[X] Walter
[X] Integra
[X] Alucard
This time, Hellsing negotiations were deliberately staged through some planning on Integra's part.
Specifically, she made it so that the most difficult to deal with members of her staff and other organizations were the primary ones to see her today while she was with Arthur. Anyone who never seemed to be happy, always found something to complain about, or openly hated the Head of Hellsing and her position of power, were moved to the front of the line.
Among the staff of Hellsing, not many of these types were found. Most who make up the Hellsing Special Forces have been through battle many times before. They know that when it comes down to the wire, a soldier wouldn't look any gift horse in the mouth. Combine that with their unwavering loyalty to Integra and the Hellsing name and the men who served under her never wanted for anything.
Those from outside of Hellsing on the other hand….
After listening to the sixth "envoy" offering "assistance" in any matters the Hellsing Organization finds "too stressful and time-consuming", Integra watched Arthur's eyes. This time when she beheld his piercing gaze she saw something that made her smile on the inside.
The telltale glint of annoyance.
It was a subtle thing, as it was hidden beneath a pool of ending compassion and understanding. She could see that Arthur was doing everything in his power to understand the person still going on about "helping" the Hellsing family. But knowing that he could be annoyed by such open slander was good.
As it meant that he would be able to stand up for his family when people like this came to challenge them with their words.
Her pride in her son continued to grow.
Integra Relationship Increased!
Walter's time with Arthur was spent doing things other than reading.
Most of it just involved walking outside and enjoying the sunset over the city of London.
Walter spent this time speaking to Arthur about his days caring for Sir Integra when she was younger. How she acted so much older than she should've for her age, the burden she took on, and how she was able to get everyone to listen to her every word.
Wistfully, the butler of Hellsing sighed at the memories as the Heir to the Hellsing name watched him reminisce on old times. The two of them might not have spoken to each other, but there was a bit of a…connection between them. Much like with Seras, Walter seems to have taken to being the old mentor of the child with aplomb.
Walter Relationship Increased!
Alucard's time spent with Arthur is recorded below.
[X] Martial
[X] Diplomacy
[X] Intrigue
[X] Stewardship
Another day, another group of lessons.
Most of his instructors note that Arthur seems to be….maturing at a faster rate than anticipated. He's starting to actually note down the things they say, despite the fact that his hands aren't big enough to hold a pencil yet.
While some did predict that one of His Holy Messengers would not age at the same rate as humans, this growth is faster than originally projected. They had predicted it would take him at least two more years at most.
Though there is very little that can be done now, it is certainly something to account for when making of future predictions.
+40 (+20 (Standard) +20 (Bonus) to Stewardship, Martial, Intrigue, and Diplomacy)
[X] The Church of England
Father Williams still insist that Arthur is taken to a sermon as him not knowing who his true Father is, is something that can't be allowed in a country devoted to the Lord.
Integra agreed.
Partly because he's right, partly because it goes along with their mission, and partly to get the man to shut up.
Thankfully, Walter made sure that they headed to the church after Arthur has had his afternoon nap. This ensures that the babe will pay close attention to what is said in the House of God.
When the Priest began to speak, mostly on God and man's place in his Grand Plan, Arthur took a great amount of interest in what he was saying. To the point where Integra was compelled to bring him up tot he pulpit to greet the speaker.
As the Father looked upon the child, his wings hidden within a one size large enough for him, he spoke again to all those in attendance of how God in his magnificence made such a healthy child. He touched Arthur on his forehead to bless him…and then stood stock still in front of everyone. He composed himself after a few moments, but anyone who was paying attention saw him freeze up when he touched the Heir's head.
When the sermon ended, Arthur came out with a new sense of what his religion was and what it might mean for him.
Perk Gained: Touched by…God?: + 20 to Protestant Piety Rolls; +10 to Rolls when speaking to Protestants; -10 to Rolls when speaking with Radical Catholics (i.e. Maxwell)
[X] Alucard's Basement
"You sought me out on your own, did you little one?" Alucard smiles as he looks down at the child standing before him. Though he may be young, he carries himself with an intelligence few could even imagine he possessed. That intellect was backed up by an unshakable will that allowed him to look a monster such as the vampire before him in the eye without flinching.
Leaning back in his chair the No Life King chuckled at the babe standing before him, "I do not know why you are here. I denied the Lord and all he stood for long ago. What could one of his own want with someone so steeped in sin as I?"
Silence.
"Could it be because of that," he steeples his fingers together in his lap, "Because you wish to 'redeem me' in your father's eyes?"
Silence.
"Or could it be from curiosity?" he crosses one leg over the other, "I am a mysterious individual. Though I am sure my master has told you all there is to know about me."
Silence again. Nearby Seras fidgets, pressing her fingers together nervously. Her eyes flick back and forth between Alucard and Arthur.
"Or perhaps," Alucard leans up slightly, keeping his hands together as he stares at Arthur from his chair, "you were hoping for some kind of sage advice. Some words of wisdom from one as ancient as I. Hmmm, I suppose I can offer some. It would no doubt please my master and it will hopefully garner some better entertainment out of you as time passes.
Alucard stands from his throne and walks over to Arthur. Seras almost dashes toward the child, but her feet are unable to move. The vampire's shadow soon looms over the babe, Arthur's white skin standing out on the darkened tile. Any normal child would cry at this point. Fall to the ground and wail for their guardian to come and save them from the terrifying monster in front of their eyes.
Arthur was completely impassive. His eyes stared up at the vampire's face, lips set in a thin line with no signs of breaking or whimpering. He would hear what the monster in front of him had to say with no fear whatsoever.
The next words Alucard spoke were the ones that would stay with Arthur throughout the rest of his life;
"You are not divine. You would do well to remember that. Else, you will end up no better than me."
With that Alucard returned to his throne as Integra and Walter appeared to bring Arthur back to his room. The entire way up the stairs, his eyes were on Alucard as he sat in his throne.
Alone.
Except for the darkness around him.
Relationship with Alucard Greatly Increased!
Trait Gained: The No Life King's Words: Alucard has given you a chance to gain his respect. Do not waste it. +10 to all Rolls to gain Alucard Related Perks/Traits; +10 to Supernatural Skill
You watch the sun through the window in your room as it rises over the city of London. The yellow rays from it reflect off your growing locks of golden hair. Right now it is only long enough to reach the back of your head, but you believe it will grow longer in time.
The wings attached to your back flap unconsciously, having grown along with your body. While you won't be soaring through the skies high above the city, they can be used for a short burst of flight. With practice, you will be able to make great use of them in the future.
A knock on your door gets your attention. You turn, tugging at the neck of the dark blue suit mother had prepared for you while walking towards the entrance. Your pants are the same color, with solid black shoes that complete the outfit. It was her gift to you for reaching your first technical "birthday", with the symbol of the Hellsing Organization embroidered on your right handcuff.
You're tall enough to reach the nob with little trouble now, so Walter no longer stays in the room with you. Though you have heard him take a much longer time making his rounds around your room than any others in the night.
You tug the door open and are met with the smiling face of Seras. She quickly grabs you under the arms and lifts you up into a hug, "Good morning, Arthur! How'd my brother sleep last night?"
You do your best to reciprocate the affection with a hug of your own, "Good, like always, dear sister." You know she's not really your sister. Even if you're hair and skin are the same color, you long since learned from mother how she was an only child. But that doesn't mean you can't return her affections. Especially if it makes the both of you happy.
Footsteps closing in cause Seras to put you down as your mother appears with Walter walking beside her as if he were an ever-present shadow. You calmly walk towards her, head held high as you both meet in the middle of the hallway.
"Arthur," mother says in her authoritative tone. You still can't tell whether that's her natural voice or a facade she puts on in front of everyone, "As per your growth, we have decided to grant you more autonomy in what you learn and who you learn from. We do this as we all have confidence in your ability and potential to guide yourself.
Her glasses flash as she adjusts them with one hand, "Be aware that this is a privilege we are granting you. And it will be taken away if you misuse or abuse it. Am I clear?"
You nod without even a hint of nervousness, "Yes, mother. I won't disappoint you."
You hear a feminine chuckle before a hand comes down onto your right shoulder. You look up into your mother's smiling face as she says, "I know you won't. You're His Messenger...and my son."
Toddler Age Reached! 5 Turns until Teenager Age!
Wings have grown! May now be used for a short burst of flight!
Golden Hawk Takes Affect!
More Autonomy Gained! New choices unlocked!
Integra and Walter are no longer locked for Caretaking!
Caretakers for the year? (Choose 3):
[] Walter
[X] Integra
[X] Seras
[X] Alucard
[] Sir Rotterdam (Military Instructor)
[] Father Williams (Priest)
[] Other instructors
-[] Which one? (Choose from Intrigue, Stewardship, Learning, or Diplomacy)
Learning Focus? (Choose 4):
[X] Martial (General)
-[] Specific Skill (Write-in…)
[X] Diplomacy (General)
-[] Specific Skill (Write-in…)
[X] Intrigue (General)
-[] Specific Skill (Write-in…)
[] Stewardship (General)
-[] Specific Skill (Write-in…)
[] Learning (General)
-[] Specific Skill (Write-in…)
[X] Piety (General)
-[] Specific Skill (Write-in…)
Yearly Visiting? (Choose 3):
[X] The Church of England - The Church has been begging to have Arthur return for another sermon. The reason for it they won't say, but Arthur does have a wish to learn more about our Lord. (Chance to obtain Perk/Trait: DC 45)
[] The Training Grounds - There's more that Arthur could learn about military acumen. He just needs some more exposure to such things. (Chance to obtain Perk/Trait: DC 50)
[X] The Hellsing Library - Have Arthur learn about the history of its adoptive bloodline. It wouldn't do for one who must fight the Supernatural to know next to nothing about its lineage, and what it means to be a Hellsing. He is very interested in this after all the time Walter spent reading to him. (Chance to obtain Perk/Trait: DC 45)
[X] Alucard's Basement - Arthur has shown an increasing interest in Alucard and vice versa. He has repeatedly said that he would like to go back to the vampire and see what he can learn. (Chance to obtain Perk/Trait: DC 65)
[] Field Work - Though Integra, Walter, and Seras are against it, Arthur has stubbornly said that he would like to go out into the field. He wants to see what it is that Hellsing does. If he is going to be the Heir, he has a right to witness their job first hand. (Might Result in Combat; Trait/Perk Gain dependent on Events)
[X] Meeting the Neighbors - Now that Arthur has grown, the request for him to visit the other branches of the Christian Faith have become staggering. Particularly ones from the Iscariot Organization, saying some....rude things disguised as polite greetings. Hellsing is under no obligation to answer these calls....but Arthur has expressed that he would do well to learn of the people he will have to deal with as the Heir. (Will meet with one of the other Organizations; Trait/Perk Gain depended on Events; Choose 1 Group)
-[X] Iscariot
-[] North American Branch
-[] Japanese Branch
-[] Canadian Branch
-[] South American Branch
-[] Middle Eastern Branch
[] One of the Troops - Arthur has expressed that he would like to actually meet the men he will soon give orders to. He does not want them to simply receive and follow orders from someone who they have never even met in person. Though Integra has mentioned that History is full of these types of men, Arthur has not backed down on this. There is little harm in allowing him to follow through with it. (Chance to obtain Perk/Trait: DC 50)
Alright, welcome to the Toddler Age!
To explain:
- You can now Train Specific Skills rather than just stick to General ones. Specific Skills increase at a lower rate than General, but you can have more of them. You don't have to stick with the Skills on the character sheet. If you Write in one that would natural go under the General Skill, I'll allow it.
- When it comes to choice of Caretakers, basically I gave a name to both your Martial Instructor and Priest. If you want to learn about any of the other Instructors, merely say what Skill they would fall under that hasn't already been named and I'll make them.