Author's note: You thought you'd only get one chapter today, but it was me... DIO! (I'm sorry.) Anyway, this is a much longer chapter for all those who where waiting. Thank you all so much for reading! (Also, there's one hell of a cameo in this chapter...)
In time, things began to look up for the four young children. Integra grew closer to the three, Erina and Jonathan's bond grew greater than ever, and Dio actually seemed to be enjoying their friendship, even though he acted differently.
But in truth, Dio had just about enough of this little friendship Jonathan was gaining over Integra.
Just who the hell did JoJo think he was anyway? How on Earth did a bumbling oaf like him gain Integra's trust so easily? Her trust in JoJo greatly surpassed that of her trust him, and that vexed Dio to no end. What was that idiot doing that he wasn't? As the children walked home school that day, Dio shot a venomous glare at his stepbrother.
Curse you, JoJo.... Dio clenched his fists. He could feel his anger building as Jonathan laughed at a playful threat from Integra.
"I'm serious! I've been getting better too!" Jonathan explained, rousing Dio from his thoughts. As Dio came back to reality, he noted that Jonathan was flexing his arm, as if to show that he actually had some sort of muscle like he was actually strong. "You'll never see me lose another fight again!"
Erina nodded her head in agreeance, then looked to Integra, who seemed to not believe Jonathan in the slightest. "It's true, Integra! Jonathan's taken up boxing! He's quite good!"
Integra pushed up her glasses, not facing either of them as she continued to walk. "I find that hard to believe."
Jonathan pouted a bit at the girl's response, but then tugged her arm, earning a icy glare from her blue eyes.
"I can prove it too!" Jonathan said pointing further beyond the grassy plain. In the distance, there was a small, circular patch of dirt being bordered by fences on either side. Integra looked at the construction, then turned her attention back to Jonathan. She didn't know what that was, but Jonathan seemed to.
"That's where our fights are held!" Jonathan explained. "Tomorrow, I'll be there training! You can come by and watch!"
Erina sighed, tapping her fingers together as the four continued walking. "I wish I could see your fight, JoJo, but my father is expecting guests tomorrow. I have to stay behind."
Jonathan seemed crestfallen at Erina's response. She had always came for his matches, encouraging him whenever he lost and tending to his beaten frame whenever he was down and out. Without here there, it wouldn't feel the same. Integra glared towards Erina, her face for a brief moment looking a bit balked.
"Have you tried asking to go out tomorrow?" Integra questioned.
Erina was concerned about Integra's instant response. It was… odd to hear at the very least. Integra didn't seem like the one to be upset if someone from their little group was gone. In fact, she heard from JoJo that she doesn't seem to care in the slightest. If that was the case, then why was she so quick to ask if she had made sure she couldn't go? Then, it hit Erina. Maybe this once, just this once, Integra had really hoped to have her come along with her, as a true friend and not an lagniappe. The very thought made Erina's heart soar, for she had always assumed that Integra didn't really care that much for her on the account that their personalities were so different.
"I-I have…" Erina responded, looking away from Integra. The girl came to the realization that even though this was the one time that Integra was counting on her to come with her, she couldn't deliver. It was enough to make Erina feel sad, like she had truly let Integra down. "He said that I needed to stay for the Phantomhives."
Integra sighed, placing a single hand on her hip as she continued to walk along the dirt path. To the young Hellsing, it was a journey worth taking (what with JoJo finally putting that uncommonly large body of his to good use), but it would be better is she was accompanied by Erina. Integra enjoyed her company a lot more than she would have originally thought. Unlike most of those snobby girls in their class, Erina was willing enough to do things that only Integra knew herself of being capable of. If Integra could hold a spider in her hands, then Erina would at least pet the spider, albeit hesitantly. It was a charming trait Erina had, to overcome her fears for others. She just wished that Erina could have come with her. They would've had a grand time watching JoJo (hopefully) win.
"I suppose it's fine…" Integra said her gaze veering over towards Dio. His red eyes pierced hers the moment she looked his way, her face still stoic, but somewhat unreadable. What could she be thinking?
"Dio, you'll come won't you?" Integra asked in an aloof manner.
Dio read her stance carefully, noting how she seemed uninterested in whether or not Dio actually came or not she looked. She was after some sort of response, that much he knew, but what response she wanted, or rather, the one she was looking for, he couldn't tell. Dio weighed his options. Say no and possibility of giving Integra the satisfaction she was looking for was high, that and her level of friendliness towards him might just drop (not that he cared or anything like that). Say yes and he'd have to bother himself in accompanying her to JoJo's stupid boxing match… Dio let a grin curve on his face.
"No." Dio said turning away from Integra, nose risen and expression smug. "I have much more pressing matters to tend to tomorrow."
It struck Dio for a brief moment that he could do both, say no to accompanying Integra just to leave her by herself and then attend JoJo's boxing match, if only to beat him senseless while Integra watched. It would be a surprise, one that would surely show Integra who was more dominant. After all, if there was one thing Dio knew about Integra, it was how she admired people with a domineering attribute. Why else would she be so stone cold all the time? As Dio ran through the precautions he had to take, buying the boxing glove, waking up earlier than JoJo to make sure that he was there beforehand, and the like, Integra sighed.
"I expected as much." She acknowledged, tucking a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear. Dio glared at her for a brief moment, only to look away towards the makeshift boxing ring. Everything seemed to be going according to plan.
Later that night, as Integra entered her room, she was startled by the figure sitting in her windowsill, the large smile he flashed her making her huff indignantly.
"Welcome back, Robert." She said walking towards her desk, inwardly groaning over the large amount of paperwork that laid there.
The thug in the window crossed his arms, tipping the pauper hat he wore just a little bit over his eyes. "That's Speedwagon to you."
The Hellsing rolled her eyes, taking the wooden chair pushed into the desk and plopping herself down on it. From the cracked doorway, her black dog sauntered into the room, his gaze lingering a bit on Speedwagon before he approached his master, dropping his body next to her chair. Though greatly unnerved by the large, demonic dog, Speedwagon shifted his feet in order to face Integra, smile wide on his face.
"Hehe... " He chuckled smugly, hopping off the windowsill into the room, "I've got something for you."
Speedwagon reached into the pockets of his worn black vest, quickly pulled something out, and then hid his hands behind his back. He gingerly walked towards Integra, who was a bit curious as to what he had in his hands.
"Put out your hand." He told her with a grin. "I have something for you."
Integra slowly put out her hand, intently waiting for Speedwagon to put something in it. Speedwagon chuckled as he placed a small leather bag in the palm of Integra's hand. Integra gripped the bag with both hands, peering inside to see the numerous pounds inside. Speedwagon wore a cocky smile as Integra looked back at him.
"Heh." He beamed, adjusting his hat. Integra couldn't help but smile a little bit. To think that Speedwagon kept true to his word, not to mention he made quick work of it. "I told you I'd find a way to pay you back."
Integra tossed the small leather bag between her hands. "Exactly how much is in this?"
Speedwagon sat on the girl's bed, facing her with his legs crossed and eyes settling on the bag in question.
"About three hundred pounds." He said with gusto. "It wasn't easy to get, but I managed some-"
"You're about eighteen thousand off…" Integra interrupted patting tossing the bag gingerly between both hands. Speedwagon's head snapped back towards her, incredulity put in all his features. Integra finally held the small leather bag still in one hand. "I'm impressed though. In that short amount of time, you were able to get this much."
Speedwagon hung his head in defeat. "It was hard enough getting that much…"
Integra felt a bit of pity for Speedwagon. She had to admit, he was only a street thug. He ran the risk of getting caught by someone for all the trouble he went through just to get her a measly three hundred pounds, so surely she could aid the street rat in some way.
"Perhaps, I could lower the amount you owe me?" Integra suggested.
Speedwagon turned to face her once again, this time looking a bit offended.
"No." He spat, slamming his fist onto the mattress. He folded his arms and started bouncing one of his his feet. Integra could tell that the suggestion she made only served to vex Speedwagon. The street thug adjusted his hat a bit, then shot a scowl in the girl's direction, prompting the small black dog next to her to growl coarsely. "I said I'd pay the full amount, dammit! That's exactly what I'll do! Don't you try and make it easy for me!"
Integra couldn't help but sigh. Of course, it would've been a kind gesture if Speedwagon actually took it, but regardless, she was still astonished by the young thug's persistence to pay in full. Most people probably would've taken her offer knowing the risks that come with gaining that amount of pounds through "unorthodox" methods, but not Speedwagon. What an interesting character…
"Very well." Integra said nodding. "I wish you the best of luck in getting the full amount of pounds then, Robert."
"It's SPEEDWAGON!" He snapped.
"Whatever you say… Robert." She retorted.
The young thug groaned in response to Integra's blatant disregard for his prefered name, prompting her to chuckle just a bit. Alucard smirked at the sight of his master's amusement. It was rare to see her smile. Speedwagon jumped off from the bed, ruffling the sheets as he went back towards the window.
"I'll be back tomorrow… hopefully." He said climbing out. "Until then!"
Integra dismissively waved goodbye to Speedwagon as he climbed out the window.
"Certainly."
"Penwood," Integra said as she tugged at the strings of her chestnut boots, "I'm off to watch a boxing match today."
Penwood nearly spat out his tea at the sight of Integra. She looked delightful, her hair held by a single bow with long blonde bangs draping on both sides of her face. The beautiful blue-skirted, button-up, queenly dress she wore brought out the color of her eyes and the bow more, not to mention how it perfectly fitted her. Everything seemed perfect about her attire, which had Penwood completely speechless.
"Did you hear me, Penwood?" She asked, walking pausing at the doorway. "I'm going somewhere."
"Y-yes." The man stuttered, nearly forgetting that Integra was speaking to him. "O-okay."
He nodded as the girl waked out the front door, Walter rushing to close it after her.
"I'll be back soon." Integra called as the elderly butler closed the door after her departure.
"Alright." Penwood said, unsure of what to feel.
It was a hard change for Penwood, what with Integra acting a bit more ladylike everyday. He supposed he had her friend Erina to thank for that, for she always pushed Integra to wear dresses considering how nice she looked in them. Not that only that, but Integra never used to leave the house as often as she did now, yet now out of nowhere she'd tell him when and what she was doing without fail, something that Penwood would've never gotten from Sir Arthur Hellsing. The man couldn't help but think about how different Integra was from her father, from their different styles of leading the organization to how they interacted with people in general. Integra was always one to be stoic, like her father, but she also had a lot of pride, respect, and loyalty to the people serving beneath her, a trait her father never once possessed. She didn't act very much entitled either and prefered to do things on her own rather than having a servant do it for her. She was a strange one, but Penwood was glad that she was. She was the changed the Hellsing organization desperately needed. Walter walked over to the man as he lay deep in thought.
"She's growing into a fine young lady, isn't she?" He said with an easing smile. Though Walter looked happy, his tone couldn't be anymore serious. When his icy blue eyes opened back up, Penwood could see the concern within them. "There's no need for worry, Sir Penwood. She can handle herself."
The words were not directed just to Penwood, from the top of the stairway, Alucard let out a loud stinging bark, prompting both men to look at the hound. Out of all three of them, Alucard was the most worrisome over his dear little master, the Hellsing that gave him the kindness her father couldn't produce.
Master… The undead pooch thought watching the small blonde girl in question leave.
As Jonathan gazed around the crowded makeshift boxing ring, he couldn't help but feel a bit unsure of himself, partially because he hadn't seen Integra at all. Of course, she said she would come, but whether since she wasn't there now, it was kind of concerning to the young Joestar.
"Are you ready to fight, Jonathan?" The boy posing as the referee asked nudging the boy's shoulder.
Jonathan gave a dazed look back over to the boy, seeming to have forgotten himself in thought. "...O-of course!"
The boy then gingerly patted Jonathan's shoulder, then made his way to the middle of the ring, effectively quieting down everyone.
"Okay everyone! The fight's about to start!" The boy then extended his arm to Jonathan, giving out a very eager smile. "In this corner, we have Jonathan Joestar!"
Jonathan waved to the other boys who were cheering and yelling with all the added excitement. However, behind the bright smile he had on, he was feeling a bit disappointed and let down. Integra was nowhere to be seen in the crowd.
Maybe she thought I'd lose… Jonathan thought, his smile faltering as he dwelled on the thought a bit longer. Maybe she just didn't want to see me get hurt…
"Aaaaand in this corner we have the new guy in town!"
Jonathan's gaze peered over to his opponent, trying to push the thought of Integra not wanting to see him fight anymore as far from his mind as possible.
...Fine. I don't care in the slightest if she comes or not. He thought turning his head the whole way around, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill out. I'll show her by winning! Then, she'll see.
As Jonathan's eyes focused on his step brother, looking as pompous and superior as ever, his heart nearly sank.
I-It can't be…
The announcing boy rose his hand to Dio, who sat on the grassy hill tying up his boxing gloves. "Introducing Dio Brando!"
Jonathan felt his mouth quiver as his stepbrother sauntered closer to the boxing ring, his face smug and far too carefree looking. They exchanged no words, but the tension the two shared was thick enough to cut.
"Alright," the announcing boy said looking both boys over, "You know the rules. One hit to the face wins it."
Jonathan gave one last pleading glance towards the crowd, but only ended up regretting it.
Integra was still not there.
"Begin!" The announcer bellowed.
Jonathan ran forward towards Dio, letting the frustration he felt toward Integra not showing up fuel his onslaught of quick fists. However, Dio seemingly effortlessly dodged all of the Joestar's swings, making Jonathan struggle even more to even keep up with him.
...She isn't here? Dio thought, peeking into the crowd as he continued to calmly dodge all of Jonathan's jabs. What a bother…
Dio had intended to knock Jonathan out for Integra, proving how much stronger than him he truly was, but it wasn't going to happen. She hadn't even shown up. As Dio thought more about it, he couldn't help the grin that curved onto his face.
Maybe she was so sure he'd lose she decided not to come? Dio thought, quietly chuckling to himself. It was an amusing thought nonetheless.
Jonathan could feel sweat streaming down the side of his face. He indeed was tired, but he just couldn't land a hit on Dio.
I can't connect… He thought as he continued to miss.
Dio felt the tip of Jonathan's red boxing glove graze on of his blond strands of hair, making him reel back a bit. Hmph. JoJo is better than I had expected.
...But, With one last doge of a quick slug from Jonathan, Dio stabled his footing, stamping his foot firmly on the ground.
With one quick and powerful punch to the stomach, Dio had stop Jonathan's assault entirely.
I'll be certain to show him how we do it on the bad side of town, Booth Boxing Style!
With a swift reel of his arm, Dio shot his arm back forward with unrelenting force.
Eat this!
Dio landed the punch directly to Jonathan's face, blood spraying from both his mouth and nose.
"There it is!" the announcer yelled in astoundment. "JoJo is out!"
As Jonathan stumbled backwards, Dio pushed his fist closer to the Joestar's eye.
It's not over yet JoJo!
Dio let an evil grin graced his features.
I'll jam my thumb in his eye and follow through!
As Jonathan was sent reeling back, his eye nearly poked out and face now hurting immensely, Dio did a sort of victory pose. He knew he would win.
He was Dio after all.
The surrounding boys broke into an out cry of loud cheers, many hoping over the fence to congratulate Dio for a win well fought for.
"Dio!" One boy called, "How did you do that?"
Dio let out a casual sigh, acting as humble as he could. "It's just a new defensive technique in boxing. I'll teach it to you guys as a favor."
The boys' eyes lit up at Dio's gesture. "Really?"
Dio paused for a short moment, sending a look towards his badly beaten stepbrother.
"But don't teach it to JoJo." Dio sneered looking down at Jonathan. "He can't keep a secret."
The boys all acknowledged the new information, shooting less-than-friendly glares at the Joestar. JoJo lay on the dirt ground, writhing in pain and anguish.
Why? Jonathan thought. Why do that on purpose?
Jonathan looked up towards Dio, who was still being swarmed by the impressed group of boys. He could feel warm tears fill the corners of his eyes as he continued to watch in silence.
S-she was right not to come… Jonathan thought, closing his eyes tightly, letting the tears drip out on their own. Integra knew I would lose! That's why she didn't come! She knows I'm weak! I'm nothing but a weakling! That's why she didn't come!
As Dio stayed crowded around by the group of boys, a figure walked directly past them and towards Jonathan.
"Hey!" One boy called towards the figure. "What are you doing? Don't help him! He's a-"
"He's a what?"
Integra turned to face the boys, her expression one of great resentment.
"It's that Hellsing girl…" One boy whispered.
"She looks… really pretty today…" Another muttered.
One boy turned his gaze to Dio. "Did she come for you, Dio?"
Integra's gaze dropped directly on Dio, who seemed surprised that she actually came… and in a pretty dress and a new hairstyle no less.
"I'm sure you saw the match." Dio said smugly, walking gingerly towards Integra.
Thought the girl's face stayed unreadable, Dio continued forwards, earning the silent cheering and encouragement from the boys standing behind him. Once Dio was in front of her, he let his playful smile grace his face.
"JoJo's just as weak as you said." He boasted, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. "You should have seen how he floundered abo-"
Dio felt Integra's hand connect with his cheek, the pain stinging and harsh long after she had struck him. The boys behind Dio immediately took to calling the Hellsing girl out for her action, but of course, their words fell on deaf ears. Dio slowly turned his head back towards Integra, who seemed anything but pleased with just the sight of him. Did she really just slap him, Dio?! After he pummeled that bumbling oaf for her, this is how she repays him!?
"You're horrible, Dio." Integra growled, turning away from him. "To think you'd go as far as to jab poor JoJo in the eye. Just to satisfy that stupid pride of yours.!"
Dio felt his rage reach it's peak as he reached forward to grab Integra. "What did you just say, you two-face-"
"Head back to the run-down slum you came from!" Integra snapped, her head whirling back to face Dio. "You and these filthy little halfwits!"
Jonathan looked up for the first time since he had been knocked to the ground, his eyes scanning over Integra.
S-she actually came! He thought feeling himself tear up.
Dio stood in complete silence for a moment. He didn't know why, but he felt more hurt than angry.
"...YOU BITCH!" He yelled, gripping onto Integra's arm.
Dio wanted to hurt her, he needed to hurt her, but something on the inside just told him he couldn't. Perhaps it was the way she looked in that moment that stopped him from hitting her, with her hair flowing in the gentle breeze and her dress dancing with the passing gusts, not to mention those sparkling blue eyes of her that radiated with the fiercest form of intrepid nature. In one quick motion, Dio dropped Integra's arm altogether. The two stared one another down for a bit longer, neither saying a word to each other. Then finally, Dio was the first to turn away, motioning the boys to follow him. They did as they were asked, some exchanging their own looks towards the young Hellsing as she continued forward towards Jonathan, who at this point, couldn't keep his tears in anymore.
"Y-you stood up for me…" Jonathan whimpered, looking up at her. "Again. You saved me again!"
Jonathan gripped the floor tightly, having more tears dripping out of his eyes and down to the dirt below.
"I'm sorry, Integra!" He cried, looking down at the floor, feeling too pathetic to even face Integra. "I'm so sorry for being weak!"
"You're not weak, JoJo!" Integra yelled.
Jonathan looked up towards Integra. The girl sat in front of him, her knees tucked into her chest.
"You're just inexperienced, JoJo." She said, her tone a bit more calm. "That's all."
Jonathan sniffled a bit as he stopped himself from crying, eventually giving a smile to Integra.
"I-I suppose you're right." Jonathan said wiping away a few more tears. "So, did you see me fight?"
Integra sighed, "I did."
Jonathan sat up from the ground, sitting next to the girl happily. "What did you think?"
Integra faked herself thinking about her obvious answer, then looked towards Jonathan, her smirk small but warm.
"Like I said before," she stated, "you need A LOT more experience."