Remember Me
Chapter four
The office was deafening quiet. Not even a chirp from a bird could be heard from outside. Not like that could ever happen at a time like this. Howling winds and snow were seen out through the window, snow piling up with a vengeance to taking over England itself. Clouds swarming in the sky that covered the moon in the sky. Sir Integra had breathed out a long sigh, smoke flying out of her mouth. A misty cloud created above her head invading her smell and vision. But all of it was ignored as ice blue irises focused on the paper before her. One of the many reports that started flooding in from her majesty. Thin brows knitting together with mild frustration and stress which made it hard to concentrate on the words and photos that were scattered some over the open folders. So putrid and disgusting to even bare in a way. Just having to imagine the people who had to take the images were brave souls to just stand in the bloody mess. With a small groan, Integra had thrown the stack of papers onto the desk. The steaming tea that was sitting on it rippled violently from the force that came.
Integra took another desperate whiff of her cigar, letting the warmth ebbing away the ever building stress little by little. There was knot evident in her shoulders once her focus was now away from the problem at hand. A soft pressure coming in the front hold of her head, the warning of what will be a horrible headache if she didn't take care of it soon. She had rolled her shoulders some wanting some relief from her body. Joints popping, muscles stiff as they were being stretched out before laxing only slightly. The young woman had leaned back in the chair with head leaning back pressed the back rest of the chair. Her ice blue eyes stared off in the distance of the large office. Shelves filled with books, many chairs placed in certain places, paintings hung on the walls, and then there was the God-father clock over onto the side that ticked every second. The time on it showing just how late into the night it was.
The ticking was barely heard, though. Drowned by the commanding silence that roamed in the air. Yes, it is silent, and no less still. As if time had paused for that moment as she went deep in thought. Integra glanced over to the badge that laid over to the side on top of her desk. Waiting for the owner to come back to reclaim it. This quietness was unsettling and she didn't want it anymore.
Her right hand took hold of the handle of the tea cup into her grasp. Still warm after being set there for many minutes of being ignored. Taking a careful sip anyways, testing to see how hot it really is. She enjoyed the strong flavor of jasmine invading her tongue. She pondered over why this quietness was here in the first place. She swallowed the warm liquid, resting the cup on her lap soon after. Her pet vampire hasn't been the same ever since that night. He had holed himself in his room for most of the time, not peeping out unless he was needed. Alucard has also been quiet. He still took joy slaughtering ghouls and entitled vampires in their missions, but that high wouldn't last long afterwards. He always seems to be deep in thought whenever his presence is around her. That evil grin turning into just a solemn grin on his face and she knew that the young vampire he had turned plagued his mind in those moments they were speaking. She could only imagine what he could be thinking in those moments where he was by himself.
How long ago was that night? 4 years? No, it had to be 5 years ago. That seems to be right. 5 years of trying to find the young vampire. How time seems to fly without knowing. 'Seras Victoria.' Sir Integra thought sadly. Her shoulders dropped as well. The two of them weren't really close by any means, but Integra did find the young vampire endearing. A bubbly personality that seems to confuse anyone that knew Alucard well enough. Drastic contrast of personalities. She still wonders why he changed her that night at Cheddar town. Putting that curse on such a nice girl like her. 'Where have you gone?' Integra sighed out while closing her eyes. Seeing that sweet smile holding onto the girl's face, looking at her master with such admiration in those blue eyes. Integra was never a fool to know what the vampire felt. She hoped that they find her soon, feeling like an older sister somehow to protect the silly girl.
Another sip of the jasmine tea, leaning back in the chair slowly to let the exhaustion to settle in her bones. A few more minutes went by and a knock echoed from the other side of the double doors to lead her out of the office. Frim three taps that gave out who exactly it was standing before those doors to disturb the lady holding up in her office so late into the night. "Sir Integra." The butler to the Hellsing family had called out, waiting permission to enter like always.
"Come in, Walter." She granted him in. One of the doors creaked open with a soft squeal. The vague thought of needing to oil the hedges at some point came in both their heads with mild grimace on their faces. But for the moment the butler was more worried for the women he watched grow up. Those wrinkles eyes taking in the sight of his sir with a visible frown expressing on his lips. The door closed ever so softly with the help of his hand pressing into it lightly. Each step careful, from years of training to hunt vampires that caused it. Walter had stopped before the desk with hands folded behind him as he could really sink in the sight of Sir Integra who was now sipping more of her tea while he was walking into the office. The state she got herself in, he thought still frowning to himself. Dark circles under her eyes, and blood shot from reading too much with dim lighting of the room. His age always showed whenever he frowned, revealing every wrinkle that was made over the years. "What's wrong?" Came a question that should be asked, but came from the wrong lips.
"From the looks of things, sir, I do believe I should be asking you that." He politely retorted. Walter knew the young woman too well at times. Knowing that she refuses to face up to whatever emotion she was feeling most strongly at the time. Staying stoic majority of the time to keep from anyone digging in for weakness. She would never allow such a thing to happen. His steady glare that didn't hold any anger or resentment towards the woman, but one that held great concern for her health and state she was in. Reminding her that she could let go of the guard in front of him. Sir Integra shifted in her chair, not meeting his gaze as she did whenever she was a little girl. A time before she was thrust into this life when her father died. Walter was the one to take care of her while the older Hellsing was off somewhere doing his duty.
Another intake of her cigar, she lazily breathed out. Her fingers rubbing at her temples as she could feel an oncoming headache coming. "I have been reading all these reports." She started as she dropped her hand that was rubbing her forehead to gesture at the scattered mess. Walter had cringe some on the inside at the sight of the mess, but otherwise allowed her to continue with what she was going to say. "All these attacks that have been happening. They are growing more." The tea cup got placed down on the desk as she found she couldn't concentrate on carrying it anymore.
"They seem to think they're a worthy opponent." Walter grinned with amusement. When she didn't react the way he thought Sir had left him to worry more. Her fierce attitude didn't shine through like they do when her authority was ever dared questioned by anyone. Instead she tilt her head to the side with a ponder look. Trying to think what their next move will be.
"It makes me wonder if…" A pause came, but she didn't have to finish to what she was trying to mean. He knew every well where it was leading and he didn't like to give thought to it. He slouched his shoulders, arms dropping to his side. He walked over to her side, hand being placed on her should to try to comfort her. Neither of them couldn't bring themselves to ever think the thought that came. It was too painful.
"I would highly doubt that." He said to her with certainty. They were silent for a while after he said this. He slightly squeezed the thin shoulder to reassure her of this statement, but that didn't seem to help. She feared the worse.
After some time, she pressed the cigar onto the ash try standing up soon when it went out. "I'm very tired." A simple statement to any other ear outside the room. Words that would make any other think that she was in need of sleep. But Walter knew all to well what she was meaning, and he felt the same as well.
"Of course, sir." He trailed out. "I will be certain to prepare you a bath for you." He bowed as she walked out the office. It has been a long night.
Dark, cold, grimy. Things he refused to dwell on as he sat in his throne like chair. For if he thought of those things, then it would bring up…Alucard stopped there, not wanting to finish that thought. It was no use. Flashes of her crying face came by setting his jaw to grind further. He hated seeing that expression on her face. It made him angry beyond reasoning and it made him even angrier knowing he had caused that on her face in the first place. He didn't realize that his clasped hand that lay on his lap gripped together tighter as he kept remembering those tears.
Who knows how long he sat there for. The night itself didn't bring much distraction for him. Missions had steadily gone down as winter drew in, and the missions that did happen were easy enough for the Hellsing soldiers couldn't handle themselves. Simple vampires that just weren't really worth of his time and energy. But he joined with them anyways, serving as a distraction from his rolling thoughts. He wanted to feel the thrill of battle once again, but found it didn't last as long as they once did. They were too easy to pick off and too boring to stretch out his fun. When it ends, he would be back here in this empty room alone. Going back to having those damnable memories repeat in his head. Tonight he was less fortunate to have no missions and he certainly didn't want to walk out into the night with the blizzard currently raging outside. To add to that, he could feel his master's irritation as she was once again thinking of his action that night. Within the five years, the irritation towards lessening thankfully, but it still didn't stop her from thinking about serious whenever he makes his presences with his master. Their interaction had been few in between because of this.
Alucard had leaned back trying to get comfortable and relax for the night since he knew he wasn't going anywhere. He knew that would not happen anytime soon. He had felt his master's stress earlier in the evening, knowing she was reading on those reports that the Queen gave to. He even found them curious when he learned of the situation in each crime scene that took place. Few of the organizations dedicated to hunting down supernatural monsters similar to himself were attacked in a bloody rage, a few of them not being able to rebuild with much destruction that the enemy has caused. And upon reviewing the photographs and evidence that were typed out, it was clear that a vampire had done the act.
'Bold indeed.' He thought lazily when he remembered Sir Integra's words as she describe these attacks. He and his master knew that whoever this is causing all will be facing them soon. They just couldn't tell when. Each attack were not consent on the time frame. Alucard had started to wonder what their enemy will be like this time around. Self entitled scum? Power controlling freaks? Blood thirsty fiends? That one didn't make sense one the last thought came. Attacking groups that hunt specifics monsters was too much of a coincidence. It almost seems that there was some type of agenda that they set out, and they just couldn't figure out what that is yet.
Shifting finally, the old vampire went to grab the untouched wineglass filled with the mixture of blood and red wine. Made by the hands of the butler that was asleep upstairs. Alucard swirled the liquid some as he thought of this unknown enemy. A little part of his was surprisingly less excited about it this time around. The wine slowed to a stop to only be tilted back as he started to take a long sip. The sharp, bitter and sweet met his taste buds. Quenching his thirst for just a moment to continue on his train of thoughts. What was different now to cause this? Musing over this didn't take long to figure it out. It was obvious, but he refused to admit it.
The view of his room was empty, no surprise there. The only thing that he held here was the small table next to him as if held the empty wine bottle, the other wine glass, and his round glasses. Of course, there was his coffin that was over to his left, but something else laid to his right. Glowing red eyes took a glance towards that direction, spying on the large dent that still reside from when he slammed his fledging against the wall. The cracks still the same since that night. Seeing it caused his anger to flare again. In the mist of his temper, his table was flipped out which caused all the things on top to shatter when falling to the ground. His poor table didn't stand a chance against the force and splintered before meeting the floor itself. Next was the glass in his hand, thrown somewhere in the room, red liquid splattering all over the spot it hit. Then came his chair. Alucard had swiftly stood and turned around to face, his boot coming up to kicking it with great force. It flew back hitting the wall opposite from him.
He panted heavily while he stood there looking at his broken chair. He had calmed considerably, but he still felt like spilling blood. The room went silent again a mist coming up from the disturbance of the room. He took another glance at the wall, remembering every detail of that night. Alucard could hear her pleading voice echoing around him. Not a second longer, he started to walk out of his room. A deep growl set in his chest as he started to phase out the metal door. Mindlessly, his feet had guided him down the hall only to stop right in from of a wooden door. A little sign that said "Seras Victoria" on it. She was very giddy on it, showing him the decorative piece to him the day she got it, only to pout when he ridicule her for such an unnecessary item.
"Master, you're mean." She would comment with a whining tone and hung the sign anyways in spite of what he just said. Amusing how that pouty lip went into a smug smirk like she had gotten away with something.
Before another thought could come, he phased through the door with ease. Everything inside was still intact and in place. All the dust was cleaned off courteously from Walter who still hoped for Seras' return. Alucard scoffed, but found that he had hoped as well. Her coffin lid open, white lining of cotton was stabled in with a little extra padding for her to sleep in, a table right in the middle of the room that also held decorative items. A vase that was centered held a flower, the same flower that was on her mother's grave as well. There was also a ratted stuffed bear sitting there next to the vase. It certainly had seen better days, though it could be in a worse state than it is now. It was black almost matching his hair, red buttons for eyes. The button eyes seemed to watch his every move as it lay there unmoving on the tale. He knew better than to think so, but it almost felt mockingly how that bear stared straight at him. Alucard had narrowed his own eyes while grabbing it tightly in his grip to inspect it more as another memory came.
He remembered her squealing with delight when she found the little guy amongst the things that were brought to her from her old apartment in the city. There wasn't much that they brought, being very suspicious of someone who is supposed to be buried six feet in the ground. Seras was more than thankful to receive what she could, and more than grateful to have the thing that was connected to the childhood she loved before that traumatizing night.
"Ridiculous.' He remembered saying with a small laugh as her blue eyes stared happily at the bear itself. Her response to the comment was her tongue sticking out at him like some kind of child. It was enough to cause laughter in him before disappearing before her, leaving her to her own devices. Alucard couldn't really understand the sentimental value the toy held. Or any other small items she had that was somehow connected to a moment in her living life. But, staring down at the bear with a gentle gaze, petting the head lightly, the old vampire seems to get why. If he could if only one thing to remember every little thing in his living life and undead life, it certainly wouldn't have him forget. Not that he didn't remember, only memories that seem uncertain after having lived so many centuries on this earth. The black bear was placed back onto the table again, sitting neatly against the vase before him wander around the circular table.
There beyond in the room was her vanity that held the little makeup she had from when she was a human. It was on nights where they had no missions to do, he sometimes feels a pang of sadness coming from her in her room in which he would sneak in the shadows in her bedroom in wondering why she felt such a way. The young vampire would be sitting at the vanity putting on makeup lightly on her face as if getting ready to go out into the city. Seras had always smiled some before scowling to herself while pulling out wipes to clean the makeup off of her face. Wasting all the time and effort she went through. He knew that she didn't regret becoming a vampire at all, but he knew there were moments where she just wanted to feel normal. Just one night of living life even while dead.
He walked up to it picking up a blush in his hand as he ground his teeth at once again. Fingers running over the lid itself for a moment to let those memories sink into his mind. 'Ridiculous' he thought then. Mocking himself then as he was quick to put the blush away to keep from continuing on that feeling. It was wanting to strangle him, and the old vampire refused to go down without fighting it.
Her scent still lingered about in the room, fading away slowly with each passing day. And just like any other night, the room looked the exact same as the last time. Every spot, nook, and cranny didn't budge from their place. The dresser was still full of her clothes. Alucard walked to the dresser as he wanted to look at all the photos she had on top of it. One of the police squad that she was in, and a few more with lost friends she had over the years when she was alive. That graceful smile that she had across her lips that he want to corrupt badly. Then there was the night stand sitting alone with no four poster bed to be next to. As if awaiting for the bed to return to it. On it were a few knickknacks she gathered from when she felt adventurous and skipped school those days. He didn't know what they were at all, but he gazed at them like everything else with mild interest as it came Seras.
He sighed out, sitting on one of the two chairs at the table. Everything in here had managed to calm him down a little more. Every reminder was everything she had told him about in great detail about how she got something or where she got when she living as a little girl. He wouldn't admit to it, but he enjoyed listening to her, even if he already knew everything about those stories when he drank her blood on that fateful night.
"Master." Her voice still cried out in his head, already a tale tell sign that it would be a long night for him.