Chapter 22 – The Choice is Yours

Katherine sat in the garden outside the Hellsing manor with her laptop, happy that the estate had a wireless connection. She hoped she had gotten through to Seras Victoria that drinking blood wouldn't cause her to lose her humanity. Maybe she would ask Victor to speak with her. He wasn't a monster to be feared; he was an admirable man whom she was honored to consider a friend.

Sir Hellsing had shared quite a bit about the "Millennium" group, including the death and destruction caused on this very estate earlier in the year. In response, Katherine sent an alert out to the U.S. network with as much information as she had on the group, the artificial vampires and the cyber chip that could be implanted. In a private email, she also asked Brian, the former Green Beret in California to use his military connections to spread the word to any governmental agencies. They needed to plan to prevent or counter any future attacks.

She sent another message to the witches in the network that knew of her elemental abilities, describing the barrier that prevented her from communicating with her kei'dran or accessing her fire abilities, asking for assistance in identifying the cause and finding a method to prevent it from occurring again.

Finally, there was little to do except focus on her elemental treatise. She sat comfortably in the warm sunshine and began filling in the details she had earlier outlined, beginning by enhancing the basic information on the four types of elementals; earth, air, fire and water. As long as she was starting with the basics, she took the opportunity to refute a few popular myths, such as earth elementals being comparable to gnomes or that air and water, popularly called sylphs and undines were female. All elementals are gender neutral, although they can animate a golem if the elementalist creates one, which could then appear to give it male or female characteristics.

Moving on to kael'dran, she documented how elementals will voluntarily ally themselves to a summoner who has compatible energies, coming at their call to perform tasks. They do this for multiple reasons, primarily that they would increase energy for themselves either through sharing energy with the summoner or through increased knowledge that equated to energy for them. The physical manifestation of the elemental in this world relies primarily on the imagination of the elementalist. The elemental assumes a form they find compatible within the thoughts of the elementalist. Katherine's kael'dran appeared as salamanders, phoenixes and dragons simply because that's how she visualized them.

Depending on the inherent ability of the elementalist, it could take one to two decades to go from apprentice level to adept level, with the exception of earth magic. That is much more difficult to master because of the sheer number of types of earthen properties. Studying earth magic could easily take half a life time.

At the apprentice level, the elementalist primarily uses their own energy to power the manifestations, unless they have a senior elementalist teaching them. In that case, the adviser can share their own energy to help empower the apprentice. At the journeyman level, only the journeyman's energy is used. By master level, they have learned to channel energy from the elements to augment or replenish their own power. This ability to siphon energy is how healing is greatly enhanced, as the elementalist can absorb outside energy for their own use. By adept level, the elementalist has no need to use their own power or life energy; they simply convert and manipulate the energy around them. It is through that ongoing transubstantiation of energy that longevity is increased. Some adepts can also transform their corporeal forms into the element they control, although they can't remain in that form indefinitely.

How an elementalist uses their abilities is limited only by their imagination. Fire elementalists can create and use anything related to fire, from lava to fireballs to firestorms. In her own battles, real or sparring matches, Katherine has shot fiery arrows and fireballs, melted the ground beneath an opponent's feet, and created barriers of such blistering heat that nothing could pass.

Water elementalists can use any form of liquid, from water to ice to mist and fog. They could drown an opponent or freeze them in a block of ice, throw ice spears, etc. However, it requires a source of water. Only at the adept level can they draw the moisture from the air around them. Otherwise, a nearby source is needed.

Air elementalists can use wind in nearly every way, creating tornadoes and whirlwinds of any size. At the smallest and most controlled, they could send it through the eye of a needle, while at the largest; they could equal any natural tornado. Air elementalists can also use the wind for transportation, essentially flying at will.

Earth elementalists are able to manipulate anything that began in a natural form, including the ground, plants, rocks and everything made from them. It is because of this that becoming an adept in this elemental is so difficult. However, the benefits are phenomenal. An earth elementalist can walk through stone or wood, or any substance that has enough of the natural element for them to manipulate. As long as they can touch anything that originated in the earth, they can also absorb energy from it.

A skill common for adepts of all elements is the ability to move through space using the elemental plane as a conduit, although pinpointing a specific location is difficult without a pre-established gateway. If they first visit a location, they can set a gate that permits them to return to that point in an instant.

Katherine noted that there are very few elementalists in the world today. The further mankind moves from the study and control of the supernatural and further towards technological ideas, the fewer people there are that have the mindset and ability to study the genre. Most adepts look for apprentices to whom to teach the craft, but there are fewer suitable candidates every decade. Knowing Integra would ask, she commented that at the writing of this dissertation, there were less than half a dozen full adepts that she knew of worldwide, although perhaps a score at lesser levels.

"Good afternoon Katherine" said Integra behind her. She had stepped out on the balcony of her office to get some fresh air several times during the day, and had noticed the other woman writing diligently and never moving. She hadn't noticed her eating or drinking, so decided to take a walk to see what was so compelling.

Katherine smiled up at the other woman. "Good afternoon, Sir Integra. I'm trying to finish a rough draft of my elemental treatise for you. I find sitting out in the fresh air helps clear my mind when writing."

Integra looked interested. She was so tired of wading through reports of the attack and the limited information on Millennium, that a change of pace sounded intriguing.

"Would you like to take a look?" Katherine turned the laptop in her direction. I could go find us some tea while you read."

"Actually, I asked Walter to bring something out to us. You were so absorbed; I didn't think you had moved in hours." Integra turned her attention to the beginning of the article and began reading.

Katherine realized that Integra was right, she hadn't moved in hours. She moved slightly out of Integra's line of sight so as not to disturb her, and began a full stretching regimen. As she finished the first 15 minutes but before she could begin the Aikido exercises, Walter brought a tray with tea, biscuits and fresh fruit.

She smiled warmly at him in thanks, as he poured a cup for Sir Integra and her and then quietly returned to the house.

"Katherine" Integra began as she read about adepts "what would you call someone who was an adept in all four elements?"

"Grand Adept was the old term" Katherine responded before sipping her tea.

"How many Grand Adepts are there?"

Katherine kept her face impassive. "Only one to the best of my knowledge. Few people are willing to study for as long as it takes to master more than one element, and not all adepts are compatible with all forms of energy, especially earthen properties."

Integra gave her a long look, but Katherine made no other comment, so Integra returned to reading.

"When you say that most adepts are looking for an apprentice, does that include yourself?"

"I would very much like to pass my knowledge on, but I require a particular type of person, not just someone with the ability to manipulate the elements. I will only train someone who is trustworthy, compassionate and selfless. Have you ever heard the song 'The Impossible Dream'" she asked Integra. At Integra's uncertainty, Katherine quietly recited:

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrong
To be better far than you are
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest, to follow that star
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far
To be willing to give, when there's no more to give
To be willing to die so that honor and justice might live.

"That's the type of person I'm looking to train. Someone with honor and integrity, but also someone willing and able to accept the mental and emotional hardships that comes with increased longevity.

Integra finished reading the draft and picked up her own tea cup. "You will find it hard to find such a person" she commented.

"Yes," she admitted, "I've been looking for several decades. I found people who are noble, compassionate and altruistic, but they didn't have the ability. I found people with the ability that were too corruptible, selfish or avaricious to be trusted with the knowledge. One person I was willing to train could not tolerate the idea of watching loved ones age and die without him."

"My kei'dran noticed that your energy signature was much like my own, Sir Integra. You have the ability to learn fire magic at the very least. You are selflessly dedicated to protecting the Queen and Country. And when I see you smile, I feel you have the compassion that is needed." She smiled warmly at Integra. "You should smile more often."

Integra raised an eyebrow, both at the comment that she could learn fire elemental magic and that she should smile more often. She had never imagined trying to harness the elements, but could see immediate uses and applications for it.

Katherine continued "I need to return to the United States, but I would be grateful if you would consider the idea of becoming an elementalist. It's not an easy decision to make and you'll need to weigh the costs against the benefits."

"On the negative side, you already work too many hours a day, and this would require another one to two hours. Of course, you could always hire an administrative assistant to handle the petty details of the organization so that your time was best spent on the important aspects of your role. If you reach adept status, the increased longevity needs to be factored in. However, the benefits include a better ability to protect Queen and Country, increased healing for yourself, and perhaps less of an immediate need to provide an heir because of the increased longevity. In addition, you would have kael'dran willing to help you with whatever happens."

"This Millennium group that attacked your home would have been crushed by an adept of any element, especially with kael'dran to call upon for assistance." Integra narrowed her eyes at that, remembering the men who died on her watch.

"If it meets with your approval, before I leave I will establish a personal gate or destination portal at the location of your choice. That way, if you decide that you want to pursue the art, I can portal over regularly for training sessions. That would also allow me to be summoned if an emergency arose where you needed my assistance. If you decided not to pursue it, I can eliminate the portal. Alucard would be able to read the energies to confirm it is gone if you so order it."

"Katherine, how are the kael'dran different from your kei'dran?"

"Kael'dran are not soul-bound. They are not part of your every day consciousness. They come when you call and rarely at other times, unless bored or curious. They will likely expect some form of compensation, but that is usually supplied by the very situation in which you request their help. Consider them friends while a kei'dran is an intimate family member."

"How powerful is your kei'dran?"

"I didn't know it at the time, but it was one of the earliest elementals in the plane. They accumulate power as they gain in knowledge. My kei'dran remembers visiting this world when its human inhabitants were still living in caves and barely able to make stone tools. It found the volcanoes and lava more interesting than the humans" she said with a grin.

"When you ask about power, I realize you are asking about its destructive power, but that question applies only to a tiny facet of what it is. If you choose to pursue elemental knowledge, you will learn all of that, destructive and constructive as well. But you need to know that once the training begins, it's not something to be halted. A half-trained elementalist is dangerous to themselves and the world around them. It is a significant and life-altering commitment."

"Yes, I can see that it is. I will need time to consider the implications. For now, I am willing to permit you to set your portal here on the grounds. I would suggest finding a slightly protected location so that you never portal in to danger or unexpected company."

"Agreed." The two women smiled slightly at one another. They had the start of a friendship. It would be interesting to see how it progressed.

The next several days were busy with review of data, setting contingency plans, backup plans and secondary backup plans for the first. Katherine stayed out of Hellsing activities unless specifically invited to participate. She passed information between the U.K and U.S. organizations as appropriate. Fortunately, there were no more attacks.

After two days, Katherine received approval for her kael'dran to perform surface scans of Hellsing personnel. It was announced to the organization, including that only collaboration with Millennium and recent events would be scanned, nothing else. A maid, a gardener and one cook immediately resigned rather than participate. No conspirators were found with the remaining staff.

As the final days of her vacation wound down, Katherine finalized her treatise on elementals, spent time on the firing range with Seras and Alucard, and had several long discussions with Integra on what it meant to be an elementalist. They also discussed being women of authority in male-dominated fields, and the methods Katherine had learned to cope over the decades. After seeing her results with Sir Irons, Integra had to concede that occasionally a softer approach might yield better results that continual confrontation.

Although Katherine didn't get to see the remainder of the tourist locations she had originally planned to visit, making new friends offset that disappointment. She shipped her weapons and designer gowns ahead and prepared to return to the U.S.

Eventually, the date of her departure arrived. Telephone numbers and email addresses were exchanged. In her room, she left envelopes for Alucard and Seras, directing them to the kitchen refrigerator where she had left a bottle of wine for Alucard and a strawberry smoothie for Seras, each with a little blood donation mixed in. She left a resume for Integra of a middle-aged woman of British origin who worked with the U.S. network, but was considering returning to the U.K. The woman had a formidable reputation as a no-nonsense, highly successful and discreet administrative assistant. For Walter, she had a friend FedEx her own first edition 19th century book on the Impressionist movement signed by several artists of the day.

To her surprise, Walter elected to drive her to the airport rather then send her with a chauffeur. She smiled when he asked whether she preferred the front seat and agreed she would. They chatted amicably on the drive about the places she had seen and those she still would like to visit. Several times he appeared to be about to ask a question, but then turned the subject back to her life in Chicago or her vacation.

Arriving at Heathrow, they parked and he extracted her luggage from the boot. She gave him a warm smile, and offered him her hand to shake. He took her hand, but rather than shaking it, he simply clasped it looking at her with curiosity, trying to decide whether to ask her the question or not. She held her smile and waited patiently.

"I was wondering, Miss Katherine" he began "why when you mentioned that you rarely act as a blood donor, you chose to do so for me, especially as my life was not in danger." It was a question that had been plaguing him ever since Integra had brought it up. He had thought of several possibilities, but none of them seemed probable.

Katherine offered him an amused smile. "It's because I'm a very selfish woman, Walter" she replied softly, allowing her American accent to drop and speaking with the more lilting cadence of her youth. "Throughout my life, I have only met a handful of men who possess your intelligence, your thoughtfulness, your gallantry and your sense of humor. You challenge my mind and refresh my spirit. Surely it isn't so surprising that I wanted time to be able to more fully explore a friendship."

He smiled in quiet gratification, lifting the hand he still clasped lightly to his lips, lightly brushing her fingers before releasing her hand and stepping back. "I sincerely hope we will see you in England again soon, but until then I will take advantage of the email address you provided."

A horn sounded behind them and the air rippled with another of Katherine's warm and dulcet chuckles, this time that they were having this conversation in an airport drop-off zone. Taking her luggage, she stepped to the curb. "Please do, Walter. I look forward with pleasure to hearing from you."

He stood watching until she disappeared inside the terminal, then re-entered the car and began the drive back to Hellsing. His normal impassive face relaxed in a captivated smile. He was genuinely looking forward to the more in-depth process of discovery, of developing friendship and then, the universe willing, perhaps something exceptional. For now, he would be content with a slow, alluring, intriguing, tantalizing journey blending words and actions to weave a new relationship.

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This first story is now complete, but a sequel will be coming shortly written primarily through letters between various members of Hellsing and Katherine Wilde. I hope you enjoy it.