A/N: My imagination has finally decided to start the AxS romance and I'm changing the genre from horror to mystery. And to Annikainen: no, you didn't insult me; I'm just overprotective of my beta. Besides, I might not have found the mistakes if you hadn't told me.
Traveling For Health
After the clock struck the hour of eight, a late enough time for her to accept company, Seras heard the hoofs of a horse beat upon the drive. Rising and smoothing the wrinkles in her dress, she walked to the door and opened the heavy portal. The carriage of the female doctor stopped before the entrance, Integra alighting from the box while Walter drove on to the carriage house.
"Good evening" Seras greeted, giving a small curtsy and a polite smile. Neither was returned by the stoic guest; rather, her face showed an unusually grim expression. The young heiress ignored the rude behavior of her guest and stepped aside to allow her into the house, the cool night wind blowing the damp air of the moors upon them.
Integra walked past her without a word, her feet taking her to the study as Seras grudgingly followed behind. Entering the room, the doctor seated herself in the chair opposite the desk while the young heiress took the one behind the intimidating piece of furniture. Both waited in uncomfortable silence until Walter entered, standing behind Integra as she suddenly cleared her throat.
"I have an important matter to discuss with you, Miss Victoria" she announced in a serious tone, her eyes locked with Seras'. "I believe what I am about to tell you will be considered highly ridiculous, but I speak in all seriousness." Seras nodded her head for the woman to continue, showing she had her full attention. "First, I would like to know if you have ever heard of a creature called a 'vampire'?" Integra asked.
"I believe I have" Seras responded, remembering the tales told by the matriarchs in her orphanage. Many had spoken of a creature who stalked the nights, drinking the blood of maidens and small children. Merely stories to keep children in their beds and entertain the listeners; what had these legendary creatures to do with her?
"Vampires are real and I believe one has caused your bouts of illness" Integra said calmly, watching her reaction.
Seras merely sat in her seat, her mouth slightly agape and her eyes wide in shock. A low giggle started in her throat, quickly increasing in volume until she could no longer contain her mirth.
"You must be jesting" Seras said between her laughter, covering her mouth to save some grace for her rude outburst. "Vampires do not exist, they are only superstitions."
"I assure you this is no joke" Integra spoke harshly "Vampires may be considered mythical in this century but they are real; and you are a fool not to take my words seriously. Your symptoms match the legends perfectly, as did the death of your uncle."
Seras immediately stopped her laughter and suspiciously narrowed her eyes at the young doctor's words, withheld information not a pleasant discovery amidst a sea of questions. The blatantly obvious insult to her intelligence was also not overlooked, riling her ire and pride.
"What about my uncle's death?" Seras questioned, curiosity tinged with anger in her voice. "Did you have something to do with his demise!" she accused, though realized the possibility of such a declaration being true was unlikely.
Integra rose from her chair and slammed her hands down upon the desk, glaring at the young heiress with equal emotion.
"You fool!" Miss Hellsing nearly yelled, her form quivering in rage. "A vampire killed your uncle! No animal on the moors could do such damage and leave such a terrible feature on his face!"
"I am going out for a walk" Seras spoke firmly, rising from her chair. She would stand no more of this insulting conversation, both to her intelligence and her beliefs. "If you remain within my home I will call the local constable to remove you" she said, swiftly exiting the room before another word could be uttered.
Seras slowly made her way to her room, retrieving her coat from her armoire as she heard the front door open and close. She collapsed upon her bed as the last ringing echoes of the slam resounded through the quiet house, silently thankful for their decision to leave her alone. She desperately needed time to recollect her thoughts, hoping the walk she had so rashly proclaimed would give her the refreshing atmosphere she needed.
Rising from her bed with a heavy sigh, knowing well she had insulted the few friends she had, Seras sadly proceeded down the stairs. Opening the heavy wooden door, she breathed the refreshing night's air and walked outside. Securely locking the portal with her key, she turned her steps to the moors beckoning for an overdue exploration. Stepping out into the heavy fog surrounding the wetlands, she shivered and hugged her coat closer to her body for comfort.
Though the young heiress did not believe the words of the doctor, her eyes drifted warily to the many shadows surrounding the moors. The mist floated past her form languorously, the almost oppressive darkness weighting down her mind with thoughts of gloom. Shaking off the unusual fear creeping along her spine, she focused instead on relaxing her mind and body. She heeded little in what direction she was going, though her previous meeting with the doctor on the moors taught her to be cautious of her footing.
Seras was unsure for how long she walked, memorizing only a few natural distinctions to find her way back to the manor. Suddenly looking ahead of her she was shocked to see a large building looming before her. She could make out the lit windows of the tall structure and a large door guarded by a rough looking individual. Noticing a sign placed near the entrance, she curiously strode over to the wooden object and nearly gasp in surprise. According to the words written upon the wooden board, she had reached the insane asylum. The quiet air around the building an unexpected characteristic for what was often seen as a brutal but necessary establishment.
A whim suddenly took Seras to investigate the connection between her uncle and the asylum, the paper found in the desk a few days past not easily forgotten. Walking with sure steps toward the main entrance, she noted the guard rising at her approach and she gave a nervous glance in his direction. Reaching the burly man, she performed a small curtsy and looked to the door behind him.
"Is the warden here?" she asked casually, trying to sound as if she had often visited the business.
"You can't go in" the man spoke, obviously seeing through her ruse. "No visitors allowed, 'specially not women" he added, almost leering at the woman before him.
"But I merely wish to speak to the warden for a short period of time" Seras argued, her eyes narrowing as his attention appeared to be fixed more on her body than her words.
"No civilians allowed, miss" he sternly repeated, his tone now edged with anger. He was about to rudely push her away from the premises when a voice behind him forced a stop to his action.
"Wait, Michael. I am curious about what she wishes to see."
Seras noted a man walking toward them from the closing doors, a white overcoat covering his body and gray hairs etched in an otherwise brown color. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, though obviously working with such patients had led to early aging. By his outfit she assumed him to be a resident doctor of the asylum.
"I merely wished to speak with the director on business matters" Seras explained quickly, still keeping a watchful eye on the grumbling guard. "I was hoping he could answer a few questions I have about the inmates."
"I'll take responsibility for her" the doctor said, giving her a small smile as he turned to the guard. "The warden won't mind if I show her around a little." When the burly man had grudgingly nodded his head in approval, the gave his full attention to the young woman. "My name is Dr. Singston, but you may call John."
"Seras Victoria" she spoke, noticing a faint hint of recognition at the mention of her name. returned his smile with one of her own and allowed him to lead her into the building.
Stepping into the main lobby, Seras noted the three halls all leading in different directions, one straight forward while another flanked both sides of her. The doctor proceeded down the corridor to their left with sure steps, passing the many doors along the path with nary a look. The young heiress, however, curiously tried to peer into the small bars placed high on the metal portals, attempting to view the resident.
"Would you like to observe one of our patients?" he asked, having noticed her wandering eyes. He stopped before one of the large doors, taking his large key ring from his pocket and clanging them together in a suggestive gesture.
"If there is not trouble" Seras hesitantly replied, stepping beside him with some measure of nervousness. The doctor gave a low chuckle at her action.
"There's nothing to worry about. We have a barred cell door behind the metal ones for extra protection" he explained as he swung open the first portal. "I won't open the second."
Seras nodded her head in understanding and peered into the darkened cell now open to her, her eyes straining in the near pitch black shadows. Suddenly she started as she looked at the lunatic presented to her, her eyes widening in disbelief. The inmates wore the exact same outfit as the body she had seen in the horrible out building, down to the loose straightjacket and matching slippers. Her attention was so captured by the revelation she didn't notice he had begun to speak to her.
"You must be the new heir to the Victoria Estate" the man said, oblivious to her stunned expression as he slowly closed the metal portal. "I had dealings with your uncle, a strange gentleman" the man spoke, casting an interested eye at her. He led her away from the lunatic portion of the structure and deeper within the building, their progression now passing doors with metal plates inscribed with the doctor's name upon their wood. "Have you come to resume the business" he asked with restrained eagerness, stopping before one of the many plates and opening the door for her to enter.
Seras greatly hesitated, realizing what business her uncle must have had with this disreputable doctor. Very easy to slip a patient out, one with no family and no connections to the general public; though for what reason she had yet to decipher. Her relation must obviously had paid the man well to take such risks, the tone of his voice also showing his anticipation of earning more of the ill-gotten wealth. She realized her curiosity was bringing her into a very precarious situation and decided she had satisfied her emotion long enough, an apologetic smile appearing on her face.
"I believe I will be leaving" she stuttered, stepping away from the less than inviting doorway. Turning back from the way they had come, she swiftly allowed her feet to take her from the disturbing practician and passed the unfriendly guard.
Seras wandered into the thick mist, following the way she had come with unsure steps. Though she had memorized many details along the path the night had swept over the moors during the interval, shutting off her vision from finding her way. After many tense minutes of wandering aimlessly with little familiarity, she stumbled upon a turned in the trail which she did not recognize having passed.
Seras halted for several moments, unable to decide which way would possibly lead her back to the mansion. Shrugging her shoulders she turned her feet to the path on her left and began walking along the mossy ground. Suddenly she halted as a strange sound drifted to her ears, a low rumbling coming from the air surrounding her person. She swivelled her head from side to side, attempting to pinpoint the location of the disturbing noise. Then her eyes caught on a darkened figure standing low to the ground not far behind her, several eerie glows alighting its face with an unnatural shine. Her breath caught in her throat when she realized what exactly was watching her.
The hound from her previous visit now stood before her, its eyes glowing as coals in the darkness of the moors. With a wild gasp and a tension of muscles, the young heiress turned from the horrible sight and began sprinting across the carpeted ground. She rather faster than before, not being hindered by her bag laden with meat, but still she sensed the mad dog moving within reach of her body. With a wild cry she sped faster, unshed tears lapping at her eyes as her breath came out in wheezes and gasps.
Seras' shoes pounded madly across the ground, her eyes looking forward as she dared not face the hideous beast chasing her. Seeing familiar plants now spreading along her, a faint glow of hope spread through her and she pushed herself faster as the path opened to reveal the outskirts of her property. Daring to give one glance backward she suddenly bumped into a solid object, causing her to fall backward upon the ground with a loud thump. Quickly twisting her head up to see what had stopped her flight, her eyes fell upon the tall form of Alucard
"Is something wrong?" he asked with some hint of concern, looking past her from where she had come. "You seem terrified" the tall man commented, offering a hand to her quaking form which Seras gladly took the palm into her own, briefly noticing the distinct lack of glove and marveling again at how cold his skin was.
"A large beast was chasing me" she explained between gasps as he lifted her to a standing position, relief in her voice at seeing a familiar face. Rising to her feet and swiftly turning around, she saw naught but the mist slowly traveling over the moors. Sighing in relief and returning her attention to the gentleman, she noticed a distinctly amused look on his face. "You do believe, don't you?" she asked hesitantly.
He shook his head in the negative and settled his hands condescendingly on her shoulders, barely attempting to conceal the humor he found at her fear. The amusement in his eyes sent an unpleasant chill through her body, though the feeling was quickly overcome by her anger. She huffed in indignation, trying to free herself from his arms and walk the remaining way to her home. However, she found him less than willing to comply with her silent wish.
"Now don't struggle" he chided softly, his grip on her shoulders tightening painfully.
"Release me!" she demanded, struggling in his hold. One of her legs flew out for a swift kick but he avoided her effortlessly,
"There's nothing to be afraid of" Alucard soothed, softly but firmly turning her in his arms so her back lay against his chest. "Here, I'll show you."
Against her will Seras felt herself being led to the outskirts of the moors, her breath quickening as she thought of the beast waiting just out of sight to catch his prey. Once more she twisted in his hands, her movements more frantic than before as the mist began swirling about their persons. A strangled cry broke from her futile efforts, unshed tears bordering her eyes as her body became limp in his hands.
"Calm down" he quietly ordered, his voice somehow parting the terrified thoughts plaguing her mind. For a moment they merely stood there, Seras' audible pants the only sound amidst the quiet of the night. The young heiress began to calm, her eyes searching before her for signs of danger but seeing nothing. "See? There is nothing but the darkness, and the shadows cannot hurt you" Alucard added with a chuckle. He gently guided her away from the moors and toward the mansion, Seras following his step obediently with her mind preoccupied by the sudden disappearance of her stalker.
They reached the entrance to the house within a few minutes, Alucard having never removed his hands from her shoulders. Stopping before the steps leading to Seras' sanctuary, he turned her to face him with a nudge of his hands. She complied willingly enough, both her mind and body exhausted from her harrowing chase.
"I will see you soon" Alucard spoke softly, leaning down and giving a gentle kiss along her lips. His hands moved in soothing circles around her hips as he broke the kiss, a soft lap of his tongue causing Seras to gasp as he smirked at her sound. He straightened himself quickly and released his hold, turning from her stunned face and walking from sight around the corner of the house.
Seras tentatively touched her hand to her lips, a shy smile lighting her face until she realized exactly what he had done. Her hands balled to fists as she seethed quietly, clearly recounting what he had done to her the past few days and liking little his forward attitude with her. At the moment she wanted nothing more than to swipe the smirk off his face and berate him for his bold manner, her hand raising in emphasis to her thoughts while shaking a fist into the air.
Seras froze for a moment and suddenly let her arms droop to her sides, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she shook her head. The feelings he gave her and his increasing forwardness terrified the sensible portion of her mind, and she could not allow such control over her being. However, she could sense another darker, more foreign sensation creeping into her with every one of their encounters. She had wanted to lean back in his arms and blindly follow his commands, merely to remain in the emotions his voice was stirring within her.
But she couldn't simply allow him to do such actions with her!
Seras resolutely nodded her head and made a firm decision standing alone before her silent hall, her only witness the high moon signaling the midnight hour with its beginning descent. Tonight, after their arranged discussion, she would be rid of him forever.