O'HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, COMMERCIAL TERMINAL, THE NEXT NIGHT... Rally Vincent stood with her back to the tarmac at the airport's commercial terminal, looking forlornly at the brightly-lit sight of the Chicago skyline. She had made the decision the night before to leave the city she loved - mostly because two days before she had died, only to be reborn as a vampire - and because she was a vampire, she made the choice to go to London rather than place her friends in danger from the Hellsing Organization's enemy Iscariot - and from herself. 'This might be the last time for at least a few months I get to see this,' she thought to herself. 'Already, I'm beginning to miss it.' "Hey Rally," Roy Coleman called out from behind her. "Whatcha doing? Saying your last goodbyes to Chicago?" "Yeah... I guess, Roy," Rally sighed. Looking at her old friend, her red eyes seemed to betray a little sadness. "It's funny, looking at the skyline like this... I always thought I was going to be a part of this city forever." She then chuckled humorlessly, "Fancy that... 'forever' seems to me my state of being now... forever young, forever beautiful... while everyone I will ever know will be gone. Even if I should return to Chicago for good in the future... nothing will be the same as I had left it the first time." A single bloody tear rolled down Rally's cheek, quickly daubed away by Coleman. "Look... Rally... I don't want you to get all blubbery right now, you'll stain your blouse," Coleman reassured. "Sorry, Roy... I just can't help it. I jumped into this... becoming a vampire... without thinking things through and... I'm just have to except the facts," Rally said. Coleman nodded, and then decided to change the subject. "Have you talked to your father yet, Rally?" he asked. "Oh... yeah, before coming out here," answered Rally. "Integra beforehand told him about what had happened, so he knew what to expect." "And what did he say... about you as a vampire?" Rally looked up before answering. "Well... it wasn't exactly what he expected... him having a vampire for a daughter. However, he understood, and he's looking forward to seeing me once he settles business over here... which reminds me..." She then produced a small laminated card and handed it to Coleman. "Your bounty hunting license?" asked Coleman. Rally nodded. "I won't be needing it anymore, since I'm going to be working for Hellsing. And speaking of such, what did you tell your wife about me leaving, Roy?" "Nothing much," Coleman began, "just that Sir Integra offered you a position within her business, which would offer you a bit more security moneywise. I didn't give her the full story, though... didn't think she deserved to know the truth." "Thanks, Roy." The two continued to look at the skyline for a few minutes before a familiar voice called out, "Hey Rally... whatcha doin'? Rally and Coleman turned around to see 'Minnie' May Hopkins and Becky 'the Nose' Farrah walking up to them. "Yeah Rally," Becky asked, picking up from May's earlier outburst, "you're not thinking of leaving with saying goodbye to us?" "Please guys don't say that," Rally replied. "Right now I really like the word 'goodbye'. I'll be back to visit - I've got Integra's word on it." She then turned to Becky and added, "So, is everything taken care of?" "Sure thing," said Becky, adjusting her glasses. "The hard part is finding enough boxes to have all your guns packed. Sir Integra's already made arrangements to have the smaller firearms and the Cobra shipped out with you tonight, with the larger pieces later on in the month." "Thanks, Becky. As soon as I get myself settled in London, I'll email you my address so that everybody can keep in touch," Rally said. She then looked to May and added, "May, Dad's going to come by and help you out in the shop. It'll be for a few months before he can sell it, but at least it'll give you time to find another job with Kenny." "That's good," May quipped, but then looked uncomfortable with her next words, "Rally, I... I wish you didn't have to do this." "Same here, but it's for the best. At least I can learn from Alucard and Seras on how to use my vampire powers more effectively, not to mention controlling my thirst better." She then hugged May, careful not to crush her and further added, "Look May, promise me one thing." "What's that?" "That you and Kenny get married soon. I don't know... you might call it a vampire's intuition... but I've got a feeling you and him are going to be a big thing in this town." "Right!" May laughed, hugging Rally in return. "Excuse me, Miss Vincent," Walter C. Dolnez's voice called out from a distance. Everyone tuned to see the old butler striding ever so rapidly on them. "I believe it is time for you to get ready. If you could follow me..." "Okay Walter, I'm coming, just give me a few minutes," growled Rally, sounding a little annoyed. Walter nodded and stood his place. Turning back to her friends, she said, "Looks like I better get on the plane. I'm really going to miss you guys." Then Coleman, Becky and May gave Rally a hug, which lasted for a few minutes. After then broke up, Coleman then reached into the bag he had been carrying. "Before you go, Rally, we thought you might need this for the trip." "I wonder what it is?" Rally said to herself as she took what Coleman handed her - an insulated container. Looking inside, she gasped as she saw three transfusion packs of blood, the names 'Roy', 'Becky' and 'May' hand-written on them. Looking at her friends, she saw them roll-up their coat sleeves as one to reveal the bandages on their arms. "You guys..." she choked, again daubing her eyes, "... you shouldn't have..." "It was my idea," Becky said. "Rally... even if we get separated by time, this is one way we can all be together. Even after the blood is gone, a part of us will always be with you." "Thanks," Rally sniffled, excepting a new tissue from Coleman. "Take care, Rally," Coleman said, waving at his friend. Becky and May waved in turn, and then walked away. Walter made his way over to Rally. "I wouldn't worry, Miss Vincent. Sir Integra has already made plans in the future for you to visit them," he reassured, then checked his watch and added, "We had better get ready." "Okay," Rally whispered as she watched her friends walk away, then turned around and followed. XXX "Welcome aboard Alitalia Flight 750, with non-stop service to Rome, Italy," the flight attendant said over the public address system onboard the Airbus jetliner taxing out of the passenger terminal onto the runway. As she continued to make her pre-flight briefing to the passengers, Paladin Alexander Anderson casually looked out from the magazine he was reading to the commercial terminal, and frowned as he caught sight of an R.A.F. cargo jet parked there. No doubt the Hellsing Organization was making its preparations to return to England - with an extra vampire onboard it. 'This is a bad sign,' he thought to himself. 'Hellsing's got itself another unholy bloodsucker within England's shores. Section XIII will have to monitor this carefully.' He then smiled to himself, 'However... Ah have t' admit Rally Vincent is one fighter Ah look forward t' facing again. Even with me holy blade within her, she never backed down or showed fear in the least. And even with me blade burning in her cursed hand; she faced me down with it and gave me a good one! Who knows... once Ah take care of Alucard, Ah might give her another go at it.' "Excuse me, Father," the flight attendant said, drawing Anderson from his thoughts, "but we're about to take off. If you would buckle yourself in, we can proceed." "Thank ye, me child. Ah'll be doin' just that," Anderson pleasantly said, buckling himself in. As the jet began its acceleration for take off, he thought to himself again, 'Ah'll be looking forward t' our next battle, Rally Vincent.' COMMERCIAL TERMINAL, NEAR AN R.A.F. TRANSPORT... "Make sure that car is carefully secured," Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing called out to the men inside the cargo hold of the transport, where they were securing Rally's Cobra for the flight. "I do not want it scratched at all or you are paying for the repair!" "Yes, ma'am," one of them called back. Satisfied about the progress, the Hellsing leader paced across the tarmac, awaiting a chance to board for home. Then something caught her eye - namely Seras Victoria, who was standing near a wall. "I am amazed that you have not gotten ready yet," she began. "Alucard is already in his coffin and onboard. I figured you have done the same." "Oh not yet, Sir Integra," the Draculina answered, turning around. "There are still a few things I need to take care of before we do." Then standing close to the Hellsing leader, she added, "I was wondering... are you certain it's alright... me and Rally together?" "Of course, Seras dear," Sir Integra said warmly, giving Seras a kiss on the forehead. "I said it before, I love you... but my duties to Her Majesty preclude us engaging in any romantic interests I may have." She sighed, "And I believe Rally may need your help more than ever. You and Alucard have to aid her if she is to survive among other humans." 'I wouldn't worry, Seras,' Alucard's voice sounded within Seras' mind. 'Rally Vincent has more than enough common sense within her, so teaching her should be a breeze.' "Excuse me, Integra," Seras told Sir Integra, then mentally answered, 'Thank you, Master. But there's one think I like to ask of you.' 'And what is it?' Seras smiled as she composed her next message, 'Ever since you've freed me, you haven't since then called me 'Police Girl'.' 'I though you hated that name, Seras.' 'That was before, when I was first turned,' Seras answered. 'I still call you 'Master', do I? I guess every once-in-a-while you might call me that... for old time's sake.' 'I guess it wouldn't hurt to do so... Police Girl,' Alucard smirked, causing Seras to smile. 'Now I suggest you attend to the business you waited for.' 'Right. Later, Master.' Turning her attention back to Sir Integra, Seras then said, "Sorry about that, Master was talking. I was wondering if you might accompany me for a bit?" "Why whatever for?" Sir Integra asked. "I'll explain while we're on the way," Seras replied, taking Sir Integra's hand into her's as they proceeded to another part of the terminal. AT THE SAME TIME... "W-W-W-WALTER!?!?" Rally sputtered, pointing a trembling finger, "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!?!?!" Walter was a little puzzled about Rally's reaction as he stood next to the huge crate. "Why this is your accommodations for the trip, Miss Vincent. I was certain you were aware of this." "Y-Y-YOU MEAN... I'M GOING TO BE SPENDING THE ENTIRE TRIP IN A BOX!?!?" Rally yelled. "Well... it was the best we could do under such short notice," Walter replied, a little unconcerned about Rally's outburst. "We couldn't obtain a coffin without having to ask any awkward questions about the reasons." "A-a coffin?" groaned Rally. "Please, let me explain. It might ease your mind if you know the reasons." Walter cleared his throat before he began, "We will be traveling by air over several large bodies of water, which would include Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Atlantic Ocean, all of which can be very painful or terminal for new vampires like yourself. The safest way for any vampire to travel in such circumstances is to sleep within a coffin with at least of a pound of the soil of their birthplace inside, which in your case would be England." "You mean... there's a bag of dirt inside that crate?" Rally said, already not liking what she was hearing. Walter placed a reassuring hand on Rally's shoulder. "I know it is not pleasant, but even a vampire like Alucard has to abide by these constraints or face an uncomfortable journey. Don't worry; I made sure that the crate was well-padded as not to jostle you unnecessarily." "Thanks, Walter," Rally sighed. "You know... I was really hoping for a window seat, but I know you were only trying to help me out." She looked inside the crate, and satisfied with what she saw, leapt inside. "I guess I'll see you once we reach Heathrow." "I still have other things to do before we take off," Walter replied, "so I might be back to make sure the lid is secured before you are loaded onboard. Please try to be comfortable until then." He then set the lid down. Although it was totally dark inside the crate, Rally could easily make out the inside. The sides were padded, and she could clearly see the small bag of English soil at her feet. However, this didn't make the sudden feeling of loneliness she had felt go away. 'Why am I feeling like this?' she thought to herself sadly, trying to hold back the bloody tears that welled in her eyes. 'Is this what it means to be a vampire... knowing that everyone you'll ever know will die, with you left behind?' Suddenly, the lid opened. Rally was about to let some hapless crewmember receive a tongue-lashing for interrupting her sour mood when she looked up - and saw Seras and Sir Integra looking on. "Oh," she blundered, trying to wipe the tears from her eyes, "Master, Sir Integra. What are you doing here?" "Well for one thing," Seras said, "you could make a little room." Before Rally could say anything, the Draculina jumped inside the crate and set herself next to Rally. "A little snug, but I think we can adjust." "Er... Master, what are you doing?" Rally asked, finding herself being pressed against Seras' breasts. "Really, I appreciate the company, but don't you have your own coffin to ride in?" "Relax, Rally," Sir Integra answered. "Seras explained to me that you might be feeling out-of-sorts during the trip and offered to ride with you back to England." "But Integra," Rally sputtered, "there's hardly any room in here for me and Master. What makes you think..." But before she could add any more, the lid closed again, this time the sound of nails being hammered was heard. "Great. She had this timed right." "Oh I wouldn't too sour about this arrangement, Rally," Seras purred, maneuvering herself so that she was on top of Rally. "At least Sir Integra approves of us being together." She then kissed Rally briefly on the lips and added, "Besides, it's not just Integra that I'm in love with." Sighing, Rally had to concede with the situation and embraced her master. "I guess I can get used to it." She then drew Seras into another, more lingering kiss. 'Although,' she mentally added, 'I don't think we'll have much room for sex in here.' 'I think it's a little soon for that right now,' Seras added, 'although I wouldn't mind a little fondling and cuddling.' She then gently squeezed Rally's right breast in her left hand, causing her to moan sensually. 'I think I wouldn't mind that,' Rally said, returning the gesture to Seras. Several hours later, Rally and Seras' crate was finally loaded on board the transport, which began to taxi down the runway for the trip to England. The sun was finally beginning its accent from the east when the jet finally took off. Inside the crate, Seras laid on top of Rally, her yellow uniform slightly disheveled as she slept. Rally was already beginning to feel sleepy as she stroked Seras' back. 'I guess eternity wouldn't be bad... just so long as my master is here with me. But I wonder though,' she thought as sleep was starting to overtake her, 'what about... the people who... bought Goldie's formula.' AN UNKNOWN LOCATION IN BRAZIL, AT THE SAME TIME... A lanky individual wearing eyeglasses with multiple lenses entered the office, where a rotund blond man in a white suit was seated at a desk. "Vell, Herr Major," the individual said in a thick German accent, "my trip is a success. I must admit that I vas a little curious about our little experiment using Kerasine to better the implantation of my vampire chip, but the results are promising." Opening a small briefcase, he produced a piece of paper. "Behold," he announced as he gave the Major the paper, "the formula for Kerasine." The Major took the time to look at the formula. "Vunderbar, Herr Doctor," he said, smiling. "I vould gather that you've already studied the formula?" "Da," the Doctor said. "Und?" the Major implored. The Doctor took some time to compose his words, "Clearly, the process vould be long, and vould require many trials... but I do believe that an oral version of the drug IS possible. All that I require is your approval to begin." "Very well, Herr Doctor, you may proceed." The Major then got up from his desk and paced around his office, which was decorated with many relics from Nazi Germany in the past, then said. "Ve may have to vait a vhile... but it vill be vorth it, then soon ve can proceed vith the upcoming var... und the var after that... und the var after that. Und then the next... und then the next... und then the next... und then... the next." THE END...? AUTHOR'S NOTE - And so finally, this draws an end to the story... but you know... it really doesn't have to end. I've really gotten a kick of writing this series, and I really like to make more of them. I'm thinking about naming the next of these series of fics, 'Night Angels' and I like to hear your ideas about future plots. As for right now, I'm thinking of writing an extra chapter. What I would like to do is to concentrate on the day that Rally was turned, and what those close to her are going through as they wait for Rally to rise. I got a few ideas on how to write it... but I like to hear your ideas. Please email me and let me know. Until we meet again... LATER!
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