A/N: I'm thoroughly exhausted. I went to Cedar Point for the first time yesterday and I suppose I'm more of a Ride Warrior than I thought I was. 0_o Sigh, well anyway, here's the tenth chapter. Special thanks to Alucard-Nightroad89 and MarzBarz for actually giving me the morale-boosting feedback I so desperately need. They understand that good (or bad) reviews are sometimes the best gift a writer can give. It shows them that their work is being read. Also, critiquing is good because it helps me improve. I certainly don't want to get lazy with my work.

Here's the new chapter.

Ten

Wynter sighed heavily as she stared out at the twilight horizon across the water of the Thames. They were almost in London again. Because of Wynter's recurring fever, she was more susceptible to the sun's power, so Sasha had arranged an evening train ride to London. Most of the cabal had panicked when Wynter told them she was leaving, but she assured them that it was for the best. Clearly, the enemy saw her as a threat. If they intended to attack again, they'd have to do so in the territory of the greatest threat to all vampires; Hellsing. An organization to which, Wynter boasted membership in the brooch that Integra had given her the year before, stating that she'd be welcomed back if she ever chose to return.

Across the aisle from her, Sasha yawned widely and sighed, "How are your wings doing, Wyn?"

"Stop calling me that. And they're doing fine, Sasha," Wynter mumbled. Sasha growled something unintelligible to herself, "Damn it," she snapped, "If I find out that that damn paladin did in fact play a role in what happened to your wings, I'll—"

"Sasha, knock it off," Wynter muttered, cutting in, "For the last time, Anderson had nothing to do with what Dorcas and Harriet did to me."

Sasha sighed and glared out the window, folding her arms in a childish pout, "Wynter, why do you defend him?"

"I don't defend just him, I defend everyone you unjustly accuse," Wynter back lashed. Sasha stuck out her lower lip, "That's not fair; he's the only one I unjustly accuse," she snapped. "Name one other person undeserving of my suspicion,"

"Samantha for suspecting you of stealing that orange last month, Simon for being a pervert, Alucard and Seras for blackmailing me, that fisherman for spying on us, the—"

"Okay, okay, I said just one." Sasha growled. Wynter chuckled, "And now, add Anderson to that list and you've about come full circle,"

"Shut up," Sasha muttered, tossing a magazine at her. Wynter smiled, "You know, now that I think about it, this will be the first time you've ever seen Hellsing, won't it?"

"Yeah, I guess you're right. You've only ever spoken of it, but I've never actually been there," Sasha answered, "Tell me, what's it like?"

"I only spent a short time there. From what I understand, Alucard lives in the basement and has spent the last hundred or so years serving the Hellsing family. I remember back when they first became a vampire hunting organization. I always used to worry that my master had gotten mixed up in their affairs. Now I'm starting to realize that he not only got mixed up, he was the very center of their whole existence in the first place,"

"So you're saying that that whole thing was an historical account?"

Wynter shrugged, "Who knows? Alucard likes hypnotizing people. Maybe he had a hand in that whole scenario,"

Sasha shook her head, "Man, you vampires are weird. But I guess Alucard's like your dad, huh?" she said with a slight melancholic air.

"I guess you could look at it like that. After all, I have no memories of my human years, so he kind of is. Were you remembering your dad, or something?" Wynter asked her. Sasha grew somewhat sullen at the mention of her late father. She nodded slowly, "Yeah."

"Tell me about him," Wynter said. Sasha smiled weakly and hunched over slightly, staring into space as she sorted through her memories;

"He was a joker," Sasha muttered, "Every year on my birthday, he'd come up with some new prank. Trick candles, shaving cream frosting atop a fake cardboard cake with the real cake hidden in the closet, that sort of thing. Up until we lost mom, he was the epitome of wise cracks and shenanigans and every day spent with him was a blast. But...when mom was, well...you know... dad changed. He became quiet and moody, often locking himself in his study for hours on end. I'd hear him crying through the door. He refused to talk to me. We used to all enjoy family dinners together. Take-out was a thing of myth for us. But after what happened to mom, dad stopped cooking at night. We were pretty much left with whatever we could find. Our neighbors thought mom was killed in a car accident. That was the story dad told. They sometimes brought food over for us,"

"Why did your father tell them it was a car accident?" Wynter asked.

"Oh come on, would people really believe my mom was killed by a vampire? Even the autopsy-technicians suspected something was wrong when mom was brought in. They questioned her severe lack of blood, so she was labeled as an undiagnosed anemic. Dad couldn't take the news that mom was gone and because of a vampire, no less. So he just...withdrew from everything; his friends, his family, even me. Finally, one night while I was reading in my room, I heard a single gunshot from down in his study. I only remember running down and finding my dad's body on the floor, the gun still in his hand. After that, it's all a blur. I just remember despising vampires for what they did to my family,"

Sasha scowled at nothing in particular, seemingly lost in her unwanted reveries. Wynter suddenly felt a flash of guilt for asking about Sasha's family. She also felt tremendous anger toward the vampire that did this to her family. Like many humans whose lives had been ruined by vampires, Sasha believed that vampires were heartless, evil creatures with no sense of morality.

"Of course," Sasha continued, looking up and smiling. Wynter could see right through it as Sasha sat up, "That was before I met you, Wynter,"

"Don't lie to me, Sasha," Wynter said sternly. Sasha frowned, "Huh?" she said. Wynter sighed. "Listen, you hate vampires. Even now, you continue to hate them. Knowing me makes no difference in your beliefs, Sasha. A vampire murdered your mother and caused your father's death. Don't act like I'd be offended if you told me that despite knowing me, you still hate vampires,"

Sasha hummed, "But Wynter, I don't hate you. Vampire or not, you're still my best friend," Sasha told her. Wynter sighed and tossed the magazine back, smacking her on the nose, "And you, my friend, are a sappy human. Quit with the soapbox crap and read your magazine. I'm going to sleep,"

Sasha blinked in surprise and smiled, chuckling, "Whatever you say, you creep," she said, opening up the magazine and flipping through it.

In all actuality, Sasha had never been to London, period. For a long time, Sasha had really lived in Germany because of her dad's job. She'd only come to England when she followed Wynter back from Japan where she'd been staying with relatives, now gone from this world.

When the train pulled into the station, Wynter had to resist the urge to laugh out loud at Sasha, who acted like a little kid seeing the outside world for the first time.

"Woah! Is that the Tower of London?" she exclaimed, pointing at Big Ben. Wynter chuckled, "No, that's not. The Tower of London isn't actually a tower, Sasha. It's a compilation of smaller buildings, more or less,"

Wynter had called ahead and told Integra what was going on. She'd had Walter meet the two of them there. To Wynter's surprise, Alucard had tagged along as well for whatever reason.

Walter bowed respectfully as they approached, "Good afternoon, Ms. Wynter," he said, "It's been a long time,"

"It certainly has. You're looking well, Walter," Wynter said, "Good afternoon, master," she said to Alucard. Alucard tipped his hat up slightly, "You're looking rather queasy, Wynter," he pointed out.

"If you must know, I'm feeling rather sick at the moment," Wynter snapped. She frowned in confusion when Alucard tilted his head, peering around her. She realized that Sasha had hidden behind her again and yanked her out into the open, "Stop hiding!" she hissed. She smiled, "This is Sasha Pevensy. She and Alucard have already met, though," she said to Walter. Walter nodded, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Pevensy. My name is Walter Dornez,"

"Oh," Sasha said, "You're the one Marjorie talked about,"

Walter's eyebrow raised in surprise, "Marjorie?" he said, gazing up at the sky as he wracked his memory, "Ah, yes that younger-looking vampire. Met her back in Warsaw. God, I'd nearly forgotten. So she remembered me, eh?" he said with a light chuckle.

"Yes," Sasha answered, "But from the way she talked, I'd assumed you'd be much younger," she said, earning a sharp jab from Wynter. Walter chuckled bemusedly, "Well, to her, it might have seemed that way. That was back in 1941, after all," he said, smiling. He frowned, "Or was it 1944? I can't seem to recall, it's been so long,"

Alucard sighed heavily, "Walter, how can you stand it? Growing old seems like torture," he exclaimed. Walter made a sound of indignation, "Nonsense. I've said it before, Alucard, age is a traditional pleasure for English gentlemen. Honestly, how many times must I remind you?"

"As many as it takes," Alucard said with a grin. Walter rolled his eyes and turned back to Wynter and Sasha, "Well then, Integra has explained the situation to us. You can regale your side of the story on the way," he said to the Draculina. He opened the door to the car for them and Sasha and Wynter climbed inside. Walter got in and started the car, while Alucard leaned his head on the window of the passenger's seat. Walter started the engine and pulled away from the station.

"So then," Walter said back to them, "I understand that a cabal of peaceful vampires has formed in Bristol, is that correct?"

Wynter sighed, "Yes, it is. Marjorie, that vampire you two met in WWII, is the leader of this cabal. I go about as the mock leader to draw attention away from her at the same time as heading our defensive squadron. I had hoped to keep them a secret from Hellsing, but with this recent incident in Rome, our plans failed,"

"So I understand. From what I gather, enemy vampires attacked you and, er, tore your wings off?" Walter said awkwardly. Wynter nodded, "That's correct. As I explained, Sasha had been injured and I took her to a nearby convent. These vampires are only a mild interference to us. I'm more worried about Iscariot,"

Walter frowned, "Understandable," he said, "Now, if you please, explain about your wings,"

"They've already grown back, surprisingly," Wynter said, "This has happened a few times before and I always grew them back over the course of a few months. But for some reason, this time was far quicker than the others. Also, the fever didn't last as long,"

Walter hummed, "I see," he said, "Are they functional as of now? Your wings, I mean,"

"Quite functional. I intend to take a test flight when we arrive,"

Alucard grinned, "I'm willing to bet you're relieved to return, Wynter," he said. Wynter sighed, "Yes, I did miss this place," Wynter told him, "Hellsing is quite the unusual locale. After all, there aren't many supernatural defensive systems out there with vampires on the payroll, are there?"

"No, I doubt there are," Alucard said, "And good thing for that, too,"

Wynter leaned forward and plopped her chin on his shoulder, staring at him with a wry grin, "And I'm willing to bet that you haven't changed a bit, huh master?" she said. Alucard glanced to the side at her and chuckled, "Don't bet, Wynter. You're a poor gambler. Besides, if I can't have any fun, then what's the point?" he said with a shrug.

Wynter chuckled, "You're nuts, you know that, Alucard?"

"Thank you. I try,"

Wynter laughed and pushed herself back into her seat, folding her arms, "It really is good to be back, though," she said with a smile.

Sasha glanced over at her friend curiously. She hadn't seen Wynter genuinely smile in quite some time now, but the mention of the Hellsing Organization seemed to bring out a lighter side of her.

Within twenty minutes, Wynter sat up slightly and nudged Sasha lightly, "Look, you can see it now," she said.

Sasha leaned forward and peered out the windshield. Ahead was a large, elegant mansion situated between the hills.

"Is that it?" she asked. Wynter nodded, "Yup. That's the Hellsing Manor," she explained, "We'll find Sir Integra there,"

"So uh...," Sasha said, "What's he like?"

"Who?"

"Sir Integra,"

Wynter suddenly burst out laughing and Alucard smirked and shook his head. Walter cleared his throat. Sasha looked from each of them and back again, frowning, "What? What'd I say? What?"

Wynter, still giggling, smiled and clapped her on the back, "Sasha, you're too funny," she said, "I'm sorry. I should have explained earlier. Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, the leader of the Hellsing Organization, is actually a 'she', Sasha,"

Sasha blinked, "Huh? Okay, my English dialect may be way off, but then wouldn't it then be Dame Integra?"

"You'd think so, but it's not. She's what's called a Hereditary Baroness. They're not very common," Wynter explained, "So when you speak to her, address her as Sir Integra,"

Sasha looked more confused than ever, but she nodded slowly.

They pulled up outside the main gate and Walter got out, moving around to open the door for them. Wynter stepped out and thanked him as she turned to the figure standing outside the gates, awaiting their arrival. She smiled slightly, eyes narrowed as she pushed her long, almost white hair out of her face, "It's been a long time," she said to Wynter.

"Yes, it has been. It's good to see you again, Sir Integra," Wynter said with a bow. Alucard brushed past without a word to his master, a severe breach in etiquette that he was completely aware of. Integra glowered at him as he passed and he just smirked. He was messing with her. Walter chuckled as he moved forward, "Please forgive him, Sir Integra," he said, "He's in a peculiar mood today,"

"So I see," Integra muttered. She turned back to Wynter and her stony gaze fell on Sasha, who again cowered behind the vampire. Wynter sighed and shoved her out in front of her, "This is my friend and roommate, Sasha Pevensy," she said.

"Sasha Pevensy," Integra said, "Your name sounds familiar,"

"I'm...I'm a former vampire hunter," Sasha gritted out nervously. Integra's brow raised at this, "'Former'? Tell me, why did you give it up?"

"Uh...," Sasha mumbled, reluctant to go into details, "Well...you know, uh...stuff happens,"

Integra chuckled and sighed, "If you wish to keep your secrets, that's fine. It's not my place to pry," she said. She faced Wynter, "I've been informed of the situation. You still have it, I presume?"

Wynter reached into the lining of her shawl, fishing around until she came across it. She extended her fist and opened her hand, revealing the Hellsing coat of arms brooch that she'd received the year prior. Integra nodded in approval, "This is quite acceptable," she said, "Very well then, Wynter. Welcome back to Hellsing,"

"It's good to be back, Sir Integra," Wynter said quietly.

Integra glanced upward toward the overcast sky, shielding her eyes, "Hm, it looks like rain. Why don't you two come in, then. I'll have Walter make some tea,"

/ooo/

Wynter was quite surprised. Integra was treating them like guests. She invited them to join her in the drawing room for tea. Wynter remembered this room well. It was there that she'd rediscovered her subconscious love of music by playing a complicated piece she'd previously never even heard before. She took a seat in one of the chairs across from Integra and sighed softly, "It's like I never left. Everything's exactly as I remembered it," she said.

"It's been only a single year, Wynter," Integra pointed out bemusedly. Wynter smiled, "To a creature like me, to whom time means nothing whatsoever, I could very easily have lost track of the days,"

"True enough," Integra replied.

While Wynter seemed adapted to this type of somewhat lavish environment, Sasha felt heavily out of place. Integra looked up from her chair beside the hearth, "Take a seat, Ms. Pevensy," she said. Sasha looked around self-consciously and did as she was told, sitting down in a chair a few feet away close to Wynter.

"Don't be so nervous," Integra said, "I'm not going to bite. I leave that to our resident monsters," she said with a light chuckle. Sasha smiled slightly, even though the joke was both weak and somewhat true and Integra knew it. It was enough to loosen the tension.

Walter brought their tea in and offered it to each of them. He brought a transfusion bag for Wynter in case she preferred it. She declined politely, preferring the tea over the blood.

Integra stirred two sugar cubes into hers and offered it to the two of them. Sasha still felt uncomfortable, but accepted it gratefully for her tea. After stirring two in as well, she took a sip and her eyes widened, "Wow, this is delicious," she said, "What is it?"

"Ceylon," Integra told her, "It's a favorite around this place. Now then, Wynter, Alucard has informed me of your activities as of late. From what I understand, it seems that one fifth of Bristol's population is comprised of peaceful vampires, am I correct?"

"Yes, sir," Wynter said with a completely blank face, "I apologize, but I had originally intended to keep this a secret from Hellsing. However, owing to our unusual circumstances, I felt that you should know about it,"

Integra hummed, folding her hands beneath her chin as she studied the vampire carefully, "So, this cabal, tell me about it,"

"For the record, Sir Integra, we're a community of vampires who wish only for anonymity. We don't bite humans, we leave humans alone for the most part and we keep to ourselves except in times of dire need,"

"Interesting. How do you feed so many individuals? Surely a mass case of humans disappearing from Bristol would have reached our attention," she said skeptically with a tilt of her head.

"We have both humans and older vampires working in the medical field, as well as Helene Du Beaumont, now working under the name Ellen Sinclair. They run blood drives to acquire food for our vampires, without revealing where exactly the blood is going, of course,"

Integra processed this information, "How many of you are there, exactly?"

"About forty-eight. We keep track of everyone through an in-depth registry. But with Iscariot prowling the streets of Bristol, it's hard to keep it hidden. They only recently discovered that Marjorie is our leader,"

Integra hummed, "I see. Wynter, you are aware of Hellsing's policy; search and destroy all supernatural and satanic threats to the crown, correct?"

At these words, Sasha felt a stab of panic rise up in her chest. Wynter cleared her throat, "Yes, Sir Integra, I'm aware," she said. Integra nodded, "Good. Are any individuals in particular a direct threat to England and Her Majesty?"

Wynter remained totally stoic, "Not that I'm aware of, Sir Integra. Rest assured, any breach in conduct is reported directly to me and the perpetrators are dealt with severely,"

To Sasha's surprise, Integra smiled slyly, "I see," she said, "Well then, it appears that no threat has caught my attention. I see no reason to send Alucard to Bristol at this time," she said.

Sasha breathed a sigh of relief and Wynter smiled, "Thank you, Sir Integra. I promise that this group is trustworthy. No vampire under my watch is going to betray your trust, I assure you," she said.

"Very good," Integra said.

Sasha felt her heartbeat ceasing slightly as Integra switched topics to question Wynter on the political state of the cabal. She couldn't believe it. Wynter had managed to stay calm during a possible death sentence for the cabal. Sasha couldn't help but admire Wynter's nerves. She couldn't imagine how many years it must have taken to stabilize them so well.

"So then," Integra said, setting her cup aside, "Sasha, how did you happen to meet Wynter?"

Sasha looked up, "Huh?" she said blandly, "Sorry, I sorta spaced out,"

Integra looked a little irritated at having to repeat herself, but she sighed, "How did you meet Wynter? You might be aware that she's quite a powerful vampire and many humans tend to avoid her. How are you different?"

"Oh. Uh, well, Wynter kinda saved my life," Sasha said, "I was about to be killed and she stepped in and saved me,"

"I see," Integra said, "I'm assuming you don't care to go into details,"

"Yeah. Sorry,"

"I understand. People are perfectly allowed to keep their secrets. Now then, the two of you are going to be staying here for quite some time. Wynter, your chamber in the sub-levels is still available if you wish to use it again,"

"Thank you, Sir Integra. Since Sasha and I started using that apartment building Marjorie acquired, I've taken to sleeping indoors more often,"

"Good. To be quite frank, nomadic vampires are rare for a very good reason. Now then, Sasha, I'll have a guest room prepared for you on the second floor. However, do you have any skills worth contributing for your board here?"

"I'm a pretty good shot," Sasha said, "And I have a thing for computers,"

"Fine. While you're here, you'll give our newer men pointers at the shooting range on occasion. I apologize, but we can't harbor just anyone, these days. Our budget is tight and you'll have to earn your keep,"

"I understand. Don't worry, I'm a good worker," Sasha said, smiling.

"That's a good attitude. Wynter, you'll be joining Alucard and Seras again. I'm sure you won't have much problem with that arrangement,"

"No, I won't. In fact, I look forward to it."

"All right then," Integra said, standing up, "Wynter, I assume you know the way, but Walter will escort you down to the sub-levels. Ms. Pevensy, I'd like to speak with you, so I'll escort you to your room," she said.

Sasha hummed, "I guess we're going to have to say goodbye then," she said to Wynter. Wynter smiled, "I'm only going to be in the basement. If you need me, you know what to do," she said.

"Right. Scream my head off,"

Integra furrowed her brow at that and sighed. Wynter chuckled and waved to Sasha as she followed Walter out of the room. Sasha was left with the enigmatic leader of the Hellsing Organization. Integra strode toward the door, glancing back at Sasha, "Come along, then," she said. Sasha jumped slightly, but hurried after her, following her down the hallway.

"So then," Integra said, "You don't seem the type to mingle with members of the undead very easily, Ms. Pevensy,"

"You mean there are people who do it on a regular basis?" Sasha asked.

"If by 'people' you mean Walter and myself, then yes, there are,"

"Oh, right, sorry," Sasha said.

"Why do you follow Wynter? She saved your life, but I can clearly see that she frightens you," Integra said. Sasha appeared uncomfortable, but she sighed, "You're right. She terrifies me. But at the same time, I respect her a lot. She's always looking out for me and protecting me. About two weeks ago, she risked her life to save me by bringing me to a convent when I was injured."

"Why would she go to such great lengths to protect you?" Integra asked.

"I don't really know. I mean, she went up against that damned Paladin to save me. He could have killed her,"

"Paladin? Do you mean Alexander Anderson?" Integra exclaimed.

"Yeah,"

"Well, in that case, Wynter's either extremely brave and dedicated, or just plain daft,"

"I take it you've met him," Sasha said dryly. Integra sighed, pushing her glasses further up the bridge of her nose, "I'm familiar," she grumbled. Sasha giggled.

Integra led her to the edge of the west wing. She opened a door at the very end of the corridor and ushered Sasha inside. The room was sparsely, though elegantly decorated. A four-poster bed was set up against the far left wall with a dresser against the wall by the foot of the bed. There was a small table and two wooden chairs placed beside it on an oriental rug situated in the center of the room. A small wooden vanity graced the far right corner. Sasha noticed that there were no mirrors in the room. Integra seemed to sense Sasha's thoughts as she stepped inside, hands folded behind her back, "Alucard has a peculiar habit of using mirrors to watch what happens in the manor," she explained, "Do not jump to conclusions. As perverted as that sounds, he only does it because there are times when I'm forced to lock him down in the sub-levels and it's his way of seeing what goes on in the world during his absence." she said somewhat dryly.

"How do you know this?" Sasha asked, "It sounds like the kind of talent that he could keep hidden,"

"Because when I was younger, I awoke to see my bedside mirror covered with dozens of red eyes staring down at me. That's how I know," she snapped, "You may come and go as you please. If you get hungry, feel free to either call for something or get it yourself. I suggest getting some rest. You'll be working with some fresh recruits tomorrow to prove how good a shot you claim to be,"

"Um, are you calling me a liar?" Sasha asked timidly.

"No. I'm simply telling you to be prompt. There's nothing I hate more than having to repeat myself."

She turned to leave. But she was halfway out the door when she paused with a small, "Oh,". She turned around, "By the way, I'd warn you not to wander at night. Alucard patrols the grounds at night and his policy is often to attack first, ask questions later. He might mistake you for a threat and by the time you realize this, it'll have been far too late,"

Sasha felt her skin crawling in fear, but she gulped and nodded, "Y-Yes ma'am," she stammered. Integra left the room without a word. Sasha was left by herself as she turned and sat down on the edge of the bed, staring around the room in curiosity. She missed her room back in Bristol. This place was so incredibly huge that she feared she might get lost if she so much as stepped outside.

"I wonder how Wynter's doing? I'll bet it's pretty creepy down in the basement. Integra said that there was already a room for her, there. I guess she spent some time here, before,"

Sasha got up and moved toward the ornate glass window. She pushed back the curtains, allowing the quarter moon to illuminate her entire room. She folded her arms, feeling the spot under her shirt where the wound had been stitched up. She still couldn't understand why Wynter had risked her life to save her like that. After all, in her dim memories of that night, Sasha recalled hearing Wynter tell Anderson to kill her if it meant he'd agree to save her life. Sasha knew that Wynter was using her own life as a bargaining chip to save her. Why did she try so hard to protect her? She wondered if Wynter even knew the answer to that herself.

/ooo/

Wynter sat down on the edge of her bed and sighed, "It really is good to be back," she said, "For some reason, I feel incredibly safe in these musty old catacombs,"

Walter nodded, watching her, "Of course," he said, "No one comes down here. It's the perfect place for a weary vampire to rest in safety and seclusion,"

"Before, I'd always buried myself. I never actually used this room when I was here last, except when I needed to. By the way, is Wally Copperfield still here?"

"He is. Since your departure, he finally shaped up. He's shown drastic improvement and has become captain of a small unit of fifteen men,"

Wynter hummed in approval, "Not bad. I'm impressed. It's about time the lad grew up," she remarked. Walter chuckled, "He's hardly a lad, Wynter. He's a good head taller than you are,"

Wynter undid her shawl and folded it in her lap, "From where I stand, you're all but children in my eyes," she said.

"You may have an arguably good point there," Walter said, "Alucard's told me that you were once a French aristocrat and from the research I did on you when you first arrived, I discovered this as well. However, I don't really believe it when I see you,"

"Understandable. I've all but forgotten how to speak French to begin with, and according to Marjorie, any accent I may have had has disappeared without a trace. However, Sasha tells me, sometimes in her own words, that I am the epitome of elegance, hinting to my background. But I don't see it. It would seem I spent too long in England. You people have rubbed off on me,"

"So it would seem. Now then, what do you plan to do?"

"I thought I'd test my new wings, see if I can still fly. Because they came in so quickly, I'm concerned that they didn't develop properly,"

She shifted her shoulders, unfolding her wings and stretching them out to their full length, almost ten feet each. Walter's eyes widened briefly, " Ms. Wynter, forgive me, but they seem much larger than before," he commented.

"They are. They're about five inches longer than they used to be. They should be stronger this time around. However, they're a little awkward, for some reason. I have difficulty folding them down properly, which will inevitably make it more difficult to hide," she muttered. She crossed them against her back with surprisingly more ease than Walter expected and sighed, "Guess I'll go, then," she said.

"Ms. Wynter," Walter said, "I do have a question for you. You struck me as being strictly a solitary type when you left. So why the human companion?"

Wynter paused on her way to the door, "You mean Sasha?" she asked without turning around, "Sasha claims that I saved her life. In reality, she saved mine. I owe her, and I always pay back my debts, no matter what they are,"

"You sound less than proud of that fact," Walter pointed out. Wynter hummed, "I guess I'm not happy with it right now," she told him, "I owe someone else a debt, too. I'm really not happy about this,"

"Might I be so bold as to ask who it is?"

"Anderson," she said nonchalantly. Walter faltered in alarm, but didn't say anything as Wynter left the room. Walter blinked in astonishment and sighed, shaking his head, "Now what could she have meant by that?" he wondered.

Up on the roof, the wind from the sea was blowing an enormous storm in from the east. Wynter stood up on the heliport, wings extended, hair billowing wildly behind her as she worked with the idea of whether to fly or not. She'd been looking forward to touching the sky again, but now, she wasn't sure. Lightning wouldn't kill her, but if she were to be grounded because of it while in mid-flight, she could be in danger. Instead, she wrapped her wings around herself and sat down to just enjoy the storm.

"Better safe than sorry," she muttered. The black clouds resembled an angry god lashing his wrath down upon the earth. It was eerie, but then, Wynter had faced scarier things than an enraged god. Even despite all this, for some reason, her thoughts went out to Tobias. She hadn't thought of him for a while, not since meeting Sasha, anyway.

"How are you doing, I wonder," she whispered to herself, "It's been so long. I sure hope I'm not forgetting you, Tobias."

She sighed, folding her wings against her back as she stood up with the coming rain, moving back toward the stairs. There was no way she was staying out, now.

Besides, she was tired and a good rest would do her good. Something told her that things were about to change. She felt she should be ready for it.

A/N: I've got three plots going on in this story all at once. It's really confusing maintaining them. My eyes aren't focusing today and my glasses are doing no good whatsoever, so I'm gonna call it for today. Hope you liked this chapter!