Hellsing Fan Fiction / Gunsmith Cats Fan Fiction ❯ Night Angels: The Millennium War ❯ Pt. 1: The Gathering Storm Clouds ( Chapter 1 )

XXX

THE 3:15 P.M., LATE AFTERNOON…

“What in the name of Hates is taking him so long?” Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing growled as she waited near the battle exhibits. She was dressed in a slight departure of her usual garb, an ankle-length skirt in place of her slacks, as well as a small, modest hat. “Maxwell set the time to meet, and now he’s fifteen minutes late!”

Walter C. Dolnez was with her, ever vigilant of his employer. “Now that you mentioned it, this is just the same as the last time Father Maxwell requested to meet us here.” He then eyed Sir Integra and added, “All the same, ma’am, I made sure the Wild Geese were placed on alert in the instance Iscariot does attempt something shady while we are here. Of course, they are wise enough not to attempt a sneak attack in broad daylight, on enemy territory.”

The Hellsing leader nodded grimly, then sighed. “In any case, if that Catholic idiot decides to present me with another bouquet of yellow roses like he did the last time, I am going to take those flowers and shove them, stem-first, up his backside!”

“If it ever comes to that,” Walter said dryly, “then it would benefit Father Maxwell greatly to remove the thorns beforehand, otherwise it would be a very painful experience.”

It was another thirty seconds before the two heard multiple footsteps coming in their direction. Then… “If you ask me, Father Renaldo, they seemed to have added a few more exhibits since the last time we were here.”

“I’ve noticed it too, Father Maxwell.”

“And as before, they are placed with such great care that seeing them with one’s own eyes is the best way to experience it.” Turning in the direction of the sound, Sir Integra and Walter caught sight of Father Enrico Maxwell, the leader of Section XIII, Iscariot Organization, was well as his direct aide Father Renaldo, the two looking at the various paintings on the walls. One thing was for certain – Maxwell wasn’t carrying any roses with him. But Renaldo was carrying a leather briefcase with him.

And they were not alone! Directly behind them, Heinkel Wolfe and Yumie accompanied the two. Upon catching sight of the lone members of the Hellsing Organization, the black-haired nun cast them a hostile glare while gripping her sheathed katana tightly. Heinkel, however, maintained her neutral continence.

After a few minutes, Maxwell leaned over to Renaldo and offered playfully, “I do believe we are a little bit late.”

“It would appear so, Father Maxwell,” Renaldo answered.

The Iscariot party stopped a good twenty feet from the Hellsing party, the white-haired Maxwell peering over his wire-framed spectacles at Sir Integra. Satisfied that she was alone, he proceeded towards her. “Sir Integra,” he began, his voice as smooth as poisoned honey, “it is very good to see you…”

“That is far enough, Maxwell!” the Hellsing leader interrupted, causing the violet-eyed priest to stop in his tracks. “So, I was wondering why the would send the leader of Iscariot – the dirtiest of their organizations to English soil?”

Maxwell paused for a bit, studying the situation carefully. “Now please, there’s no reason to put-up a hostile stance,” he added with mock joviality as he removed his spectacles. “Why in the world would you think of me otherwise?”

“You know damn well why, Maxwell!” Sir Integra shot back. “I am thoroughly disgusted with your organization’s blatant disregard of every treaty we have together! My mind is still clear about Paladin Anderson’s attack in the London Underground! I lost quite a few of my surviving men on that attack, and I barely got-out of that incident with my head still attached! How else will I feel…”

Maxwell finally lost his temper. “YOU BE QUIET!!” he yelled, crushing his spectacles in his gloved hand.

“How dare you take-up that attitude with me!” the Hellsing leader snarled in a low voice.

Maxwell just eyed Sir Integra and Walter coldly, Renaldo, Heinkel and Yumie ever watchful. “You lost a few men, you say?” he began disdainfully as he dropped the pieces of his spectacles to the floor. “Sir Integra, even if had killed a few thousand of you filthy English Protestants, I sincerely doubt that anyone in Iscariot, especially me, would ever shed a tear for them!” He then pointed to the Hellsing leader as he added, “For your information, we are here on the orders of His Holiness with some information you might find interesting,” he then leered at her, “so do me a favor and just shut your mouth, you English sow!”

“Really? Calling my master a sow? Now that’s not very nice,” Alucard’s voice sounded within the corridors, which afterward the No-Life King appeared from a far wall, causing Renaldo, Heinkel and Yumie to be on their guard. “You would think that after a thousand years, Iscariot would have at least a little courtesy to their hosts… but no, you and your whole organization still think that the Catholic church rules the world!”

“Ah… nice to see you again, Alucard. Still firmly on Sir Integra’s leash, I see,” Maxwell smirked, feeling slightly disturbed by the vampire’s appearance.

Alucard just snorted. “Well, I believe I should be taking my leave of you, Father Maxwell,” he said. “But before I do, there is still that little matter about your rude behavior towards my master!” He then draws Joshua from his coat and aimed it at Maxwell. “Maybe it’s time to see what a Catholic’s brains look like!”

With that threat, Heinkel reacted, placing herself between the vampire and her leader. “Father Maxwell, let me handle this!” Drawing one of her Desert Eagles from her coat, she took a bead at Alucard’s head. “Now, Vampire, I suggest… VAS!?!?” Quite suddenly, the Austrian found that a hand had reached out from the wall to her right and grabbed her wrist, with another wrenching the gun from her hand, which caused Yumie behind her to draw her katana.

“Now, now, we can’t have you shooting this thing in here,” Irene ‘Rally’ Vincent smirked, the dusky vampire completely walking through the wall as she released her grip on Heinkel’s wrist. “This is a museum, after all!”

“YOU FILTHY VAMPIRE, GET AWAY FROM HER!!!” Yumie shrieked, prepared to slash Rally in half – only to have the vampire move away in an eyeblink to the left of the nun. Reacting, Yumie again struck. The attack she used would’ve reduced a human into seven pieces in one second, but again Rally evaded – and quickly circling Yumie at the same speed.

Deciding to get her bearings, Yumie paused in her attack – then noticed that something was dreadfully amiss. Padding herself down quickly, her eyes widened. “It’s… it’s gone!” She then shot Rally a poisonous glare, while the vampire looked unphased as she pleasantly waived at the nun. “You monster… YOU STOLE IT!!”

“Maybe,” Rally replied, smiling. “If you’ll put that sword away, I might be able to help you find it!”

“ISCARIOT DOES NOT MAKE DEALS WITH UNDEAD MONSTERS LIKE YOU!!! GIVE IT BACK TO ME!!!” All Maxwell did was shook his head as Yumie again charged Rally, her katana gleaming in the late afternoon light. All Rally did was stand her ground, looking smug as the nun’s attacked. But just as Yumie was about to cleave her head off, the dusky vampire raced around her like a cyclone for three seconds before…

“Huh?” Yumie… or rather, Yumiko Takagi… gasped as Rally placed the eyeglasses she had previously swiped from Yumie on the nun’s eyes. Then Yumiko’s eyes widened in horror at who was looking at her, dropping Yumie’s katana as she did.

For the better part of five seconds, both vampire and human stared at each other, Yumiko trembling as Rally’s orange-red eyes seemed to burrow into her very soul. Then the dusky vampire leaned closer to the terrified nun, and in a low voice, uttered one word: “Boo.”

“YAAAAAAAAAA!!!!” Falling on the ground, Yumiko skittered backwards, finally hiding behind Heinkel’s legs. All the blonde-haired woman did was to bury her face with her hand in embarrassment. “HEINKEL-SEMPAI, DON’T LET HER GET ME!!! DON’T LET HER GET MEEEE!!!”

Hoping to take advantage of the situation, Father Renaldo decides to reach into his coat for the gun he knew he had. “Hold it right there, Old Man!” Rally called out, aiming her CZ-75 at him. “I happen to know you’re packing, so I’d advise you not to draw!” Then she turned her attention to Heinkel, who was doing the same with her other Desert Eagle. “The same for you, Wolfe! Either you two go for your guns, the both of you are going to be missing trigger fingers!”

“It seems Miss Vincent has been studying Agent Wolfe’s and Agent Yumie’s dossiers, Sir Integra,” Walter quietly whispered to his employer. For Sir Integra’s part, all she did was to nod in agreement.

Totally assured that any attack had been neutralized, Alucard returned his attention to Maxwell – who was strangely calm. “Well, it would appear that Rally Vincent was quite successful in holding back your lackeys’ attacks! So… what is your next move, then?”

Everyone was quite surprised by the chuckle Maxwell had let-out upon the red-clad vampire’s challenge. “My, my,” he began, “Sir Integra, you really disappoint me. I mean, sending two vampires against me and my associates. Now… how in the world am I going to answer this?”

While keeping an eye on Maxwell’s associates, Rally also studied Maxwell’s face and stature, using all the skills of her past life as a bounty hunter to try to anticipate the priest’s next move – and was thoroughly confused at Maxwell’s almost cavalier attitude of the situation. ‘That’s strange,’ she thought to herself, ‘from the way we’ve got them cornered, you would expect him to piss in his pants for being at the mercy of two vampires. In fact, he doesn’t even seemed concerned, almost as if…’ Quite suddenly, Rally felt her insides clenching, realizing what was at last transpiring. ‘Oh crap!! That bastard… he… he DIDN’T!?!’

As if to confirm Rally’s fears, Maxwell’s face lit-up. “Ah yes… now I know how to resolve this!” Then in a grand flourish, he turned around and called out to the back of the corridor, “”

“MISS VINCENT, GO TO MY LEFT AND PROTECT SIR INTEGRA!!” Walter called out as he stood to the right and in front of Sir Integra, his wires glinting as he braced for battle.

“GOTCHA, WALTER!” Rally answered, but not before pitching the Desert Eagle back to Heinkel, as well as kicking Yumie’s katana to Yumiko. “WELL YOU TWO, DON’T JUST STAND THERE GAWKING, MAJOR SHIT IS ABOUT TO GO DOWN, SO GET WITH THE PROGRAM AND PROTECT YOUR BOSS!!!” Realizing what was happening, Heinkel did just that, although Maxwell didn’t seemed that concerned. Yumiko nodded, grabbing the sword and removing her glasses. A few seconds passed… then…

“Ask o’ me, and Ah shalt give thee th’ ‘eathen for thine inheritance!” the voice of Father Alexander Anderson, paladin warrior of Iscariot, called out from the far end of the corridor behind the Iscariot agents. “An’ for thy possession, th’ ends o’ th’ earth! Thy shall break them with a rod o’ iron!” By now, the paladin was striding purposefully towards the party, a mad gleam in his eye as he held in both hands blessed blades, intending to cut-apart whoever he faced.

“Thou shalt dash them t’ pieces like a potter’s vessel,” he continued as he pressed forward. “Be wise, there fore you now, kings! Be admonished, ye judges of this earth!”

By now, Maxwell had watched in satisfaction, watching how the Hellsing party – with the exception of Alucard – were quaking in their boots. But then he began to notice something off about the situation… he was intending for to be a foil in case they tried to make a power play. But the more he saw the paladin advance, the more Maxwell realized his subordinate had something else in mind… like a battle!

“Serve th’ Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling!” continued to atone as he steadily advanced, the grip on his blades tightening.

Finally, Maxwell decided to act! Breaking away, he got in front of the advancing paladin and called out, “that’s enough!” But got shoved aside, seemingly not noticing who he pushed away!

“Kiss th’ soul lest ye be cast aside, and banished away t’ be kindled by a flame!” continued to say, eyeing Alucard steadily.

“STOP!!!” Maxwell continued to plead, now regretting his decision to call the wild paladin.

“This can be over with one swing of me holy sword!” finally said, grinning from ear-to-ear as Alucard advanced in front of him. “Iscariot does not shirk when th’ enemy presents itself!”

Alucard said nothing as he and stopped in front of each other. Taking off his glasses, the No-Life King grinned at the paladin – then drew the Jackal and aimed both guns at with the other aiming his blades at the vampire. “Neither of us can back down on an enemy!” Alucard laughed, cocking the hammers of his guns. “Come on, Judas Priest, let’s settle this once and for all!”

also laughed. “Ye won’t be so lucky this time, vampire king!” he smirked, ready for battle.

“ALUCARD, STOP THIS IMMEDIETLY!!!” Sir Integra commanded, but to no avail

“BACK-OFF, I COMMAND YOU!!!” Maxwell added, but also to equal effect.

In the meantime, Rally seemed to calm in the face – but inwardly, she was panicking! ‘Ohcrapohcrapohcrapohcrap!!!’ she thought to herself. ‘Those two are going to get into it… and from the look of it, they don’t care who gets killed in the process! Oh Master, I know you’re here… please help me before everyone here ends up seriously dead!’ she mentally pleaded.

Two seconds later… “HIIII!!! RIGHT THIS WAY, EVERYBODY!!” Seras ’s cheerful voice called out as the Draculina appeared in between her master and the paladin, dressed in what appeared to be a tour guide’s uniform. “Everyone with the Japanese tour, right this way!”

“Everyone, right this way, please?” Moria Hedgley - also dressed in an identical uniform – called out in perfect Japanese. Sure enough, a very large group of elderly Japanese tourists began to shuffle slowly between Alucard and oblivious to what was happening. “That’s it, everyone,” the brunette continued to say in Japanese, “let’s stay together,” all with a smile – while giving Anderson – who was still glaring at Alucard, and the vampire the same – an occasional nervous glance.

The spectators on both sides – with the exceptions of Alucard and Anderson – just stood dumbstruck as Seras and Moria continued to escort the elderly tourists past, with the Draculina making occasional goofy faces at her master. ‘Boy,’ Rally told Seras and Moria mentally, ‘I never expected THAT ONE!’

‘It was Seras’ idea, Rally,’ Moria said.

‘Sorry to keep this a secret from you, but we had to make sure Master didn’t know about it,’ Seras added, Rally’s mind bridging her and Moria.

‘Good thing, Master,’ replied Rally. ‘But let’s hope it works!’

It did! The first to relax his stance was Alucard, holstering his weapons inside his crimsom coat. “… perhaps this is not the best place for a battle,” he said.

“Ah would agree,” replied Anderson, who sheaved his knives beneath the sleeves of his cassock.

As one, everyone breathed a sigh of relief as the tail end of the tour group passed between. Alucard then replaced his hat and glasses and made his way out. “If you don’t mind, Sir Integra, I’m going back to bed!” As he disappeared down the corridor, he muttered under his breath, “Getting up in the middle of the day is so annoying!”

At the same time, did the same, walking past Maxwell as he did. “If ye won’t be needin’ me, sir,” the priest told his superior, “Ah’ll be heading myself back t’ ”

Still in a little bit of shock, Maxwell muttered, “Uh… yes.”

Then quite abruptly, turned his head, a smile on his face. “Oh bye and bye sir, this is a very fascinating museum,” he pleasantly said. “With your permission, I would like t’ take some of th’ children from th’ orphanage t’ visit it.”

“N-no, no problem at all, Anderson!” Maxwell nervously laughed.

Satisfied, made his way out. However, his expression became vicious as he grumbled, “But th’ next time we meet, Ah’m goin’ t’ rip th’t vampire’s bloody ‘ead off!”

Heinkel and Yumie both watched depart, then looked at each other. “Okay, okay,” the black-haired nun grumbled, “I’ll let Rally Vincent live!”, sheathing her katana. Then an uncertain look came over Yumie’s face as she asked, “Do… do you think the boss will dock our pay?”

“Vell… vith that fit you threw vhen Rally Vincent arrived,” Heinkel began sullenly, “not to mention Yumiko’s reaction to her… it’s a certainty!” Yumie then let-out a discouraged groan.

All Maxwell did was look silently at the two – until he heard a chuckle from Sir Integra. “Well, it would seem that we both had our fill with our rather difficult subordinates,” she said. Then her expression became serious, “So, you pig – shall we get to business?”

“No problem at all, Sir Integra,” Maxwell cheerfully said as he forced a smile. “As soon as I talk to Father Renaldo, we shall… retire to the garden café!”

During this conversation, and the one that followed between Maxwell and Renaldo, Walter walked up to Rally, looking tired. “Dear god,” he said in a low voice, “I am getting way too old for this sort of thing!”

Rally nodded, leaning against the wall. “I wonder if I’ll feel the same when I’m your age, Walter.” Getting up, the dusky vampire stretched and yawned. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’d better take Alucard’s advice, get back to the mansion and hit the hay myself!”

However, just as she was about to depart, Rally heard Maxwell calling to her. “Miss Vincent,” he began, “please do us the honor of your presence as well.”

Surprised, Rally and Sir Integra looked at each other, with the Hellsing leader nodding in agreement. “Okay… I guess,” Rally said, mystified with the request.

“Thank you,” Maxwell said pleasantly. “Agent Heinkel, care to join us, too?” Equally as surprised as Rally, Heinkel nodded. The four then proceeded down the corridor to the café, with Maxwell carrying the briefcase that Renaldo once carried. Yumie then looked at Renaldo, with the old priest just shrugging in confusion.

XXX

In another part of the museum, Seras and Moria had taken a break from their charges as the tour group mulled about the exhibits. Walking up to her friend/lover, the Draculina said in a low voice, “Well, at least we were able to defuse the crisis before it got started.”

Moria nodded. “I’ve gotten my first look at that fellow – and I must say he terrifies me greatly,” she said. “I certainly hope I do not have to fight him in the future.”

“My advice… I would avoid it as much as possible,” Seras answered, indicating to the thin scar in the middle of her neck. “Me and Rally had plenty of experience being that bastard’s pin cushion! Not very pleasant, I must say.” Moria nodded, shuttering as she did.

Deciding to change the subject, Seras then said, “Now… don’t be too upset about this, Moria… but just before we set-out, I… accidently looked into that new chest you have in our room.”

“Oh really?” Moria observed, not looking the least concerned. “What do you think, Seras dear?”

“Frankly, I was more that surprised at what was in it: ropes, handcuffs, manacles, blindfolds – even several ball gags! It looked more like a fetishist’s wet dream!” The Draculina then studied the young werewolf’s face – and was shocked of what she didn’t see! “You’re not seriously thinking about placing me and Rally in that get-up, are you?”

“Oh don’t be ridiculous, Seras, I wouldn’t do that to you or Rally!” answered Moria, a little shocked at Seras’ theory.

“Oh thank goodness.”

“You, Seras dear, are going to use that to bind me up,” Moria then said with a straight face, “whereas you are going to have your sexual way with me!”

Seras did a double-take. “HUH!?!” she gasped, shocked not only of Moria’s revelation – but with the nonchalance she exhibited doing so. “But… but when we were in Roanapur, you were absolutly shocked about the accommodations we were placed in!”

“Well… that was before,” Moria began to explain. “Since then though, I’ve been secretly entertaining the notion of being sexually restrained while a powerful vampire like you pleasures me beyond my control. Therefore, for the last few weeks, I’ve been gathering all those implements you saw for your use on me, but have been struggling on how to approach you on the question. It was fortunate you’ve stumbled upon my stash.”

‘I just DON’T understand it!’ Seras thought to herself, too shocked for words. ‘Moria has always been a proper girl! I wonder how long has she been entertaining this fantasy of hers?’ Then she realized something. “Wait a minute – you only said me! What about Rally?”

“Oh Rally has her own way of dominating me, if her skills with the strap-on is of any indication!” Moria smartly said. Then a gitty look came over her face as she added, “Just thinking of it, Seras, almost makes me wet – myself, chained and bound, totally helpless, while you take control and bring me to new heights of ecstasy!” Then an odd look crossed her face, followed by an authoritative stance. “However, I draw the line on whips and crops!” she crisply said. “I only wish to be bound, not beaten! I detest experiencing pain for pleasure!”

‘It does seem a bit odd of her – but it looks like Moria’s firm about it!’ Seras mused. “Okay, if you feel comfortable about the whole thing, we’ll see what we do about this – but me and Rally must seriously have a discussion with you on your choice of fetishes!”

“Fair enough.” All of a sudden, Moria looked as if she was distracted – with the same look coming over Seras’ face. “You feel that, do you Seras?”

Seras nodded. “It’s as if Rally is feeling uncomfortable for some reason.”

Moria looked concerned as she turned to Seras. “Do you think she’s in any danger?” she asked.

“I don’t think so, Moria dear,” the Draculina replied. “From what I’m feeling, Rally seems more inconvenienced that in trouble. I wouldn’t worry, though. Rally’s tough. She can take care of herself.”

“I hope so, Seras,” Moria breathed, worried.

XXX

“Naturally Maxwell would’ve found a table in full sun,” Sir Integra grumbled, she and Rally standing besides each other while Maxwell and Heinkel prepared a table away from shading trees. “Obviously they want to see how you would react in the sunlight, Rally. Are you certain you’re willing to go through with this?”

Rally carefully assessed the situation. “Well, I’m not as powerful in the daylight than I am at night, but it’s not like the sun’s going to kill me,” she said. “Thankfully, it’s nothing a little sunscreen – as well as triple blood rations – can’t solve, to I think I’m good to go!” Getting out her wrap-around sunglasses, she turned to Sir Integra and added, “All ready when you are!” Sir Integra smiled.

At the same time, however, Maxwell and Heinkel also studied the Hellsing duo – mainly concentrating on Rally. “She doesn’t seem to be bothered at all vith the sunlight, Father Maxwell,” Heinkel observed.

“Hmm… this is very disturbing,” Maxwell added. “She’s not in pain, nor is she pleading with Sir Integra not to go into the sun.” He looked over to Heinkel and added, “However, her sire Seras has yet to exhibit such advanced traits herself. It was as if Miss was still stuck at the level she was in when she was a fledgling.”

“A mystery ve’ll have to explore until later.” Deciding to take a chance, Heinkel asked with a nervous smile, “Father Maxwell, I vas wondering… considering the earlier incident, vill this have any affect on myself und Yumie’s pay after ve return to Rome?”

“I said we’ll discuss this later!” the Iscariot leader groused as Sir Integra and Rally walked over to the table, still remembering it.

“Uh... Jawohl, Father Maxwell!” However, another though came to Heinkel’s head, ‘Not good! It looks like another free mission!’

As soon as the two arrived, Maxwell silently bade them to sit down, doing so himself after they were settled down. Heinkel however, chose to stand, guarding her boss.

“Alright Maxwell,” Sir Integra began, “just why have you arranged this meeting in the first place?”

“Yeah, and why am I sitting here as well?” Rally added.

“All in good time, ladies.” Nesting his hands under his chin, Maxwell eyed the two carefully. “It has come to our attention that your organization as been trying to find information about a particular group – Millennium, if I recall correctly.”

“I am not too surprised you found that out, since Father Anderson was on Roanapur after Natasha Radinov warned Rally about them during our mission there,” Sir Integra replied. “So what you are implying is that you have information we do not have?”

“It all depends, Sir Integra… on how willing you are to find out?” Maxwell asked, grinning. “My question to you is… do you wish to know what we know… about Millennium?”

TO BE CONTINUED…

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