Chapter 8 – What If

Henry's meeting with the round table council just ended. He had a lot to think about. The vampire-in-red wasn't something he should worry about but the reports were. He had to talk with Integra regarding the issue but he knows not to worry because whatever she does, it's always justified. He knows that she's getting bored hiding in the shadows that's why she goes out in the night to hunt on her own, wearing her disguise. But he still wasn't sure about the current situation. Something made him worry, nervous even.

That afternoon, Henry was doing his daily reviews on the previous missions in the office. He sighed as he finished them and later got a call. He answered it to find out that Section XIII was downstairs waiting for him at the lobby. He sighed again– a heavy one. These were times when Section XIII would unexpectedly visit to ask how he and the council are doing. He raised from his seat and walked towards the door. When he reaches the lobby, the same old faces were there. He wondered why they never seem to change. All he knows is that the two of them are regenerators. He was a bit surprised to meet a new face– a new assistant for Makube and Heinkel. The three were seated on a sofa across the sofa where he's about to sit. Tea was served for them while they waited patiently. The three stand when he makes his presence.

"Good afternoon, Sir Penwood." Makube greets with his strong Italian accent.

"Good afternoon as well, Makube, Heinkel and..?" Henry makes his way to his seat as he greets them then glances at the new member.

"Ah. This is Dante. Dante Del Nero. He was recently appointed in aiding us in our journey here to visit you." Makube introduces him. Dante gives a slight bow and says nothing.

"Nice to meet you too, Dante. Please have a seat." Henry sits on the sofa and the three follow suit. "What brings you here today?"

"We came here to see how things are doing. How's your vampire? And how are you, Sir Penwood? It's been a while since our last visit so we came here while we can." Makube smiles casually.

Henry holds a snarl. Section XIII is really nosy at times and he really didn't want to admit it but it's the truth. Henry was actually tired after the meeting because of the issue. He was doing what he can to stay attentive but he was feeling fatigued. He only thought about how fast his talk with Section XIII will be and how he'll rest afterwards.

"Seras is doing fine. And I'm tired, Chief Makube. Moreover, the issue right now is about the decrease of vampire activity in the past few months. I've talked to the vampires about it and they said that it was normal but it may be the calm before the storm." Henry says tiredly.

Henry didn't notice how shocked Makube and Heinkel looked about what he said. Vampires? Makube and Heinkel glanced at each other and nodded, having an indication of something. The two then focused on what Henry has to say.

"There was also a report of another vampire other than Alucard that's been helping out citizens, protecting them from other vampires. That's all. I'll make sure the vampires do their job successfully." Henry says, massaging his temples, his eyes closed as if to relax for a little bit.

This time, Makube and Heinkel's eyes widened in sheer shock. Alucard was back?! Since when?! Why weren't they informed?! Heinkel was about to make a heinous gesture, as she was about to stand and demand Henry of answers but Makube held her back, shaking his head as if to keep her calm. Makube then replies…

"I see that you are very stressed about the matter so we will take our leave for you to rest. Perhaps another day then, Sir Penwood. We will take our leave. Thank you."

With that, the three left, leaving Henry to rest the rest of the day. When the three representatives of Section XIII got out and were on their way back to Rome, Heinkel couldn't help but complain.

"Chief Makube! How can zis be?! Zat damned vampire is there and ve veren't even informed! Zis is an act violating our treaty! Moreover, he mentioned a vampire that's been helping out citizens! Chief! Ve can't let this pass!" Heinkel was raging but Makube kept his calm, thinking of the situation. Dante was watching them, silent as ever.

"Calm down, Heinkel. We must be ready since we now know that Alucard is back… We never were told about his return but at least now, we can prepare." Makube looks at her.

"I know that, Chief Makube. Vhen do you think he returned? We've been busy preparing the tenth crusade over the years. We've missed a lot of what's happened here." Heinkel calms down, crossing her arms over her chest.

"We must investigate further, Heinkel. If Alucard is back, then does that mean… Sir Henry Penwood is his new master?"

"Zat's impossible! That damned vampire is bound by the Hellsing blood. There's no way…" Heinkel and Makube looked at each other as if something hit them…

"Chief… Don't tell me…" Heinkel's eyes widen. Makube grinds his teeth.

"It's not impossible, Heinkel. When did Integra Hellsing die?" Asks Makube. Heinkel gets a small notepad, flipping through some pages.

"She died in the year of 2053. Do you still remember the report on her death?" Heinkel asks.

"Yes. It shouldn't be forgotten. We never were told but the details were that she died in her bed. The knights came and witnessed her death. Two days after, her body was buried. This is a grave matter, Heinkel. I have heard the abilities of a vampire such as Alucard."

"Yes, Chief. I vitnessed the battle between him and the fucking butler. The butler pierced his heart but it turned out that it was a familiar that Alucard used to trick the fucking butler." Heinkel elaborates.

Makube's features turned grave but he realized something. "We will report to his holiness and receive orders from there. I have a theory that maybe… The issue that the council is dealing right now is just a distraction. And given the abilities of a true vampire, it's possible… No… We will not ask for his holiness's orders. We must find out if Integra Hellsing's corpse is hers!" He proclaims in a rough tone.

With that, they devised a plan. Instead of returning quickly to Rome, they delayed their journey. They went straight to the cemetery where her men were buried…

"Chief Makube, it's been 82 years since she died. The corpse ve're looking for are nothing but bones left. And even if ve try to make an investigation or autopsy, our inquest vould mean nothing if we don't have a sample of her DNA." Heinkel says.

"I know that, Heinkel. But do not underestimate what our improved technology can do. The least we can do is try and wait. We still have a lot of time before we unleash our crusade. And it will not take long before I am to be Archbishop. I will need you and Dante to search the mansion." Makube turns to Heinkel.

They stood on the grassy soil in the middle of the graves of those who have fallen from the battles. The wind blew as dark clouds were moving smoothly in the skies. Heinkel stares at Makube, growing impatient of their situation.

"But how can ve even do zat when her shadow is active 24/7?" Heinkel asks.

Makube gave a smirk. "No need to worry, Heinkel. We have been paladins for almost a century. I have created tricks on my own. In the name of our Lord, I have devised more things to fend our enemies and fight in His name. Do not fret, my dear for the Lord will protect you. Amen."

Heinkel nods. She started to search for the grave along with Dante. Makube went to prepare things on his own. Heinkel found the grave where the Hellsing soldiers were buried, even the demised Wild Geese. She followed the path and reached a mausoleum– a mausoleum of the Hellsings. It was locked and fully secured. She was planning on breaking in when Dante tapped her shoulder.

"Vhat?" She turns to look at Dante to which Dante points at a large gravestone in the middle of the graves of the soldiers. The epitaph says: "Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing 1977-2053". She wondered why she was separated from the mausoleum and was buried with her low-life soldiers.

"Trying to be humble doesn't make you a good person, you bitch." With that, Heinkel and Dante started digging her grave to retrieve her skeleton. Dante found some shovels nearby and gave one to Heinkel.

They sneaked and got the coffin containing her bones. They broke the lid of the coffin and only gathered the bones, putting it in a sack. They put the coffin back in the grave, covering their tracks. They wouldn't like suspicions especially now that they're on a mission to seek out the truth and finding answers. Once they were done, they retreat back to their vehicle and went their way.

"Chief Makube, vhat should ve do now?" Heinkel asks.

"We will have to search for Hellsing's DNA. I need you and maybe Dante to search the manor. Most particularly her office, bedroom, and bathroom." Makube says.

"But how vill ve do zat? It's been a vhile since ve paid zem a visit. Ve can get lost in ze estate. And her shadow still protects the whole manor." Makube hums in thought.

"I have a plan. Dante, would you kindly accept my request? I need you to go undercover as one of the servants in the manor. You will search for any possible samples from this woman." Makube states as he gets a photograph of Integra from one of his manila envelopes. He gives it to Dante who looks at the picture. Dante nods. Makube smiles mischievously.

It wasn't hard for Dante to get inside. He disguised himself as one of the soldiers protecting the estate, joining some of the troops that were having their patrol, and once he got inside, he changed his disguise as one of the butlers. He went to the kitchen in hopes to gather information of the location where he's supposed to be heading. When he got there, the servants were fussing around as they clean, wash, and prepare their master's meal. One of the butlers called at him…

"Hey you! You bring this to the office. Sir Henry's waiting for his meal and tea." The butler gives him the tray of Henry's meal and pushes him out of the kitchen. Dante wondered where he should go. He went with the flow and soon found the stairs. He figured that the office would be in the third floor so he went there. It wasn't before long when he heard rushing footsteps behind him and as the footsteps came and passed, he saw Seras rushing towards the long hallway to one of the rooms. He followed her and found the office. He heard Henry and Seras talk.

"… Very well, thank you for your hard-work. You may rest. Is your shadow covering the manor?"

"Yes, Sir. Same routine: at daytime, he's protecting the manor, and at nighttime, he's with me for missions. Seras Victoria dismissed!" She salutes and turns. Henry went back to his piles of papers, reviewing and signing them. Dante just knocks and puts down the tray of Henry's food on his table. Henry was so busy that he just said his thanks and let him off. Dante went out of the office, beginning his search for Integra's room. All his skulking was because of pure luck. If Henry got a glimpse of him, he'd be found out but luckily, the man was so busy and focused in his work.

Along his way of the long corridor, he saw two maids and a butler heading their way out of a room. Once they left, he went to look at the room. It only had a bed, a side table, and another door that leads to the bathroom. He examined the room and felt Seras's shadow pass by. He felt it often in the third floor than in the lower floors. He knew then that he was in the right place. He explored the room, finding nothing. The room was clean and well-organized…

Meanwhile, Heinkel and Makube were outside the estate. Heinkel was outside the car, preparing for the worst case scenario. And inside the vehicle was Makube. As Heinkel waits, she couldn't help but think how well Dante's search is doing. She wore a confident smile because she never knew that Makube was capable of something more than just being a paladin.

"Of all the time I spent in the Catholic Church, I never knew what the Chief had in store... He surpassed Archbishop Maxwell as well as Father Anderson. To perform such rites, he must stay in the car to keep his solemnity. A rite that protects Dante… A prayer that blesses a body of a person to be protected from evil spirits or demons. Not an exorcism but a prayer for divine protection. He must chant it as Dante scour the place…" She smirks. She was amused at what her boss can do.

Dante found nothing in the bedroom and went to the walk-in closet and bathroom. In the bathroom, he only found a lone toothbrush. He took it, putting it in a Ziploc bag, and continued his search. Proceeding to the walk-in closet, he found clothes: white shirts, cravats, slacks, and a dark-green trench coat that's hanged at the end along with some other blazer jackets. There was a hint of dust on the wooden receptacle and on the jackets. He pushed the jackets aside to take a look for any other possible items that can give him another clue. Unfortunately, he found nothing. After searching around the cabinets, he looked in the drawers where some cravats were neatly folded. The last drawer he inspected was where Integra's combs and brushes were. One brush had some of Integra's pale blonde hair. He quickly took it, putting it in another Ziploc bag and made his leave.

He came back to Heinkel, giving her the things he got. Heinkel tapped the window of the car and she and Dante went inside.

"It was a success. Dante, I believe you felt the vampire's shadow moving around the hallways and rooms. Am I correct? You should have felt any presence. The protection was to make you invisible in the shadow's eyes and that you would feel it if it was near." Makube asks, his features show that he was quite exhausted. Dante nodded and gave sign languages, saying that he was lucky that he wasn't noticed especially when he brought Henry's meal to his office.

"Vell done, Dante. And did you find more information?" Heinkel asks him. Dante, again, made sign languages, saying that Seras's shadow is active during the day but not at night because she takes it with her on her missions.

"Well, Dante. You can now take a rest. You have accomplished your task." Makube turns to Heinkel. "Heinkel, I've learned that Seras Victoria's shadow is able to envelop and constrict a person when summoned to do so. We must be careful."

Heinkel nodded and kept silent for a few beats. "Vhat vill ve do now, Chief Makube?"

"We will return to Rome. And order an autopsy for the objects we have acquired. It will take a huge amount of time to learn the results but it will be enough for the 10th crusade to finish their preparations." Makube smirks.

Once they returned to Rome, they requested the autopsy. It took them years before they could learn the result because the bones they got were frail and decaying, having a level of difficulty to match the bones and the samples they got. But their advanced bio-engineered technology helped in the procedure, having the samples thoroughly examined, and gaining the information needed to find the true identities belonging to the materials used. They waited 17 years to clarify and totally confirm their suspicions. The results showed that the samples from the toothbrush and the hairbrush matched but they didn't match with the bones.

"It seems that our suspicions were correct, Heinkel. That protestant whore's corpse wasn't hers. And if my guess is correct, she allowed her vampire to turn her into the same damned creature that he is." Makube gives the manila envelope to Heinkel. "What's more is that the round table council has a member who's been hiding a deep dark secret from them. Oh, he's not only a member but also his descendants who followed him." Makube chuckles. "It seems that we will have work to do, Heinkel."

Heinkel nods. "Also, I have gathered more information, Chief Makube."

Makube looks at Heinkel. They were in his office in Rome. Makube was sitting on his chair, Dante standing beside him, and Heinkel was sitting on one of the chairs in front of Makube's desk. Heinkel got a few folders and put them on the desk. It contained the reports about the vampire-in-red which she got from there last visit with Henry. Makube took them and began to review them as Heinkel waited patiently for him to finish.

"What? These are just reports of vampire attacks that were aided by the mysterious vampire. And yes, we already have our suspicions that this said vampire is Integra Hellsing." Makube says.

"Yes, I know, Chief. But another thing that vould support our suspicions is that the location of those vampire attacks are here." Heinkel shows him a map of London and points at a place where there's a red circle marked. "This is the Hellsing manor. And these…" She points at small blue circles around the red one. "These are the locations where the vampire attacks occurred." Heinkel points out that the blue marks weren't far from the Hellsing manor. "It's possible that she goes out at night, hunts, and returns to the manor. A reason why the blue marks aren't distant to the manor."

Makube smirks at Heinkel's findings. "Then, Heinkel. We must move to unveil the mysteries hidden in that unholy manor, guarded by unholy people. It's almost time. We will seize the day and conquer in the name of God."

A/N: Hello again! Just a shorter chapter about the suspicions of Section XIII. I kinda missed Captain (Hans Günsche) so I made Dante. Haha. I kinda find him cute and I don't know why. Moreover, I still need to finalize the abilities of our antagonists. I have some ideas but I still need to figure out their advantages, disadvantages, strengths, and weaknesses. I'll probably finalize them when I get there. Stay tuned this weekend, everyone! I'll be posting Chapter 9 and maybe Chapter 10 if I get a start on Chapter 11. LOL. So far, I'm progressing. And I feel so happy to have Integra back! I can only say that all those years have changed something in her especially when she bonded most of her years with Seras. I love the two of them. So expect that I'll have more of them having some fluff in the future chapters. :)

I'm happy to have surprised many of you from my previous chapter! I'm deeply sorry for some disappointments if I have (somewhat) lied but it's probably for the best. I really did plan on surprising the viewers because it's fun as a writer and maybe fun for some viewers. I believe that I may have disappointed some so I'm terribly sorry. As I said in Chapter 1, I didn't put romance in the genre because the romance would level up as the story goes on. Expect some AxI and PxS in the following chapters because I was depraved in typing their romance. LOL.

Lastly, I have a confession to make... All of these plot bunnies and yet, up until now, I can't get rid of Walter in my head. I really love him and I pity him. (Some spoiler...) I've put Walter back somewhere there in Chapter 10 because I really want some fatherly Walter and Integra. Walter just makes me want to cry sometimes, you know? I've been overthinking about him, Integra and some of his burdens that weren't clarified in the series (or maybe I just really overthink about him). So sorry for my short rant. I really do feel crushed remembering Integra's scream when Walter died. (Really breaks my heart...)

Anyways! Questions and Suggestions are always welcome! PMs are always welcome as well!

Tschüß und Auf Wiedersehen!