I do not own the rights to Hellsing.


-1-

Sabre Dance

The hard metal hilt of a sword was gripped firmly in her hand. Integral sparred with the air, for it was her only opponent in the large empty room. Walter had just stepped out for a moment to check on some matter he deemed noteworthy. Integra was sure he had given a reason when he excused himself, but as for what reason he had provided, she could not rightly remember. He had, however, placed his saber against the wall, signifying that once he returned the lesson would resume.

But, for some unseen reason, Integra found it hard to focus on her lesson. She found that her thoughts would randomly dart to and fro like a whirling dervish. The annoyance of constantly being distracted left Integra bested time and again by her retainer. She also found it puzzling that she could not concentrate on her swordplay, for this was one of her favorite methods of relieving stress while sharpening her reflexes. Integra chastised herself for her inability to control her thoughts, but her lack of focus was not the only problem – she had no motivation to continue with her practice. Integra would parry a few opening maneuvers only to find that her attention had drifted once the necessity called for skill. She was beginning to feel like an empty vessel mindlessly going through the motions. This method was not the wisest choice, considering Walter no longer humored her along like he had done when she was younger. Perhaps her lack of center stemmed from the fact that her leg was still sore, and the thought of work had captured her attention more than once. But, when had she not gone into practice without being deep in thought about work? Perhaps her motivation was lacking due to what had happened at church earlier that morning…

The dreadful memory had crept its way back into her thoughts. Having to endure the onslaught of pleasantries in regards to her injury was pure torture. Integra had decided to go to church with no props to aid her along, so as not to seem conspicuous of physical impediment. Even when she walked she took careful measures at masking any stiffness in her stride. But to no avail, she thought to herself. They all knew. She had expected as much. It came as no great surprise when they inquired about her fall. Integra was not quite sure what she hated more: the acknowledgment of her blunder the other day, or their insincere condolences. Either way, it was simply dreadful having to stand there with her jaws locked down in a smile, and having to courteously thank them for their brand of 'kindness'.

Integra grimaced at the recollection, and quickly pushed the thought aside. Overwhelmed by a plethora of frustrations, Integra swiftly wielded the sword around, but to her surprise she felt the blade sing in her hands as it slammed into something. She cringed once the impact had sounded a metallic clang throughout the vicinity.

Strange, she reflected to herself. She had not noticed Walter entering the room, and had thought herself alone. Instantly, she turned and glanced over at what she had hit, but to her amazement there stood Alucard, sword in hand. He had successfully blocked her strike. Her eyes had briefly widened once she had discovered that she was not alone.

Well, at least I didn't break anything useful, she thought silently.

Alucard stood with a wild expression of amusement as he placed more force against his saber and leaned down. There was little distance between their faces, and she could begin to see her warm breath fogging the metal of the blade. She looked into his wild vermillion eyes as they stared manically into her. His action had certainly caught Integra's attention, and now she was officially focused on her swordplay.

Like he had done to many of his victims before, Alucard glared down upon Integra with wild bloodthirsty eyes. The same eyes that had caused grown men to tremble in fear, but not Integra – not his master. Instead of standing afraid of the salvage monster that stood before her; she stood determined to tame him. Yes! Determination flared in her heart and spewed rapidly though her veins like an inferno erupting. Oh! how he loved the scent of her blood boiling! It was simply intoxicating.

Integra returned his expression with disgust at his perverted pleasure. She swiftly slammed her sword against his. The metal met each other with a piercing cry. The more his sadistic madness taunted her, the more she filled with a passionate rage. The type of rage that secured a win at any cost, even in death. She would have no beast reign over her or her humanity. She would find more pride in death-- dying doing the very thing she gave her life to – killing them.

Wildly and passionately Integra wielded her sword and each time it was met by his. Feeding off of her strong desire to defeat him, Alucard could feel a scintillating sensation burning deep within him. She turned him on, like no other, and he was ready to push the situation further. He was ready to take full delight in her blood.

Everyone of his attempts at disarming her was met with a steadfast and precise counterattack. Like diamonds caught on fire, Integra's blazing gaze burned into his cold flesh. The more she struggled against his might, the better he liked it. But, his incredible urge to quench his insatiable thirst caused him to grow frustrated at her resistance. He finally decided to take full advantage of her wounded leg. This would ensure that she would make a slip, costing her the precious vitality that flowed through her veins.

He forcefully slammed his blade against hers, causing her to be knocked slightly off kilter. In an attempt to stabilize her faulty footing, she fell back harshly on her sore leg. Her slight loss of equilibrium gave Alucard more than enough time to strike at her. As planned her sword caught his only a few seconds after his sharp blade had already pierced into her flesh.

Integra's blood stained his saber, much to his demented satisfaction. He steadily held her in a sword locked position long enough for his tongue to extent to an unnatural length. His appendage lustfully slithered over the blade to collect the spilled liquid. His eyes glaring wildly into hers, expressing that he savored every last drop of her blood. Then, he proceeded to run his tongue slowly up her blade. Integra clenched her jaw as her body seethed with an uncontrollable violent urge.

Feeling both appalled and violated, she could sense her heart swell with an overwhelming heated furry. Integral let out a madden cry as she slammed forcefully against his sword. Her attacks were quick and sharp and they did not decrease in their animosity.

Alucard released a maniacal laugh as he returned each of her blows with one of his own. Too overcome by outrage, Integra made a fatal error in judgment when she moved to strike again. Alucard quickly noticed his advantage, and with swift proficiency he smacked the blade right out of her hands. Believing he had won, Alucard hesitated for a moment to indulge in his prideful conquest before he moved to ensure victory. Finally motioning to make the finishing maneuver, Alucard was met with a surprise that he had not expected.

To his disbelief he was looking down the barrel of his own gun aimed at him, no less! His eyes widened at discovering Integra had plucked the gun right from underneath his very own nose. Within the time it took for him to recover from his prideful glee, she had successfully aimed the arms at his head. He would have never expected such a feat from the likes of her. The guns he carried were far too heavy for any mere mortal to wield effectively.

Yet, Integra stood with a stoic expression carved into her features as she strained, clasping the gun tightly with both hands, to lock her aim. Adrenaline coursed through her body, making the endeavor of lifting the weapon more bearable. She could easily shoot him point blank, for the metal was only a few centimeters from making contact with his cold flesh. Integra showed no sign of the prideful pleasure that had been the cause of Alucard's lapse of judgment. Instead, her cold blank eyes looked upon him devoid of emotion or petty satisfaction -- much like the eyes of a hunter. Much like the hunter that had been the cause of his downfall...Alucard clenched his jaw and grimaced at the distant memory. His eyes narrowed and hardened with displeasure. Integra could tell by his exasperation that she had done well, but her forceful icy stare never relented.

"If you were to try to fire that gun you would break every bone in your pathetic arm, human," he growled in a dark raspy voice.

"Maybe so – but you'd be dead." Integra's eerily calm voice grew as sharp and as deadly as a knife.

"Sir Integra," Walter chirped as he began through the door holding a small brown package in his hand. Once he had crossed the threshold he diverted his attention towards the middle of the room. There, to his surprise, stood Integra and Alucard holding their said weapons at the other. Walter's eyes widened at the spectacle. His expression was if to say: 'What in hell are you two doing!' But, he politely ignored the oddity and continued on with what he had to say. "Sir Integra, a package has just been delivered addressed to you. The sender, I am afraid, is unknown, but I did take the proper 'safety' precautions."

Alucard dropped his sword to his side and turned to watch Walter cross the room and hand her the delivery. Integra, still unsure of the vampire's intention, kept the gun fixed at his head, until the burden of it's weight had worn her down. Integra handed the gun to Walter in exchange for the parcel.

She lifted the package up to her face as she examined it. Slowly, she turned the small brown box around to inspect it at all angles. The parcel was devoid of any sign or insignia. She stood vexed at this before deciding to bite the bullet and tear it open. Once she had discarded the brown paper wrapping she discovered a little white box. Integra heaved a small sigh before proceeding to open it. The container held only a standard white envelope.

Integra probed the packet in the same careful fashion that she had done with the package itself. The first thing that she had noticed upon reviewing the envelope was that it felt heavy and bulky. Like there was something more than just a letter inside. Once she thought her inspection thorough enough, Integra ran her finger between the sealed flap and opened the envelope. Strangely enough, the packet slipped from her fingers and the contents spilled to the floor.

All three of them in unison glanced down to see not only a letter scatter upon the floor, but three chess pieces as well. All of the pieces were red pawns. Integra kneeled and picked up the letter along with one of the red pieces. Walter and Alucard had bent down as well, and claimed the other two pawns. Each one of the three stared into their hands at the oddity of their findings.

"What does the letter say, m'lady?" Walter inquired politely so as not to pry.

Integra unfolded the letter and looked upon it with great interest, hoping it would explain who was sending them, of all things, chess pieces . "'The tea party has just begun?'" she stated, perplexed.

In unison all three glanced down at their hands to examine their respected pawn.

"What is the meaning of all of this?" Integra questioned softly to herself.

"I suppose whoever sent this is trying to say that we've been 'pawned'," Walter offered, amused as he glanced over at Integra, who returned his suggestion with a blank stare. "I'll go set up the chess board," he sighed dutifully as he turned to exit the room.

Both Alucard and Integra glanced back down into their gloved hands. "Tonight is a perfect night to play chess. Wouldn't you say, Master?" Alucard quipped sadistically before dispersing into a grainy black mist.