Author's note: I can't believe it's really been three months! In my defence I was so busy it wasn't even funny, but I do apologize for the wait.
Now I'm sure some of you have been wondering about the plot for this? Well this chapter should give you a hint. And because this was so late I actually made it a bit longer then the last three chapters. I know... I practically spoil you guys.
Jeune Circe asked if I could describe Integra in a skirt, and even though I have taken liberties with the original storyline I still don't see her in a skirt UNLESS it's in a dire situation, and that's where chapter 5/6 falls in- so Jeune unfortunately you'll have to bear with me for another chapter or so.
As usual my loyal reviewers Rut, Jeune Circe, Countess Millarca, xXEat Me Drink MeXx, Evanescently,xMiss Shizaya Michealisx, Avenger07 and Sylvan Moon, you guys are real awesome and your reviews/support are greatly appreciated!
IIII
"What a night," Seras sighed dreamily as they made their way to the front door of Hellsing manor, "Two sisters on a double date, it really doesn't get better than that,"
Integra turned to give Seras a glowering look, "This was no double date, in fact had I known Vlad would have been present I wouldn't have went," she said dryly.
"I'm sure you wouldn't have," Seras said as she smiled knowingly at Integra.
"Of course I wouldn't have and stop giving me that look," she growled eyes narrowed.
"If you say so," Seras sing-songed before arching an eyebrow, "Why didn't you tell me Vlad was gorgeous?"
"Because I hardly noticed,"
"You mean those sensual lips, green eyes and thick hair weren't on your radar?" Seras asked with scepticism.
Integra swung the door open, "No," she replied entering, "They're hazel not green," she added over her shoulder
"Oh y-you!" Seras exclaimed as she shrugged off her coat but whatever else she was about to say was cut off when Walter waltzed in,
"Ladies, enjoyed the night?" he asked with a smile.
"Some of us, more so then others," Seras said cryptically, wagging her eyebrows suggestively in Integra's direction before bidding them both goodnight.
"Don't even ask Walter," Integra said to the quizzical look Walter threw her way.
"Of course not young mistress," Walter said ever the man of poise, "I hope you aren't overly tired," he added helping her with her coat and closing the door.
"Why, has father returned?"
"Yes, he and Lady Cecile arrived an hour ago and he requested I send for you when you arrive," Walter answered.
Integra would be lying if she said she wasn't tired but she had never let that deter her before and wasn't about to start now.
"Thank you Walter, I'll head for his office straight away," Integra said bidding him goodnight over her shoulder as she headed for her father's study.
Her thoughts were plagued by hazel eyes and flashing white teeth, something not befitting a woman of her calibre. She wasn't swayed by a handsome face unlike some people, here the face of a certain strawberry blonde flashed in mind, she was far too disciplined for that. In fact first thing tomorrow morning she'll put that Vlad Tepes in his place with well chosen words that would send the message clear: Integra Hellsing was not to be trifled with.
Reaching her father's office, Integra shook her head to clear her thoughts before knocking on the door. A moment later her father called her in.
"Father," she greeted once she'd taken a seat in front of his desk.
Arthur Hellsing signed the report with a flourish before looking up a smile on his face, "Integra, how was your first day?" he asked clearing some reports from the desk.
"Pleasant enough," she said deciding to leave out the fact that she'd been partnered with the infamous Vlad Tepes. The very man her father had warned her of consorting with at her new job.
"Heard you had a run in with Iscariot," her father said lightly but she knew he was far from comfortable with the idea of her crossing paths with Hellsing's arch rival. It was also clear her father was probably keeping tabs on her...
Stifling her irritation she replied smoothly, "Yes, they arrived in our crime scene,"
"Our, meaning yours and Tepes?"
He was definitely keeping tabs on her, so much for his speech about allowing her to flap her wings. Integra thought dryly, keeping her face blank Integra shrugged, "He is my partner after all,"
"He is unstable practically a raving lunatic. Not a man I'd like you to be associated with," Arthur said brows furrowed, "Association with him might even taint your good name,"
Integra frowned, yes she had her misgivings about Vlad but she really hadn't witnessed any of the madness people usually associated with him. If anything he seemed rather calm and aloof as if he was watching with indifference the world around him. And him tainting her name? He was one of the best if not the best in his profession even if his methods of doing things were frowned upon.
"What did Tepes ever do to Hellsing that was so horrible, father?" she asked searching her father's stoic expression.
"Surely his record speaks enough for itself," her father replied and Integra didn't miss how he deftly avoided answering her question. It would seem some things she'd have to figure out on her own.
"There's something supernatural brewing in the outskirts of London, perhaps you and a team could see to it?" her father suggested but really it was more a command, "I've already had Captain Smith gather the team together and they await your command,"
Of all the men her father could choose from, he just had to choose Smith. It would seem her father was the only one who hadn't received the M.O. on their break-up. Or perhaps he still held hopes for reconciliation?
Not even bothering to hide her dislike for the man Integra accepted the mission knowing she'd probably only get to bed in the wee hours of the morning.
"Remember Integra, aim for the heart," were Arthur's parting words just before Integra stepped out his office. First she'd have to change... again, and then meet with the team to give out the orders.
"I had no idea a Nightingale haunted Hellsing's hallways," a voice said behind her.
"Save it Smith," she growled turning to give the blonde man a dark look. And for the millionth time since their break-up Integra wondered what she'd even seen in the man. Teenage hormones really were a bitch sometimes...
Smith smirked, his brown eyes dancing as he leaned against the wall, "Your voice is like water to a man lost in the desert," he cooed.
For all of Smith's accomplishments and studies the man had yet to grasp the concept that was 'broken-up'.
"I wish you'd get lost in a desert," Integra mumbled before heading for her bedroom. Yes it would indeed be a long night.
/
One of these good days a vampire would actually do something useful and kill Smith for her. Integra thought as she watched in tired resignation as Smith did everything but what she ordered. Apparently he had problems with taking orders from a woman and Integra was more than happy to cure him of that problem.
"What is that imbecile doing?" Integra demanded in her mouth piece eyes narrowed as Smith barrelled into the ghoul infestation without so much as thinking things through, "Is it too much to ask for common sense to be a virtue?"
"I think he's trying to impress you Sir," one of her men said, as he stood in position to take out any straying ghouls.
Years ago, when Integra had been a big eyed fifteen year old she'd been impressed, at twenty four she was far from impressed. The man was an idiot and the biggest mistake of her life.
"He'll get himself killed that's what," she snapped as she pulled out her firearms of choice, firing at the moving targets.
"Gorgeous, I'm headed for the main building," came Smith's voice in her headset, "And do not fret your humble knight will do you proud,"
Your humble knight? God, had that not been the line that had sent her inexperienced libido quivering? Had she been so starved of male attention that the first male, in the form of a new recruit had sent he her in some undignified frenzy, that is the school girl crush?
"Fall back Smith, you are not equipped to confront the vampire," Integra barked, "He's going to do it anyways?" she added to the man besides her.
"Yep," he quipped.
As much as Smith's death would bring her happiness, Integra would not have the death of a captain on her. So cursing under her breath she went in pursuit of the delusional man, making sure to take out as many ghouls in her path as possible.
The building was one of the numerous old factories that littered London and had probably thrived during the Industrial period but now had been abandoned and left to self deteriorate, ever vampire's dream abode. Squinting in the harsh lighting or lack of, Integra carefully made her way around the debris and moulding walls.
She could hear scuffling feet coming from further down, and readying her weapons she made her way stealthily to the door left slightly ajar. Taking a deep calming breath, she kicked the door open and raised her guns.
"Your manners are lacking Miss Hellsing, perhaps you can try that again, start-"
Integra began firing cutting of the drawl as her eyes landed on the figure obscured by the candlelight and dancing shadows in the room.
The master vampire became nothing but a bloody puddle and good thing to because Integra had run out of ammunition. She lowered her guns back to her holster grabbing her sabre and surveyed the room. In the middle was a small table set out for dinning. It would seem vampires would never cease to amaze her. Shaking her head she noted that Smith was nowhere in sight. Whether that was fortunate or not, Integra had yet to decide.
"I was wrong your manners are simply nonexistent,"
Integra froze, her breath coming out in regard pants as she felt a chill run down her spine. The puddle of blood on the floor was gone almost as if it had been absorbed into the very floorboards. Tightening her grip around her sabre she spun around with the intent to decapitate the head, but the vampire was too quick and simply dodged the effort managing to grab the sword from her.
"Let's put this away shall we?" he asked arching a snow white eyebrow at her, his crimson eyes reflected no emotion what so ever, eyes without a soul, "before you hurt yourself," he added his voice laced with amusement.
He stood blocking her way from the door and although Integra was pretty certain of her combat skills she was wary of this vampire that seemed far stronger than any she'd faced before.
"What do you want vampire?" she hissed, eyes narrowed and back straight. She would never cower before the undead and he was no exception.
"Is that any way to talk to a friend?" he asked arching an eyebrow. Integra regarded him, the long white hair that flowed unnaturally behind him, the tight leather suit that encased his body and the two fangs that peeked from his lips.
Vaguely he reminded her of someone.
"You and I are not friends," she replied coldly.
"We could be," was the cryptic words before he closed the door, enclosing them together, "why not take a seat, I promise I will not bite,"
If he was going to kill her, he'd have done it already unless he was toying with her and wanted to draw out her death.
"I'm offended you think so little of me, Integra," he said feigning hurt and Integra instantly hated how he said her name, drawing out the R like a purr.
Was he reading her thoughts? Instantly she felt her muscles tense. What sort of vampire was this?
"I am a Nosferatu, one of the few of my kind," he said with a smirk, "And yes I am privy of your thoughts though it has less to do with my abilities, then your facial expressions that give you away,"
"I may not know what fiend you are, but-"
"I thought we'd passed the threats stage. If I was going to kill you, and make no mistake I am quite capable, I would have but you are no use to me dead so," he drawled eyes gleaming, "care for a seat?"
"What do you want from me?" Integra asked still suspicious. Who'd ever had of a hospital vampire? The very notion was absurd.
"A lot of things," and here his eyes seemed to run over her body before settling back on her eyes, "But for now I simply want to talk,"
"Talk, what could we possible have to talk about?" Integra scoffed resisting the urge to fold her arms over her chest.
"You and I have a common enemy," he said taking a step closer to her, possibly to intimidate her but Integra stood her ground.
"Unless you kill vampires then-"
"That is precisely what I do," he said cutting her off, "I hunt the scum that dare call themselves creatures of the night,"
"A vampire hunting other vampires?" Integra asked sceptical, "Why, what do you get out of this?"
"Satisfaction, a thrill the list is endless," he purred a disturbing smile on his ghostly white features.
"So how do I fit in all of this?" Integra demanded, "Am I part of some grand scheme?"
The vampire towered over her and she could smell the stench of blood from him and it made her want to recoil but she didn't and instead braced herself to remain rigid.
"You Hellsings, all so paranoid," he mocked his tone icy the charming facade slipping of his face, to be marred by a more monstrous expression, "You think you are so powerful, you think you can tame the monster in the basement...but you can't," he seethed grasping her shoulders.
So he had some history with her family, he should join the rest of the undead world. And how dare he try and intimidate her! Glaring up at him, Integra spoke through clenched teeth, "Unhand me you monster,"
The vampire drew her near, leaning to her ear eyes glazed with a crazed look, "You will do well to remember who has the upper hand here my Integra," he whispered before forcefully steering her into one of the chairs.
Seething Integra wondered how much time had passed and what had become of her troupes, the headset was eerily silent and she'd only realised that now. If distracting her was his goal then he was doing a splendid job.
Once he had her seated he perched himself on the table seemingly content to simply stare at her, his anger seemingly forgotten as he smiled indulgently at her.
"So are you kidnapping me?" she asked snidely.
He laughed, a deep hallow sound that echoed around them, "You are free to leave anytime you wish," he said with a shrug, "But then you won't know why I brought you here,"
"You brought me here?"
"Of course, those mindless idiots outside were just a distraction to draw you out... yet I underestimated you," he drawled drawing lazily circles with a sharp nail over the table, "I had to make things more interesting,"
"What did you do to Smith?" Integra demanded.
"That's his name?" the vampire asked casually, "I thought idiot was more befitting, but rest assured no harm has befallen him or any of your men,"
Integra grumbled under her breath before glancing once more at the vampire, "You have my attention now why don't you just tell me why you brought me here?" she asked for what felt like the umpteenth time.
"There's a new brand of vampire loose,"
"What do you have labels now?" she asked with sarcasm.
The vampire glared at her, "They are artificial," he snapped before he seemed to slouch slightly, "These artificial vampires have been the cause of the gruesome deaths, I believe your crime scene this morning was one of their handy jobs...tacky if you ask me. No imagination what so ever,"
"Because the killing of innocents can be so boring," Integra said cuttingly.
"Finally something we agree on," the vampire said gleefully, his hands coming to rest on his lap, "I'd hoped our first date would have been more to your liking unfortunately booking vacant creepy buildings is quite the tedious task...you will have to forgive me,"
Credit should be given to Integra for how calmly she was taking all of this, not once had she really let her temper best her. Here she was held hostage in some abandon building with a mad monster; it really doesn't get better than this. She thought dryly.
"Mad she calls me," the vampire scoffed indignantly, "But then I've been called worse,"
"So from your array of names what shall I call you?" she asked.
"What shall you call me, hmmm?" He looked thoughtful as he straightened up before a broad grin marred his face as he stared at her with red glistering orbs, "You shall call me Alucard,"
/
The next day as Integra took the lift to her floor she couldn't help thinking about the odd meeting with the vampire who called himself Alucard. A quick mirror trick had revealed that his name was Dracula spelt backwards, how original.
And much to her irritation after giving her his name he'd disappeared in thin air right before her eyes almost as if their altercation had never happened. Then to make matters worse Smith had found her sitting there staring into space. He was now of the belief that she was suffering from withdrawal from their 'time-out' not break up apparently. Why he'd think that she had no idea
She practically bristled when she thought about it.
When the lift stopped opening on her floor she strode out intent on finding Vlad and giving him the speech she'd practiced earlier this morning. No innuendo, no more threatening to kiss her and certainly no more actual kissing! She was a respectable woman and would thus be treated as such.
Not finding him in their shared office, she turned heading for the police officers regular hangout that not coincidently was the cafeteria. Ignoring the wolf whistles, it would seem her newness had yet to wear off, she surveyed the room and her gaze finally found the red get up that stood out like a sore thumb.
Striding purposefully she made her way to Vlad's hunched form, he was reading over a file while drinking from his cup seemingly oblivious to her presence and this she knew to be a facade. A man as astute to his surroundings as Vlad had probably noted her the moment she stepped in the room.
"I rather prefer your assemble of last night," he said before lifting his eyes to her narrowed eyes.
"I'm just sure you do," integra muttered sarcastically, "Mr Tepes, we have some ground rules-"
"You should know Miss Wingates that I do not follow rules," he said smoothly before standing up, "Besides we have to get going," he added finishing off his coffee and standing up.
Integra glowered, how dare he cut off her reprimand?! Had he no decency at all? She'd actually noted down her little speech, it was no spur of the moment thing. It was I spent the better half of my morning prepping myself for this moment thing. How dare he ruin her thing!
"The chief called us in, which means something is up," he continued as if he didn't notice the death glares she was shooting him. He strode off then stopped turning back to her, "Are you angry with me?" he asked innocently a smile that on a lesser woman would have been disarming.
Integra wasn't, she walked up to him her silence answer enough.
"I know why you're angry," he whispered as they began walking side by side.
Integra rolled her eyes.
"I haven't told you how breathtaking you look this morning," he said huskily skirting a hand over her arm.
Integra repressed the shiver that went through her at his light touch and shrugged him off. It was perfectly normal of course that she should be affected by his attentions. She was a female after all, but that didn't mean she was about to jump into bed with him either.
"Does that actually work on women?" she asked dryly.
He chuckled, "Sometimes, then again they aren't as strong willed as you are," he responded.
"Now that's a compliment I can accept," Integra said just before Vlad knocked on The Chief of police's office.
"Come in," came the curt order and Integra entered before Vlad.
The Chief of Police was a burly man with a severe crew cut and a constant look of irritation on his face and today was no different except perhaps for the tall lithe woman perched on one of the seats before his desk.
At first all Integra could see was the long shiny black hair parted into two pigtails. She'd really thought the chief was a man of statue and wouldn't succumb to the younger woman fetish most men were turning to, it would seem she'd thought wrong.
Had she paid more attention to her partner she would have noted his tense muscles and clenched jaws and the dark look that now resided in his eyes at the sight of the woman.
"Tepes, Wingates I'd like to introduce you to Lieutenant Rip van Winkle," the chief said his voice gruff from years of chain smoking.
The woman stood and turned, a slight smirk on her face and Integra was able to regard her closely. She had dark eyes, a pert nose that had freckles sprinkled on it giving her a rather child like look that seemed odd with the dark purple suit, pink dress shirt sticking out under a green tie assemble she wore .She stared back at Integra through round rimless glasses before her gaze fell on the man next to her.
"There's no need for introductions Chief, Vlad and I are well acquainted," Rip said airily her smirk broadening.
Integra glanced at Vlad, noting the tension coming off him in waves and back to the woman, "Oh I wasn't aware you two new each other," she said calmly.
For once Vlad's aloof mask was off and in its place, a rather dark almost inhumane look. Sending shivers down Integra's spine though not the good kind. The 'I think Vlad's madness might not be a rumour after all' kind.
"Really?" Rip asked raising her eyebrow and turning to Vlad a menacing look on her face, "You mean Vlad never once mentioned me?"
"No, why would he?" Integra asked, "Or were you a previous partner of his?"
Here Rip seemed to literally glow from the glee that she was exuding, "I was," she answered then in a clear and cold voice added, "I'm also his wife,"
A/N: Weeelll, I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did writing it. So Alucard has made an appearance, hope you didn't think I'd write him off...makes you wonder about who the hell is Vlad then? And you know no good will come with Rip's appearance.
Two cliffies, huh? Surprised myself too. As always reviews are welcomed!