“Illusion,” I rasped “not real.”
“The hell it was!”
“Not real.” I said, as much to convince myself as him.
“No? Just look at the state of you girl,” he said gesturing towards the deep lacerations on my leg “illusions don’t do that!”
“It’s not that bad.” I said cringing at such an outright lie.
“What? Are you kidding me? It’s down to the bone. You’ve cut her down to the bone you bastard!”
“Please,” I begged Anders, “I’m OK, really.”
“Stand Down Anders” Said Burnadett.
“But look at her Capitan. We’re supposed to be killing these monsters not giving them people to play with!”
I heard several muttered sounds of assent from the men as they took in my injuries. The room was turning hostile.
“Please.” I whispered “Please don’t.”
“What the hell kind of operation is this?” He shouted at Sir Integra. What’s wrong with you?”
“You over step yourself Mr. Anders.” Said Walter.
He turned to Walter and asked sadly. “Why are you letting him do this to her?”
“Interesting piece to place on the board Angel. Albeit a stupid and weak one.”
“Leave him alone.”
“Enough!” Said Sir Integra firmly. “Mr. Anders, this is my house and my charter. If you do not care for the way I run this operation, there is the door. None will stop you from leaving. Otherwise, you will never question my authority or dedication to this cause again or I will show first hand what pain and cruelty truly are.”
She turned to Alucard. “Don’t think for a moment I don’t know that you are sticking your oar in here. You had better show some results soon or I will be taking your little toy away from you.”
“Walter.”
“Ma’am?”
“Sort this and report to me in the morning.”
Walter nodded.
She turned on her heel and began to stride away. She had just made it to the entrance when Alucard’s voice carried across the cave.
“Ask yourself this. How is it that you heard her singing well before the antenna was hooked up?”
She spared Alucard one brief glance, her face completely devoid of emotion, then nodded to Walter. “Sort this.” She said and was gone.
