Chapter 2: A grim reunion

Defiers of Fate:The Lycans, Vampires, heroes of War
Chapter 2: A grim reunion

Claire looked around confused for a moment. Hans's voice filled her mind, his thoughts were filled with concern.
"Claire? Are you alright? I heard that over the intercom..there were a few of the soldiers that ran into you it sounds like..I'm sorry I blocked you out earlier..we had a situation..that I'd rather not explain.." Hans explained urgently.
Claire relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh Hans, I'm so glad to hear your voice. Yes, I'm okay now thanks to Alucard. He saved my life from the soldiers..there were too many of them. I know what you'll say..but I have formed a connection with him now. Red Dawn says that she marked one of his summons, Baskerville. Please don't worry..Alucard says he is going to protect me until I find you. I am going to battle him soon." Claire replied, waiting for Hans to answer.
"I'm glad you're alright..but Claire be careful. Alucard works for Hellsing..and..if he finds out..about our connection then..I don't know ..trusting enemies can be dangerous. This surprises me that he was willing to help you..what exactly did he do?" Hans asked, waiting intently.
"I shared her blood, and gave her mine wolfman." Alucard cut in, his voice entering Claire's mind also.
Claire gasped in surprise. "Alucard..you..how did you..?" She stammered.
"Heh..that's what a blood bond does, wolf girl. I can talk to you telepathically also." He answered.
"Alucard..it's been only briefly that I have seen you..but please..take care of my sister. I don't care what happens to me..just keep her safe. If you must fight her..so be it. Just make sure she lives." Hans replied seriously.
"I will Hans don't worry. I consider this an exchange for an ally. I will be her guardian as long as she helps me. Almost a harmless contract. I want to see her power, I have no intentions of maiming her too badly, besides I want her to come with me." Alucard announced, chuckling.
"Very well then..Alucard...I never thought I would say this..but thank you for saving.." Hans began
"Your sister? Yes I am aware that you are his sister..but I also have no intention of announcing that to Millennium either.." Alucard answered shortly.
"Alucard..I am a part of Hellsing then?" Claire asked meekly.
"Only if you want to be..but that can be decided later." Alucard exclaimed.
"So..you do know..I guess that can't be helped. I will hold you responsible for keeping this secret for Claire and I. Lets hope we don't meet in the battle field again vampire." Hans replied sternly,
"Mm..can't trust me quite yet Hans? I can keep me word I assure you. I hope for the same wolfman. Now let me battle her then.." Alucard suggested.
"Okay then..this doesn't I stop talking to Claire." Hans advised.
"Both of you..calm down..I  need to focus." Claire replied, annoyed.
"Alright Claire..show me what you can do.." Alucard exclaimed, grinning.
"Yes..show her Claire who you really are don't hold back." Hans urged.
Claire stepped back and started to transform slowly. Tawny fur appeared on her face. Her eyes changed from green-blue to glowing red. Bones started to reform and change.
Alucard was far enough away from her to be satisfied. He slowly pulled out his guns and waited.
Claire teeth formed into wolf's fangs. Her brown hair was now a tawny mane. Her hands became wolf's paws, with long black claws. This time, her clothes was on her..but now covered by her massive wolf's body.
"Here we go Claire." Red Dawn snarled.
"Ready Claire?" Alucard asked, aloud. He readied his guns.
"Of course Alucard, show me you why everyone fears you." Red Dawn answered, in Claire's mind.
Alucard smiled, amused. "Very well wolf girl." He ran towards her and started firing bullets at her.
"His arms..attack his arms." Hans suggested to Claire.
Red Dawn snarled in pain as the bullets hit her, but she didn't break her stride. She lunged at Alucard as a rain of bullets continued to rain down on her. Her body began to heal and the bullets fell to the ground.
Red Dawn slammed into Alucard. Her claws tore at him. Her mouth locked around Alucard's arm and tore it off. His Jesus Christ gun fell with it. Blood splattered on Red Dawn's fur.
"Heh good one Claire.. but I am far from finished." Alucard exclaimed excitedly.
His body started to smoke with darkness. Red eyes appeared and his arm was replaced by his darkness. Red Dawn hesitated, transfixed in surprise. Alucard picked up his gun.
"Can I do this..?" Claire wondered suddenly.
"Keep going..I know you can do it." Hans replied.
"Claire why do you hesitate? Are you afraid of the dark? Pretend I am trying to kill you or your brother. Imagine that I am the only thing left between you and your brother being reunited." He purred smoothly.
Red Dawn howled. Blood roared in her eyes and her gaze started to form into a red haze.
She snapped at his darkness and he floated above her.
"Show me your rage Red Dawn. Let my blood and your blood flow freely, creating a bloodbath. Let's see..what if I did this? Will you get mad then?" Alucard announced darkly.
Suddenly he started using his bond to sift through Claire memories. Red Dawn snarled, surprised and enraged.
"What are you doing?? Stop this!" Claire shrieked.
"What do we have here.." Alucard murmured ignoring Claire's protests.
A memory flashed through both Alucard and Claire's mind vividly, like a flash of light.
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It was the day that the soldiers for Nazi Germany had found Hans. There was a draft in Germany at the time, Hitler was looking for any eligible boys to fight. The Major had led a search party, and had Nazi soldiers break into the citizens houses. Anyone who hadn't signed up were dragged from their homes and forced into army vehicles. At gunpoint, the terrified men were forced to sign a contract. There were also branded with the swastika. Thankfully, the Major wasn't near the group of soldiers that had raided Han and Claire's house. They lived in Berlin in the countryside. SInce Han's and Claire's parents had died, Han's tended to the fields. He worked as a farmer, and Claire did the housework. The soldiers found Han's in the fields and dragged him to the front of the house. Claire had heard commotion, shouting, gunshots and the roar of vehicles. She cracked the door open and peeked outside. She saw Hans getting forced into the ground. Men were kicking him. He was struggling to fight so many soldiers that had grabbed him. His plaid shirt was torn from his chest. He looked up from the ground and saw Claire and the edge of the door. His red eyes widened. Blood dripped from his chin and blood was in his mouth. He spat the blood out of his mouth. Sweat and blood gleamed on his back. He ground his teeth and screamed. He wanted his sister to flee.
"Run Claire! Run! Save yourself it's too late for me! Run before they hurt you! I'll find your eventually I promise! Run save yourself!"  Hans yelled. He had a thick German accent. He would have said it in German but he didn't want the soldiesr to understand. The soldiers heard him and grabbed him roughly. The pulled him to his feet by pulling him up his grayish white hair. Rage filled through Hans. Graymist was ready to fight.
"Hans!!! Hans!!" Claire screamed, terrified.
"Just run!! Please do this for me! Protect yourself! I can handle them! RUN!" Hans snarled as his eyes glowed. Gray fur sprouted on his face. Hans grabbed one of the machine guns pointed at him and took out some of the soldiers.  Fangs shifted in his mouth. Half his face was wolf like now. His wolf formed quickly now and his massive form started to attack the soldiers. Graymist opened his mouth revealing a massive rack of sharp white teeth and decimated more soldiers.
That was the last day Claire saw Hans. This was also the last day Hans was alive. The last day he was a mortal. The last day that Hans had chosen to use his voice.
She watched him fight, transfixed. She bolted into the house and locked the door. She started to escape through the basement window. She heard voices and scrambled out of the window.
Hans fought soldier after soldier. His rage kept him going. He was terrified for Claire. He wished there was a way he could protect her. She was so young..innocent. Bullets ripped through him and fell into the soil.  He healed but there were so many now. Keep fighting for Claire, he told himself.
Blood dripped onto the fields. So much blood...he thought. Something slammed into him and he spun around. An army truck had ran into him. He snarled and broke through the glass. He was about to tear apart the entire vehicle when there was a loud crash. The soldiers seeing the massive wolf in the truck had taken another tank and crashed into the truck. Graymist was caught now trapped in the twisted metal. Hans started to form back into a human. When he was done, he was panting with exhaustion. His tan skin was drenched in sweat. His vision was blurry. He blinked and his hair now sticking to his face, blinded him. He brushed the hair out of the way, and was suddenly dragged out of the crushed truck. He tried to fight but was too tired.
The soldiers forced him to his knees. The soldiers asked his name in German.
"Don't tell them. Let them guess. Make them bleed." Graymist snapped.
Hans glared up at the soldiers and spat at them. The officer punched Hans in the face.
Hans ignored the pain in his jaw and again spat out blood. They demanded his name.
"Hans. Hans Gunsche." He spat, grinding his teeth together.
Hans had never begged God for anything. But now..he was going to give a plea. His was going to plead with God. He was never a big believer, but he was going to keep his sister safe.
'Please God..spare my sister I don't care if I die in this war..but let my sister live. This is the only favor I ask.." Hans begged, his plea in his mind, stared up at the gray sky.
"Hans Gunsche..you are now part of the Nazi army." The officer glanced down at him, stone faced.
Hans stumbled to his feet. He tried to grab at the soldiers that had him at gunpoint.
"Ah..you like to fight..good. That is good..but you need to learn how to cooperate." The Major replied, glancing at Hans. His was a young man with blonde hair and glasses.
"GIve him his mark and we will be off." The Major replied, walking away.
Hans screamed in pain as the brand burned into his flesh. The mark was on his lower back. The pain he knew would end..this nightmare however was just beginning.
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Claire held on the her sanity, barely. Han's voice broke through the memory, shattering it like glass.
"He is doing a good job at messing with you." Hans noted dryly.
"Hans..but.." Claire protested weakly.
"Heh..I struck a nerve did I? Good, now lets finish this." Alucard replied, amused.
"You'll pay for this! I'll kill you!" Red Dawn snarled, baring her fangs.
"Oh really now? Come and try wolf." Alucard taunted.
Red Dawn tried to move but felt weakened. Tendrils of darkness wrapped around Red Dawn's paws,binding them. She struggled but she was trapped, bound. Alucard started to change form much to Claire's surprise. The darkness shifted and he took on the form of Baskerville.
The black wolf gazed down at Red Dawn. The walked up to her and  put his paw on her neck.
"Show me your neck! Surrender the battle is over." Alucard snarled his many red eyes piercing into hers.
"Go ahead, do it. It's custom for a wolf to do that if you lose. A manner of seniority." Hans explained.
Red Dawn offered her neck to Alucard/Baskerville. Baskerville grinned wolfishly.
"You win..for now." Claire replied. Alucard summoned Baskerville back and the darkness released Claire. She started to form back into her human form. Alucard was back to his normal vampire self.
"Hans..I'm sorry I failed you.." Claire murmured..ashamed.
"No..you are far from failure. You did your best. You lived to fight against Alucard. He let you live even though you lost. You can fight him again later. I'm proud of you." Hans rumbled.
"Your brother has a point. You are young and will learn from your mistakes. I am pleased with what you showed me. You proved yourself as Han's sister." Alucard interjected, beaming.
"Thanks Hans. That means a lot. Thanks Alucard for..everything." Claire replied to both Alucard and Hans.
"Your welcome Claire. Go with Alucard..hopefully I can find you." Hans replied.
"I will find you I promise." Claire sent determinedly.
Hans smiled to himself pleased. "Good, I will wait for you."
Alucard smiled and glanced at Claire who was now still in the Millennium outfit.
"You look so much like your brother." Alucard noticed.
"Yeah I guess I do." Claire replied sadly.
Alucard smiled slightly. "Why so sad? What's with the long look?" Alucard asked, intrigued.
Claire sighed. "It's just..I miss my brother..and I'm sorry." Claire whispered her voice filled with despair.
Alucard frowned, confused. "Why are apologizing?" His red eyes narrowed.
'I..I thought that..I would only be in your way..I'm still weak and..I lost to you. Why would you help me?" Claire wailed ,her blue-green eyes searching his face desperately.
Alucard shook his head. "You may be weak but you are learning. Like I said before learning from your mistakes will help you learn. Having you as an ally is my choice. One that I don't regret. We can battle again. I'm helping you because I want too. Understand? We help each other, I protect you, you will find your brother. We are allies. Cheer up wolf girl. You survived a battle with me, and you lost. If you knew my reputation, that reason alone would shock you." Alucard proclaimed his red eyes pierced into hers.
"Really? I mean..you don't mind that I lost to you?" Claire asked hopefully, impressed.
Alucard's lips twisted into a wide smile. "Heh. Really. You should be happy. Let's give you something to make you smile. Hm?" Alucard murmured softly.
He pulled her close to him. She fell silent, slightly in shock. He took the back of his  gloved hand and brushed it against her cheek. Then he leaned forward and kissed her gently. She was so surprised, but then she relaxed. She trusted him even though they hardly knew each other. He leaned back and studied her face.
"Heh. Did that make it better?" Alucard murmured studying her pale face.
"Yeah..I feel better..thanks. All I have been doing is thanking you lately." Claire replied blushing.
"Hm..well that's alright Well..I should go back to Walter. If he is stay alive by the time we get back. Come with me and then I'll decide what to do with you next." Alucard replied. He changed back into the form he had arrived in. He was now the girly card, the young girl in white.
Claire eyes widened in shock. "You..you are a girl?" She asked, amazed.
Alucard smiled, showing his fangs. "This form means nothing to me. But yes I am."
Claire nodded, fascinated. "So you can take on any form you want?"
"Yes...that's about right." He answered as the both walked through the abandoned city.
Alucard led Claire through the way they came back from. When they arrived to the crumbled remains of the battlefield that sky had lightened.
They saw Walter sitting on the ground waiting for Alucard. He looked up to see a young woman with him. His black eyes narrowed. This was the last part of the battle was about to be finished.
"What do you have their Alucard? Someone to drink from?" Walter demanded. He was also in his young form, but blood was on his hands, and dripping from his chin.
Alucard smirked. "No..another ally. Quite a nice one, and happens to be Hans sister. What luck I have. Another girl you can't have Walter." He spat disdainfully his eyes glittering in triumph.
Walter eyes widened in shock/ "What? How can that be? You lie Alucard!" He snarled as he readied his wires.
"No..It's true..I am Han's sister. I don't know..you be your Walter right? Have you seen my brother at all?" Claire asked, as Alucard and Walter glared at each other.
"Your brother is responsible for making me the way I am." Walter snapped, glaring at this woman.
"Wrong again Walter. This was your choice to betray me. Leave Hans out of this. Now Claire, let me battle Walter. This is a battle I must face alone." Alucard stated, grinning dangerously at Walter.
"But..Alucard..I want to make sure..that..." Claire began, trailing off.
"Don't worry about me. Your offer to help me is sweet, but unnecessary. Go the blimp were my master Integra and my servant Seras Victoria are. Hans will there too. They are going to fight the Major. Go down this street here. I will tell Seras that you are helping me. It's okay Claire, go." Alucard urged gently.
"Okay Alucard. Be careful. But..can I watch for a little bit please?" Claire pleaded.
Alucard laughed. "Why? Don't you want to see your brother?" He asked, amused.
Claire smiled. "I do. I want to learn how you fight." She replied seriously.
Alucard smiled, impressed. "For a little bit I suppose. I'll tell you when to leave."
Claire nodded. "Thank you Alucard, I'll watch but stay out of they way."
Alucard  grinned.  "Good thinking." His eyes flashed and he turned to Walter.
"You tried to kill me you little brat!'" Alucard snarled punching Walter in face again.
Walter fell to the ground and held his face and blood streamed from his face.
"What's wrong Walter stand! It seems to me that you have become a vampire on very short notice. I'm pulverizing to see how your reconstruction would work. Now I wonder what will happen to you? Will you turn back into the old man I know so well? Or instead hm..I wonder..." Alucard taunted, grinning.
Walter glared at him. His scalding gaze didn't stop Alucard.
"Yo Walter! It's been 60 long years. You've become young again." Alucard replied.
"What are your intentions? You bastard what is the meaning of this? How dare you look down upon me!" Walter snapped.
Alucard smiled slowly. "Excuse me? You are the one looking down at me! So, you've treated me as another piece in you slideshow. Mere child's play. Forms and looks mean nothing to me. As I told you 60 years ago. You must have bad memory boy. This is a quarrel between two children. That is why we've become children again you and I. My 500 year old self, you, the Major and Anderson!  That's the reality of this war-if I don't destroy this or that I won't be able to destroy him. It's for that reason that this world has been turned into chaos. You always wanted to fight me didn't you? You felt as though you wouldn't be able to take another step forward I am right?
You forgot how to be alone? You were afraid of being useless? You were afraid of aging? You afraid of being forgotten? Me looking down at you? Get real-you have been the one doing that this entire time. You are a little brat-a scrawny little brat that hasn't changed at all after 60 years."
Alucard was interrupted by the sound of Walters wires cutting into the blimp above them. Walter turned around with a look of fear plastered on his face. The wind whipped his black around his face. Alucard glanced at him disdainfully.
"Thats what you get for showing off! I am the master and the servant! Both sides have run out of resources! Now if you please! Claire go with Seras and Integra meet them-go and find your brother!" Alucard yelled.
"Okay I will Alucard..but it's in the air.." Claire protested glancing up at the blimp.
Alucard ran over to her and pulled her around him. He threw her up in the air. He grabbed her once more and smashed open a window. Glass fell.
"Here you are now go before it's too late!" He yelled, he floated back down near Walter.
"Alucard! Be careful!" Claire yelled back before she ran from the broken window searching for Seras, Integra and Hans.
She heard cries of soldiers and followed the sound. She saw and long blonde haired woman with glasses slashing at soldiers with a sword. She saw short blonde haired woman with darkness for one of her arms, destroying more soldiers with two guns.
"Hey are you Integra and Seras?" Claire called out.
Both Integra and Seras spun around to face Claire looks of astonishment crossing their faces.
"Who are you?" Integra demanded fiercely her blue eyes piercing into Claires.
"I am a ally of Alucards..He saved me life a short time ago. He said he would tell Seras about me. I have come here to help both of you. I am also trying to find me brother Hans." Claire burst out, breathless, nervous.
Integra eyes widened. "Hans..has a sister? How is..never mind it doesn't matter..We are trying to find him also..but.." She murmured trailing off.
Seras fell silent as she heard Alucard's voice enter her mind. "Seras Victoria..you have met Claire I see. Take care of her for me while I battle Walter. She may be Han's brother..but she is a good girl. I swore I would protect her until she found Hans. I drank her blood she drank mine. Take care of her for me. Make sure that all three of you survive that is my order ,police girl understand?" Alucard asked Seras.
Seras laughed,blushed despite herself. "Yes my master. I am glad you have another ally. I will make sure she is safe." She replied determinedly.
"Good Seras. Now go and destroy your enemies." Alucard replied his voice fading in her mind.
"Claire? My name is Seras. Nice to meet you. We..are going to see Hans soon. But..Miss Integra please go on ahead." Seras insisted, her red eyes burning fiercely.
"Nice too meet you too Seras.." Claire replied softly.
Seras smiled slightly at Claire. Integra, Seras and Claire reached the end of the hall. Hans was there, waiting.
Claire stopped in her tracks. She finally found her breath back. "HANS!! It's me Claire!" She screamed hoarsely. Hans saw her with Seras and Integra and his red eyes widened. He could hardly move he was so surprised. Claire ran towards him and threw her arms around his waist.
Hans was trying to use his voice that he had long lost forgotten. He affectionately ruffled Claire's hair. He crouched down and looked into Claire's blue green eyes. He cleared his throat. His voice was raw from little use, but his German accent was still thick.
"Claire..It's been too long. I am so glad you are okay..but..this is too dangerous for you..here." He growled, and roughly returned her embrace.
Seras and Integra watched, fascinated."I never knew Hans had a sister.." Integra murmured.
Seras nodded. "I never did either..but they look so happy to see each other again."
Claire smiled at Hans. "It's okay Hans..I can fight. I love you I'm going to make sure that nothing comes between us."
Hans smiled  slowly. "Claire..I love you too..it's just..this war is almost over and sins need to be answered for. You can come with me..but stay close." Hans answered.
"Miss Integra please go on ahead." Seras replied.
"Seras!" Integra protested. She looked at Seras through blood splattered glasses.
"I'll be fine Just get to the Major. A man like him has said enough. He must not be allowed to say anything else!" Seras exclaimed, her eyes bright with anger.
"..Don't get yourself killed. I'll never forgive you if you do Seras. Never." Integra ordered.
Hans stood up slowly and pointed to the Major headquarters sign. He pointed to the sign.
Integra and Seras looked at him surprised. His red eyes bore into Integra's.
"Heh. Such an honest lap dog. Thanks." She replied gratefully. Hans let her pass. Integra turned to Hans and Claire before she left.
"Both of you..make sure you take care of yourselves. Good luck." She stated.
Claire was still holding Hans's coat. Hans nodded to Integra. "Integra..do this for Hellsing and..for me." Hans spoke, his words ringing in the silence.
Integra studied him for a moment. "I will..lap dog." Then she ran down the hall and disappeared.
Hans smiled slowly at her remark and turned to Seras.
"I have a favor to ask you Seras.." Hans replied.
Seras looked at him surprised. "Um..ok what is it?" She asked.
Hans studied her. "I need you..to help me pay for my sins."
Seras looked confused for a moment. "What do you mean?"
Claire also looked at him, confused. "Hans..what is wrong?"
"I need to have..some sort of punishment for what I have done. I've killed so many..Seras fight me." Hans asked.
Claire shook her head. "No..please don't do this!"
Seras looked torn. "I..I..don't know." She replied uncertainly.
Hans gently moved Claire out of the way. "I must pay somehow. If it is one more battle so be it." Hans insisted. he pulled out his guns.
"Stop! Hans don't do this!" Claire begged.
Seras, sensing that Hans was going to attack readied her guns also. Claire jumped in the middle of the hall. Her eyes burned bright. She started to transform into Red Dawn.
"I'm not letting any of you fight each other. This ends now! Listen to me-Hans you have to teach me everything you know! Remember? You promised to protect me! Fine I'll do the same!" Claire exclaimed.
"Claire.." Hans whispered his voice filled with pain.
She was already turning into a massive tawny colored wolf. Her eyes changed into glowing red orbs. Red Dawn stood in between her brother the werewolf and her comrade Seras, the Draculina. Trying to prevent a battle that was bound to happen.