Chapter 42:
– Valerie –
"Run, little doggies, run…" I sang softly to myself, strolling through the darkened woods. My heavy combat boots thumped deliberately against the dirt, snapping twigs and crushing dry leaves loudly beneath my steps. Being half-vampire, I could easily move silently if I chose—but tonight, stealth wasn't on my mind.
Tonight, I wanted the wolves to know exactly who and what was hunting them.
A deep snarl erupted from the shadows to my right, bringing a wicked smile to my lips. My fingers tightened around the heavy revolver at my side, finger already on the trigger.
"Come on out, puppy," I coaxed playfully, turning toward the sound.
A towering werewolf, at least ten feet tall, exploded out from between two trees, charging straight at me. Its yellow eyes glowed with animalistic rage, fangs dripping saliva as its massive claws dug into the earth, propelling it forward. There was nothing human left behind those eyes—only hunger and madness.
"Hi, doggie," I purred, taking quick but careful aim, then pulling the trigger.
A sharp, echoing bang cut through the still night air.
The werewolf's head snapped backward as the blessed silver bullet pierced straight through its left eye, dropping it instantly. Its enormous, lifeless body crashed heavily to the forest floor, skidding through dirt and leaves before going still. It wouldn't be getting up again.
Two enraged roars tore through the silence. More werewolves—clearly angry at losing their packmate—burst out from the underbrush, fur bristling, jaws snapping wildly.
Instead of dodging, I stood perfectly still, my grin growing even wider as they charged head-on, eager to rip me apart.
But I wasn't alone.
Right on cue, Selene leaped gracefully from a high branch overhead, landing perfectly on the back of one charging beast. She pressed both pistols against the werewolf's skull and fired, sending twin bullets directly into its brain.
The creature fell heavily beneath her, and Selene vaulted effortlessly off its collapsing form. Spinning beautifully in midair, she unleashed a hail of silver bullets at the second werewolf charging toward me. Five, maybe six shots hammered into the creature's chest, each one burning it from the inside out. The wolf crashed painfully to the ground, howling and writhing in agony as the silver ate through its monstrous body.
"Bad doggie," I chided mockingly, raising my revolver one last time to put it out of its misery with a well-placed bullet to the head.
Selene straightened and glanced over at me, a pleased smile on her face. "You certainly learn quickly."
"Thanks," I said, grinning back. "But damn, Selene, those moves of yours were impressive."
She chuckled softly, flicking her dark hair back. "I've had centuries to practice. If you like, I can show you sometime. You might find them useful."
"I'd like that," I agreed warmly. It was surprising how much I'd genuinely enjoyed tonight. The violence of the hunt had been cathartic, sure—but the unexpected camaraderie with Selene had felt surprisingly comforting. I'd never had a real mother figure before, and despite only knowing her briefly, Selene seemed to fill that role effortlessly.
"Think we got most of them," Selene commented, glancing around at the moonlit carnage we'd left scattered around the forest clearing. Bodies of werewolves lay motionless, fur glistening with blood beneath the pale moonlight. "The rest probably ran off when they realized they were being slaughtered."
"Boo," I said with a mock pout, reloading my revolver with silver rounds. "I really wanted to finish the whole pack."
She laughed gently, shaking her head. "We took out at least fifteen wolves. This pack was larger than I expected."
I sighed dramatically, slipping my revolver back into its holster under my jacket. "Yeah, you're right. Still, all in all, that was a pretty satisfying hunt."
"It was," Selene agreed, offering me a knowing smile.
The only downside was the smell. Werewolf blood reeked horribly—like rotting meat and wet dog combined. Even with my vampiric senses, just thinking about drinking from them turned my stomach. Definitely not an option.
Selene approached me casually, glancing briefly at the blood staining my clothes. "You handled yourself incredibly well out here. Alucard wasn't exaggerating when he talked about your skills."
I smirked proudly. "Thanks!" I said again.
"I noticed," she teased, giving me a playful shove. "But really, Valerie, you impressed me tonight. And I don't say that lightly."
A warm flush rose in my cheeks. Praise from someone as experienced as Selene meant a lot. "This whole thing was…nice, actually. Not just the hunting part—I mean, spending time with you. I didn't expect to enjoy it this much."
She smiled gently, a bit more maternal now. "I'm glad. And I'd be happy to do this again. Maybe next time, we'll even track down that Lupin wolf you're after."
"Oh, I'd love nothing more," I replied eagerly, imagining finally confronting the bastard who'd betrayed me. "He owes me a personal debt, and I plan to collect."
Selene chuckled softly. "Remind me never to get on your bad side. Come on," Selene said gently, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder…
…My arms were wrapped snugly around Selene's toned body as we sped along the dark empty roads back toward London. Despite how quickly we were riding, we had no trouble talking normally—being vampires definitely had its perks, like being able to hear clearly through the rushing wind.
"So, Valerie," Selene began casually, her voice smooth and easy. "How are your relationships going currently?"
My face flushed instantly, though thankfully Selene couldn't see it since I was seated behind her. Still, she probably felt my grip around her tighten nervously. "Um, I think they're going okay," I admitted shyly. "I don't really know what else to say."
She chuckled softly. "Relax, Valerie. I'm not judging you. I just want to learn more about what makes you happy. Those women in your life are clearly important to you, and I want to make sure you're satisfied and enjoying yourself."
"Yeah," I admitted warmly, leaning my head a bit closer against her back as we sped down the road. "I really like spending time with all three of them—Narcissa, Rose, and Seras. But with how busy things have been lately, we haven't gotten to go out on actual dates very much."
"You just stayed home and had plenty of sex, right?" Selene teased knowingly.
My cheeks heated even more. "N-no!" I sputtered, flustered. "We haven't had that much…" Well, at least not as much as I'd like.
Selene laughed lightly, sounding amused and entirely unconvinced. "Valerie, relax. I completely get it. We're vampires—well, you're half-vampire. Despite technically being undead, we have libidos far stronger than humans. And besides that, you're Alucard's daughter. It's perfectly natural that you're going to be incredibly horny all the time."
I frowned playfully and gave her side a gentle pinch, causing her to laugh again. I decided to turn things around on her, eager to shift the embarrassment away from myself.
"Speaking of relationships, how do you like dating my father?" I asked curiously. "Or whatever you two call it."
Selene chuckled warmly, not sounding even slightly embarrassed. "Back in my day, we called it courting," she said playfully. "Dating wasn't really a term we used. As for how I like it, it's…unique. Alucard is intense, powerful, and sometimes a bit insane, but I enjoy his company immensely. There's never a dull moment with him."
"I'll bet," I muttered dryly. Honestly, it felt oddly reassuring to hear her speak of Alucard so warmly. Maybe their relationship really was more serious than I'd first assumed.
Selene shifted slightly, glancing over her shoulder briefly as she asked, "Are you worried about your own relationships at all? Any particular concerns?"
I hesitated briefly, biting my lip. The truth was, I still sometimes doubted myself. Even though I knew objectively that I was attractive—beautiful even—I occasionally felt haunted by my past, by memories of that cold, miserable cell I'd grown up in.
No! I quickly shut down that train of thought. Today had been amazing. I wasn't going to let old memories ruin it!
"I guess I'm just wondering if you have any advice," I said carefully, shifting the conversation back toward a safer topic. "Have you ever had a harem? Or been part of one?"
Selene laughed gently again, sounding amused and oddly nostalgic. "Actually, yes—once or twice over my lifetime, though I'd prefer not to get into the details right now. My best advice is simple, cherish every moment you spend with your partners. Love them, spoil them, appreciate them, and never take their affection for granted. Even immortals aren't guaranteed eternity with those they care about. Nothing lasts forever, Valerie."
A strange sadness tugged at my chest as I heard her say that. Her advice sounded wise, but I couldn't help feeling a pang of sorrow. She was right, though. Even we couldn't control everything, and time had a way of taking people from you—one way or another.
"I'll remember that," I murmured softly, tightening my hold on her gently. "Thanks, Selene. Really."
"Anytime," she replied warmly.
We rode back through the streets of London, passing through busier areas before finally approaching the upscale neighborhood surrounding Hellsing Manor. The city was alive with its usual nighttime activity, lights glowing softly against the dark sky. Selene continued giving me bits of motherly advice along the way—mostly sweet, comforting tips about relationships or general life—but as soon as she veered into offering sex tips, I squirmed uncomfortably.
"Selene, no offense, but I really don't need to hear about your experiences with my father," I interrupted quickly, shuddering slightly at the thought. "Please spare me."
She laughed loudly this time, clearly amused at my discomfort. "Fine, fine, Valerie. I'll respect your boundaries—at least for now."
– Michael –
"Isn't it wonderful, big brother?" Gabriel exclaimed brightly, her twelve pristine white wings fluttering energetically behind her. Her blue eyes sparkled with pure excitement as she leaned toward him eagerly. "The Holy Grail is finally back within Heaven's reach! Well, technically it's three Holy Grails now, but still! Even better, I've become extremely resistant to falling just from drinking from one! This is incredible! A total game-changer! Oh, I wonder if I can have babies now!"
Michael had been nodding along pleasantly, sipping on his cup of divinely enhanced coffee, enjoying his sister's cheerful rambling. But the moment Gabriel mentioned having babies, his eyes went wide, and he choked sharply on his drink, coughing violently as he spit the coffee back into the cup.
"Gabriel!" he sputtered, wiping at his mouth hastily. "Look, I know some of our less refined siblings might… 'ship us' as the humans say, but I'd really rather not become a father—especially not right now, and certainly not with my favorite sister." He paused, catching himself, then sighed deeply. "Please don't mention that part to our siblings."
Gabriel pouted dramatically, placing her hands on her hips. "Michael, I wasn't talking about having babies with you! Or with any angel for that matter! If I really am resistant to falling now, then maybe it's finally time I explored things a bit! Do I prefer boys or girls? Humans or supernatural creatures? Maybe I'd even consider dating a vampire or something." She hesitated briefly, a dreamy look appearing in her eyes. "I must admit, I truly enjoyed kissing Valerie Tepes earlier. She tasted sweet… and she is so pretty…" Gabriel trailed off, thoughtfully tapping her chin. "Though I think Puriel has a crush on her too, and I wouldn't want to intrude…"
Michael groaned softly, pressing a hand firmly to his forehead. Only Gabriel could make the normally composed leader of Heaven feel so exasperated and flustered at once. Still, her happiness was genuine and infectious, and he couldn't deny how relieved he felt seeing her so openly excited about life again. The potential implications of angels becoming resistant—or even immune—to falling were monumental, even revolutionary.
Gabriel seemed to notice his reaction and gave a playful giggle. "Can you imagine? Heaven's most beautiful Archangel openly dating a dhampir! That would certainly turn heads!"
"It certainly would," Michael agreed dryly. He relaxed back in his seat, regarding Gabriel fondly as she continued rambling on enthusiastically about all the newfound possibilities in front of her. Gabriel's joyful spirit always had a way of brightening his mood.
His own thoughts drifted toward Valerie Tepes again. He'd heard plenty about Alucard's daughter, but Gabriel had clearly bonded closely with her already. Michael found himself intrigued—perhaps it would be wise to reach out to Valerie himself and formally request more angels be allowed to drink from her Sephiroth Graal. If it truly protected them from falling, that would profoundly alter Heaven's future.
Not that Michael personally needed such protection himself. Ever since his wings had shifted to gold, he'd discovered that he'd become entirely immune to falling—a secret he'd carefully kept hidden from everyone, even Gabriel. No matter how deeply he might have sinned (not that he intended to), his wings wouldn't so much as flicker. Yet even with such absolute freedom, he'd never dream of disappointing their Father.
Many angels believed the Lord was gone forever, but Michael, like Gabriel, steadfastly believed their Father was simply somewhere in the world, perhaps enjoying a vacation as a human. It was a comforting thought he held close to his heart.
Focusing again on Gabriel, Michael gently redirected her attention. "What do you want to do next regarding Valerie Tepes? Clearly, the wielder of the Sephiroth Graal is extremely valuable to Heaven. She needs protection, especially considering what you've told me. However, despite your actions and declaration of her as a Saintess, Valerie technically isn't affiliated with Heaven or the Church yet."
Gabriel nodded eagerly, eyes shining brightly. "I definitely want to contact Valerie again soon! She's sweet and fascinating, Michael. I feel a strong connection with her already."
Michael nodded, understanding her enthusiasm but preferring caution. "We should probably wait at least a little while. Approaching her too quickly might seem overly eager or even desperate."
Gabriel sighed softly, deflating slightly. "You're probably right."
Michael offered her a warm smile. "Don't worry. We'll invite her soon enough."
Gabriel brightened again, nodding in agreement. "You're right, as always."
They shifted smoothly to other matters, catching up on recent developments. Michael's expression grew more serious. "Speaking of unusual developments, our scouts have reported increased devil activity around London recently—specifically, servants directly affiliated with Sylvana Lucifer herself."
Gabriel immediately scowled, an unusually fierce expression crossing her normally gentle features. "Those devil bitches better stay away from Valerie," she snapped sharply.
Michael stared at her in stunned disbelief. "Gabriel! Did you…just swear?"
Gabriel blinked, then suddenly burst into delighted laughter. "I did! I swore!" She lifted her pristine white wings slightly, marveling happily as they remained unchanged. "And look—my wings didn't even twitch! This is amazing!"
Michael sighed deeply, shaking his head in mild exasperation. "Regardless," he pressed gently, "I'm concerned about Sylvana Lucifer's intentions. Why exactly would the most powerful devil in existence suddenly show interest in London? Could she be attempting to recruit Valerie into her peerage?"
Gabriel bristled visibly, her wings fluffing up in irritation. "She had better not even try!" Gabriel huffed fiercely.
Michael regarded his sister thoughtfully, deciding quickly. "I agree. I'd like more information about Lucifer's plans. Unfortunately, Heaven doesn't exactly keep spies—such actions are considered immoral." He hesitated briefly before continuing with a faint smirk. "However…I do have a younger brother who runs the Grigori. Azazel owes me a favor or two. Perhaps I could ask him to discreetly investigate."
Gabriel smiled approvingly. "That's an excellent idea, Michael."
Michael nodded, steepling his fingers thoughtfully. He couldn't shake the feeling that big changes were coming to Heaven, the Underworld, and Earth itself. Valerie Tepes and her Sephiroth Graal were at the heart of it all—and Michael was determined to ensure things unfolded according to Heaven's favor.
– The Major –
The Major grinned as he turned off the large monitor in front of him, ending the live feed from the forest. He leaned back comfortably in his chair, fingers laced across his ample belly.
"Well now, that was quite the entertaining little hunt to witness," he said with a mad laugh, genuine delight glinting in his eyes. "Alucard's little fräulein and his newest lover are proving to be rather formidable indeed. I doubt they even noticed those werewolves had been genetically enhanced to be faster and considerably more bloodthirsty than the standard beasts…"
Beside him, the Doctor nodded eagerly, his round glasses reflecting the dim glow from the various instruments and monitors around the lab. "They truly are remarkable specimens," he said excitedly, his voice trembling slightly with barely contained fascination. "I would absolutely love to dissect both of them—especially young Valerie Tepes—and see precisely what makes them tick. Ah…" The Doctor shuddered visibly, licking his lips in clear anticipation. "The secrets those beautiful, powerful bodies must hold… It's enough to make me tremble!"
The Major chuckled indulgently at the Doctor's perverse enthusiasm, adjusting his glasses slightly. "Patience, Doctor. You'll get your opportunity, but all in good time. We wouldn't want to spoil the fun by rushing things."
The Major then turned his attention to the third occupant of the room, who had been lounging quietly in the shadows. "Warrant Officer Schrödinger," he called pleasantly. Despite the mildness of his tone, his voice carried an unmistakable authority. "How was your little venture to Hellsing Manor? I trust you were not spotted during your reconnaissance?"
The cat-eared vampire snapped to attention immediately, saluting smartly with a mischievous grin on his youthful face. "Nein, mein Führer!" Schrödinger replied cheerfully, clearly proud of himself. "No one saw me at all. However, I must confess—I couldn't actually enter the mansion itself. The entire estate is now surrounded by powerful magical wards! No doubt the handiwork of those witches and magic-users Hellsing has hired lately."
The Major maintained his calm, pleasant expression, though inwardly a flicker of irritation passed through him. Magic was proving to be an unexpected annoyance. Many of Millennium's vampires possessed enhanced abilities—some bordering on the supernatural—but true practitioners of magic were something they still sorely lacked. It was a tactical gap he'd underestimated and needed to address before the real war began.
"Yes," he agreed, voice steady and betraying none of his inner annoyance, "magic users do indeed complicate matters significantly. We may have to consider recruiting some witches of our own sooner rather than later."
Schrödinger nodded brightly, pleased at the acknowledgment of his success. The Major gave him an approving smile. It was always wise to maintain morale among his men, and Schrödinger in particular thrived on praise.
"You performed admirably, Schrödinger," the Major praised gently, causing the younger vampire to practically beam with delight.
The Major's expression grew more serious as he turned his attention back to the Doctor. "Speaking of our own forces," he began, shifting forward slightly in his chair, "how are our newest pawns holding up? The Valentine brothers, I believe they're called."
The Doctor shrugged slightly, making a dismissive gesture. "They're as enhanced as I could possibly make them with the time and resources available," he explained. His voice took on a faint note of dissatisfaction. "They're hardly my best work, mind you, but they're adequate for the purpose. It would be wasteful to expend greater efforts and valuable materials on disposable pawns."
The Major hummed thoughtfully in agreement, drumming his fingers on the desk. "Indeed. Their only role is to test Hellsing's strength and thin out their forces somewhat before the real battle begins." He leaned back again, folding his hands across his stomach. "Doctor, do you believe they're ready to deploy?"
The Doctor nodded confidently. "They are ready whenever you give the order, Major."
"Good." The Major smiled broadly, considering the next move. "However, I fear they'll be quickly slaughtered if they attempt to take on Hellsing's full strength alone. I'm currently pursuing some potential allies—ones who may be very interested in aligning themselves with our cause."
He gestured casually to a brightly colored flyer resting on his desk, bearing a bold pentagram symbol in its center. The Major's eyes glinted with excitement as he tapped his finger lightly against the paper.
"We have other forces on our side, gentlemen," he chuckled darkly. "Very soon, the entire world will erupt in glorious WAR! And we, Millennium, will be right at the heart of it!"
The Doctor chuckled eagerly, anticipation dancing in his eyes. "Truly splendid, Major."
Schrödinger tilted his head curiously, staring at the flyer. "Who exactly are these allies you're hoping to recruit, Major?"
The Major's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with anticipation of the bloody conflict to come. "Patience, Schrödinger. Let's just say these potential new friends have a reputation for making deals that even monsters find irresistible."
XXX
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Here is the list of Current Advanced Chapters on there:
The Fallen Gamer ch 328-332
The Blood Queen 44
The Fox Hole 81
A Systematic Tale: The Hero 6
The Fox Hole 80
Thunder and Black Wings 20
The Fox Hole 79
Thunder and Black Wings 19
The Fox Hole 78
The Blood Queen 43
A Systematic Tale: The Hero 5
The Fox Hole 77
Thunder and Black Wings 18
The Fox Hole 76
A Systematic Tale: The Hero 4
The Fox Hole 75