Remember Me
Chapter Five
"What is the meaning of this?" Integra's voice could be heard through the large hallway. Walls lavished with paintings and side tables with flowers on them. Windows on every other panel that still showed a dark sky beyond the glass. Integra had glared at it like it was the one that offended her by disturbing her much needed rest by loud bangs hammering onto her doors. Several men and women, who were also waken by the commotion, poked out of their respective rooms to find out what was going on. Almost all of them had went back inside when catching the hell's fire behind those icy blue eyes of Sir Integra. They have worked here long enough to know not to get in the way with whatever is happening. Only a hand full kept their heads out with the dying need to know everything that happened within the Hellsing walls. They were all ultimately ignored as she was too focused on the two men before her her blonde hair flying behind her in the process.
Walter had rushed behind, with his own night wears on, holding a light robe in his clutches attempting to put it on over the silk pajama set that she still currently wore into the late night. Or early morning. Which ever preference one would take. The two guards before her were both fidgeting with their guns nervously. They glanced at each other silently questioning if this was worth waking the beast like this. Wondering if they could have waited later into the morning with the sun out and coffee inside her. No, this problem needed attention right away. And she would have agreed once she cooled down from the grumpy phase she was in when waking up from her sleep. Thus they straighten their backs, and doing their best ignoring the waves of annoyance from the said woman. Not being help to a small sweat building up on their foreheads.
They continued down on the hallway in silence having not answer her at all for there was no words best to describe the situation. Much better if she saw it for herself. They felt the grip on their guns tighten more nervously. Tension only grew the close they got to the the stairs. She simmered some when their steps got to the foyer that was lite by the grand chandler placed in the middle of the ceiling. Glittering with diamond look shaped lights, giving her view of the red carpet below her feet and the wooden frame of the rails of the stairway. Walter had finally made the robe to wrap around her thin shoulders, but the action was ignored as she was more focused on the problem at the door at the moment. Integra's eyes went down to find two figures at the door. One slouched over on the smaller one, in pain from the looks of things. Low whisper among them while waiting to make her presences known to them. She glared at them for they were the cause for waking her up at an ungodly hour. Integra had took the time to look over the over coats they wore. With a gesture for her men to stay put, she begin walking down the stairs with confident stride in her steps like she always does. Shoulders straight, eyes hard with determination and demanded respect for it.
"What is the meaning of this?" Her voice even stronger than before, walking down the steps carefully. Walter following her after her in worry. Both of his hands placed behind him in preparation for an attack should they ever tried to. But his wrinkled eyes took note how stagger the man's form was leaving the butler to lax just a little bit. One can never be too careful these days, he thought very melancholy. The two figures turned to face her, revealing who they were. She paused at the bottom with Walter doing the same thing after her, eyes widen slightly as to why he would be here at all. Her butler was also trying to process the familiar face before them. He leaned against the woman that had both arms around him to keep him up. Noting the blood stain on his white shirt with hairs in disarray. They looked exhausted, looking like they hadn't slept a wink as they got here. He also look very pale to even consider him to be alright. She knew the face well from the many meetings every year, not to mention the times their fathers being good friends with each other when they were alive. It made her wonder why he come, but her instincts told her the blood she saw might be part of the reason.
"Mr. Harker?" She questioned with mild doubt that he was actually there. It brought her back in time for a moment of seeing the young boy hiding behind his father's leg as she stood confidently waiting for him to introduce himself to her like one should when you're strangers to each other. When he finally did, he got scared off with how she lectured him on his manner causing both old men laugh at the interaction that came. There were times they would try to play in the courtyard, but they both liked doing different thing to only end with both of them doing their own thing together. It was one the few founder memories she had from her childhood. There wasn't any more time to recall everything as there was a pressing need to take care of the bleeding wound he has.
"Sir Integra. It's good to see you again." He replied with a smirk that he was always remembering the first time they met many years ago. Most certainly no longer that little boy from that time. Soon after a hiss came out from his lips in pain, feeling a great throb. The woman next to him buried her face into his shoulder as if holding back a cry from hearing his pain. Both Integra and Walter had walked forward to them to when hearing the pain. Their arms were stretched out to help keeping him on his feet. The silent question in the air as to what happened to him. Walter had helped holding the other side of the man with the woman, now making their way to where the infirmary is in the manor with Integra leading the way.
"It's been some time since we last seen each other." Integra commented now more calm than before. Trying to bring the tension down some, but it didn't help much. Pushing some of her hair back to tame it some distracting herself now as she felt her pet vampire listening in onto the conversation. Curious about the guest in the house. She only hoped that he stayed out of view while she figure out why the man was here. The air grew slightly colder as the shadows on the ceiling starting moving along with them throughout the hallway. She couldn't help from looking up to the shadows with a glare in warning.
"I say it's been too long. Still strong as steel as ever." He laughed some only to wince in pain from it.
"Do not push yourself, Mr. Harker." The woman then spoke in a quiet tone. Her voice shook uncontrollably, her grip tighten on his clothes. All eyes were set on those two from how she was reacting. Both Integra and Walter gave the same look when they knew what was going on between the two couple. They did not hide it very well as they thought they did. The English woman only hoped they wouldn't disturb anyone with their...closeness.
"Lillie, I'm alright." He spoke gently to her, his right hand coming up to wipe the lone tear that escape her eye. He forgot that he wasn't suppose to use the nickname he had given her for some time now. Lillianna had looked away from him frowning to herself at the answer he gave her. It seemed she did not favor the obvious lie he gave her, but Integra knew well why he would say this instead of saying what pain he is feeling at the moment. Bare no weakness before the enemy, even when they are no longer around. Show only bravery in the face of men that would likely bring them down to their knees. The consequences of leading other men into the battle of creatures with no grantee to come back home intact or alive. Though Derrick's brow did furrowed sadly at her with the reaction. That hand being pushed away by her own, her eyes downcast to keep from looking at him.
The walk itself was rather uneventful. No other words spoken, but the tension rose further in the air from the silence. When Mr. Harker was brought onto a bed in the infirmary room, Integra had waited after he received treatment for the nasty wound that laid in his stomach. Walter stood next to her watching as well. Both hands behind him in a stance like he was ready for something. Integra couldn't tell if he was preparing for a danger that will never come or the memories flashing as he was witnessing the wound. A shadow over in the corner where Alucard resided at to listen everything they will say. Icy blue eyes landed on the wound that resided on his stomach. It was like someone had punched a hole in him. His blood wouldn't stop for some time, but it did thankfully. She thought how he was able to survive a blow like that. Lillie never left his side once during the time, helping with what she could. The poor woman paled more when looking at the wound as if it was the first time looking at it. Or maybe she was finally able to process the sight of the wound. Either way, Integra felt for the woman.
Once the doctors were done, they left with a nod to Sir Integra and her muttering out her thanks for the help. The couple at the hospital like bed, Lillie sitting by him as he was trying to calm her shock and nerves down as best as he could. He had whispered into her ear with sweet nothings while running his fingers through her brown hair. Her lips trembled as she forced down a cry in her throat. Integra waited five minutes before stepping forward to catch their attention onto her. Lillianna shrunk from the hard stare the English woman gave. Derrick had shivered, but was more prepared for something like that from her. Though in the moment he did forget about the demanding aurora she would have around herself.
"What has happened?" Integra questioned, getting into business. His hand mindless started rubbing Lillianna's back carefully as he started speaking to the blonde hair woman.
"I'm sure you are aware of the recent attacks of the hunting organizations." She nodded her head to confirm this. "Apparently, my organization was next in line. At least this time wasn't as a disaster like the other ones." He explained with attempted humor only to fail in the endeavor.
"You were attacked?" Integra questioned with surprise and confusion. Now this had become interesting.
"It would appear so." He gave an airy laugh while gesturing towards his stomach. Integra had given an unimpressed look at his trying humor. It seems some things will never change. Always believing he was the comedic relief in any situation that there was. Mr. Harker got onto the silent remark at him. He gave a cough at this while Lillie had now buried herself into his chest too frighten by Integra to be able to look her in the eyes.
"How were you able to survive?" Derrick swallowed some with a cautious look in his eyes. Then had brought his coat over to bring out a syringe from one of the inside pockets. It was filled with clear liquid inside that was unknown to her and Walter.
"Every dog should know how to play dead, Sir Integra." He responded to her, but it would seem he was holding something back. Integra had glared at him with suspicion at him. She said nothing about it, knowing it will come up again eventually. Lillianna had heaved a cry from the words he spoke out loud. Obviously not knowing the plan of his, remembering how she found him after the attacker had left the scene. His unmoving body laying on the ground looking as if he wasn't breathing. Derrick had soothed her then, bringing her cries into tiny whimpers muffled into his chest. There was light kiss on the top of her head.
Walter took the time to walk up to the bed as well, footsteps silent that had Integra surprised at his presence at her side. "Were you able to get anything from the attacker?" The butler then asked knowing Integra was trying to process the previous answer she gotten. Derrick then shuffle in the coat, getting out a wrinkle paper folded up to fit inside the pockets. He handed it to the old man to take. Walter unfolded it with ease, finding a head drawn. Most of the face cover aside from an eye that was revealed by torn cloth that was meant to be a mask for her head. He thought it strange to have such a fearful look in that eye that was drawn from how Derrick saw it. The English woman took a glance it as well. Brow furrowed as it somehow looked familiar, but she didn't want to think much on it.
"How strange." Integra mumbled to herself, taking the paper to herself to observe more closely. Why did this, now knowing, woman feared when she was the one attacking them in the first place? It didn't seem to add up to her.
"I know." Derrick recalled the expression when he had ripped the mask off just so he can get a look of her. The sight of her frightful gaze at him with what look like tears in it. "She was strong. Was the one to land this punch on me even though she had a sword she could have used on me." Walter had raised a brow at this. A sword? That is useful to know when they enemy will come to them. He was sure Alucard was intrigued by this information as well.
"Is there anything else that you can remember about the woman?" Integra continued on. Derrick glanced over to Lillianna, his finger tapping on her head gently so she could give what she knew about the stranger. She sniffled some, embarrassed by some of the snot escaping. She used the sleeve of her dress to wipe it off as she straighten herself before Integra. The young woman took a glance over at Derrick as he encouraged her to go speak.
"When I answered the door..." Lillianna began swallowing down the anxiety Integra's gaze was giving her. "She spoke with an accent. I couldn't tell what it was since it was muffled by the mask." Accent? Integra felt alarmed by this. Her stomach dropped as the little fear she had was starting to come through. Her grip on the paper tighten. Lillianna had nothing else to say then, lips trembling once again.
Everything became quiet. The two party that had come looked more exhausted and Integra knew they needed to rest. With a heavy sigh she began turned away from them, throwing the paper over her shoulder onto the bed. "Get some sleep you two. I will see to it to send this information to the Queen as soon as I can." Integra spoke coolly. "And Mr. Harker?" Integra called out to him with a much harsher tone. He had expected this for the vague answer he given earlier. She didn't need to meet his eyes to know that he had gone serious with the tone she given him.
"Yes, Sir Integra?"
"You and I will need to discuss things further when you are fully rested. I have more questions I want answered." He didn't say anything to her. His arms that had wrapped themselves around Lillianna tighten with the anticipation of knowing what that conversation would come to. He had hoped not, at least not this soon when flying over here. Integra left the room, leaving Walter with them to accommodate their needs before heading back to his room. The young woman walked down back to her room deep in thought. She knew the Alucard followed her out, a laugh echoing lightly to her ears.
Her appeared behind her, walking with her down the hallway. Sharp teeth viewing as he grinned widely at hearing the news of their opponent. There wasn't enough energy in her to deal with the crazed vampire as she wanted more sleep. Luck wasn't on her side as he let out a small laugh at what he learned in the medic room.
"Such an interesting turn of events, Master." He commented to her with amusement. Integra felt a brow twitch as she didn't speak back to him. "Tell me. Do you have any thoughts on who this enemy could be?" He asked her while bending over to have his mouth close to her ear with knowing that his master had an idea. When Integra had said nothing to him brought him to be more curious. What was his master thinking right now? He didn't move away from her when her irritation waved by him for still invading her personal space.
"Leave it be, Alucard." She told him with mild distain and closing off from him as she continue on thinking on the situation. Alucard had continued to walking by her, leaning back as he glanced over her with curiosity.
The vampire had glanced over his shoulder towards where the infirmary was at. Alucard didn't think he ever see them again. Not after...his had let out a sigh from the somewhat distant memory of her ancestor as well as his own. It was most gleeful, yet infuriating, situation he can ever find himself in. He certainly did look like them and somehow this thought didn't seem to bother him much then if he was many years ago. "You must know something is off with our guest." Alucard went on talking despite knowing she was in a foul mood. A laughter echoing around them. How he love to irritate her more. "I wonder if he's aware of my presence at all?" Integra heaved a sigh to herself while seeing the familiar door that belong to her room. His feet stopped just inches from where she stopped before her before her bedroom door, red orbs now noticing how stiff her stance was still in deep thought about their enemy. "You do have an idea who it might be?" His voice low now. It didn't really sound like a question but more of a statement.
This did cause a reaction from her. In her anger she flew the door open to her room, not looking him at all. "I told you to leave it be." She gritted her teeth as she started stepping in the master bedroom while he kept the door open with his hand. His own teeth start to grind in from the simple fact of being left out in this. He face her back for a moment as he scowl to himself. He didn't like being left out in anything. Integra then faced him with a stern glare at the vampire. Those pale blonde locks seeming to fall into place with every move she made. Graceful like waterfalls, bright as a full moon. Watching it wave in slight motion always did bring him back to places he rather not be in, but does despite himself at times.
"Master. Tell me." He stood high above her. So intimating, but she never feared this monster. A trait he had always admired her for. Facing the darkness with such fearsome expression that had led him to be glad to her his master. His lips slightly grew into a grin as he waited for her to respond to him. He saw her pondered for a moment thinking on telling him just who she was thinking. Brows contorted with conflict that left him to wonder even more. Who could she have thought? Did she fear this enemy? No, he knew that she didn't fear them, but felt as if she was concern about them. What kind of manner of creature can make his master feel like this so strongly? He had to know. Shoulders slumped down turning her head turning away from him. Disappointment filled his blood, that grin scowling then as red eyes grew fierce and angry at this gesture.
"Go to sleep damn vampire. I'll call you when you are needed." She commanded him. His gloves glow from her words and he had no other choice, but to follow her order with a scowl. What was she thinking? At this point, Alucard wouldn't be able to tell anymore.