Hellsing: Witch Hunter 1616
Sapphirewyren
Chapter 11: Of Bars, Drunks and Orphanages
Disclaimer: I do not own Hellsing
Being the King's Hunters was hard, at least that was Seras thought. Surprisingly it was not the witches that were trying to eat her head off that bothered her. It had happened a few days back, when she and Sam went to an outdoor marketplace. Sam had bought a set of knives and Seras, a pair of revolvers, the seller had charged them full price. Usually due to privileges, Hunters were given a certain percentage off on all goods that they bought, by law. Of course, Sam flipped out and made a big scene and Seras had to fix the situation, all the while thanking the heavens that Integra was not there. The merchant had grudgingly given them the discount after some clarification and muttering rather loudly that they were nothing like the former Hunters, who instead staying cooped up inside a large mansion, and spent time with the people. They had lived in a large house in the heart of London called the Hunters Lodge and it was there or at taverns that they told tales of their adventures and hunts of fighting demons and witches. People treated them like celebrities, giving them gifts and crowding around them just to be near them. The Hunters were recognized wherever they went and were always greeted by the citizens of London. Upon hearing this, Seras figured they must be something wrong and Sam had agreed. The assassin did not like having to remind merchants and store keepers of her status. Some even had the nerve to accuse her of forging her Hunter's Badge. The one thing Sam disagreed with Seras was telling Integra about this. But here they were, in her office with Seras telling the Hellsing heiress about this 'problem'. While Seras was talking, Integra wore a most bored look on her face.
Integra sighed, she had begun to have some hope that over the last six months, these two girls had matured, but judging by the pile of crap that Seras was saying, that hope just went down the toilet. Seras insisted that the Hunters go out and 'get to know the people', to increase their popularity with the citizens.
"Seras, our responsibility is to protect the citizens of England, not become their friends" said Integra simply. "Besides I know the people, they are the one who will sing your praises one minute and hate your guts the next, if they think you did something wrong."
"But I won't get my discounts" stated Sam.
"Then pay for your purchases in full, I do. How does this sound; 'Hey store keeper, I get paid more than you, but I still want to pay less for the things I buy, cuz who gives a shit if you need to provide for yourself and family?'. Kind of greedy and self-entitled, don't you think. Yeah, Seras, the people would love to know this clown when they find out how much she gets. Being a King's Hunter is not about discounts and perks!"
When Sam and Seras left the office, Integra sighed again, why must her fellow Hunters constantly disappoint her? She was beginning to think of recruiting people who competent and forming a special witch hunting unit. Though the King would not appoint them official Kings Hunters and they would not share the same privileges, there was nothing illegal about people forming groups to hunt witches. It sounded good for Hellsing to have its own witch hunting group. When Integra informed Walter of this, he had asked; "What will Miss Seras and Sam think about this?"
"I could care less what they thought, since they have no say in this decision."
Walter were afraid that if Sam and Seras thought they were being replaced, they would quit. True, in the past that families had a specific group of men and women to help them in their hunts, but the butler was not sure that's how they would see it. Integra didn't understand Seras' need to get close to the people, it was probably something that ran in her family. The Victorias were well known, like your friendly neighborhood policeman. Sam just enjoyed the perks and Integra questioned if she really cared about the people of England's safety.
Meanwhile Seras couldn't figure out a way to get closer to the people, so Sam suggested going to a pub like the former Hunters, but Seras was not too sure. "Most people hang out in bars, so how else would we get closer to the people?" asked Sam.
"Well I guess it couldn't be that bad" conceded Seras.
So, Sam and Seras found themselves in a bar a brief time later. The assassin found a table where a group of men were playing cards and joined them. A man, clearly drunk staggered to Seras and said; "My what big jugs ya got there, lemme grab 'em." Seras covered her chest and exclaimed; "No!" The drunkard's friends grabbed him away from the mortified young woman; "Sorry, miss, he's just drunk because his wife left him." Some of the other men in the room laughed, making Seras feel very uncomfortable. As time went by the atmosphere in the bar became more hostile especially at the table where Sam was playing cards.
"I say this bitch is cheatin'" sneered one man after relinquishing his money to Sam, who won yet another round.
"I agree, ya know what we do to cheaters!" snarled another man.
Sam chuckled; "It's not my fault that you guys suck at this game, and I'm just lucky."
Actually, Sam was cheating, using sleight of hand and Byakko telling her what cards were in the other players hands. Sam had promised to allow the men to win back their money. "Don't worry boys, I'll go easy on you." But that was lie, as Sam won the next hand, taking more of their money. This made the men even more angry. In the meantime Seras had tried to acquaint herself to the more sober patrons, but this did not turn out the way she hoped. They had thought that she was offering certain 'service' and this upset her. "Sam, I think we should leave."
"Just one more hand" answered Sam. While Sam was playing her 'one more hand' which turned out to be several more hands, Seras was trying to avoid the drunken patrons, some who were trying to grab her breasts and butt.
"Sam! Let's leave…"
"Come on, Seras, just one more hand."
One man, a rather large drunk, had managed to get the petite blond cornered; "Yeah, you heard your friend, 'one more hand' and while she's doing that how about I do you?'
"Umm…no thanks, I'm …uh seeing someone…" Seras really wished she bought her Harkonnen.
"I know that's a lie, but you can see me. I got something to show you."
"No thanks, I think I hear someone calling me."
"Come on, why don't we some fun?" The man let out a loud burp, his breath reeked of alcohol and he was getting impatient. Seras thought about kicking him in the crotch, but as a King's Hunter, she knew that was probably not a good idea. But neither trying to push past him, as he grabbed her and wouldn't let go. "Let go of me!" Upon seeing this, several other men stood up in hopes of getting in on the action.
"Now, now little lady, I'll show you a good time."
"I said let me go!" shouted Seras.
"Listen to her scream boys, we're gonna have fun tonight!"
Just then there was the loud bang of a gunshot. "Remove yourself from her or you will have to decide whether I shoot you in the head or the dick" came the ice-cold voice of Integra. The man decided that he didn't buy the threat. "You're a King's Hunter, you can't shoot me."
Integra chuckled; "I will not repeat myself, unhand her or suffer castration." The drunk was apparently in no mood to make smart decisions; "I can report you to the king." Integra fired her revolver again, this time shooting off the man's ear. He clutched his head, screaming in pain, this caused him to let go of Seras, who practically ran out of the building. When the man stopped screaming, Integra glared at him; "Let this be a lesson, either drunk or sober, when you raise a hand against a King's Hunter, you raise a hand against the King, which is classified as treason. And the punishment for treason is death. If I so wanted, I could execute you right here." The Hunter's words hung in the air like a thick fog and mostly everyone in the room was quiet. The owner of the bar pleaded; "Please, spare him, I'll lose my business…" Integra holstered her revolver and turning to Sam said; "You've cheated these fools out of enough of their money, Sam, let's go."
"I'm not…"
"I said let's go!"
"Fine, you don't have to get huffy."
The two huntresses left the bar, Seras for one was glad to get out of there. She swore she would never go in another tavern or bar again, unless accompanied by Integra. That woman was scarier than any man in there. No one stopped her on the way out, as a matter of fact, they were glad she was leaving. On the ride back to the estate, no one said anything, Sam and Seras couldn't tell if Integra was angry with them, but they found out when they reached the manor; "My office. NOW!" Even though both Sam and Seras began to protest the 'order' the look on Integra's face had them all but running into the spacious office. For several tense minutes, Integra glared at the two women, it took all her willpower not to scream at them, mostly Sam. Instead Integra placed a large glass jar on her desk; "This is the 'Sir Integra was right' jar. Every time you two come up with an idea and I say it's dumb, when I'm right, you two must put money into this jar. I get to judge the amount of money based on the level of stupidity."
"That's not fair…" protested Seras.
"That plan wasn't stupid…." objected Sam.
"What was your plan again? Oh yes 'going out and meeting the people.' Sounds pretty stupid to me, if you are here just to be celebrities, then you should leave now."
"I thought it was a pretty solid…." Sam tried again.
"WHAT WAS SO 'SOLID' IN A PLAN THAT INCLUDED YOU CHEATING A BUNCH OF IDIOTS OUT OF THEIR MONEY AND SERAS NEARLY GETTING RAPED BY A GROUP OF DRUNKS?!"
"Ok, guess you were right" agreed Sam.
After taking a few relaxing drags from her cigar, Integra said; "Good, now leave. I want to speak to Seras alone."
"About what?"
"The whole point of 'alone' is so that you don't know."
Sam scowled, she did not like this. She was absolutely sure that Integra would say a whole bunch of things against her to Seras. "If it's about me, I'd prefer you say it to my face, Integra."
"I fully intend to, after I finished speaking to Seras."
"Fine, have it your way."
"I always do and I'll be taking 75% of your 'winnings'."
"What? Why?"
"Twenty-five percent is because I was right, the twenty-five percent is a fee for bailing you out of what could have been a disaster and the last 25% is just for kicks." After counting out the money, Sam left the office, but not before saying; "If you two start making out, at least have the decency of calling me, so I can watch."
"I have no idea what you see in that woman, Seras" Integra sighed. "But my advice to you is use your head when you're around her. You don't have to agree with everything she says. But the resident nincompoop is not what I wanted to talk to you about."
Seras was glad to hear that, sometimes she felt like she was in the middle of their squabbles often enough. It was tiring playing peace keeper. Over the last couple of months there were less arguments, but they were not gone completely.
"The idea of you wanting to know the people was not a completely stupid idea."
Seras perked up; "Really? So you'll come with us the next time?"
"No."
"Aww, Sir Integra if you tried it…"
"A lady should not go into some low brow tavern to mingle with the citizens. That is just ridiculous and asking for trouble. However I have an idea that may be helpful."
Integra scribbled put a name and an address on a piece paper and handed it to Seras.
"Father Alexander Anderson? A church? You want me to become a nun?"
"That's not the address for a convent, but for an orphanage. Seeing as you have some experience being in a one, I thought that may be better than a bar."
"But my time at the orphanage was horrible."
"That doesn't mean that these children have to have the same thing."
Seras looked at the paper again. Integra was right….again. There were other ways that she could get to know the people of London. On the back of the sheet was more writing; a list of other places, she could volunteer her time, when not on hunts, hospitals, the local animal shelter and even the London Metropolitan Police Department.
"Thank you very much, Sir Integra!" the petite blonde bounded out of the office and ran into Sam and Schrodinger.
"Were you two eavesdropping all this time?"
"No" lied Sam.
"Yes you were" accused Schrodinger. "You were saying that you wished they would talk louder."
"Hush up kid" retorted Sam.
"Well it was not about you, Sam" said Seras "I have to go. I'll tell you later."
Since Seras was gone, Sam entered the office and asked; "You're not going to tell me, are you?"
"Since it's just eating you up inside, no, I will keep it to myself" said Integra grinning.
When Seras arrived at the orphanage, she saw a dilapidated 4 story building. It looked like it was constantly cold in the winter and hot it the summer. The lawn looked like it suffered from a serious case of mange and weeds sprouted up everywhere. Some of the windows were cracked or were boarded up. At least the children playing outside had decent clothes on. The building looked like a tired mother hovering over her overly energetic children. Seras walked up to a young lady dressed in a nun's habit and said; "Can I speak to Father Anderson?" The nun looked at her for a moment and said; "Aren't you a bit too old to be joining an orphanage?"
"I'm here to help out."
The nun looked embarrassed; "Oh dear, I'm sorry. I'll take you to his office."
When Seras arrived at the office, she was greeted by a huge muscular man. He had ash blond spiky blond hair and his sharp green eye were behind a pair of round glasses, similar to Integra's. His chin was covered by stubble and he had a scar on his face. His handshake, though firm was not crushing. This was supposed to be a priest? Father Anderson stood several heads and shoulders above the petite Seras. "So, you're the Hunter Seras Victoria, Sir Integra said she would be sending you here."
"Umm…yes, I'm here to help out in any way I can."
"Great! I'll introduce you to the children."
Over the next couple weeks, whenever she could Seras spent most of her time at the orphanage, playing with the children, cooking, cleaning and doing repairs. She also gave at least half of her stipend to the orphanage or used the money to buy toys, clothes, food and other things for the children. The nuns thought of her as angel, the children loved her and Father Anderson always told her, he didn't know how he ever got along without her. So, everything was good, right? WRONG!
Having been in Father Anderson's office several times, Seras saw two large gleaming silver bayonets behind the desk. When she asked the priest about them, he said; "Someone has to defend the orphanage against brigands and witches. Why do you wield your sword?"
Seras stalled; "I…I want revenge George Whitehall killed my family and I want him to pay."
There was a long silence between them, then Father Anderson asked; "Would that make you feel better?"
"He has to suffer, the same way he my family suffer!"
"My child, revenge only brings about suffering to everyone involved. Revenge is like a vacuum, it sucks everyone in."
"How? This is just between the Whitehall and me."
"Do you have friends? Or people you care about?"
"Yes…"
"Well, the more people you get to know, the more you pull in to your path of vengeance. Let's say you accomplish your revenge, the Whitehall family will just keep coming after you until you are dead. Or worse they could go after people you care about."
"You mean like the children here? The Whitehalls wouldn't kill innocent children, would they?"
"Who knows what they might do. They are many ways they could come after the children here. When one seek out revenge, they must look around and see who it affects, not just themselves. Deuteronomy 32: 35 says "To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand and the things that shall come upon them make haste.""
"But nothing is happening…"
"Even though it looks like it, Whitehall will not get away with it. Justice will always find its way to him. I'll tell you a secret."
Seras leaned in closer, she always loved a good secret.
"Integra was the same way."
"Sir Integra was here?"
"Yes, after the death of her father and the disappearance of her uncle, she was brought here to be kept hidden from the Whitehalls. She could think of nothing but of revenge, but I told her the same thing I told you."
"So, Sir Integra wants revenge on the Whitehalls?"
"She used to, by now I believe she is leaving that up to God to deal with them."
Seras realized that Father Anderson had a point. And over the next couple days as she worked with the children, Seras began to see that the large Irish priest was right. She would hate it if anything should happen to the children because of her. Seras was also reminded that if she wanted to work with the London Metropolitan Police, they did not need some off-the-rail revenge-seeking nutcase. In the end Seras got her wish due to her excellent work, she was made an honorary officer with the police force, with full title and rank. The people of London had seen the Hunter doing work with the children of the orphanage and they made more donations. Seeing the good that she could do, with the support of Father Anderson and Sir Integra, Seras decided to give up her quest for vengeance and let Justice take a crack at Whitehall. It wasn't like she had a sure-fire plan anyway. King Albrecht had heard of all of this and was also proud of his Hunter for her good works. And there were several run in with the Whitehalls and even though she really wanted to punch him in the face, but was polite instead. Now you're probably thinking what about her BFF Sam? Now that Seras was not longer seeking vengeance, would Sam do the same? When Seras told Sam about her change of heart, Sam was not very happy.
"So, you're gonna let the Whitehalls get away with murdering your family?"
"No, it's just I have other things to do besides chasing after him, trying to get him back for what he did for my family."
"He had your father killed and your mother…."
"I know that! But I'm tired of having to live through that every day and thanks to Sir Integra, I can spend my time doing better things. The children at the orphanage need me and in a way, I need them. I feel good helping them and the police with their cases. I'm done with revenge and feeling sorry for myself. I have a new purpose in life now. This is what my father would have wanted me to do."
"Yeah, whatever" sneered Sam as she stormed out. Sam sighed she was really hoping it would have had a different result.
"Why can't she be happy for me?" sighed Seras.
"Ever heard of the saying 'misery enjoys company'?" said Integra entering the room. "Now she's alone out on that branch. You have found a higher purpose for your life, she had yet to do the same."
"Can't you help her?"
"She has to want my help."
"But you helped me."
"That was different. You want to do something for the people, it's in your blood. Sam is nothing like that. She only thinks for herself. Why she is a Hunter, I will never know. Having that damn blade shouldn't qualify her to be one."
"But she's a great Hunter."
"No, she's good at killing. If she wasn't getting paid, she would quit in a heartbeat. Sam is not doing this out of loyalty or love for her King and country." With this Integra arose from the chair she was sitting in and left. Seras was shocked. Was all this spent a lie? Sure, she could understand why Sam wanted revenge, but would she leave after getting it? Seras hoped that Integra could help Sam find some purpose other than revenge.
Later that night Integra found Sam perched on the fence that bordered the large horse pasture. Without even looking the assassin knew who it was, due to the smell of cigar smoke. Sam sighed, she didn't need the Hellsing heiress to start some shit. If it hadn't been for her, Seras would not have bailed out to play with a bunch of brats. However, Integra didn't say anything, she just leaned on the fence smoking. If she was waiting for Sam to say anything, she would be waiting a long time. An hour went by, Sam had thought that Integra would have gotten bored and gone to bed, but she didn't.
"Don't you ever sleep?" the assassin sneered.
"I'll sleep when I'm dead" was the response.
"That could happen sooner than you think."
"Was that a threat?"
"Take it however you want."
"Pissed because your girlfriend finally wised up about this revenge nonsense?"
"She's not my girlfriend."
"Good, because I know Seras could do better."
"Just say whatever it was you wanted to already."
"I think you're an idiot."
"Good, now that we've established my idiocy, I think you're a coward. Maybe you should hand Whitehall that blade, just as you've given him your dignity."
"A coward hmm?"
"Yeah, you're scared of Whitehall and now you got Seras afraid of him as well. I guess that must be a Hellsing family thing."
Integra bristled visibly at this remark, but neutrality quickly found its way back on her face. "It would be in your best interest, NEVER to insult my family again. As for my being afraid of George Whitehall, I am not afraid of the little pissant of a man, I am afraid of what he can do and what he is willing to do."
Sam snorted; "Yeah whatever. Still sounds cowardly to me."
"If the man can have entire families slaughtered, imagine what he can do to one immature girl who doesn't have her head screwed on right. One who can't see past her own idiocy."
"The man killed my family and…"
"That is exactly my point. You have no solid plan against a man, who have been doing this before you were born…"
"SHUT UP! You're not going to do to me whatever it was you did to Seras."
"Fine, just know this, not everyone is an uncaring and selfish bitch like you. If anything should happen to my son, Whitehall will be the least of yours and Tora's problems. Yes, I know about the other survivor of your clan. So, when you go after Whitehall, you had better do a clean job, nothing is worse than a sloppy assassin."
Sam glared at the bespectacled blond Hunter in shock, no one was supposed to know that Tora was alive!
"Was that a threat?"
"No, that was an incentive." Before she left, Integra shoved a piece of paper into Sam's hands; "This is for you, don't be late."
When Integra was gone, Sam let the shiver she was holding in, out. That woman was no better than Whitehall if she was willing to go after Tora for what she did. Rich people, always thinking they can get what they want all the time. Well, not this time, Sam would have her revenge. The assassin remembered the paper that Integra had given her and was about to crumple it up, but curiosity won out in the end. It turned out to be a brief letter from King Albrecht himself. It said that he wanted to meet her alone at a particular time. What he wanted to talk to her about, it did not say, but Sam had a hunch that Integra knew, she seemed to know everything.
The next day, Sam met privately with the King, who told her that she would work as an assassin exclusively for him alone. Which forbade her from hiring out her skills to anyone else. So, if the King wanted someone offed, Sam would be the one to do it. No one else was to know when or who she assassinated, only King Albrecht and Sir Integra. When Sam heard this, she had a feeling Integra had a hand in this, either way, she would be doing what she was trained to do. However, this did not change Sam's mind for revenge, she had a feeling with a bit of patience, Whitehall would slip up and she would be right there when he did.
When Sam exited the King's office, she was knocked to the ground by a hard punch to the side of the head. The attacker, which was Integra, proceeded to pommel her in the face. Seras and Walter, who were also waiting outside, stood rooted to their respective spots, as they were shocked at this sudden assault. Albrecht was the only person to do anything, unless you count Schrodinger laughing as anything. The monarch hauled the tall blond huntress off the assassin and Seras helped Sam to her feet.
"Sir Hellsing! What is the meaning of this!? Hunter Sam, are you alright?"
"I'm not missing any teeth, so that's a good thing."
The king looked down at Integra, who he still restrained and asked; "If I release you, Sir Hellsing, will you behave like a civilized lady and not some crazed animal?"
Integra smirked; "You'll have to release me to find out, Your Majesty."
Everyone in the room fell silent and Albrecht sighed, he realized that was the best answer he would get out of the Huntress, so he let her go, though he was prepared to grab Integra again if she should make a move towards Sam. However, the Hellsing heiress merely straightened her tie and lit up a cigar. Sam grinned; "Was that an excuse to touch me?"
"No that was a small taste of what is to come if you ever insult my family again." With that Integra left and Schrodinger followed his mother, asking her about a trip to the fish market. Albrecht ran a hand through his hair and sighed; "Well that was unexpected." Walter bowed and said; "I will speak to her about giving you a formal apology, Your Highness." The king laughed loudly; "It's not me, she has to apologize to, she didn't mess up my face."
That evening at the manor, Sam sauntered into Integra's office and was greeted with; "If you're expecting an apology from me, there's as much a chance of that happening as there is a chance of pigs flying."
"Yeah, I figured you were going to say that. I just came to thank …"
"I'll stop you right there. You have nothing to thank me for, you want to thank someone, thank the King. I was really pushing for you to be the King's taste tester, but he reminded me that the monkeys would be out of a job."
"Boy, you really hate me, don't you?"
"I don't hate you. I abhor you, I loathe you."
"Well that's hurtful."
"What do you care? You're still seeking revenge for your family's murder. Am I right?"
"Of course, I am. Nothing's changed."
"Alright then I see no reason to like you, not that there was much before. I don't like you. I don't trust you. Having you here, is almost the same as having a viper in my bed, though I'm beginning to wish for that viper. Since you won't listen to reason, this is the last thing I'll say on this matter and after this, you're free to do whatever the hell it is you want: when you start to give a shit about someone else besides yourself, you will see how stupid seeking revenge is. Now, get the hell out of my office."
Chapter End
Author's Note: That chapter was longer than I thought it would be. I am starting to make my chapters shorter (or at least trying) because I figured that some people might get intimidated by seeing a long one. So, there you have it Anderson fans, he's in this fic. I don't really write fics about Anderson because he's one of my least favorite characters. But giving him the role of a real priest is quite refreshing. And you know, where ever there is Anderson, Enrico is bound to show up (another character I hate). Wonder what Enrico's role will be and how long will he survive? So, a lot happened in that chapter. I had Seras give up the notion of revenge, because we all know that is not in her nature and her family was a police family. That doesn't mean she will be a pushover. And Sam…poor, poor Sam, she still has a lot of issues to resolve. But all that at a future time. I hope you enjoyed and see you in the next chapter.