This is an introduction to my character, Anne. I broke some well known rules of writing and am going to infodump you guys for the next few chapters. I'm currently working on an actual story with a plot that features Anne (but does not centre around her) and I'd like opinions on her if you want to share them.
This is a collection of short stories, so you can skip around chapters in any way you like. Pick out the title that interests you and check it out. There is no consistent plot.
I don't own Hellsing.
"You poor dear, you must be exhausted."
Seras quickly spun around, alarmed to see an elderly woman standing at the door. Only an hour ago had she woken, and now in 3 hours' time, she was already to be heading to her first mission with Alucard. It all seemed too fast for Seras, but she followed orders regardless.
The woman smiled kindly at her, approaching her with casual dignity. She was a tall woman with stiff posture and thin features. Her expression was one of polite indifference, although tinged with improper maternal concern. It was a strange mixture of intimidating and welcoming, and seeing the old feminine figure, it brought a sense of confusing comfort to Seras. "Hello," she said, unsure if she was being too informal. The woman seemed so upright.
"Seras Victoria, correct?" she asked.
Seras nodded, her face quickly flushing upon the realisation she was only half dressed. "Yes, ma'am."
The maid chuckled as Seras shifted uncomfortably, seeing as she was only in her underwear. "Nothing you have that I don't know about, dear. Now, where are my manners? My name is Anne Douglas, steward of the Hellsing Mansion and retired vampire hunter. I'm here to assist you with your uniform."
"Don't worry about it. I can put it on just fine."
"Oh, I hope so. No, love, I'm simply here to check for any necessary alterations. Your bust size was quite unique therefore it wouldn't surprise me if the tailor cocked up."
Seras looked down at the uniform, nodding gently. As Seras dressed, the woman busied herself with small chores, making the bed, clearing the night table, and fetching measuring tape. Upon seeing Seras fully dressed, Anne scowled. "Unacceptable," she muttered, measuring the length of the skirt. It barely covered the Draculina's bottom, her chest area was far too tight, and whoever thought wearing stockings was an excellent idea was probably the same person who would make clothing decisions for the inhabitants of Hell. "You look like a harlot. Vampire or not, no proper Englishwoman should be disgraced like this. I'll get started on making that blasted piece of cloth longer. If he hadn't been dead for 10 years, God rest his soul, I would've thought Sir Arthur was behind this. Who knows now? Walter's never struck me as the odd pervert, Integra has more integrity than this, and Alucard wouldn't care less."
"Master?"
"Yes. That master of yours is an interesting character. If you're wise, you might disdain him as much as I do."
Seras smiled politely. She didn't know anything about Alucard, only that he shot her through the chest and turned her into a vampire. Nothing seemed to shock Seras anymore. For a moment, she wondered how a normal human would react to all of this. She let out a small breath before glancing back at the steward, who bowed respectfully. As Anne turned to leave, Seras held out her arm before quickly catching herself and pulling back once more. "Wait!"
Anne paused. "Is there anything you require, Miss Victoria?"
Seras looked down in self-doubt. "I was just hoping you'd stay and we could talk."
"Talk?"
"Yeah. Just talk. I used to talk to my coworkers back at the police station all the time. Eddie was always kind to me. I don't know…I just feel like everything's going too fast and I'd like to make it slower again."
Anne smiled kindly. "Of course." What a sweet girl. It elicited a deep sympathy from Anne, to see Seras already beginning to struggle so much with the loss of her humanity. Anne dismissed the thought. No, her humanity remained. Time had not thrust her into the depths of desperation Alucard experienced, had not stripped her of all sanity and empathy as she stared at endless hands moving in a circle mocking her immortality. For now, the girl was fine.
Seras giggled, sitting down on the bed. "It's so nice to talk to a girl. I was the only woman at the station."
Anne sat across from her, crossing her ankles and resting herself slightly to the left. "It is nice, isn't it? I used to have secret little conversations with Integra all the time when she was just a girl. Those little blue eyes of hers. They sparkled and shined with infatuation when she spoke about some singer or actor from a programme. It was absolutely endearing. I didn't tell you that, however." Anne winked. "So, go on. What do you want to talk about? Boys? Weather? Weapons?"
"Well, I was thinking more along the lines of things like family or interests."
"Ah, yes. Do tell me about your family. Walter should be working on how to handle them right now."
Seras smiled sorrowfully. "He'll have an easy time. They're gone. But…what about yours?"
It was a while before Anne spoke, unsure if her condolence amounted to anything. "I'm terribly sorry about your loss," she began. The child began to make sense to her at that moment. An orphan girl turned into a vampire. It was almost cliché. "I have two brothers and a sister. They all have their families, we meet once a year, and as for me…" Anne sighed and removed the ring on her left hand. She placed it carefully on Seras' palm, her eyes dull and heavy. "That's all I have."
"…You were married?"
"Yes. A long time ago."
"What happened?"
She smiled forlornly. "He passed, of course. May he rest well."
"I'm so sorry."
She waved her hand dismissively. "Nothing to be sorry for, dove. The jealous virgin has him now."
That struck Seras as oddly not religiously correct. "If you don't mind me asking, what happened?"
"Hm, no. I don't mind. It was 39 years ago…"
