CHAPTER 1: SO BE IT
London's burning… He thought with a sigh, coming upon an intersection. The wind howled through the buildings and rubble, making it quite clear that he was the only living thing around.
He laughed, looking down at his right hand. Living…who knows what I am anymore… Visions of harsh light and blood clouded his mind. That dreadful surgery…the pain had been beyond anything he could explain even in thought. No matter… silverish blue eyes blinked once, reaffirming his decision and he clenched that hand into a fist. Chuckling he relaxed. How cliché of me…like a protagonist here to save the damn world.
The former butler of Hellsing made his way to the battlefield. Youthful, handsome and clad in leather he looked more befitting to walk into a night club than a war. But appearances were not everything with the members of Hellsing. Integra and Seras, in appearance, could be taken as beautiful damsels, but they weren't anything of the sort.
Walter choked at the thought of his employer. Integra…his mind whispered regretfully. But no…this is far greater than you, my dear. This started… Before he could finish Walter realized his surroundings. A long, long time ago.
Yards away Alucard stood tall over a pile of dusty body parts. Lying low, the trash man quickly identified the torso and arm as Anderson's and stood watch. For a moment the wind played gently with the nosferatu's hair and Walter found himself mesmerized. How could a beast such as Alucard come in the form of a handsome, ageless man?
For a moment Walter reflected upon a memory that danced across his consciousness.
"The form I take…it means nothing to me," purred the childlike vampire. He stroked the warm cheek under his hand.
Walter laughed. "I'm sure it doesn't. Then why take on such an usual form as this? You look like a little Russian girl." He could feel sweat collecting on the back of his neck, saturating his shirt collar. Being prey to Dracula both excited and scared him out of his wits.
"Oh, do you like this form, Angel?" He grinned, his dainty cold fingers stroking Walter's exceptionally warm face. "Yes, the form I take means nothing to me. But it seems to mean a lot to you. Look how much you're sweating." A light chuckle followed as the cold hand moved to Walter's nape, holding him in place. "You like this form that much?"
Coming back to reality, the former butler shook his head. Damn… Repressing the past was getting harder as Walter neared his goal.
Alucard shouted, gaining the butler's attention. Blood oozed from his eyes in the form of crimson tears as the vampire gripped at his hair. "I was like this! I was just like this!"
Silverish blue eyes narrowed. Being altered had improved his senses, most notably his hearing.
Anderson laughed quietly and went on to comfort Alucard in his own way. Alucard smiled as a result.
Walter gritted his teeth. That bastard…he thought, almost drawing blood on his bottom lip. In an instant he released an attack, thin blue wire cutting through fallen buildings and debris. He wanted to make himself known.
And sure enough he had caught Alucard's eye.
Ah, that annoying rubble was finally silent. Walter crushed a portion of it under his black dress shoe for good measure. He grinned internally; it felt so good.
Integra's voice came filtering in after the debris settled around them. The next several minutes eluded the Shinigami's mind. He made quick work of the katana girl, not about to let anyone stand in his way. He pushed past the bloody remains to stand before Alucard. Look at me…he faintly thought.
Alucard was knelt on the ground, sadly admiring the remnants of the aforementioned 'Judas Priest.'
Look at me…look at me, dammit. "Get up!" he barked as if commanding a dog. "Get up and fight, Alucard!"
A series of laughs erupted from Alucard's mouth. But he didn't get up, nor turn around. "Walter. The little Angel of Death. So, this is the form you've assumed now? Hm, how pathetic to think you didn't value your age. Look how disgusting you've become."
Disgusting…heh, perhaps…thought Walter. Your own shape means nothing…since when does my own mean a thing to you? "Yes, now I have truly become the Angel of Death. Just for this night with you…this one chance to fight you, here and now. So stand, stand and fight me, Alucard!"
Unseen by Walter, Alucard grinned. "It's not for you that I fight. Nor is it for yourself that you fight. We're both bound now, dogs to carry out their master's orders." Alucard prostrated himself to Integra asking for orders to be granted.
Orders…Masters…you don't understand a thing, Alucard. Walter bit his lip. The flesh felt tender from earlier, but he didn't care. You don't understand at all. My traitorous ways…this fight…for more than 50 years now…it's all been for this one opportunity. And yet…you don't get it.
For a moment Integra seemed lost in thought. She extracted a cigar from her coat and lit it, allowing smoke to fill the air.
"My Lady, say it. Give him orders!" Walter urged. Even if it meant his death he was going to continue his plans. Even if it meant making Integra his enemy, he would not allow anything to hinder him. All that mattered now was himself and Alucard. In this early dawn there was only one thing on the former butler's mind.
Gloved fingers crushed the cigar as Integra erupted with a speech. "My orders have not changed. You will search and destroy! Destroy anyone who opposes Hellsing and England! No matter what it is…" Her voice quieted as she continued, face contorted with sadness. "No matter who it is…"
With newfound determination, Alucard stood, enveloped in an eerie mix of crimson energy and ebony shadows. "Yes, my Master."
A depraved grin etched into Walter's features. "Amazing. You really were a master worthy of my service." His outwardly appearance showed confidence, but this wasn't the case in his mind. His heart beat out of rhythm a moment, adding discomfort in his chest as he choked on some unsavory emotions. He was already starting to regret his decision and how it was affecting his previous master. Dammit…his mind hissed as he swallowed.
"I won't ask what happened..." Integra sneered. "Or why you're on their side now. It doesn't matter. You're an enemy of Hellsing, an enemy of Britain. There's no turning back now, you must be destroyed!" With that she turned and walked towards the Deus ex Machina that had landed only moments ago.
When did that get here? Walter thought, shaking his head. My head is spinning from all of this; I can't even think straight. Blinking several times, the butler of death watched as his former employer walked away.
From behind, Integra radiated a cold demeanor of strength and confidence. Even with Walter's betrayal, her heart didn't waiver. A small part of Walter wished she had. But then he wouldn't have his time with Alucard, and for that he was grateful…grateful to have helped raise such a strong, independent woman.
A short memory flashed across the Shinigami's mind, remembering a time when Integra was at one of the small gardens in Hellsing Manor, traipsing around in a blue dress. Back then she was so innocent and childish. But now…now… Everything was so different.
"Master?" Seras questioned.
The voice of the Police Girl allowed Walter to snap back to reality.
"Go, Seras." He already knew what his child would ask. And there was no need for unnecessary conversation. "Go and put and end to all of this. Put an end to that man's dream." Closing both eyes a moment, Alucard regrouped his thoughts and set his gaze upon Walter. "Just as I have to put an end to my long dream…with this man."
Walter snorted quietly. Dream…you told me you never dreamt. Dreams were for the living, for those who could change their fates. You spewed a lot of things back then; your mantra's…as if you knew anything at all. After all this time you're just a fool, always at your master's beck and call.
"Walter!" Seras uttered unsurely. "I know this may sound weird but…I wanted to thank you for everything. Take care!"
Surprised by her words, Walter stood shocked. Seras Victoria. You were so mousey at the beginning. I suppose your presence made me jealous. But your unexpected arrival was the final piece of my plan. It will be you who protects Integra from now on. I leave her in your capable hands. Walter smiled gently as if he were human once again. "Same to you."
Seras followed after Integra, who nodded her head in Walter's direction. "Walter!" She withdrew her blade from the sheath, looking not at the butler but ahead. "Goodbye. And so be it…"
Once Seras and Integra were out of sight, the sky grew dark. The morning sun was blocked by a swarm of bats. Their chirps were collectively loud, filling the silence between the two men.
"What wonderful women…" Alucard chuckled. Walter seemed unaffected by this. "My beloved Master and my beloved Servant. You have no claim to them anymore."
Trying to get under my skin? Alucard, I've always been alone. I came into this world alone, and I'm certain that's how I'll die. But none of that matters now. Just fight me. That's all I want… A momentary silence consumed the battlefield. With a flick of his wrist, Walter ran into action.
And just like that their fated battle had begun.