Enrico Maxwell woke up with a pounding headache, hoping the night that transpired was a feverish nightmare. As he came to, he could see his legs were tied to a wooden chair, discovering that his hands were also bound. Entering into a panic, he attempted to struggle out of the ropes, his breathing escalating as he couldn't break free.
Maxwell then looked up to see a tall figure standing before him like a giant. Alexander Anderson had his arms crossed, a face of pure distaste was present.
"About time you woke up." Anderson said, "I was worried you were dead." The sarcasm was obvious at this point.
"Do not mock me Anderson!" Enrico spat back in anger, "Do you honestly think you can keep me here!? I'm the Archbishop!"
"Your title is irrevelant here." The Scotsman answered quickly, "No one even knows you're here." He smirked in an almost evil way.
"What do you want Anderson?" Maxwell sighed in defeat. "If I'm your prisoner, what hellish torture will you put me through?" He asked, wondering what punishment awaited.
Meanwhile in the city of Florence, Schrodinger, Seras, Pip, Heinkle, and Yumiko were walking through the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Anderson gave the youngsters a chance to enjoy their time in Italy, all while he gathered all the needed information regarding Millennium, and their location.
The young five each had various ice-creams, Pip was demolishing his like no tomorrow, whilst the other four took their time in eating.
"I did not know ice-cream had so many different flavours." Schrodinger spoke in fascination of his banana fudge sundae.
"You can pretty much do alot of flavours with ice-cream." Seras chimed in, enjoying a mint chocolate cone, keeping close to the disguised werecat.
"I hear in some places they even do wine flavoured ones." Pip finished his cone, followed by a rush of brain freeze, making a bizarre face. Yumiko giggled at the sight of the frenchman.
"Wouldn't that just be cold vinegar?" Heinkle replied, "Wine isn't exactly full of exotic flavour in my opinion." She added.
"You think that's a strange combination?" Yumiko asked with a grin. "Try a deep fried chocolate bar!"
Seras chirped, "That's nothing, try fish fingers and custard." The group grunted in disgust at the thought.
"Seriously?" Pip asked in disbelief. "Isn't the deep fried chocolate thing one of Anderson's favourite snacks?"
Heinkle nodded, "It's a Scottish thing, they'll deep fry anything."
The group chuckled as they slowly kept moving. Seras gasped as she remembered something important.
"I almost forgot!" She exclaimed, "We need to take some photographs while we're here." Seras quickly fumbled through her small waist bag, taking out her digital camera.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's make it snappy." Pip cheerfully said, only for the group to roll their eyes.
"You know, like snapping pictures and. . . oh shut up it was funny!" The frenchman frowned that his joke didn't earn a chuckle.
The group must've spent hours just walking through the vast city, stopping by the various landmarks to take photos. Picture by picture, the team made sure that everyone was in them. Schrodinger's photographic memory was a big help to the group incase they lost track of their footsteps. Their next and final stop was at a local resturant, intending to refuel before heading back to the apartment.
"Any word from Integra?" Schrodinger asked Seras as they sat down to look at the menus.
"Anderson is handling it." She confirmed, "He said he wanted us to relax and enjoy what Florence has to offer while we're still here."
Feeling satisfied with the answer, the werecat shifted beside the police girl, while Pip was ultimately sandwiched between Heinkle and Yumiko.
"If we ever do get a chance at a vacation, I want to go to Venice." The frenchman spoke as he made his mind up for what food he'd like.
"Isn't that techincally a sinking city?" Schrodinger asked, remembering what he read in Integra's library.
"Oui. But the folks are used to floods, therefore it is a normal day to them." Pip said, "But it's the carnivals that I want to partake in." He waved his hands in a dramatic fashion.
"The masks are a little creepy if you ask me." Yumiko shuddered at the thought. "But the bird ones are nice though!" She cheerfully added.
"Quite a history behind them, especially the plague doctor masks." Seras chimed in, "Did you know at the end of the beaks, the doctors would fill them with herbs, in order to block the smell of death that surrounded them?"
"Quite a grim world back then." Schrodinger said, "You think Alucard visited Italy in his lifetime?" He asked.
"I wouldn't put it past him." Pip answered, looking to the approaching blonde waitress. Seras rolled her eyes, knowing how much of a terrible flirt the frenchman was.
Back in the apartment, Enrico had divulged everything he knew about Millennium's plan.
"I-Is t-that everything Anderson?" The Iscariot leader stuttered out, exhausted due to the lack of air conditioning in the small room he was in.
"Just one more, and that's that." The Scotsman said as he grabbed a chair, sitting opposite his once adopted son.
"Where is the entrance to Millennium's bunker?" The question had struck a cord, noticing how frightened Maxwell looked, the beads of sweat trickling down his forehead.
"Please. . . they'll kill me if I tell you." The italian pleaded.
"Then you are no longer needed." Anderson deadpanned, slowly unsheathing one of his bayonettes. He moved the blade to Enrico's throat, his expression was almost emotionless.
As the tip of the blade moved closer and closer, Enrico finally snapped.
"York! They're in York!"
Anderson pulled away, noticing how Enrico began to relieve himself on the chair. The Scotsman pitied him.
"Was that so difficult Enrico?" He asked in a fatherly tone, sheathing the bayonette away. "I take no pleasure in doing this, I'm not here to humiliate you. . ."
"So is that it?" Enrico asked fearfully. "You'll let me go?"
"Do you honestly think I'd let you go?" Anderson answered back, "After everything that you have done? First you abuse your power, then you placed a bounty on my head when I left Iscariot, forcing me into hiding. Then you chose to work with Millennium of all people, betraying not only your own organisation, but ultimately betraying me for the sake of power. . ."
"And you want me to let you go?" Anderson finished, staring into Maxwell's eyes with anger, the Italian's fate was now in his hands. . .
Back at the resturant, the group had already chowed down their food, their bellies filled with delights.
"Schrodinger," Pip said, "How can you eat so much and not gain weight?" The question made the werecat chuckle.
"Hightened metabolism, perks of being werekin." He answered.
"That's a perk me, Anderson, and Yumiko also have thanks to our abilities." Heinkle grinned at Pip.
"Way to make us jealous." The frenchman muttered.
After paying the bill for the food, the group departed. Schrodinger led with Seras beside him, she stuck close by holding his arm, much to his delight. Once they passed through the tourists, the party goers, and the animated locals, they made it back to the apartment without any issues. With discreetion, they quietly traversed the steps, a sense that they could be walking into a scene of unspeakable torture.
Enrico Maxwell was out cold, his chest moved slightly, indicating he was alive. Anderson was busy packing his suitcase, noticing the group in front of him.
"Integra has arranged a private jet, we must pack up." He spoke with stern tone.
"What now?" Pip asked, the Scotsman nodded in approval.
"I'm afraid so, Iscariot will be looking for Maxwell after our little stunt in the estate, a friend from the inside informed me after I finished questioning our guest here."
"So what do we do with Maxwell? He's too dangerous to be left alive." Schrodinger questioned, knowing that leaving the Iscariot leader alive could mean all out war.
Anderson chuckled. "Rest assured, you can trust me on this. You'll see once we're back home."
Not sure of what he meant, the group simply began to pack their gear with haste. After they finished their packing, they swiftly departed, leaving Maxwell behind, who seemed to be in some kind of deep sleep. The drive to the airport was quicker than they anticipated, they got past the security banner with no issue after Anderson showed them a card of some kind. They drove into an open airplane warehouse, their jet was already prepared for the journey.
They were greeted by none other than Walter, who waved from the open passenger door, donning his usual attire.
"Good Evening!" Walter shouted as they approached, the jet engine was awfully loud.
"Walter!?" Seras shouted, confused by his appearence.
"I'll explain once we're in the air!" The Hellsing butler cheerfully exclaimed as he led everyone into the private jet.
Five minutes later, they took off into the skies, their destination? Back to Integra.
The group sat in the luxurious plane, though Pip was already fast asleep, snoring obnoxiously loud. Schrodinger sat opposite Seras, a small table set between them, Heinkle and Yumiko sat on a couch like seat, their seatbelts unbuckled. Anderson was in the small built in bar, drinking a glass of cold water with ice.
Walter entered from the cockpit, clearing his throat to grab everyone's attention.
"To describe Sir Integra's joy with all of you in succeeding would be rather difficult. On her behalf, I'd like to congratulate you all on your joint mission with Father Anderson." Walter's praise earned him smiles from all, aside from the still sleeping Pip.
"I don't mean to ruin the moment, we may have done our mission, but what of Maxwell?" Seras asked with concern.
"As Anderson has said before, you will find out once we've returned home. I assure that it will be worth the wait, for now you all better rest up. With the weather conditions ahead, we won't land for at least four to five hours. Like Mr Bernadotte over here, you must grab some rest." Walter firmly said before opening one of the cabinets, taking out several pillows and handing them to the drowsy group.
Walter returned to the cockpit, leaving the team in peace. Yumiko soon fell asleep, laying her head on Heinkle's lap. Heinkle soon followed shortly. Anderson removed his coat, placing it over the sleeping duo before moving to the recliner seat, shutting his eyes. Schrodinger and Seras were the only two awake, watching their friends rest.
"They look so peaceful together. . ." Seras whispered softly, noticing how close Heinkle and Yumiko were as they slept. "Hard to believe that I'd end up fighting alongside Alucard's sworn rival."
"Quite a turnout eh?" The werecat quietly chuckled, the girl nodded in silence, turning to face the young man before her.
She saw something in his eyes, something had changed in the years they've fought alongside each other. When they first met, he was just a young boy, afraid that he wouldn't be accepted in the team. But against all odds, he didn't give up, slowly but surely earning everyone's respect, even Alucard admitted that he was wrong about him.
"Is everything alright Seras?" Schrodinger's voice snapped her out of the little dayream, her face blushing in embarassment.
"S-Sorry, I was daydreaming there." Seras hastily said, looking out to the window.
"We should rest while we still can." The werecat yawned, resting his head. "Goodnight Seras." He shut his eyes, a small smile was evident on his face.
"Sweet dreams Schrodinger." She whispered before shutting her eyes, drifting off.
Mean while at the Hellsing Estate. . .
Alucard was walking through the mansion gardens in pitch blackness, his red eyes illuminated the stone pathways. He often spent time wandering whenever he had no active duties to keep him occupied. Stopping to take a look up into the black cloudy skies, he felt the cold wind across his face, he smiled at the thought of winter arriving.Resuming his walk, he could sense Integra watching from her office, amused by his actions.
"You look like a lost little kitten from up here. . ." She telepathically whispered to him.
"And you look like an eager bird of prey, waiting to snatch me with your talons." Alucard responded with a smirk.
"I had already snatched you the minute I fell for you." Integra answered back, a hint of lust was evident in her tone.
"Hard to believe that the great Integra Hellsing celebrated her twenty first birthday by becoming a powerful noseferatu, not to mention how you had to have me in your office. . ." Alucard's deep chuckle sent a chill down her spine, arousing her in the process at the thought of the memory.
Many years ago, Integra's twenty first birthday. . .
"Happy Birthday Integra!" A younger Seras Victoria exclaimed as she watched Integra blow out the candles on her small cake.
Alucard and Walter clapped their hands, congratulating the young woman.
"I appreciate the time and effort you've all put into this." The Hellsing leader patted Seras on the head, who returned a warm hug, surprising her.
"Thank you." Seras felt a little emotional as she broke off the hug. She was happy that she was taken in by Integra.
"She's certainly grown fond of you Sir Integra." Walter stated, remembering how timid Seras was at the start.
"Yes." Alucard added, "She has come out of her little shell."
After a few slices of cake, Seras retreated to her quarters, Walter wandered off to keep an eye on the police girl, leaving Alucard and Integra alone.
"Is there something you wish to discuss with me Alucard?" Integra professionally spoke.
"I wanted to ask you a question if I may." Alucard sat himself down.
"I'll allow it."
Alucard removed his glasses, revealing his crimson eyes. "Why let me become involved with Seras, knowing what I am?"
"When you realised who her father was and what happened to both of her parents. You went off to find the monsters who commited the disgusting act. . ." Integra revealed that she knew of his bloodlust towards Seras's attackers.
"But you didn't just find them Alucard." She continued, "You tortured them for over a week. A week of unspeakable torture, before you finally killed them."
"I suppose my lie did pay off." Alucard darkly smiled. "I told you that a freak was roaming the vicinity of Seras's home, but you saw through me, and let me proceed with their demise."
Integra stood up from her chair, turning to look outside the window. "Truth be told Alucard, I would've done the same." The fact that Integra wanted to kill them herself caused the vampire to look at her in surprise.
"You didn't kill them out of some sadistic pleasure. You killed them because Seras had lost everything. Just like how you lost everything." Integra could hear Alucard tense up, knowing about his failure to save his own family.
"Truth be told, when I realised who her father was. . . I hated seeing her without a family. For the first time in the years that I've walked this foul earth, I couldn't bear leaving her in that orphanage. . ." Alucard's tone was more sorrowful as he spoke, his eyes looking down on the patterned carpet.
Integra turned to face him. "You may be the most powerful monster in existence, but behind that cold exterior, I see a piece of your humanity show when you spend time with her. . . She's the child you never had."
Integra's words struck a cord in Alucard. He realised that Seras had unknowingly opened his heart.
"I cannot deny it. Back then, I failed to protect my family. My unborn child perished with her. . . my dearest." The No-Life King referred to his past lover, "Seras did not deserve to lose her family, especially at such an age where she should be happy. . ."
"Remember how you met me?" Integra turned around, moving around her desk to get closer to Alucard.
"You were only thirteen when you lost your father. Your pathetic uncle unknowingly woke me from my slumber, and you put a bullet through his head. . ." Alucard recalled, a small smirk formed.
"My first kill. At first I realised that I did it to protect the Hellsing organisation. But. . . I can't deny that a part of me felt good when I pulled the trigger." The Hellsing leader placed her hand under Alucard's chin, making him look at her.
"In the time I've grown up, I see that you're no different from me. What I want now Alucard, is for us to fight alongside one another as equals."
"Are you saying that-"
"Yes." Integra firmly said, confirming her intentions.
And it was that night where Integra willingly accepted the dark gift, becoming the very monster her ancestors had fought against, no longer bound by mortality. Integra Hellsing was not only the leader of the Hellsing organisation, she was the No-Life Queen.
End of Chapter XI
Author's Notes
I wanted to give a bit of background behind Integra becoming Alucard's lover, plus wanted to show a hint that Seras is attracted to Schrodinger. A bit of a mash up, but I'm satisfied with the outcome. Thank you all again for reading, and I'll see you in the next chapter.