Return to the Waste Land

'A current under sea
Picked his bones in whispers.
As he rose and fell
He passes the stages of his age and youth'

Chapter Four

- Death by Water

Drip. Drip. Drip.

One. Two. Three.

Integral counted the heavy drops falling out of the sky. It was raining again. The motions were delicate unlike the display of violence the weather had showed days ago. It made the Hellsing feel sluggish.

She secretly wondered if London had been this gloomy before the war. When would the sky swallow its tears and started to shine? Nature was reflecting the citizens' mood. Much like the weather, people were still weeping.

There was a crack behind her, the sound the door of the office opening. Integral spun around, her gaze travelled from the window to the emerging figures of Walter and Doctor Stefan Seward, one of the many descendants of Jack. Unlike her bloodline, the Seward's were quite fertile and there were about twenty of them, all dedicated in a career inside medicine or psychiatry.

Integral scrutinized their expressions. They both looked satisfied. That relaxed her, lately she had been expecting the worst in everything.

"I'm very pleased with the progress," Stefan started, patting Walter's shoulder. "My examination of Mr. Dornez indicates that there's strong possibilities he will be able to walk sooner than I originally predicted."

"I only need a tad more of exercise," Walter added with a reassuring smile. "To awaken the articulations and muscles."

"That's the best news I've received in a long time, Doctor Seward," Integral cleaned off the sweat from her face. She had been nervous regarding Walter's state and wasn't ashamed to show it. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it, Sir Hellsing. Our families have been closed and aided each other's when it's inside our abilities. Now, if you excuse me," Seward checked the clock on the wall. "I've another patient to attend…"

"Good day," Integral inclined her head and waited until Walter joined her side to exit together. She was also in a hurry. Today was when the knight had scheduled the briefing with the Iscariot Order.

Walter remained tactfully quiet during the trip through the Piccadilly Street, which Integral appreciated.

The relationships between Iscariot and Hellsing had tensed ever since Millennium was destroyed. Integral had hoped that they would be back to the blissful policy of ignoring each other's existences except for the occasional clash. Yet, the knight recognized that after working alongside them, it was hard to just forget the other is out there.

What Integral was concerned about wasn't that part. The mere thought of specific would be a wondrous utopia. She couldn't maintain that delusion for much time; neither could Maxwell. It was the writing in the history of their religions, filled with bloody conflicts.

The consequences of a disagreement, now that is what Integral dreaded. She feared it more because she, herself would be willing to crush. Deep inside she yearned for battles: To feel that consuming fire rushing inside her veins once again, the aroma of blood in the atmosphere, and the screams of her foes was the music for her ears. But, as a diplomatic figure, the Hellsing couldn't afford open conflict; it would only weaken London even more taking in consideration the slow desertion of the Anglican followers. She could picture Maxwell snickering at reading the reports about the adhesion to the Unliving Church cult with a superior air.

Integral could even bet his greeting words would be…

"Hello Hellsing… I heard you, Protestants, are having a crisis of missing lambs lately," Enrico pursed his lips in an infuriating smirk. "You were always soft to hunt down the wolves."

Integral cast a bored look to the priest after thanking the waiter for guiding them to their table. The exquisite elegance of the Patio Restaurant of the exclusive Fortnum and Mason was enough to make up for the Catholic's taunts. She took a minute to appraise the walls that were decorated with Michael Dillon's beautiful pictures.

"Greetings to you too, Maxwell," Integral took a seat opposite to Enrico whilst Walter positioned himself to face Renaldo. "Where's the Paladin? Afraid he might break something too expensive you cannot afford?"

"In the museum…" Enrico sighed, exchanging a glance with Renaldo. "He brought his orphans and is giving them a tour to the museum as we speak."

"We should eat first," Renaldo suggested, passing the menus. "It has been a long trip on the train…"

"I agree," Walter nodded, opening his carte. "Better to discuss when the stomach is full. The mind has more energy."

"Very well," Integral accepted this. She had been quite starving herself. "What about a bottle of white wine?" she inquired, scanning the options.

"As long is not that awful English wine…" Enrico commented with disdain.

Ignoring Enrico's insult, she called out the waiter. "Could you bring us a bottle of Meursault Les Narvaux?"

"Certainly, Madam. Do you require something else? Aperitif? Lunch?"

"Wild Smoked Salmon with Sour Dough Bread, Baby Capers and Sour Cream for me, if you would," Integral closed the carte and handed it to the waiter. "No desert. What about you, Walter?"

"I don't want to spoil myself much. A Herb Marinated Feta Cheese with Watermelon and Pumpkin Seeds Salad, thank you."

"I want a Ricotta Tortelloni with Taleggio Cheese, Spinach and Toasted Pine Nuts."

"What the lady ordered," Enrico stressed the word 'lady' looking at Integral with a mirthful expression. "After that, we want extreme privacy."

"At once," the waiter bowed and made his way to the kitchen.

Integral leaned on her seat, placing a leg over the other. "We should invest the time and discuss the topics as they prepare our meals."

"Good idea," Enrico acquiesced, snapping his fingers. Renaldo quickly pulled out a file filled with reports made of newspapers' cuts. The vampire scandal was reflected in each one of them. "We can agree on this issue at least, Hellsing. The whole show displayed around the world is making our work more difficult. You may be a vampire lover, but not at this point."

Integral glowered, wanting to correct his false statement but after what happened with Alucard on the boat, she wasn't certain of how she felt on the subject.

"Romania has already declared them citizens with 'humans' rights!" Enrico folded his arms, furrowing his brows, his eye started to twitch. Integral wanted to stab it with a fork; the movement annoyed her greatly. "We cannot allow them to just wander freely! And your own heathen government is on a path to do the same. Especially taking into consideration that the new monarch will be a Midian!"

"Don't feed the rumours, Maxwell," Integral said in a low tone, borderline a threat. However, she felt the same. If only Charles wouldn't have died during the nazi assault. Perhaps Henry could take William's place on the throne.

"Please, Hellsing, I thought you weren't as naïve… The Vatican is already moving to make declarations against this 'vampire fashion' that had imploded around the world…"

"Which could expose Iscariot more than it was during the war…"

"A sacrifice we are willing to take," Enrico declared with noble stance. Integral pursed her lips within a thin line of amusement. They were throwing each others to the sharks.

"You realize pretty much that this will end with the hypocrisy of 'turning the other cheek'?" Integral pointed out. "They would accuse you of fundamentalists… and there's possibility of new religious conflicts."

"Unlike your ilk, Hellsing," Enrico grinned. "We won't lay and allow the cults and heathens to win the upper hand. We have exterminated the bad seeds in secrecy during centuries. And what did you do?" He snapped his fingers again, Renaldo complied-retrieving the newest The Times to hand it to Integral. She read the headlines: 'A new faith is rising: the revelations of unlife!' The Hellsing grit her teeth and contained the urge of throwing it over Maxwell's face. "That's the results of your handiwork."

"We're working to solve it, Maxwell," Integral put the newspaper down. "As for what the Parliament decides in the undead issue, I cannot do anything about it. Unless you propose to use Alucard to brainwash them, all to do my very whim."

Enrico shifted uncomfortable. Integral chuckled in victory. She was very aware the priest was against the use of the vampire. Even for good ends.

"Pardon my rudeness," Walter interrupted the discussion. "But the waiter is coming."

"We'll continue after the lunch," Maxwell cleared his throat as the waiter poured down the wine in his goblet before settling down the dishes.

When the meeting was over, Integral felt a great burden lifted off her shoulders. Maxwell and she arrived at an agreement. It wasn't convenient to fight among themselves when there were so many enemies around. Thus the treaty remained. They would not interfere in the other's territories unless it was because of requested aid. More like 'begging' his help, in Integral's opinion.

"We have to take another route, Sir," Walter commented. "Apparently, there are alerts that the Thames river could cause an inundation… with all these rains, the banks destroyed…"

"This would surely rise the panic among the population," Integral sneered, sliding inside the Rolls Royce. "Is the government starting to evacuate the zone?"

"A tad slow. But, yes."

"The Prime Minister is becoming inept with his lack of reaction."

"We can't pretend to have another Churchill, Integra."

"I know."

Integral looked outside the window, beholding the urban landscape. The palette of greys, blacks and brows displayed fully as the rain fell down. Children were playing, soaking themselves wet, orphans without parents who told them what to do. Were they having fun? Or did they merely wish to forget for a while their condition? She narrowed her eyes. They possessed amputated limbs-a hand, fingers, a leg…

Where was social care? The UNESCO? Even the bloody Caritas! Too much Protestant for the Catholics?

Too busy playing around the vampires? Let us take care of them and come back to your proper place…

Integral's mind swayed away from the view of the streets to car. The melody of her cell phone had worked it's urgent magic. She searched for it inside the pocket of her coat and pressed the talk option. "Yes? Sir Hellsing…"

"Madam Hellsing," a voice that she recognized as Albert Holmes answered, "Forgive me if I interrupted something important."

"Not at all. I was on the way to my home. What is it now?" Walter hiked a brow, questionably. Integral covered the phone. "It's the Detective Holmes," she told her steward.

"Good, good. I was wondering if you wish to come with me to one of the gatherings of our dear Church… Incognito, of course. I need the opinion of an expert in the vampire subject."

"Give me the address…"

"This is what you should find interesting… It's in St. Paul Cathedral…no less…"

"Under the bishop's nose!" Integral found it aggravating.

"Yes, my thoughts exactly… Meet me two blocks before the Cathedral, I'll be in my cab. With the outfit you'll need."

Integral turned the cell phone off and glanced at Walter. "I want to come along as well, Integra," he smiled and pulled his special gloves. "I need to do some exercise in any case."

"Very well," Integral bent forward to the communicator. "Chauffer? To St. Paul Cathedral. Stop where I indicate…"

The Rolls Royce stopped on the Dufferin Avenue upon Integral's indication. Holmes was there, leaned on the taxi. He saluted her, tipping his cap as the Hellsing descended. The driver aided Walter with his wheel chair and he soon stood behind her.

"He's coming with us," Integral explained, her tone was firm. She would not take a no for answer. "I'm the grieved daughter seeking a miracle for my father to walk."

"Nice excuse," Holmes complimented and gestured inside the car. "Your clothes are there. Including make up and contact lenses…"

Integral nodded, disliking the concept of make up. It was vain. But sacrifices should be made and she opened the door to pick up the garbs. She proceeded to change inside her Rolls Royce. When she came out, Integral was wearing a pair of jeans, a pink, sleeveless blouse and lip-gloss. Her eyes lack of the frames of her glasses, instead the green contact lenses took their place.

"Not exactly a masterful disguise," Holmes said, stroking the just implanted facial hair. "But, she will be unrecognisable enough. What do you think of your daughter Mr. Edmund Bartes?"

"I would have chosen a less… flamboyant colour," Walter replied shiftily. Integral bit back a laugh; he had the most ridiculous moustache she had seen since that portrait of Vlad the Impaler.

"Mr. Bartes?" Integral would not address his taste in clothes. She loathed it with a passion. At least Alucard was not there to taunt her.

"We need alias, Madam Hellsing. I'm Paul Fisherman… Choose a name…"

"Virginia," Integral walked beside Walter, starting to push the chair. Even though he may have disliked it, that was the only way to keep the charade of normal people. "Let's move."

"I've taken the liberty to call Miss Victoria, just in case something happens," Walter informed Integral who nodded, approving the initiative. She dismissed the idea of bring Alucard. He didn't know the meaning of stealth.

The towers of the Cathedral came to view as they strode towards the temple, also the great crowd. They were hiding the gatherings as if it was a proper Christian Mass. Her grip on the side of the chair tightened in wrath. How could the bishop allow this? Why didn't they realize this before?

Integral knew many were busy with voluntary rescue teams but it had been a glaring fluke. Unbelievable.

"Today is special," Holmes murmured, gesturing towards the cameras. The BBC was there, along with many journalists. "They would reveal themselves to the public eye officially."

"Even if they risk their hideout?"

"You know that will play in their favour…"

And she did. Integral was sure it could be the mortal struck against the Anglican Church still faithful followers. That their Cathedral would be desecrated by the bloody heathens. It made her blood boil. Screaming to murder them.

"Look… Sir… Is Sir Irons," Walter pointed out in a soft tone, enough for only Integral to listen. She glanced at her fellow knight. It was indeed Roderick Irons, he was with his wife and children. She shot a killing look to the traitor and then hid her face. He wouldn't recognize her.

After stopping on the threshold to make the sign of the cross, the three passed the gateway and slid inside, dodging the sea of people trying to get in. The wheelchair awoke some charity and some parted to allow Integral a free way. Outside, someone was tolling the bell, calling the rest. The mass would begin soon.

Integral, Albert and Walter managed to find good places in the front, near the choir loft. Her eyes scanned the beautiful stained glass art and then focused them on the altar, where the 'so called' clergy announced the beginning of the celebration. She realized who he was, sometimes the boy was helping his father on a special holiday. It was Louis, one of the children of the bishop.

Everything started to fit.

"Rise my brothers and sisters."

Integral complied with the rest, leaving her pew to stand. It disgusted her, but there was no other choice. There were no chances to blow up the cover with the press around.

"Today is a special date," Louis told everyone with a serene smile. "Not only are we enjoying the company of the press, who will publish faithfully the truth of our faith. But also…" He made a pause, adding dramatics. "After a long search. We finally had found the Messiah!"

A commotion shocked the audience. Integral and Walter shared a look of disbelief.

"I know what are you thinking about…" Louis sighed in disappointment. "I see the scepticism written on your faces. But He won't mind. He forgave Peter after the apostle denied him three times. He would open his arms towards you as well… Remember… what he said to Nero:

'I adjure you, ye angels of Satan, who are carrying him into the air, to deceive the hearts of the unbelievers, by the God that created all things, and by Jesus Christ, whom on the third day He raised from the dead, no longer from this hour to keep him up, but to let him go. And immediately, being let go, he fell into a place called Sacra Via, that is, Holy Way, and was divided into four parts, having perished by an evil fate.' Is his second coming! The trumpets and angels were replaced by a zeppelin! Didn't you see yourself a dragon form merging of the fire, I ask! He has come to us because we are his chosen people!"

There was a solemn silence. Integral knew the dragon was caused by her servant. But then again, Iscariot considered him the Devil.

"Now watch, you who need proofs. Open your eyes wide and watch our Messiah!"

A mass of darkness gathered behind the altar forming the silhouette of a man. Then it vanished completely. A middle-aged man could be distinguished. He had dark brown hair, curled and messy. His skin was of a bronze colour, mixed with undead parlour, and glowing red orbs. The vampire was clothed with a white robe.

The flashes of the cameras nearly blinded Integral slightly; the people that gathered became exited and anxious. There was a shared gasp.

The Christ smiled at the crowd, showing glimmering fangs. It was a fond smile, but underneath there was a feeling of malice. Integral could read this in vampires. Seras' grin was sweet, so unlike his.

"It is bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood," The vampire uttered, sliding his wrist down a golden chalice. To his last words, Integral's met the Midian's gaze. He was fixed in her. She kept the stare firmly, standing her ground.

He smirked slightly. It was fleeting and almost no one caught it. Except her.

Integral knew who he was at once. Sensing his presence through the sleeping seals. And started to regret the small freedom she had granted him.

Alucard? What the hell you think you're doing!

Author's notes: I finished this story last year when I had only the Japanese volume 6 and some not translated scans of volume 7 initial chapters (up to Pip's death), so is very A/U now. I changed the editors to be able to publish a new chapter. Only one left, and it will be done. Thanks to kelles, my new editor, don't doubt in left criticism. I appreciate the feedback.