Hellsing Fan Fiction / Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Beyond Mortal Blood ❯ Nachtjager ( Chapter 5 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: sadak0 
"Abyssinian, what will you do?" Persia questioned, eyes following the man's movements.
"Aya will be rescued," the redhead confirmed.
Persia nodded, "Hunter of the night. Deny these evil beasts their tomorrow."
The words were familiar to Aya's ears. It was the finality of the beginning of a mission.
Anime/Manga: Hellsing Fan Fiction / Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Action / Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 04.05.2006 | Updated On: 04.05.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 9.6K | Visits: 753 | Status: Work In Progress
"Abyssinian, what will you do?" Persia questioned, eyes following the man's movements.
"Aya will be rescued," the redhead confirmed.
Persia nodded, "Hunter of the night. Deny these evil beasts their tomorrow."
The words were familiar to Aya's ears. It was the finality of the beginning of a mission.
Anime/Manga: Hellsing Fan Fiction / Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Action / Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 04.05.2006 | Updated On: 04.05.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 9.6K | Visits: 753 | Status: Work In Progress
It is time again for a new chapter to be added to Beyond Mortal Blood. Sadly, there's nothing in the chapter dealing with the sexy stuff of the previous two chapters. Instead, there is a good deal of violence. And now, here are the notes from Kay.
Notes from Kay: Don't you love the way how I cunningly dropped a Kritiker base in the middle of London? ^^ And for my Schwarz lovers, here's what you've been waiting for. I'm sure everyone saw Aya-Chan's getting into trouble as soon as Aya left, right? XD Oh! And there's an apology I have yet to make... I'm sorry for any die-hard Ken-Ken fans. You see, I kind of well... Hate him. x.x A lot. I didn't feel like playing him, because I realized I would give him very little attention and very few lines. And so, I'm very sorry. Again. <3 Read and enjoy, all you AxA lovers!
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Aya was quite attentive now, advancing on them.
"What's happened?" he demanded.
It seems that she has been taken..." one Kritiker agent stuttered, backing up.
"It seems?" the assassin was livid. "Who took her?!" he snarled.
"It was Schwarz... What we last heard, Crawford is bringing her here."
The moment he heard this information, Alucard chuckled quietly. Oh, he knew that Aya was already enraged, but seeing how his sister was his only outlet of emotion, Alucard was positive that the anger would only augment. The Vampire stood and eyed the guards curiously – they were scared of Aya? What was to be frightened of? Certainly he was a highly trained assassin, but he was still just a punk. However, Alucard thought that perhaps he spoke from a slightly different perspective... after all, he had spent over a century perfecting himself. He was one of the strongest creatures on the planet, possibly. What did he have to fear? Honestly, he didn't know if he knew the word.
The scarlet pools, shielded by dark mirrors, shifted to the redhead. The fire that burned within the cold violet mirrors seemed equal to the inferno contained within Hell. Not that Alucard had any true experience with Hell – although he was sure when the Apocalypse arrived that was where he would be sent to (not that it bothered him). Hoo. This group, Schwarz... they certainly had it coming. The infuriation of the redhead would not go unnoticed by the organization, that much he was sure about.
"Why wasn't I contacted on the plane?"
Aya's mouth was set in a grim line, standing before the agents as he awaited his answer.
"Persia was afraid you might do something foolish," one muttered, bowing quickly. "Sir, that isn't all the information we have..."
Aya arched an eyebrow, hand sweeping out to grab the agent by his collar. "I'm waiting," he growled.
"Your sister... She's awake..." The fist enclosed about the man's shirt fell away, and Aya's body seemed to shut down completely.
"How..." Aya paused, closing his eyes. "How do you know?"
The agent backed away, "Schwarz left a video for you to watch. If you'll follow us, we'll show it to you..."
It was all the redhead needed to know, and he violently shoved the two Kritiker men forward, urging them to take him to this video. Quickly they were led to an office not so different from Persia's, a screen located behind an oakwood desk. Projected on the screen was Persia, hands folded over his paperwork.
"Aya, how are you holding up?" he inquired, voice only mildly sympathetic.
"Ask me that after I've seen my sister," Aya replied stiffly, turning his eyes to the agents. "Show me. Now."
The familiar man on screen was replaced by an even more painfully familiar face. Dark-hued hair bound in pigtails, and blue eyes spilling forth tears, Aya-Chan was surrounded by four men. Crawford, Nagi, Schuldig, and Farfarello.
"Ran..." she murmured, voice shattering into sobs. "Don't listen to the-" she begged, before cut short by a harsh slap to her face.
"Aya - or Ran, as it seems to be - we have your sister in our custody. I will be bringing her to London with me shortly. If you'd like to see her again - and I know you do - then you'll do as we ask once we find you. Non-compliance will result in this pretty girl's death, and I do believe your ultimate breakdown. I foresee that you will comply, however. Good day." Crawford's laugh rang through his ears, sadistic smile plastered on that face Aya swore he'd split in two.
So tight was his grip on the chair he had sank in to, the polished wood splintered beneath his hands. Schwarz had gone too far. And to slap Aya-Chan?! He'd kill them.
The Vampire, despite Aya's anger, was amused by the situation. So that was the sleeping girl he had seen earlier? She seemed quite lively now – he snickered at himself. He had remained silent for the majority of the trip, and was tempted to make a cutting comment to Aya, though he knew with the young man's unstable demeanor it would not be an intelligent decision. The redhead would most likely turn his anger on Alucard without a second thought, and the idea of a human entering into combat with him...?
The only one that could be considered worthy was Anderson. Humans were simply tissue paper. He could run his hand through the chest cavity of one, tear through their cloth, flesh, and bones. Yes, they certainly could be literally ripped through. Though, they were not usually the most fun to kill. No, those were the vampires, especially the FREAKs, who thought of themselves as so high and almighty. The incredulous look on their faces, wide eyes and tiny pupils, their screams laced with pain and agony... the humans were merely afraid. He did not get the pleasure from showing them their place. As far as he was concerned, they already knew. The Vampire moved closer to the redhead, prepared to follow the young man's next move.
Aya stood, movements and facial expressions disturbingly peaceful. The calm before the storm, most likely. With the transmission ended, his boss reappeared on the screen.
"Aya, how are you holding up?" he inquired again, brows furrowed.
"I will be fine," the assassin returned, voice carefully neutral.
Persia only sighed, shaking his head. "I do not trust it when you tell me that," he answered.
"Then why do you ask me?" Aya turned his back on the screen, leaving the broken chair as he headed for the door.
"Abyssinian, what will you do?" Persia questioned, eyes following the man's movements.
"Aya will be rescued," the redhead confirmed.
Persia nodded, "Hunter of the night. Deny these evil beasts their tomorrow."
The words were familiar to Aya's ears. It was the finality of the beginning of a mission. So Kritiker would not hold this against him as a grudge. No - he had just been assigned the mission to save his dear sister.
The screen fell blank, and Aya left the room, hands at his sides. Agents walked along either side of him.
"What are our orders?" they asked, keeping a fairly safe distance from him in case he exploded in a flurry of rage and fury.
"Find Crawford's plane. Get me the time that it will land, and its location. There is a civilian on board, so don't even think about taking the plane down while it's in the sky. Contact Bombay and Balinese, tell them to expect an ambush at all times. I'll need the supply of blood I left with you here, a grappling hook and a garrote. I expect to have it all within the hour. Get moving."
The agents bowed, a final "Yes Sir!" tossed on the air before they charged away to do as he ordered. It was apparent that he had a great deal of order over the others assassins working for Kritiker.
Alucard followed on Aya's heels. His ears had perked up at the word "blood." Yes, he was full, but it was impossible for him to ignore the mentioning of the word.
"What do you require blood for?" the Vampire asked, donning the grin that seemed to never dissipate.
And it appeared there would be some kind of... altercation ready to happen. He could feel the need to kill rising again. He had abolished it for a few moments by fucking and with the little abuse he had given Aya, but now his mind was on the true reason he had come here: Death. Alucard was sure that the fight may provide him with a small thrill, but nothing compared to the fight with Incognito had brought him.
The one with no identity. He had been mutilated anyway. Unless the ones of Schwarz were anything above ordinary humans, he was sure they would be like all humans – able to be ripped apart.
He opened his mouth again, "And, what exactly are we up against? I'd like to know if what I'll be fighting are maggots, or flies."
His grin grew wider. It was how he viewed his opponents. Maggots – they were the humans. Flies – they were the creatures a step above the maggots. Slightly stronger... but only slightly. Either way, they were easily crushed, whether it be by foot or by hand. Yes, the hunger was growing now... a mound into a hill, a hill to a mountain... he could feel the guns at his side aching to be fired.
"Schwarz is an enemy of Kritiker," Aya answered, not glancing to the Vampire as he stepped inside another room. "It is none of your concern."
Deft hands pulled open cabinets, revealing racks boasting guns. His slender digits went to work, filling several with bullets before he tucked them away into his coat. He did not normally carry guns with him, but in such a case he was going to be prepared. He turned his attention to another shelf, pulling from it a dangerously bladed knife that he slid into his boot.
Violet eyes shifted about the room in a final sweep before he turned to leave. An agent met him on the way, handing him the other weapons he'd asked for. Slipping them into other places on his person, he accepted the blood he had asked for, carefully filling several blood caplets. With precision he positioned a few of them in his mouth, effectively hiding them from sight, and the rest he tucked safely away. Judgment time would come soon.
"It'll take us only a little longer to locate Crawford's plane. Sir." Bowing the agent headed off again.
He could only wait now for Crawford's location.
"Suit yourself," the Vampire replied.
He was sure the fight would amuse him. He had never seen Aya's true abilities in battle. Though, most likely, if anything would get out of control, surely Integra would want him to step in. As mentioned previously, Aya was certainly expendable, but it not mean that he should die. The Vampire, subconsciously, had his own reasons for wanting to keep the young man alive, anyway. And he took note of the care Aya had when going into battle – it was much like Alucard's own. Yes, everything had to be absolutely perfect. Though, Alucard did not require all the weapons that a human did. Most of his were contained inside his body. No, he took time with straightening the cuffs on his shirt, his flowing bow-tie, the wide-brimmed fedora... well, even if he didn't have a reflection, he wanted to look good. Though, it would still be difficult to quell Alucard's desire to kill. It would build inside him, no matter the situation. And even though Aya had commanded him to stay out of the battle, Alucard knew he would observe with a constantly growing interest.
Aya had only stocked up on weapons for the fact that Crawford would no doubt disarm him of half of them. Patiently he waited, until a man appeared before him, gasping for breath as he held out a sheet of paper to the assassin.
"Crawford's plane has just landed. He's heading for this building with the civilian, Sir."
Aya nodded slowly, eyes combing over the map he had been handed, on the back a sheet of blue prints for the building he would be entering.
The redhead did not know his way around London so well, and so he turned to Alucard, brow arched. "Do you know where this place is, and can you take me to it?"
He did not wish to waste time getting lost in a territory that he did not know. Crawford had his sister, and who knows what the man would do to her while waiting for him to get there?
Grinning wider, Alucard gingerly took the map and blueprints from Aya's hand. His eyes scanned it. So, they were relatively close. It was within walking distance. He much preferred walking, anyway. He found his way out of the building (admittedly, Aya had helped) and as they reached outside, he was pleased to find it was night time. The moon was glowing, the orb a pearly white. Silvery, silken veils of light fell onto the ground, highlighting the trees and the roads of England. The stars bloomed across the sky, rows of nocturnal flowers suspended above his head.
He turned, smiling, fangs glistening in the light of the midnight, and pulled Aya close to him.
"It's a wonderful night," he whispered, and he gently squeezed Aya's shoulder, bending down to his ear. "Don't you agree?"
He chuckled, pulling away, his steps deliberate, but not languid, as he knew that the punk would be disagreeable to arriving so slowly.
"Come," he ordered, but kept his head upturned to the sky.
He ached for home, for a moment. He wondered about his Master... Integra... how was she fairing? Was she in danger? Eh... he was sure if she was, Seras could handle it adeptly. Possibly Walter, as well. Seras was growing into a skilled, strong draculina. He checked himself. They were standing in front of the building. They had only walked for... perhaps 30 minutes? It would have been much quicker by car, but that wasn't Aya's choice. He chuckled inwardly. He loved releasing emotions in the boy, sometimes.
Any other time, Alucard's gesture might have bothered the redhead, but he was concentrated on only one thing - his sister. Aya looked to the front entrance, before pulling out the grappling hook. Carefully he aimed it, before releasing it to bury itself high into the wall of the building. With a short sprint he allowed the tool to carry him up the wall, other hand sliding his sword from its sheath. Swiftly he sliced a cross through the glass of a window, shattering it as he entered the building with his own flair. The assassin crouched, gaze observing the room quickly before he ran towards the door.
He took the stairs at an insane speed, searching the building thoroughly until he located Aya-Chan, bound, on the seventeenth floor. Only five stories higher than he had propelled himself. No matter. He advanced to her, but she shook her head, trying to voice her concern past the fabric wrapped about her mouth. Paying her no heed, he continued towards her, kneeling to free her lips to talk.
"Ran, it's a trap!" she cried, narrowly followed by a bullet in their direction.
Shielding her, he wrapped his arms around her, dashing towards the stairwell. A barrage of bullets followed after him, "Are you an idiot? You walked right into that one Aya. I really can't believe it."
The redhead shoved the girl towards the stairs, turning to face the man that he loathed.
"Crawford," he growled, eyes narrowed. He threw himself behind a pillar, sword re-sheathed as he pulled out a gun.
"I see everything that you're doing," Crawford snickered. "Or have you forgotten that?" Aya frowned, "How could I forget?"
The Vampire had followed, a slower pace than Aya, but it was simple for him to climb the building – he didn't need such things as a grappling hook. He scaled the wall merely by jumping, which was a large distance to begin with, and he dug into the concrete with his bare hands, the dirt creeping under his fingernails as he gripped tightly. He tightened his upper body and propelled himself upward, grinning madly. He scaled the wall quickly, his eyes wild. The anticipation was getting to him. As he came upon it, Alucard flung himself through the broken window, and with a nonchalant speed he too climbed the stairs, now allowing himself to relax and compose.
As he reached the seventeenth floor, his eyes caught sight of a purple-headed young girl, whom he had last seen in a coma. Huh. He cocked an eyebrow, and with his hands in his pockets, he took up a spot next to her, leaning against the wall. A slight smile graced his face as the rubies, shimmering with amusement, locked onto Aya, and moved to the other man who had dark, nearly black hair. He had glasses as well – who was he? Alucard didn't care as long as he made the fight interesting. Since he was unable to kill the man on his own, the least he could do was observe and be entertained.
The female's eyes drifted to Alucard, wide and slightly frightened. She scooted away from him, before looking back into the room, Crawford and Aya poised on either side. As yet, neither had made a move since Aya-Chan had been removed from the room. Aya grimaced, back pressed to the pillar as he listened to the other man advance.
"You care enough about your sister to get shot at? My, my. I never knew you to be the sentimental type. It's a shame too, because we need your sister too much to return her to you."
Aya dashed from his hiding place, two bullets directed at the leader of Schwarz. Connecting directly with the man, he merely smirked, head cocked to the side. Bullet proof vest.
"How much do you know about your sister? Hm? Do you know how special her DNA is?"
The redhead did not reply, throwing himself towards Crawford. Half way to his enemy, he readied the dagger from his boot, catching only his shoulder before Crawford flipped him and slammed him into the ground.
"You never did talk much. Let me tell you about what she's capable of."
Aya crouched, glowering. "I already know," he snarled, lunging once more to attack. He allowed himself to fumble, and it appeared that Crawford took the bait. A hand wrapped around the assassin's throat. With a smirk, Crawford moved his head forward, grip tightening as he forced a kiss upon Aya. A simple shift of his jaw and blood was pouring forth into his opponent's mouth. Startled, Brad recoiled, hand wiping at his mouth.
"Blood?!"
With such a mistake, Aya gained the only initiative he needed, slamming his body into the larger one and in no uncertain terms beating the man until his body was no doubt more bruised than Aya's. Grudgingly, Aya took a few bullets, but he had also come prepared with a vest, and only one shot actually grazed his arm unguarded by it.
As the girl moved away from him, Alucard snickered. Did he exude an aura of creepiness? He kept his eyes on the fight. Aya was clever, and it shined through when he fought. He planned his moves well, and for a moment, Alucard almost regretted calling him a fool. He watched with wide eyes when the dark-haired man pressed his lips onto Aya's, only to recoil, blood spilling from his mouth. It was too bad that humans did not appreciate blood as he did – the redhead's was some of the sweetest he knew, but if the humans tasted it in their mouths, all they could do was spit from them in disgust.
A shame – such a waste of blood. The young man truly had prepared well. A bullet-proof vest, blood caplets, the gun. Well. Perhaps, while still a punk, he was one that was well-trained. This was growing more and more interesting by the moment! He longed to be part of it, even if it would be a quick fight. Bullet-proof vests wouldn't be a problem for the ones in Joshua – 13mm, explosive, silver-filled spread bullets. And as for Jackal? He wouldn't even think about it. As if he would aim for the chest, anyway. No, he had always blown apart the skull (or simply emptied his magazine into the opponent), and for extra measure, drove his arm into the chest. He thought of Crawford's blood spilling – but it would probably taste awful.
Crawford, now hardly able to stand, glared at the assassin he had reigned victory over so many times before. What made this time so different? Was it the thought of his sister in danger? Coughing, he made a final sprint away as Aya-Chan ran into the room to hug the redhead. Fluid movements met with her - and with deadly precision a blood covered sword beamed through her back, Aya's no less.
"W-why..." she murmured, head lifting with effort to look at him.
"You aren't Aya," he replied, voice cold and unforgiving as his blade sliced cleanly through her skin.
"Just a fucked up experiment to catch me off guard." The violet eyes did not once glance in the girl's direction, for he would not have been able to kill her if he had.
"He... He told me you wouldn't know," she whispered. "Said even clones could have a happy life... He was... wro..." her words ended there as she slid off of the bloodied silver.
With widened eyes, Alucard did not make a move as the girl's body fell from the young man's sword. He scanned Aya's body, completely motionless, the mirrors iced over and devoid of any hint of feeling. The crimson gaze fell to the dead girl, the clone, and he almost felt compassion for the redhead who stood there, an aura of frigid darkness surrounding him. For one who felt so deeply for his sister, Alucard realised how difficult it must have been to slay one who looked identical to her. Though, of course, he would not have such problems in a situation. If one were ever to make an imitation of his Master, the fake would be disposed of immediately with no troubles. If it were not the real person, why care? Well, that was his take on it, anyway.
Soon, he was behind Aya, his usual grin on his lips.
"That was amusing," he stated plainly, "but where are we off to now?"
He adjusted his sunglasses.
"It's a beautiful night. It'd be a shame to waste it."
The Vampire's toothy smile only grew wider – he had not meant anything sexual by it, though if Aya took it that way, he certainly wouldn't mind if the punk concurred. Though, there was the other task to be accomplished, the conspiracy. That is why they had come here in the first place. However, he did not know where the redhead wanted to head from here, so, benevolently (he felt), he had asked him.
Amusing? Aya had found nothing about that encounter amusing. Sick bastard, was all the redhead could think as his phone began to ring. He answered it quickly, listening to a breathless voice on the phone.
"Aya! The girl that you went after, she's -"
Aya finished the sentence, "Fake. She's dead."
Silence answered him on the line as the caller mulled it over.
"Aya... How did you know?" he asked, quietly.
"My sister is in a coma. If she woke up she wouldn't be able to run. Atrophy would have rendered most of her body useless," he explained, voice still painfully harsh.
"We found her, Aya. She was at Schwarz's hide out. She's still... In a coma."
That piece of information didn't seem foreign to Aya, and he said a final good-bye before hanging up.
Violet eyes turned to Alucard, "I need to go to Kritiker. I don't care what you do."
As he spoke, another two caplets within his mouth erupted - pouring forth more blood. Clapping a hand to his mouth, he felt the sudden urge to vomit as a bit of the crimson liquid slid down his throat, the other daring to spill from between his fingers. He had no doubt the final one would not be long in breaking, and such an assumption was quickly answered as his tooth grazed against it. Amazing how much the things could hold.
Knowing that the punk had ruptured the other blood caplets within his mouth, Alucard grinned. Oh, he asked for it with those things. The Vampire could simply not resist, and wrenched the punk's hand away from his mouth, holding the hand tightly, replacing the hand with his own mouth. The long tongue infiltrated the mouth filled with blood, ushering the liquid into his own mouth. He guzzled it, savoring the taste. Odd how even when he was full, he could not pass a chance to taste Aya's blood. Every drop was heavenly, and he closed his eyes as his tongue swept every cavity of the punk's mouth, searching almost frantically for more of the sweet liquid.
No, all it found were the empty capsules, which it did not even bother to remove. However, it did not stop him from continuing what had transformed into a kiss, rather than a clean-up job. He clenched Aya's hand tighter, kissing him for only a few more moments before pulling away, a noise of satisfaction escaping him. He licked the punk's lips, then his own, snickering as he straightened his form.
"I'll follow you."
Aya had intended not to respond when the feeding had turned into such a thing as a kiss, but he found that he couldn't stop himself from returning it. And when the Vampire pulled away, he turned his head, spitting the empty shells from his mouth. Grateful to have the liquid out of his mouth, he was still a little sickened from the amount he had ingested. But Crawford had probably swallowed more earlier, so he felt avenged in some odd kind of way.
"Then follow me, if that's your decision," the redhead commented, irritably pushing the thought of the kiss out of his mouth as he moved towards the stairs.
He was supposed to be focusing only on his mission, not getting sidetracked by lust. Yes, lust would be the word he used in relation to how his body reacted to Alucard. What else could possibly make him crave the man's essence? He stopped, ears at work.
"We've got company. Guards are headed our way."
Thumb in position, he slid his sword from the scabbard. Now that he was no longer facing Crawford, he would revert back to his preferred weapon.
The Vampire moved next to Aya, and at the sight of guards, his countenance took on an appearance that Aya had most likely never seen before. The crimson eyes widened, the pupils shrank, and his smile grew dark, wicked, psychotic. His hand was on Joshua, whipping it from its holster, and he cocked it, and as multiple guards were in his sight, he fired. It only took one bullet to drive itself into one guard, and the ones surrounding him were dissolved in an explosion due to the spread effect. Yes, these bullets were perhaps too powerful to use on humans, but it didn't matter to him. More gore. He let our a derisive cackle and fired again, and again as he moved forward slowly. He knew there would be more, and as he descended the staircase he could hear them, their hushed breaths – attempting stealth! He laughed louder.
"You creatures are pathetic!" he cried.
Click click, boom. Click click, boom. He fired again, and again, descending the staircase, his laughter rolling from him in howls. Normally, he found this type of behavior idiotic, careless, and senseless. Many a time he had scorned his own enemies for senselessly slaughtering humans. Should that happen, eventually, there wouldn't be enough food for any Vampire. Though, in his mind, this was not senseless. These were his targets. They simply happened to be humans. But, assuredly, when he was sober and his mind no longer clouded by the overwhelming need to kill he would scold himself, and of course, Integra would find out. Still, Alucard found that he had lost sight of himself, and reveled in every pool of blood that he stepped in, every slamming of an organ or body part against the wall. He managed to catch a splatter of blood against his face, which he licked up. It tasted awful, but god it was in this heat that made it delicious. He had descended ten flights of stairs already, and the guards, admittedly, were growing low. He was sure by now they had gotten the message that perhaps if they took a step near the intruders, it would be their instant demise.
"Isn't this fun, punk?" he cried, realising that he had taken every life so far, but not caring.
Aya, within the first few deaths had put his sword away, hands tucked into his pockets as he walked behind the Vampire. Alucard had it under control, and as he glanced at the carnage, he was reminded of the videos Manx had always shown them just before they were sent on missions. The death that was supposed to ignite the justice in them.
"Yeah, fun," Aya replied blandly, head tilted down as he continued to move in tow.
Listening for guards, he shrugged his shoulders lightly, the sound of footsteps retreating. Guards who wanted to save their own asses were fleeing the premises, but who could blame them? They had seen what had become of their comrades, and no man wished that kind of death upon himself.
"They're gone," he murmured, softly, side stepping a rather gory area. He should have been sick at the sight of so much death, but he found nothing in himself but a dull numbness. It was because of that girl he had killed, and the knowledge that his sister was still not awake and had been taken less than twenty-four hours after he had left her. Had his judgment failed him when he decided to go to England? Was his blinding rage to make Takatori pay inhibiting his ability to make the ultimately right decision? Or was it something else that was controlling his choices, turning him upside down and making him unable to choose between right or wrong? Such thoughts haunted him for the entire journey down and out of the building. Brain muddled, he glanced about the street, scarcely remembering the way back to Kritiker.
The Vampire sported a large, triumphant grin as he stepped out, and his gaze flickered to the moon. Yes, it truly was a wonderful night. He turned to Aya, his tall, strong body outlined by the ivory beams of moonlight. It highlighted his features, turning all that would be found creepy to eerily handsome – something that was not often seen by others. His eyes, garnet and ruby jewels, glimmered with something unable to be identified – amusement, perhaps?
The light olive of his skin was brimming from the pearly rays of the moon, and a soft breeze passed, sending his sable locks flying across his face for a moment, contrasting with the lightness that surrounded him. It was in these moments that he appeared truly Vampiric – power entwined with seduction. A deadly combination. He let out a small chuckle.
"Don't dawdle, punk. We have to get back to Kritiker, don't we?"
Alucard took the redhead by the hand and pulled him forward, against the Vampire's own body, bringing the pale face close to his.
"The prey is waiting," he purred, and pulled away slowly, turning and cackling softly. His hands in his pockets, he strode back to Kritiker, as he remembered the way – even if Aya didn't.
Aya had indeed noticed the change in Alucard's looks, but had angrily shook off the feelings of admiration. Unfortunately for him, he was dragged back into such a mindset when the Vampire drew him close. Despite the emptiness within him, Alucard's antics had sparked something within him again, and he followed after him a safe distance away. He would not be caught off guard again - having his surprise get him flustered was a deep annoyance and he did not want to go through it any longer.
As they entered back into Kritiker's territory, Aya hunted about for a room that boasted a computer, and once he'd found one he got to work. Titling it with his code name, he began a short report. Within a hundred words he covered the entire mission, and then sent it off for Persia to read. That accomplished, he pilfered the laptop on which he'd just been working. They might not have one in the room he'd be staying in. His phone rang again, unnervingly, and he answered it with impatience.
"What?" the inflection in his voice was brutal, perhaps like icy shards.
"Well, it's nice to know you're as foul mooded as ever." The voice of Manx, sarcastic and dry. "I called to tell you that Persia wants you to stay within the Hellsing organization while you're in London."
The redhead closed his eyes, mouth set in a frown.
"No."
The woman was appalled, "Excuse me? Aya, you're hardly in a position to make those kind of decisions. We need you close to Alucard should any emergencies occur. You don't know your way around and it would be dangerous for you otherwise."
Aya snorted derisively, "I'll learn."
Manx sighed, "Aya, quit being stubborn. Just do as we ask."
Alucard stood behind Aya the entire time, listening intently to the conversation, that, due to the silence in the room, was easily deciphered. His smile widened. He turned to the exit and threw his head back.
"You heard the woman. Follow me, punk."
The Vampire did not swivel back to see if Aya was following him, as he figured the redhead would if he knew what was good for him. His steps were long, but not as deliberate as they once had been. Hellsing wasn't a great distance away, but without any contact from him in about two days, Integra might have been growing weary. He of course, admired the moon on his way, not paying any mind to Aya since his last words to him. He figured his Master would be sleeping at the moment, that is, if there wasn't an incident that needed to be dealt with at the moment.
No, he had reached the gate now – and the organization was more like a huge mansion, but contained within it was all there would ever be needed. Alucard strode through the familiar walkways, up past the rows of finely kept greenery, up the stairs when he was met by the large double-doors of the mansion. Within moments, they were opened by Walter "Angel of Death" Dornez, Hellsing's resident butler. Alucard smiled, nodding to the old man as he sauntered past, making sure to note to him that the guest that had been here earlier was behind him and could you please prepare a room for him. Walter nodded in acceptance of the command, and hurried off mentioning to Alucard that his Master was up and she wishes to see you. Alucard grinned, and climbed the staircase to the office of his master: Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing.
She sat at her desk, her face smooth and expressionless, her steely blue eyes boring into Alucard's. The Vampire removed his sunglasses and moved toward the front of her desk, and motioned backwards, towards the redhead.
"He'll be staying with us... and it appears there is a conspiracy dealing with the officials in England and the FREAK chip – it will be a joint effort between his organization, Kritiker, and Hellsing to abolish the abominations. But now that it has been established... give me an order, my Master," Alucard said, grinning, and bowing to her.
She was the only person who he would ever submit to – until, of course, the next in line of the family came along. And he realised that it would be the one of the few times Aya would see him submissive, though playful all the same.
Aya hardly cared that Alucard was being submissive - he'd already vowed to stay out of Alucard's business, and out of the man's pants. His bag of necessities was gripped in his hand as his eyes combed over the room before inspecting the blood that was splashed across his trench coat. It was hardly noticeable, what with the garment's dark color, but he saw it all the same. He had entertained thoughts of staying at Kritiker, but he realized in doing that, he would anger Persia - and angering his boss meant his ousting out of the organization completely. Or he would have sent Manx to beat some sense into him and drag him to Hellsing for Alucard.
No, that would not have been a pleasant experience, and so he had grudgingly followed after the Vampire. Having been unconscious the first time he had been brought to Hellsing, he did observe the rooms as they passed through them, realizing dreadfully that this would be his home for an undetermined amount of time. He supposed he would have to get used to it. The violet eyes rose to look at Integra, but he said nothing, nor did anything for that matter. For one, Aya did not know how he should react, and secondly he wasn't exactly the type of person that showed respect through gestures - it was the type of respect that was reflected in those amethyst pools.
Integra eyed Aya suspiciously, but turned her gaze back to Alucard.
"Walter is preparing a room for him, correct?"
Alucard nodded quickly in response.
"Very well then." the woman pushed forward a picture of an older man, balding, fat, a thick mustache and spectacles. "Your next target – Meriweather Webster – I'm sure he's one Kritiker has their sights on, as it's been reported he's killed opposing officials for his own gain. Not to mention he's eluded all authority... until we were called upon, that is. Alucard, you know our policy. Search and Destroy," she ordered, and her own spectacles flashed as she turned her head oh-so-slightly.
Alucard grinned. "Yes, my master."
He turned on his heel, not paying any mind to the punk as he passed him, only mentioning to the redhead to wait for him by the exit. He descended to his quarters quickly, donning his old attire, relieved to be in his trench coat once more – and his hat. He shook his hair a bit, checked the guns on his sides – Jackal, yes, Joshua, yes – and moved out, passing Seras on the way, good night out, isn't it police girl, and was at Aya's side once more.
"Let us go, punk, the night is high and the kill is on. You're skilled. You lead the way this time."
Aya had yet to set down his things, but with Alucard's want to start the mission, he unceremoniously dropped his bag. He would need nothing in it yet. Except the laptop. He pulled it out, slipping a transmitter into his ear. Flicking the computer on, he waited as he uploaded the target's statistics. Yes, the man was also one of Kritiker's targets.
"Abyssinian to Kritiker," he muttered, waiting patiently while they deciphered his signal. "Online," another voice said into his ear.
"Target, Meriweather Webster, designate location," Aya commanded, shutting the laptop.
"He is currently located within a club by the name of Havana Jax. Coordinates from your current location are..." And the man began listing off the directions.
Aya stuffed the laptop back into his bag, before moving out to start leading the way to the target's location. Omi was generally in charge of the intelligence and technology, but the task had now been given to the redhead. He could do little else to help exterminate the targets. Yes, he could take out guards, and set up explosives to assure their outcome, but that was about it as far as the violence went. The assassin was quick about getting them to the club, and he noted to himself that it would not be so hard to figure his way around England. No, he would memorize London within a week's time and best to learn it at night. Daylight learning would leave him lost when darkness fell.
The Vampire was only slightly impressed with the technology Aya had used – usually, he merely used his senses. However, it was not as if technology was forbidden, either. Integra's main concern was simply the motto of Hellsing: "Search and Destroy." It did not matter how these tasks were carried out, as long as it was quick, and the mission was completed. Alucard knew of Havana Jax, it was a relatively new club that had been established – though he was never one to take part in the club mentality. No, that was much beyond him. Of course, he may have taken part in such a thing whilst he was a young Vampire, but now that he had seen nearly six centuries, it seemed immature and destructive to those who were not immortal. And for the ones that were – it was a destructive in a different way. It was a destruction of their pride as a Midian, a smudge on the majesty of being Nosferatu. Alucard noted the way Aya carried himself as he took the way to the club.
He was confident, strong, but still remained enclosed in an icy barrier, something Alucard had only penetrated twice. And while doing so, had penetrated much more than an intangible barrier, but that was much besides the point. The club was hidden away, with windows curtained by thick wooden boards nailed to the walls as to conceal the raucous activity. Alucard pulled his hat down only slightly, and entered the club. It was easy to spot such an old man when he was surrounded by young, thin teens, pumping themselves full of Ecstasy and alcohol, their bodies pulsing to the beat of the music.
Webster sat at the bar, sipping down what was most likely alcohol mixed with transfusion blood – how the seedy clubs got a hold of blood was a mystery. Alucard figured the old man was biding his time until he felt it right to kill at least one of the teenagers in this room for his own sick pleasure. Alucard recalled earlier when he decimated the guards and nearly winced, but instead kept his mind on the task at hand. Surely if they attacked right out, the old man would be sent into a flurry and turn all the young ones into ghouls – things easily destroyed, but there would be no need for more casualties. He turned to Aya, grinning widely.
"How do you propose we handle this, punk?"
Aya had settled himself against the wall, lips moving as he quietly - almost wordlessly - reported their location for the agent in his ear. Certainly he had not expected Alucard to ask for his opinion. Possibly he had thought the Vampire would take it from there, and he would only sit back and watch, waiting for it to be over. This was not the case, he noticed, cocking his head to the side as he folded his arms over his chest.
"The easiest way would be luring him with bait," Aya commented, voice still quiet, considering.
Bait... Violet eyes slid to Alucard, before he pushed himself away from his resting place. A delicate hand slipped into his pocket, pulling out yet more blood caplets. He had stocked up, it appeared. With a momentary look of disgust, he slipped two into his mouth, eye teeth biting into them. He abandoned his coat, alabaster arms revealed as he strode towards their target, fingers touching his lips as blood spilled from between them. Perhaps the man would be like other male Kritiker targets in the fact that they seemed to have no problem with homosexuality. Of course, there was still that chance it was the aura of Aya's being that propelled them to want him.
As he expected, he felt eyes concentrating fire on his back as he strode slowly towards a hallway hidden back in the club. He had been in such places before, and he was almost certain there would be bedrooms back there. A smirk formed on his lips as his ears caught sound of footsteps following him, and one glance over his shoulder confirmed that the target was indeed following him, gaze watching the delicate river of blood dribbling down Aya's chin. A quick left and he was deposited in a room, and with a flick of his wrist, he had the garrote (wire) in his hand, propelling it to the light that hung overhead. Fluid movements found him atop one of the bedposts, crouched as he awaited the man's entrance. He only hoped Alucard had been wise enough to follow.
Alucard smiled at the punk's clever maneuver, it would keep the target away from civilians and provide a secluded location for which to administer the final blow. He was only a metre behind the FREAK, and as he too found himself inside the dark bedroom, Aya positioned with careful balance on a bedpost. The old man could only stare at Aya, and turned at a flutter of fabric behind him, the short, chubby form met face-to-chest with a tall, lean one. Alucard grinned and moved forward, causing the old man to back up only slightly.
"Who are you?" Webster demanded, making sure to bear his fangs, as if he thought it would frighten his attacker.
Alucard, as expected, was not fazed. "Don't you think you're a little old to be hanging around here?" he asked Webster, grinning, showing that he was also a creature of the night.
The old man faltered crying, "Ah... you are one too? Then why have you followed me? I have claimed this boy!"
He gestured to Aya. Alucard shook his head, cackling, "You? On par with me? Hardly. I'm an assassin and my assignment is you."
Webster's eyes widened with fear and from his side he whipped a pistol, firing straight into Alucard's face. The dark-haired man's head was kicked back, blood erupting from his face, his glasses exploding in tiny shards about the room. His body remained standing, and he stood there for only a moment, and soon, he began to shake with laughter. Webster cocked an eyebrow, holding his gun in defense.
"You fool... normal guns could never kill a true Vampire!"
Blood from the floor soaked into Alucard's feet, and as he turned his head up, face mutilated, it was suddenly remade in front of Webster's eyes. The old man screamed and scrambled for the door way, but Alucard blocked it with sheer size.
"Parading about as if you're true Nosferatu... despicable," he growled, a malicious glint in his crimson eyes.
He pulled from his side Joshua, and his scarlet orbs widened, his wicked grin growing as it had earlier in the night, and he fired straight into the head of the old man, pulling apart the body and extinguishing the form, turning it into dust on the floor. Alucard smiled and placed his gun back, looking at Aya with an almost "come hither" glance, entranced by the blood dripping from his chin. He abstained from doing much else, and merely said, "Lead the way out."
Aya dropped away from the bed, wire disappearing into his pocket as he lifted his coat from his shoulder where he'd been holding it. He looked a bit nauseated as he walked past Alucard, fingers working to clear the blood from his face. Even with that accomplished, he still had the liquid and his mouth, and he was quickly steadying himself against the wall, head bent as he emptied the contents of his stomach on the ground. Too much blood - he'd digested too much for his system to handle. It had made him sick. He searched out a bathroom first, cleaning the traces of sickness from his face.
With a bitter, metallic taste in his mouth, he stalked to the entrance of the club and exited, quite disgusted by the fact he had vomited. Clearly it looked as if he did not enjoy the thought of being sick. But then, no one did. Beyond that, defenses were difficult to maintain when the body was rejecting what had been put into it.
The voice in his ear seemed slightly concerned, "Abyssinian? Are you okay?"
Aya replied with an affirmative, "Nothing to worry about. Too many caplets in one night," he explained.
"Ah, I assume you will be frequenting the supply of them?"
Again Aya affirmed the assumption, feet carrying him back toward the Hellsing mansion.
"Manx will be expecting a mission report as soon as you can manage one."
Yes, Aya would have to that first thing once he'd gotten settled into the room prepared for him.
Alucard had heard him vomit, but didn't honestly care – only that it was a bit of a waste of such tasty fluid. His carried himself next to Aya, his face complacent and calm, admiring the night sky. It was such a nice, quiet night, and it was nights like these, even when he was full, that made him want to suck blood. It was not long before they were back inside the mansion, Walter at their service.
"Mister... ah..." he began, not knowing the name of the young man.
"Fujimiya," Alucard informed him, smiling. Walter nodded and smiled graciously, "This way to your room, Mr. Fujimiya."
The man turned on his heel and led the redhead across the first floor, into a secluded hallway, opening the sturdy oak door, revealing a finely furnished room, old but luxurious, complete with a four-poster canopy bed. He bowed, and left Aya to his own devices, returning to Alucard who had been waiting patiently by the door.
"What the young man chooses to do now is his choice."
Alucard nodded, "Good night, Walter."
Instead of turning for the basement, he instead chose to stand outside, his crimson orbs locked onto the moon. He thought of Aya – and wondered at first why the punk was on his mind at all. It was most likely due to the sex they had. It certainly was wonderful, he had to admit, probably the two best encounters in quite awhile. He figured it could be attributed to the fact that Aya had such wonderful tasting blood, but it could be possible there was something more. The Vampire had lived so long that developing a crush seemed foreign to him, although not impossible. He certainly had the capacity for such feelings in his being.
He felt for Integra, though not in a "crush-like" way. No, it was more an emotion of deep admiration, and the notions he reserved for the redhead were of a different caliber. Alucard considered it a bit longer and shrugged it off. Normally on these nights, he was either in the company of his Master, who was sleeping, or Seras, who was in the cellar most likely debating whether she should have her next meal or not. This night he preferred to spend alone, simply pondering. He did not know if he would feel like sleeping when the morning came, either. But that would be figured out then.
When Aya had entered the room, he quickly shed his coat once again, folding it and setting it down on the bed. He comfortably seated himself on the floor, laptop brandished as he sent in the report. Violet eyes scanned over the screen as he opened the encrypted file containing Kritiker's targets. Quietly in his ear, a voice spoke.
"Aya?" he knew the young voice all too well.
"Omi, you know this is to be used for business only," he murmured, eyes still concentrated on the screen as he read.
"It is business," the blond responded defensively. "I was supposed to inform you that Aya-Chan is now in Kritiker's care. Her health is stable, and her body didn't seem to suffer any shock from being taken off the machines by Schwarz."
A smile dared touch his face. "Good to hear, how is everything fairing?"
He could sense the smile in the young assassin's voice as he informed him of the day's events.
He listened intently, before bidding Omi farewell with the excuse that he had research to do. Reluctantly the connection was cut, and Aya resumed inspecting the files. Old targets he had killed, ones not yet taken care of. Deliberately he was preoccupying himself, but it didn't work as he wished it to. In his mind a voice called, laughing and merry:
"Ran, I'm so excited!"
He'd smiled then, "You're growing up so fast, Aya."
In his mind he could envision the girl as she shook her head, "I wish I could stay young forever."
Diligently he remembered that final day, the carnival he had taken his sister to on her birthday. And, inevitably, the memories carried him back over the threshold of his house, only to find parents no longer alive. He remembered his sister screaming, crying as she ran out of the house. And there. His body froze as that piercing scream echoed through his mind again. How many times had he relived Aya-Chan's accident within his mind? How many times would he continue to allow himself to see it?
"Aya..." he whispered, resting his back against the side of the bed, fingers laying against the keys of the computer. Eyes falling shut, he listened as his heart slowed down after the memory, only to beat hard again. His memories were digging up something else. But what? Behind closed lids, his amethyst gaze caught sight of the Vampire, silhouetted by the moon, hair caressing his face in the gentle breeze. Another image appeared in mind's eye, far different from that image. The plane, when he had looked up into those deep scarlet pools as he had given himself willing to Alucard. Aya shook the thoughts from his mind, eyes opening as he stared down at the computer blankly. Why...?
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Ohh, Aya's thinkin' of Alucard. Isn't that cute? Now you know what happened to Aya-Chan, aren't you happy? Kay had lots of fun with Aya angst in this chapter, and more to come in chapters following, which you'll just have to wait for. ^_^
Reader Response Time!:
Mrs.T: Thank you for the awesome story rating, we really like seeing that people enjoy our story that much. ^_^ We try very hard to keep Aya and Alucard in character as much as humanly possible. Here's your Schwarz! You'll see how Alucard responds to Schu and Farfie soon enough... <_< Or will you? We also love the fact that you used the word altercation. That makes you instantly awesome.
hecate_19: We're very sorry about the jumping of P.O.V., but being that we each are playing a different character, it's a little difficult to mesh them together. I (Kay) was waiting for the day someone brought up Ken-Ken. XD Like I said, I'm really sorry for killing him off, but I would have ignored him completely should I have put him in the story. As for how he died.... Well, I'll leave that to your imagination. Create a deeply tragic and heroic death for him, if you want.
A huge thank you to all of our readers! We hope you stay with us through future installments to Beyond Mortal Blood! ^_^ Keep the reviews coming, we're always glad to have them, and they do keep us excited to write more. Much love! <3
P.S. The chapter name is German for "Night Hunters". x3
Notes from Kay: Don't you love the way how I cunningly dropped a Kritiker base in the middle of London? ^^ And for my Schwarz lovers, here's what you've been waiting for. I'm sure everyone saw Aya-Chan's getting into trouble as soon as Aya left, right? XD Oh! And there's an apology I have yet to make... I'm sorry for any die-hard Ken-Ken fans. You see, I kind of well... Hate him. x.x A lot. I didn't feel like playing him, because I realized I would give him very little attention and very few lines. And so, I'm very sorry. Again. <3 Read and enjoy, all you AxA lovers!
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Aya was quite attentive now, advancing on them.
"What's happened?" he demanded.
It seems that she has been taken..." one Kritiker agent stuttered, backing up.
"It seems?" the assassin was livid. "Who took her?!" he snarled.
"It was Schwarz... What we last heard, Crawford is bringing her here."
The moment he heard this information, Alucard chuckled quietly. Oh, he knew that Aya was already enraged, but seeing how his sister was his only outlet of emotion, Alucard was positive that the anger would only augment. The Vampire stood and eyed the guards curiously – they were scared of Aya? What was to be frightened of? Certainly he was a highly trained assassin, but he was still just a punk. However, Alucard thought that perhaps he spoke from a slightly different perspective... after all, he had spent over a century perfecting himself. He was one of the strongest creatures on the planet, possibly. What did he have to fear? Honestly, he didn't know if he knew the word.
The scarlet pools, shielded by dark mirrors, shifted to the redhead. The fire that burned within the cold violet mirrors seemed equal to the inferno contained within Hell. Not that Alucard had any true experience with Hell – although he was sure when the Apocalypse arrived that was where he would be sent to (not that it bothered him). Hoo. This group, Schwarz... they certainly had it coming. The infuriation of the redhead would not go unnoticed by the organization, that much he was sure about.
"Why wasn't I contacted on the plane?"
Aya's mouth was set in a grim line, standing before the agents as he awaited his answer.
"Persia was afraid you might do something foolish," one muttered, bowing quickly. "Sir, that isn't all the information we have..."
Aya arched an eyebrow, hand sweeping out to grab the agent by his collar. "I'm waiting," he growled.
"Your sister... She's awake..." The fist enclosed about the man's shirt fell away, and Aya's body seemed to shut down completely.
"How..." Aya paused, closing his eyes. "How do you know?"
The agent backed away, "Schwarz left a video for you to watch. If you'll follow us, we'll show it to you..."
It was all the redhead needed to know, and he violently shoved the two Kritiker men forward, urging them to take him to this video. Quickly they were led to an office not so different from Persia's, a screen located behind an oakwood desk. Projected on the screen was Persia, hands folded over his paperwork.
"Aya, how are you holding up?" he inquired, voice only mildly sympathetic.
"Ask me that after I've seen my sister," Aya replied stiffly, turning his eyes to the agents. "Show me. Now."
The familiar man on screen was replaced by an even more painfully familiar face. Dark-hued hair bound in pigtails, and blue eyes spilling forth tears, Aya-Chan was surrounded by four men. Crawford, Nagi, Schuldig, and Farfarello.
"Ran..." she murmured, voice shattering into sobs. "Don't listen to the-" she begged, before cut short by a harsh slap to her face.
"Aya - or Ran, as it seems to be - we have your sister in our custody. I will be bringing her to London with me shortly. If you'd like to see her again - and I know you do - then you'll do as we ask once we find you. Non-compliance will result in this pretty girl's death, and I do believe your ultimate breakdown. I foresee that you will comply, however. Good day." Crawford's laugh rang through his ears, sadistic smile plastered on that face Aya swore he'd split in two.
So tight was his grip on the chair he had sank in to, the polished wood splintered beneath his hands. Schwarz had gone too far. And to slap Aya-Chan?! He'd kill them.
The Vampire, despite Aya's anger, was amused by the situation. So that was the sleeping girl he had seen earlier? She seemed quite lively now – he snickered at himself. He had remained silent for the majority of the trip, and was tempted to make a cutting comment to Aya, though he knew with the young man's unstable demeanor it would not be an intelligent decision. The redhead would most likely turn his anger on Alucard without a second thought, and the idea of a human entering into combat with him...?
The only one that could be considered worthy was Anderson. Humans were simply tissue paper. He could run his hand through the chest cavity of one, tear through their cloth, flesh, and bones. Yes, they certainly could be literally ripped through. Though, they were not usually the most fun to kill. No, those were the vampires, especially the FREAKs, who thought of themselves as so high and almighty. The incredulous look on their faces, wide eyes and tiny pupils, their screams laced with pain and agony... the humans were merely afraid. He did not get the pleasure from showing them their place. As far as he was concerned, they already knew. The Vampire moved closer to the redhead, prepared to follow the young man's next move.
Aya stood, movements and facial expressions disturbingly peaceful. The calm before the storm, most likely. With the transmission ended, his boss reappeared on the screen.
"Aya, how are you holding up?" he inquired again, brows furrowed.
"I will be fine," the assassin returned, voice carefully neutral.
Persia only sighed, shaking his head. "I do not trust it when you tell me that," he answered.
"Then why do you ask me?" Aya turned his back on the screen, leaving the broken chair as he headed for the door.
"Abyssinian, what will you do?" Persia questioned, eyes following the man's movements.
"Aya will be rescued," the redhead confirmed.
Persia nodded, "Hunter of the night. Deny these evil beasts their tomorrow."
The words were familiar to Aya's ears. It was the finality of the beginning of a mission. So Kritiker would not hold this against him as a grudge. No - he had just been assigned the mission to save his dear sister.
The screen fell blank, and Aya left the room, hands at his sides. Agents walked along either side of him.
"What are our orders?" they asked, keeping a fairly safe distance from him in case he exploded in a flurry of rage and fury.
"Find Crawford's plane. Get me the time that it will land, and its location. There is a civilian on board, so don't even think about taking the plane down while it's in the sky. Contact Bombay and Balinese, tell them to expect an ambush at all times. I'll need the supply of blood I left with you here, a grappling hook and a garrote. I expect to have it all within the hour. Get moving."
The agents bowed, a final "Yes Sir!" tossed on the air before they charged away to do as he ordered. It was apparent that he had a great deal of order over the others assassins working for Kritiker.
Alucard followed on Aya's heels. His ears had perked up at the word "blood." Yes, he was full, but it was impossible for him to ignore the mentioning of the word.
"What do you require blood for?" the Vampire asked, donning the grin that seemed to never dissipate.
And it appeared there would be some kind of... altercation ready to happen. He could feel the need to kill rising again. He had abolished it for a few moments by fucking and with the little abuse he had given Aya, but now his mind was on the true reason he had come here: Death. Alucard was sure that the fight may provide him with a small thrill, but nothing compared to the fight with Incognito had brought him.
The one with no identity. He had been mutilated anyway. Unless the ones of Schwarz were anything above ordinary humans, he was sure they would be like all humans – able to be ripped apart.
He opened his mouth again, "And, what exactly are we up against? I'd like to know if what I'll be fighting are maggots, or flies."
His grin grew wider. It was how he viewed his opponents. Maggots – they were the humans. Flies – they were the creatures a step above the maggots. Slightly stronger... but only slightly. Either way, they were easily crushed, whether it be by foot or by hand. Yes, the hunger was growing now... a mound into a hill, a hill to a mountain... he could feel the guns at his side aching to be fired.
"Schwarz is an enemy of Kritiker," Aya answered, not glancing to the Vampire as he stepped inside another room. "It is none of your concern."
Deft hands pulled open cabinets, revealing racks boasting guns. His slender digits went to work, filling several with bullets before he tucked them away into his coat. He did not normally carry guns with him, but in such a case he was going to be prepared. He turned his attention to another shelf, pulling from it a dangerously bladed knife that he slid into his boot.
Violet eyes shifted about the room in a final sweep before he turned to leave. An agent met him on the way, handing him the other weapons he'd asked for. Slipping them into other places on his person, he accepted the blood he had asked for, carefully filling several blood caplets. With precision he positioned a few of them in his mouth, effectively hiding them from sight, and the rest he tucked safely away. Judgment time would come soon.
"It'll take us only a little longer to locate Crawford's plane. Sir." Bowing the agent headed off again.
He could only wait now for Crawford's location.
"Suit yourself," the Vampire replied.
He was sure the fight would amuse him. He had never seen Aya's true abilities in battle. Though, most likely, if anything would get out of control, surely Integra would want him to step in. As mentioned previously, Aya was certainly expendable, but it not mean that he should die. The Vampire, subconsciously, had his own reasons for wanting to keep the young man alive, anyway. And he took note of the care Aya had when going into battle – it was much like Alucard's own. Yes, everything had to be absolutely perfect. Though, Alucard did not require all the weapons that a human did. Most of his were contained inside his body. No, he took time with straightening the cuffs on his shirt, his flowing bow-tie, the wide-brimmed fedora... well, even if he didn't have a reflection, he wanted to look good. Though, it would still be difficult to quell Alucard's desire to kill. It would build inside him, no matter the situation. And even though Aya had commanded him to stay out of the battle, Alucard knew he would observe with a constantly growing interest.
Aya had only stocked up on weapons for the fact that Crawford would no doubt disarm him of half of them. Patiently he waited, until a man appeared before him, gasping for breath as he held out a sheet of paper to the assassin.
"Crawford's plane has just landed. He's heading for this building with the civilian, Sir."
Aya nodded slowly, eyes combing over the map he had been handed, on the back a sheet of blue prints for the building he would be entering.
The redhead did not know his way around London so well, and so he turned to Alucard, brow arched. "Do you know where this place is, and can you take me to it?"
He did not wish to waste time getting lost in a territory that he did not know. Crawford had his sister, and who knows what the man would do to her while waiting for him to get there?
Grinning wider, Alucard gingerly took the map and blueprints from Aya's hand. His eyes scanned it. So, they were relatively close. It was within walking distance. He much preferred walking, anyway. He found his way out of the building (admittedly, Aya had helped) and as they reached outside, he was pleased to find it was night time. The moon was glowing, the orb a pearly white. Silvery, silken veils of light fell onto the ground, highlighting the trees and the roads of England. The stars bloomed across the sky, rows of nocturnal flowers suspended above his head.
He turned, smiling, fangs glistening in the light of the midnight, and pulled Aya close to him.
"It's a wonderful night," he whispered, and he gently squeezed Aya's shoulder, bending down to his ear. "Don't you agree?"
He chuckled, pulling away, his steps deliberate, but not languid, as he knew that the punk would be disagreeable to arriving so slowly.
"Come," he ordered, but kept his head upturned to the sky.
He ached for home, for a moment. He wondered about his Master... Integra... how was she fairing? Was she in danger? Eh... he was sure if she was, Seras could handle it adeptly. Possibly Walter, as well. Seras was growing into a skilled, strong draculina. He checked himself. They were standing in front of the building. They had only walked for... perhaps 30 minutes? It would have been much quicker by car, but that wasn't Aya's choice. He chuckled inwardly. He loved releasing emotions in the boy, sometimes.
Any other time, Alucard's gesture might have bothered the redhead, but he was concentrated on only one thing - his sister. Aya looked to the front entrance, before pulling out the grappling hook. Carefully he aimed it, before releasing it to bury itself high into the wall of the building. With a short sprint he allowed the tool to carry him up the wall, other hand sliding his sword from its sheath. Swiftly he sliced a cross through the glass of a window, shattering it as he entered the building with his own flair. The assassin crouched, gaze observing the room quickly before he ran towards the door.
He took the stairs at an insane speed, searching the building thoroughly until he located Aya-Chan, bound, on the seventeenth floor. Only five stories higher than he had propelled himself. No matter. He advanced to her, but she shook her head, trying to voice her concern past the fabric wrapped about her mouth. Paying her no heed, he continued towards her, kneeling to free her lips to talk.
"Ran, it's a trap!" she cried, narrowly followed by a bullet in their direction.
Shielding her, he wrapped his arms around her, dashing towards the stairwell. A barrage of bullets followed after him, "Are you an idiot? You walked right into that one Aya. I really can't believe it."
The redhead shoved the girl towards the stairs, turning to face the man that he loathed.
"Crawford," he growled, eyes narrowed. He threw himself behind a pillar, sword re-sheathed as he pulled out a gun.
"I see everything that you're doing," Crawford snickered. "Or have you forgotten that?" Aya frowned, "How could I forget?"
The Vampire had followed, a slower pace than Aya, but it was simple for him to climb the building – he didn't need such things as a grappling hook. He scaled the wall merely by jumping, which was a large distance to begin with, and he dug into the concrete with his bare hands, the dirt creeping under his fingernails as he gripped tightly. He tightened his upper body and propelled himself upward, grinning madly. He scaled the wall quickly, his eyes wild. The anticipation was getting to him. As he came upon it, Alucard flung himself through the broken window, and with a nonchalant speed he too climbed the stairs, now allowing himself to relax and compose.
As he reached the seventeenth floor, his eyes caught sight of a purple-headed young girl, whom he had last seen in a coma. Huh. He cocked an eyebrow, and with his hands in his pockets, he took up a spot next to her, leaning against the wall. A slight smile graced his face as the rubies, shimmering with amusement, locked onto Aya, and moved to the other man who had dark, nearly black hair. He had glasses as well – who was he? Alucard didn't care as long as he made the fight interesting. Since he was unable to kill the man on his own, the least he could do was observe and be entertained.
The female's eyes drifted to Alucard, wide and slightly frightened. She scooted away from him, before looking back into the room, Crawford and Aya poised on either side. As yet, neither had made a move since Aya-Chan had been removed from the room. Aya grimaced, back pressed to the pillar as he listened to the other man advance.
"You care enough about your sister to get shot at? My, my. I never knew you to be the sentimental type. It's a shame too, because we need your sister too much to return her to you."
Aya dashed from his hiding place, two bullets directed at the leader of Schwarz. Connecting directly with the man, he merely smirked, head cocked to the side. Bullet proof vest.
"How much do you know about your sister? Hm? Do you know how special her DNA is?"
The redhead did not reply, throwing himself towards Crawford. Half way to his enemy, he readied the dagger from his boot, catching only his shoulder before Crawford flipped him and slammed him into the ground.
"You never did talk much. Let me tell you about what she's capable of."
Aya crouched, glowering. "I already know," he snarled, lunging once more to attack. He allowed himself to fumble, and it appeared that Crawford took the bait. A hand wrapped around the assassin's throat. With a smirk, Crawford moved his head forward, grip tightening as he forced a kiss upon Aya. A simple shift of his jaw and blood was pouring forth into his opponent's mouth. Startled, Brad recoiled, hand wiping at his mouth.
"Blood?!"
With such a mistake, Aya gained the only initiative he needed, slamming his body into the larger one and in no uncertain terms beating the man until his body was no doubt more bruised than Aya's. Grudgingly, Aya took a few bullets, but he had also come prepared with a vest, and only one shot actually grazed his arm unguarded by it.
As the girl moved away from him, Alucard snickered. Did he exude an aura of creepiness? He kept his eyes on the fight. Aya was clever, and it shined through when he fought. He planned his moves well, and for a moment, Alucard almost regretted calling him a fool. He watched with wide eyes when the dark-haired man pressed his lips onto Aya's, only to recoil, blood spilling from his mouth. It was too bad that humans did not appreciate blood as he did – the redhead's was some of the sweetest he knew, but if the humans tasted it in their mouths, all they could do was spit from them in disgust.
A shame – such a waste of blood. The young man truly had prepared well. A bullet-proof vest, blood caplets, the gun. Well. Perhaps, while still a punk, he was one that was well-trained. This was growing more and more interesting by the moment! He longed to be part of it, even if it would be a quick fight. Bullet-proof vests wouldn't be a problem for the ones in Joshua – 13mm, explosive, silver-filled spread bullets. And as for Jackal? He wouldn't even think about it. As if he would aim for the chest, anyway. No, he had always blown apart the skull (or simply emptied his magazine into the opponent), and for extra measure, drove his arm into the chest. He thought of Crawford's blood spilling – but it would probably taste awful.
Crawford, now hardly able to stand, glared at the assassin he had reigned victory over so many times before. What made this time so different? Was it the thought of his sister in danger? Coughing, he made a final sprint away as Aya-Chan ran into the room to hug the redhead. Fluid movements met with her - and with deadly precision a blood covered sword beamed through her back, Aya's no less.
"W-why..." she murmured, head lifting with effort to look at him.
"You aren't Aya," he replied, voice cold and unforgiving as his blade sliced cleanly through her skin.
"Just a fucked up experiment to catch me off guard." The violet eyes did not once glance in the girl's direction, for he would not have been able to kill her if he had.
"He... He told me you wouldn't know," she whispered. "Said even clones could have a happy life... He was... wro..." her words ended there as she slid off of the bloodied silver.
With widened eyes, Alucard did not make a move as the girl's body fell from the young man's sword. He scanned Aya's body, completely motionless, the mirrors iced over and devoid of any hint of feeling. The crimson gaze fell to the dead girl, the clone, and he almost felt compassion for the redhead who stood there, an aura of frigid darkness surrounding him. For one who felt so deeply for his sister, Alucard realised how difficult it must have been to slay one who looked identical to her. Though, of course, he would not have such problems in a situation. If one were ever to make an imitation of his Master, the fake would be disposed of immediately with no troubles. If it were not the real person, why care? Well, that was his take on it, anyway.
Soon, he was behind Aya, his usual grin on his lips.
"That was amusing," he stated plainly, "but where are we off to now?"
He adjusted his sunglasses.
"It's a beautiful night. It'd be a shame to waste it."
The Vampire's toothy smile only grew wider – he had not meant anything sexual by it, though if Aya took it that way, he certainly wouldn't mind if the punk concurred. Though, there was the other task to be accomplished, the conspiracy. That is why they had come here in the first place. However, he did not know where the redhead wanted to head from here, so, benevolently (he felt), he had asked him.
Amusing? Aya had found nothing about that encounter amusing. Sick bastard, was all the redhead could think as his phone began to ring. He answered it quickly, listening to a breathless voice on the phone.
"Aya! The girl that you went after, she's -"
Aya finished the sentence, "Fake. She's dead."
Silence answered him on the line as the caller mulled it over.
"Aya... How did you know?" he asked, quietly.
"My sister is in a coma. If she woke up she wouldn't be able to run. Atrophy would have rendered most of her body useless," he explained, voice still painfully harsh.
"We found her, Aya. She was at Schwarz's hide out. She's still... In a coma."
That piece of information didn't seem foreign to Aya, and he said a final good-bye before hanging up.
Violet eyes turned to Alucard, "I need to go to Kritiker. I don't care what you do."
As he spoke, another two caplets within his mouth erupted - pouring forth more blood. Clapping a hand to his mouth, he felt the sudden urge to vomit as a bit of the crimson liquid slid down his throat, the other daring to spill from between his fingers. He had no doubt the final one would not be long in breaking, and such an assumption was quickly answered as his tooth grazed against it. Amazing how much the things could hold.
Knowing that the punk had ruptured the other blood caplets within his mouth, Alucard grinned. Oh, he asked for it with those things. The Vampire could simply not resist, and wrenched the punk's hand away from his mouth, holding the hand tightly, replacing the hand with his own mouth. The long tongue infiltrated the mouth filled with blood, ushering the liquid into his own mouth. He guzzled it, savoring the taste. Odd how even when he was full, he could not pass a chance to taste Aya's blood. Every drop was heavenly, and he closed his eyes as his tongue swept every cavity of the punk's mouth, searching almost frantically for more of the sweet liquid.
No, all it found were the empty capsules, which it did not even bother to remove. However, it did not stop him from continuing what had transformed into a kiss, rather than a clean-up job. He clenched Aya's hand tighter, kissing him for only a few more moments before pulling away, a noise of satisfaction escaping him. He licked the punk's lips, then his own, snickering as he straightened his form.
"I'll follow you."
Aya had intended not to respond when the feeding had turned into such a thing as a kiss, but he found that he couldn't stop himself from returning it. And when the Vampire pulled away, he turned his head, spitting the empty shells from his mouth. Grateful to have the liquid out of his mouth, he was still a little sickened from the amount he had ingested. But Crawford had probably swallowed more earlier, so he felt avenged in some odd kind of way.
"Then follow me, if that's your decision," the redhead commented, irritably pushing the thought of the kiss out of his mouth as he moved towards the stairs.
He was supposed to be focusing only on his mission, not getting sidetracked by lust. Yes, lust would be the word he used in relation to how his body reacted to Alucard. What else could possibly make him crave the man's essence? He stopped, ears at work.
"We've got company. Guards are headed our way."
Thumb in position, he slid his sword from the scabbard. Now that he was no longer facing Crawford, he would revert back to his preferred weapon.
The Vampire moved next to Aya, and at the sight of guards, his countenance took on an appearance that Aya had most likely never seen before. The crimson eyes widened, the pupils shrank, and his smile grew dark, wicked, psychotic. His hand was on Joshua, whipping it from its holster, and he cocked it, and as multiple guards were in his sight, he fired. It only took one bullet to drive itself into one guard, and the ones surrounding him were dissolved in an explosion due to the spread effect. Yes, these bullets were perhaps too powerful to use on humans, but it didn't matter to him. More gore. He let our a derisive cackle and fired again, and again as he moved forward slowly. He knew there would be more, and as he descended the staircase he could hear them, their hushed breaths – attempting stealth! He laughed louder.
"You creatures are pathetic!" he cried.
Click click, boom. Click click, boom. He fired again, and again, descending the staircase, his laughter rolling from him in howls. Normally, he found this type of behavior idiotic, careless, and senseless. Many a time he had scorned his own enemies for senselessly slaughtering humans. Should that happen, eventually, there wouldn't be enough food for any Vampire. Though, in his mind, this was not senseless. These were his targets. They simply happened to be humans. But, assuredly, when he was sober and his mind no longer clouded by the overwhelming need to kill he would scold himself, and of course, Integra would find out. Still, Alucard found that he had lost sight of himself, and reveled in every pool of blood that he stepped in, every slamming of an organ or body part against the wall. He managed to catch a splatter of blood against his face, which he licked up. It tasted awful, but god it was in this heat that made it delicious. He had descended ten flights of stairs already, and the guards, admittedly, were growing low. He was sure by now they had gotten the message that perhaps if they took a step near the intruders, it would be their instant demise.
"Isn't this fun, punk?" he cried, realising that he had taken every life so far, but not caring.
Aya, within the first few deaths had put his sword away, hands tucked into his pockets as he walked behind the Vampire. Alucard had it under control, and as he glanced at the carnage, he was reminded of the videos Manx had always shown them just before they were sent on missions. The death that was supposed to ignite the justice in them.
"Yeah, fun," Aya replied blandly, head tilted down as he continued to move in tow.
Listening for guards, he shrugged his shoulders lightly, the sound of footsteps retreating. Guards who wanted to save their own asses were fleeing the premises, but who could blame them? They had seen what had become of their comrades, and no man wished that kind of death upon himself.
"They're gone," he murmured, softly, side stepping a rather gory area. He should have been sick at the sight of so much death, but he found nothing in himself but a dull numbness. It was because of that girl he had killed, and the knowledge that his sister was still not awake and had been taken less than twenty-four hours after he had left her. Had his judgment failed him when he decided to go to England? Was his blinding rage to make Takatori pay inhibiting his ability to make the ultimately right decision? Or was it something else that was controlling his choices, turning him upside down and making him unable to choose between right or wrong? Such thoughts haunted him for the entire journey down and out of the building. Brain muddled, he glanced about the street, scarcely remembering the way back to Kritiker.
The Vampire sported a large, triumphant grin as he stepped out, and his gaze flickered to the moon. Yes, it truly was a wonderful night. He turned to Aya, his tall, strong body outlined by the ivory beams of moonlight. It highlighted his features, turning all that would be found creepy to eerily handsome – something that was not often seen by others. His eyes, garnet and ruby jewels, glimmered with something unable to be identified – amusement, perhaps?
The light olive of his skin was brimming from the pearly rays of the moon, and a soft breeze passed, sending his sable locks flying across his face for a moment, contrasting with the lightness that surrounded him. It was in these moments that he appeared truly Vampiric – power entwined with seduction. A deadly combination. He let out a small chuckle.
"Don't dawdle, punk. We have to get back to Kritiker, don't we?"
Alucard took the redhead by the hand and pulled him forward, against the Vampire's own body, bringing the pale face close to his.
"The prey is waiting," he purred, and pulled away slowly, turning and cackling softly. His hands in his pockets, he strode back to Kritiker, as he remembered the way – even if Aya didn't.
Aya had indeed noticed the change in Alucard's looks, but had angrily shook off the feelings of admiration. Unfortunately for him, he was dragged back into such a mindset when the Vampire drew him close. Despite the emptiness within him, Alucard's antics had sparked something within him again, and he followed after him a safe distance away. He would not be caught off guard again - having his surprise get him flustered was a deep annoyance and he did not want to go through it any longer.
As they entered back into Kritiker's territory, Aya hunted about for a room that boasted a computer, and once he'd found one he got to work. Titling it with his code name, he began a short report. Within a hundred words he covered the entire mission, and then sent it off for Persia to read. That accomplished, he pilfered the laptop on which he'd just been working. They might not have one in the room he'd be staying in. His phone rang again, unnervingly, and he answered it with impatience.
"What?" the inflection in his voice was brutal, perhaps like icy shards.
"Well, it's nice to know you're as foul mooded as ever." The voice of Manx, sarcastic and dry. "I called to tell you that Persia wants you to stay within the Hellsing organization while you're in London."
The redhead closed his eyes, mouth set in a frown.
"No."
The woman was appalled, "Excuse me? Aya, you're hardly in a position to make those kind of decisions. We need you close to Alucard should any emergencies occur. You don't know your way around and it would be dangerous for you otherwise."
Aya snorted derisively, "I'll learn."
Manx sighed, "Aya, quit being stubborn. Just do as we ask."
Alucard stood behind Aya the entire time, listening intently to the conversation, that, due to the silence in the room, was easily deciphered. His smile widened. He turned to the exit and threw his head back.
"You heard the woman. Follow me, punk."
The Vampire did not swivel back to see if Aya was following him, as he figured the redhead would if he knew what was good for him. His steps were long, but not as deliberate as they once had been. Hellsing wasn't a great distance away, but without any contact from him in about two days, Integra might have been growing weary. He of course, admired the moon on his way, not paying any mind to Aya since his last words to him. He figured his Master would be sleeping at the moment, that is, if there wasn't an incident that needed to be dealt with at the moment.
No, he had reached the gate now – and the organization was more like a huge mansion, but contained within it was all there would ever be needed. Alucard strode through the familiar walkways, up past the rows of finely kept greenery, up the stairs when he was met by the large double-doors of the mansion. Within moments, they were opened by Walter "Angel of Death" Dornez, Hellsing's resident butler. Alucard smiled, nodding to the old man as he sauntered past, making sure to note to him that the guest that had been here earlier was behind him and could you please prepare a room for him. Walter nodded in acceptance of the command, and hurried off mentioning to Alucard that his Master was up and she wishes to see you. Alucard grinned, and climbed the staircase to the office of his master: Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing.
She sat at her desk, her face smooth and expressionless, her steely blue eyes boring into Alucard's. The Vampire removed his sunglasses and moved toward the front of her desk, and motioned backwards, towards the redhead.
"He'll be staying with us... and it appears there is a conspiracy dealing with the officials in England and the FREAK chip – it will be a joint effort between his organization, Kritiker, and Hellsing to abolish the abominations. But now that it has been established... give me an order, my Master," Alucard said, grinning, and bowing to her.
She was the only person who he would ever submit to – until, of course, the next in line of the family came along. And he realised that it would be the one of the few times Aya would see him submissive, though playful all the same.
Aya hardly cared that Alucard was being submissive - he'd already vowed to stay out of Alucard's business, and out of the man's pants. His bag of necessities was gripped in his hand as his eyes combed over the room before inspecting the blood that was splashed across his trench coat. It was hardly noticeable, what with the garment's dark color, but he saw it all the same. He had entertained thoughts of staying at Kritiker, but he realized in doing that, he would anger Persia - and angering his boss meant his ousting out of the organization completely. Or he would have sent Manx to beat some sense into him and drag him to Hellsing for Alucard.
No, that would not have been a pleasant experience, and so he had grudgingly followed after the Vampire. Having been unconscious the first time he had been brought to Hellsing, he did observe the rooms as they passed through them, realizing dreadfully that this would be his home for an undetermined amount of time. He supposed he would have to get used to it. The violet eyes rose to look at Integra, but he said nothing, nor did anything for that matter. For one, Aya did not know how he should react, and secondly he wasn't exactly the type of person that showed respect through gestures - it was the type of respect that was reflected in those amethyst pools.
Integra eyed Aya suspiciously, but turned her gaze back to Alucard.
"Walter is preparing a room for him, correct?"
Alucard nodded quickly in response.
"Very well then." the woman pushed forward a picture of an older man, balding, fat, a thick mustache and spectacles. "Your next target – Meriweather Webster – I'm sure he's one Kritiker has their sights on, as it's been reported he's killed opposing officials for his own gain. Not to mention he's eluded all authority... until we were called upon, that is. Alucard, you know our policy. Search and Destroy," she ordered, and her own spectacles flashed as she turned her head oh-so-slightly.
Alucard grinned. "Yes, my master."
He turned on his heel, not paying any mind to the punk as he passed him, only mentioning to the redhead to wait for him by the exit. He descended to his quarters quickly, donning his old attire, relieved to be in his trench coat once more – and his hat. He shook his hair a bit, checked the guns on his sides – Jackal, yes, Joshua, yes – and moved out, passing Seras on the way, good night out, isn't it police girl, and was at Aya's side once more.
"Let us go, punk, the night is high and the kill is on. You're skilled. You lead the way this time."
Aya had yet to set down his things, but with Alucard's want to start the mission, he unceremoniously dropped his bag. He would need nothing in it yet. Except the laptop. He pulled it out, slipping a transmitter into his ear. Flicking the computer on, he waited as he uploaded the target's statistics. Yes, the man was also one of Kritiker's targets.
"Abyssinian to Kritiker," he muttered, waiting patiently while they deciphered his signal. "Online," another voice said into his ear.
"Target, Meriweather Webster, designate location," Aya commanded, shutting the laptop.
"He is currently located within a club by the name of Havana Jax. Coordinates from your current location are..." And the man began listing off the directions.
Aya stuffed the laptop back into his bag, before moving out to start leading the way to the target's location. Omi was generally in charge of the intelligence and technology, but the task had now been given to the redhead. He could do little else to help exterminate the targets. Yes, he could take out guards, and set up explosives to assure their outcome, but that was about it as far as the violence went. The assassin was quick about getting them to the club, and he noted to himself that it would not be so hard to figure his way around England. No, he would memorize London within a week's time and best to learn it at night. Daylight learning would leave him lost when darkness fell.
The Vampire was only slightly impressed with the technology Aya had used – usually, he merely used his senses. However, it was not as if technology was forbidden, either. Integra's main concern was simply the motto of Hellsing: "Search and Destroy." It did not matter how these tasks were carried out, as long as it was quick, and the mission was completed. Alucard knew of Havana Jax, it was a relatively new club that had been established – though he was never one to take part in the club mentality. No, that was much beyond him. Of course, he may have taken part in such a thing whilst he was a young Vampire, but now that he had seen nearly six centuries, it seemed immature and destructive to those who were not immortal. And for the ones that were – it was a destructive in a different way. It was a destruction of their pride as a Midian, a smudge on the majesty of being Nosferatu. Alucard noted the way Aya carried himself as he took the way to the club.
He was confident, strong, but still remained enclosed in an icy barrier, something Alucard had only penetrated twice. And while doing so, had penetrated much more than an intangible barrier, but that was much besides the point. The club was hidden away, with windows curtained by thick wooden boards nailed to the walls as to conceal the raucous activity. Alucard pulled his hat down only slightly, and entered the club. It was easy to spot such an old man when he was surrounded by young, thin teens, pumping themselves full of Ecstasy and alcohol, their bodies pulsing to the beat of the music.
Webster sat at the bar, sipping down what was most likely alcohol mixed with transfusion blood – how the seedy clubs got a hold of blood was a mystery. Alucard figured the old man was biding his time until he felt it right to kill at least one of the teenagers in this room for his own sick pleasure. Alucard recalled earlier when he decimated the guards and nearly winced, but instead kept his mind on the task at hand. Surely if they attacked right out, the old man would be sent into a flurry and turn all the young ones into ghouls – things easily destroyed, but there would be no need for more casualties. He turned to Aya, grinning widely.
"How do you propose we handle this, punk?"
Aya had settled himself against the wall, lips moving as he quietly - almost wordlessly - reported their location for the agent in his ear. Certainly he had not expected Alucard to ask for his opinion. Possibly he had thought the Vampire would take it from there, and he would only sit back and watch, waiting for it to be over. This was not the case, he noticed, cocking his head to the side as he folded his arms over his chest.
"The easiest way would be luring him with bait," Aya commented, voice still quiet, considering.
Bait... Violet eyes slid to Alucard, before he pushed himself away from his resting place. A delicate hand slipped into his pocket, pulling out yet more blood caplets. He had stocked up, it appeared. With a momentary look of disgust, he slipped two into his mouth, eye teeth biting into them. He abandoned his coat, alabaster arms revealed as he strode towards their target, fingers touching his lips as blood spilled from between them. Perhaps the man would be like other male Kritiker targets in the fact that they seemed to have no problem with homosexuality. Of course, there was still that chance it was the aura of Aya's being that propelled them to want him.
As he expected, he felt eyes concentrating fire on his back as he strode slowly towards a hallway hidden back in the club. He had been in such places before, and he was almost certain there would be bedrooms back there. A smirk formed on his lips as his ears caught sound of footsteps following him, and one glance over his shoulder confirmed that the target was indeed following him, gaze watching the delicate river of blood dribbling down Aya's chin. A quick left and he was deposited in a room, and with a flick of his wrist, he had the garrote (wire) in his hand, propelling it to the light that hung overhead. Fluid movements found him atop one of the bedposts, crouched as he awaited the man's entrance. He only hoped Alucard had been wise enough to follow.
Alucard smiled at the punk's clever maneuver, it would keep the target away from civilians and provide a secluded location for which to administer the final blow. He was only a metre behind the FREAK, and as he too found himself inside the dark bedroom, Aya positioned with careful balance on a bedpost. The old man could only stare at Aya, and turned at a flutter of fabric behind him, the short, chubby form met face-to-chest with a tall, lean one. Alucard grinned and moved forward, causing the old man to back up only slightly.
"Who are you?" Webster demanded, making sure to bear his fangs, as if he thought it would frighten his attacker.
Alucard, as expected, was not fazed. "Don't you think you're a little old to be hanging around here?" he asked Webster, grinning, showing that he was also a creature of the night.
The old man faltered crying, "Ah... you are one too? Then why have you followed me? I have claimed this boy!"
He gestured to Aya. Alucard shook his head, cackling, "You? On par with me? Hardly. I'm an assassin and my assignment is you."
Webster's eyes widened with fear and from his side he whipped a pistol, firing straight into Alucard's face. The dark-haired man's head was kicked back, blood erupting from his face, his glasses exploding in tiny shards about the room. His body remained standing, and he stood there for only a moment, and soon, he began to shake with laughter. Webster cocked an eyebrow, holding his gun in defense.
"You fool... normal guns could never kill a true Vampire!"
Blood from the floor soaked into Alucard's feet, and as he turned his head up, face mutilated, it was suddenly remade in front of Webster's eyes. The old man screamed and scrambled for the door way, but Alucard blocked it with sheer size.
"Parading about as if you're true Nosferatu... despicable," he growled, a malicious glint in his crimson eyes.
He pulled from his side Joshua, and his scarlet orbs widened, his wicked grin growing as it had earlier in the night, and he fired straight into the head of the old man, pulling apart the body and extinguishing the form, turning it into dust on the floor. Alucard smiled and placed his gun back, looking at Aya with an almost "come hither" glance, entranced by the blood dripping from his chin. He abstained from doing much else, and merely said, "Lead the way out."
Aya dropped away from the bed, wire disappearing into his pocket as he lifted his coat from his shoulder where he'd been holding it. He looked a bit nauseated as he walked past Alucard, fingers working to clear the blood from his face. Even with that accomplished, he still had the liquid and his mouth, and he was quickly steadying himself against the wall, head bent as he emptied the contents of his stomach on the ground. Too much blood - he'd digested too much for his system to handle. It had made him sick. He searched out a bathroom first, cleaning the traces of sickness from his face.
With a bitter, metallic taste in his mouth, he stalked to the entrance of the club and exited, quite disgusted by the fact he had vomited. Clearly it looked as if he did not enjoy the thought of being sick. But then, no one did. Beyond that, defenses were difficult to maintain when the body was rejecting what had been put into it.
The voice in his ear seemed slightly concerned, "Abyssinian? Are you okay?"
Aya replied with an affirmative, "Nothing to worry about. Too many caplets in one night," he explained.
"Ah, I assume you will be frequenting the supply of them?"
Again Aya affirmed the assumption, feet carrying him back toward the Hellsing mansion.
"Manx will be expecting a mission report as soon as you can manage one."
Yes, Aya would have to that first thing once he'd gotten settled into the room prepared for him.
Alucard had heard him vomit, but didn't honestly care – only that it was a bit of a waste of such tasty fluid. His carried himself next to Aya, his face complacent and calm, admiring the night sky. It was such a nice, quiet night, and it was nights like these, even when he was full, that made him want to suck blood. It was not long before they were back inside the mansion, Walter at their service.
"Mister... ah..." he began, not knowing the name of the young man.
"Fujimiya," Alucard informed him, smiling. Walter nodded and smiled graciously, "This way to your room, Mr. Fujimiya."
The man turned on his heel and led the redhead across the first floor, into a secluded hallway, opening the sturdy oak door, revealing a finely furnished room, old but luxurious, complete with a four-poster canopy bed. He bowed, and left Aya to his own devices, returning to Alucard who had been waiting patiently by the door.
"What the young man chooses to do now is his choice."
Alucard nodded, "Good night, Walter."
Instead of turning for the basement, he instead chose to stand outside, his crimson orbs locked onto the moon. He thought of Aya – and wondered at first why the punk was on his mind at all. It was most likely due to the sex they had. It certainly was wonderful, he had to admit, probably the two best encounters in quite awhile. He figured it could be attributed to the fact that Aya had such wonderful tasting blood, but it could be possible there was something more. The Vampire had lived so long that developing a crush seemed foreign to him, although not impossible. He certainly had the capacity for such feelings in his being.
He felt for Integra, though not in a "crush-like" way. No, it was more an emotion of deep admiration, and the notions he reserved for the redhead were of a different caliber. Alucard considered it a bit longer and shrugged it off. Normally on these nights, he was either in the company of his Master, who was sleeping, or Seras, who was in the cellar most likely debating whether she should have her next meal or not. This night he preferred to spend alone, simply pondering. He did not know if he would feel like sleeping when the morning came, either. But that would be figured out then.
When Aya had entered the room, he quickly shed his coat once again, folding it and setting it down on the bed. He comfortably seated himself on the floor, laptop brandished as he sent in the report. Violet eyes scanned over the screen as he opened the encrypted file containing Kritiker's targets. Quietly in his ear, a voice spoke.
"Aya?" he knew the young voice all too well.
"Omi, you know this is to be used for business only," he murmured, eyes still concentrated on the screen as he read.
"It is business," the blond responded defensively. "I was supposed to inform you that Aya-Chan is now in Kritiker's care. Her health is stable, and her body didn't seem to suffer any shock from being taken off the machines by Schwarz."
A smile dared touch his face. "Good to hear, how is everything fairing?"
He could sense the smile in the young assassin's voice as he informed him of the day's events.
He listened intently, before bidding Omi farewell with the excuse that he had research to do. Reluctantly the connection was cut, and Aya resumed inspecting the files. Old targets he had killed, ones not yet taken care of. Deliberately he was preoccupying himself, but it didn't work as he wished it to. In his mind a voice called, laughing and merry:
"Ran, I'm so excited!"
He'd smiled then, "You're growing up so fast, Aya."
In his mind he could envision the girl as she shook her head, "I wish I could stay young forever."
Diligently he remembered that final day, the carnival he had taken his sister to on her birthday. And, inevitably, the memories carried him back over the threshold of his house, only to find parents no longer alive. He remembered his sister screaming, crying as she ran out of the house. And there. His body froze as that piercing scream echoed through his mind again. How many times had he relived Aya-Chan's accident within his mind? How many times would he continue to allow himself to see it?
"Aya..." he whispered, resting his back against the side of the bed, fingers laying against the keys of the computer. Eyes falling shut, he listened as his heart slowed down after the memory, only to beat hard again. His memories were digging up something else. But what? Behind closed lids, his amethyst gaze caught sight of the Vampire, silhouetted by the moon, hair caressing his face in the gentle breeze. Another image appeared in mind's eye, far different from that image. The plane, when he had looked up into those deep scarlet pools as he had given himself willing to Alucard. Aya shook the thoughts from his mind, eyes opening as he stared down at the computer blankly. Why...?
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Ohh, Aya's thinkin' of Alucard. Isn't that cute? Now you know what happened to Aya-Chan, aren't you happy? Kay had lots of fun with Aya angst in this chapter, and more to come in chapters following, which you'll just have to wait for. ^_^
Reader Response Time!:
Mrs.T: Thank you for the awesome story rating, we really like seeing that people enjoy our story that much. ^_^ We try very hard to keep Aya and Alucard in character as much as humanly possible. Here's your Schwarz! You'll see how Alucard responds to Schu and Farfie soon enough... <_< Or will you? We also love the fact that you used the word altercation. That makes you instantly awesome.
hecate_19: We're very sorry about the jumping of P.O.V., but being that we each are playing a different character, it's a little difficult to mesh them together. I (Kay) was waiting for the day someone brought up Ken-Ken. XD Like I said, I'm really sorry for killing him off, but I would have ignored him completely should I have put him in the story. As for how he died.... Well, I'll leave that to your imagination. Create a deeply tragic and heroic death for him, if you want.
A huge thank you to all of our readers! We hope you stay with us through future installments to Beyond Mortal Blood! ^_^ Keep the reviews coming, we're always glad to have them, and they do keep us excited to write more. Much love! <3
P.S. The chapter name is German for "Night Hunters". x3