I come bearing this peace offering after a very, very long hiatus. Thank you all for the reviews and love. This chapter was the most difficult to make but there will be more to come, I promise.
Warnings: I upped the rating to mature for precautions. There are mentions of suicide in this chapter and the ongoing chapters will become more mature. This chapter also contains many many povs as a heads up. I apologize for any of the numerous errors, I will be cleaning the chapter up in a few days. Enjoy!
Awakening from another day of slumber Alucard made his way to the large library where inside sat his studious master. For days she locked herself away attempting to understand century's worth of knowledge on an ever burdening creature. Instead of coming to him for help, much like his other offers, she refused. But as much as his master refused to let him in, he could sense her thought's throughout the day as he laid in his slumber. Her mind was becoming an open book for him more and more, especially while she was asleep. This was the time he was beginning to enjoy the most.
Opening the large doors to the Hellsing library, there laid his master, with her head nested in her arms asleep under a pile of books looking as young and beautiful as ever. He could hear her thoughts growing louder and unguarded. Part of him wanted nothing more than for her to accept his offer and become his queen. To give him the satisfaction of seeing the Hellsing bloodline forever terminated at the hands of his great granddaughter. It would serve as the ultimate karma for his capture.
But beyond the thoughts of revenge against the Hellsing clan, he was growing fond of her. Since freeing him from bondage ten years ago, she grew into a remarkable woman. A woman who was both feared by her peers and most importantly worthy of his attention.
Delving into her mind while she slept would provide him with everything he needed to use to sway her decision to rethink his offer. Come now Integra let me into the workings of your mind. He purred moving closer to her.
But then, right before he could move any further, he felt it.
Thump
Placing his hand on his chest, he began to smile.
He felt another presence growing stronger, diverting his attention from his sleeping master. The full moon was approaching and he was beginning to feel her, the pet that would soon be his to play with. The minute he drank her blood, and she drank his, they were connected; tethered to one another until death. Many of the werewolves before her have all perished by violent means but this time he swore that the mistakes of the past would not repeat themselves. She would be stronger than ever before and will be more loyal, he would make sure of that. Sneering at the thought of his last pet, how utterly mad she became and her ultimate fate of death at his hands.
Integra began to shift in her sleep, causing the vampire to be more careful.
A devilish grin began to form on his face. It was only a matter of time before the foolish human housing her would finally return in search of help. She would become too much for him to handle. With her increasing age, her strength would be harder to contain.
His master would have no other choice in granting his wishes. The wolf girl would be the answer to all of her curiosity. All he had to do is sit back and wait.
Things were about to be interesting indeed.
"Seras, lunch is ready. Better come and get it before something else does."
"Hey! Not funny Harry. I'll be there in a sec" she yelled.
She felt exhausted. Her senses began to heighten since the early hours of the morning. She could hear the faintest of sounds she never knew existed. The echoing sounds of water as it hit the shower floor from the upstairs bathroom, the sounds of insects brushing up against an object. Harry's footsteps from upstairs became more louder, making it harder for her to lie asleep. Being the day of a full moon also made it difficult for her to sleep peacefully knowing the pain she would go through soon.
Other wolves would be shifting tonight. She wondered how they dealt with the pain. If what Harry said was true, there are more wolves around England than before. She hoped to meet them one day to find out.
Closing the door behind her walking towards the kitchen, Harry in his work uniform was placing their food on the table.
"You have to work tonight again, Harry?" She whined.
"Just for a few hours". He said sitting down. "I will be back before you" he trailed off, clearing his throat. Any mention of her change, she knew left him uncomfortable.
"You will have to be in your room when I leave, just in case I don't make it in time ok?"
"Fine", she noted bitterly. Sitting down at the table, she crossed her arms with a sour look. While reaching for her plate, the elder moved it farther away from her grasp.
"Nuh uh, not with that look on your face", he smiled. "C'mon, I don't want to go to work with you mad at me. All smiles today ok princess?"
She chuckled, and then sported a toothy grin at the elder. But as her smile grew his diminished.
"Extra rare this time" he remarked pushing the plate closer to her. She questioned his demeanor and realized her canines were twice as longer than usual making him more uncomfortable. I hate it when Harry acts odd on a full moon, she thought.
The day of a full moon he always decided to increase her intake of meat to curb the hunger. But this time it wasn't helping. The blood as fresh as it was, did not quench her thirst. She had been craving the taste for days, dreaming of it. She would often drift off thinking of sinking her teeth into the black hound's throat again tasting the thick taste of blood only to wake up with half of her pillow in her mouth.
"Is something the matter, Seras?" Harry looked at her while taking a bite of his sandwich.
"Nothing, everything's fine Harry", she remarked fidgeting with the fabric of her shirt, hearing the slight sounds of the fabric crinkling. She decided not to worry the man and shrugged it off. But there were so many questions to the answers he held about werewolves. She decided to push her luck.
"Harry", she started
"Yes Seras?"
"What you said at the mansion a few days ago, about there being….werewolves here."
"Seras" Harry stood from the table. "Now's not the time to talk about such things." Throwing his food in the garbage he looks towards the clock. "It's almost time for me to go. We need to secure the basement for you tonight. I want to make sure it's secure enough"
"It's never the right time for you is it Harry", she said softly rising from her seat.
"What was that, Seras?"
"I'm tired; tired of you keeping this from me like its some shameful secret. Tell me what's going on. I want the truth". She said with a low growl.
"Seras, I promise"
"You always say that. Are you ashamed of me? Of what I am?"
"You know that is not the truth"
"Then why won't you help me understand" slamming her hands on the table cracking the marble surface. She looked up at Harry in shock, she could smell the fear.
"Seras," he said quietly. "I'm sorry I haven't been open with you, but you need to calm down."
She was more prone to being easily angered today, they both knew. But it was harder for her to control her anger, and the smell of fear was triggering her instincts. Harry swiftly grabbed her by her arm, causing her to flinch.
"Seras let's get you down stairs" he patted her softly on the back.
The smell of fear increased with his heart rate, her eyes started to dilate the hungry for blood surfaced. "Let go Harry"
Squeezing her arm slightly he stood his ground. "Not until we get you down stairs where it's safe"
"I said let go"
He flinched as her nails dug deep into his skin. He hissed in pain.
Blood was dripping down his arm, his face in shock. Seras glanced down at her hands covered in blood, Harry's blood. It might as well have been a death sentence. In one brief moment Harry's existence would no longer be the same.
"I'm….I'm so sorry…Harry", her voice cracked at the mention of his name. Seras could not bear to look into his eyes. Her gloves, she forgot to wear them this morning that prevented her from scratching anyone. She had been so upset that she forgot to put them on.
"Se…se.." he could barely speak. Seras bolted out of the house.
Sir Integra
She stirred from her sleep at the sound of her name. "Sir Integra, are you in here?"
It was Walter. He moved swiftly into the library, turning on the lights in search of her.
Groaning she lifted her head to look towards the man. "What time is it Walter?"
"Oh, there you are, I've been looking all over for you." He paused looking down at his watch.
"It's seven in the evening. But that's not important right now. Harry Anders is waiting to see you. He's been here for quite some time."
"Harry Anders? What for?" She questioned while rubbing her eyes.
"He wouldn't tell me, all he said was that he needed to speak with you because it's urgent."
She hadn't heard from Harry since their last meeting a few days ago. It was because of him and that organization of his that kept her up at strange hours in search for answer. What on earth could be so urgent, she pondered as the butler moved closer to her. "It is the night of the full moon" he began, handing her a glass of water "He may have some information about werewolves sir."
"Yes, yes." She slurred taking a sip. "Thank you Walter", she replied lifting herself up from the table. "Send him in."
Taking the time to recuperate from her unexpected nap, Walter escorted Harry into the library.
"Well Mr. Anders, to what do I owe your unexpected arrival?" she asked softly reaching for a cigar. "Please sit Mr. Anders"
Hesitating at first, he pulled a chair and sat across from Integra.
"I apologize for coming here of short notice but I need to speak with you"
"Then speak", she replied, sitting down once again lighting a cigar.
"Sir Integra, for the years that I have known you, I have come to respect you and your organization for the way you handle your business."
Inhaling deeply, she looked towards the man with skepticism. "Well that is all flattering and all, but you can't say you've come this late just for that Harry. What is the matter?"
"I wasn't being completely honest with you Sir"
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes, you see." He paused, she could tell he was in pain but from what was anyone's guess. "A few days ago I came to you with news of werewolves and of MI 5's plan to merge with Iscariot"
"Yes, you did. Does this meeting concern them?" she was becoming impatient.
"No not in the slightest. On that day I brought a girl-
"Yes your niece from what I can recall. Still, where is this going Harry?"
"Yes, Seras." The way he was clenching his are, she began to wonder what more trouble he was coming to share with her. "What I didn't inform you of was of what she was"
"And just exactly is she Harry?" Rising from her seat, she turned her back to the man. "You come to me the night of a full moon, dying to see me to talk about your niece?" Then it suddenly it hit her. How could I have been so stupid, she hissed.
"You brought her here without even informing me that she was a…"
"I am sorry I meant to disrespect to you or your organization. I've kept it secret everyone since I've taken her in."
She looked out over the balcony silent. She couldn't believe it. First he brought troubling news into her home and then had the nerve to keep her in the dark while he stored a werewolf under her nose.
"MI 5 has no clue?" she asked softly
"No. if they did they would have taken her from me and done god knows what with her."
"Sir Integra please I beg you." he paused panting. "I've come to you tonight to ask of you please, take the girl, please."
"You are in no position to order me to do anything for you. You bring a werewolf into my home without my permission, right under my nose." Integra raised her voice causing him to jump.
"Please Sir. I was foolish I know; trying to raise a werewolf on my own. But under you care she would definitely-"
"I don't want to hear it! Just what is you angle Mr. Anders bringing a werewolf into my home. How are you so sure that MI 5 doesn't know?"
"No! I can assure you, I mean no disrespect. I merely was thinking about the child. I knew her father, and after his death I wanted to do everything I could to protect the girl. I hid her, from MI-5 knowing what they would do to her. I came to you, hoping you would-"
"Would what? Take advantage of storing a werewolf here? Why now Harry, you seem to have everything under control."
Harry's face turned pale, the look of death. He moved closer to Integra, lifting his arm revealing a series of scratches. "I was hoping to build a better relationship with you Sir Integra." Shocked she paused "Harry…you're"
"Everything that I've said about you is true" he cradled his wounds, draping the gauze over it once more.
"I was hoping that I could take care of the girl until she got older. But now that my fate is sealed, I come to you asking…no, begging for help." Looking downwards he inhaled. It seemed like a normal scratch that would heal, but now that it was the day of a full moon his fate was now elsewhere. "Please, she is the only family I have. I promised her father she'd be safe"
"This concerns me how Harry?"
Looking up from his arm, he chuckled. "Sir Integra, for all the years I've known of you, cold hearted never came to mind. But if you need a motive well, you will have something MI5 doesn't, a werewolf and one that is alive. You see Iscariot holds them, tampers with them, tortures them, but you on the other hand have one right in the palm of your hand."
She stayed silent, contemplating what trouble this would bring to her in the future. She could house Alucard with no issues, he has been with the household for centuries but to have another monster under her roof would not go well with the round table. But, here sat a pleading man, a colleague who was in need of help. She didn't have any time to waste with the round table. She had to make a decision and quickly.
"Where is she?"
"That I don't know"
"What do you mean you don't know? It close to dark and you have no idea where you werewolf is?"
"Walter," she called, "Get Alucard."
"Yes, madam", he replied while bowing and taking his leave.
"What about you Harry? She said softly. "I'm not sure if I can protect you from them. You are still part of MI 5. I cannot help you if they begin to ask."
"Don't worry about me madam", he smiled. "It's Seras that I am worried about the most."
"What will you do Harry? You could turn-
"Don't worry, I'll lock myself up."
"Stay here for the night", she interrupted, "we can house you here and search for the girl".
"No I'll be fine but thank you, for everything"
"Harry, its a few hours before the full moon I insist you stay here."
"I can't, please I have to do this on my own."
Taking a moment of silence, against her better judgment she agreed.
"Take care of yourself Harry. If you refuse my offer, please make sure you stay safe".
"I will madam, thank you."
"I want you to come see her tomorrow. She will need you." She said, resting her hand on his shoulder. She tried her best to comfort the wounded man. "I know this is all difficult for you right now, but we will find her."
"Sir Integra", she turned at the sound of her name.
Walter and Alucard appeared by the doorway awaiting her orders.
"I have a mission for both of you."
"Well, I will be taking my leave", Harry said walking towards the entrance with his shoulders slumped. "Thank you again, Integra".
Looking towards the man as he exited the room, Alucard sneered. "Housing a werewolf is foolish, she could have ripped your head off."
"Alucard", Integra snapped. "I will not have you talk to my guest in that manner."
Harry looking towards the vampire gave a weak smile. "No, he's right Integra. It was stupid of me", he paused. "but it was the only option I had. She is family after all."
"Let me walk you out at least", she said escorting him down the hallway, Walter and Alucard not to far behind.
As they approached the main exit, they stood for a moment at the entrance overlooking the skyline. They could all feel it, the change in the air. "Its getting dark", Harry said looking back towards Integra, sticking his hands in his pockets.
Walking towards his car, Integra looked back at Walter and Alucard. "I need you to find the girl. It's crucial that you both to find her before she turns."
"All this time he's been keeping her a secret?" Walter declared.
"It seems."
"What about the round table? Should we inform them of-"
Not yet. Lets focus on finding her fin-"
POW
The loud echoing noise rang in the air as they all searched for the source.
Oh God, "Harry!"
Thump.
The pain in her chest was making it even more difficult for her to breath. No, not now, she cried, falling to the ground clenching her chest. She could feel her joints breaking out of place one by one. Clenching the cold dirt beneath her she began to scream. Every month during the full moon right as she began to transform, it felt like her last. She began thinking of pleasant things, like her last Christmas with her parents when her father held her high on his shoulders as she placed the angels on the tree
To the first birthday with Harry.
She would replay these moments in her mind over and over until the darkness came.
"It's been ages since we've been on a mission together. The wave of nostalgia is coming back to me, like the time you got your ass handed to you by the last werewolf we've encountered. Maybe more werewolves should spring up so we continue to have this time of bonding", he chided looking towards the butler.
"I was but a boy back then; surely you can't expect me to stand a chance against an older and stronger opponent".
"Well, luckily this one is a child. Or will you need some help with this one too?" He laughed.
He sourly looked in the vampire's direction clenching his hands. Cutting up the vampire into a million pieces wouldn't harm the bastard much, but it would personally make him feel much better.
Where shall we begin looking for her? It's beginning to get dark we don't want her running around for others to see her
Oh don't worry; I know exactly where the wolf hides.
"Have they left yet?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Good.I want you to round up a few good men, follow them. Report back to me of their location."
"Aye, Sir."
"Where are we going Alucard?" They had been walking for what seemed like several hours. The vampire insisted on dragging him into the park causing the butler to be skeptical of his sense of direction.
"We are getting close, I can sense her."
The silence was enough to make the butler feel on edge. Readying himself he waited for his companion to give a clear direction
Stopping dead in his tracks, Alucard looked upward towards the night sky.
"Now, you want to be very careful around the younger ones. They have no idea of their strength and are easily frightened. She should be around-"
Suddenly, a large wolf charged towards the two. Picking himself off the ground, Walter gazed upon the company.
He was in awe. It had been nearly 40 years since he'd seen a werewolf shift. She was a bit shorter than the last werewolf he'd encounter but he factored it to her age. On all fours, she came to about his chest with blondish fur caked with mud. Staring into her eyes he could no longer see her bright blue eyes, but instead all black.
"Look at her Walter, such a magnificent creature!"His companion yelled with pride. The smug bastard was enjoying every moment of this.
"If by magnificent you mean, threatening then yes, yes she is"
She stood up on her hind legs making her much taller than the two, hand arched at her sides. Growling, she began to walk towards them.
"Oh, the butler is not becoming cowardice in his old age is he?"
"Cowardice?! I beg your pardon".
"Granted, dear butler."
Walter was the first to move. He had to secure her from making any attempts at running away, or worse case attempting to rip them to pieces. She charged at them once again heading in his direction. Taking out his wires, he wrapped them around her, restricting any movement.
Struggling, attempting to wriggle her way from his grasp she let out a loud howl, sending an echoing shriek into the air. He could feel the vibrations through his wires as his hands began to bleed from her tug. "Stay still my dear or you'll be in pieces"
"Dear Walter, my master wished for her to be alive and in one piece I am shocked and appalled by your behavior".
"Now is not the time Alucard help me restrain her".
"No you're doing a fine job, Walter", he said with a grin.
Some help you are, he mused.
"Ms. Victoria", he shouted doing his best to hold his grip. "We were sent to come and get you. Harry sent us!"
She stopped struggling at the sound of his name. It seems he found the magic words to calm the beast. "Yes Harry, we are friends of his." Lowering herself on all fours she approached him with a soft look in her eyes.
"Oh, quite interesting," Alucard remarked.
"Harry wanted us to find you", he said while slowly resting his hand on her muzzle. "That's it Seras".
"Well done butler. Who knew you had such a way with woman", Alucard laughed.
"Alucard, now is not the time", he replied sourly.
Suddenly a knife landed next to Seras, causing her to snarl at the oncoming visitor.
"Yeh heathen from hells gates. May you return from the bowels of the depth from where you came."
There stood a large priest, wielding a pair of swords coming towards them.
"Ah, Escariot's section 13. I was wondering when we would finally meet".
"And you must be the demon pet that Hellsing had locked away for centuries. It seems werewolves won't be the only things I kill tonight." He said, taking out an extra pair of knives.
"What is the meaning of this?" Walter yelled, as Seras tugged harder on the wires.
"I have been sent here to deal with the infestation. If you two stand in my way, I'll have no choice but to terminate the likes of yeh."
"We had the situation under control until you appeared." Another nuisance while trying to restrain an already pissed off werewolf was becoming a little too much for his taste.
Stepping forward Alucard smiled. "I will take care of our little guest here, restrain her."
"Yes, that's becoming quite difficult Alucard," he snapped. She was beginning to tug harder and harder on the wires causing them both to bleed.
Alucard was the one who made the first move taking out the jackal firing multiple rounds at the priest. With quickness however the priest dodged the oncoming attacks.
"Seras! I need you to stay still" he yelled, struggling to hold on. Her growls were becoming more violent looking in Andersons direction.
"Looks like you missed, Vampire. Now it's my turn", he yelled throwing a series of knives. Alucard, grinning like the madman he was, dodged all but a few of his knives while firing a few rounds back in retaliation.
Ducking to avoid a few himself, Walter gasped as one cut through his arm, causing him to retract his arms. "Dammit", he muttered. With a final tug, Seras freed herself from his grasp, sprinting towards Alucard and the priest.
"Alucard, she's going to go for him" Walter yelled
She began swinging her arms recklessly at the two as they both dodged. Anderson throwing his knives towards her, while Alucard fired rounds in his direction in defense. Anderson, in haste to dodge the bullets tripped and was grabbed by Seras large paw. She lifted him to meet her gaze, squeezing him.
"My, My, this one is feistier than the last few I've killed," he grunted. Slipping his arm out of her grasp he stabbed her as hard as he could causing her to howl in pain. Falling to the ground he attempted to stab her again.
Alucard on queue began firing rounds at the priest once again.
"Grab her Walter", he commanded.
On command he pulled out the wires, wrapping it around the wounded wolf, but at the instant, she struggled. "This is becoming more difficult than I would have hoped, but no matter, you all will perish tonight," Anderson yelled.
"Give it up priest, you are clearly outnumber", yelled a familiar voice.
Looking into the distance, Integra approached them with two soldiers by her side.
"Sir Integra." Walter felt relieved.
"Paladin Alexander Anderson. So it seems Iscariot has brought its pet to our territory to wreak havoc."
"There would be no havoc to reek if it weren't for your servants standing in my way of my mission."
She looked towards Walter and Seras, then back towards the priest. "That werewolf is ours. Your mission will have to be taken elsewhere"
Picking up his swords, he scoffed. "I am not leaving until that werewolf is dealt with".
Seras began growling again, inching towards Anderson. "Will you restrain her Walter", Integra yelled.
"That won't be happening", she continued, "I suggest you take your leave."
"And if I don't", he replied, grinning like a madman.
"Then Alucard will make sure you return home safely in a body bag", she smiled.
He scoffed placing his swords out of sight. "I will be back to finish the job. They will hear about this Sir Integra Hellsing. You house a monster and sympathize with another seems you are getting soft in yeh age."
"And you are becoming more monstrous in your age Father Anderson".
Walter was relieve it was over, or at least that part. Seras was still violently yanking, causing him to wince in pain. Integra moved closer to the werewolf as her bodyguards timidly moved foward for her protection.
"I see you all found her". She was just as in awe as he was. Walter reminded himself it was her first time looking face to face at a werewolf.
"What, you didn't have any faith that we would master?" Alucard replied chuckling.
"Hmph, after seeing that little show of yours no".
Seras snapped at Integra, causing her bodyguards to ready their weapons. Stepping backward, she looked towards her servant. "Calm her down Alucard."
"But our dear butler here-"
"Enough playing around, you've dealt with them before now calm her down."
"As you wish, my master." He bowed, moving closer to Walter. Cutting himself with the wires extended between the two he grinned.
"Let her go, Walter." In awe, the man refused. "You know I can't do that, Alucard."
"After all these years we've worked together and yet you still don't trust me. Let her go." Walter could feel his body moving against his will. He knew it was Alucard's doing. "Dammit Alucard, stop", his arms slowly retracted the wires from the wolf. She shook free and gathered herself on her hind legs growling, attempting to charge.
Wolf girl, his voice boomed. Standing in front her he spilled his blood on the ground beneath her. "The piece of filth who was your sire will be no more to you" Walter watched as the blood ooze onto the ground. "From now on I will be your master until your death, now drink."
Without hesitation, she began lapping the blood from the ground frantically.
"She is now under my command as I am her sire." He smiled moving towards her, cradling her head in his hands.
"Now, sleep wolf girl. Sleep"
When she came to, all she could think about was the pain. The days following the full moon always proved to be difficult for her. At times it would take her longer periods of time to fully regain consciousness and mobility. All of her joints felt as if they were on fire, while her face felt swollen and numb. The smell, a familiar musty old smell hit her nose as her senses were returning to her slowly. This place, I've been here before, she thought as she tried to sit up. Her sight was blurry and a bit of red causing her to squint harder attempting to focus. Doing her best at making out her surroundings, she realized she was in a dungeon. Harry, She panicked trying to lift herself from the bed.
"You may want to take it easy dear. You've had quite a night" she jumped at the sound of the voice directed towards her.
"You're, you're the butler from the mansion" she slurred coming to.
"Yes dear, the mansion you are in right now actually" Removing the bandage from her face he chuckled. She noticed his hands were scarred badly she could smell the residue of blood and antibiotic ointment. Before she could ask, he broke her train of thought.
"I must say", he began, walking towards the table placing her bandages in the trash. "You my dear are the first werewolf I've seen in years. I never thought I'd see your kind ever again in my lifetime. It seems as if they all were long gone by now."
Handing her water and two tablets for the pain from what she could gather, he proceeded to sit on the edge of her bed.
"I….I don't have a kind", she spat. "I'm just me". Her head was pounding; the ringing wouldn't cease itself from causing her more pain. Tossing back the pill, she looked towards the elder.
"Yes well, my apologies miss Victoria", he responded with a solemn expression on his face.
There was a brief pause as she tried to gather her thoughts and form the right words to say to the man.
Rubbing her temples she began.
What happened last night?"
"We found you out in a field last night and brought you here before anyone else could see".
Stirring in the bed she realized she wasn't in her clothes from the night before. Instead she wore a large uniform shirt and cargo shorts. A brief feeling of embarrassment washed over. Oh God, I hope he didn't have to dress me. A blush crept on her face at the thought.
As if the butler could read her mind he spoke. "Oh, don't worry I wasn't the one to change you while you were unconscious", he chuckled awkwardly
Seras sighed with relief. "One of the misses of the house found a few garments that might fit you better and agreed to change you while you were out", he continued.
Then she remembered her caretaker, Harry and the fight they had last night. Had he left her with them after being attacked fearing that she was a threat? And now that they knew what she was, what were they going to do?
"Am I…in trouble?" she questioned softly unable to meet the man's gaze.
Don't worry we deal with the supernatural all the time. Although your case is rare nothing will happen to you.
She sighed with relief.
"Where's Harry? Is he coming to get me? We had an argument last night and I ran away from him, I have to tell him I'm alright. He probably is somewhere looking for me." Lifting the covers she swung her legs over the bed. "He's like a mother hen if I don't let him know I'm alright he'll worry, she said with a chuckle and a smile.
The butler had a pained expression on his face. "You're all cleaned up dear. Sir Integra will fill you in on the details in a moment. You need to take it easy, you're still healing."
He patted her knee giving her a reassuring look on her face.
"I just need to call Harry and tell him where I am." She panicked. She couldn't afford to waste anymore time, Harry was probably looking all over for her. It was bad enough that she ran away from him during the night of the full moon the poor man was probably terrified something terrible happened.
She rose against his plead. The pain sending a shock through her body caused her to fall to the floor. With the aid of the butler she was lifted from the cold ground.
"Do take it easy Seras, you won't be able to walk for quite awhile."
Just then, the door swung open, as the lady of the house Sir Integra stood before her in her usual attire.
"Seras, good you're awake" she said softly.
"Ms. Integra, where is Harry? Why am I here and not back home?"
"Seras", she replied, "have a seat".
"No! Not until you tell me."
"Seras, Harry is…"
The tears began to form as her fears began to rise. "He took his own life last night right after he came to me for help. Help in finding you and bringing you back safely".
"No! I just saw him last night. We just had a fight and I have to tell him I'm sorry."
"Seras, we did everything we could to help him, he loved you very much."
"Then he can tell me that in person when he comes to get me."
The room was silent, she couldn't find any words to say and neither could the others.
The older woman placing her hands on her shoulders in comfort. "You will be safe here. From anyone who tries to harm you and you will be well taken care of in my organization. You have my word."
"Come Walter, let's give her a minute."
"I just want to go home, please" she pleaded, taking the covers over her head in a whimper. Here she was, alone again in a dank dark basement. She wanted to go home. To think just yesterday her and Harry were eating dinner, talking, laughing, and arguing. Now he was gone and she stuck with strangers.
Last night was a haze. She could remember bits and pieces of seeing the butler and the demon saving her. The blood, she remembered tasting the blood again quenching her long famished appetite. The more and more she attempted to remember, the more exhausted she became until sleep set in.
The days that followed seemed to blur together as Seras continued to struggle regaining her strength. Her senses returned to normal during the second day, but her body still felt as weak. She could sit and stand for a short period of time before she had to lie back down completely feeling exhausted. She hadn't seen the lady of the house, Sir Integra, much since the first night and luckily did not hear from the black hound. Unfortunately she could still smell it, the smell of death that reeked in the basement. She was well aware to what lived in the very basement as her, and often had trouble sleeping with the thought of it. The butler, Walter, she learned would come with food and medicine to check up on her. Sometimes he would bring something to entertain her for a short while.
Their conversations were stiff and formal. Good mornings and good evening followed by thank you's whenever he brought her any food. However she began to be more eager to see him. She began to feel more relaxed around him.
"I'm bored"
"Well there will be plenty to do once you get better my dear."
"You're not thinking of putting me to work with chores are you" she asked with a sour look and a low growl.
"You have to earn your keep somehow." He said defensively keeping his distance from her at the sound of her growl. "I'm sure you can handle it by yourself"
"All by myself? This place is massive, it'd take weeks" she whined covering her face with a pillow
He laughed "Relax dear, we have maids for that. I'm just yanking your chain Ms. Victoria"
"Don't scare me like that Walter" she exhaled with relief. She was happy to see their relationship becoming more lax.
They shared a brief moment of silence
"You know any card games, Walter?"
I mean if you have time that is, she look downwards. Though they were on good terms, she reminded herself to keep her distance.
Well let's see. I know gin rummy, are you familiar with that one?
Oh, I played that with Harry all the time she remarked with a boastful grin. But at the mention of his name her expression dimmed.
Walter in turn also frowned. "I'll be back dear, let me see if I can find my cards
"Ok" she softly replied.
It had only been a few days since Harry's death and constantly felt fresh in her mind. She still had a hard time believing that he was gone. Gone forever and never to be seen again. No second chances at telling him how much she was sorry or how much she cared for him. The denial made it more difficult for her to come to terms with losing her caretaker. She felt helpless to stop the tears from falling from her face. Curling up into a ball she draped the covers over her head. It's all my fault, and now he's gone.
She needed comfort, of this he knew. Alucard however would never allow himself to give her that pleasure. He wouldn't coddle the girl every time tears formed in her eyes. For all the whimpers that seeped through her throat. For that, he could feel anger, and resentment resonating within her.
Enter the butler of the evening. Alucard hissed through his teeth at the old man.
"Come to coddle the child again? It's hard to train a pet when you negate my methods."
"She's just a child Alucard"
"She's just a monster, butler. Like the ones you used to kill years ago."
Walter's facial expression hardened.
"Well, well getting soft and forgiving in your old age Walter? There was a time, if I can recall when you used to enjoy the slaughter of monster. No mercy from the angel of death."
"Seras is just a young girl"
"Seras Seras Seras, all about the girl. You said it yourself Butler, she is my pet, and as my pet she will be properly trained as all pets are."
"And as a member of my household, she will be treated as such. She may be your pet, but you are mine." Integra replied walking towards Alucard. Greeted with a bow from Walter she proceeded to walk towards her servant.
"Ah, indeed I am. As such I withhold certain desires from my youngling as you do me. I have learned from the best, haven't I master?"
A scowl formed on her face as his smile widened.
She is grieving, Alucard. I know a creature like you who is not capable of feeling, may not comprehend, but she is still very young and needs time to cope.
"You humans and your sympathy, it's pathetic." He spat. "Of course frail mortal creatures such as you would say that. But she and I live for centuries. This is but a scratch in her long line of existence."
Integra stared coldly into her servants eyes without so much as a flinch. Her animal once again tugged at the reigns attempting to establish his dominance. Consequently she, in retaliation had to establish hers and to remind him of who is in charge.
"She's been through enough, do not provoke her. She is a member of this house and she will feel welcomed. You are to stay away from her until she has fully recovered. Is that clear?"
"Yes, master", he stressed, "Anything you wish".
She sighed. "The thought of him having a "pet" is already giving me a bloody headache. And here I thought it would actually help".
"You know Sir Integra; as much as I rather not see her as such, maybe it's not such a bad idea for Alucard to have a pet. They do say pets are very therapeutic, may even calm the beast."
"Yes well, I guess we'll have to see if that reigns true now wont we?"
By the fifth day she was back to normal. Able to walk, stand and run with no problems or pain. However, she never traveled any further from her room in the basement. One of the maids would come bringing her clothes with normally consists of the Hellsing uniform. Shirts, skirts, shorts and occasionally a few clothes for her to lounge in, that the older maid brought from home. One of her daughters seem to outgrown them. She was thankful for the kindness and to see another warm face in the massive household. However, Seras was too afraid to ask what exactly would she be doing to earn her keep at Hellsing. She knew everything in life came with a price, and her living here under the Hellsing household eating well as well as she had, she was bound to repay them. They knew she was a werewolf and hadn't disposed of her, so did that mean possibly that they would use her powers somehow? She chose to not dwell on the answers.
As her guest left her room, she poked her head out in the hallway and watched the older woman leave. The hallway reeked of death, and the further she went the louder the smell. Seras let out a whimper. She'd rather be upstairs in the many rooms that the household held, smelling the musty wallpaper than to be locked up like an animal down here with that creature. But his presence seem to always be looming close by, filling the young wolfling with anxiety that he was near. At night the smell was at its worst as if he was standing right outside her door waiting. As if he was waiting to be invited in.
The light sounds of echoing footsteps interrupted her thoughts.
While squinting to see who the oncoming visitor was, she smelled a familiar scent.
"Good morning, Walter", she said, sporting a large smile.
"Good morning dear. Ah, I see you have fully recovered."
"Yep. Back to normal" she smiled. "No pain either".
"That's good to hear. I've been sent to fetch you dear, Sir Integra would like to speak with you briefly upstairs"
She wasn't too thrilled about that idea. She was still intimidated by the older woman.
Sera's followed Walter up the stairs from the basement and down the hallways towards Integra's office. The dreaded walk seemed like forever. The place is a bloody maze, she moaned, trying to keep up with the swift butlers pace. After the umpteenth turn, they passed a hallway full of men dressed in the same uniform who all seemed to be surprised by her appearance. Some called out to her, making cat call noises which irritated her on their way out.
"Don't mind them, you won't see much of them" the butler scoffed.
"Who are they?"
"They are part of our organization, hired men who work to exterminate any supernatural threats to the public."
"I've been meaning to ask you Walter, what is it that I will be doing here? I mean, if I'm not going to do chores, or work with them" she said pointing to the men, "what will I be doing?"
Pausing, he looked back towards her. "Sir Integra will fill you in on that"
Walter escorted her into the room. Upon her entry, Seras scrunched her nose at the strong odor of smoke. Attempting to not offend the lady of the house she simple rubbed her nose softly and made the slightest noise in displeasure.
"Ah Seras" the woman said, while snuffing out her latest cigar. "Glad to see you are doing better"
"Yes m'am. Thank you for taking me in, after Harry", she paused unable to finish.
"Yes, I must say I am sorry for you loss. As I stated before you will be taken care of here and will work for us."
"That's what I have been meaning to tell you, what is it that I will be doing?"
"Do you know what my organization does?"
"Hmm", she paused, "You all are like MI 5 I suppose".
"Yes. For centuries the Hellsing organization protected the citizens from any supernatural threats. Here you will serve as an officer and will protect citizens from such threats. You will be receiving training from one of our instructors and Walter along with a private tutor will help you continue your studies. It won't be necessary for you to attend a university; you will be homeschooled from this point on."
She lit another cigar causing Seras flinched at the smell. "As for your other training"
"Other training?"
"Werewolf training, its time you learn how to control your werewolf instincts. Alucard will feel you in on that later".
"Alucard?"
Integra exhaled, almost with a surprised look on her face
"Yes Alucard, the annoying pet vampire of mine that shares the same basement as you", she noted sourly.
Seras gulped. "Is there someone else that can teach me?" she said softly
"Alucard is the most competent person to teach you. You won't anyone as competent on the subject as he is"
"Besides-
"I'm almost hurt, wolf girl" he said appearing by Integra's side.
"You" she said sourly
"Pets are always difficult to train. You see how much they act up don't you master? So ungrateful", he said turning to meet Integra's gaze.
"Pet?! I am no pet"
"What you are is an animal. An animal that needs to be house broken" he laughed
She scoffed at his insults. There was no way she wanted to be near him, let alone trained by him.
"That's enough Alucard"
It was Integra this time. "You'll train the girl later, for right now Seras you will be given the weekend to fully recuperate".
"Well then, I must take my leave to see a certain butler."
Til next time, wolf girl.
Letting out a wimper she looked up towards the elder woman. "Sir integra is there anyone else that can train me?"
"We don't have any werewolves to teach you Seras. In fact you're the only werewolf that we know of. Alucard has worked with them for centuries he will guide you."
Seras could see the look of pity she had for her. "He can be a pain, but he will teach you what you need to know. Now, I have business to attend to, you are dismissed."
"Yes, sir".
Closing the door behind her she sighed. She would be serving under Hellsing as a soldier and also as the very creature they were after. The thought of killing other werewolves made her stomach churn. But what other choices did she have. Harry was gone, she couldn't go back to the orphanage, and even if she did they could not handle what she was. Hellsing was the only place that could help her understand more about herself. Looking down the hallway she realized Walter had made his leave some time ago which meant she was stranded. Oh great, now how do I get back?
It sounds like you're in quite the predicament, wolf girl
She jumped at the sound of the voice. Looking down she spotted the black hound wagging his tail. "No, I can find my way back just fine", she replied crossing her arms nervously.
Was it a left then right? She pondered leaving the hound while walking what seemed like an eternity throughout the house attempting to find her way back.
There, she proudly stated, opening a large door which held a large group of men laughing and talking. Oh god wrong one. They all looked in her direction pausing for a moment. Feeling uncomfortable under their gazes she began to back up. "Sorry wrong room here." She smiled awkwardly
"Well what room are you looking for?" One asked with a devilish grin.
Walking closer to her, she began to back up. "No no, I can find it just fine. I'll be leaving now"
"You don't have to leave just yet" they laughed. "The least I could do is help you find a room, maybe we can –
There expressions soon changed to fear as a low growl began to form behind her. Looking backward at the source it was the hound. Taking the hint the men turned and left leaving her with the hound.
"I can handle myself you know" she said looking downwards at the animal.
The hound simply turned around walking away.
"Wait where are you going?"
This way wolf girl if you ever want to get back to your room in this century.
She felt ridiculous, following the animal down the hallways receiving strange looks from the maids. Finally they approached a familiar stairway leading to the basement. There. Now that I have walked you, I must take my leave wolf girl.
"Wait", she replied.
Integra said he was the only one who could train her, the one who has known werewolves for centuries. Now was the time that she could finally get some answers. Answers to the questions she had been asking for years.
"So you know about werewolves"
Yes, as I stated before I've had many werewolves before you.
"What are they like?"
His tail began to wag frantically as she began to regret asking.
The morning hadn't begun the way she intended it to, nor will the day become progressively any better. Rubbing her temples she signed in annoyance. The shear amount of pressure she would be receiving from the round table was enough. MI 5 and Iscariot were aware that she was housing a werewolf and it would only be a matter of time before they approached her on the subject. She hadn't even informed her colleagues of the matter at hand and knew the minute they found out she'd be chewed out royally. But, she had to be the one to inform them before anyone got word.
Having the girl around was beginning to become a nuisance more and more. But she had no one else to go to, and Harry entrusted Seras to her. Integra could empathize with the child, not having a stable family, and her parents being killed while she was really young. The hostility from her colleagues was the real issue. Grown men, who would love nothing more than to see a young woman die, she wouldn't stand for it.
Ring, Ring
Breaking her train of thought she looked over towards the phone.
What now? She sighed, answer the phone
"Integra"
"Sir Irons", she replied.
"I've heard that you have acquired a new pet monster"
"Oh and where did you hear such a thing?"
"I have my sources. MI 5 may not be on great speaking terms with you Integra, but they did inform me of what happened a few nights ago. Did you plan to keep this a secret from the rest of the round table?"
Rubbing her temples she frowned. It seems like MI 5 wanted to stay a step ahead of her.
"I was waiting on the right opportunity to present this matter once things were under control"
"Under control?" He laughed." You have a werewolf under your house which has not been approved by us, keeping us in the dark about a matter while we become the laughing stock of our colleagues and you have control? Do you have any idea of how this makes us look? We are supposed to eliminate any threats not feed them. "
"Whatever I decide to keep in my home is none of your business. She is not a threat, we have a month until the next full moon and I will not just allow you to throw some young girl out to the real wolves."
"We meet tomorrow. I'm sure the rest of our colleagues would like to speak to it ourselves. It seems I can't take your word anymore Integra. "
Before she could reply he hung up. Just great, just bloody fantastic.
Arriving right on time Walter entered her office with a tray of tea.
"Walter"
"Yes Madam?"
"I need something stronger. Whiskey, Vodka I don't care, just get me something"
With a sympathetic look from the elder, he nodded with an understanding.
"Right away"
I do apologize if the chapter seems a bit rushed. The next few chapters will be better.