finding the particular item, she made her way to the bathroom. “Here it is, but I’m not certain why you asked me to get it rather than… ACK!!!”

Rally had parted the shower curtain, stark naked with Seras close by. “Well… how am I going to say this… me and Master were rather eager to get showered-up, but we kinda gotten a little… well, you know, and…”

“N-nevermind,” the maid stammered, handing Rally the shower gel. “I… I better go back to my room and see to your rations.”

“Okay,” Rally answered, then seeing Moria head off.

It only took a few minutes for Moria to set-up a portable bucket, where she placed two units of blood on ice. While preparing for the briefing to follow, Rally and Seras had entered the room, both dressed in towels. “Moria,” Rally began, “there’s something we have to talk about.”

Moria paused. “You know I kissed you this morning, don’t you?” she said glumly.

“Well, yes. That and…” Rally paused for a bit, “me and Master know you were watching us make love last night.”

‘Oh no!’ Moria slowly turned around, a tear rolling down her eye. “Please, don’t be angry with me!” she pleaded. “It was just that… both of you were making so much noise, and that…” It was when she looked up that she discovered that the vampires were smiling at her.

“Moria, we’re not angry,” Seras giggled, bringing a look of relief upon the maid’s face. “In fact, we were rather flattered that you were interested in us. The only thing we were disappointed with is that… well… you didn’t come in and join us.”

“Huh? Oh… yes, thank you.” Moria breathed a sigh and thought, ‘That was a relief. Really, Moria, you worry yourself too much.’

“Rally, we better get dressed,” Seras said. “Agent Collins should be back with what he discovered.”

“Right, Master,” Rally replied, and went to join Seras when she felt a hand upon her shoulder. “What is it, Moria?”

“Rally,” Moria began, “there was something I wished to discuss with you before we left London but you were already sealed-up beforehand…”

“Look, this can wait, can it?”

Moria thought for a while. “I guess,” she said.

“Good.” Rally then leaned over and gave Moria a small kiss. “I’m certain is nothing, so I wouldn’t worry about it much.”

“I guess,” Moria said. “Well, I’ll have your rations ready as soon as you’re dressed.”

“Thanks,” replied Rally, but then thought to herself, ‘My lovely.’

ANOTHER PART OF TOWN…

In Becky’s mind, her shopping excursion had been quite successful, as she was able to obtain all the items on her list. Granted, some of the reputable dealers on the island tried to jack-up the listed prices of the electronic components she was looking for, but with clever negotiation, she managed to dicker-down their asking prices to something she could reasonably afford.

So to reward herself, she found a street side restaurant so that she could sample the local fare. Thankfully, the person who passed as a waiter knew English enough to translate the menu. After what was an impossibly-long wait, a steaming hot bowl was presented in front of her.

But upon looking into the bowl, Becky wondered if whatever she ordered was edible; it looked as if the cook had fished through a garbage dump for the ingredients. It smelled delicious though, she reasoned, so she thought she might as well try it.

However, just as Becky was about to dig in, several voices caught her attention. “Oh don’t give me that guff, Rock,” a female voice snarled, “It can’t be that hard to get that gun!”

“I don’t think she’ll just give it to you, Revy, that’s all!” a male voice pleaded.

Nervous, Becky took a side glance to the source of the noise – and it felt like her blood froze. She recognized the forms of Revy and Rokuro Okajima walking down the street. “I don’t care if this Rally Vincent gives me that gun – like I said before, all I have to do is put a bullet between her eyes and it’s mine!”

‘I don’t understand?’ Becky managed to think to herself, ‘How in the world does that… that woman know about Rally? As soon as I get back to the hotel, I’d better warn her!’ She continued to follow the two discreetly as they walked behind her down the street. When she felt reasonably sure they were gone, she let out the breath she held, then settled down to enjoy her meal.

But before she could get the first bite to her mouth, Becky felt a tapping on her shoulder. “Yes,” she grumbled, “what is it you want, I’m trying to… oh my god!” Staring her in the eye was Revy – who had a suspicious look on her face.

“Pardon me, but I don’t recall seeing your face around here,” the Chinese girl said in a low, threatening voice. “You just arrived?” Becky could only nod, her voice seemingly paralyzed in fear.

“Revy, what in the world are you doing?” Rock pleaded from behind her, but got only a wave on the hand, her glare never wavering.

Revy continued to stare at Becky for about thirty seconds, but from the information expert’s perspective, it seemed like an hour. Finally satisfied that she wasn’t a threat, Revy grunted and said, “My advice to you… I wouldn’t be walking around these parts without packing any heat. You’ll live longer if you do. Got it?”

“Y-y-yes,” Becky finally whimpered.

Revy then stood up, glanced over at the bowl in front of Becky and added, “Oh, and I wouldn’t eat that shit if I were you. From what I’ve heard, the cook’s got dysentery and doesn’t wash his hands.” She then walked away with Rock, adding, “Wouldn’t want to have the Hershey Squirts for a week, y’know.”

For the next two minutes, Becky just sat at her seat, willing her heart to stop beating at the rate it was going. She then got up unsteadily, grabbed her purchases and ran for the hotel.

YET ANOTHER PART OF TOWN, EARLY EVENING…

Hueng could only look with relief when Radinov had closed the door of the delivery truck he was able to wrangle, sealing the ghouls inside. “I have to admit,” he said, “even those you didn’t drink blood from, the victims of these zombie things you’ve created became zombies themselves.” He turned to his friend and asked, “Just what are you going to do with these things anyway?”

Radinov surveyed the truck with a look of self-satisfaction and replied, “You could say that I plan to use them as… cannon fodder. True they appear very strong and tenacious, but they’re way too slow to be truly effective soldiers. So what I have planned for them is to use them against whoever possesses the chip I’m looking for.”

“If you say so,” Hueng replied. He then handed what appeared to be a bento to Radinov. “Oh, and about this… I figured that, since you’re a vampire now, you wouldn’t need regular food anymore. Why in the world did you ask me to cook up this?”

“That’s the true beauty of this chip,” Radinov said, opening the box up and partaking of the contents. “True I must consume blood to survive, but at least the design of this chip allow me to… indulge in mortal pleasures.” She took another bite and added, “Hueng, your cooking is STILL the best!”

“Thank you, Natasha,” the slight man said, bowing. “So, what do you plan to do tonight?”

Radinov hesitated for a bit before replying. “I plan to stake-out the Yellow Flag Bar for a bit. If I am not mistaken, whoever stolen the other chip might come to this place to unwind – and hopefully, I can follow them to where the chip is.”

“Well I won’t get into your way, then,” Hueng said. “Let me know if you need anything else while you’re here, okay Natasha?”

“I will do that, my friend,” Radinov said, entering the truck’s cab. However, before she fired-up the engine, she took some time to think about her benefactors a bit.

During her tenure with the K.G.B., Radinov’s experience and results had landed her a unique place within the agency – namely unprecedented access to much of the classified files there, which would include the K.G.B.’s predecessor, the Stalin-era N.K.V.D.. History was a minor interest she had and wanted to learn much about some of the history of the agency. It was while studying some of the files made during the Great Patriotic War, what the western world referred to as World War II, that she found an interesting story.

After the Nazis had abandoned Warsaw after putting down the uprising in the Jewish Ghetto there in early 1945, a unit of the Red Army came across what appeared to be a destroyed laboratory. After capturing and brutally interrogating surviving Wehrmacht soldiers outside the city, the N.K.V.D. discovered that there was a secret S.S. society there, under direct orders from Adolph Hitler. It seemed that the Nazis were somehow interested in vampires, and were working to create artificial vampires in order to reinforce and maintain the empire the Germans had established within the mainland of Europe. However, during the uprising, two individuals had sneaked-in and destroyed the work there, improbable as it sounded – a teenaged boy and a young Asian girl. However, all records were destroyed during the attack but there was evidence that the chief scientist – who was a polydactyl, a defect strangely allowed within the perfectionist climate of Nazi Germany – had disappeared.

‘I wonder,’ Radinov thought to herself, ‘impossible as it might seem… could that scientist that worked on that project… be the scientist that saved me?’

THE HOTEL, AT THE SAME TIME…

“Okay, so let me get this straight,” Rally asked Collins, “the best place to start looking for this… Lagoon Company is this bar?” Both Rally and Seras were dressed in casual clothing; there was nothing they wore that identified them as agents of the Hellsing Organization.

“Right,” Collins replied, trying not to meet Rally’s gaze. “The Yellow Flag Bar was established around the time South Vietnam fell to the north.” He produced what appeared to be an old photograph attached to a file. “The guy that owns it, Bao, used to be an officer in the South Vietnamese army.”

“I would imagine the bar’s name is a reference to the flag of South Vietnam,” Seras observed.

Collins nodded. “Most of the clientele that frequents the bar just happens to be the worst of this island: pirates, criminals, prostitutes and the like. If you two happen to go there, you’re likely to stick-out like a sore thumb.”

“Sorry Bill, but me and Master aren’t going to dress trashy just because it might be safer,” Rally said. Then she noticed Collins’ evasiveness. “Anything wrong? You’re not looking me in the eye.”

“Uh… yeah. Rally, don’t take this the wrong way, but looking you and Seras in the eye is… well… creepy,” the agent said. “I don’t think I can ever get used to you with those red eyes.”

“Oh is that it?” Rally laughed. “I don’t think that’ll be a problem, right Master?”

“I happen to agree, Rally,” Seras added, also giggling.

Sighing, Collins decided to muster up his courage to make his statement to the contrary – and was nearly blown away with what he saw! Rally’s eyes were transformed, now showing their old blue hue. He frantically turned to Seras, only to find her eyes blue too! “R-R-Rally?” he sputtered, “how… how…”

“I’m amazed, too,” Moria added, who was seated next to the vampires after serving their blood rations to them. “How did you and Seras do that?”

“Oh this?” Rally said. “Alucard showed us how to do this last week. He said it was just a minor transformation that some vampires used, mostly as a hunting trait to lure humans into a false sense of security.”

“Master figured that me and Rally could use it to blend-in more with our surroundings whenever we go on a mission,” added Seras. “You have to admit, it would cause people to question us if we wore our sunglasses at night.”

“I guess, and thanks Rally,” Collins chuckled. “Now back to this bar… from what I’ve been able to gather, this place is prone to a lot of gunfights, so I would advise you to come armed in case things gotten a little hairy.”

“Quite a bit of gunfights?” Seras offered.

Collins nodded. “A lot, and from what I found, the place was once blown up – believe it or not, by a maid.”

“Hey, don’t look at me,” Moria said in her defense.

“Sounds like a lively place,” Rally chuckled. “Okay Bill, we’ll make sure to be armed when we get there and…” Suddenly, the dusky vampire’s voice trailed-off, as if hearing something. “Master… do you sense that?”

Seras nodded. “I do, Rally… fear, and a great amount of it, from what I’ve been able to gather.”

Quickly, Rally got up from her seat and went to the door. Opening it, she was surprised to see Becky standing there, wide-eyed and in a cold sweat. “Becky, what’s wrong?” she asked, concerned about her friend’s state.

As soon as she was able to walk inside, Becky dropped the bags she was carrying. “Rally…” she muttered before falling into her friend’s arms.

“BECKY!!! BILL, GET A WASHCLOTH OVER HERE!!!” Rally called-out as she gathered up Becky and carried her to Moria’s bed. Not asking questions, Collins raced into the bathroom to wet a washcloth and wring it out. He then got it over to Rally, who began to dab her friend’s forehead.

“Is she alright?” Moria asked, concerned.

“Yeah, she just fainted, that’s all,” Rally sighed. “Look, she’s coming around! Maybe we’ll find out what happened.”

Of course, Rally didn’t expect Becky to suddenly wrap her arms around her once she regained consciousness. “Oh Rally!” she whimpered. “I… I saw her! We were face-to-face back there! I… I thought I was going to be killed back there!”

“Saw who? Becky, what did you saw?” Rally demanded, only to find that Becky was having trouble forming words. Quickly deciding, she forced contact of her’s and Becky’s foreheads. Concentrating, Rally searched through Becky’s most recent thoughts, but got mostly clutter, possibly because of the information expert’s state of mind. Then a clear picture came through the jumbled images – namely Revy’s face staring at Becky!

“It’s her!” Rally snarled, her eyes once again resuming their orange-red color. Calming herself, she forced eye contact with Becky, her eyes gently glowing. “Becky, you’re going to take a small nap. When you wake up, your fear will be gone and you’ll be the same old Becky I know.”

“Uh… yeah Rally,” Becky mumbled sleepily, the vampire gently easing her on the bed.

For a few minutes after she stood up, Rally was quiet. However, everyone could see her tightly-clenched fists shaking violently. “Rally, I hope you’re not going to do what I think you’re doing,” Seras offered.

Then Rally turned around, her face showing barely-controlled rage. “Bill, look after Becky,” she finally said. “When Dad and Sir Integra get here, tell them to head for this bar you’ve told us about!”

“Rally, you’re not going to face-off against that woman?” Seras asked.

“It could be dangerous,” Moria added.

“I don’t care!” Rally snapped, her eyes glowing brilliantly. “That bitch scared Becky for no reason whatsoever! Whatever it takes, I’m going to make her pay!”

THE LAGOON COMPANY, AT THE SAME TIME…

“You’ve got to be kidding me, Dutch?” Benny gasped, alarmed at the revelation he and the rest of the group just heard.

“I wish I was, Benny-boy,” the African American said, seated at one of the two couches that faced each other, “but the information Balalaika told me over the phone is so incredible I’m finding it hard to believe myself!”

“This is crazy,” Rock said, seated next to Revy, “that woman a relative of an old vampire hunter?”

“Oh get real, Rock, that’s just a fucking character in a book!” Revy snapped, slapping Rock from behind the head. “However, it does seem a bit odd that she would have the same name as that guy.”

“I find it more than odd,” replied Rock, rubbing the back of his head. “This could be dangerous!”

It was there that Dutch decided that enough is enough. “Okay everybody, calm down!” he said in a rather loud voice. “We’re letting this bit of news get the best of us!” He then stood up and gathered his vest. “Look, we’re all a bit jumpy right now, so I suggest we take a little time to relax a bit. It might be a while before this trouble comes our way, so beforehand let’s go down to the Yellow Flag and enjoy ourselves.”

“Now that I can agree upon,” Benny said, placing the chip he was studying in his shirt pocket. “At least I can concentrate on what this thing is while we’re at it.” He then headed downstairs to warm up the car.

“That’s the spirit, Benny-boy. Revy, Rock, make sure the office is locked-up before we leave.” Dutch then followed Benny out of the office.

“Will do, Dutch,” Rock said, straightening up his paperwork before leaving.

“And while you’re at it,” Revy said, “why don’t you, for once, get out of that shitty shirt and tie and get on some real clothes?”

“Do you mean you want me to wear that ugly shirt again? I told you Revy, it’s not my style!” Rock shot back.

“It’s NOT ugly!” Revy snapped.

“People, we’re burning dark here!” Dutch called-out from the corridor. Taking one last glare at each other, Rock and Revy decided to table their argument until another time.

TO BE CONTINUED…

9/11/01
FDNY-NYPD-THE REAL HEROES