I do not own Hellsing.


Integra sat at her desk re reading out a letter she'd recieved earlier. After the incident at the mansion she'd had Walter investigate the matter, as they'd suspected Iscariot was behind the attempt. Walter had summarised it for her an hour ago.
'According to the intelligence Sir Phillips was kidnapped a few days ago. It fits in that the Iscariots must have made him make that call to the council to lure you there. Between sources from our agents in the Vatican and intelligence from home here is what we suspect happened; the vampire was forced into the house and a barrier was placed to trap him there. Iscariot then gave him the option; cooperate or die. His choice in this matter was obvious. The guards were hired security which explains why they were caught offguard - any of our agents or Iscariots men wouldn't have been bested so easily. The plan was obviously to ensure your death and make Hellsing look like incompetents.'

Integra smiled at that 'Then it seems they have failed Walter. Has the council been informed of this?'
Walter smiled 'They have indeed sir, and better word has reached royal ears as well.'
Integra gasped 'The Queen's gotten involved!' she groaned inwardly 'Bloody hell Walter not a few weeks ago I was in the bloody tower - she's going to have my head for this!'
the butler smiled placatingly and held out an envelope bearing the royal seal. Walter had stamped 'Authentic' declaring it to be the genuine article.
'Before you worry any further madam, I suggest you read this letter.'
As the butler turned and left to cary out his remaining tasks Integra took out the letter opener and neatly brought out the letter which in neat cursive read;

"To Sir Integra Hellsing,

It has recently come to my attention that the Hellsing family is going through some trouble. Recent events have put Hellsing in a bad light - some would even try to tell me you are terrorists and traitors to the Crown. But having known your family during my reign I am not so easily blinded by the public opinion, I know that Hellsing had always been amongst the most loyal and dutiful in service to the Crown and Britain against her hidden foes.
I have looked carefully into the recent behaviour of the Round Table Conference and I am worried by what I find; since your establishment many of the Conference of Twelve have safrificed more than most, but the Hellsing family has alway had to weather the storm alone.
Rest assured it will not be so this time Sir Hellsing.
I am pleased to inform you that the Round Table Conference has been warned that the conspiracy against you, one of its own members, will not go unpunished and a repeat of such behaviour will force me to effect a more permanant solution to ensure unity amonst my faithful subjects.
May the Lord always watch over the Hellsing family.

- Elizabeth."

Integra smiled as she read it. Her problems were solved as far as her business was concerned. She was relieved, it was good to feel in charge again.

Beneath the moonlight Alucard remained sat down at a park bench. All targets had been neutralised and he was now free to ponder. The men were all heading back into their vehicles and Alucard watched them without interest, his mind elsewhere. He thought about the past. Integra's punishment had since healed in the last few days. His heart was heavy and the memory of the torture was still fresh, it was especially painful because Integra had done it to him.
Years of service and worthy masters he had served during his time with Hellsing, but Integra was the first he could honestly say he respected and was constantly impressed by. Anyone else who had hurt him he would have applauded for their strength but it would not have stopped him killing them for doing it. He wasn't sure that he could bring himself to kill Integra, even if he had the freedom to do it.

He sighed and shook his head, like it or not he was tired and needed time alone to think. He concentrated and pictured Integra and her family household Take me there he commanded his body. He faded into mist and let the wind direct him back to his Master. A short time later he reappeared outside the house. He looked up at the bay window outside of Integra's study and saw her looking out of the window at the moon, smoking a cigar as she mulled over something. Alucard could have listened in, he could have gone up to the study, in fact there were quite a few amusing options open to him at this moment in time. BUt he wanted nothing to do with the woman who left him so confused about himself.
He returned to his cell and slumped in his chair, hat and glasses abandoned on the table, he held his half full glass loosly in one hand as he massaged his eyes with the other. As he brought the hand away from his eyes it came away with blood, he stared at it for a long moment and finally fatigued from the evening trials he placed the glass on the table, however his aim was off and it fell to the floor where it shattered into fragments. Alucard growled in frustration and stared at the ceiling.
What the hell was the matter with him recently? He hated Abraham Van Hellsing for besting him all those years ago! But what Integra had done a few days ago had been worse in some ways, so why did he feel so confused? Integra could torture, threaten and command him and still she was someone he could not bring himself to hate! What exactly was she to him...?
and why, he reflected in the darkness, was he almost afraid to answer that question?

Integra went deeper down into the Hellsing complex and finally arrived at the library. She turned the lights on and stood looking the extensive library, in the corner where the tables were stood the history section. She went and found as many books as she could about her own family. Books that even slightly related to them or mentioned family members. Finally she took down a single old tome that was amonst one of the most treasured possesions of her family. It was the very same one that Van Hellsing had used to research into Count Dracula so many years ago. She thumbed through it, trying to source any behaviour of the Count's history that might give a clue to Alucards behaviour.
Walter appeared behind her some time later offering her some tea and a light meal. As Integra ate in silence and frowned at an open book Walter deadpanned 'Following in Van Hellsing's footsteps sir? Books are fine but you do know that we have the internet now. I might add that its far faster than this way.'

Integra swallowed the last bite and looked at him, brushing hair out of her eyes 'I know Walter. But its also full of lies and half truths. No I need hard facts.' she scanned yet more books and openly asked 'How can it be that a man who has lived so long has so little history? You'd think that someone would have noticed him before he can into our service.'
Walter shrugged 'You want to know the man Alucard was Sir? I have a suggestion.'
Integra put the book down. She leant back and rubbed her eyes. She missed what the butler was saying behind her and she muttered 'I'm sorry Walter, what was that?'
Walter picked up the tray and chuckled 'Knowing his fondness for you Sir, perhaps a dinner meeting might be an interesting way to get some answers. People always relax more after they eat. Believe me I know he's far more conversational when he's having a drink, we frequently talk during our spare time.'
Integra's eyebrows rose 'Perhaps you'd have some answers for me then?'
Walter shook his head 'I'm sorry Sir, it's impolite to tell another man's story behind his back. Especially Alucard's. Take my advice Sir, have dinner tomorrow.'
Integra frowned and replied 'It's unorthodox I admit, but you might be right. Tell you what Walter, I'll sleep on it.'
Later that night the dreams returned.

Alucard was resting his head when he heard footsteps coming down the hallway. As the door opened he saw Integra standing in the doorway and she came to him. She silently lowered herself to one knee and kissed his hands. 'Forgive me for what I did Alucard.' she whispered 'I can be a monster too sometimes.'
Alucard did not know what to say and being who he was, he said nothing.
'I don't know what I'm becoming. I don't know who I am sometimes.' Integra continued.
Alucard lifted her head and saw tears. He gently stroked them away and shushed her, 'We all make poor decisions.' he comforted her 'Sometimes they come back to haunt us. Tell me how you feel.'
Integra looked up, eyes red and confused. 'I feel so... so tired and confused and I just want...'
Alucard leant in eagerly 'Yes, Integra?'
Her eyes rested on his and she whispered 'If I let you go, will you be happy?'
Alucards eyes glowed red and his face went blank 'Would freedom make me happy?' he whispered as he thought about it 'Perhaps Integra, perhaps it would.' he answered her with a charismatic smile.
Integra's nodded understandingly at that and she asked him 'But can I trust you Alucard?'
Alucard smiled more broadly 'Integra, you should already know the answer to that. Consider the implications of setting me free; I will have to feed sometime. You can trust me to do what is in my nature - but I don't kill for fun, after all I'm not an animal.' his smile was pleasant as though they were talking about something else.
Integra's eyes widened with shock and she found herself at a loss for words 'How I can ever let you go then, knowing you'll kill? How can I make amends to you without innocent blood being spilled by my actions?'
'You could alway put me out of misery.' he offered and to Integra's horror he offered her his Jakal. She stared at it and after a few moment pushed it away for her in disgust.
'I see. So you'll never kill me?.'
Integra bit her lip 'I don't know! Alucard we've known each other too long - you aren't like the other animals we kill, but I can't trust you either!'
Alucard lowered his head down to hers. 'Integra, you are a most remarkable woman and you could be so much more than a woman. I ask you again, if you cannot end my suffering and you want to make amends, will you not accept my gift as recompense?'
He cupped her chin and looked deep into her eyes.
'Will that make you happy? Will that end this game?' she whispered.
'All that and more. You'll enjoy the freedom that comes with it. The freedom you don't have now.' the Vampire purred.
Integra swallowed and looked up into his eyes. The Vampire had removed his glove and bit the end again.
'One little taste Integra. I know you want it.'

Integra Helling bolted upright covered in sweat. She breathed hard and tried to calm her racing heart. Tears of desperation brimmed on her eyes and she whispered 'Father... please help me!' and she wept because deep down she knew that what Alucard had said was the truth, he could see into her mind and he was many things her servant, but he wasn't a liar.


And the next chapter is now up, I trust its up to the standards of the others and people aren't getting bored. Its getting there, be patient.
Any R+R is appreciated.
- Sigmund17