HELLSING: WITCH HUNTER 1616

DIANAPRINCE31

Ch. 29: It's All Bad News

Disclaimer: I do not own Hellsing

The torture of the would-be assassin had repulsed Seras, but the nonchalant attitude of Integra had sickened the petite young woman even more. How could anyone do that and sleep at night? Seras felt that she couldn't be in the same house as Integra. The Queen had been right, what exactly did she know about the sole survivor of the Hellsing family? So that evening Seras packed her bags and snuck out of the manor when no one was looking- or at least she thought so. At first, no one seemed to miss the Huntress, but then Schrodinger was the first to ask about Seras' whereabouts because Kitten and Night Sky were missing from the stable. Han communicated that he saw Seras leave but didn't know where.

On the first day of the worm attack, Sam had inquired about where Seras was, but Integra seemed more focused at the task at hand then the fact they one Hunter shorter. On the day of the Queen Worm attack about two weeks later, Sam decided to look for Seras instead of participating in the hunt, not that Integra missed her presence either way. The assassin couldn't find Seras and returned to the mansion sullen about it. Sam was in the foulest mood and a good night's sleep did nothing for her mood the next morning. She barely ate breakfast and then she wandered around the property ending up at the newly constructed facilities used by the Hellraisers. Sam could see some of the soldiers training against large mechanical beasts as a practice to hone their skills in weaponry and teamwork. Each destroyed machine was carted off the field so that the mechanics could repair them. Inside one building more Hellraisers were standing around a large table discussing logistics and tactics of killing witches with a variety of weapons. Sam sighed leave it to those guys to make killing witches boring. She headed outside to the sparring rings where combatants fought against each other using wooden practice weapons. Each combatant used the style and weapon that most suited them. Guess it couldn't hurt to get into the ring after all she still owed Trench as ass whooping. As Sam made her way to one of the sparring rings, she heard the sound of loud cheering and some groans, so she went see what it was. In the ring, she saw a large man holding an ax, huffing, and sweating while rubbing sand out of his eyes. His opponent was none other than Integra, who was holding a thin rapier and a smug smirk on her face. Well, this was new; Sam nudged on the spectators and asked, "How long she was doing this?" The man said, "She comes here every day, at least twice a day. Usually beats all of our asses. I mean some have come close to beating her. She hasn't lost a match yet. Never seen anyone move so fast. Even destroys more than one person at once."

And as fast as Integra was, her opponent threw his ax, which she dodged. The big fellow, with quite some speed of his own, ran towards her grabbing a discarded sword, likely from a previous match. But the Huntress saw this coming and using his outstretched arm as a springboard did an acrobatic flip and landed behind him. Before the man could turn around, he received a swat to his head and a sharp kick to his bottom that sent him sprawling to the ground. The man rolled over to see the rapier pointed at his throat. The match was called, another win for the Hunter. Sam sprang into the ring before anyone else, "Let's see how well you do against a real fighter, Integra", pulling two sharp long daggers. One spectator said, "Hey no real weapons". But Integra said, "She's free to use whatever weapon she wants." A murmur went through the crowd; a match between two Hunters was something they all wanted to see. Who would win? Unfortunately, no one would find out as a messenger ran up yelling about a fire witch attack. This made the watchers upset, but this pissed off Sam the most. "You got lucky Integra. I would have destroyed you" growled Sam. Integra just shrugged, "There's always next time. I look forward to that fight. Do try to come back when you're more level headed." Sam fumed as Integra left her in the ring. The heiress called over her shoulder, "If you're still looking for Seras, she's at the Hunter's Lodge."

Hunter's Lodge

Seras plopped down on the bed and gave a forlorn sigh; she had spent the day helping out at the Metropolitan London Police Department, doing anything to keep her mind off of the horrors, which were still too recent to her. Seras had to remember to groom and muck out the stalls that Kitten and Night Sky occupied, afterward she fed and watered them. How the grooms at the Hellsing Estate did this every day with over fifty horses, was beyond her. After all that Seras was tired and as she was closing her eyes, she heard a sound coming from the window. The Huntress pulled out a pistol as the intruder lithely climbed through. "Now you wouldn't shoot your best friend would you, Kitten?" came the familiar voice of Sam. Seras dropped the gun and ran over to the Huntress and hugged her. "How did you know I was here?"

"Integra told me where to find you."

"What? She knows I'm here?"

"It would seem she knows everything." The two were silent for a moment before Sam said, "Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?"

Seras shuffled her feet, "I don't know…I thought you would take Sir Integra's side because….well you know." Sam nodded her in understanding. She was an assassin employed by the King and sometimes 'interrogating' people came with the agenda. "I would never side with Integra over you, Seras."

"I was stupid for not telling you, I should have but…."

Sam grinned, "Water under the bridge. I'm hungry let's get something to eat."

"Will you stay here with me?"

"Of course, I got my stuff in the stable with Mak. I don't think Integra would miss us anyway.

Roaring Mouse Restaurant

Sam and Seras went to a restaurant called the Roaring Mouse; a name that Seras thought was funny because mice didn't roar. While the Hunters were waiting for their meal, they took the time to listen to the conversation around them. Sam was interested in hearing the latest gossip which was the 'relationship' between Integra and Albrecht. But tonight while the topic was about Integra, it was about the recent demon/witch attacks. That day it had been the fire witch who been scorching houses and places of business. The Hunter had arrived in time before the witch could torch an airship station. A combination of Charybdis' abilities and liquid nitrogen had stopped the flaming menace and she was sent to watery oblivion- in pieces. And being the gracious Hunter, Integra refused any gifts of appreciation that the people wanted to bestow on her. The newspaper once again reiterated the funerals of the people who died in the worm attacks and how she gave a speech honoring them and the Hellraisers. It was if everyone forgot the rumors they were blasting all over the place about the king and her. Even now they were putting a positive spin on that rumor. The King was allowed to have friends and ones like Integra were the best things. The people were also talking about the assassin attack at the gala and how Integra protected the King and in a most elaborate dress, no doubt. Not many women could do that. "We were there and in dresses too" whispered Seras to Sam. Sam nodded, "And you saved the Queen, how convenient that no one is talking about that." Seras shook her head, "Oh well it doesn't matter. But Sam disagreed, "Of course it matters, she can't take all the credit for everything. Integra is not even trying to correct them." Just then a woman walked over to their table and asked in a shy voice, "Is….is Sir Integra joining you…. since you two are here?" Sam had enough of it and was about to give the woman a piece of her mind, when Seras interrupted, "No, she's not coming, it's just Sam and me." The woman looked as if someone had shot her puppy, "Oh, I'm sorry to have bothered you; I just wanted to give her something…."

"You can give it to us," said Sam "and we'll make sure she gets it"

"I couldn't ask that of you, besides I wanted to give it to her personally" and with that, the woman walked away. "You wouldn't have made sure that Integra received whatever it was she had to give her, would you Sam?" smiled Seras.

Sam laughed, "Hell no. You know me so well." Someone passing by overheard and said, "That's just wrong." However Sam didn't care, everyone was singing Integra's praises and she was getting sick of it. When their food came, both Huntresses found that they didn't have much of an appetite. And as they rode back to the Hunter's Lodge, they could see the headlines in the newspapers. "Integra, ever the fucking saint" growled Sam who bought a newspaper just to tear it up.

Hunter's Lodge

"Well that sucked," said Sam grumpily. "You'd think everyone was in love with that uptight bitch."

"There was a time you wanted to get into her bed," said Seras.

"Yeah well, now there's a better chance that I will shove a handful of porcupine quills in my twat than sleep with her."

"That sounds painful."

"Sir Bitch would be happy to hear that. Hell, she'd provide the quills herself."

"The public doesn't understand how hard it is to be a Hunter and the pressure that comes with it. I don't know how Integra does it."

"That's all she does, be a Hunter, no fun or social life. Everyone just loves her for being a Hunter. They don't know what it's like hunting demons and witches because we do it for them. If we left it to them then they would see how tough it is." Suddenly Sam jumped up, "I have a great idea and even though I hate her guts right now, I have to tell Integra. Let's go." But Seras remained seated, "I can't face her…right now…."

"Oh yeah, I forgot, the torture thing. You do know eventually you'll have to face her, especially when we go hunting, right?"

"I know….but maybe we don't have to go hunting, at least not with Integra….I'll go talk to Father Anderson tomorrow, maybe he has some advice."

"And I'll try to talk to Sir Bitch."

Hellsing Estate

Sam handed Makube's reins to the groom, "I won't be long, but he could use a couple of apples." As the assassin entered the mansion, she saw Philip and asked, "Where's Integra?" The butler glared at her and said coolly, "That's Sir Hellsing, do not speak of her in such a familiar manner."

"Okay, so where's Sir Hellsing?"

"She is in the medical facility."

Sam left for the building wondering what was Philip's problem? She didn't have time for that, she had to talk to Integra. When Sam arrived at the medical building, one of the doctors told her what room Integra was in. Was it possible that Integra was hurt in the last witch hunt? Then Sam heard the heiress talking to someone.

"That was a pretty foolhardy thing you did, Trench." So it was the captain who was hurt. He replied, "It was still less crazy than riding a horse up the length of a giant man-eating worm, which you did several weeks ago."

"You could have been killed."

"So could you, Sir. How did you and Mara get down?"

"We were extremely lucky."

"Someone up there must like you enough."

Sam opened the door and saw Trench sitting one the examination while a doctor was stitching up a large gash on his back, Integra sat in a chair talking to him.

"We have to talk, Integra," said Sam.

"Nobody up there loves me or I wouldn't have to deal with this, Trench." The large man laughed which caused the doctor and Sam to glare at him though for two different reasons.

"I still owe you both an ass-kicking" growled Sam.

Integra sighed as she rose from the chair and as the two women walked out to the room, "Shall we go to my office?"

"No right here is fine."

"Well hurry up, I do not have all day."

"What are you in a rush for? Would it kill you to listen to me?"

"No, but it would hurt my ears very much."

"You're a bitch, you know that right?"

"So we're going to do this same dance? You're going to call me names? I think you are an uncultured pile of shit."

"Just listen to what I have to say. Don't you listen to anyone else?"

"I will probably stop listening as soon as you start talking, so let's get this dance over with."

Sam stared at Integra for a moment, what was wrong with this woman? She punched the wall a few inches from Integra's head. Sam had the pleasure of seeing the tall blond jump with a surprised look on her face. However, that satisfaction did not last long because Integra grinned and said, "So we're doing a new dance?"

"You're gonna listen to what I have to say, you rich prick."

"So, you're taking the lead for this one?"

Sam punched the wall again, while Integra lit a cigar and blew a puff of smoke in the assassin's face, "The damage to the wall is coming out of your pay."

"Next time it's your face."

"So what is it you have to say?"

The grin on Integra's face was beginning to annoy Sam but she chose to ignore it. "So here's my idea, have the townspeople trained by the Hellraisers to train volunteers in cities, so they can fight witches and demons until back up arrive. That would take some of the burdens off of us and the Hellraisers."

"Hmmm, that it is a pretty good idea. I guess we could work out the details with His Majesty and Captain Trench."

"See? It's not so hard to listen to other people, you're not the only person that has good ideas."

Sam gave Integra a hard slap that resounded down the hall and walked away, she called back over her shoulder, "Judging by the grin you're still sporting, you're a bit of masochist yourself." Integra just chuckled as she rubbed her jaw.

Late at Night-Whitehall Mansion

Even though it was a quiet night and not a sound could be heard in the mansion, Marionne Whitehall had trouble sleeping. This was not new to her, it started after her traitor of a husband, George had been executed. Because of his idiocy, the Whitehall name was one of shame and treason. Marionne often wondered how lucky she and her sons were that they were not executed. Remembering the way George was executed caused the widow to shiver even on the warm night. Her husband was now a silver statue and she had no clue what the Hellsing heiress did with it. A good cup of tea could be used by now and Marionne headed to the kitchen, she could have called the butler, but she didn't want to wake him. She had to lay off more than half the staff, leaving only a butler, several maids and a handful of guards. No more invites to galas or balls, her sons had been demoted from their high ranking jobs and they had to sell all of their many mansions, except the one that the widow resided in at the moment. There had to be a way for the Whitehalls to get back on top. Her plan to have her eldest son marry Hellsing had flopped. It wasn't like Integra had a line of suitors, so she should have been grateful! Marionne sighed; she would have to think of something. She passed the sitting room where the light was still on. Wait, Marionne knew she had turned off the light, so how was it on? Maybe it was the butler? Or maybe it was one of her sons, she hoped not she did not need beer vomit on her rug- again. The woman was scared, it was silent and the aura had a predatory feel to it. Marionne picked up a vase and charged into the room. There sitting in one of the chairs was Integra, smoking a cigar. The Huntress had an amused smile on her face at seeing Marionne with the vase raised above her head. Upon seeing Integra, the widow nearly dropped the vase, "What are you doing in my bloody house? Guards! Guards!" Blowing out a stream of smoke Integra said, "They won't be coming any time. I've disposed of them."

"You killed my men!? Murderer! Murderer, you will pay for your crimes. I will see you swing!"

"They will wake up….eventually."

Marionne sat in the nearest chair and tried to regain control of the situation, "You wouldn't have gone through all this trouble if you didn't need something. S out with it and hurry, I would like to get back to bed."

Integra smirked at the older woman, "I am sure you heard the rumors."

Wrinkling her nose, the widow sneered, "You mean the ones where you are trying to get into the king's bed, so you can get on the throne?"

The Huntress didn't flinch, "I heard rumors that I was already in the king's bed, it seems like I'm going backward. But not those rumors, the ones about your involvement in hiring the assassins."

"I had nothing to do with that!"

"It's a good thing I didn't come for a confession."

"What is it that you came for?"

Integra leaned forward in her chair, "To let you know that I will find out who the culprit is."

"I thought the Royal Guard…."

"The Royal Guard couldn't find their asses! However I am not an incompetent idiot like them, so I will find out the truth. And if you had anything to do with this incident you will wish to join your husband."

"You have no right to threaten me, Sir Hellsing. You would do best to respect your elders."

Blowing out another stream of cigar smoke, "And you would do well not to commit any treasonous acts."

Marionne sighed and her eyes darted around the room as if to make sure that no one else was listening, "I can speak for myself with a clear conscience, however, I can not speak for my sons. If there is any Whitehall involvement, it could be one or all of them."

Integra chuckled, "First your husband, now your sons, is there anyone you wouldn't throw under the carriage to save your skin?"

"That's not…."

"Let me make this clear so that there are no misunderstandings: if there is any Whitehall involvement you all swing. That includes your fortieth cousin fifth removed. Any person that has or had the name Whitehall becomes a lovely silver statue. I have one in my basement already and I don't mind adding to the collection." The widow's eyes widened with shock, "You …you have my husband….in your basement?"

"Don't be so surprised, you practically gift-wrapped him for me and the king denied my idea fo putting him in a public place, something about scaring the citizens."

"We couldn't have a proper funeral!"

"They are still giving funerals to traitors?"

"If one is guilty, why destroy the whole family?"

"Simple, because your family destroyed mine. I will make sure that the name Whitehall is blotted out from existence. Of course, you have nothing to worry about if you had nothing to do with the attempted assassination."

Now Marionne was as white as a cloud, "That's not fair! You can't blame an entire family!"

Integra rose out of her chair, "Lady Marionne, life is not fair. I have often thought about how unfair it was for my family had to be wiped out because of a stupid sword. If I could go back in time, I'd give George the damned blade, if it would save my father. But that is not how things work, is it?"

"But….but….it's not right or moral!"

"Don't speak to me about what is right or morals! You knew what your husband would do for a bunch of silly weapons and you did nothing! I would say that is immoral."

"You can't do this! I will report this to the King!"

"Go on ahead, do whatever you want, but that won't stop me from finding out the truth and punishing those responsible."

"But….but…."

"You had better pray that your family had nothing to do with this because I will make sure you pay dearly."

Before Marionne could ask or say anything else, the Hunter walked out to the room. The widow ran after Integra, "Wait, you can't do this to me!", but the Huntress had already mounted her horse and was galloping through the gates.

At the cemetery, Integra stared down at the headstone that marked her father's grave. Underneath six feet of dirt and grass, in a mahogany office laid the remains of one Arthur Hellsing. In his youth, he had been a Hunter, but lost trust in the blade, which deemed him unworthy. But Arthur still served his king and when his daughter was born, all he ever talked about was how she would be superb Hunter, even better than he was. This great man was then murdered by who he had thought was a friend, but proved to be a greedy traitor instead. Arthur died slowly and painfully as the toxin had eaten away at his insides. It had pained Integra to see her strong and proud father in bed slowly withering away and sweating profusely. The doctors had tried everything they could, but it too late. Arthur Hellsing died on a bright cloudless day with his daughter crying and Walter silently by the bedside solemnly. The Whitehalls had stolen everything from Integra, her childhood, her father, and a chance to show Arthur that he would have been correct. And now that slag of a widow may have had something in the assassination attempt of the King. Integra clenched her fist; no, these bastards will not have the chance to steal yet another person from her, "God above, Father I miss you so much."

Chapter End

Author's Note: Aww man we didn't get to see a fight between Integra and Sam! Don't worry there will be one…maybe…who knows…But in the meanwhile there will be more drama, more monsters and we'll find out who tried to kill the king. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. See ya in the next chapter.