For the next few days Mana spent majority of her time with Integra, and found out that Walter's tasks were more mentally draining compared to her tasks.
She was mentally drained, and her 'condition' did not help the situation.
Mana sighed quietly as she stood near Integra's desk as she enjoyed her lunch and the rest of the morning newspaper.
"It's over correct?" Integra asked as she flipped through the paper.
"As of yesterday yes." Mana replied her cheeks turned a slight pink.
"What a bothersome thing." Integra muttered as she continued to focus on the newspaper.
"…y-yes" Mana replied as she regained her normal color.
"This is random, but I am curious to how you make my meals." Integra turned towards the young girl. Mana blankly stared at the older woman, confused.
"Ah…I don't understand…" Mana replied.
"All of meals have been either English or Western, and everything has been foods I like…" Integra started.
"Ah…ano…" Mana started.
"Walter gives me ideas but he allows me to do whatever I choose"
"and its not some type of secret training session in the Dornez's training?" Integra asked jokingly.
"iie…no" Mana replied causing Integra to chuckle.
"So Mana, tell me about your training. Walter doesn't tell me a thing when I ask him." Integra said as she took a sip of her spiced black tea.
"ah…my training…" Mana trailed off in thought.
Integra began to eat her western inspired sandwich, a BLT. Mana remained silent as she clenched her fists, feeling that she may have mentioned something strange she looked up at the young woman next to her desk. Mana's hands were clenching the ends of her black shorts to the point her knuckles turned white, and it seemed that she looked pale.
There was a knock on the large cherry doors of Integra's office that pulled Integra from her careful gaze over the girl. Integra cleared her throat as she wiped her mouth.
"Enter!"
The doors opened and Walter walked in, Mana kept her gaze down as she heard Walter approach Integra's desk.
"Sir Integra." Walter said curtly and bowed a bit.
"Yes? Is everything going well?" Integra asked as she eyed her sandwich.
"Yes everything is going smoothly." Walter began.
"Cain and Dimitri?" Integra asked and grabbed her sandwich.
"They seem to enjoy being apart of the training, and it also seems like they fit in with the group already.
"Wonderful." Integra replied and took a large bite of her sandwich almost devouring it.
Walter looked in Mana's direction noticing she was quiet and standing uncomfortably next to Integra's desk.
"Mana."
Mana slightly lifted her head but kept her gaze on the floor.
"n-nani…" Mana replied quietly.
"You look pale…are you not feeling well?"
Integra looked at Mana as she finished the last of her sandwich.
"I…ano…n-no" Mana replied shakily.
Integra glanced at Walter and Walter at Integra. Walter approached Mana and began undoing her tie slightly along with her collar buttons. He checked her neck for obvious puncture wounds, but found none. He then unbuttoned her cuffs also checking for obvious puncture wounds, there too he found none.
"At least he's behaving…" Integra muttered.
Walter tilted Mana's face upwards to inspect her more she kept her gaze from meeting his.
"You should rest." Walter suggested as he looked at Integra for approval, she nodded.
"Y-yes…E-excuse me Sir Integra. Uncle." Mana said quietly and bowed.
The two older adults watched the young girl exit from the office, closing the door behind her. Walter glanced at Integra as she quickly glanced at him.
"Hn."
"What is it Sir Integra?" Walter asked.
"I asked about her training…" she began as she took a small cigar from her desk drawer.
"Her training?" Walter asked.
"I was curious about it."
Walter stood quietly and looked to where Mana was once standing.
"What is it Walter?" Integra asked as her now lit cigar hung from her lips.
"Its nothing Sir." Walter replied and looked at Integra. Integra chuckled at the older man's way of hiding his feelings.
"Walter my good man, I've known you for years. I know there's something when you do that." Integra said as she leaned back in her chair. Walter chuckled at Integra's comment.
"That is very true Sir."
"How much do you know about her training?" Integra asked her curiosity piqued again.
"Absolutely nothing." Walter replied as he moved towards her desk and took the now empty plate and cup from her.
"Hm. Intriguing…"
Mana slowly walked back to her room in a daze and deep in thought.
"My training…" Mana said quietly.
Yes…do tell me about your training…
Mana quickly snapped out of her trance like state and quickly looked for Alucard but realized he had pushed his way into her mind.
You had your guard down…
Mana sighed in relief realizing he was communicating with her through her mind and was still deep in the basement. She continued to her room.
"There's nothing about my training worth mentioning." Mana replied quietly.
You continue to shroud yourself, and my curiosity will be your misfortune…
Mana shuddered as Alucard's voice echoed deeply through her mind. He was right she did let her guard down, Integra mentioning her training so suddenly threw her guard off. Just mentioning it reminded her of the long nights, days, weeks, months, dedicated to the training of the Dornez's lineage.
Mana shook her head trying to shake the feeling of anxiousness from her. She opened her door, took off her shoes as usual, and let the door close by itself. When she heard the soft click she made her way to her desk by the balcony doors, she glanced at the deep green forest before she sat down.
"I'm supposed to rest…but…" Mana trailed off in her thoughts as her training flooded back into her mind.
"Mana! Stop! STOP!"
A chill crawled down Mana's spine, she once again shook her head trying to get rid of the feeling. She turned to her black and purple lacquer customizing kit and began to trace over the hibiscus and sakura flower design on the top.
Interesting…
Alucard's voice echoed in her mind as she pushed back her thoughts.
"Yamete…" Mana said as she opened her kit and began setting up her station.
It was several hours later before there was a knock on Mana's door. Mana quickly stood up and headed to her door.
"hai-Coming!" Mana caught herself from reverting to her language and answered the door.
"Oh- Uncle Walter?" Mana said as she opened the door wider allowing him in, he nodded and walked in.
"How are you feeling?" Walter asked as he looked at Mana. Mana took off her work gloves and apron and began to adjust her clothes.
"I'm feeling better." Mana replied as she looked at Walter, Walter nodded. His eyes began to wonder over to Mana's work station by the balcony doors, Mana slowly followed where his eyes landed.
"Oh…that…" Mana began.
"You didn't rest…" Walter started.
" I did in my own way." Mana replied with a small smile.
Walter remained silent as he looked over his niece, Mana noticed his hard look and tried not to fidget under his gaze.
"You seem to be doing well…also Integra has informed me of your…predicament." Walter began as he softened his gaze.
"My…predicament?" Mana asked cautiously. Walter nodded in response.
"It's only natural." Walter replied.
Mana felt her face heat up quickly as she realized what he was referring to, her cheeks were bright pink she swore she heard Walter snicker as he turned to leave.
"Gomen Nasai." Mana replied meekly.
"Its quite alright." Walter said with a small smile, he glanced at his watch as he stood in front of her door.
"Its almost time…are you up for returning to delivering dinner to Miss Seras and Alucard?" Walter asked as he looked at the young woman behind him.
"Yes of course." Mana quickly replied as she took removed her goggles from her head.
"Meet me in the kitchen I will have everything ready for you." Walter said as he stepped from her room.
"ah- yes." Mana replied as she quickly went back to her station setting her work gear on her desk and quickly made her way to the bathroom.
Moments later Mana had a tray and a pail in her hands, the tray had a white porcelain bowl with red orange colored soup. In the pail was two blood packets. Mana maneuvered her hands to knock on Seras door.
"C-coming!" Seras' voice came muffled from behind her door, seconds later the door opened.
"Oh Mana! Hello." Seras said with a small smile as she opened the door wider.
"Hello. I have your dinner." Mana replied as she walked in.
Seras sighed heavily behind Mana as she closed the door, Mana ignored her sigh and placed the tray on the small tabled in the middle of her room.
"I told Walter that I didn't—" Seras started.
"It is not blood. Take a look…smell it." Mana motioned towards the tray. Seras looked at the young woman then at the red-orange soup on the table.
"It's not going to kill you…I promise." Mana said as she watched Seras approach the table and inspect it.
"Its…Tomato soup…" Seras said surprised.
"Yes. Walter told me you wanted real food…so I am giving you real food."
Seras looked at Mana and sighed.
"Thank you." Seras nodded as she sat down at the table.
"You're welcome. Enjoy your meal." Mana replied and walked from the room.
Seras watched as Mana exited from her room, and sighed again. Their first encounter with still in the back of her mind, feeling that she needed talk to Mana, she decided to apologize and thank her for her meal tonight.
"Alright…I can do this…" Seras said as she picked up the soupspoon on the tray. Her hands began to shake as she placed the spoon into the soup, she slowly put the soup to her lips and drank it. The moment the soup was in her mouth she struggled to keep it contained, cringing she swallowed and quickly covered her mouth in distaste.
"Why…why can't I…eat this…" Seras thought to herself as she stared at the tomato soup.
Mana stopped in front of Alucard's door and sighed, she raised her hand to knock, but the door opened with a gust of wind. Mana stood surprised in the doorway, Alucard glanced at her from the side his shirt open.
"Good evening little scientist." Alucard said as he turned towards her.
Mana quickly glanced over the man and bowed a bit before entering his room.
"Good evening Alucard." Mana said quietly. Keeping her eyes low she walked towards the table in the middle of his room.
"You gave the police girl real food…I can smell it..." Alucard started as he looked at Mana.
"That's what she wanted. I have no choice but to do as I am asked and told." Mana replied still keeping her eyes low. Alucard smirked at the young woman.
"Your Dinner." Mana said and motioned to the pail.
"Thank you."
Mana turned to leave but stopped Alucard was in front of her.
"ano…" Mana looked up at the man.
Alucard reached for her, her instincts kicking in her blades slid from their hidden sheaths to lop off his arm. Effortlessly Alucard knocked her arm away and grabbed her chin she stepped back trying to escape from his grasp, but bumped into the table behind her. Instantly he was pressed up against her.
"What was that hm?" Alucard whispered in her ear.
"That was half assed…"
"Let go…of me." Mana replied trying to keep calm.
"Worried I might do something?"
Mana struggled to keep from falling back on to the table further making herself more vulnerable. Alucard's crimson eyes wondered stared into hers making her blush.
"I am not…" Mana replied as she looked away from him still blushing. As she avoided his gaze she noticed that his shirt was still unbuttoned, and his toned chest underneath it.
"You're still a little pale…" Alucard said as he ran his thumb over her lips.
Mana knew she had to distance herself from him, and get back to her duties Walter was waiting for her. She tried not to think of the possible outcomes of situation.
She would think about what he meant by his statement later.
"No need to think so rash...I will not do anything yet." Alucard said as he stepped back and grabbed a blood pouch. Mana sighed as she shakily fixed her clothes.
"You should go before I change my mind." Alucard mention as he drained the blood packet.
"E-Enjoy your meal sir." Mana stuttered and quickly left from his room.
Alucard crushed the empty blood pouch and threw it to the floor in irritation.
Mana clapped her hands gaining the attention of the new guards of the Hellsing Manor, the unruly men turned in her direction giving her their attention.
"For tonight's dinner you will be served Beef Stew with a side of a French baguette and chilled rum. It is becoming Winter…" Mana started before a few cheers cut her off from various people in the group.
"Drink responsibly please and enjoy your meals." Mana continued and bowed. The large group of men quickly got up an approached Dimitri and the last few remaining employees at the front of the large hall forming a line to receive their meal.
"Mana…"
Mana glanced over her shoulder to Walter standing behind her.
"Yes?" Mana asked as she continued to hand iced mugs of rum to the men. Walter approached her and whispered in her ear.
"South America?" Mana asked quietly.
Walter nodded and continued to whisper in her ear, Dimitri glanced over to the two curious to what was being exchanged.
"Alright…I'll prepare myself…" Mana said quietly. She motioned for Cain to come to take her spot. Walter escorted Mana from the hall leaving Dimitri confused.
"What happened?" Cain asked the ebony haired man next to him.
"I don't know…she said something about South America…" Dimitri replied.
"South America…why in the world would she want to go there?" Cain asked as he glared at one of the mercenaries who tried to take another mug.
" I don't know…maybe we can find out later." Dimitri replied as he poured a heaping sum of beef stew into a bowl.
The next day Mana, Walter and Integra walked into one of the large conference rooms to be greeted by wailing.
"Miss Victoria is in there?" Mana asked as she watched some of the men nail it shut.
"So that's how you decided to transport her…" Integra said as she entered the room with Walter behind her.
"We finally decided to put her in a coffin." Alucard smirked.
Mana looked at the man dressed in a black suit and a red tie with an exotic design on it, his hair was slicked back, and he wore red tinted glasses.
"Don't be so surprised little scientist." Alucard smirked.
Mana looked away blushing, she thought it was someone else, but the glasses should have hinted to her who he really was.
"This is not going to go through customs…" Integra muttered as she hear Sera's wailing through the coffin.
Mana adjusted the purse she was carrying as she avoided Alucard's gaze through his red tinted glasses. She wore a black short-sleeved blouse that had a red tie able bow for the collar, a black short skirt that stopped mid thigh, with red heels. Although she couldn't see his eyes she knew that he was definitely gazing at her.
"Will this actually work?" Integra questioned Alucard.
"It turns out that we had to send the weapons as well…and my coffin…two birds with one stone you know." Alucard replied.
"It's a smuggling ship we always use. As long as they are paid they are very trustworthy."
Mana glanced at Bernadotte realizing that he was there; she knew that she had let her guard down and didn't survey the room completely. Alucard was messing with her senses if he knew it or not.
"Shouldn't he be burning…?" Mana thought to herself hoping that he was probing her mind.
Alucard smirked as he took off his glasses and glanced at Mana, he was probing her mind.
"Quiet." Alucard said towards the wailing Seras, instantly the coffin became silent.
"You're dressed differently…you both are." Integra said as she looked at Alucard and Mana.
"I was told by Walter to dress nicely." Mana replied.
"And I can't board a plane looking like that…and I'll be walking around in public." Alucard replied.
"and the sun light? I thought that was the vampire's worst enemy" Integra snickered.
"Besides for me…sunlight is not fatal…I simply loathe it." Alucard replied simply.
"There goes that idea…" Mana thought to herself as she looked towards Walter.
"Mana…Alucard. There is only one order…" Integra started. Mana gave Integra her complete attention, as did Alucard.
"Search and Destroy."
A/N: Finally chapter 11 is up. My classes have been kicking my butt...but this semester is almost over...less than a month? But now I'm going to be swamped by exams, so I am planning on writing the next chapter soon. Sigh.
Anyways. Mana's predicament is over and Alucard actually behaved but almost gave Walter a heart attack. The Dornez's lineage training it can't be that terrible can it? Was there enough Mana/Alucard interaction? I'll gladly add more, of course that allows me to continue with the plot I have laid out. What's this about going to South America?
ano: Um...
iie: No
nani: what
gomen nasai: Sorry
yamete: stop