An Unexpected Visit

The hunt had been very tiring. The target put up such a strong resistance. Was this the power of real vampires?

Victoria shrugged the thought off and stared at her bedside table. The terrible medical blood sat in a bowl of ice. How her tired body longed for it...

She took a step towards her table. Would it be a soup, or a drink tonight? There weren't many ways to serve blood. But Victoria found that if she was imaginative when it came to serving it, the thought didn't bother her mind as much.

There came a sudden knock at her door. She turned. Who is it?

No answer...

Who is out there? Victoria tried again.

A long moment of silence. And then, ... I know this is an unusual request, but may I come in? The voice was that of Integra Hellsing. The last person on earth Victoria expected to pay a visit.

Victoria suddenly felt quite flustered. How should she behave? She hadn't had much personal experience talking to Sir Integra. Oh, she would probably mess up in front of Integra, like she would in any formal situation.

And why did Integra want to speak with her? Would it be bad news? Was she going to be cut loose, turned into a master-less vampire only to be hunted by the Hellsing corporation?

She wouldn't know until she opened the door. Her fingers ran along the knob. Taking a firm grip on it, Victoria bravely twisted and handle and pulled.

Integra stood in the doorway in silence for a few moments. May I come in? Integra asked, appearing more polite than usual.

Victoria exclaimed, feeling utterly stupid for not inviting her in. To make up for it, Victoria offered Integra her chair by the table. She pushed the bucket of ice and blood off the table in embarrassment.

Integra sat in silence for a long moment. Victoria could feel the sweat dripping down the side of her face. She could anticipate the bad news.

It's really strange of me, Integra finally spoke, causing Victoria to jump. Integra laughed sadly to herself. It's completely silly, but I can't seem to bury the feeling.

Victoria noticed the pained look on Integra's face. Surely she wouldn't be so sad about releasing Victoria. She felt a sudden compassion for Integra.

Integra took in a deep breath. Have you noticed anything strange lately? With Alucard, that is.

Victoria blinked to herself, pondering on the past few days. If you mean besides hiding in the shadows and talking in my head, no, she tried to joke.

Integra did not laugh. I see, she said, standing to her feet. I'm sorry to have bothered you, Seras.

Victoria blushed. Oh, no problem at all! I was just-- Victoria's stomach chose that moment to growl very audibly. She could have died in embarrassment.

Integra found that to be amusing, and laughed to herself a cold and steely laugh. I shall disturb you no further. And so she left.

Bloody strange, Victoria commented to herself once Integra was out of earshot. I just know I'll be up thinking about this all night.

She turned to her blood. Her stomach rumbled silently in expectation. Then came another knock at her door.

Victoria groaned with her stomach. Who is it?

I'm sorry to disturb you, Miss Seras, but there appears to be a problem, Walter said in a hushed voice.

Come in, Victoria invited.

Walter carefully closed the door behind himself. Sir Integra does not appear to be herself.

That alarmed Victoria. B-but she was just in the room with me! It dawned on her that the experience had seemed quite surreal and unusual.

Yes, that's why I have come to you. I saw Sir Integra leave your room. Did she act strangely at all?

the answer came much too easily. She was unusually polite. She also mentioned something about Alucard. If he was acting himself.

Walter stared intently at Victoria. he spoke up. She is weary from the battle last night. I heard it was difficult.

Horrendous. I'm still exhausted and the battle occurred a few hours ago, Victoria agreed.

Well, then some sleep should do Sir Integra some justice. Renew her vigor and strength, Walter decided.

Unbeknownst to the two, Integra stood outside Victoria's door, listening in on their conversation. Sleep. Integra shuddered at the thought.