June 25th, 2020:

It was a rainy summer afternoon in London. A small group of people were gathered around a pearl white casket. The minister had just finished his sermon and closed out the service for a woman named Sara Victoria. He closed his bible and approached Sara’s only daughter, Seras. An older woman named Ingrid Kirkpatrick stood beside her with her hand on her shoulder. The minister kindly extended his hand to Seras and Ingrid. “Miss Seras Victoria, please accept my deepest condolences upon the loss of your mother.” He said.

“Thank you. Mom always found a great deal of comfort in your sermons at church.” Seras replied, wiping tears from her eyes.

“She was a very brave woman. She soldiered through so many hardships and even close to the end she was not afraid to face death. She found peace knowing that you have Ingrid to help you through this difficult time. Please find comfort in knowing Sara has found eternal peace and is free of pain.” The minister said, looking toward Ingrid. “Seras is very lucky to have a dear friend like you, Ingrid.”

“She’s like a second daughter to me. I know Sara can rest easy knowing Seras won’t be alone during this difficult time.” Ingrid replied.

“Thank you Ingrid. Mom and I don’t know what we would have done without you. I can’t thank you enough for everything for my mother and I.” Seras said.

“It’s no trouble, Seras.” Ingrid replied.

“If you both don’t mind, I need a few moments by myself to say goodbye.”

“Of course, Seras. I’ll be in the car when you’re ready to go.”

Ingrid and the minister, along with the other mourners all walked away from the tent covering the casket. Seras stood alone fighting back grief filled tears. She rested her hand against the white pearl surface of her mother’s final bed. “Mom, I know you told me to be strong. A part of me wishes I could go with you, but the other part of me knows I need to go on living. It’s all I can do to keep from falling apart. You always told me to live every day to the fullest. You told me one day it would be time for me to live for myself. But I’m going to live everyday for the both of us. I promise to be as strong as I can. Goodbye mom. I love you.” Seras said, as tears fell down her cheeks. She took a rose from the bouquet that rested atop the casket. She looked down at the cell phone that her mother had given her only six months earlier for her birthday. She hugged it to her chest and slowly walked away. She opened her umbrella and walked to where Ingrid waited for her in her car. Seras looked in the distance at her mother’s casket one last time and then got in the car.

A man watched Seras walk toward the car and get in on the passenger side. He sat in a small black car off in the distance. He’d been watching the graveside service unbeknownst to the mourners. He’d been watching ever since the funeral that morning and followed the procession from the mortuary. His name was Nathaniel Parkins, and he was the director of the funeral home where Sara had been prepared for her final resting place. He looked down at a note given to him by his secretary.

“I can give you the power to obtain the one you desire. Come to London After Midnight, and ask for Sylvana.”

Parkins looked at the note for a phone number, but there was none. Only the name of the street where the club the note spoke of was located. He turned the key to his car and started it. Before leaving his vantage point, he looked down at his phone. There was a picture of Seras Victoria he had taken one day. He put the car in reverse and then pulled away to return to the mortuary.

Two weeks later:

It was seven in the evening as Sir Integra Hellsing sat at her desk. She kept the door to her office closed as she valued her privacy, what little of it she could find. She took a drag off one of the slim cigars she often smoked. She looked up hearing a knock at the door. An aged gentleman in his early seventies entered the office and approached Integra. “What is it, Walter?” She asked.

“I’ve just been informed by M.I.-Five that there’s been another murder. A young woman was found drained of blood near an underground nightclub called ‘London After Midnight.’ It’s named for a very old black and white silent movie that starred Lon Chaney. The film was made in 1927 but was believed to have been destroyed in a vault fire in 1965. It’s a very exclusive club and entrance is by invitation only. It’s believed to be a hotspot for vampiric activity. A missing persons alert was sent out a few weeks earlier. The director of one of the local funeral homes hasn’t been seen since June 25th. According to M.I.-Five agents, his name is Nathaniel Parkins. He was seen at ‘London After Midnight’ before he went missing. He was seen with this woman entering the club.” Walter stated.

“It’s a foregone conclusion that if this club has vampiric activity going on within its walls, then the woman seen here is most likely a vampire herself. Does M.I.-Five have any information about the man’s whereabouts?” Integra asked.

“Yes. His activities have been monitored for the past several weeks. He’s only seen at night and not during the day. He hasn’t been back to his job at the funeral home since the night he was seen at the club. And there’s something else.” Walter said and paused.

“What?” Integra asked.

“It would appear he’s been seen following a young woman. It’s possible that it was the mortuary he worked for that prepared the young lady’s mother for burial.” Walter answered.

“Has he approached her?”

“Not as of yet. I believe it was while preparing her mother for burial that this man developed a fascination for this young woman. I’m concerned that fascination has now turned to obsession.” Walter stated.

“Do we have an identity for the young woman?” Integra inquired.

“Yes. Her name is Seras Victoria. It was her mother that passed away in June. Cause of death was listed as a brain aneurysm. Her father was an officer with the London Police Authority. He was killed in the line of duty when Seras was a child. Seras and her mother, Sara were taken in by a woman named Ingrid Kirkpatrick. She’s the owner of London Antiques. Ironically it’s where Seras works for her as a shopkeeper.” Walter answered.

Integra was silent for a moment, then began to speak. “Perhaps this man was taken with Seras but was not brave enough to attempt to win her affections. But if he has become a vampire, he may grow much bolder now in his pursuit of her. This funeral director, do we know his name?”

“Nathaniel Parkins. He’s in his early fifties and has been director of this particular mortuary for fifteen years. He’s been described as solitary. He doesn’t associate too much with most people and is seen as kind of odd by those who work for him. His secretary was interviewed after he failed to come into work the day after he was seen at the club. She told agents she received a note to be given to him. After that he was seen watching Seras and her friend Ingrid at Sara’s graveside service. He watched them and then once they drove away he too left the scene.”

“That he hasn’t approached her yet disturbs me. He could possibly be planning to kidnap her or worse. I want agents keeping tabs on Seras Victoria. For now tell them to keep their distance. If Parkins suspects we’re onto him he may do something irrational. For now agents should follow from a distance. I want daily reports upon her whereabouts and the activities of Nathaniel Parkins as well. Seras could be in a great deal of danger, but we can’t alert our target either.” Integra instructed.

“Should I inform Alucard?” Walter asked.

“Yes. Considering this vampire may have plans for Seras, he should get involved. I want him to watch over her at night. We don’t know how unstable this target may be. He could strike at any time.”

Later that night Walter finished up his general duties in the mansion. He walked for what seemed an eternity through the vast mansion until he came to a door. He opened it up and took a set of stairs that led into the dark sublevels of the mansion. There in the darkened rooms and corridors resided Hellsing’s master slayer and their greatest weapon against the undead, the vampire Alucard. Walter turned on the small flashlight he kept with him for making trips to Alucard’s domain. He turned a corner and knew he was getting close to the vampire’s main chamber. He could hear the faint sound of music playing. As he got closer he could hear one song ending as the music faded into the background. Then another began to play. After what seemed to be a long walk, Walter finally reached Alucard’s chamber.

“We have a new case, Alucard. ” Walter asked.

“I hope it’s something that will test my skills. I’m restless, and it feels like ages since I’ve had a good hunt.” Alucard replied as he mentally lowered the volume of the music. “So what has my master in mind for me?”

“Well, Integra does have an assignment for you, but it won’t be guns blazing and bloodshed. Well not yet anyway.” Walter replied.

“And what might this assignment be? It already sounds boring.”

“It seems we may have a vampire running around London killing people. He’s believed to be a funeral director, or at least he was. It’s rumored he went to an underground nightclub called “London After Midnight.”

“Naming a club after an obscure movie about a vampire. How original. Humans.” Alucard said with a hint of sarcasm. “And I’m to hunt down this former caretaker to the dead?” Alucard said nonchalantly.

“Not yet, exactly. Sir Integra believes the target has become fixated on a young woman. It’s possible he may have met her while preparing her mother for burial. We’re not sure but he may be planning to make her his next victim.”

“So why not have me just track the bastard down and be done with it?”

“Sir Integra believes this target may be planning something. And those plans have to do with a young lady. Her name is Seras Victoria.” Walter said, showing Alucard a picture of Seras. The vampire took the picture, studying it carefully.

“Well, she is a lovely little creature.” He commented.

“The human agents will keep watch over her during the day. You’ll be on night watch. Just in case our target decides to make a move.”

“Not the most exciting task for one of my calibur. But there’s always the chance for something interesting to happen. I suppose I am to start tonight.”

“Yes. You have orders not to engage the target unless given no other option.”

“I’ll have this with me just in case.” Alucard said, looking over at a long, silver gun sitting to his right on a small round table.

“As much action as the Casull has seen, I’m surprised it’s still in relatively superb shape.” Walter commented.

“Yes. I’ve taken down many inferior vampires with this gun.” The red clad vampire replied.

“I was thinking, it might not be a bad idea for you to have another gun. As good as The Casull is, it’s probably not going to last forever. It never hurts to have a back up.” Walter said.

“You have a point. But it must be different from the Casull. I want it to be worthy of a true challenge.” Alucard responded.

“Well, I happen to be working on a prototype for a new gun. Of course it’s in the concept stages right now. I do have a few rough sketches of what the final design will look like.”

“Well then, I look forward to seeing what you come up with.”

Seras got out of Ingrid’s car to head up to her loft. “Seras, are you sure you’re going to be alright by yourself? It’s no trouble for me to stay with you tonight.”

“I’ll be alright, Ingrid. I’m a big girl. I need to get some rest. It’s been a long day.” Seras answered.

“Ok, then. I’ll be here at 8 in the morning to pick you up for work.” Ingrid said and waved goodbye to Seras before driving away from the apartment building. Seras entered the building taking the elevator to her loft. She took out her key and unlocked the door to her place. She walked in, locking the door behind her. She tossed her purse down on her small wicker sofa and went to her bedroom. She started taking off her day clothes and headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower before getting ready for bed.

Seras emerged from the bathroom wearing a blue night shirt. She had just finished drying her hair and brushed it out. She ran her hands through the now dry, soft strawberry blonde layers. She went to her bedroom and then out onto the balcony of her loft. She was wearing a red satin knee length gown and matching robe. She stood looking up at the moon and stars. She didn’t know it at the time but someone was also watching her gazing up at the moon.

Alucard stood in a darkened corner of the street close to where Seras lived. As instructed he kept watch over her making sure nothing was amiss. He saw her standing out on the balcony. From his vantage point, Alucard could see her gazing into the night sky. Her sapphire blue eyes looked at the glowing white orb with fascination and even enchantment. He saw her reach out her hand in the moon’s direction. It appeared as if she were trying to reach out to touch it. Realizing the futility of her task, she drew her hand back. She closed her eyes feeling a cool breeze blow across her face. Seras opened her eyes looking at the stars in wonderment seeing how they sparkled like diamonds. It was a reaction Alucard had rarely seen in humans. They either feared the night, or were so wrapped up in their own affairs they barely noticed it.

“She seems mesmerized by the moon.” Alucard thought, as he looked up at her. “She is quite lovely. Perhaps this nightwatch won’t be so bad after all.” He said to himself.

Alucard watched her turn and go from the balcony back into her bedroom. She got into bed and got her phone. She looked at the device for a moment. She touched the screen and turned on the bluetooth. She then turned on the sound bar and scrolled through her playlists. She chose a list containing songs by her favorite artist, David Bowie. She chose the song “Ashes to Ashes” and laid the phone down on her nightstand.

“I wish I could have seen him play live.” Seras said to herself. She looked over at a poster her mother had given her after she’d turned thirteen. It was a poster from the movie Labyrinth. Seras gazed at the picture of David Bowie dressed as Jarreth, The Goblin King. She secretly dreamed that she was the one waltzing with him to her favorite song, “As The World Falls Down.” After setting the night timer on her phone, she turned off the light and tried to drift off to sleep.

Though humans would not have been able to hear Seras talking to herself, Alucard could hear every word she said clearly.

“So, she likes music from the nineteen eighties instead of from this decade. I would have thought she’d listen to that nonsense humans from this day and age call music. Well, Seras Victoria, you are intriguing. This assignment could prove to be very interesting.”

An hour passed while Seras lay in her bed. She tried and tried to keep her eyes closed and stay asleep. But try as she did, peaceful slumber evaded her. She let out a frustrated sigh and got out of bed. She put on her robe and turned on the light. Alucard’s eyes focused keenly on the light in her bedroom. Seras opened the doors to the balcony and walked out onto it. She stood at the railing once again looking up at the moon. A beam of moonlight illuminated her form. Alucard watched her from his vantage point. Her skin seemed to almost glow in the light of the moon. Her sapphire blue eyes glittered like jewels. She took in a deep breath of the night air and exhaled slowly. Her attention was still focused on the night sky. So focused in fact she didn’t notice the light in her bedroom suddenly go off. The way she looked surrounded by the moonlight made her look almost ethereal. Alucard looked on in admiration of how lovely she was. As he finished his thought he felt a vibration from his coat pocket. He took out the cell phone he kept and answered it.

“Report Alucard. Is anything going on?” Integra asked.

“No. I’ve neither seen nor felt anything from our target. He is staying out of sight for the time being.” The vampire answered.

“Very well. Continue watching over the girl. Remember your orders. Do not engage the target unless no other option is given.”

“Yes, my master.” He said and put away his phone. He looked back up at Seras still standing on the balcony as he continued his night vigil. Seras, feeling the overwhelming need to get back into bed, turned around to walk back into her room. She turned and saw her light had gone out. “That’s strange. I’m sure I turned my lamp on before coming out here.” She said to herself as she walked back into her bedroom. She shook her head sleepily as began to feel her way back to her bed. Suddenly the light came back on.

“What the…” Seras asked. She stood in the center of her room for a moment wondering just what was going on. “Must be the bulb.” She said to herself and got back into her bed. She turned the lamp off and tried to go back to sleep.

A sly smile crept across Alucard’s mouth. “Yes, this could be very interesting indeed.” He said to himself. An hour before dawn he vanished into the dying night and returned to his domain at the Hellsing estate.

The next morning Seras woke up and got ready for work. She was inspecting her appearence in the mirror when she found herself thinking back to last night. She looked at the lamp on her nightstand for a moment. “I could have sworn I turned the light on when I went out on the balcony. And then when I came back in, it suddenly turned on.” She said to herself. “I may have just been imagining things. I’ve been under a lot of stress and didn’t sleep all that great last night. It was probably just my mind playing tricks on me.”

Seras finished looking and got her purse. She hurried out the door and locked up her apartment. Walking briskly toward the elevator she pushed the down button and waited for the doors to open. As the doors parted, Seras walked in and pushed the number of the lobby. The doors opened and she headed toward the door. She saw Ingrid’s car at the entrance as she hurried out the door. She saw Ingrid waiting in the driver’s seat. “Ready to go, Seras?” Ingrid asked.

“Yes. Do we have time to stop to get something to eat? I was in such a hurry I didn’t have breakfast.” Seras said.

“We have time. Did you get up late?” Ingrid asked as she started the car and pulled away from the apartment.

“I had a hard time sleeping last night. I kept thinking about mom.” Seras answered.

“It hasn’t been too long since she passed. You need something to distract you, Seras. There’s a new club that will be opening here soon. They’ll be having eighties nights on Fridays. You should look into it.” Ingrid suggested.

“I don’t know Ingrid. I just don’t think I’m ready to be in a crowd yet.”

“Seras, you shouldn’t isolate yourself like this. Your mother wouldn’t want you to be alone like this. You’re so young, and you have your whole life ahead of you. It’s time you started living instead of just existing.” Ingrid said.

“I know. I just don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.”

“You can’t hide from the world forever, Seras. There could be someone special out there waiting for you to meet him.”

“I don’t know about that, Ingrid. After what happened that night…”

“I know it’s hard for you to think about a relationship after what happened, but you need to try and move past that. I say this not just as a friend, but as a person who looks at you like a second daughter. Sara would want you to be happy. She would want you to find your other half as she found hers.”

“I know. But I have to do it in my own time. If I try to force it, then it will end up being a disaster.”

“I just don’t want you to be alone. I’m not going to be around forever.”

“Oh Ingrid, please don’t say that. I’m not ready to lose you too.” Seras said, looking away.

“I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, Seras. I just meant that you should have someone special in your life. I’ve always believed that we all have that other half of ourselves that we spend our lives searching for.”

“I know. But I don’t know that my other half actually exists. How many men actually listen to good music or appreciate good movies? There are some things from the past twenty years that are good, but so much of it just doesn’t do anything for me. I was born at the start of the new millenium, but I wish I’d been born in the eighties. That’s when music, movies and fashion were really cool. But that’s just me.”

“Never say never.”

Integra was in her office going over details from the current case. The phone rang as she read the file. “Yes?” She said answering the phone.

“Sir Integra, this is Agent Marris from M.I.-Five. We found Nathaniel Parkins’ residence. His bedroom is plastered with pictures of the young woman he’s become obsessed with. I think you should come see for yourself.” Marris said over the phone.

“All right. I’ll be on my way in ten minutes. Where is the residence located?”

“West of Camden in a secluded area of the town.”

Integra listened and wrote down the address on a piece of paper and folded it up, placing it in her blazer pocket. She hung up the phone and pressed the button to her intercom.

“Walter,” she said.

“Yes, Sir Integra?” Walter replied on his mobile speaker.

“There’s been a development in the Parkins case. I’m going to the suspect’s residence to go over the details with Agent Marris.”

“Very well Sir. Be careful.”

“I will.”

Forty minutes later Integra arrived at the residence where M.I.-Five agents were taking pictures of the evidence. She straightened her blazer sleeves and walked into the house. Agent Marris was in the living room waiting for her.

“Sir Integra, we’ve found pictures of the young woman plastered all over the center wall of Parkins’ bedroom. He’s obviously been following her and taking pictures for some time now. There must be several dozen photographs of her so far.” Marris explained as he led Integra into the room in question. She entered the bedroom and saw numerous pictures of Seras Victoria taped to the center wall as Marris described. Many were of her during the day at the antique shop where she worked. Others were of her with her friend Ingrid. More recent pictures showed her in her apartment where she lived.

“Some of the pictures seemed to have been...altered digitally. These latest pictures show the young lady with red eyes. And there are some pictures that have been digitally produced showing images of him with her. I’m afraid this obsession is getting very dangerous.” Marris explained.

“He’s imagining her as a vampire. This is a disturbing turn of events. No doubt he’s become a vampire and has plans on turning Seras into one as well.” Integra commented.

“Sir! We’ve found something!” Another agent called.

Integra and Marris both followed the calling agent to an open door leading down to the basement. There in the darkened room was an abnormally large coffin. The box was open revealing deep red satin inside. Marris and Integra approached inspecting the casket.

“This coffin looks big enough to hold two people.” Marris said.

“I think that’s the purpose for it being made the way it is. Seras Victoria is in grave danger. We need to get to Seras before Parkins does. I’m going back to the mansion. I need to speak with the queen as soon as possible as to how best to proceed without alerting the target. Keep watch over the girl. If anything happens I want to be notified immediately.” Integra ordered firmly.

“Yes Sir.”

Integra sped back to the mansion. She walked briskly into the mansion and toward her office. Walter was at the door waiting for her. “Sir, what’s going on with the case?” He asked.

“A disturbing development has come up. Agent Marris of M.I.-Five informed me photographs of Seras Victoria were found in our target’s bedroom. Some of them were digitally altered showing her with red eyes, vampiric eyes. He also took pictures of himself and digitally put his image in some of the pictures so it appeared as if he and Seras were together. I need to arrange a meeting with her majesty as soon as possible. She will advise me upon how to proceed with this case. We’ve never had a target become obsessed with a private citizen on this scale before. I can’t make any rash decisions that may alert our target. If he suspects we’re onto him, that could put Seras in harm’s way.” Integra answered.

“Is there anything I can do, Sir?”

“Tell Alucard from this night on until the case has been concluded, he is to be on high alert.”

That night Ingrid went to the antique store after she dropped off Seras. She entered the shop to get a few things organized before heading home. She placed some old books on the lower shelf of the main display case in the store window, and then headed to the back to make sure everything was in order before closing up. As she inspected the newest arrivals to the store she heard a noise from the front of the store. Having once been robbed before, she kept the handle of an old shovel within reach if she needed to defend herself. Cautiously she turned to check what was going on in the front of the store. She turned the flashlight at the back of her phone on to light the dim room.

“Hello? Who’s there? I’ve got a weapon so just know before you try anything, I am armed. I don’t want to hurt you, but I will do what I have to in defense of myself.” Ingrid announced hoping to flush out whomever might be in the store. She got to the front door to find it was still locked. She looked at the vase of roses she kept at the check out desk and noticed they had suddenly withered and blackened.

“What could have,”

She turned with a start hearing something hit the floor not far from where she stood. She clutched her chest, having been startled by the noise. She grasped the shovel handle tightly preparing to strike at the first thing that moved.

“All right, come out! I’m calling the authorities! You better show yourself!” Ingrid shouted hoping to scare out the intruder.

“They won’t be able to help you, Ingrid.” Said a voice.

“What, I know that voice.” Ingrid said before she felt an icy hand reach out and grab her by the throat. Her eyes widened in terror to see the figure now standing before her. She saw a pair of glowing red eyes burning into her very soul. The creature smiled revealing two elongated and razor sharp fangs. “You serve my chosen one in life. And you shall now serve us both for eternity. You will sleep until I call upon you to do my bidding.” The stranger said before sinking those fangs into Ingrid’s throat. She tried to scream but the sound was muffled by clawed fingers covering her mouth. She struggled to lift the handle to strike her attacker, but he drained her blood making her too weak to act. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head, and she dropped the weapon as her body went limp.

Unaware of the fate of her dearest friend, Seras stood on the balcony of her apartment. She looked up at the moon as she had the night before. She had her phone in her hand. She looked down at it seeing a picture of herself and her mother together smiling. She remembered that day because it was her twenty-first birthday. Seras used the new phone to take a picture of herself and her mother together. She realized how important the picture was as it was the last birthday she had with her mother. She looked at the picture for several seconds before looking back up at the night sky. Tears began to form in her eyes.

Also unbeknownst to her, Alucard was watching Seras from the place he’d been the previous night. He saw the expression on her face.

“Mom.” Seras said in a silent whisper trying to fight back the tears. “I can’t believe I’ll never celebrate another birthday with you. I… I still can’t believe you’re really gone.”

Alucard could hear her faint whispers as if she were standing right next to him speaking in a normal tone. He found himself gazing up at her for some time. He felt captivated by her beauty, but found the nagging curiosity to look into her mind. Something about her presence, her aura seemed to draw him to her. He could sense the sadness she felt at the loss of her mother. Something about the expression on Seras’ face made Alucard feel for her. He wasn’t sure why. Alucard, for the most part, distanced himself from humans. One exception was Walter, with whom he had fought beside during the second world war. The other was Integra, his master. It was rare for him to find humans worthy of his admiration and respect. And while he knew almost nothing about Seras, he was intrigued with her nonetheless. He watched her look at the picture on her phone. She was still for a moment and then hugged the phone to her chest. She fought to keep from completely breaking down and sobbing. Alucard saw the frustration on her face thinking she was fighting a losing battle. But then she looked up sternly, wiping the newborn tears from her eyes.

“I promised mom I’d be strong. She was strong for me. Now I have to be strong for myself.” Seras said as she tried to compose herself.

“She has a sense of resolve. She fights against something she thinks would make her weak. Perhaps soon, I will see the strength within you… Seras Victoria.”

The next morning Seras was outside the apartment building waiting for her ride. She looked down at her phone seeing what time it was. “It’s ten past eight. Ingrid should have been here by now.” Seras said, feeling a tinge of worry. She looked down at her phone again to make sure she was looking at the time right. “Calm down, Seras. She may have had car trouble and is just running a little late.” She told herself. Seras waited until ten more minutes had passed. She then took her phone and sent a text to Ingrid’s phone hoping she would hear from her friend. Another five minutes went by, and there was still no response.

“Ok, something’s wrong. She always responds to my texts after I send them to her.”

Seras flagged down a passing taxi and told the driver to take her to London Antiques. The driver took her to her requested destination. But when they reached the antique store, all the color drained from Seras’ face, and her blood suddenly ran cold. There were several police vehicles, a detective and an ambulance just leaving the scene. Seras hastily paid the driver and rushed toward the taped off crime scene. An officer put his arm out to stop her.

“I’m sorry miss. Police and detectives only.” The officer said.

“Wait! Please, my friend Ingrid Kirkpatrick owns this store. I work for her. My name is Seras Victoria.” She said, trying not to panic.

The detective on scene heard Seras speak and walked over to where she stood. He spoke to the officer to let Seras stay at the scene. “Miss, you know Ingrid Kirkpatrick?” He asked.

“Yes. She’s a dear friend of mine. Please, has something happened to her? She was supposed to pick me up at my apartment building to bring me to work.” Seras pleaded.

“Can I see identification please?” The detective asked.

Seras took her id out of her purse and showed it to the detective and officer. The investigator looked at it and requested Seras come with him to his vehicle. Seras followed him asking what was going on. The investigator looked at her with a solemn expression.

“I’m detective Marris. Miss Victoria, I’m afraid I have some bad news. Mrs. Kirkpatrick’s body was found inside the antique store. Does she have any family who might be able to come identify her body?”

Seras felt her heart stop for the briefest second before she could answer. The shock was only beginning to set in.

“Miss, does she have any family who can identify her?” Detective Marris asked again.

“She has a daughter, but she lives in Scotland.” Seras replied, still in a state of shock.

“She has no other relatives who live close?”

“No.”

“I’ll need you to come and identify the body. Do you think you’ll be able to do that for me?”

“Y, yes.” Seras answered reluctantly.

“Come with me. I’ll take you to the coroner’s office.”

Seras followed the detective to his car and got in the passenger side. She stayed silent all through the trip. She kept thinking to herself that this had to be a dream. It had to be a terrible dream.

After fifteen minutes of driving Marris and Seras arrived at the coroner’s office. The medical examiners were waiting inside the morgue on either side of a body covered by a sheet. Detective Marris led Seras into the room. “Miss Victoria, I should warn you that she was attacked by someone. The killing was quite brutal. Are you sure you can do this?”

“Please, just let me see her.” Seras insisted.

With a nod from Marris, the examiner pulled back the sheet exposing the head and shoulders. Seras gasped in shock and horror to see the face of her dearest friend beneath the sheet. Seras saw her throat had been savagely torn. “Oh God...that’s Ingrid.” Seras gasped

“Cover her back up please.” Marris requested. He looked at Seras who appeared as if she might pass out. She could feel her stomach turn and she began to shake.

“Please excuse us. I’m going to take the young lady out for some air. Continue your examination and find out the cause of death.”

Detective Marris escorted Seras outside where she could try to compose herself. “I’m terribly sorry about your friend. But I need to ask you some questions. Do you know if anyone might have had a problem with Mrs. Kirkpatrick?” He asked.

“No, of course not. Ingrid was one of the kindest people my mother and I have ever known.” Seras trying not to get too upset.

“I mean no offense. I’m just trying to figure out who may have wanted your friend killed. You said you and your mother were both friends of the deceased. Would your mother be willing to talk with me?”

“My mother passed away last month.” Seras answered, looking down.

“My sincerest apologies, Miss Victoria. The cause of death hasn’t been determined just yet. When I get results from the autopsy, I’ll contact you. Again my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother and friend. Shall I take you home?”

“Yes, please.” Seras answered quietly.

Once they reached the apartment building, Seras got out of the car and headed up the stairs to the building. Once she was inside, Marris took out his cell phone. He dialed a number and waited for the other line to answer.

“Agent Marris, report.” Said Integra Hellsing.

“There’s been another murder. This time it was a woman named Ingrid Kirkpatrick. She appeared to be in her early to mid fifties. Her body was found at the antique shop she owned.” Marris answered.

“It was a vampire that killed her?”

“The medical examiner is conducting an autopsy as we speak, but I’m pretty sure it was a vampire. Her throat appeared to have been torn and she appeared to have little to no blood left. The body was very pale indicating massive blood loss.” Marris explained.

“Who identified the body?” Integra asked.

“Our target’s prey, Seras Victoria. She was waiting for the victim to pick her up, but she never made it. Miss Victoria took a cab to the antique store and came upon the crime scene. The body had already been moved. I took her to the coroner’s office to identify the body. She made the positive id.”

“Damnit, Parkins has gotten too bold. He may attempt to kidnap Seras, possibly tonight. We need to get to her before he does.” Integra said with a scowl.

“What do we do, Sir Integra?”

“For now keep tabs on Seras Victoria. If anyone suspicious approaches her, move in and intercept her before she gets hurt. I’m going to set up a virtual meeting with the queen. With this development, there isn’t time to set up a meeting in person with her. We have to move carefully. If we do anything too quickly we may end up scaring off the target. We can’t allow him to remain at large. I will contact you once I know her majesty’s orders.”

“Yes Sir.” Marris said and ended the call.

Integra hung up the phone and pushed the button on her intercom to summon Walter. Several moments later the aged retainer arrived and entered Integra’s office. “You wanted to see me, Sir Integra?” He asked.

“I’ve just gotten a report from Agent Marris of M.I.-Five. Ingrid Kirkpatrick has been murdered. She was found dead this morning. I believe since she was close to Seras, Parkins may have killed her to turn her into a ghoul. Most likely he wants her as an undead slave to serve him after he attains what he desires. I’m going to my private study to set up a virtual meeting with the queen. There isn’t time to go see her in person. As soon as I know her orders we must be ready to move, and so must Alucard.” Integra explained.

“Yes Sir.”

That night Seras was in her apartment. She sat on her bed trying to stop crying, but the loss of both her mother and her dearest friend was overwhelming for her. She felt waves of grief crash against her like a fierce ocean tide. But there was also the frustration of not knowing why Ingrid had been taken away from her so suddenly. “Why? Why would anyone want to kill Ingrid? She had a kind heart and never bothered anybody. She took my mother and I in when we were left on the streets. Why in the world would anyone do this to such a kind woman? And why did her death appear so brutal? She looked like she had her throat ripped out. What kind of sick soul would do that to her?”

While she tried to make sense of Ingrid’s murder, Alucard stood at his vantage point watching her like a hawk. He felt the vibration of his phone and immediately answered it.

“What’s going on?” Integra asked.

“So far nothing. She’s in her apartment. I have no sense of our target as of yet.” Alucard answered.

“Very well. Keep your guard up.”

“Yes master.”

Alucard put away his phone and looked up at Seras while she was in her bedroom. He saw her get up from her bed and walk out onto the balcony. She looked down at the streets. People were coming and going. Some hurried while others took their time. Alucard studied the expression on her face. It was one of sadness, confusion and frustration. She felt tears forming in her eyes though she fought in vain to hold them back. The pain in her blue eyes was clear to see from where Alucard stood. “They say the eyes are the window to the soul. And I see so much pain in hers. This isn’t the first heartbreak she’s experienced. There’s a story within her. And I sense there is much sadness within it.” He thought.

Alucard looked away for a moment. He remembered how painful his own childhood had been. He surmised that Seras too may have also had a difficult upbringing as well. He found himself thinking about what she may have gone through. It was a feeling he wasn’t used to. But despite his nature, he found himself becoming increasingly curious about Seras’ past. He watched her turn around and go back into her bedroom. Her expression was still one of silent despair. She stood beside her bed and turned the covers down. She was about to get into bed when music suddenly started to play from her phone.

Seras stood in shock looking at her phone. “I turned my phone off. I know I turned it off.” She said as the song continued to play. She went to stop the song from playing but found herself just listening to it as it continued.

“So strange. I was just thinking about playing that song.” Seras said to herself as she let it finish playing. “But how did the bloody thing turn itself on? I had it turned off. Either I’m going insane or my apartment is haunted. Would just be my luck with the way my life’s been going.” Seras said to herself as she picked up the phone. She noticed the music app on her phone had been switched on and the song “Sunglasses at night,” had been specifically chosen to play. “I hope this thing isn’t going bad on me. Mom gave me this phone for my birthday.” She said turning the phone off. She watched it shut down and waited for a moment. It remained silent after she turned it off.

She put the device on her nightstand and got into bed. Before she could turn the night lamp off, it suddenly went out. “What the hell is going on? I better have the electrician check the wiring. That still doesn’t explain what happened with my phone.” Seras said as she let out a yawn. “I just need to get some sleep. I don’t know what I’m going to do now that Ingrid’s dead. Where am I going to work? Am I going to be able to keep living here?” She asked out loud as she lay down. “Just worry about it in the morning. I need to get some sleep. But if I close my eyes, I’ll just see mom laying in that casket. I’ll see Ingrid with her throat ripped out. I can’t sleep.” She said reaching to turn the light on. But before she could turn the light on, she felt an overwhelming urge to lay down and close her eyes. She tried to fight against it but the urge was stronger than her will to fight it. She felt as if something was taking over her mind, telling her to sleep. She couldn’t resist the need to close her eyes and lay down. She did so and soon fell into a deep sleep.

Alucard watched her settle down to rest for the night. His will proved to be stronger than hers, and he easily put her to sleep. But knowing how tired she truly was it wasn’t a difficult feat for him to accomplish. He continued watching her from where he stood as she slept.

The examiner at the coroner’s office was just finishing up with an autopsy. He covered up the corpse of a man who had died of a heart attack. He rolled the body over to the wall where the dead were kept until they were claimed by family or loved ones. He sat down to eat the sandwich he’d brought with him. A small tv sat on his desk as he turned it on. He settled in for a much needed break. An assistant walked by about to sit down himself when he heard what sounded like someone knocking on the door in the front office.

“Someone at the door this time of night?” The assistant asked.

“I’ve got to eat or I’m gonna die of hunger. Go see who it is, will you?” The examiner said.

“All right.” The assistant said and headed for the front office.

The examiner continued eating while he waited for the assistant to come back. He sat watching the small black and white tv set and continued to wait. Several minutes passed, but the assistant had yet to return to the examiner’s lab.

“Bob?” The coroner asked. A moment passed but there was no answer. “Bob, who was it?” He asked again but still nothing.

“Bloody hell, can’t a guy eat something without being interrupted?” The coroner grumbled as he got up from his seat.

“Bob! I don’t have time nor patience for this shit. Now who was at the damned door?” The coroner demanded walking to the main office. He saw the door was wide open and no sign of the assistant, Bob. The coroner looked around trying to find where Bob was.

“What the hell is going on? Bob, if this is your idea of a joke I am not amused. I’m hungry, and I’d like to finish my dinner.” He said in an annoyed tone. He walked to the door but saw no one there.

“Bob? Bob! Where the hell are you? Bob! Quit shitting around, and get back in here! Where are you? Bob, are you alright?” The coroner asked, trying to get an answer.

“He’s dead.” Said a sinister voice.

“What?” The coroner spun around to find himself face to face with a strange man with glowing red eyes.

“And so are you.” Said the stranger as he grabbed the coroner by the throat and sank his fangs into the coroner’s flesh. He took his victim so quickly there wasn’t much chance for a struggle. The coroner soon stopped moving and went silent. As soon as the vampire had taken his fill, he proceeded to the examination lab. With a sinister smile he walked to the wall where the bodies were kept in storage. He opened one long drawer where Ingrid Kirkpatrick’s corpse was stored. He raised his hand, and the covered body began to move.

“Come to me, slave. It’s time to serve your master.” Said Nathaniel Parkins. The corpse rose and got off the slab. The ghoul stood naked as the sheet fell from its body. Parkins put a bag on the slab. “Dress yourself. We have work to do.” He ordered. Soon after he spoke the coroner and his assistant, Bob lumbered into the lab. They too had become ghouls under Parkins’ power.

“Come. It’s time to prepare for my bride’s arrival.” He said as the undead slaves followed him out of the coroner’s office and into the night.

Integra was in her office on the phone with Agent Marris of M.I.-Five. “Yes, those are the queen’s orders. Seras Victoria is to be relocated from her residence. Alucard is still scouting the apartment building where she lives. So far there’s been no sign of our target. If it comes down to it, I have orders to bring Seras here for the time being. It’s not something I would normally do. We try to keep this organization hidden from the general population. But if there is no other choice, then she’ll be brought here. What happens after that is up to her majesty.” Integra said.

“The queen is allowing that?” Marris asked.

“This once, yes. It’s not protocol but, wait. I’ll have to put you on hold. Another call is coming in.” Integra pushed the hold button to answer the incoming call.

“Yes?” She asked.

“Sir Integra, we have an emergency at the coroner’s office! The examiner and an assistant were both killed. Then soon after they got up and started following the intruder! He walked into the lab and opened the storage wall. A body just got up and started walking.” An officer answered.

“Where are they now?” Integra demanded.

“We don’t know. The intruder looked like the missing funeral director.”

“Nathaniel Parkins. He’s attacking citizens and turning them into ghouls. Get your officers away from the crime scene. My organization will handle this.” Integra said as she hung up the phone. She picked up the phone once again. “Commander Garreth, I want several units ready for deployment. Our target is on the move.” She ordered.

“Yes Sir!” Garreth answered.

Just as Integra finished giving the order, she heard someone knocking on the door.

“Come in.” She said,

“Sir Integra,” Walter replied, rushing into the office.

“Walter, what’s wrong?”

“People at one of the local shelters are being attacked. The victims are being drained of blood and then reanimating. Last count at least ten people have been turned into ghouls. The police have been alerted and special task force Division 11 has been mobilized.” Walter answered.

“Dammit! This is what I was trying to avoid. D-11 won’t stand a chance against Parkins and his slaves. Commander Garreth is mobilizing units as we speak. No doubt Parkins is coming for Seras Victoria. We have to get her out of her apartment now before he does. With Division 11 getting involved, I fear this situation is about to get worse.” Integra said as she grabbed her coat. “Have my car brought to the front of the mansion. I’m heading to Seras Victoria’s apartment building.” Integra ordered as she grabbed her coat and put it on.

“Yes Sir.” Walter said leaving the office.

Meanwhile, chaos was erupting in another part of London. Troops from Division 11 were entangled in a fight against Nathaniel Parkins and his ghouls. But as much fire power as D-11 had, they were no match for the vampire and his undead slaves.

“This is Thomas Wincott of Division 11! Captain, we’re unable to put the subject down! No matter how much we shoot him he keeps coming! The creatures with him are also immune to our gunfire! We need reinforcements! We,”

Wincott was cut off by Parkins grabbing him by the throat. “No matter how many bullets you shoot at me, I will not be stopped. I am claiming my chosen one tonight, and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it.” Parkins growled and sunk his teeth into Wincott’s throat.

One after another the officers were fed upon and turned into ghouls. Their numbers stood at thirty with the count continuing to climb. One after another the slain officers rose and took their place alongside their master. Parkins stood at the head of his new servants with blood dripping from his mouth. “Now my servants, the time has come to claim my bride. Come!”

“What in hell were you thinking? Officers from Division 11 are no match for a vampire and an army of ghouls!” Integra shouted at her phone as she drove.

“I thought the fire power would be enough to bring him down. We had him outnumbered.”

“Humans are no match for a vampire no matter how many outnumber him or how powerful the firepower is. You should have contacted me first. Hellsing would have handled it. Now matters are worse. Keep the rest of your men away. My best hunter will take over from here.”

“How can one hunter succeed where all my men failed?”

“The target isn’t human. Fortunately my hunter isn’t human either. Now withdraw what’s left of your troops and stay out of the way!” Integra shouted as she sped toward the crime scene.

Seras was asleep in her apartment. Alucard remained at his vantage point watching the building. He sensed nothing was amiss and continued his watch. Several moments passed. The midnight hour was approaching. Alucard turned his head away from Seras’ apartment. He sensed something in the air. The wind began to blow and an errie silence filled the air. His nostrils flared as he caught a familiar scent. The scent of blood and death. He removed his silver Casull from its holster. Something was coming from a short distance. But remembering Integra’s orders he could not act until she gave the word. His muscles tensed and he cocked his gun preparing for whatever was coming.

“Master, something is coming this way.” He said telepathically to Integra who was still on her way to the crime scene. Integra put on the breaks and brought her car to a screeching halt. She put it in reverse and made a hard left turn to head in the opposite direction. She took out her phone.

“Alucard, what’s going on at the residence?”

“Nothing as of yet, but I can sense the presence of ghouls close by.” Alucard said as he answered his phone.

“I’m on my way. Proceed with caution.” Integra ordered and hung up her phone.

“Caution she says.” Alucard said with a sigh. He sensed a presence close to him and raised his gun.

“I know you’re there so you might as well come out.” Alucard said as he turned around with his gun aimed.

“And just who might you be?” He asked as Nathaniel Parkins came out of the shadows to make himself known.

“Who I am is not important. But I don’t like you snooping around here spying on my bride.” Nathaniel said with a scowl.

“Your bride? Well, it would appear that you forgot to tell her about the wedding. But after I send you to hell, she won’t have to worry about that.” Alucard said with a sinister smile. He aimed and pulled the trigger. The bullet sped toward its target, but Parkins used his vampiric speed to dodge the projectile.

“You’re fast. But I can play that game as well.” Alucard said as he took off after his prey. Parkins stopped a block from the apartment building. He was shocked to see Alucard waiting for him.

“What? How were you able to catch up to me?”

“Haven’t you figured out I’m not human? You must have been recently turned. Newborns are always slow on the uptake.”

“It makes no difference. Vampire or not, you’ll not stop me from claiming her. I have no time for games. But I’m sure my servants will keep you occupied while I take my bride.” Parkins replied confidently.

“So you’ll just sick your ghouls on me? I was hoping this hunt would be a good one. But instead of a true nosferatu to challenge me, I get stuck with a piece of shit like you. You honestly think your sad little puppets will be a match for me.” Alucard sneered. “I don’t think Seras Victoria would want a cockroach for a husband.”

“How do you know her name? You...you want her for yourself! You’ll not have her!” Parkins barked.

“You couldn’t even approach her while you were human. You had to become a vampire just to work up enough nerve to even think about taking her. You have no business calling yourself true undead. She wouldn’t want a pathetic weakling like you anyway. You hardly have any concept of what you are! You subject humans to a fate worse than death, and then you would have them fight your battles for you. I honestly can’t stand scum like you. The thought of you calling yourself a true vampire makes me want to vomit. You disgust me. I’ll be doing the world a favor by wiping filth like you off of it.”

“You’ll soon regret your words.” Parkins growled as he snapped his fingers. A small army of ghouls, formerly officers of Division 11 soon appeared.

“The only thing I regret is shit like you roaming the Earth.” Alucard snarled as he bore his fangs.

“Enough of this. Take care of this arrogant bastard. I have more important matters to attend to.” Parkins ordered. His slaves raised their assault rifles and began to fire. Bullets ripped through the air and tore into Alucard’s body. His arms, chest and face were blown off as blood and flesh flew through the air and landed on the ground. His clothing was shredded in the hail of gunfire. Over half his torso was shattered and torn. One arm fell to the ground in a bloody mess. The upper half of his head fell beside what was left of his upper half. His body was now ripped flesh, muscle and bone. The corpse fell to its knees, and then flat on the ground. Parkins had since vanished.

A night guard stood watch at the entrance of the apartment building. He saw a figure approaching the entrance. The guard began walking toward the door but stopped dead in his tracks. He watched with wide eyes as the door opened by itself and the figure came into the light.

“I’ve come for Seras Victoria. Which floor is her apartment?” Parkins asked as his eyes glowed.

The guard’s own eyes glazed over as he fell under the vampire’s will.

“Third floor, apartment 108.” The guard answered.

“I’m going to need a best man.” Parkins said and lunged forward forcing his fangs into his victim’s throat. The guard fell to the ground only to rise again as a ghoul.

“Go and feed. We need more witnesses for the wedding.” Parkins instructed as the newly made ghoul lumbered off. It began attacking fellow employees and turning them into ghouls as well. Parkins wore a wicked smile as he headed toward the floor where Seras slept.

Seras was still in bed unaware of the chaos erupting outside her apartment. She opened her eyes and sat up. “I can’t stay asleep to save my life.” She said and looked over at her clock. “What on earth happened to me? I remember my phone suddenly turning on and playing ‘Sunglasses at Night’. My lamp turns on and off by itself. Am I going completely crazy, or am I already there?” She asked as she shook her head.

“Seras Victoria, hear me.”

“What? I’m hearing things.” She said, shaking her head.

“You are in grave danger. Someone is coming for you. Run from this place.”

“Someone’s coming for me? Bloody hell! The bastard who killed Ingrid must be coming for me!” Seras gasped as she struggled to get the covers off of her. She got out of bed and felt for the switch on her lamp to turn it on. She opened up the drawer in her nightstand and grabbed the pepper spray she kept to protect herself. She cautiously walked toward the door. She slowly opened the door and before she could close it she saw one of the night guards lumbering toward her.

“Eddie, is that you?” She asked, seeing the dark figure walking slowly toward her.

She saw him coming down the hall. She turned on the hall light to see who it was. She saw the sunken, hollow eyes and gaping mouth of what had once been a human being. Now it was a ghoul who stalked toward her. She gasped at the visage and quickly slammed the door shut. She looked down and realized she was no longer holding the pepper spray. In her shock she’d dropped it outside the door. Knowing what was on the other side of it, she dared not go out to retrieve the small canister. Seras rushed into the kitchen trying to find a weapon to defend herself. She stood with a steak knife in her hand trying to figure out how she was going to escape her apartment. She rushed back to her bedroom and opened the doors to the balcony.

“I have to try.” She said and hesitantly approached the rail. As she looked down she got a sick feeling in her stomach.

“I wouldn’t advise that, my dear.” A voice said. Seras spun around to find a man, or what appeared to be a man standing behind her.

“You’re still human. The fall would kill you.” He said with a fanged smile.

“Mr, Parkins?” Seras asked in shock.

“You’ve no need for that weapon. Now be a good girl, and put it on the ground.” He commanded.

Seras kept a death grip on the knife trying to fight the power being exerted over her. Her hand began to shake as she fought to keep her hold on the weapon. But that only caused Parkins to put her more under his power. Her eyes narrowed and she tried to raise the knife to her chest. She started backing up only to find the railing behind her.

“There’s no escaping me. It will be much easier if you stop fighting my will. Now put the knife on the ground.” Parkins ordered.

Seras still refused to comply with his demand. “Go… to… hell.” Seras cursed through her clenched teeth.

“You’re stronger than I thought. But once you’re mine, you will learn to obey me.” Parkins said and raised his hand. Seras felt her body beginning to move as if she were a piece of metal being drawn to a magnet. She struggled to hold onto the knife, but could not manage the strength to lift it. Seras found herself an inch or two apart from Parkins. He put her wrist in a vice-like grip and easily forced her to drop the knife.

“Get away from me.” She gasped.

“Soon, you won’t resist me. You will be mine for all eternity.” Parkins said and unleashed the full power of his will upon Seras. She passed out into his arms. He gathered her against him.

“I will enjoy making you my bride.” He replied and turned around.

“And I will enjoy sending you to Hell.”

Parkins’ eyes widened in shock to see Alucard standing in front of him. “How in the hell did you escape my ghouls? I watched them shoot you to ribbons.”

“I told you, your slaves were no match for me. I showed them mercy and put them out of their misery. But where you’re going there will be no mercy.” Alucard growled and aimed his Casull at Parkins. “Pull the trigger then. You’ll only succeed in killing her.” Parkins warned as he looked down at Seras.

“My master has put a great deal of trouble into keeping her safe. Put her down, and maybe I’ll give you a quick death.”

“I don’t think so. And just who is this master you speak of?” Parkins demanded. His nostrils flared as he inhaled the air. “You have the scent of humans about you. Don’t tell me this master of yours is… human.”

“That’s really none of your damn business, but I have my reasons.”

“And you have the nerve to question me as a vampire. You’re little more than a human’s bitch! How utterly pathetic!” Parkins gloated.

“I need only to fire one bullet into your head to get rid of you. The only harm the girl will suffer is a short drop to the ground.”

Parkins smiled and quickly rose from the ground into the air. He hovered over the railing of the balcony.

“What about now? You could destroy me, but you will also succeed in killing the girl. It would certainly be a nasty fall for her from this level. Besides, if my ghoul’s bullets had no effect on you, you should know your bullets won’t affect me either.”

“You truly are an idiot. You claim to be a vampire, yet you don’t know anything about vampires. I don’t carry ordinary bullets. The ammunition for this gun is made of silver, specifically a silver cross from Lanchester church. Perhaps you should have bothered to learn about vampires before becoming one.”

“If I die, so will she. And what would your human master have to say about that? Besides, you’re about to have a more urgent problem on your hands. I will bring my bride immortality, while you deal with my pawns.” Parkins said and vanished into the night.

Alucard turned around to see ghouls filling the apartment. “Clever bastard.” Alucard growled and aimed his gun toward the ghouls.

Seras slowly awoke to find herself in a room lit only by candles. Her vision at first was blurry as she struggled to see. She turned her head to find figures standing in the chamber. They had ashen skin and sunken eyes. Their mouths were hanging open. She looked down to see she was wearing a wedding dress. Then as she struggled to move, her eyes widened at one of the ghouls. It was a woman with shoulder length auburn hair. A gold ring with an emerald stone was on her finger.

“Lord in heaven… Ingrid?” She gasped.

“I saved her for us. She will be our servant throughout eternity.” Parkins said as he appeared before Seras.

“What the hell have you done to her?” Seras demanded as she fought to hold back tears.

“Our servants must be loyal. Not all humans can become vampires. It is the fate of most of those we feed from to become ghouls. Only an exceptional few can become true creatures of the night. You will understand this once you’ve been changed.” Parkins said with a hungry look in his eyes. “I’ve wanted you from the moment I saw you. And then I went to a woman who gave me immortality. Imagine it, an eternal existence without sickness or death. You will always be young and beautiful just as you are now. And you will have power beyond your wildest dreams. You need only bear a brief moment of pain, and then you will know an eternity of pleasure.”

“Stay away from me or I’ll,”

“You’ll what? You have no weapons and you have nowhere to run. Now come to me so I may make you mine forever.” Parkins said trying to put Seras under his power once more.

“Don’t you come near me. I mean it.” Seras said as her eyes narrowed, and she gritted her teeth.

“Don’t fight it, Seras. It’s so much better if you don’t fight it. Don’t you want to live forever?”

“Not with you.” Seras growled.

“I was hoping I wouldn’t have to do this, but you leave me no choice.” Parkins said in a stern tone and grabbed Seras pinning her to the wall.

“Let go of me, you bastard!” Seras barked and struggled against her captor.

“Stop fighting me. You’ll be thanking me later for this.” Parkins growled as his fangs neared Seras’ throat. She struggled to get away from him but his hold on her was too strong.

“Let me go!” Seras yelled in an angry tone.

“You’ve too much fire in you. That fire will soon dwindle once my blood is in your veins.” Parkins replied forcing Seras to be still. He leaned in once more only to hear something click behind him. He turned and found to his great shock Alucard was again behind him.

“Don’t you ever die!” Parkins hissed.

“I’ve died more times than a fool like you could possibly understand.” Alucard said as he cocked his gun. “Yet I just keep coming back for more.” He added with a sadistic smile.

Seras’ eyes widened. That voice. She knew that voice. It was the same one she’d heard in her mind warning her to leave her apartment. Her eyes locked onto those of Alucard. She saw the crimson glow burning within them. His white fangs glittered in the candle light. Alucard focused his gaze intently upon Seras. She could feel a sort of connection happening between them. It felt as if he were entering her mind.

Parkins turned and faced Alucard while holding Seras with her back to him. He kept his arm around her chest close to her neck.

“If I can’t have her, no man can. I’ll kill the girl if you try to take her!” Parkins yelled as he became lost in his own madness.

“Seras Victoria, hear me.”

Seras heard Alucard’s voice inside her mind. She slowly nodded her head acknowledging his words.

“Are you willing to fight for your life?” He asked.

“Yes.” Seras answered.

“Then I give you this chance. Show me your strength!” He commanded mentally.

Seras kept her gaze locked upon Alucard. Then her eyes slowly moved to her right. She saw a tall candelabra right beside her.

“Come any closer, and I’ll kill her!” Parkins warned.

Slowly, carefully, Seras moved her hand toward the candelabra. She kept her movements slow so as not to draw Parkins’ attention away from Alucard. The red clad vampire watched Seras continue to reach until she could feel the cold metal rod against her fingers. She took in a deep breath knowing it was now or risk death. Once she felt the object was within her grasp, she grabbed onto it and forcefully pulled it toward her. The candles began to wobble since the wax had not fully fixed them to holes they filled. The wax and lit wicks came tumbling down upon Parkins head. Feeling the wax and flames burn his cold skin, he cried out in pain and let go of Seras. She turned and fiercely kneed Parkins between his legs.

“Bastard!” She barked as she attacked him.

“You little bitch!” Parkins roared and back handed Seras so hard she was flung backwards hitting the ground hard. But before Parkins could fully recover he found himself in the grasp of his opponent. Alucard held his prey by the throat up against the wall. Parkins struggled to pry the white gloved hand that now held him but to no avail.

“I’ve had enough of you.” The red clad vampire snarled. Parkins looked over at the ghoul Seras had once called her best friend.

“Kill her!” He yelled.

“I don’t think so.” Alucard replied and aimed his Casull without even bothering to look at his target. He fired a single bullet. It found its mark, and Ingrid’s corpse immediately turned to a pile of ash.

“Time to take care of the rest of your little toys.” Alucard said and began shooting the remaining ghouls while still keeping Parkins pinned against the wall. Within moments the last of his ghouls also turned to ash as silver bullets ripped through their hearts.

“What, what the hell are you?”

“Death.” Alucard answered as he put the Casull against Parkins’ chest. He pulled the trigger and watched as the body disintegrated into a pile of ash. Seras felt dizzy as Alucard walked toward her. Her eyes were blurry and she struggled to stay awake. She felt her body being lifted off the ground. She looked to find herself in Alucard’s arms. She looked hazily at him staring into his red eyes.

“You’re not… human.” She whispered faintly before finally losing consciousness.

“Indeed.” Alucard said with an amused chuckle as he and Seras vanished from the scene.