Epilogue

As the New Year loomed on the horizon, the household began to flow back into its original pattern of domestic and militaristic affairs. The daily duties of home, heritage, and Hellsing seemed to be ' normal' enough however, while it appeared that the master and her servant were now closer than ever, there was a slight glitch in their newly appointed relationship; ever since they had returned from Italy, the vampire had taken his rest in his master's chamber's but, strictly in the literal sense. There had been no further intimacies since the fateful night at the Maximilian Villa, and the creature was at quite a loss. Other than an affectionate kiss or embrace at bedtime or departing, their meetings were chaste, leaving the poor creature aching for more. Perhaps, his mate was now reconsidering the commitment that she had just made, or was suffering from a great, moral conflict. Alucard attempted to delve into his wife's aura, but it was like diving into sludge- thick, churning, the current ebbing and flowing.

"Do you regret anything?", he asked one night, drawing her into his arms. Integra's body tensed, then relaxed. The woman's heart was heavy, but there was no anger, no resentment in her.

"I regret nothing- I love you dearly, I just have my concerns...."

"About the Council?"

"Please, I have little use for them other than Sir Islands and a few others.," Sir Hellsing scoffed."I could care less about their opinions of me."

"The Queen?" Integra rolled her eyes.

"She was practically trying to betroth us at tea a year ago...."

"Are you in fear of your immortal soul?" he inquired seriously.

"My soul is in fine standing, and I shall pray for yours." Gingerly, she reached up and ran her fingers over his face. A tinge of fear coloured her . Slowly, the vampire probed further into her mind. Alucard pressed his hands at the sides of her temples and closed his eyes, opening his thoughts. Veils of thick mist parted revealing memories, images and tremors . Visions of her past came forwards, playing out like a cinematic. Her family, her mother and father and the glimmer of the life they had before Lady Sheena's death, before Arthur became a quieter, more somber man.

They were a happy, little group laughing, enjoying each other's company, her mother in the foreground, smiling and conducting the household, while a younger image of her daughter at eight or nine trailed behind her lovingly. However, the vision began to shift and merge; instead of her mother's radiant face , a dour group of women appeared, huddling together , whispering and making snide comments.

"He indulges that woman far too much..." one hissed.

"I hear the they're even raising up that daughter of theirs to take over the family estate." Disapproval rung out like a harsh bell.

"Please, that little half-breed girl looks barely capable of doing much of anything..."

"Maybe she can marry herself off into another family."

The vision of the little girl shifted into that of a young teenager, thin , with blonde hair cascading down her back, eyes brimming with determination. The harpies still remained, though some turned into younger women and a few men surfaced.

"Does she really think that she can fill her father's shoes-that's rich!", one bellowed.

"Ugh! She's so unattractive- how is she ever going to find a boyfriend looking like that?," another scoffed. The laughter grew bawdy.

"So skinny."

"So plain- isn't there a mirror in her house?"

"Hell, I wouldn't shag her for all the Tea in China." a male voice hooted.

"I would- the bitch has got a fortune under her belt. Remember, it's the strong, silent types that always melt down the hardest. If she's smart she'd take me up on the proposal-I'm a great catch.... " The face of the adolescent bloomed into a powerful woman, eyes battle-hard, yet compassion still flickered in and out of them. Her hair blew in an invisible breeze , flowing around her like gold fire. The vicious youths had become heads of state, members of the Round Table and even the figure of the Arch Bishop loomed in the background.

"While you may be a Knight of Her Majesty's Order, you are still a woman, Integra.", a firm, yet kindly voice boomed." Have you thought of heirs? What would become of the Organization if you were to produce no children?"

"I knew that we should have knocked her down a notch- what good will it do to have a woman lead Hellsing- she'll only eventually marry." another commented.

"God-willing-doesn't she have any idea that she would be more use to us with a marital arrangement to the Wintermyer Family- they have formidable funds that would aid the Hellsing Organization immensely. It would take Integra at least a decade to amass that herself."

"Stupid girl doesn't know her place- sit back and let someone else take charge... or if she's smart, she'll lie back and let a real man take over." Their voices were sharp, cruel and mixing into a frenzied noise. Lastly, the form of Enrico Maxwell stepped forwards, leering like a bastard.

" I offer you Heaven on Earth, and you reject me- for what? Your power, your 'duty', or him....Go on, GO! Go off and be the Devil's Whore, you filthy, horrid -"

Integra winched,and began to pull away. Tenderly, the creature kissed her forehead and cheek.

"So, it's not your heart that's really heavy, it's your mind." he stated. "You have a lot of reserves about marriage, don't you?" The woman sighed and then nodded.

"I told you, I would never bind you with ties that you didn't want, or attempt to break you- I don't think I could if I tried."

"I know- I just want these little voices in my head to stop."

"Let me help you with that."

Slowly, her mate leaned in and kissed her, lips brushing tenderly, then deepening. Briefly, she kissed him back, but then pulled away slightly.

"Just give me a little more time..." she said, pecking him on the chin. "I have a meeting at three, get some rest and then I will see you for a late supper, alright?" Alucard nodded, and watched Sir Hellsing's figure retreat out the door. He slowly released a frustrated sigh; he adored this woman and would do anything for her- decimate armies, cross the ends of the Earth , yet right now, the only thing he could do was to stand back, watch, and wait .

"So be it..." he spoke to the empty space." I believe in her fully, I just wonder when she's going to do the same for herself."

Meanwhile-

The little fledgling was so happy to have her masters back. As soon as they both had arrived home, there was a thousand questions, just as many stories to tell., and even a few head pats. While she did not want to say anything, Seras sensed a little something different with Sir Hellsing's scent; her usual bouquet of lavender and tobacco had a slightly deeper, musky edge, like old leather, or the smell of the forest dirt after rain. A tinge of it was her master's but this new fragrance had her bring up a small question to herself-

"I wonder, if they, you know, while they were in Italy,...." she mentally questioned. While she attempted to do this without her sire noticing, he managed to catch her and flashed a most seductive smile and the slightest hint of a nod. Apparently, no more needed to be said - the answer was yes-completely, thoroughly and most satisfyingly. Seras would not even dare to breach the subject unless one of her masters mentioned it first.

One early evening, the fledgling stole into her master's chamber to relate the news to him; while they had been progressing, so had she and her Captain. Seras could sense a tense vibration of frustration and restraint, but still a hopeful note blipped up here and there. The Cheshire King sat in his ornate throne, swirling a glass of blood aimlessly, focusing on the liquid so much that he was almost surprised by servant's visit.

"Master? I would like to share something with you-please don't read my thoughts, I'd like to let you know personally." He arched a brow.

"Yes?"

"Captain Bernadette has of proposed to me, sort of. I mean, he'd still like to go over and do it properly and ask some things of you and Miss Integra, but we're just at the stage of figuring out what to do." A concerned look came over her master's face, but it soon began to merge into sly smile.

"So, he does has some honour in him. When did all of this happen, while we were still in Italy?" She nodded. He beckoned her to come closer. Alucard patted his lap, and the girl dutifully knelt and laid her head across it. Gently, he began to stroke her hair; allowing the little vampire to relax.

"You're growing up so fast....", he whispered, as if to a child. He could still sense the essence of chastity on her skin, though now it had a distinct odour of cigarettes mingled into it. "I'll give you my blessing, but there are still many things that you have to learn about our kind-traditions, folk-ways, rituals...they'll seem strange to you and your Captain, but if you wish to be together, you'll both have to come to terms. Do you understand?" The girl 'um-hummed' and snuggled deeper, thoroughly relishing the pressure of sharp nails massaging the base of her neck.

Elsewhere-

Integra massaged the pounding in her temples - the meeting was tremendously dry and she had already spoken her peace. While her thoughts were technically on weapons purchasing,while her stomach twisted into a series of knots. Andrew shot his cousin a glance from across the table, sensing her discomfort. Discreetly, he slipped over to her.

"Need a time out?" he asked. She nodded in return and Lord Hellsing spoke up.

"Gentlemen, I do believe that we need and intermission for a few moments. " In spite of rumblings, the group broke, allowing the pair to exit.

"You don't look good- why don't you give me your paper work and I'll speak for you today?" She began to protest, but common sense griped at Sir Hellsing's head, and she reluctantly handed over the folders.

"Go get some rest," Andrew began, but then he drew close." You're not ill are you?" She shrugged.

" Pregnant?" Integra's brow shot up.

"No- absolutely not! " she retorted.

"Alright, just checking-go on, I'll handle this." The Hellsing Heir took her leave and headed up to her room. She flopped down on her bed, head and stomach spinning. She snuggled up against the pillow, gazing to her left side, usually where Alucard curled his form around hers at night. As much as she wanted his presence right now, she refused to call him; she needed a few moments alone, to think, to calm the churning in her mind. She pulled off her left glove and stared at the ring; she felt happy, whole, contented with the situation, so why couldn't she enjoy it? The other night, she was caught between darkness and light- her heart filled with an unbelievable joy and comfort, but her mind...

She had been on her own for over a decade, battling uphill for control of Hellsing, control of her estate and the constant struggle to prove herself to men that didn't even have half her merit. They had offered the option of marriage again and again, like a plea bargain to a criminal; "If you were to have a husband, all of this would become so much easier." "If you simple considered Lord Carrington's proposal, it would benefit us all." Round and round these words spun, making her ill. But then it dawned on her, she had chosen a mate by her own accord, a fitting man, one who was not afraid of her strength, and respected her weaknesses, a man who adored her like a woman, but honoured her as an equal. This ring was a sign of their bond, not bondage. Integra released a long sigh- she did yearn for her spouse, but it was awfully hard to get randy when your head and heart were in a constant row. She pulled the covers over her, and wished for nothing more than to be dead a sleep.

"Just give it a little time.," she thought, eyes drooping and shutting. Meanwhile, a dozen blood-red eyes watched over her aching with a tender yearning....

Sleep would be welcomed right now, but Sister Yumiko was a little too riled up for an afternoon nap. While at first , she thought living here would be a disaster, but even with her hesitations, she was beginning to get used to her surroundings. The room was spacious and comfortable, complete with a huge, four-poster bed, dressers and plenty of space to hang a few pieces of religious art and icons. No one had attempted to convert her, and even the vampire had kept a respectful distance.( However, Yumiko still kept a blessed dagger under her pillow and a few garlic cloves at hand-just in case.) She did miss her sisters and brothers in Christ terribly, not to mention the children. While she had not written any physical mail out as of yet, a few e-mails had been sent to both Father Anderson and a more vague one to Wulf. Perhaps, when the situation calmed itself more, further contact could develop. Perhaps, they would understand her situation, maybe they wouldn't and would now be categorized as the very Heathens that they were meant to destroy. The little nun sighed; she would pray on these matters and in spite of the longing in her soul, hoped with all her heart that she would see them again. After all, God brought her here-there was always a divine reason for everything.

Elsewhere-

Maximilian Villa

"Why, why must there be a reason for everything...", Enrico grumbled. Couldn't it just be like the good, old days, where the word of the Church was enough? Reports had to be filled out, explanations written, lawyers contacted, confirmed, and compensated. Technically, the charge of murder could be placed on top of the Arch Bishop's head, but through manipulating the courts with the best of lawyers and the most sincere of speeches, it had been dropped, but not without a price ; he would be sponsoring the damn Orphanage for the rest of his natural life and repaying any surviving members of the Rouge family for his 'negligence'. Hundreds of hours had been put into cleaning up the paperwork and all of the trails that led back to his handiwork. While disaster had been avoided, there were massive bills to be paid off, kinder, gentler press releases to create, and a small, white envelope from Siena that was still yet to be opened. Finally, with a swift slice, the paper split apart revealing simple, printed handwriting and life-changing news.

Dear Enrico,

While it has been s while since I have spoken or seen you, I feel that it is most important to contact you right now. To say that our final meeting was a bit unusual is an understatement. I have been keeping up with the news and I realize that you must be going through so much lately. While I do not wish you misery, I only can pray that you understand that your own actions brought this upon yourself. I hope that these events will help you to understand that your position is to help those round you, care for them and show them the true power of Christ through compassion, kindness, and dignity. In spite of all that has happened between us, I still forgive you and wish you only peace in this time of hardship- may it shape you into a better person, the one that I know you are underneath all of this.

In Faith,

Marianna De Pasqualle

P.S. - I have enclosed a phone number and e-mail address- I do wish to talk to you soon, after all , you are going to be a father.....

The letter dropped. Great, Good God- when it rained it fucking poured.

Well, we do have just a little more to go- of should we save that for the next story arc? Give me a heads up on that call- after nearly 50 chapters, my brain is fried! Thank you all for your support- a special thanks to my spouse Tom, dear friends for reading- especially Damien for the added Voodoo ideas and don't worry-we will have a happy ending, and an answer to how to two people play hearts........

P.S. Metropolis Kid- I have been sending you story arcs, but you may have not received them-they are being sent via hotmail from