Chapter 10: The bitter truth

"It is said that once a vampire meets the one they are destined to be with, their image is burned into their memory. They shall never forget how the other smells or looks no matter how much time has passed and taken its toll on them. Never."

As Integra finished her little daily lesson for Seras, she couldn't help but glance towards Alucard who was leaning against the wall with his shades pulled right up to his eyes.

Seras who was lying beside Integra on her stomach, turned to beam at Alucard "Is it true, Master?"

Alucard was as still as a statue, his head was still bowed when he replied in his deep monotone voice, after a deep pause "Tis only an old wives' tale."

Seras' smile fell immediately "…oh" she grew silent afterwards.

Integra nudged Seras "Go on, Seras. Time for you to rest, you've done a good job today…"

Seras sat up and blushed "I did, didn't I?"

"From what Alucard told me you were on fire today" Integra chuckled "Now go, scram! I'm tired and I want to sleep, dawn is almost upon us."

Seras hopped to her feet "Sorry, Sir Integra. Goodnight" Seras bowed and almost skipped out of Integra's chambers.

Integra slumped into her bed and pulled the covers closer to her chest "And what will you do for the rest of the night, Alucard?"

Alucard sighed through his nose "I too will retire to my chamber."

Integra furrowed her brows as she stared at the ceiling, "I asked what you will do for the rest of the night."

When Alucard didn't reply Integra groaned slightly and shifted into a sitting position once more "Why did you lie to Seras? We both now that it's true."

"What good would it do to her other than fuel her fantasies?"

Integra practically growled at Alucard "Alucard I find it hard to believe that you're centuries old and yet you cannot be a little more patient with her, your own Childe, despite the fact that she's a No Life Queen. Had Yuki not taught you anything?"

Alucard's anger grew visibly, the shadows became longer and almost threatened to devour the whole room; however Alucard held his tongue.

"…she's dead Alucard. Yuki is gone. You must accept that. Even Seras has appeared to have gotten over Yuki."

Alucard's lips twisted down in a deep frown, "Yuki is still alive-"

"And where do you suppose she's gone?"

Alucard bowed his head again "…she's somewhere"

Integra's shoulders sagged in defeat "you scoured the whole of England and found-"

"How do you suppose the fire began? Or how Schrödinger didn't follow the plan? Or perhaps how the Millennium files were left on our doorstep-"

"It could very well have been the Vatican!"

Alucard clenched his hands into fists "Very well, my Master. If that is what you wish to believe, so be it."

"Please do remind me, how you knew of Schrödinger's role in the Major's plan?"

Alucard gazed out the window longingly, "The Major's mind was not too difficult to read and he was in his last moment"

Integra hesitated before she spoke to Alucard in a soft tone, her eyes piteous of the creature before her "It was wrong of me to involve Yuki, she was young, too young, and I led her to her death."

Alucard's eye twitched with anger at the statement, but it was not seen by Integra.

"Yuki is missed but you must think about her position yourself, Alucard."

Alucard finally raised his head to look upon his master "what do you speak of?"

Integra shook her head and closed her eyes "Her family was taken from her all at once, and she was under suspicion by the government of treason and other crimes against Britain. Do you truly believe she would've wanted to live a life such as that? She may have been precocious but you forget she was only sixteen. That's not long even in Human standards."

Alucard turned his head to stare at the tombstone near the Hellsing graveyard. It read: "R.I.P Yuki Fumiko Tauqi. Loving friend and advisor."

Alucard bowed his head once more, and he shook his head ever so slightly.

Integra stared at the ceiling as she puffed out the words "There is to be a meeting in Paris soon, and we are to attend, all of us."

Alucard nodded "and what is the purpose of this meeting?"

"It seems as though there has been a rise in the growth of the fake vampires and we, as one of the head organization, must attend to advise them"

"We have to tell them how to do their jobs", Alucard simplified.

Integra chuckle slightly, "simply put, yes."

"When are we to go?"

"Day after tomorrow"

"Is anyone special going to attend?" Alucard crossed his arms and chuckled.

"As a matter of fact, yes. The Chinese will be there as well as Japanese..."

"And why might they be there?"

"Who knows..." Integra trailed off, finding sleep even though the vampire was still in her presence. She was exhausted and she didn't care whether Alucard was there to witness her in fall into vulnerability.

Alucard surpassed the urge to roll his eyes and melted away in the shadows.

Six years it had been, six years Alucard had pondered and raked his mind as to what happened to Yuki, six years it had been since Alucard had started bleeding for Yuki.

Where was she? No one knew but whoever had taken her knew how to hide their tracks.

Alucard recalled that very morning when the three returned, returned to find the dancing flames devouring their precious home and witnessed as it crumbled and withered until it came down with a mighty fall.

Seras nearly bolted right towards the entrance doors as she landed and set Integra down to her feet, "Wh- what's going on?" She turned to grip Alucard's sleeves "Master! The remaining Geese are in there! Yuki is in there!"

Worry was evident in Integra's voice when she gave Alucard the next order "Alucard! Get them out of there!"

Alucard didn't answer as he was too busy with his own muses but charged in to the flames as soon as he heard the order.

The flames tried to grab him, every part of him could feel the searing heat of the monstrous flames. Alucard entered the foyer and scanned the whole mansion but could find no one alive. No one.

Alucard panicked and zoomed towards the source of the scent of Yuki's blood.

Once he reached the source Alucard felt his heart skip not one but several beats. There, in a puddle of blood was the scythe of the proclaimed Zorin Blitz and a few strands of silky black hair, Yuki's no doubt.

The blood trailed up towards the wall. Alucard narrowed his eyes as his eyes landed on the bloody hand print on the wall. He followed the blood trail towards the window and…

It ended.

It just stopped, just like that.

It was an understatement to say that Alucard was shaken. He hadn't even felt Seras tug at his arm whilst screaming her heart out, "Master! Master, no one's here we must go!-"

Even Seras ceased as she took note of the blood trail towards the window but unlike Alucard she recovered fast and practically dragged Alucard out.

As she did, she did not see any sign of Yuki or the Wild Geese that she had left at the manor. Seras' lower lip trembled as she pulled on Alucard's arm, he felt as if he wasn't aware of what was going on. Seras felt like he was frozen. Frozen on the spot where he had followed the blood trail.

As Seras dragged Alucard out, and set him in his knees she saw something in Alucard as they watched the manor turned to ashes.

Seras watched as Alucard's eyes grew wide and his iris's quivered. Even to this day Seras has not forgotten the fear in his eyes. The perturbation in him.

His eyes were an orange and pinkish instead of the deep crimson they usually were; and his pupils were shrinking as the fire grew.

The image is no doubt burned into Seras' memory: Her Master Alucard, the Great No Life King, on his knees, eyes almost watering with bloody tears, his mouth parted in stupefaction, his strong arms limp beside him and his hands clenching and unclenching as if he were trying to grasp something but failed.

Alucard recollected that even when the fire had died, he was still staring upwards as if he was watching it replay over, and over, and over again in his mind. And you know what?

It really was. Even now when Alucard zoned out on a candle or any kind of fire, the memory would rerun in his mind, like some sort of mental torture.

Seras had snuck in into his room again. Ever since the 'disappearance' of Yuki and the Geese she would clamber into his coffin with him and clutch onto him for dear life. At first Alucard was vexed by this however with time he came to appreciate it, it was like a part of him was healing but completely.

As Alucard shifted in a comfortable position he stroked her head "Seras, what is troubling you tonight?"

"I'm remembering Yuki again" Seras' voice was hoarse when she spoke and it was then Alucard knew Seras had been crying. Integra was wrong Seras hadn't stopped mourning Yuki, she just hid it now, and the guilt would not let her forget.

"Anything in particular?" And Integra was wrong to think that Alucard was not patient with Seras, he had in fact become very patient with Seras.

Whenever he felt his anger rise with Seras he would faintly hear Yuki's word's echo in his mind "And if you push them too far they break,"

"I remember when Zorin attacked HQ… Yuki came back like promised but-" Alucard felt Seras lip tremble as she buried her head in his chest "-But then to save Pip and I she took a scythe to her stomach." Seras was now choking on the words "And when she fell, I couldn't catch her, I wasn't there for her- I- I- I let her fall, because I was too weak."

Alucard frowned "Do not blame yourself Seras. No one is to blame." Alucard rubbed her back soothingly however a though came to his mind which really made him contemplate several things.

If Alucard recalled correctly Yuki had strange bumps on her back and whenever Alucard questioned her about it she would recoil. Yet, once he saw her bare back during a mission and it was perfect… almost too perfect.

...

As he scanned the room he didn't notice the new performer enter the stage. As he got bored Alucard finally pulled his attention to the stage and his eyes were permanently glued there. Yes, his eyes were not leaving that curvaceous figure. So, this was what Integra meant when she said she had already sent an agent. She sent Yuki.

Alucard eyed her from his spot; he was sure that if he was in a human form he would be drooling. Yuki's attire for the mission was almost nothing, she wore scanty underwear and her hair was in loose curls.

…

Yes indeed, Yuki's back was adorned by what felt like…scars, perhaps? However on that day her back was flawlessly clean and she wasn't afraid to show it off.

"Master?" Seras pulled on his collar.

Alucard snapped out of his daze "Yes, apologies. I was remembering as well…"

"Remembering what?" Seras sniffed.

Alucard lulled his head to a side "Yuki and I were sent on a mission once to a…" Alucard paused trying to find the right word "…To an inappropriate club, where woman were objectified and made money out of and I remember Yuki had been wearing near to nothing that day but her back…it looked fine, there was nothing wrong with it."

Seras furrowed her brows "And? What's wrong with that?"

Alucard mentally slapped himself forgetting Seras never knew about the bumps on Yuki's back, "Yuki was very…conscious of her back, she had strange lumps on her back and when I asked her of it she would never answer me"

Seras furrowed her brows further "That- that's right, I remember whenever I would hug her, and when my hands touched her back she would try to push me off. I always thought it was my imagination but Master what does it matter now?"

"It means we can identify her more easily now, Seras"

As the plane landed into Paris Seras pressed up against the window. She was in awe of the city of Paris, of the city of, so called, love.

Alucard was particularly grumpy today, he had a bad feeling about this meeting.

Integra had insisted nothing bad would happen but this was Paris, she was out of her own territory and she too felt uneasy about this whole situation. She wasn't even sure what was to happen today.

As the car rolled down the many roads of Paris they came to a particular road where it was bumpy and Seras almost bit her tongue off. Pip laughed inside of Seras "Ah, it's good to be back in Paris."

Seras heard Integra mumble "Damn cobbler roads"

Seras then turned to an agitated Alucard and beamed, "Master, don't you just love Paris?"

"No."

Seras pouted "But why not?"

"Because I just don't. Now be a good Childe and leave me alone."

"But Master! It's Paris, I've always wanted to come here!"

Alucard playfully frowned at Seras who shrank in her seat and returned to gawking out the window.

"See any changes, Alucard" Integra chuckled, flicking her cigar around in her mouth.

Alucard pulled his hand to his mouth and turned to lazily look out the moving car as well "Many" he replied with humour.

Once they were at destination they entered whilst in a small formation. Of course, Integra bought many of her men with her as well as Alucard and Seras for security.

Integra took her seat near the end of the table, she wasn't at the head of the table but she was right next to it. There were not many people there just a few but they had a high status nonetheless. Alucard and Seras along with the rest of the men stood a few feet behind Integra: everyone had brought their own men and they too stood behind their masters. Each country was eyeing each other: sizing each other.

The Russians were there as well as the Turks (who were sneering at Alucard for obvious reasons), the Indians, the Italians, the Romanians, the Mongolians, the Iranians, the Polish, the Czech, the Germans,, the Spanish, the Brazilians, the French (obviously), the Belgians, the Irish, the Hungarians, the Greek, the Ukrainians, and even the Thais were there. All except the Chinese and Japanese who were yet to arrive.

However they did not have to wait long. After moments of the British arriving the doors slammed open to reveal two spate groups marching in. They brang in the iciness to the meeting. Of course, even after centuries the Chinese and Japanese were not on friendly terms.

As the Chinese entered first, Alucard took note of how the guards were in a stance ready to pounce. Most of the guards of the Chinses and the Japanese looked to be assassins. Alucard would've chuckled had he not caught the certain scent.

As the Japanese entered and took their place across from Hellsing Alucard tensed and he felt Seras recoil as well. There was someone there. There was someone familiar there. This scent was…

Integra clenched her jaw as she looked across and saw a dementing face.

He may have been Japanese but he had many western features. He was tall, way too tall, and almost as tall as Alucard. Looked to be six foot one. He had a strong jaw and a strong built. His eyes were large and a rich hazel colour which seemed to be scrutinizing everything he saw before him. He was sharp that much was evident. His black hair was slicked back to a business-look like style. He had large hands that were covered in black leather clothes and he wore a black three piece suit which looked extremely expensive (and that was just the suit.) His skin was a flawless and was very fair.

Seras shrank under her gaze. He was just radiating this feeling of superiority.

However what caught Alucard's eye was one of the masked assassin behind him. She was closer to him, about an inch closer, than any of the other guards. She was wearing an Anbu mask. They all were but hers stood out. Whilst the other masks were in a shape of an animal and were painted with one colour and hardly any white was left, hers was… simple and hardly had any paint on it.

She just had two red strikes going across her right cheekbone. She had two slits for her eyes and that was about it.

Her long silky black hair were pulled up in a simple pony tail. She wore the customary assassins' clothes and a beautiful Katana on her left side of her belt. What made her different from the other assassins was that she wore a pair of Sune-ates, full arm tekkous and crimson shoulder and elbow protectors: and her Katana looked to be custom made. She had no doubt more weapons hidden in her clothes. However, something about her was familiar…. Her scent. The way she walked. The way she stood.

He was about to pry into her mind but his Childe, Seras, caught his attention. Her mind was in turmoil, her heart was beating rapidly, too rapidly and she was shaking uncontrollably.

Seras was gaping at the assassin that Alucard had been gazing at not too long ago. Instead Alucard looked into Seras' mind. She was having a flash back.

…

Seras whimpered as the moon shone brightly down onto her: she didn't like war. Seras started to shake aggressively and started to cry silently. She felt so vulnerable and…. alone. The Wild Geese were too preoccupied to notice poor little Seras but one pair of very sharp eyes caught her.

Seras felt a pair of warm arms pulled her into a soft hug "Victoria-san, this is no time to shed tears, now is the time to fight"

Seras recognised that voice instantly and curled up in Yuki's arms "Don't be afraid"

Just with those three words Seras stopped her weeping. Seras stepped out of the hug and rubbed her eyes, it was only then did she notice Yuki and what she was wearing.

Yuki was wearing a black simple turtle neck top (that looked tough to cut through) along with black leather skinny jeans, sported with a pair of black modern Tabi boots and a black belt accompanied with a lot of weapons; such as Katanas and Wakiashis (small and big) and guns of all sort. Seras also took note that Yuki was armoured. Yuki had a pair of Sune-ates, full arm tekkous and crimson shoulder and elbow protectors that looked like they were made from some sort of iron. One Katana that stood out to Seras was the one strapped to Yuki's back. The Tsuka (handle) looked to be made of black wood, and the Kashira (Pommel) was shaped in a Japanese dragon's head that seemed to be roaring. The Tsuka ito (cord wrap) was a deep crimson that matched Yuki's armour and the black sheath had a dragon craved into it along with a few Japanese Kanjis that Seras could not understand. Also, the Tsuba (collar/guard) of the Katana was in a shape of dancing flames that were circling the handle.

Seras looked at Yuki up and down "Are you going somewhere, Yuki?"

"I received a message that Integra-sama was in danger and it is my duty to protect her at all costs so I'm leaving both you and Bernadotte-san in charge, understood?"

Seras' eyes watered again "You're going to leave me?"

Yuki's expressionless face became soft for a split second, and she put her hands on Seras' shoulders "Only until I find Integra-sama"

Seras hugged Yuki "No! Don't go! Please! I need you, we need you!"

Yuki didn't hug back "Victoria-san, please I told you this is no time to shed tears. Right now we have a war to win. You will survive this, understand?"

Seras nodded her head and let go of Yuki. Yuki then pulled her wrist up "You drank your blood packs but just in case take some of mine, It'll help"

Seras started to shake her head but then Yuki gave her a scowl and Seras did not hesitate to sink her fangs into Yuki's wrist. Seras had never tasted any blood such as this… it tasted so . . . unique.

Once Seras had, had enough of Yuki's blood Yuki rubbed her wrist and covered it again.

Yuki nodded and headed for the main entrance but when she was about pull the door open she felt someone hug her back and someone bury their face in her back: it was Seras no doubt "Please come back quickly" her voice was muffled.

Yuki sighed "I will"

…

Alucard was pulled out of the flashback when someone spoke up," and what do you advise us to do about this situation, Hellsing?" a heavily accented Russian asked.

Integra drew her hard gaze towards them "Contain them, do not allow them to go any further from where they already have."

Alucard seethed as he watched the Japanese sit there with an almost smug look. He leaned his head back and whispered something into the female assassin's ear; who had bent forward.

Alucard heard him murmur something into her ear but could not understand as it was in Japanese...obviously.

Then the Polish spoke "and what if bullets do not work?"

Integra sat up slightly "Silver?"

They nodded.

Integra rose her left brow "blessed?"

They faltered "...No."

Integra's smugness could not be hidden in her voice "Use blessed silver bullets that should do the trick."

There was a low murmur within the countries and Integra took this chance to turn her head to Alucard and Seras, "what do you think?"

Alucard grunted and Seras was unresponsive.

"Seras?" Integra inclined her head to her.

"Seras?"

No response.

"Seras!"

Seras begrudgingly unlatched her eyes off of the assassin and drifted her sight to Integra, her voice was little "Yes, Sir Integra?"

"What's wrong with you, Seras?" Integra squeezed the words through her teeth.

Seras responded by turning her gaze back at the assassin. Integra followed and didn't comprehend what Seras was getting at; instead she thought Seras was intimidated by her.

As the many countries gossiped among themselves, Integra enquired about Seras "Alucard, fix your Childe, what is the matter with her?"

Alucard's lips tensed into a straight line, "Master, I believe it would be wise to take note of that " he paused and inhaled sharply," assassin over there."

Integra pulled her icy eyes over to the Japanese across her. He was conversing with the female assassin next to him in a hushed voice. Whatever they were talking about; they didn't want anyone to hear despite the fact that the eavesdropper probably wouldn't understand a word of what they were saying.

Integra pulled her eyes back to the vampires and was about to protest but they insisted that she looked on at the specified female.

Integra sighed through her nose and studied the assassin. She may have been wearing loose robes but with the scrutinizing eye anyone could see that the ninja had quite the muscles; but despite being just another mask, there was something peculiar about her.

However, it was not that her armour was slightly different and that she looked of a higher rank but there was a... familiarity in her. Something fell in Integra's stomach. Disturbingly, Integra realised that she had met this ninja elsewhere before, maybe in another form, in another time, in completely different circumstances.

But she could not exactly put her finger on it, yes, she recognised the female assassin but - who she was completely out of her mind.

Integra turned to Alucard for an answer but once Integra's eyes locked on his: He didn't need to say a word, or even move a muscle.

That fixated stare that Alucard was giving the female assassin spoke volume: Anger, rage, hatred, betrayal - Lust. But for what was unexpected. It could've been lust to see her bleed.

.

.

.

That woman.

It couldn't be, right?

Integra shifted back to analyse her once more. She had grown (if it really was her). Physically and mentally. Integra could tell. Yuki was already spiritually strong but now she was tough. Tougher than anything she had ever seen, maybe even tougher than Alucard, a centuries old vampire.

What exactly had happened to her that she had turned out like this?

Why was she with the Japanese?

How did she get to them? Or did they get to her?

The only one who could answer was either Yuki or the man who was currently her master. Speaking of the man; he had locked eyes with Integra and he was unbelievably sneering at her.

Whether or not if that woman was who they thought it to be, had questions to answer.

The many countries sauntered out, but the Japanese were taking their bloody time, they hadn't moved since the meeting had ended. Hellsing had stood their ground and awaited for the Japanese to move.

The Head Japanese dismissed everyone but that female assassin by his side.

As they all left, Seras heard Alucard's bones crush together and snap as he clenched his hand harder, and harder into a fist. Integra had also dismissed all except the vampires.

"So, I take it you have business with me, Hellsing."

The Japanese spoke with very little accent.

Integra didn't think it was possible but she tensed even more, "As a matter of fact, yes, yes I do."

The Japanese crossed his legs and rested his hands on top of another on his knees, "And what would it be?"

Integra let out a cool sigh and sternly looked him over and glanced at the female as she queried from him, "Did you know anyone by the name Yuki Fumiko Tauqi?"

As the name left her lips the female rested her hand on the butt of her katana.

The Japanese cocked a brow, "I know many Yukki's but not one with...such a name, why do you ask?"

Integra chose to disclose very little to him, "We knew a girl who is proclaimed dead however we think she is alive and fighting, and are looking for her. Sorry, what did you say your name was?"

The Japanese grunted, "I am Daichi Ryuuichirou."

Something in Alucard's mind clicked. That name it sounded familiar. But why?

Integra inclined her towards the female "And her?"

The Japanese stifled a chortle "I cannot tell you."

Integra gnashed her teeth together. Seras squeaked out, "Why?"

The Japanese pulled his sharp eyes towards Seras and almost pierced her soul, "Why do you think, child."

Seras uncharacteristically didn't blush, instead she clenched her fists together. The Japanese got the hint and abruptly stood up; he towered over the female and Integra, "If that'll be all."

He began to speedily exit the room however Integra slammed her hands down on the varnished wood table "Wait!"

The Japanese didn't even turn to look at them, he simply whispered to the assassin "Akki, take care of them."

The assassin, or Akki, as Alucard and Seras had heard him say stepped in front of them. She pulled out her right arm so that they could not advance forward. Alucard stopped inches away from her with Integra and Seras right at his tail.

"It would not be wise to follow him." Her voice was muffled but had the familiar firmness and sweetness to it. Like fresh honey.

"Who are you?" Integra peered from Alucard's shoulder.

Her hand fell to her side and her shoulder's tensed, "I am but a slave to Ryuuichirou-sama…"

To that Alucard pulled out his gun and shot at the assassin. The bullet buried itself in between the eyes of the mask. The bullet had come with such force that the assassin was forced to take a couple of steps back to keep her balance and she double over.

Alucard was careful. He knew that the assassin would somehow lessen the damage and saw the Human slightly shift to the side and her head twisted side wards as the bullet lodged itself in the mask.

They three watched in anticipation as the assassin clutched onto her face (mostly the mask) and how she hunched over, hiding her face from their prying eyes or in pain (they couldn't tell). Though Integra and Seras were taken aback by Alucard's rash move they hadn't exactly disapproved of it either as the mask was now starting to shatter and tiny pieces fell through the assassin's fingers and crumbled onto the ground.

The mask hadn't shattered completely but now the mask looked like a shattered glass. A sharp hissing sound came from the female and she harshly yanked the mask off of her face. The more they watched her; the more convinced they were that it was her.

At first Integra thought that the hissing sound was being emitted from the assassin herself however it was coming from the mask. Integra furrowed her brows and squinted at the mask, it seemed to have somehow ceased the bullet from reaching her skull and was now shoving the bullet out.

The trio held their breath as the assassin rose: if it wasn't her (the girl… well woman they thought to be) then this assassin was either taking her time to plan out their deaths or was an amateur and didn't know what to do, however that was highly unlikely.

The mask now rested in the female's hand and two discretely memorizing eyes were staring right back at them. A mix of dazzling blue and hard green stared right back them.

It was Yuki.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Hello peoples. I know I haven't updated in forever but I was hoping that this little Halloween gift would make up for it ^_^" no? I know, I'm a day late but Happy Halloween, I just had a lot of work do to recently.

Oh and thank you all for your lovely reviews, it really motivated me to write this long a chapter. Also, someone asked if the song I used when Yuki first appeared was fake or real. To answer your question my good reviewer, it is a real song. It's by (Upon a burning body – sin city). Personally, I loved that song and I was addicted to it for like weeks.

*Whispers* Oh and MonaTheGreat. Thank you so much for reviewing Hellsing's new card and Tainted Angel. I'm glad you like my fictions.