For the most part, the walk to the Yellow Flag Bar proved to be the perfect tonic for Irene "Rally" Vincent. When she left the hotel, she was totally incensed at the fact that her friend, Becky 'the Nose' Farrah, had been frightened out of her wits by the Lagoon Company's Revy. In the state of mind she was at the time she, along with Seras Victoria and Moria Hedgley, left for the bar, she could've caused wholesale bloodshed if she wanted to! Now, as the trio approached the bar, the dusky vampire had calmed down conversably, but was still fuming. "Are you sure you can behave yourself while we're there?" Seras asked, still concerned by the look of the face of her servant. "When we left the hotel, you looked like you could've taken on the whole of Iscariot by yourself!" "Thanks for your concern, Master," Rally said, stopping for a time. "Yeah, I was steamed and I'm still steamed! The way Becky was trembling, I didn't even care who got in my way - just so long as they were dead afterwards!" "Well thank goodness we persuaded you to walk the way to that bar rather than take a motor car in," added Moria. "Yeah. Look Moria, you don't have to come with us, you know," Rally said, a tone of concern on her voice. "If Bill is right about the place, it could get a little rough." "I appreciate the concern but no. Sir Integra placed me in charge of you two's well-being and I intend to fulfill that trust." She patted the shoulder holster she wore, a Glock 22 in it, along with Rally and Seras, the Draculina toting her Sig Sauer P-210 from her police days. "Besides, I am well-capable of taking care of myself, thank you." Moria then looked at Rally's face and added, "By the way, I believe before we enter, you had best do something about those eyes of yours." "What do you mean?" Rally asked. "The color... they changed back when you gotten mad about what happened to Becky," the maid said. Then Rally got the point. "Oh. Thanks for telling me, Moria." She then closed her eyes for two seconds, then opened them again, the orange-red hue of the eyes transformed to blue. "Much better," Seras said. "Now I suggest we get ourselves inside and see what we can find out. And no direct questions, I might say. Don't want to be placed in a difficult situation, after all." "Gotcha, Master," Rally said, then all three girls resumed their course towards the bar. However, off to the side in a clump of bushes, Natasha Radinov observed as the three made their way inside. 'So, it seems that Rally Vincent is interested in this bar, too,' she thought to herself. 'I would like to come inside too. However, that bartender Bao is probably still mad at me for shooting up the bar a long time ago. But I like to see him try to demand payment for what happened.' XXX The interior of the bar was just as the three expected: dark and smoky, and the clientele seemed to be of every disreputable type found on the island. There were thieves and criminals of every type exchanging stories over rounds of beer. At several tables, prostitutes were listening in to the stories, hoping to ply their trade to the regulars. And one thing was evident: firearms of every type were openly displayed, either worn on their persons, or lying on the table. There was one thing, though, that the vampires found a relief. "Good thing there are no mirrors in this place, otherwise we might have to adapt for that," Rally whispered to Seras. "If Agent Collins is correct, I suppose that mirrors would be an expensive luxury that the owner wouldn't be able to afford. And with all this firepower is see, I wouldn't blame him," Seras added. "Why don't you girls find us a table to sit while I go to the bartender and order drinks," Moria added. "You two wouldn't mind beer, would you?" "That would be perfect. If you can, see if you can get me a bitter," the Draculina said. "Any beer is fine with me," Rally shrugged. Smiling, Moria made her way to the bar. Now Bao, the Yellow Flag's owner and principal bartender, had served many a woman in his career since leaving Vietnam, but this newcomer seemed a little off for him. "Look, Miss," he began, "whatever it is, I don't sell cocktails here! You want some, go find a hotel." "There's no need to be rude," huffed Moria. "I just wanted to order a round of beers for my friends over there." She pointed over to Rally and Seras seated at the tables. Bao studied the seated girls, then appraised Moria. "Humph, well I guess you're safe, even though you girls don't look like the fighting type." "Very well," Moria said. "Now about the orders..." "Before you do, I'll have to tell you any beers we sell aren't those stuffy Brit types that are served warm," Bao said. The maid just stared at the bartender. "You... don't have any bitter? My friend absolutly loves bitter!" "Sorry, what we got is REAL beer here," griped Bao, "now how about those orders?" Moria just rolled her eyes. XXX Now outside at this time, a late 1960's orange Plymouth Challenger coupe drove up near the entrance. As soon as it stopped and the engine died, the occupants of the vehicle - Dutch, Benny, Revy and Rock, exited. "Look Dutch," the former salaryman began, "I agree we've been under a lot of stress lately about this Hellsing Organization that may be after us... and frankly I wouldn't mind going out for a bit, but I'm not really sure that this is the right option." "Hey, who cares if it is a right option?" Dutch countered. "Rock, sometimes you just don't give a fuck about what problems come your way, so the best thing is to relax and put things in their proper perspectives." "You've got that right, Dutch," Benny added, again looking at the acrylic-encased FREAK chip before again pocketing it again. "I've got so many theories about how this baby's used, I'm getting brain cramps just thinking about the brain cramps." "Yeah, so I'd stop bitching if I were you, Rock," Revy agreed. "Right now I'm looking forward to beating you again when we go shot-for shot!" "If I remember correctly, Revy," Rock countered, "it was I who won last time." "Yeah," Dutch added, "and you were spending all day the next day praying to the porcelain goddess." "Oh give me a break, Dutch," Revy snarled. "People, let's not start arguing again," Benny said, "Let's just go party." From her vantage point in the bushes, Radinov took in the sight. "So it is THEY who have the chip," she chuckled. "Well, all I have to do is wait until they exit the bar... and then it will be mine!" XXX Moria had returned to the table where Rally and Seras sat, carrying three iced mugs and three amber bottles. "I'm sorry Seras, but I'm afraid that surly bartender over there didn't have any bitter on hand - just lager, I'm afraid. But at least I found a Filipino brand that's of good quality. I hope this helps." "Thanks, Moria," the Draculina sighed. "And I was so hoping to have some bitter." "Master, life - or the afterlife for that matter, isn't Burger King. Nobody can have it their way," Rally chuckled after she poured her beer. But then her attention was grabbed by the four individuals entering the bar. "She here!" she snarled under her breath, her eyes returning to their orange-red color. "Rally, your eyes!" Moria whispered. "Okay," the dusky vampire whispered, her eyes returning to blue. "Sorry about that, but seeing that Revy bitch come in just got me all amped." "Well remember to control your temper," Seras added. "Master told us our mood often brings about these changes." "Right." Rally then noticed that the Lagoon Company wandered up to the bar, where Revy proceeded to buy several bottles of rum for her and Rock's drinking contest. "Looks like they're only here for a good time. I think as soon as they leave, we'll follow them, but from a distance at least." "Good choice," Seras added. "With all these criminals in this bar, it would be a bit of a complication if we confronted them here and now." The women then continued to drink and make their plans for this evening. However, two tables behind them, a trio of rather rough men were whooping it up, trading stories between shots of whiskey. But one of them, a muscular bald man, his right thumb missing, happened to glance over at the girls. "Holy fuck," he said, his sight mostly on Rally, "I can't believe I'm seeing this!" "What's up, Bert?" one of his drinking companions said. "You look like you saw someone." "That I did, Jock," Bert replied, "and I couldn't be happier! Wait right here." "Be careful you don't get too rough, Bert," Jock said. "Bao will throw us out if you start shooting." Bert then got up from his chair, a gun in his left hand and sauntered behind Rally. "Hey, how about a word?" Without turning around, Rally grumbled, "Sorry, this is a private party." Pointing to a group of prostitutes, she added, "You want action, go talk to those business girls there." "DON'T GET SMART WITH ME!!" Bert bellowed, catching the attention of everyone - including the Lagoon Company - in the bar. "I'M TALKING TO YOU, RALLY VINCENT!!" "ACK!!" Now Rally recognized the voice. Slowly turning around, she got a good look at the fellow behind her. "Bert Kampas? What the fuck are you doing here? I thought you were doing time in Joliet!" "I was going to ask you the same question," Bert said, cocking the hammer on his gun. "As for yours, I broke-out last week and decided to head out here. So if you think you're going to drag my ass all the way back to Chicago, you've got another think coming!" He indicated to the patrons of the bar, "I bet everyone in this bar has a very low opinion to bounty hunters like you, so I wouldn't think about trying anything while I kill you!" He held up his thumbless right hand, "I'm going to pay you back for shooting off my thumb here! Do you know what a pain-in-the-fucking-ass it is to learn to shoot with your left hand?" Now while Bert was ranting, Revy happened to get a good look at Rally, having never seen her before. With a huge toothy grin on her face, she made her way to the table, one of her guns in her hand. "Look Bert, you're the one who shouldn't try anything!" Rally shot back. "We may be girls, but we know how to defend ourselves." She then glanced over Bert's shoulder and saw Revy walking behind him, still grinning. 'Oh fuck... they've saw us!' she thought. 'There goes our plan to follow them!' Once she was settled behind the thug, Revy tapped his shoulder. "Hey," she said in a low voice, "move aside. I've got business with this girl." "WHY DON'T YOU SHOVE THE FUCK OFF!!" Bert yelled, turning to face Revy, being a newcomer not recognizing her, "MY BUSINESS COMES FIRST AND IF YOU THINK..." BANG!! The next thing anyone knew, Bert was lying on the floor, a shot placed in his forehead. Moria, Seras and Rally stood shocked at the events, with the vampires fighting their thirsts at the scent of freshly-spilled blood. "What a fucking loser," Revy grumbled, kicking Bert's body aside. "Well, now that this is over with, it's time we got down to business." Eying Rally square in the eye, she then said, "So you are Rally Vincent from Chicago? Must admit, I was expecting someone a little tougher than what you look like - but then again, looks aren't everything." Feeling her fangs retracting, Rally returned the glare. "That's right. And you must be one of the thieves who stole property of the Hellsing Organization, who I work for now." "Don't get pissy, bitch," Revy snapped, her hand tapping the chromed Beretta. "That's a matter for later! Right now you've got something I want, and I would like to have it." She glanced over at Rally's holster. "Nice gun, by the way - CZ-75 First Edition, am I right?" Rally smiled, but still glared at the girl. "You want my gun. Sorry, but it's not for sale. I'm pretty attached to it as it is." Revy let out a small laugh. "In this world, EVERYTHING has a price. I want that gun, and you're going to give it to me." "And I say the only way you're getting it that you pry my dead fingers away from it!" Rally shot back." During this exchange, Dutch studied the two women, his thoughts on the Smith & Wesson in his holster. "Rock, Benny, on my signal, you two dive behind the bar," he said, remembering the armored backplate Bao put installed in case of gunfights. "What about you, Dutch?" Rock hissed, his eyes moving between the bar and the two women. "Hopefully I won't get involved," Dutch said, "but from the way things are going, that's not going to happen!" Revy grinned at Rally's retort. "Somehow, that's how I expected it to be." She then aimed her gun at Rally, who shot out of her chair and reached for her holster. "Okay, we'll have things your way, but don't expect to live through..." "DAMMIT ALL TO HELL REVY, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO DO THIS TO ME AGAIN!!" Bao shouted, catching the two's attention. "IF YOU'RE GOING TO SHOOT-UP MY BAR AGAIN, THEN YOU AND DUTCH ARE GOING TO PAY ME DOUBLE TO GET IT FIXED UP AND RESTOCKED AGAIN!! AND THE SAME GOES FOR YOUR FRIEND THERE!!" Both Rally and Revy looked at the irate bartender, the same odd look on both their faces. Then looking at each other, their expressions unchanged, Revy offered in a deadpan voice, "I've got a better idea. Why don't we take this outside?" "Find by me," Rally replied in the same voice. "You go out first; I don't fancy getting shot in the back." "Yeah," Revy muttered as she made her way to the door, with Rally following. 'Rally... you're not thinking of killing her, are you?' Seras asked telepathically. 'After she scared Becky out of her wits, she would deserve it!' replied Rally, but smiled and added, 'However, I think it might be a bit better if I can scare the piss out of her and at the same time let her know how Becky felt.' "Oh I see," Seras said aloud as she and Moria, along with the rest of the Lagoon Company, made their way out. And as they left, Bao let out a sigh of relief, then directed several of the clientele to remove Bert's dead body and clean-up the blood. Several of the bar's patrons then made their way to the door, hoping for a show. However, Dutch stopped by the door and called out, "Now all you guys know better than to follow us out. This is personal business between those two, not a show for your entertainment. So why don't you get back to your drinks and we'll let you know how it turned out." There was a chorus of disappointed groans, but everyone eventually returned to their tables. As soon as they were in the parking lot, Rally and Revy faced each other. "Alright, let's get one thing clear," the brown-haired woman said, "I want that gun of yours and I want it now!" "And I say you have to kill me first if you want to get it!" countered Rally. "So what are you going to do about it." Revy thought for a minute. "Okay, how about this?" she said. "We do fast draw. The winner gets whatever they want. The loser... dies. Got it?" "You've got two guns," Rally said, catching sight of Revy's twin holsters. "How am I going to know you're not going to use them instead of one." Smirking, Revy secured the strap on the Beretta in her right holster. "Satisfied?" "Much." Rally then glanced over to Seras, who along with the rest of the Lagoon Company, was off to the side with Moria. 'Master, whatever you do, neither you nor Moria should interfere. I've got a plan.' 'I trust you, Rally,' Seras answered back, nodding. For the better part of a minute, the two women stood at a distance of twenty feet in front of each other, hands to their sides and staring each other in the eye. Then Rally's right hand went for her holster, triggering Revy to do the same. BANG!! BANG!! Rally was knocked backwards from the impact of the bullet on her head, flying three feet before landing on her back, gun still in hand. Revy just snorted her disgust as she reholstered her Berretta. "Talk about disappointing," she mumbled. "I thought she would've been a better shot than that! Oh well, as long as I've won, I might as well get my prize." She then walked over to Rally's body and went to take her gun. Still looking with concern, Moria's attention was grabbed when Seras tapped her shoulder. "I wouldn't worry about Rally," she whispered. "She deliberately missed hitting Revy, not to mention luring her in." "Luring her in for what?" the maid whispered. Seras smiled. "Oh you'll see," was all she said. Moria just nodded. Meanwhile, the job of removing Rally's gun from her hands was proving to be tougher than Revy thought. "Shit a god-damned brick, why the fuck is she still gripping that gun?" She said to herself. Then she paused. "Wait a fucking minute - she's been dead for only a few seconds and yet she's ice-cold! She should at least be still warm from..." WHACK!! Revy then found herself flying backward, having been struck by Rally's gun hand. "OW!!" she growled, rubbing her jaw as the rest of the Lagoon Company came to her side. "WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED!!" "I saw it but I still don't believe it!" Benny added. "Her arm just shot-up and got Revy in the jaw!" "That... that's impossible!" Rock gasped. "Could've it been some reflex action on her part?" "I'm not certain it is!" Dutch observed. "Granted, I've seen a lot of odd shit in my day but this is a first for me!" Then the four's attention was attracted by a cold, mocking laughter - in Rally's direction. Then their jaws dropped as Rally sat up from the ground, her eyes closed but the bullet that was in her head found itself being forced out and the wound healing. "Didn't I tell you," she said, the tone of her voice almost matching Alucard's most threatening manner, "the only way you're getting my gun is by prying my cold... dead... fingers from it!" Rally then opened her eyes - revealing an orange-red glow to them. "No way... no fucking way!" Revy gasped as a new sensation - fear - began to grip her. "Dutch - what could this mean?" Rock added, breaking out in a cold sweat. "Holy sweet Jesus," the African American breathed, also sweating. "You remember those twins, Hansel and Gretel?" The rest of the Lagoon Company nodded. "They were called the Vampire Twins, but compared to her, they were amateurs! People - I think we're looking at the genuine article here!" "That - that girl's a vampire!?" gasped Benny. "But they're not supposed to exist?" "Try telling her that!" Dutch said as Rally got back on her feet. "I suggest we get ourselves the hell out of here!" Not questioning their leader's orders, the four began to make for their car - only to be blocked by Seras, who in a split-second dashed in-between the Lagoon Company and their escape. "You're not going anywhere!" the Draculina said, her eyes also glowing. "OH SHIT!! THERE'S TWO OF THEM!!" Rock shouted, almost to the point of panic. Finally regaining her wits, Revy scanned the area looking for an advantage - and found it in the form of a solitary Moria, apart from her friends. Moving quickly, she shot to the side, catching the lone woman off-guard as she grabbed her. "OH MY GOD... MORIA!!" Rally tried to return to the maid's side, only to be stopped when Revy jammed a gun against Moria's temple. "I wouldn't make a move if I were you, bloodsucker," Revy spat, holding Moria at bay. "Oh yeah, you may be a fucking vampire, but when I've got your little friend here, you can't do anything!" Relaxing her guard, she further added, "Now, we're going to continue our little business deal here and... BOOOOF!!" Quickly, Moria jammed her right elbow into Revy's solar plexus, then grabbing her right arm flipped the Chinese girl over her shoulder, disarming her at the same time. On her back, Revy managed to get the wind back into her, only to see a clearly angry Moria standing over her, cracking her knuckles. "Rally, Seras," she said, "if you don't mind, I would like an opportunity to teach this malcontent a lesson she'll never forget!" Still in a little shock over Moria's escape, Rally could only say, "Uh... yeah, go ahead." She then looked over at the Lagoon Company and added, "Me and Master will keep the others here." Revy just looked angrily at Moria. "So you're going to teach me a fucking lesson, you little whore? Well go ahead and try, because..." She never finished, on account of the spinning back-kick Moria delivered to her jaw, sending her flying. "Your first lesson," Moria snarled, "is that I'm going to curb that vulgar mouth of yours!" She then took up a defensive stance, bracing for the next attack. Spitting the blood from her mouth, Revy screamed as she charged the brunette, but try as she might, she was having trouble connecting, the way Moria was dodging the blows. Revy then made a straight punch at her opponent's head, but Moria sided it away, at the same time grabbing it, twisting her wrist, and connecting with her right elbow, then kneeing her gut. As the Chinese girl bent down, she got the left elbow slammed savagely into the back of her neck. Slow to get up, Revy shook her head, trying to get the cobwebs out of it. "Shit," she muttered, "it's like fighting that damned Roberta again!" Looking up at the brunette, she then asked, "I've got something to ask... you wouldn't happen to be a maid, would you?" "As a matter of fact... yes," answered Moria, although she did wonder about the question. But the Lagoon Company didn't... instead they stood there slack-jawed at the answer. "I don't believe this!" Rock gasped. "You're telling me!" Dutch added. "We must be cursed, guys!" Benny put in. "We're having Nazis, child hit persons, vampires and bad-ass maids coming out of the woodwork!" But Revy didn't find any amusement at the answer. "Okay so you're a fucking maid," she snarled, "whoopee-fucking doo! That's not going to save you from getting killed!!" She then caught Moria off-guard by throwing a handful of dirt she managed to grab into her face. While struggling to clear her eyes, the brunette is pummeled in the face by Revy, cutting her. But that didn't last. "YOU... CHEATING BLACKGUARD!!" Moria yelled, finding Revy's crotch with her foot. Doubling over from the pain, Revy found herself the recipient of a number of punches, kicks, and chops from a thoroughly-pissed maid. It was capped-off with a mighty head-butt, followed by a powerful roundhouse kick in the stomach. Gasping for breath, Revy could only glare at Moria, who was also panting heavily. "OKAY, THAT FUCKING SETTLES IT!!" she yelled, drawing her other gun, "I'M GOING TO END THIS RIGHT..." BANG!! "OWWWW!!" Revy was clutching her left hand after her gun was shot from it. "NOW WHO THE FUCK..." "That is quite enough, thank you." Everyone turned to the source of this new voice - Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing - whose Walther PPK was still smoking from disarming Revy. Also appearing was Deepak Vincent, also armed with his Army-issue Beretta and drawing down at the Lagoon Company. William Collins was there, as well as Becky, who seemed quite calm considering her earlier scare. "Miss Hedgley, are you well?" she asked. "Quite well... Sir Integra," Moria panted. "Frankly, I'm quite surprised she was able to take her," Rally added. Looking over the situation, Dutch was quietly reaching over to his gun - only to stop when he heard a bolt being pulled back from behind him. "I wouldn't be too hasty, mon frere." Turning around, he saw Pip Bernadotte standing behind him, armed with a machine pistol. "Allo there, Dutch. Nice seeing you again." "I wish the circumstances allowed me to return the compliment, Pip," Dutch added. "You've certainly changed. The last time I saw you, you had TWO eyes!" "Well what can I say?" Pip shrugged. "Eet's ze nature of ze business after all." "Enough with the pleasantries," Sir Integra said, interrupting. "There is still the business at hand - namely the return of property of the Hellsing Organization!" "If you think we're going to fucking hand over that chip without getting anything for our trouble," Revy snarled, eyeing Sir Integra, "then you're out of your tree, bitch... because I'm going to..." She then found herself back on the ground, being restrained by Moria. "YOU WHORE, LET ME GO!!" All she got was a hard slap on the head by Moria. "You watch your language around Sir Integra!" she snapped. "You should be grateful I do not break your miserable neck for this... or at the worst have you fed to Rally!" "I am grateful you have such restraint, Miss Hedgley," Sir Integra wryly said, then she turned to Seras and added, "By the way, it looks like you have taught her a few police take-down maneuvers." "Why thank you, Sir Integra," Seras bubbled. Making her way to Becky, Rally said to her, "I'm surprised you had the courage to come here, considering what she did to you." The information expert just shrugged. "Can't run away from your fears all the time, Rally," she said. "By the way, that little hypno trick you did with me - worked like a charm!" "Well now that we have everything taken care of," Sir Integra began, glaring at Dutch, "it is time I recovered my property! The chip - now!" "You're not getting it, bitch - not without payment!" Revy growled, only to get her neck painfully craned back by Moria. "Benny - hand her back the chip," Dutch sighed. "NO DUTCH, YOU CAN'T DO IT!!" Revy yelled. "REVY, JUST FOR ONCE LET A LITTLE COMMON SENSE RULE HERE!!" countered Dutch, catching her off guard. "IT'S YOUR OWN FAULT WE'RE IN THE MESS WE'RE IN!! IT WAS YOUR GREEDY IDEA TO STEAL THAT CHIP, NOT MINE!!" He then calmed himself down, "Benny-boy, you know what to do." "Alright Dutch." Benny then produced the chip and proceeded to walk towards Sir Integra. Revy, still restrained by Moria, glared poisonously at Sir Integra. "It's only because you have all this help and those bloodsuckers that you're still alive here," she growled at her. "I highly doubt that is true," was all Sir Integra said. The Hellsing leader met Benny halfway, which the tech expert then pulled the encased chip from his pocket. "I would like to know what this chip is for, if you don't mind," he asked. "I've studied it for some time, but I'm drawing a blank about its use." "That is on a 'need-to-know' basis, Mr. Lieb - and you certainly DO NOT need to know," Sir Integra coldly said. Benny sighed. "Very well," he said discouragily. He then extended his hand to her, the chip in his palm... ...When a shape suddenly shot out from the bushes, leaped into the air, grabbed the chip and landed twenty-five feet away. "Well," Radinov said, the others too surprised to act, "that was so easy, it's almost a disappointment." For Rally, the shock wore off quickly. "SO IT IS YOU, RADINOV!!" she yelled angrily, her eyes flashing brightly. "Natasha Radinov?" Sir Integra gasped. "So the reports I received from Miss Farrah are true - you have come back from the dead!" "Indeed I have!" Radinov declared, "and now that I've recovered my employer's property, the whole world is going to find out the true nature of the gift I've been bestowed!" Of course, Moria was just as surprised as everyone else by Radinov's appearance - so much so that she had relaxed her grip on Revy, which the mercenary took advantage of by throwing her off and reaching for her gun. But instead of Sir Integra or the maid, she placed Radinov within her sights, placing three quick shots at the assassin - two in her open chest and one in the head... and was equally surprised at the rate they healed. "Oh fuck," she groaned, "not another bloodsucker?" "That's impossible!" Rally gasped, surprised at Revy's failure. "There's no way a FREAK can heal from being shot!" "You might call me a FREAK, Rally Vincent," Radinov shot back. "I rather refer to myself as the future of nosferatu - in fact, the next evolution of them!" "I doubt it," Sir Integra countered. "To me, a FREAK is still a FREAK... a worthless imitation vampire that my organization is sworn to destroy!" "What a hypocrite you are, Sir Integra. You yourself are committed to ridding the world of vampires and yet you employ the same creatures to do your bidding," Radinov scoffed. "Now if you'll excuse me, I shall be going off to my employer's property - but don't worry, I won't leave you with nothing to do. In fact, the playmates I made for you should be arriving just about... now." As if on cue, the vegetation in front of the group parted, revealing hideous, shambling creatures wandering towards them. "Have fun everybody," Radinov said as she took off. "Dosvidaniya!" "NOT SO FAST, RADINOV!!" Rally yelled, running after the assassin. "RALLY... WAIT, WE NEED YOUR HELP HERE TO COMBAT THE GHOULS!!" Sir Integra called out. "I CAN'T LET HER GET AWAY WITH THAT CHIP, INTEGRA!!" Rally yelled, "AS SOON AS I GET IT, I'LL HELP YOU GUYS OUT!!" As Radinov made her way through the vegetation, she noted that Rally was following her. 'So she's going to follow me... just as I hoped!' Looking inside her coat, she took note of the bottles she obtained from Sister Yolanda, as well as a hypodermic syringe she had handy. In the meantime, everyone gathered in a group facing the shambling undead. "Rock, Benny," Dutch called out, "you guys get back to the Yellow Flag and take shelter! Me and Revy will handle these cast rejects from 'Night of the Living Dead'!" "Miss Hedgley," Sir Integra added, "you and Miss Farrah accompany Mr. Lieb and Mr. Okajima there!" "I'm not leaving your side, Sir Integra!" Moria called out, making sure her Glock was loaded. "Very well!" Sir Integra nodded, taking note that Revy had recovered her other gun. "People, listen to me - whatever you do, aim for the heart or the head of these things! We must not let these ghouls through, no matter what!" "You don't have to tell me twice!" Revy said, grinning upon seeing the ghouls. "We're going to put these fucking compost piles out of their misery!" And with that, she opened fire, guns in both hands blazing, which in turn had the others firing as well. As the other three fled to the Yellow Flag, Becky couldn't help but wonder about the others. But her thoughts were diverted when Rock said, "We can't let those guys sacrifice themselves just for our sake." "I've got news for you, Rock," Benny said, "but I think those zombies got us a bit overmatched! We can't really be of any help to them!" "BUT I DO KNOW OF A FEW PEOPLE WHO MIGHT!!" Rock called out. "ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS TELL THEM!!" XXX For Rally, it was tough going slogging through tropical vegetation. She was more at home in an urban setting; back streets and alleys were her domain. The only palms she saw were either on television or in a conservatory. 'Crap,' she thought to herself, 'maybe I should've stayed with Integra and Master and fight the ghouls. But if Radinov gets away with that chip, there's no telling what kind of FREAKs that thing will spawn!' But for Radinov, she was equally at home in the jungle as well as the city streets. She silently chuckled at the sight of Rally stumbling through the foliage, clumsily pushing back fronds in a futile effort to locate her. 'I think I'll play with her a little longer,' she thought, careful to leave a false trail for her enemy to follow, 'before I spring my trap!' XXX The group combating the ghouls found out that, while a ghoul could be taken down with gunfire, making sure they stayed down was another matter. In two minutes of firing, they were only about to stop at least two of about 50 ghouls. "Boy, this is interesting!" Collins managed to say, reloading his gun for another round. "Makes me wish I was back in Grenada fighting alongside the Marines against the Cubans!" Vincent added, also firing. "At least dead Cubans stayed dead when you shot them!" "Right now," Sir Integra gasped, "I would talk less and fire more! Those ghouls are gaining ground!" Then all of a sudden, more shots came from their side, cutting down at least five ghouls. Glancing over, the group then sees some of the Yellow Flag's patrons racing to their side, joining the battle. And Bao was with them, his shotgun in hand. "Sort of reminds me of Saigon back in during Tet in '68, fighting against Charlie!" the bartender said to Dutch, which he joined. "That's strange, I didn't recall asking for your help, Bao!" Dutch said, reloading his revolver. "You should thank Rock for that, Dutch!" Bao replied, grinning. "He burst into the bar with Benny and that girl, saying you needed help! At first, we couldn't believe what he said, but after we saw the situation, we figured we better help!" He blasted a ghoul apart before adding, "Besides, do think I'd allow a bunch of stinking zombies to wreck my bar? There's no way in hell I can get payment from them if they did!" "I didn't think you would," Dutch grinned, once again firing. "Nice to know about ze reminiscing," Pip added, "but we still have a job to do!" Dutch nodded as the group continued to blast away. XXX Rally found herself wandering into a clearing some distance away from the Yellow Flag. Anticipating a trap, she drew her gun and tightened all her vampiric senses, but detected nothing. 'I don't like this,' she thought to herself. 'Normally, I can detect a FREAK from two miles away, but I'm getting nothing from Radinov! It has to be that chip she snatched! She must have a similar one inside her! If that's true...' Shuttering, she cleared her mind and continued her search. All of a sudden, though, Rally found herself struck from behind. Dropping and rolling, she drew to the source of the attack but found nothing. "ALRIGHT RADINOV, I KNOW YOU'RE HERE, SO COME OUT INTO THE OPEN!!" she yelled. Nothing. "Fucking coward!" she snarled. Disgusted, she got up to search again - only to fall to her knees when her crotch is savagely kicked from behind! Falling into a fetal position, Rally could only concentrate on the pain - until she heard Radinov's mocking laughter above her. "Really," the assassin laughed, "it's not like you to utter such insults, Rally Vincent." She then grinned as she added, "Like I said before, I am the next evolution of a vampire, while you are just the original model... full of defects and deficiencies!" "Screw... you, Radinov!" Rally managed to say, the pain in her crotch lessening. "I... am... true undead... not some copy like you!" The grin on Radinov's face grew crueler. "So you say. I can still walk in the daylight, eat normal foods just like a human. You're limited to the night and drinking blood!" She then produced a small bottle from the sleeve of her coat as she said, "And also you have another defect that I DON'T HAVE - one that I will demonstrate right now!" Aiming the bottle at Rally's face, she squeezed it, spraying liquid around her eyes. "AAAUUGGHH!!" Rally stumbled backwards as the liquid sizzled on her skin - and worse, some of it splashed into her eyes, burning them. She opened them, but all she saw was a blur. "CRAP... BURNS..." Radinov laughed, seeing Rally stumble about. "What's the matter?" she mocked. "All I did was squirt a little water on you!" The grin on her face grew as she hissed, "Holy water that is!" 'Holy water?' Rally thought, panicking. 'Crap! No wonder it burns so bad! Feels like Anderson's knives against my face!' Desperately, she managed to open her eyes, somehow discerning Radinov's blurry image and charged at it. But when she did, the assassin cruely elbowed the back of her neck, causing the vampire to fall to the ground. Then Radinov produced the hypodermic and filled it with the holy water. "I do not have any vulnerability to holy articles, while you are laid-low by them," she smirked. "You know, I have a bit of curiosity about what would happen if I did this!" And with that, she bent down and jabbed the needle into Rally. THE GHOUL BATTLE, AROUND THE SAME TIME... "Sir Integra," Moria said, still blasting the ghouls, "we're running low on ammunition and these ghouls are still coming!" "I know! But we cannot stop, no matter what!" the Hellsing leader declared. Indeed, the ghouls were gaining ground on the defenders, some of the Yellow Flag's customers actually attacked and torn apart by them - with some of those not consumed rising as ghouls themselves! "DAMMIT ALL TO HELL!!" Bao yelled, seeing another of his patrons transformed. "THAT WAS ONE OF MY BEST CUSTOMERS, TOO!!" Turning, he blasted the ghoul responsible, along with mercifully ending the transformed's misery. "Dutch, I don't like this!" Revy gasped as the group fell back further. "We keep shooting and shooting but these fucking zombies just keep coming, no matter what!" "Tell me something I DON'T know!" Dutch yelled, trying to find more ammo. Pip, in the meantime, stood next to Seras, covering her as she reloaded. "Mignonette," he said, "just in case we don't make it, there's something I need to tell you..." "Tell it to me later, we're not dead yet!" the Draculina shot back, cocking her pistol and aimed at the ghouls... ... Only to find a massive barrage cutting-down the ghouls. Some of them did get up, only to get shot again. And the shooting only stopped when the last ghoul evaporated into ash, causing the would-be victims to stand and gape. "Uh... what just happened?" Collins asked. But before anyone could answer, Seras looked over to the source of the barrage, a patch of gloom. "Sir Integra!" she called-out. "There's a large group of armed men advancing towards us!" Indeed from the darkness, a considerable group of men, wearing army uniforms and armed with Russian-made submachine guns was gradually advancing towards the group. Vincent, Seras, Collins, Moria and Sir Integra, as well as Bao and some of the surviving customers took up positions, drawing down at the mysterious group. Dutch and Revy, however, relaxed their guard. "She better show up soon," the brown-haired girl whispered, "otherwise there's going to be one big fuck-up going down." Dutch just nodded. It didn't take long before, "DESANTNIKI - STAND DOWN!!" Immedietly, the men lowered their aim and stood at attention. Then walking from the darkness, Balalaika took a look at the small group. Motioning to Boris, who walked to her side, she said, "Sergeant, secure the area and make sure there are no more of these horrors lurking about!" "Da, Captain!" Boris replied, saluting. He then barked-out orders in Russian and several of the Desantniki took up positions around the area. In the meantime, Vincent was whispering in Sir Integra's ear, telling her what he knew. "I see," she said, nodding. "Well, I guess I should get myself acquainted with our savior here." She then stepped up to the Russian woman, a neutral but firm look on her face. Balalaika, obviously impressed, decided to advance as well, smiling as she did. When the two women were at a distance of a meter of each other. "So, we meet at last," she began. "You wouldn't happen to be Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, the ascendant of the legendary vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing?" "That I am," Sir Integra said. "Well, you seem to have me at a disadvantage. You know me, but all I got from Mr. Vincent is that you are the legendary commander of the Desantniki - one of the most brutal divisions in the Soviet Union's Afghan campaign." "They're still saying that about me," Balalaika mused. "I'm flattered. But it was war, and in war sometimes you make decisions that you must live with for the rest of your life. Granted, I did make terrible commands during that conflict, wiping-out innocent civilians because of a few that hurt my men. And that I will bear until my dying day." Sir Integra took this in, nodding. "That is true. You have my thanks for your aid, but right now we have a major crisis on our hands." "Yes, about that," Dutch put in. "Sir Hellsing, just what the hell was that chip that Revy took in the first place - and don't give us that 'need-to-know' shit!" "I would like to know that, too," Benny put in, he, Rock and Becky returning. "Dutch, Rock saw what was happening and gave us the all-clear." "Very well, since you have seen the results, it is only fair that you know." Sir Integra cleared her throat before beginning. "That chip is a control circuit, specifically designed to create artificial vampires." "Artificial vampires?" Benny queried. "Is that possible?" "My organization has been fighting these FREAKs as we call them for some time," said Sir Integra. "However, this a new chip we are dealing with, apparently with the ability to create FREAKs from the bodies of the deceased and give them healing abilities. Otherwise, how else can it be explained about the current existence of Natasha Radinov." A collective gasp was then heard from the membership of the Desantniki. Several of them began to talk among themselves - some of there voices, in fact, had terrified tones to them. And a few sounded as if angry. Even Balalaika was stunned, her brow furrowing. "Bloody Pierce... alive?" she said. Sir Integra, as well as the others, were surprised at this reaction. "You are familiar with Radinov, I see," she mused. "The reputation of Bloody Pierce is well-known among my men," the Russian continued. "In fact, some of them had been unfortunate victims of her tactics. That woman was a monster, the worst the K.G.B. had ever produced!" Balalaika then cast her green eyes at the Hellsing leader and added, "If you need any help in eliminating this menace, then you'll have my help as well!" "I appreciate your aid, but at this moment, one of my agents is at this moment pursuing Radinov," Sir Integra said, "and hopefully, we may expect results, just as soon..." "YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!" The length and volume of Rally's scream startled everyone gather. Seras felt her insides tightening. "Oh my god... RALLY!!" The Draculina then darted for the source of the scream. Moria, also concerned, followed her, along with the others. XXX "AAAUUUGGGHHH!! OH GOD... BURNS.... YEEEEEEAAAAAUUUUGGGHHHH!!" Rally was on the ground, quivering and shaking from the effect of the holy water inside her body. Several blotchy patches had appeared on her skin, with some of them openly smoldering. And standing over her, Radinov was grinning. "Does it burn, Rally Vincent?" she smirked, walking over the helpless vampire. "Does your insides feel like an inferno burning from within? Now you see the truth - the time of the original vampire is at an end! Compared to me you are weak!" She savagely kicked Rally in the stomach, forcing her on her back while she knelt down, another bottle of holy water in her hands. "Now what I want to hear is your pleas for mercy! She slapped Rally's face, "GO ON... ASK ME TO SPARE YOUR MISERABLE UNLIFE!!" All she got was Rally spitting in her face. "Go... fuck yourself, Radinov!" she managed to say, the blurred image of Radinov's face growing clearer. "Sorry, but I don't have the proper equipment," Radinov smirked, unscrewing the cap from the bottle. "From the look in your eyes, you still wish to kill me." She wiped the spittle from her face before saying, "Well, I might as well get rid of that look right now!" And then she slowly poured the contents of the bottle into Rally's eyes, causing a huge cloud of seared flesh to billow. "AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Rally shrieked, the pain almost too much for her to bear. "MASTER, HELP MEEEEEE!!" BANG!! "ERRRGH!!" Radinov flinched as a bullet hit the top of her hand, causing her to drop the bottle. Turning around, she found Seras charging out of the underbrush, gun in hand. "GET AWAY FROM HER, YOU BITCH!!" the Draculina yelled, getting off another shot but missing. "Damn." She could tell from the commotion behind Seras that more were coming. "I've got to get away from here!" Getting up from the quivering Rally, she charged into the jungle, where several of the Desantniki made pursuit. "Hold on, Rally!" Seras said, rolling the dusky vampire on her back, "Don't worry, I'm here! Just hang on and..." Seras' eyes widened in horror. "OH MY GOD!?" she gasped. The area where Rally's eyes were was carbonized, empty, blackened sockets just looked back, the eyes destroyed. Slowly, a quivering hand reached out for Seras' face. "M-Master?" Rally whimpered, "I-I can't see. Is that you?" Bloody tears streaming from her eyes, Seras held Rally close to her. "Yes... it's me, Rally," she choked out. "It-it-it hurts... it hurts everywhere!" Rally gasped, then she tightened up as a spasm of pain hit. "AAAAUUUUGGGGGHHHH!!" Several of the group made their way to the clearing. Sir Integra looked aghast at Rally's condition. "Dear God, no!" she gasped. Moria, who was behind Sir Integra, just held her hands over her mouth in shock, then quickly joined Seras in comforting Rally. Revy, in the meantime, was numb with shock over the sight she beheld. Down on the ground, she happened to see Rally's CZ-75, but was reluctant to pick it up with what she saw next - namely the look of blind rage in Seras' blood-stained face, a rage directed at Radinov. Noticing the person next to her, she whispered, "Rock, why don't you give the blonde Rally's gun." "I thought you wanted it," Rock also whispered. "I've changed my mind," Revy added. "From the look that girl's face, I'd probably get a worse ass-kicking that what I got with that maid." She then continued to look at the three, wishing all sorts of ill towards the cause of Rally's torment.
Back to Night Angels Index - Back to Crossovers Shoujo-Ai Fanfiction