li-sakurashowron: So many unaswered questions, so little time. :) Hopefully this chap will bring to light many things that need to be revealed. And I'm crossing my fingers that you like this chapter. :)
lunaeve: I love what you said in your review about the difference 'tween a woman and a girl! I thought it was time for Seras to get some guts and go for it. I think especially what Eres and Aidan put her through. I say she deserved some ass kickin' time! And we'll see what punishment Alucard drolls out:)
Demmie: Yes, I'm feeling better week by week, but it's still slow going. And just to let you know, I'm going to see AFI in February!!! I'm so excited! It seemed like it'd be fun to write Seras going a little nuts with everything she'd been through, so I'm glad you liked it and I hope you like this one too. :)
Ludifer: Glad you liked this last chap. Oh, btw, the heels thing, if it hadn't been in there for her to stab him in the gut with her heel, it wouldn't have been there. On the other hand, you gave me a great idea! Thanx for the inspire:)
RisingGundam2006: I agree with your assessment. If I were to have seen those monsters again, I think I would've gone ballistic too:)
Blitz KriegHerr: Glad you're feeling better and hope you aced those exams! Occasionally, I like a bitchy Seras, but as to whether she meant those things she said...you'll just have to read further. :)
Lady-Azura: I'm so appreciative that you liked last chap and I hope to keep meeting your expectations. :)
Marti: Happy to hear you loved this last chapter! I really thought it was time for Seras to experience a little ass kicking, don't you? We'll see if she truly meant the things she said to Alucard or not. :)
Rockreaper: Thanx for dropping by and I'm grateful to know that you thought last chap was cool. Thanx so much:)
aska19: First, I'll say that Integra's not aware of everything that happened to Seras while in the brother's clutches. That's one of the things that'll come out either in this chap or the next. There'll be talking, bitching, yelling and some craziness to ensue at some point. Glad you liked the fight scene too! Sometimes, they're a little hard to write unless I'm full blown concentrating and completely immersed in what I'm writing! Anyway, thanx for the comments regarding me and Hinder, cuz they sooooo freakin' rock:)
amber: Wow! I'm thrilled that you think this fic was hot! I almost don't know what to say! Don't worry, I'll be continuing it...though I'm not sure how many chapters will be involved, so stay tuned:)
Kappatsu: No apologies needed on the late review. Better late than never's what I've always heard. Besides, I know what it's like with a housefull of sick people... it's rough! And I did have a happy New Year. Did you? Still, I'm happy you liked this chapter and maybe this one will be as good if not better. :)
Disclaimer: See chapter 1 since I'm too damned lazy to bother with it again. ;) The characters that are mine, however, are: Taylor, Finn, Eres and Aidan...so you know the drill. :) This is rated for language, violence, adult situations, scenes of torture, etc... Anyway, enjoy:) I used my lyrics for Hanging On...so besides a few characters... I own that too. :)
Hear Me
Chapter 15: Repercussions
Integra had waited until sunset the next day to summon her servant and his trio of fledglings. Seras had needed the day to heal, and she wouldn't be so uncivilized and unfeeling that she wouldn't allow her to do so. Besides, for the punishment she'd planned for the rash actions, the draculina would need to be fully healed so she'd at least make it through it.
Turning, the pale blond stood and walked the few inches to the windows behind her desk. Reaching up with a gloved hand she opened a slit in the blinds; narrowing her eyes at the still bright glare that greeted her. Only a couple more hours and it wouldn't be a problem. Snapping the blind shut, the heiress returned to her chair, already regretting the actions and words she must indulge. Seras' impulsive actions couldn't go unpunished or she'd have the whole compound believing they could do whatever they wanted without fear of recriminations or punishment.
Steeling her reserve, Integra pressed the button on her speaker phone calling Walter into her spacious office. "Walter, I need you to come and bring something stouter than tea, please."
"I'll be in your study within fifteen minutes, Sir Integra." The butler's calm voice spoke smoothly through the speaker. The man was so efficient, it was downright scary at times.
Punching the button on her phone again, the speaker clicked off; leaving her in dead silence and eagerly awaiting the fortifying beverage Walter was conveying. It's not that she needed the courage, she had that in spades. Hell, she'd faced down the most powerful vampire ever created at the age of ten. Alucard had even told her that it was her strength of will and refusal to surrender, despite the stacked odds, that tamed him, along with the fiery taste of her Hellsing blood coursing within her body.
While she was waiting on Walter, Integra closed her eyes; drawing on her mental powers, she linked with her servant. Instructing him to bring Seras, Taylor and Finn to her after sundown ,and not more than thirty minutes past the sun setting because she wanted to get this meeting over with as soon as possible. She reminded him of the punishment that awaited him if he chose to disobey. Integra wanted to ensure that Alucard knew just how much trouble his fledgling was in. She could hear his angry voice buzzing through their link. His anger made her angry. Who did he think he was anyway? He was her servant and would obey if he didn't want to end up in the basement again, locked away for as long as her will wanted.
Abruptly, he cut off their link. She already knew the confrontation that was coming and it would be ugly. Alucard had been extremely devoted to Seras even before he'd turned her. Now, it was even worse, for Seras, he lived as her master and lover. He protected her with such ferocity. This would certainly not go well at all. The negative vibrations seemed to fill the room, bouncing from wall to wall. This feeling was pissing her off and she shouted, "Walter, where's my damned drink?!"
"Right here, Sir Integra." The door opened revealing Walter carrying a tray balancing a cup and a rather large bottle. Strolling confidently to her desk, he sat it down gently, screwed the lid off and began pouring.
"Whiskey, Walter?"
"No, thanks, but you drink up. I never drink on the job. Looks bad on resumes." Smiling, the elderly retainer tried to lighten her emotional burden, but it wasn't meant to be.
"Not that funny, Walter, but nice try." Integra replied dryly. She carried so much weight on her young shoulders that most people would never see in their lifetime. Shrugging, she picked of the glass and stared into the its liquid contents. It would be so easy just to drown in it. So easy just to give up and let everything go. But her Hellsing blood kicked in forcing her to remember just who she was, and Hellsing's never gave up. They never cry surrender. They fight like hell to the bitter, deadly end.
Picking up the tumbler, she slugged it back, downing the amber contents in one gulp. Her throat burned from her foolish effort.
Walter watched as his employer struggled internally. She'd find her way there was no doubt. But the actions she was forcing herself to carry out in the upcoming evening would be even more trying. And that's why he'd brought the whiskey. He knew she'd need it.
A short time later, Walter found himself standing at the windows peeking out the white blinds. It was time. The sun was setting and soon the rest of the group would be here. Releasing the blinds from his hand, he stated, simply, "Sir, Integra, the sun has set. It's time."
Acknowledging her employee's statement, she nodded. "Bring them here, Walter. I'll be waiting."
Walter bowed, taking his leave, he closed the door with a heavier than usual thud. And she was left alone, again, in the cold silence of her study.
Taylor had just woken when a rap sounded at his and Finn's door. "Come in."
Walter entered the room and stated the reason for his intrusion. "Sir, Integra has ordered me to bring you, your brother, Seras and Alucard to her immediately. You have no more than thirty minutes from this verbal order to show yourself. If you refuse, they'll be hell to pay."
Surprised, Taylor nodded. "We'll be there. Don't worry about it. What's this about anyway?"
Frowning, the retainer replied, "I'm sorry, but I'm not at liberty to say. Sir Integra will inform you of the subject when all of you have gathered in her office. Now I must be going. I've other duties to attend before our required meeting. Farewell."
Walter left in the quick, efficient manner that he always exhibited. He may have been older, but he left behind the feeling that he was holding something back. Everyone else that had been there when Hellsing had been attacked previously by the two Valentine brothers, remembered the major ass kicking that Walter had indulged in. They still whispered his name in awe. Angel of Death.
Glancing at his brother barely rolling out of his bed, Taylor asked,"Do you think this is about Seras? She did let out her inner berserker pretty bad."
Finn, usually the joker of the bunch, for once appeared so serious. Deadly seriously. "Yeah. I think it's about her going ape shit the other night. Did you happen to see the look on Alucard's face? He was pissed! But if it's not that, then I don't know. Honestly, I don't know if want to know what this is about!"
Both brothers instantly clothed themselves with a thought and left immediately for Integra's study. They sure didn't want to be late and risk her wrath! Her mood, just like Alucard's, could be so mercurial. Which was understandable with her being a woman, but sometimes her temperament belied her sex. She had some undeniable male traits buried along side her feminine ones.
Finn had even told a running joke to him that there was questions of Integra's sex. Male? Female? Could she be both?
Maybe it was the way she'd been raised. Without a mother, her father died when she was still young, and she'd been forced to take the helm of a die hard organization with an ancient vampire who's great strengths included him being a huge smart ass! And her only family, an uncle, had attempted to murder her shortly after her father's death. He would've succeeded had it not been for Alucard. The imprisoned creature ensured that her uncle would never again trouble her.
Seras yawned, rubbing her eyes, she had awakened with a heaviness in her stomach she couldn't explain. Alucard had already informed her of the meeting in Integra's office. This was one meeting she wasn't looking forward to at all.
Even worse, she was afraid to confront Alucard. Angrily, she still felt as if he'd betrayed her, while staying completely loyal to his master. If that's where his loyalties would always lie...then it would probably be best to move on. Do her own thing and put the present and past behind her. That actually had a nice ring to it, she thought.
Deep inside, she knew she couldn't leave. Her heart was the traitor now, though she loved Alucard and had given him everything, he'd still turned on her. Maybe he loved Integra more than he does me. That's the last thought she had before a knock landed heavily on her door. Without thinking, she called out, "Come in."
The metal door opened revealing her two cousins who were standing there patiently, and waiting. Finn whistled as he noticed what his cousin suddenly changed into. Her typical pajama set, right before their eyes, changed into a set of fatigues that comfortably hid her figure, especially the over sized chest area. She'd thrown on a pair of combat boots and was ready to go.
"Okay guys, let's go. Time to get the trial and punishment over with. No matter how much I think it's bullshit, gotta go through the motions anyway." Seras had spoken with such a cold, detached manner that her cousins were wondering if Hellsing had truly lost her to the actions and consequences of the other night.
Finn and Taylor flanked her sides and escorted her to their designated meeting place, arriving just in time.
The moment they'd entered the room the temperature plunged to frigid. The two women glared at each other with open hostility and Alucard hadn't even shown up yet. Both of the Adams brothers felt such unease, they didn't even want to be here, but they were because of Alucard's command.
Integra's jaw tightened and she called out to her servant. "Alucard! We're waiting so get your ass in here!" Obviously by the expression on her face, she wasn't used to being kept waiting and it didn't sit well with her that he was stalling.
A voice spilled from the shadows, announcing his presence. "I'm here, my master." Alucard's form slowly melted out from he darkness; and bringing him into the muted light from Integra's desk lamp.
Instead of joining his fledglings, he went and stood directly by Integra's side. Giving Seras a pointed glare, he tried to read her thoughts, but felt a mental bear trap slam down on him. Yep, she was mad alright. When she let her guard down, he'd try again and slip through her mental barrier the next time. The look on her face didn't bode much in his favor. Her face, so cold and unreadable. Seras had accomplished the nearly impossible. She'd completely shut her lover out. Her eyes held no trace of warmth, and she wouldn't even look his way. Seras kept her focus straight ahead, not even looking at Integra either.
Coldlyl, Integra forged on with business. "Seras, you're all here to learn of your punishment for last night's disobedience, disregard to my orders, as well as your masters, and for your blatant disrespect towards me. Before I hand down your punishment do you have anything to say?"
Her icy voice pierced the brief silence following Integra's question. "Would it really matter if what I had to say was of consequence or not? I doubt it. It wouldn't matter if I told you what really happened during my captivity, because you don't give a damn anyway. Selfish woman that you are, you just want me out of the way. Just do your worst and get it over with!"
Seras' eyes flashed a dark red, a fierce sneer stained her usually beautiful features. The disdain she felt for Integra coursed within her veins, feeding her jealousy and anger.
"Seras! What the hell's the matter with you?" Taylor latched onto her arm glaring at her in disapproval.
"I think that's my line." Alucard's harsh voice rang out cutting into the tension and kicking it up a notch.
Seras locked eyes with Taylor. "You know", she whispered. "They don't. I never told them what happened, Taylor. I couldn't bear for them to look on me with pity. I hate being pitied !"
Integra watched them with narrowed eyes. She didn't have vampiric hearing but she was aware that something important was being said outside her hearing. But what? Seras never revealed the pain she'd endured under Eres and Aidan hands. She never would speak of it. Integra thought back to when the young female fledgling had been brought home, she'd been a complete mess. Clothes torn in multiple places, numerous cuts and bites on her shoulder, stomach and other places. She'd appeared like something the cat had literally drug in.
As long as she'd known Alucard this had been the first time she'd ever witnessed him coming so close to losing his temper. Usually, he toyed with those who annoyed him, but this had been a first for the No Life King. To have two vampires toy with him first and in his own backyard, he probably felt humiliated, somewhat. But back to the problem at hand...Seras.
Alucard was really going to be thrown into a whole new level of pissed off in just a moment. Integra was going to pass judgement and it wasn't going to be pretty. Steeling her reserve, she inhaled a deep breath and spoke.
"Seras, as punishment for your actions listed previously, you are to be locked away, deep in the basement for no longer than a month. Or if I change my mind, you'll be let out before then."
Finn protested Seras' sentence along with Taylor. "You can't. We need her. Isn't that listed as cruel and unusual somewhere?"
"Don't be a smart ass, Finn. You're here because of my good will. Don't force me to revoke it. Your cousin is a grown woman. The two of you must've learned by now that when you commit an action that it's followed by a reaction whether good or bad. In her case, the consequence is befitting her crime. Don't question further or you'll be removed from this room. Am I clear?"
They muttered their understanding. But they still didn't like it. Someone else liked it even less than Taylor and Finn did. Glancing over at their master they watched as he stared straight ahead, face controlled even tighter than his emotions. For lack of a better phrase Alucard resembled a blank slate. Expressionless, blank eyes, nothingness stretched across the plains of his angular, pale skin.
"Now, then, back to business. As I was saying Seras, you'll be quarantined for a month." Integra paused because her next words were really going to cause a stir. "Not only will you be locked away, but Alucard will drain you to the point of weakness before your slumber. This is to ensure that you won't be able to break free and escape of your own volition."
"Master! Isn't this a little too harsh? You've never had me drain a fledgling of mine, so why now?"
Alucard was beyond pissed. Try highly incensed, infuriated, either way rage kicked into action making his blood sing with anger. "What if I refuse to carry out my part in her disciplinary action?"
"Do you want to join her?" His master's cold voice, unwavering in her judgement refused to back down from Alucard. She didn't do it as a little girl and she sure as hell wasn't going to start now. "Don't push me Alucard! Refuse me and the both of you will be separated during this month long solitary confinement. Understood? I woke you and I can put you back!"
Looking directly into Seras' eyes, which were a combination of anger and sadness, Integra told her,"You have the rest of tonight to enjoy freedom. As of tomorrow morning, you'll be escorted downstairs to the basement dungeon area. Alucard will then drain you until you're weak and he'll lock you in his former cell. It's the only room on the block that is protected by strong spells, so that's where you'll rest."
"Seras, you, Finn and Taylor are dismissed for the evening. Enjoy it for it's all you'll be allowed for the next thirty days."
The trio of fledglings snapped off a salute and left, their hearts heavy under the weight of Seras' sentence.
Finn muttered, "This fucking sucks! The crime don't fit the time if you ask me." Sulking, he kicked at the carpet. "You know what, Ser?"
Dejectedly, she asked, "What?"
"How about we get drunk? If you can't drown your woes you might as well drown in alcohol!"
Her eyes brightening slightly, "I think you're right. I'll meet you guys back here in about thirty minutes. We'll go to Ivory's and raise a little hell!" Her smile showed just a hint of fang, but they added to her mystique and beauty. She had such plans in store for the night so young. There were so many possibilities. The future already seemed a little brighter.
Now if only she could right things between her and Alucard before tomorrow! She hadn't meant the majority of the cruel things she'd said, not a one did she mean. She loved him, but her anger had gotten the better of her unfortunately and she'd yelled at him in frustration and intense fury that radiated over her entire being. She'd never been so mad in all her life. Seras was still confused at what had caused her to act like that, because she was usually a gentle soul, with the exception of the times her cousins had infuriated her.
Walking down the carpeted hallway, she thought hard on ways she could make amends with her master and lover for her behavior. But she still expected an apology from him on how he'd treated her. He'd been so cold, unrelenting and to be frank-a total asshole. He'd trampled over her feelings and their love without ever asking the reasons she'd felt the way she did over their two absentee enemies.
Reaching her room, she had the perfect outfit in her mind. Picturing every detail carefully, she manufactured it, clothing her petite body to perfection. A dark green halter, cut off at the midriff rested tightly against her luminescent skin. Black leather pants clung tightly to each curve, paying homage to every inch of her thin legs. Pulling on her favorite black knee length boots with three inch heels, she admired her outfit, but there was a couple things missing.
Then it struck her what was not right about her clothing. She was missing her black duster that Alucard had given her. Suddenly, she found herself wrapped within it's comfortable confines. It was strange sometimes what a thought could do. She thought to herself, if mortals had access to this gift, they'd actually be dangerous to the vampire race-and each other. Gently she slid her black sunglasses on and she was ready to go.
Disappearing from her room, she reappeared in the agreed meeting place. Her cousins were already ready and waiting. Sensing another presence they turned. Seras could hear their jaws as their chins hit the floor. Finn was the first to recover.
"Damn, Ser, you're lethal baby! Good thing you're not on a hunt!" Finn loved to tease her about her mode of dressing. To him, she'd always dressed as a shy tart. She dressed to kill, but she was never that blatant about her sexuality. For some reason, around the opposite sex her tongue always tripped over itself in it's struggle for something witty and catching to say.
"Oh, but I am on a hunt. Just not the kind you're thinking." She retorted.
"Yeah. You just tell yourself that. I'm planning on meeting Evie there so we'll be good to go. Now all we got to do is find you and Taylor a couple of dates."
Flashing his brother a scathing look, he said, "No thanks! The last time you set me up, I was stuck with a voracious whore whose appetite ran hotter and kinkier than yours! Not my type. I'll find my own date."
"Okay, don't say I didn't warn you, though. Well, let's go. Time's a wasting and This little girl", he hugged Seras close, "has a limited time to party. Let's get trashed!"
His enthusiastic mood caught on for the trio left in high spirits, laughing all the way to their destination.
By the time the three fledglings entered Ivory's it was late and the party was in full swing. Taylor went for the drinks while Seras and Finn went to hunt down a table. Luckily they found one available. Seras suspected that Finn used a little mental persuasion on the former occupants forcing them to vacate their table.
"Finn!"
His brunette head turned at the sound of his name. "Evie! Glad to see you could make it!"
Her cousin and Evie greeted each other passionately causing Seras to avert her eyes in embarrassment. Evie broke away first, noting Seras' blush. "Hey, Seras! How are you? It's been a while hasn't it?"
Reaching over Finn, Evie hugged Seras briefly, but tightly. "We have a lot to catch up on. How do you know this boy right here?" , she asked gesturing towards Finn.
Pretending to be afronted, he replied, "Boy? What boy? There's nothing but vampire manliness here."
Laughter in her eyes and voice, rolling her eyes, Evie responded, "That's just one of the reasons I love you."
"Evie?"
Finn's mate turned her gaze to Seras. "What is it?"
"Did you know your father's been looking for you? He even has our boss searching the streets during missions while we're out. You're not going to tell him, are you?"
Seras appraised her friend with a knowing look. It was better to cut ties than to try to insert yourself back into your former life. Too much stress and it left you with too much to hide and let's not get started on the vulnerability issue.
The clinking of glasses snapped them back to reality as Taylor sat a drink down in front of each one. Smiling, he held his hand up to cut Finn off. "I saw her head over to the table so I went ahead and ordered her one too. I'm just quicker on my feet than you are."
Everyone but Finn laughed while he gave his brother the one fingered rendition of united love, in other words, the bird. "Fuck you. You're just jealous because I'm hotter than you! Then Finn began to sing, "If you want my body, and you think I'm sexy, come on baby let me know."
The whole table erupted in laughter and they weren't even buzzed much less drunk. It was going to be one of those nights.
Then someone approached the table to speak with Seras. "Ser, doll! Your back! How did your trip go? You still look pale, but great!"
Standing quickly, she allowed Dallas to wrap her in a hug. Happy to see him, she replied, "Everything's been great." She had to swallow the tears that were trying to choke her, suffocate her. "Missed you guys. Really."
"We've missed you too. When are you coming back?"
"I can't." Those words killed her more than any others could. Ivory's had been her home away from home. Her fellow coworkers were her extended family and she couldn't tell them a thing. She wanted to desperately. At least she wanted to explain things to Dallas. He'd always been her listening ear and confidante. Now he couldn't be that anymore. Damn. Life as a vampire was double edged sword that was for sure!
Hugging her again, he whispered, "I've got to get back to work. If you need me you know where I am. Got a surprise for you later." Then he released her and walked off with a wolfish grin on his face.
His words finally struck home and she called out, "Wait, Dallas! What surprise? What do you mean? Dallas, get your ass back here!"
Dallas kept walking; ignoring her pleas for him to come back and explain himself. He was hoping she wasn't pissed when he sprung the surprise, but why would she? He'd be putting her on the spot, but she couldn't refuse. Not when it was something she loved with all her heart.
A couple hours flew by and the liquor was flowing freely. No one was drunk yet, even Seras. She'd only had enough to get her feeling really good. Her cousins were pretty buzzed and so was Evie. But at least they were having a good time. She was stuck in a sad memory when she heard Dallas's voice over the microphone.
Oh shit! He's not! Please don't tell me he's gonna ask me to sing? Not now. I'm not ready for this. These thoughts ran furiously in her head like a never ending mental train.
"Ladies and gentleman, we have a special guest in the house tonight. She's been gone for a while so if we make enough noise maybe she'll perform. What do you say, Seras?"
That little rat. She was gonna kick his ass after this. He'd put her into this position on purpose! He was a dead bartender for doing this to her!
Thunderous applause and loud cheers erupted in the club when they heard the announcement of who the mysterious guest was. They all loved her. It couldn't be helped. Her voice pulled them in, held them there and made them long for more.
Slowly she stood, flashing Dallas one of those you're in deep shit now looks. Walking towards the stage, she grabbed the mic as Dallas stepped down to let her have the spotlight. Narrowing her eyes, she said, "Dallas, you're one devious ass you know that? You owe me one!"
Staring out into the audience, she began to wind them around her finger. Mesmerizing them with her eyes and voice, she beckoned them into her musical world.
Smiling, she sifts through her broken past
Anxious to be free at last
Digging up every memory
As far as she can see
Life wasn't always easy
Her tears you wiped away
Made her smile,
If just for the day.
Easily, Seras recalled the memories that weaved a picture of the past she'd tried to escape, to hide. But her efforts were in vain, so futile. Until she finally grew up, leaving her past behind.
Regrets that hang around
The moment you let her down
She only seems to cry
Asking why
When your silent or gone
Fighting, she clings on
Stubbornly hanging on
If it hadn't been for her cousins, she didn't know where she'd be. They'd helped instill within her an indominatable fighting spirit. The petite blond already had a strong will honed in adversity and she just needed a way to let it out. That's where Taylor and Finn had come in. They'd always been there for her, rarely letting her down, but when it happened they paid for it in spades.
Everything she meant
Every moment with her spent
Her life happier,
if just for a short while
Memories collected,
now burn in a flaming pile
Lighting up the night
Feeling no hatred or spite
Regrets that hang around
The moment you let her down
She only seems to cry
Asking why
When your silent or gone
Fighting, she clings on
Stubbornly hanging on
The next verse and chorus flew by. The whole song reminded her of her life, and of Alucard too. He'd made her happy, and he'd made her sad. There was no room for hate in her heart for him, only love. Despite the words she'd spoken, the emotionally, overwrought draculina had thought about her vicious, verbal assault and now regret tasted like bitter ashes in her mouth. She hoped that there'd be time for her to apologize to him and make things right before her cursed, month-long imprisonment. She could only hope.
Smiling at you, I remember
Your thawing touch,
warming me through December
Experienced pleasure and pain
Happiness will be mine again
When I'll be by your side
Holding you tight,
I realize
I clung to anything
Hanging on to everything
Sacrifice was nothing
Yet all for everything.
It was true. Seras felt it in her heart, in her soul the words she so gently sang to the enraptured crowd. She'd clung to everything. Her hopes, dreams, even Alucard, she'd tried to hold on tightly to all of them. Refusing to give them up she realized that she'd have to make some kind of sacrifice. You couldn't have everything without losing something.
As she finished the song, the patrons jumped to their feet in a overwhelming standing ovation. Seras smiled her brightest smile and whispered her thanks to Dallas. He'd known what she needed and provided her an outlet so she could express her buried emotions.
Holding the mic back up to her delicate mouth, she energetically called out her thanks. "Thanks everyone. Thank you all!" With that said, she slipped the microphone back into it's stand and went back to join her group's table.
Little did she know that a familiar pair of flaming eyes were carefully watching her, observing every movement she made and listening to every word she spoke-mental or out loud.
Suddenly, Seras stood up. "Guys, I'm gonna go get another drink. Be back in a few." Turning away, she ignored the unspoken questions and curious looks directed at her back. She felt like she couldn't breathe the room seemed so stifling. Heaviness pressed down on her chest exacerbating her fear; making it harder for her to breathe. Forget the fact that she didn't need air, but there was something else causing the heavy feeling. But what?
Seras wasn't paying attention to where she was going, tears building in her eyes, she ran into a tall, muscular chest. Immediately, she apologized. "I'm sorry, sir. I wasn't watching where I was walking."
A pair of tautly built arms wrapped around her and out of instinct she started struggling. A deep, calm voice spoke quietly to her. "Breathe, Seras, just breathe. I'm here."
Glancing up, she saw the very one she'd hoped both to avoid and see. She knew he had to be extremely disappointed in her for her recent actions, but his face showed nothing of the sort. She wanted to throw herself at his mercy, but her pride wouldn't let her do that. Pride could be a bitch sometimes. That was undeniable.
Leaning closer until her body rested against his, she quietly said, "Take me away from here, Alucard. Please!"
"You didn't have to ask." Opening the thread of communication to Taylor and Finn, Alucard informed them that Seras was with him and he'd see her safely home. They were to follow shortly as sunrise was within the next two hours.
After receiving their promise of agreement, the No Life King wrapped his arms tighter around her and their forms faded from view.
When Seras opened her eyes again, she noticed that they were on top of the building where her and Alucard first spent the night. Remembrances came easily. The recollection fresh as if they'd happened just yesterday. She even remembered singing to him that night and he'd revealed his true nature to her. She'd been lost from that moment on. Lost to everyone but him.
His voice broke into her pleasant memories. "Seras, I want you to know that I have no choice about your imprisonment and the penalties surrounding it. I want you to know-"
Gently, she place her index finger over his lips effectively cutting off his statement. "I know. Don't make this any harder for me. Please!" Once again, she found herself fighting back tears. This wasn't fair, she screamed internally.
"Seras, what happened to you? Don't you trust me enough to tell me?"
"I-I can't."
The hurt on his face echoed in his voice. "Why? If you can't trust me, then who?" Realization dawned on his face. "You can tell your cousins but you can't tell me? I guess there really is no way back for us, is there?"
The dam broke loose freeing her rapidly flowing tears. "Alucard, don't ask this of me! I'm already weak enough in your eyes, so please, forget it even happened!"
"I've never thought you weak! If fact, when Taylor, Finn and I showed up to your last battle, you were beating the hell out of a much older vampire! You laughed in his weakness, reveled in it. Valiantly, you fought like the hell cat fledgling of mine that I know you can be. Weak? Bullshit! Sounds like you just want to cop out of an explanation to me." His red eyes speared her with a fiery glance.
Instinctively, she shuddered. He was capable of great evil, but would he force her to speak of that night's events during her captivity? Crossing her fingers she fervently hoped he wouldn't. Still crying, she whispered, "That's not it. That's not it at all."
"Then what the hell is it? If you've lost your trust in me, that's one thing, and I wished you'd tell me if that was it! I'm at a loss as to why you won't talk to me! I can help you if you let me, but if you shut me out, there's nothing I can do. Is that what you want?" Gripping her upper arm almost painfully, he snapped, "Answer me, Seras! You owe me at least that much!"
Her own temper snarling back, she threw her own accusation back at him. "I don't owe you shit! Not after the way you treated me! You never really gave me a chance to prove myself because you still believed me weak! But, yet, you say you never believed that of me. I disagree. And since you never trusted me enough to protect myself why should I trust you to protect me now?"
Anger coiled so tightly inside that he wanted to break and destroy whatever stepped into his path. Not a good thing. The best thing for them both would be for him to walk away before they further destroyed whatever's left. "I guess there's nothing more to say. Since obviously I can't be trusted enough to help you, you'd be better off on your own."
Glaring at her, Alucard growled harshly, "Seras, meet me outside the room that my master spoke of." Grabbing hold of her other arm, he jerked her to him, "Don't make me hunt you down." Abruptly, he released her and stepped off the room disappearing from view.
His threat left her cold. The cruel manner in which he spoke frightened her more than Eres or Aidan ever could hope to accomplish. Dropping to her knees, Seras let the pent up flood escape. Her earlier tears carried no weight compared to this. The grief that tore at her heart and soul ripped and shredded, the pain deeper than any wound she'd ever received.
An hour and a half later, Seras sensed that sunrise was about to occur. In a moment of self preservation, she opened a void and quickly stepped into it leaving not a trace of her behind. For a few seconds she'd debated letting the sun have her, burning away her guilt, sadness and her love for Alucard roasting them to ashes along with her body. The only thing that stopped her was the dark voice that emanated in her mind. The sound of Alucard's voice pulled her back.
"Are you so weak that you would take the coward's way out? I hadn't realized that you'd fallen into such despair, Seras. I thought you were supposedly strong, but I guess I was mistaken unless you care to prove it."
His voice taunted her from his place at Hellsing. He'd kept her from doing the unthinkable. Her master had kept her from committing vampire suicide. Not like her prospects looked any better, but maybe, she could gain ultimate freedom and roam around the world. Free from masters, and their masters. It was all a nuisance to her regardless.
Stepping from the void, her foot touched down on the stone floor lightly. Red tears still marred her cheeks, but she couldn't make herself even care. Walking down the long hallway, she passed her room, Alucard's room and with every step, her heart grew heavier and her stomach felt like it contained lead.
Integra, Walter, Taylor, Finn and Alucard already stood outside the door. Sentries waiting on the prisoner to show. Taylor and Finn rushed forward to give her hugs and they left.
"They couldn't bare to watch your sentence being carried out." Walter supplied the information as he noticed the confused expression on the forlorn draculina's face.
Integra opened the door and the remaining two humans and two vampires entered the cell.
Seras, as she entered saw a huge pentagram painted across the door. That drawing frightened her. If that's what they used to keep Alucard in, it made her wonder just how powerful he really was.
"More than you know. And you don't want to find out either."
He was being such an ass to her, but it didn't matter. Personally, she hoped he'd kill her, but she knew she wouldn't be that lucky.
"Seras, it is time for you to be locked in sleep for one months time. Have you anything to say?" Integra asked one last time. She sense there were things left unsaid, and hopefully while she slept they wouldn't fester and become another problem when she awoke.
"No. I have nothing to say. Or should I say, nothing that no one wants to hear. Just get it done! The sooner I'm under, the better off I'll be."
Nodding her head one time, the heiress instructed Alucard to carry on with his part.
Coldly, he approached her. His red eyes were burning into hers. Without preamble or warning, he quickly struck at her throat. He'd shut himself off from her so he wouldn't hear her mental pleas. It'd be too tempting to defy Integra and let her go, but as she proved last night, she didn't trust him with anything. He bit down further into her throat, and her blood flowed easily into his mouth.
Tears leaked from her eyes, weakly she whispered, "I love you,Alucard." Then moments later her eyes shut as she succumbed to a lethargic sleep.
Her master licked the wounds that he'd inflicted and lay her gently in a red coffin that had been placed in there specifically for her. He could hear her words continuously echoing in his head. Instead of hanging around, he left the room, followed by Integra and Walter.
Integra sealed the room after everyone exited and they all three wondered what kind of person they would wake thirty days hence. True to the old saying, "Only time will tell.", and it was certainly true.
Alucard headed for his room. He needed a drink and he needed one now!
Sitting down in his chair, he poured some blood wine into a waiting goblet and took a small sip. Seras' merciless words took no pity on him and relentlessly pounded in his head. Before he knew it, a single blood tear ran down his face, dropping noiselessly into his cup of blood.
His thoughts centered on her and her alone. "This is for you, Seras." He tilted the cup back and downed the red contents in one gulp. "This is for you."
Restless, the vampire proceeded towards Integra's office to annoy her and see if there were any missions. He had this need to blow shit up and it'd be nice if there were some ghouls or even another vampire out there begging for his attention and his ammo.
He and Seras may have been temporarily in a relationship limbo, but hopefully everything would be squared away when she awakes. Everything had to work out, because he didn't want to live any longer without her, despite the cruel words he spoke earlier that morning. He was only trying to give himself a little distance. Seras hadn't been the only one hurting. Her words had stung him just as his did her.
There were so many things to feel that he had to cut dead. He couldn't afford to feel.
Without warning, Alucard heard Integra through their link. "Alucard, get in my office! You have a mission to prepare for."
Mischieviously, the vampire smirked as he made his way there. Melting away from the shadows, he teased, "You screamed?"
"Shut up, Alucard! I don't have time for your games! Now be quiet and pay attention!"
Alucard listened attentively as his master described the night's mission which included another vampire. Gleefully, he rubbed his hands mentally and pictured the fun that he was going to have.
Staring up at the full moon, darkly stating, "What a perfect night to feast on an enemy!"
Alucard vanished leaved Integra to stare at his vacated spot in shock. You'd think she'd be used to him by now. But she could hear his chuckling ringing in her office and halls and she shook her head returning to her paperwork.
A/N: Hoped you liked this chapter...just r/r and lemme know... I appreciate you guys leaving me notes, urging me on. Even those of you who just read the story, you're appreciated too! Thanx to all of you:)