Chapter 2 – Forget Me Not

Gregory Penwood visited Integra's manor ever since the decision that he was to lead her vampires was made. At first, Integra continued to engage fencing with him until he gained more balance and strategies for him to counter and score a point on her. His chances were small but there were times that he sent her saber flying. At those times, Integra smiles in his improvement or sometimes, honestly, becomes disappointed at herself because of her age. She was, in fact, not getting younger but Penwood's development made her fairly satisfied. It became her daily routine to fence with Penwood with growing intensity in their duels then go to the shooting grounds to train his accuracy.

She felt rather content with her daily activities because she gets to have a small work-out to keep her body from becoming stiff. She never was a lazy bone and she hated it when she doesn't get to move or work. She trains Gregory in the mornings until lunch time then she works in her office in the afternoon until dusk. It was rather tiring for her age but she kept on going. The only thing that bothers her when the sun sets is none other than Alucard who always visits her after he wakes up from his daily slumber.

"Good evening, My Countess." He materializes to the side of her desk as she neatly pile her finished papers.

"Good evening, Count." She greets as she clears her desk of folders then looks at him.

"Will you give me a mission tonight? Or has Seras taken all the fun?"

"I believe she already did." She slightly chuckles.

"Then it's fine. I'll have to spend time with you in exchange for the ones I missed." He grins. He knew she sulked or is still sulking because he just made her wait. He made her wait. He made them wait. And so, what more can he do to make it up to her? She sighs, giving off a confusing vibe of either content or boredom of the everyday routine she has gotten used to in half a year. She wouldn't wonder if this will be her mundane schedule of activities until she dies. She knows all too well about Alucard's objective to why he's been 'visiting' her every night after the decision of the Round Table Conference.

"What do you want, Alucard?" She asked rather annoyingly. It's already her everyday cycle.

"No need to be so rude, Master." Alucard smiles darkly. "I come here to have our daily conversation. You know that I still have to make up for making you wait 30 years, right?" He chuckles.

God help her. Her vampire is getting a little too pushy around her. She knows their conversation would end all the same.

"Alucard, be ready for your new Master. He'll be running with the government military agency. And when there're vampires, ghouls or any of the like, you'll follow his orders under the special operations unit. The decision is already made. And just like my ancestors, I will die the same as them. And don't think you can convince me, Count. I've already reached my age when I await death and its eternal slumber upon me." She closed her eye. She didn't want him to see right through her. She has gone pass the thought of accepting his offer many years ago.

"If that is your decision, Master, I will not question you… But don't expect me to follow him like I follow you. Moreover, when you die, there's a possibility that I will be set free of your restrictions."

"I thought the restrictions don't apply now that you gained a new power?"

"Not all of them… I'm still bound by your blood. And I think that I will forever be bound by your blood." He smiles casually.

"I see. Maybe I should take you with me when I die." She looks at him and smiles tauntingly. He smiles back the same.

"I don't know, My Countess. Even if I come with you, I'm everywhere."

"And nowhere, I know. What's not to try, My dear Count?" She chuckles. She became more open and a bit talkative, he noted.

He gave an amused smirk. "Oh, please don't ruin the mood, Master. You know where we'll go if you let me start." He teases.

Integra didn't need a second to think about what went wrong in her statement. Her small smile faded. She sighs. "As if I ruined it, Alucard…"

He laughs heartily. "Do you doubt me, Integra?"

"Of course, Alucard. Why don't you become more human for once to become more of a monster?" He chuckles again.

"I did. Did you forget, Master? It was fun to massacre. Wasn't declaring war arousing, Integra?" He grins evilly.

She sighs again. "You and your games… Why don't you play with Seras? I'm sure she missed you."

"Ahh…" He thinks. "She grew up rather too fast and she's very busy unlike you, you have some time."

She smirks. "Your fledgling got better than you expected, didn't she?" She teases and this time, he crosses his arms.

"I believe so and that's why I'm sticking with you, Master. All these fun and games are fun when you lead."

"I know. I never failed to notice that."

"Especially when you were still innocent. But I knew you had it in you." He smiles in satisfaction. "But Master… You know we can't take the Iscariots easily. That's why–"

"I know. You should be ready for them. I'm sure Gregory's descendants will get better. They will have their great grandfather's courage even in the face of death. And they will become worthy of being your master." She deadpanned him. His face grew stern. She's always so hard to get but he will never give up. He knows he has a chance where she might change her mind because he knows that she will never give up. He just got excited for his new game is starting; he's getting pumped up. It wouldn't be long until the day comes.

Gregory Penwood continued to train with Integra. Because of their bond, he became less nervous, growing some bravery that he inherited from Integra after spending so much time with her. As the years passed by, he became more like Integra. Though his nervousness and panic in crucial times stays, he manages to compose himself; a great improvement with himself. Years passed and Gregory introduces his son to her… His name is Sherwin Penwood. He's 10 years old… Integra, now in her late 60s, grew more soft and relaxed.

"G-good morning, Sir Integra. My name is Sherwin Penwood." He says, clinging to his father's leg. Integra gives a stern look.

"Now, young man. That's not a nice way to introduce yourself." She said rather harshly. The boy buries his face into the cloth of his father's slacks.

"Man up, Young Sir Sherwin!" Integra commanded and the boy, because of her dominating presence and command, compelled at her order. She smiles warmly.

"That's better. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sherwin. I'm Sir. Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing." She offers a hand.

The boy looks at her hand then to her. It took the boy a few beats before he took her hand and give a small shake.

"You have a long but nice name, Sir Integra." He says a bit confidently but still nervous.

"Why, thank you. I look forward to knowing you better." She smiles and Sherwin couldn't help but smile as well because of the warm welcome she gave him.

Seras comes to them, making her left arm look physically perfect. "Seras Victoria here." She smiles. "Good morning, Master."

"Good morning as well, Seras. Sir Gregory…" Integra nods at Gregory.

"Sherwin, this is Seras. Come say hi." Gregory says. His son looks at her. Seras notices the young boy and smiles genuinely. The boy just stares at her, a bit bewildered to why she looks so different.

"H-hello." He greets, hiding behind his father, shyness and nervousness rushed before him. Seras made an effort to crouch down and offer a hand. She knew children wouldn't approach an adult because of their height and overwhelming presence so she was the one to adjust.

"Hello there. I'm Seras Victoria." The boy peeks again, noticing her arm…

"Y-your arm…! Why is it weird? Papa, shouldn't we bring her to the hospital?" Gregory smiles then gives Seras the cue.

"I'm alright, little one. I'm a vampire." She smiles.

"A vampire?" His eyes widen in disbelief. "But aren't vampires bad and they kill people and… and… they eat children like me!" He says in fear.

"No, no." Seras laughs. "Not all vampires. I'm a good vampire. Don't worry. I don't eat people. I only drink their blood."

"Then you'll drink my blood?! PAPA!" he quickly grips his leg tightly, clinging to his leg. Seras tries to hide her laughter.

"No, no. I will never! I promise you, I'm gonna be your friend." She says cheerfully, holding her right hand up, gesturing a promise sign.

"But… but… but… promises are always broken…" He tears up. "Like Mama…" He cries silently, hugging his father's leg.

Integra and Seras look at each other, then to Gregory. Gregory gave a sad expression then tends to his son.

"Now, Sherwin. Remember that Mama is always with you. She'll always be watching you." He smiles and pats the boy's head which calmed him.

"Yes, Papa…" He slowly smiles, tears still falling on the side of his plump cheeks.

The two women were quite amused to see the boy so strong. They had the feeling that the boy would be some development in the Penwood's bloodline; the start of development in the Penwood's bloodline. Seras took a step and knelt, stroking the boy's hair, knowing what it's like to lose someone dear.

"I'll be your friend. I'll be good. What's your name?" The boy stands straight, facing her, wiping his tears.

"My name is Sherwin Penwood. Nice to meet you. Just make sure you keep your promise!" The boy pouts but puts in a brave front. His eyes were still a bit teary and his cheeks and nose were pink. Seras laughs.

"Yes, I will. We'll protect you."

"We?" He cocks his head to one side, raising his eyebrows.

"Me, Sir Integra and another vampire who's absent. He's a good vampire too. I promise." Seras raises her right hand again for the gesture of her promise.

Years passed by quickly. It's already the year 2053. Integra's routines somehow changed. The meetings of the Round Table Conference still kept the same except for Rob Walsh's death years back, and her activities kept on decreasing to the point where Gregory was the one holding her papers, reports, and some missions. Over the years, Seras kept on following orders from Integra, starting to follow Gregory. Gregory's leadership greatly improved over the vampires but not all of them… Alucard's hard-headedness still got the best of him. He still refused to follow Gregory for he sees no point in doing so. Instead of joining Seras on her missions, he stays and watches over the aging Integra, still not giving up to change her mind. He'd only follow when Integra orders him to go hunting but in all his honesty, he'd still want to annoy his master and convince her. All those years, Integra remained steadfast. No matter what he did to try to convince her, he cannot falter his Iron Countess. He was becoming anxious for he can feel her time coming. He still had time but his anxiousness was eating him away at the same time. He decided to stay with his Master every nightfall to watch over her after he's fought his anxiety.

It wasn't before long when one morning, Integra called everyone in her room for she feels her chest gradually hurt. Gregory, Seras and Alucard came to her room. Seras came rushing to her side, in the state of panic while Gregory neared her bed after ordering a maid to call for her doctor… It was Alucard who was distant. His thoughts rushed in denial for his efforts of convincing her was vanishing right before his eyes. Integra was holding her chest, sweating because of the pain. After a while, the doctor came and checked up on her. Unfortunately, the doctor gave a shaking head, indicating that there was nothing left to do. Integra, who was still struggling, gave her final words and will as her witnesses were there. Her voice was weak and soft…

"Gregory…" She smiles. "It's all up to you now. Thank you for everything you've done until this moment. Continue to serve our country with our pride and honor. I believe that you will protect our country at your best. Don't forget what I've taught and told you. Stay who you are and remember the legacy that your grandfather has left you. Gregory, you will keep your promise to me, the last Hellsing, and you will never break it." Gregory looks at her, nodding, giving off his determination.

"I promise, Sir Integra. Count on it." With this, she turned to her vampires…

"Seras… Alucard…" Alucard then walked to the other side of her bed, silent and dark… Seras was already crying bloody tears silently as well. They both know that they already talked about her demise a thousand times but couldn't accept it, especially Seras who loved her like her bestfriend, family… her mother. She held her fragile hand as she struggle not to cry.

"Don't cry, Seras… We talked about this…"

"But… Sir Integra… I… I…" She cries. Integra gives a small smile.

"I'm sorry, Seras."

"Master Integra…" She whispers. "I love you very much…" She had to let her know before it's all too late. She puts her hand to her cheek and snuggle on it lovingly. Integra stared at her and smiled widely.

"Me too, Seras. You're family to me…" She strokes Seras's cheek, wiping her tears then turns to Alucard.

Some of the knights just came, gathering in a small group near the door. Alucard had his back on them as he pays attention to his Master. He knelt before her. His features were dark as he struggled his mind of denial.

"Master… Please… Allow me…" Integra shook her head weakly, breathing deeply.

"No, Alucard. We talked about this." She smiles at him apologetically.

"Why do you refuse? Why not stay? Why give me away? If you think I'll–"

A finger reached to shut his lips. Her finger was wrinkled yet warm.

"Alucard, this is my last and final order. You will see the Penwoods as your new Masters and you will follow in righteousness. As this is my final breath... Follow what I order you, my loyal Servant." She orders him. He kept silent, fighting himself not to do something stupid. He can't accept this but she gave him her order. He must follow against his will.

"Yes… My Master…" He whispered, averting his gaze away from hers.

"Alucard. Thank you… For everything…" Her voice was diminishing. The pain in her chest was becoming severe. "Everyone, be glorious… With this… I… will be… in… peace." She struggles her last words and released her final breath then she sleeps eternally. The beat of her heart stops. Her hand fell from his lips, her finger slid down from his lips and he caught it, holding it gently. His features grew darker as he felt the life of his master fade away.

Seras bursts out crying, gently getting Integra's lifeless body in her arms as she wails, crying tears of blood, staining Integra's lifeless face down to her body and the white blanket of her bed. The rest was silent. They witnessed the death of the last bloodline of the Hellsings.

Alucard watches Seras hold Integra. His Master, His Countess… The warmth of her finger pressed on his lips still lingered. How it burned him… A part deep inside him was actually chuckling because that part of him knew that Integra would never allow him to turn her but as he see her lifeless body, he couldn't help but feel defeat. Abraham bested him and his great granddaughter just defeated him in his own game. He became glummer. He slowly stood and walked to the other side of the bed where Seras was holding Integra. He knelt on both his knees, facing her feet. He then took the blanket off of Integra then positions her two feet in his palms, gently caressing them. He gently kissed both her feet for a time.

The knights were surprised to what he did. They knew then that Alucard would always be loyal to Integra and that he will forever obey her orders even after her demise.

After 2 days, her burial was held. She was asked to be buried alongside her men who she lead and protected the country with. It rained. It always did in funerals. The only ones who attended were the knights and Seras. Seras couldn't help but sob in grief as she see the coffin of her beloved Master lowered and buried under the ground. How she loved her so. She will never forget how Integra cared for her in an indirect way. Integra never did say anything to her but she showed her that she is her family. Alucard didn't go because he denied it. He stayed in the basement, glum. Where did he go wrong? He'd inwardly curse himself for assuming, expecting and believing that she would never give up. But she did. She gave up and let death take her. She waited for it to come. He failed in convincing her. He failed in persuading her. And now, even though he's still bound to her, he must still follow her last order in respect to her.

He stayed there for a long time. Gregory would go to where he is and give him blood packets. Gregory already anticipated that Alucard would intimidate him, scare him and kill him but whenever he reaches his place, the old vampire just sits on his chair, staring and does nothing. Sometimes, Gregory himself would change his bottle of wines or tell Seras to converse with him. But nothing would make Alucard move.

Gregory continued to do his work and sometimes get a meeting with Section XIII when they come to visit. Before, he would come with Integra to witness the Section XIII's talk with her. He got used to it and learned how to handle his somewhat peculiar visitors. His visitors have a reason why they came for a visit. Makube, Heinkel and their companion gave regards for Integra who passed away.

"We're very sorry to hear that. Our deepest condolences, Sir Penwood." Makube says with a hint of joy in his tone, looking at Heinkel.

"Vat vill happen to her vampire?" Heinkel asks.

"She will follow my orders. Sir Integra ordered her to before she passed away. She still follows her order to listen to me; allow me to lead her. She will be the one in charge when there are missions that require her to do so. Things has changed. Her missions lay on the special kinds. And she is to stay here to guard the manor while I resume my other duties." Penwood explained.

"I see. Well, Sir Penwood, we'll visit you again after a while. Our treaty requires us to do this every now and then. We'll take our leave." Makube signals his two companions and leaves.

That was all they did and continued their meetings. Section XIII was always keeping track of what the knights were doing, particularly Gregory in the present times. After a few months, Gregory settled everything. The Hellsing manor will be left for the 2 vampires to occupy as their Master is the owner of it, while he visits them for missions and to see how they're doing. The two vampires were to secure the manor while Penwood busied himself with his own work. Some of the staff were to stay and keep the manor well arranged. His work was still the same as always while he continued to guide his son into what he must do in the future.

His duty is now to follow Integra's steps and hand them over to his descendants: to protect the country, serve the royal family and fulfill Integra's final will.

A/N: It's been a week after I posted my first chapter of this and I've given myself some rules in posting the chapters. I will be posting a new chapter once I finish typing my latest chapter in my laptop. I also must reach at least 3k or 4k words per chapter. I'll probably update on Fridays or the weekends. And do not fret because I'm currently typing a few chapters ahead of this one. *smiles wide*

I believe that Seras made Integra stop her smoking habits years back so yeah... And I believe that no Hellsing lives until their 80s. LOL. Moreover, what I did to this chapter almost made me cry. The thought of Seras crying and wailing, as I put it, is really heart-breaking. I wanted to show how Alucard and Seras treasure Integra so there you have it... (Damn, I still have the feels...) Poor Alucard, he lost his best playmate EVER. He'll just have to move on...

What happens next chapter? I will NOT spoil. But don't worry because I promise it'll get good and maybe even better. Suggestions and Questions are welcome! Criticisms and some comments as well are welcome! I'm still a novice at this so I humbly accept any thoughts the readers have.

Stay tuned for more! *Sings Rip Van Winkle's favorite songs*