Nicholas was sitting in a room that looked like a former dungeon converted into a interrogation room. Across from him was a two-way mirror and two speakers mounted in the corners.
Now, why was he just sitting there? The truth was he really didn't have anything better to do. While he has sort of identified the world, he's in. The last one taught him that he had no real way of identifying which version or even if this was a version he was familiar with.
The speakers crackled to life, and a familiar female voice said, "Perhaps you might save everyone some time and effort, if you would just identify yourself."
Nicholas leaned back and let out a small groan. The woman had said that a few times now. Nicholas then said, "I've told you already, my name is Nicholas. But if you really want to keep revealing more of your past to me, then by all means keep refusing that answer."
The voice said, "Why don't you tell me what you've learned, and we can go from there." Nicholas responded, "Your full name is Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing. You are the last living descendent of the legendary Dr. Abraham Van Hellsing. That man in red was a vampire that you have a contract with. Most people you deal with who aren't your direct subordinates call you Sir Intergra. Finally, you are in charge of an organization who is responsible for dealing with any undead threats to humanity. Do you want more, or can we have a real conversation now?"
Silence that filled the room was notable. Then after a few minutes the door opened, and an old man stepped through. He said, "Follow me." Nicholas stood up and followed.
He was led out of the basement to a grand office. At the other end was Intergra, hands clasped in front of her. She looked annoyed, obviously someone seemingly knowing more about her than she knows about them doesn't sit well with her.
Nicholas was escorted to her desk, left to stand there, obviously a last ditch attempt at a power play. She stood up and walked towards the window. Without turning, she said, "I don't like dealing with unknowns, so, one chance. What are you and why are you here?"
Nicholas said, "The What is complicated, my predecessor was from before concepts of time, forms, or even names. As for myself my name is Nicholas and as for what I am... I would probably be wrong no matter what answer I gave. As for why, the answer is simple. I'm looking for a totem that acts as my anchor which keeps me here."
Intergra was now looking at Nicholas and then she asked, "What does it look like and can anyone break it?" She wasn't being subtle at all in her desires to get an upper hand.
Nicholas answered, "Well, the answer is somewhat complicated. It will look like what you expect it to look unless it doesn't want to. Anyone can break it, unless it doesn't allow that to happen. In essence, it has its own will and will defend itself as needed."
Intergra's eyes had a look of annoyance in them. Nicholas then said, "Look, in truth if I had a choice I wouldn't have showed up in this world. I have a particular taste for needed food, and from I know of this world it's slim pickings. So, how about we make a deal."
Intergra looked at him suspiciously, then said, "What kind of deal?" Nicholas responded, "Let me stay here while my birds look for the anchor and I'll be at your disposal for the duration."
Intergra looked at him for a few seconds, mulling over the proposal, then she said, "Before I agree, two questions. First, what do you mean by birds? Second, our organization hunts vampires, do you really think you can be of use?"
Nicholas responded, "To the first, let me show you." A crow then appeared in front of her on her table and almost just as quickly it disappeared. Nicholas continued, "That bird you just saw was one of many. They are my eyes and ears, and eventually they will find my anchor. To the second, most vampires are just poor imitations that are easily put down."
Intergra smiled and said, "I guess we'll see, I'm sure a chance to prove yourself will come eventually. Until then I'm sure Walter can find something suitable for your stay."
/////
Intergra was sitting in her chair when Walter entered the room. The old man bowed his head slightly and then said, "Your guest has been placed in one of the empty rooms on the top floor. I'm not sure if he needs to sleep but he made a makeshift bed appear."
Suddenly Alucard phased through the wall saying, "That creature was very interesting, he was aware of my presence from the beginning or at the very least was ready for me to show up."
Intergra looked at them both and said, "We'll test that thing at the same time we give Seras Victoria her first mission." Alucard disappeared back into the shadows and said, "As you wish, my master."
She then turned her attention fully to Walter, and asked, "Do you have something else to add?" Walter nodded and said, "I asked a few questions to our guest, his answers were interesting. I told him that even if the pickings were slim that if he told us what they were we could try to get him some food. He answered with, even if we were that kind of organization the fact that only six in this world meet the requirements makes it a wasted effort."
Intergra mulled over that information, then she said, "Interesting. From his response we confirmed that his food source is humans, but that number... only six meet the requirements. I would love to know what those requirements are."
Walter then said, "If I may hazard a guess, from the way his eyes went out of there way not to focus on you leads me to believe that you meet the requirements."
Intergra stared at Walter for a moment, then she said, "I guess we can't rule it out, but now I'm even more curious about what those requirements are. Keep an eye on him, if he leaves that room for any reason I want to know."
Walter nodded his head and then left. Intergra leaned back in her chair and thought about the situation. If she was his type, why didn't he try something. Either she wasn't or... she then thought about what Alucard said. If he did know Alucard was watching that could explain a few things.
Still, they need to know that creatures' capabilities. Intergra pulled out a cigar and thought, 'I guess Nicholas will be a guest for a little while. I'll need to be careful and not let my guard down.'
/////
Nicholas entered the house. A familiar scene, a vampire couple were finishing up with a family they just slaughtered. Originally Alucard was supposed to enter, but he and Seras were on the roof waiting for their targets to try to escape.
When they saw Nicholas, the male immediately lunged at him. Wanting to try something different, Nicholas pulled out Adiris' Profane Censer. A single swing sent the attacker straight into the wall. Whether because of the Censer's origin or because of his own nature, Nicholas didn't know. But what followed was a memorable reaction.
First the vampire's skin began to blister and rot. Then he burst into flame. Nicholas turned to see the female vampire, stunned by the event. With pure terror in her eyes, she said, "What the Hell are you!"
She then jumped out a window and began yelling for help. Confused, Nicholas muttered, "Well that's an odd reaction." It wasn't until he saw the mirror in the hallway did, he understand.
Half his face was blistered and rotted, just like Adiris when she was roaming around as the Plague. Nicholas then switched to Rin's Shattered Katana and confirmed what he suspected. His face returned back to normal but now pieces of his limbs were now detached but floating in place. Just like Rin when she was the Spirit. Thinking on it, Nicholas realized that until that point, he only ever used their abilities not their weapons. He really only used Anna's broad ax.
He put the sword away and his body returned to its original state. Then he heard a loud shot ring out. Seras must have taken the shot, and then Alucard the appeared next to him. He began to inspect the ashen remains, then through his earpiece he reported that the mission was completed.
Then Alucard reported that both Seras and Nicholas had performed adequately by doing their tasks. Nicholas felt annoyed by Alucard's attitude, but didn't act on it because he knew it wasn't yet time.
Back at the manor, Nicholas sat in his room. Honestly, ever since Gotham he has felt stronger. He could do more, which was true like creating copies of furniture. Also, he can summon members of his harem.
Of course, once he sent them back, he wouldn't be able to resummon them. Before he summons someone, Nicholas decided to wait until at least after the assault by the Valentine brothers. After all, it would be a hassle if he was caught with his pants down.
/////
Intergra was reading the after-action report. While pleased that the two new personnel were preforming to her satisfaction, she was not happy. The vampire couple had always made sure their victims were thoroughly destroyed so it wasn't noticeable before.
Normally only a deflowered person will turn into a ghoul after being bitten, but the fact that individuals who were still clearly virgins were turning into ghouls, raises some questions.
Intergra's mind flashed back to when Nicholas said, "From what I know of this word..." That statement implied Nicholas knew what was happening, of course there was no guarantee that it would answer honestly.
Still nothing ventured. She summoned Nicholas to stand before her. Once he arrived Intergra then asked, "Do you know the situation that's unfolding?" Nicholas answered, "I do."
Losing her patience, Intergra said, "So tell who is behind this!" Nicholas calmly responded, "I cannot, knowledge is power, and I cannot offer power outside of a deal. It's an annoying rule I'm bound to follow."
Intergra, resisting the urge to break something, asked, "The price?" Nicholas responded, "Your soul and the soul of someone who truly follows you, to be collected on either your death or my departure."
Intergra responded, "I'll pass, I still have other avenues to gather the needed information." Nicholas said, "That is your choice to make, and I'll respect that. Just so you know the price is fixed and won't ever change." With that Nicholas left.
After he did, another report came in. This time from Ireland. As Intergra read the report, she thought, 'The Vatican will probably be offended, but I need more information on these knockoffs.' A decision was made to send Alucard and Seras.