AN: Hello reader! I decided to write this story after seeing the 30 year gap in Hellsing Ultimate. Seras is my favorite character and I felt like she should have an adventure of her own during that time period. The main focus is Seras with Integra as a side character and Heinkel showing up much later.
As a heads-up, since most characters are gone or dead by the end of Hellsing Ultimate, there are several OCs in this story. Again though, while I do take the time to develop the OCs and have character arcs around each of them, the main emphasis is on Seras, and how the events of this story (and the actions of the OCs) will explore the many sides of her character.
This story is meant to fit within the existing Hellsing cannon. You should be able to watch the anime, and imagine this story happening in the 30 year gap.
This is my first story so I'd love to hear any feedback or constructive criticisms, whether it be on my story, portrayal of characters, writing style etc.
As a final heads-up, things are going to be getting pretty dark for Seras so if you're looking for a humorous story you should look somewhere else.
The Anglo-American Bioterrorism Incident. As if those few simple words could convey the pain and suffering inflicted on Britain in a single day. It had been mere weeks since almost four million lives had been snuffed out for the sake of a madman's war and yet life moved on. The British government had fed a story full of half-baked lies and inaccuracies to the public; a pitiful attempt to quell the outpour of panic and anger that was sure to come. But there never was any anger or panic. Not a single riot broke out. So stunned were the survivors, so desperate for an answer, that they believed the lies they were told, because they wanted to.
Seras almost envied the ignorance of the public. To know that vampires not only exist, but that they could kill a man with the flick of the wrist, dodge bullets and explosions, and even control the dead. But then, she had nothing to fear. After all she was one of them. But she found no solace in that knowledge because if she wasn't the victim: an innocent girl hunted by a monster; then what if she was the monster? After all, she was a creature of darkness. It was in her nature.
"Do not think such terrible thoughts, ma chére."
Seras came to a stop as the comforting voice filled her mind.
"I can't help it Pip. Have you ever met a vampire who wasn't a sadistic monster?" She thought of Zorin, the vampire priest and even Alucard. They had all taken a sweet joy in killing. She wasn't sure she wanted to be like her master in that regard.
Seras spoke out loud even though she didn't need to. This hallway near the edge of the Hellsing mansion was empty except for her, still in a state of disrepair. Broken windows, shell casings and other debris littered the ground, barely illuminated by the glow of the moon. Seras resumed walking, eager to leave behind the grim reminders of lives lost.
"You won't be like them Seras, you are a créature de rêve who can choose who she wants to be."
At this Seras couldn't hold back a smile. Pip's words renewed her faith in herself. She quickened her pace down the hallway. After all, it wouldn't do to keep Sir Integra Hellsing waiting…
Integra's office was in pristine condition, in contrast to the rest of the mansion. New furniture had been brought in after the siege and the room had been refurbished to make it look brand new. Seras' master's master and leader of the Hellsing Organization sat in her office chair staring unwaveringly at her, not having said a word since Seras entered. Seras was a creature of immense power, with Alucard gone, quite possibly the most powerful vampire in existence. Her left arm formed of pure darkness, eyes of blood that seemed like windows into a void, and teeth that could rip through flesh and bone with ease. But under the scrutinizing glare of Integra, Seras felt meek as a mouse.
"Um, sir?" Seras said tentatively. "Sir Hellsing?"
Integra remained silent, choosing to hide her thoughts behind that cold, calculating stare. Hellsing's leader had proven herself to be both ruthless and capable. She'd faced down hordes of vampires without any fear and singlehandedly led the Hellsing Organization from the age of twelve. Over the course of the Nazi attack, Integra had faced her own trials when her closest retainer and friend, Walter, had defected to the enemy. Yet if these tribulations had taken their toll, then Integra hid it well. If anything, she looked even more intimidating to Seras, now that Integra wore an eye patch where she'd been shot.
"This can't be good Seras. I fear Integra's about to be the bearer of bad news."
Before Seras could respond to her familiar, Integra finally spoke.
"Why did you walk here when I summoned you? You could have easily entered my study in the blink of an eye if you wished, flown in on wings of darkness or travelled as a mist."
The question caught Seras by surprise. Integra didn't engage in meaningless pleasantries. This was some sort of test; there was a purpose to this line of questioning. She thought for a moment. Why had she chosen to walk the length of the mansion, from her room in the sub-basement, through the many corridors to Integra's office?
"I suppose…" Seras said, still gathering her thoughts. "I suppose I still prefer to walk, well, like a human I guess. It's just habit." Seras shrugged, hoping her answer was enough.
Integra stood up and walked to her window. London could be seen in the distance; with her enhanced vision, Seras could see that even this late at night the construction and repairs to the city had not ceased. The city had been reduced to rubble after the attack, but in mere weeks it was already beginning to resemble its former self. A testament to human tenacity.
"After the tragedy at London, Her Majesty has seen fit to grant the Hellsing organization a great deal more resources." Integra continued to look out her window, gazing at the ruins of London. "Hellsing is needed now more than ever to protect Britain, to make sure that something like this never happens again. Already our ranks are swelling. Elite soldiers from all branches of the military are being transferred to Hellsing; Britain's best and brightest will be joining us to face the vampire threat. Never before have we had such a strong military presence."
"I understand, sir." Seras relaxed; Pip had been wrong, this wasn't bad news after all.
Integra did not look pleased however. She sighed and turned to face Seras.
"No Seras, you don't understand. No one in Britain has passed through these past weeks without losing someone. Now the men and women joining Hellsing will be told the truth. The horrible truth, that monsters do exist and they must be defeated. Seras, you need to understand that all those people will be united by one thing. Their absolute hate for vampires."
Seras tensed up as cold, clear understanding struck her.
"Hellsing has no place for vampires in its ranks."
Integra only continued to look at Seras, a flicker of sadness on her face to confirm Seras' fears.
"You're going to seal me away." Seras turned down to hide the tears. "You're going to lock me up and lose the key like your father did with Alucard."
Seras couldn't feel betrayed. She knew it was what had to be done, but she hated it anyway. The new soldiers of Hellsing wouldn't trust a vampire. She was a monster after all. One of the very creatures they would be hunting. She remembered her master slaughtering an ignorant police unit in Brazil, his grin as he ripped them apart. Her own satisfaction as she had killed ghouls while fighting for Hellsing. The thrill of ripping apart their flesh and letting their blood cover the walls. How long would it be before she felt that same thrill as she killed humans? Maybe this was the only way. Maybe this is what she deserved.
But suddenly the room became filled with the booming voice of Pip Bernadotte.
"You can't seriously plan to do this Integra! My God, after all that Seras has done for you. She would die for Hellsing and now you want to toss her aside like she's worthless. C'est des conneries!"
Integra's face remained calm as Pip finished his rant. Seras hadn't moved, still trying to regain her composure and overcome a surge of emotion.
"I am fully aware of what Seras has done for Hellsing and I have no intention of allowing her to be sealed away, Mister Bernadotte." Seras looked up at Integra, her blood red eyes still covered in tears. "It is for this reason that Seras Victoria will be placed among the new recruits, to be trained and taught…" Integra paused to let the words sink in, "as if she were still human."
Integra walked right up to Seras, her voice growing softer. "Seras, I have never needed to enact restrictions on your power until now, but if you are to appear human, then it is required. You will still be a creature of the undead, stronger than any man, able to dodge bullets and withstand grievous injury. But your true power will be locked away. You will be as you were before you drank from Mister Bernadotte."
Seras realized the implications of this, but it was Pip who voiced her concerns.
"So it's me who'll be sealed away then…"
Integra nodded and held out her hands for Seras. Seras hesitated. Walter had died in the attack, Alucard had disappeared. Pip was the only friend she had left. She didn't want to lose him. But then the chance to avoid being sealed away and to be human again, if only as a disguise, was tempting. Seras felt a longing for her lost humanity that she'd thought lost. But Pip…
"Go ahead ma chére, this can't be avoided."
Seras closed her eyes, holding back more tears as she placed her hands on Integra's; one the hand of a normal girl, the other a living shadow. Integra chanted strange, alien words and Seras could feel the restrictions being placed on her.
When she drank from Pip it was as if a whole new realm of possibilities had been opened. All of her senses had been enhanced beyond even that of a normal vampire. Her strength and reflexes had been enhanced and world itself had seemed different to her. Now as she felt her powers being sealed away, it felt like she was dying. Her mind grew weaker, her senses darkened, she felt slow and sluggish. Seras still possessed inhuman powers, but they were just a shadow of what she had once been capable of. The worst was as she felt Pip fade away. His final words echoing in her mind before he was finally shut out.
"Adieu ma chére. Ma Seras."
Then he was gone.
As Seras opened her eyes she could see there were now two normal human hands on Integra's and while she didn't see it for herself, Seras knew her eyes no longer reflected a cold empty void, but instead had been replaced by her old, blue eyes. Seras once again resembled a normal, human police girl.
"It's done." Integra said as if Seras couldn't already tell. "Your powers have been locked away and only with my permission as your master's master can they be unlocked again."
"I understand, sir." Seras remarked sadly. She already missed Pip.
"You'll need to be careful," continued Integra. "Your true nature can never be made clear to the other soldiers. Contact with direct sunlight will weaken you. You cannot sleep in a coffin anymore so I will find a way to get you a supply of medical blood. Remember you are a soldier of Hellsing, and the lives of your fellow soldiers will rest in your hands. Stop the vampire threat and protect all of Britain for both God and her Majesty!"
Seras Victoria stood at attention. "Yes, sir!"
"One last thing," said Integra, "The soldiers will be divided into squads, and while I've already selected the soldiers you'll be with, the squad still needs a name. Any ideas?"
Seras only had to think for a moment before she came up with an answer.
"The Wild Geese"
Integra smiled and returned to her seat. "Very well then. Seras Victoria, starting tomorrow you and your new squad, the Wild Geese, will begin your orientation and training to become full members of the Hellsing Organization."
AN: Now that To Be A Monster is completed, I've gone back and added author's notes to the bottom of each chapter. They give a little explanation of what I was thinking as I wrote the chapter, maybe some fun facts or perhaps shed some light on a subtle plot point/reference I was trying to place into the chapter.
Note: These author's notes will contain minor spoilers.
Even though To Be A Monster is completed, I still read every single review that is left. As you read the story, I would love to see what your thoughts are, and any constructive criticism you might have. This story is not perfect, and I am always looking for ways to improve my ability as a writer (The more you have to say, the better!)
Thank you for reading the first chapter of To Be A Monster, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story!