The Royal Palace soon came into view, and Integra felt her heart rate increase despite her resolve not to get nervous. It wasn't that she was afraid, she had faced elite vampire warriors in single combat without so much as battering an eyelash. But this was different. Integra had never been much of a politician, due to the fact that her position had been guaranteed by birth right and blood. Well, that and she just tended to hammer her foes into submission. But now things were different. As the head of Hellsing, she had sworn to hunt down and kill all undead monsters that infested the world. But through a bizarre twist of fate, she had fallen in love with one of the things she had sworn to destroy. No, she thought. Alucard is not a thing. He is a person. Maybe an ancient, slightly demented and sometimes sadistic person, but a person none the less. And not only had she fallen in love with him, she had allowed him to impregnate her. And then, only last week, she had been fatally wounded in battle, and had allowed him to bite her and make her his bride, turning her into a vampire.
Integra looked down at her hand and saw the diamond ring she now wore there on her wedding finger. When Alucard had turned her, he had asked her to become his bride, and Integra had agreed. Hell, she was already in love with the old fool, and carrying his child, getting married had only made sense. But now that she was a vampire, she new that becoming his bride was a eternal commitment. When vampires marry, they do so for life, or until one dies. Alucard had told her this, but she had agreed anyway. She had come to love Alucard with all her heart, and the thought of him always being by her side was reassuring. Now they were were married in vampire fashion, having drank each others blood and swore by the blood they now shared that they would remain together in this world for the rest of their lives. Their had been no need for rings, but Alucard, in a rare moment of clarity and understanding, had gotten them rings anyway, allowing Integra to hold onto some of the traditions she had been raised with.
No one at Hellsing knew that Integra had become a vampire, fore she had hidden that from them, she even took off the ring in public. When she returned to the Mansion tonight, she would tell them then. She had wanted to tell them, but she was afraid it would have leaked to the Convention before she could tell them her self. When the Convention of 12 found out she was now a vampire, in love with Alucard and pregnant with his child, they would most likely take extreme and drastic action, possibly even trying to have her, Alucard and even Seras all killed. That is why she had to be there, personally, when the Convention learned her newest and most shocking secret.
Seras was sitting next to her in the car, and she seemed to sense Integra's growing anxiety, for she placed a hand on Interga's arm. "Don't worry, I'm hear. And don't forget that Alucard is always by your side" She said softly. "If things get out of hand, all you have to do is say his name, and he will appear by your side." Seras knew all about Integra and Alucard, she had been there when they had taken the vampire marriage blood oath, and new that Integra was pregnant. Both Integra and Alucard were no longer her masters, but she had stayed with them anyways. They were her family, and the only people she truly trusted. The fact that they were all vampires only strengthened their loyalties and connection to each other.
The car turned away from the palace and entered a private underground parking lot two blocks away, and the door opened and Seras climbed out. She held out her hand, helping Integra out. Integra straitened, squared her shoulders, and strode forward, Seras walking behind her. The parking lot had a secret tunnel into the palace, allowing the Convention of 12 to enter and leave the Palace unseen or disturbed. As they approached, the guards opened the door and ushered them in. Seconds later they entered a rail car and were rushed off to the palace. Shortly they arrived and strode off once more, Integra's mind racing over all the possible outcomes of this meeting, few of which ended well for her.
Soon, too soon it seemed, they arrived at the meeting room, and the guards opened the doors for them, allowing them in. All the members were already seated and waiting, as usual. They all starred at her as she entered, and Integra calmly sat down in her customary chair, not showing any of the internal turmoil she felt.
"Greeting's, Sir Integra. I am glad to see that you have graced us with your presence. I understand it was you who called for this meeting so quickly after the battle. Normally we would wait several more days to gather and rally our forces. What is so important that we all had to postpone our duties and gather together at such a critical time?" As he spoke, Integra breathed deeply, steadying herself. When he finished speaking and all the members looked at her expectantly, Integra spoke calmly, careful not to slide her fangs into view, or to let her mixed feelings affect her eyes.
"I called the convention together to discuss my current predicament, one that I have kept hidden from all of you out of necessity, due to fear of being removed as leader of Hellsing. However, I know that eventually it will leek out, and I believe that it would be better if it was I who told the convention, than some spy or informant." As she said that, all the members starred at intently, suddenly very interested in what she had to say. To say that she had feared she would be removed as the leader of Hellsing meant that what ever she was hiding was either forbidden or quite dangerous. Either way, this should prove to be interesting.
Integra slowly rose to he feet and clasped her hands behind her. She closed her eyes and said calmly. "The truth of the matter is that I was mortally wounded in battle one week ago when the Iscarion Remnants attacked." Integra opened her eyes and exhaled, and said strongly. "Shortly after, I died." As she spoke, the men sitting at the table all starred at he in confusion, none of them quite understanding. "Excuse me, Integra, but what do you mean, you died? You stand before us now. Are you saying your a ghost?" The last part was in jest, the man trying to hide his confusion and fear.
Integra only shook her head. "I am no ghost. But though I stand before you, I am no longer alive, nor will I ever be counted among the living." She paused, drew a deep breath, and said with authority . "When I died, my servant Alucard turned me into a vampire!" As she said the last part, she opened her mouth slightly, her new fangs glittering in the light. Every person in the room, even the guards against the wall, starred at her in shock and disbelief, no one of them bothering to hide their thoughts or feelings. Many of the guards against the wall tensed at this information, and when Seras saw them reaching for their guns, she hissed warningly, her eyes livid and glowing, her guns already drawn and resting against her thighs.
Just when all the guards seemed to attack, the Queen's iron willed voice boomed out, "All men, hold! HOLD I SAY!" The guards all glance at the Queen and slowly relaxed, though their hands all remained near their guns. Seras like wise relaxed, they she kept her guns drawn.
The Queen was sitting on a raised throne at the end of the room opposite of Integra,and as usual, that end of the room was dark, cloaking the woman in shadows. But for the first time, Integra could see into the deep shadows as clear as day, and she saw that the Queen was starring at her intently. After a long period of silence, the Queen spoke again. "You say that Alucard turned you into a vampire. Do you mean he found you wounded and turned you against your will? Or did you, fearing death, summon him and order him to save you from death by making you into a vampire?" Integra shook her head and spoke calmly, ignoring all the men at the table. "Neither one, your Majesty." The Queen paused only briefly, then said slowly. "Then pray tells us, how did he turn you into a vampire?"
"When I lay wounded, Alucard sensed my situation and appeared next to me. He offered to make me a vampire, and I refused at first. I told him I wasn't afraid to die. But he told me that if I died, the baby I now carry in my womb would die with me." Integra ignored the mutterings and whispered comments the men at the table were making to each other, though she could now clearly hear and understand them. The Queen didn't react when Integra revealed she was pregnant, though Integra's new senses allowed her to notice that the Queen's eyes widened slightly, and her heart beat increased when Integra mentioned she was now pregnant.
"I see. So, fearing for your child's life, you accepted the offer to become a vampire. The baby was already conceived, so becoming a vampire then wouldn't change it." The Queen paused and gazed at her with an odd expression on her face. "As your Queen, I must say that I am most displeased with your choice, even appalled. But, as a woman and a mother, I can understand your choice. However, you must have realized the consequences your choice would have, correct."
" Yes, I did." Integra said with a nod. "And you still chose it anyway?" The Queen asked. Again, Integra nodded. "I see, very well. What do the other members of the convention think?" When the Queen asked this, Integra prepared herself. Here was the dangerous part. If the other Convention members wanted her gone, this was their chance. One man rose and asked. "You are the head of the Hellsing family, the greatest clan of vampire hunters this world has ever seen, and you chose to become a vampire. What does that say about your character?"
Once again Seras intervened on her behalf. "It says she a woman, you bloody fool. Any woman would do anything within their power to protect their child, born or unborn. I know many women who would have made the same choice as her." The man glared at Seras, but he slowly sat back down. Another one asked. "Who is the father, Integra?" At this, Integra felt her face grow red from anger. " I have always been an honorable and respectable woman. Even now, I uphold my honor, by telling you all myself, instead of hiding it away. I have been completely honest with you, even when many of you would have tried to pass the blame or make an excuse. There fore I think I have the right to keep the identity of the father to myself!" But even as she spoke, she knew they wouldn't let her.
And she was not surprised when another man said sternly. "Integra, you claim to be a proper and respectable woman, yet you bore a man's child without being married and now refuse to tell us who the father is." But before the man could say anything else, Integra raised her hand and showed off her new ring. "Who said anything about not being married? Just because you and the public don't know about it, doesn't mean it never happened. A woman in my position is forced to keep her private life to herself." And she spoke, she thought. Thank you, Alucard. Did he know this was coming and get me the ring for that reason, I wonder.
But the man only grimaced at the ring and continued speaking. "So how does the father, your husband, feel about being a vampire?" Integra thought about the irony of the question and smiled sweetly. "Oh, he doesn't mind one bit." In fact, allowing Alucard to turn me into a vampire has made him the happiest I have ever seen him.
At this point another man spoke up, one who had been friends with Integra's father and was Hellsing's largest supporter. "Really? Then I ask, no, I demand the right to meet this man!" Integra looked at him with interest. "Oh, really? Why?" The man calmly rose to his feet and said proudly. "I have known you since you were a girl, and any man who married you, fostered a child on you and then didn't object to you becoming a vampire is either a coward or a fool, and either way I am inclined to give him a piece of my mind!" Really? Hm, I guess they will never be satisfied till they know, and now is the best time, he practically invited me to summon Alucard. Oh well, be careful what you wish for, father always used to say.(That guy really should have listened:)
Integra nodded and said, "Very well, you wish to meet the father and address him, so be it. I'll have him brought here immediately." And then, before anyone could speak, she said loudly for all to hear. "Alucard." Only seconds later the ancient vampire, her husband and lover, Alucard, appeared right next to her. He quickly glanced around the room, and grinned when he saw several guards moving their hands closer to their guns. "You can reach for your guns if you want, but even triple blessed silver rounds wont do anything, beside make me angry, of course ." At that point, the men seemed to realize he spoke the truth, and lowered their hands.
Alucard looked back to Integra and said. "You called." Integra looked at him before turning back to her fathers friend and saying with a smile. "You wanted to meet my husband and the father of my child? You said that since he didn't object to me becoming a vampire, he was either a coward or a fool? Well, here he is. Alucard is my husband, and obviously the father. Care to say those things to Alucard's face?" As she spoke, she slowly sat down. Alucard turned and looked at the man, who was had gone pale and was sweating, starring at Alucard in fear. "Oh, really. Did he now?" Alucard said with a dangerous hiss, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Care to say that again? Or," Alucard paused, filling the air with tension, "should we skip that and go straight to the part where I have you for dinner?" The man began to shake and fell back into his seat, shaking his head profusely. Alucard smiled and said sweetly. "I didn't think so."
The rest of the men stared at at the two of them, many of them glaring in disapproval or even disgust. But before anyone else could object, the Queen spoke once more. "Integra says you are her husband. Is this true, Alucard?" Alucard looked at the Queen and smiled warmly in earnest. "It is good to see you again, my Queen. Every day you grow older, you grow more beautiful with wisdom. The answer to you question is yes. When we discovered she had become pregnant, I offered to turn her into a vampire then and there, but she refused. Instead, we agreed to get married in secret. The only person who ever knew was Seras here. No one, not even at Hellsing, ever knew about anything about Integra and I."
"I see. Alucard, what are you feelings for Integra. I know that she indeed a proper and respectable woman, and she would never bare your child unless she truly loved you. But you on the other hand, I know your history. Over the centuries, you have had several brides. I must know, are your feelings for Integra true, or is she just another trophy to remind you of your conquests?" Integra was furious at the Queen's implication, but Alucard said calmly. "You majesty is too cruel. It is true that over the years I have had several brides, however, you must also know that those marriages were for politics, power or appearances. None of them were turned into vampires, and none of those reasons matter to me any more. I love Integra, I have since I first met her when she was only twelve. I have watched over her, protected her, and served her in every way possible. The whole time I waited, waited until she was a grown woman. I did not force myself on her, and my feelings for her were, and are, real, and anyone who says other wise will meet a very painful and messy end! Furthermore, Integra is my bride, and anyone who questions her or her honor will answer to me!" As he spoke, Alucard glared around at the men gathered at the table, daring any one of them to speak up and challenge him, or to get up and insult his bride. Integra and Seras were one thing, but not one person at the table, no matter how powerful they were, would dare cross the ancient vampire. They all knew that all of their lives meant nothing to him, and if he wanted to, he could slaughter everyone at the meeting, and the guards would be powerless to stop him. No one, not even the most powerful military leaders in England, would ever cross Alucard on purpose. Well, actually, one man had 12 years ago, and that man had disappeared later that night never to be seen again, although pieces of his body were found from time to time. No one could prove Alucard had done it, but none of them doubted Alucard had killed the man, and none of them would cross him and risk the same fate.
Finally one man rose and said. "Very well, we have heard as much as we need to hear. We know the facts and the choices Integra made. The question now is this, what are the consequences of her actions?" As he spoke, he looked around at all the other men gathered there, his eyes finally coming to rest on Integra. "Integra, what do you expect us to do? To forgive you, to forget that you are no longer human, no longer even alive?"
Integra rose once more and said calmly. "For years now, Alucard has been my families greatest weapon. As long as he only attacked your enemies, the Convention of 12 has approved of employing him. In fact, I can remember many occasions where many of you, and your predecessors, have asked or even begged for Alucard's assistance on "a personal matter", you called them. And every single one of you hear owes their life to Seras and Alucard, many times over I might add. In fact, Alucard single hand-idly saved all of London, if not all of England." At this many of the men looked away, remembering the times where the two vampires had indeed saved their lives, or the lives of their friends and families. "My point is this, as long as they behaved accordingly, you let them be. Why should I be any different. Yes, I am the descendant of Van Hellsing, the greatest vampire hunter ever. But I have lead the organization Hellsing, both in hunting down vampires, and in open battle, and I can say with all certainty that I have killed more vampires than my ancestors ever even met. And I will continue to do so. Vampires as a species are violent, evil and dangerous, but as Alucard and Seras have proven, there are exceptions. I ask that I be allowed to continue to lead Hellsing. Monitor me closely if you like, I have never hidden anything from you accept my love for Alucard, and forgive me if you think keeping my love life to myself is a crime."
Integra paused and thought. Finally she spoke again. "I will let all of Hellsing know who and what I am. If they don't like me, they will be honorably discharged and transferred to other organizations, and if none of them will follow me, then I will resign willingly. But don't think that just because I have become a different species means I have changed my personality or mind set. I may be a vampire, but am still determined to protect my home land from all would be invaders and threats, alive, and undead. I never intended to one day become a vampire, but it happened. And just because I am a vampire won't stop me from hunting them down and killing them. When I was mortal, I ordered the deaths of humans. Now, I can just as easily order the dearth of vampires. I only ask that you think back to the many things I , and Alucard and Seras, have accomplished. Allow me to stay as the leader of Hellsing, for now any way. I may be a vampire, but my child won't be, not fully. MY child was conceived back when I was human, and may only be half vampire, or, it could be born completely human. Either way, when my child comes of age, I will step down willingly as leader of Hellsing."
When she finished speaking, Integra sat down and waited unsure of what the outcome would be. She had done it, laid everything on the line, so to speak. The Convention could easily order her execution, or the destruction of Hellsing, or any other sort of punishment. But as she felt the hopelessness of the situation, Alucard placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and spoke in a whisper that only her and Seras could hear. "Be calm, the Queen will side with you." And as Integra glanced at the Queen, the Queen met her eyes and nodded her head slightly. Moments later the Queen stood, and all the members of the Convention stood as well. The Queen spoke, her voice reaching everyone in the room.
"Long has Integra served this country and kingdom. She assumed leadership of Hellsing as a little girl, and never once had she faltered or failed, nor has she ever been disloyal to the crown and country in any way. Hellsing is her's by right of both birth and blood, but she has also earned the right to lead it. Hellsing is dedicated to wiping out vampires and their allies. And being a vampire, she is uniquely qualified to lead them. However, Integra, the fact is, you are a vampire, one of man kinds greatest and most deadly adversaries. There for, we cannot simply ignore you. There for, I make you this offer. You may retain leadership of Hellsing, so long as you accept several advisers who will be hand picked by me, and my descendants. These advisers will both help you, and watch you. Their purpose, to make sure that you remain who you are. As long they see that you are the Integra we all know, you will remain in charge of Hellsing, at least until you have a heir worthy of succeeding you. But should they see you giving in to your nature as a vampire and becoming an enemy of man, you will be relieved from power, and executed. What say you. Do you agree to these terms?"
Integra thought long and hard about the Queen's offer. The thought of having her life completely in the hands of strangers unsettled her. Should the advisers ever decide to lie and say she was a threat, the Queen would have her killed. On the other hand, if she said no, she could be killed on the spot. The offer was a good one, better than she had hoped. And the advisers would be handpicked and loyal to only the Queen. And Alucard could watch them. ALUCARD! She thought suddenly. Of course! He and Seras could easily prevent the advisers from betraying her, and even if they did, Seras and Alucard would always stand beside her. Her husband and her friend, always. It was Alucard and Seras that made up her mind.
"Of course, your Highness. I would gladly agree to these terms. However, and I mean no disrespect, your Highness, but for the sake of my child, my husband, and Hellsing, that the people you choose as advisers must be trusted individuals. Other than that, I have no objections."
The Queen nodded and said firmly. "They will indeed be most trusted individuals. Very well you may return to your Mansion now. And all other members, hear me now. As long as Integra remains true to Queen and county, you will treat her with the respect and dignity she deserves. If I hear any of you are doing other wise, I will be most displeased." And with that the Queen turned and left, ending the meeting. The others rose to their feet and left, some of the older member who had known her the longest nodded to Integra as they left, but most ignored her. It would take some time for them to adjust. Integra rose to her feet and found Alucard right by her side.
"So, my dear, shall we return home?" He asked innocently. Integra snorted and leaned forward and kissed him. "Don't get your hopes up old man. I know exactly what part of home you want to go to, but I'm afraid our bed will have to wait for another night. I must address all the remaining members of Hellsing and tell them the truth. I believe that many will stay, but who knows. The sooner we deal with this, the better." But as she finished, Alucard only grinned mischievously. Integra suddenly knew he was up to something. "What did you do?" She asked him suspiciously.
"Why, nothing my dear. At least, I didn't do anything. But Seras, well, I'm afraid Seras unfortunately gave all the men the night off. So that means no one will be at the Mansion, other than a few servants. So you might as well wait until tomorrow after noon to tell all the people at Hellsing the news. Which means," He paused, grinning even more. "That we can have a nice, relaxing, long, rest in your bed."
Integra turned and looked at Seras, who was starring at Alucard, her eyes wide. "Let me guess, you did give the men the night off, but Alucard told you to do it, didn't he?" Seras turned slightly pink and nodded her head. Integra sighed and turned back to her husband. "What am I going to do with you, old man." Alucard only grinned and raise d his eye brows. "Old man, eh? I seem to remember this old man teaching you a thing or two young girl, but, if you really want me to be my young and eager self, break out with the candles, we both know how much you enjoyed my energy that night."
Integra smiled and shook her head and smiled. "I guess I'm going to have to get used to this now. Who would have though an old goat like you had such a large appetite." And with that she left, Alucard by her side. Seras stayed put for a moment, shaking her head. I was right, I guess. They make quite the couple. And soon they will have a child, raising him or her should be fun. And the way those those two love each other, they'll probably have a whole clan of kids. The thought made Seras smile. She had always been fond of children, and she had a feeling she would probably end up as the nanny, after all, who else would be able to keep a horde of vampire children in line when Alucard and Integra were busy. Seras started after the two of them, a thought occurred to her that sent shivers down her spine. Oh, BLOODY HELL! That's the last thing we need. A small clan of adolescent vampires with Alucard's power and Integra's temperament. If the children are even half of their mother or father, their going to be a nightmare to raise. Suddenly the thought of being the nanny wasn't so appealing.
"Coming, Seras?" Integra asked. Seras looked up and hurried after Integra and Alucard. As they entered the car and headed back to the Mansion, she asked as innocently as possible. "By the way, have you two decided who the nanny will be?" Alucard and Integra looked at each other and then turned and looked at her, both wearing mischievous smiled. "Why, you of course." They said in unison. Seras put her head in her hands and said sadly. "I was afraid of that. Try no to have too many children. A small clan of those buggers with your powers and temper would be the death of me." Integra smiled and said, "Don't worry, we'll only have a few." Seras sighed in relief, but when she looked up and saw the hungry way Alucard was smiling and starring at his wife, Seras suddenly wonder just how man "a few" were.
But soon the Mansion came into view, and all thoughts of revealing Integra's secret, meeting the advisers, and raising hyperactive super strong vampire babies faded from the minds of the three friends. The thee of them had been through far worse, and they would deal with the upcoming challenges like they always would. But for now, they would relax and enjoy themselves, though Seras had a sneaking suspicion that Integra and Alucard were going to enjoy themselves far more than her tonight.
