Chapter 11 – Temporary Bliss

Integra went out of Alucard's chamber, leaving him amused with her consideration.

Hmmm… I know what kind of games you're referring to, Alucard. We'll just wait and see. For now, I want to see Seras... If I hear that he threatened her, I will definitely play games with him. She thought as she found her way to Seras's room. She knocks on her door.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the door, Seras was fidgeting. "Could this be Master, knocking on my door? Pip! Go and hide! Hurry! I'll hold him off!" She leans against the door, preparing for the worst while Pip just stood there, looking at her with a smirk she knows all too well. He was amused with her panicking, about to laugh at her hard. Pip found it cute.

"It's alright, Ma Cherie. Let him come after me."

"Dummy! You know what he'll do! We'll both be in jeopardy!" Seras closes their distance a bit, stepping away from the door.

"I told you, it's alright. You can just shift me into a shadow and let me escape."

"But he can just order me to bring you back!"

The two argue. They didn't notice Integra opening the door and coming in.

"So he did try to threaten you, Seras? I'll make sure he gets punished." Integra stands behind Seras, crossing her arms on her chest.

"M-Master Integra?!" Seras shouts and turns. She looked at her and was stunned. Integra looks glorious in her younger form and even more beautiful now that she's a vampire.

"Tell me, Seras, what did your hysterical master do to you? If he pulled his gun on you, I will see to it that his head will be smashed down on the dirty floor of his chamber." Integra frowns.

"You're awake! And you look superb!" Seras charges at her and hugs her tight... So tight that if she was still a human, her body would be crushed by it. Integra lets her, pats, and strokes her hair.

"Alright, I know. Now regarding my–"

"Master was furious! He shot all the corners of his chamber while you were asleep! Oh, right! You slept for a whole day! It's only sunset and Pip and I hid here until you were awake. We can't let Master see him or else he'll definitely grind him to dust! And–" Integra puts a finger on her lips.

"Thank you for answering my question, Seras. You did the right thing. But your master is alright now. I gave him a little reprimand. I won't let him hurt you as long as I'm here. I can now protect you in whatever means I can." Integra smiles at her.

Seras pauses. It took her a while before she realized that Integra's eyes were red as well. "Your eyes! You have your eye back! And your eyes are red! Does that mean you already…?" Seras took a step back and looked at Integra from head to toe. "Wait… smell of blood… and the smell of master's old chamber… not a smell of the outside scent…" Seras's eyes widened. "Did master offer you his blood?"

Integra raises her brows a bit. "Yes. And I accepted it."

Seras was stunned. And after a while, she smiles. "I expected nothing less from you, Master Integra. All that's left is for you to get used to being the new you."

"Yes. I'll need your help later in that. For now, I must find Gregory. I have to greet him. But Seras, we must prepare for the worst. This act I've done is not something easy to handle in the future. I fear that one day, all of this will stumble and I know that this'll lead to something horrible. Having the Penwoods to keep this secret will be difficult especially when Gregory's descendants would need to pass our secret from generation to generation."

"Indeed, Sir Integra. But may I ask why you have decided to do this?" It was Pip who was listening to everything for some time.

"Ah, good evening, Mr. Bernadotte. I fear that something that Section XIII is planning something bigger than we could expect. There's something wrong about them. I took your report twenty-three years ago as a sign of a bad omen. Moreover, I have a feeling that things will not go well if I wouldn't do anything about it. Let's do what we can and for now, let's do our duties." She says.

Seras smiles. "Alright, Pip. Like I told you, do not go to master's chamber."

"Aye aye, Ma Cherie." Seras lets him envelop the mansion in his shadow form.

"I'll take a look if Sir Gregory is in the office." Seras darts off, leaving Integra in her room. She was running towards Integra's office in a moderate pace.

Hear me, Sir Integra? She chuckles.

Integra smiles. Of course. Do you and your master do this often?

No. He only talks to me when I'm in need of his guidance. But now that I know how to handle myself, he leaves me alone. And I think master's the type who minds his own business unless he wants to make you angry…

Yes, I agree. Are you sure he won't be butting in our mental conversation? Wouldn't he be hearing us?

Oh… I think he's hearing us. We're all connected now so I think he does…

Oh, this'll be a problem then. We don't want another party knowing our conversations. I'm a private person after all. Integra chuckles.

Don't think that the two of you are going to get away from me again after your small play. It's only been three days since Integra 'died'. I'll have a lot more time to pester the two of you. Alucard did butt-in in an irritated tone. He hears the two chuckle.

Don't worry, Master. You'll have Master Integra to keep you company while I follow Sir Gregory's orders. Master Integra, Sir Gregory's in the office. Seras says.

Alright, Seras. I'll be there in a while. Integra makes her way and Alucard went into silence.

Seras went ahead in Gregory's newly acquired office. Integra instructed him to use it in her place since she'll be spending her time hidden in the sublevels of her mansion. Seras started to give her reports and told Gregory that Integra is on her way to where they are. They waited and after a few minutes, Integra came. She walked in front of her own desk.

"Sir Penwood. Good evening." She smiles at him. Gregory was stunned. She looked young and beautiful. He smiles the same.

"Good evening, Sir Integra. It's nice to have you back. How are you now that you're a vampire?" Gregory looks at her thoughtfully.

"It's quite different and my body feels light. But it's a bit difficult because of the thirst for blood. It's quite maddening… I'm rather fine, thank you." Integra gives a small smile.

"You'll get used to it, Master Integra. I'll make sure of it." Seras says cheerfully. Integra nods at her then looks at Gregory.

"Sir Gregory. I'd like to thank you for everything. Even up until now, I'm still in your debt. But in return, I'll protect you and your family. I'll guarantee your safety." Integra's demeanor became serious.

"It's no problem, Sir Integra. But I have my concerns… I know that you will continue to protect us, our country, and our people. But don't you think this is too much? Asking Alucard to turn you… This is a question I've been meaning to ask you... Why did you decide on this? I'm not questioning your decision or anything but… I'd like to know… Is Section XIII really a great threat?" Gregory asks.

"Yes, Sir Penwood. In the war that the three of us fought, the Vatican was capable of having a bigger army of crusaders than of the Nazis. They were able to bring the same amount of havoc as the Nazis. But this time, I have a grave feeling that they won't stop at that. I noticed that their head, Makube, and one of his servant, Heinkel, are now both regenerators. What's more is that they used a relic from Rome in the War. It was used to defeat Alucard. It transformed the person into a monster of God. I fear that they can do it again after they replenish their numbers. I'm also in doubt of Alucard's presence after years of thinking about it. It was late when it occurred to me. He told me that his restrictions were lessened. Meaning, there's a high chance that if I die, he'd be free of the seals my great grandfather sealed to him. It was supposed to bind him only to my bloodline. If I were to die, he'd be tamed no more. A vampire in which no one can ever kill… He told me his new abilities and it worried me. The only way I could contain him is to be like him. That's what I feel." Integra puts her hands inside her pockets.

Gregory crossed his arms and thought. He contemplated and agreed. "Very well, Sir Integra. I know your intentions are purely for the good. You have fought all your life for your duty. And your duty doesn't end there, doesn't it?"

Integra nods. "Yes. The Hellsing Organization was handed down to me so that I could continue the legacy left to me by my ancestors. All I can do is continue it as a Hellsing… No matter what becomes of me. It's a duty I will always fulfill. It's too much of me to ask this of you, Sir Gregory. But will you still continue what I handed down to you?"

"Of course, I have the same duty as you, Sir Integra. We will fulfill our duties left by our ancestors. And my descendants will also continue what we have done and will do. And with your guidance, I'm sure nothing will go wrong." Gregory offers a hand in which Integra takes and they shake hands.

"Rest assured, Sir Gregory Penwood, I will make sure everything will go well." Integra smiles.

After their conversation, the two female vampires went back to the sublevels, particularly, Seras's room. Seras wore her smile ever since Integra made her appearance. Integra didn't fail to notice Seras's joyous state in their walk back to her room. Integra was glad to have her even if it was only because of Alucard's whimsy that brought Seras to her life.

"Seras, I have a favor." Integra says. Seras turns to her with a big smile on her face. Will she ever get used to Seras's being?

"Yes, Master Integra? Would you want me to help you manipulate your newly vampiric powers?" Seras says giddily. Integra gives a small smile.

"Yes, because I believe that it's better to ask you than your master." She chuckles.

"Good decision! I knew you were gonna need me! So what do you want to learn first? We can do what Master can do except for some other things that only he can do." Seras's enthusiasm is obvious.

"Yes, I know. We all are different. So I want you to guide me to control these abilities. And is it always like this…? The thirst? The bloodlust? I fear that I'm embracing the monster inside of me…" Integra says, looking at Seras with worry.

"Yes. But it was different for me… I refused it. That's why, maybe I have control of the bloodlust… The only downfall of refusing it is the frenzy of the kill… You'll get used to it. And I promise that I'll stop you if you lose control. You can count on me, Master Integra." Seras smiles and takes her hand. Integra smiles warmly. Of all the people she lived her life with, Seras was the one who stayed with her the longest and not to mention, cared for her in a way that even she, herself, couldn't believe. Indeed, they've grown very close.

"Alright, I believe in you, Seras. Shall we start?" Integra still wore her smile as she stroke Seras's hair.

Seras was touched. I believe in you, Seras. Her words rang in her head. It's not everyday that she get to hear such words from her masters. She was taken aback. She stood there, stunned. Integra looked confused. She snaps her back.

"Seras?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Let's begin with something simple. How about passing through walls?" Integra nods. And Seras teaches her how.

Seras instructed her how to pass through walls. At first, Integra successfully passed her arm through it but got herself stuck. Seras instructed her to feel her whole body like a shadow and she'll pass through it just fine. Integra did so but she would stop in the middle. This time, Seras held her hand and manipulated her shadow to surround Integra's body and Integra got out of the attachment.

"Can I try that again?" She asks Seras.

"Go ahead. I'll guide you if you get stuck again." She says in smile.

"You're having fun, aren't you, Seras?"

"No…" She pouts but fails when she can't fight her lips from smiling.

"Such a bad girl... Making fun of me." Integra says and gathered her focus and successfully passed through the wall, back into Seras's room.

"You did it!" Seras's voice was heard even through the thick metal door that's closing the passage of her room and the outside. Her voice was as loud as ever; the sound of her voice even penetrated her own metal door. Integra smiles small. She understood how she can manipulate her abilities but she thought that she needs to learn more. Seras goes into her room same as how Integra did.

"How about hypnotism next?" Instead of Integra getting pumped up to learn more, it was Seras who was more eccentric than her.

"Ok? How to do that?" She asks calmly. She massages the bridge of her nose. "I forgot that I won't be needing my glasses anymore." It just hit her and Seras chuckles.

"Imagine you have a third eye, and you will be able to see as far as your eyes can see. That's what Master taught me." Integra nods and Seras continues.

"Hypnotism is quite easy when you think about it. And I know that this'll be a piece of cake for you. I think that even as a human, it's your special power." Seras giggles and Integra gives her a raised brow as if to see through what she means. Seras fidgets.

"Let's go!" She takes Integra's arm as to distract Integra from what she said. Integra sighs but lets her because Seras would be the only person she loves like family. Integra knows how Seras could be insensitive and blunt sometimes but she knows that Seras is a very kind heart.

Seras leads her outside the manor behind a tree, near the gates where one of the gatekeepers were guarding the gate while one was taking his break. Seras whispers to Integra to stare at the guard and try to seduce the guard. Integra sighs yet again and thinks about what she should do. She takes her focus on herself and begins. Seras cheers her on silently behind her. Sending her cheers through their mental link. Integra felt a bit tolerably annoyed because Seras has the tendency to act like that. She pauses for a while and continued. When the gatekeeper sees her, he held his gun…

"Y-you! A-aren't you–?!" He was cut off when Integra suddenly appears right in front of him. Her eyes glows as she stares at him.

"Sir… Integra…!" The man trembles in shock. "I thought you were…!" The gatekeeper stared at her. He was mesmerized with her beauty and after staring into her eyes, he fell into her spell but the gatekeeper's will was fighting against her hypnotism.

"Of course." She says. "Now. You will forget you saw me and will do your duty. I died three days ago and was buried yesterday." Her eyes glowed more as she points a finger to the man's face.

"I'm dead. You're dreaming. You'll forget about this."

"You're… dead… I'm… only… dreaming… I'll forget what happened…"

"Good. Now, return to work."

With that, Integra was gone in a blink and back with Seras. Seras was about to squeal when Integra quickly covers her mouth. She shushed Seras to silence. Integra looks at the gatekeeper and he stood there, dazed. He soon came to his senses and shook his head, wondering about what happened.

"Seras. Did he say that I was beautiful?" Seras muffled, her hand still covering her mouth, and she shook her head. Integra released her.

"That's… unusual. I heard him say: 'She looks young and beautiful. If she finds out I'm having carnal thoughts, she'd kill me.' Bastard. I heard him say it." Seras's eyes widen.

"It seems that you also read his thoughts…!" She shouts in a whisper.

"I see. But why can't I read yours before?"

"Maybe because Pip's been protecting me… In mind, body, and soul." Seras smiles wide. Integra chuckles.

"I see. And you protect him the same, I believe?"

"Yes. Did you know my reason for…?"

"Yes, I know. It's alright but I think that if your master knows about this, he'll get angry at you."

"I know… But I've made my decision. I won't let him change it. No one can falter my decision." Seras wears a determined expression.

Integra smiles. She understands. "Yes. Do everything you can to protect the ones dear to you. That's your greatest duty. No one can accomplish it but you."

Seras pauses. "Master Integra?" Integra looks at her.

"Yes?"

"You've changed a lot… Sometimes, I think if I'm only having an illusion in front of me. Is it alright if I want to hear your thoughts? Not read your thoughts, but I want to know what and how something changed you. I still feel like I'm dreaming… Your decision to become a vampire, your change of heart, and now, you've become more open to us. And I know that I'm the only one you open up to…"

Integra went ahead, not saying anything. She walked back the way where they went but instead of returning inside, she went to the garden where a tall old tree stood. From there, they can view the whole side of the mansion. Integra stood and leaned against it. She views the mansion and reminisces. Seras followed behind her with growing curiosity. Seras stands beside her while she leaned against the trunk of the aged tree.

"Seras. How old do you think is the mansion and how long did my family served this country?"

"Generations? A hundred? Or more?"

"You can say that… And what do you think of humans now that you've spent time with them as a vampire?"

"Where are you going with this?"

"Just answer my questions."

"Ah… Err… I think they are very complex. They can be mercurial. They tend to be a mix of good and bad; some having more of the other, or sometimes bad and sometimes good. They're a pain. But not all of them. They're weak and strong at the same time. It would depend on their situation." Integra nods.

"How can you say that they're strong? And how can you say that they're weak?"

"I don't know where you're going with this… but… they're strong because they have something to protect. And they would fall to their weakness when they give up."

"What do you think will happen to the Penwoods?"

"Master Integra, just tell me. I'm not as smart as you. Neither am I wise. I'm not gifted with such wisdom and intellect." Integra laughs.

"Alright." She chuckles more. "Gregory proved himself worthy enough. He did so because he believes that he's doing what's right. He believes that what he does is for the good and for the best. Tell me… Wouldn't you think that many people are like him? After spending my time with you alongside with humans, I realized that both nature of humans, being either good or bad, aren't that different. There are humans in the trappings of a monster; there are monsters in the trappings of a human. We are humans in a façade of a monster. Either way, both can be monsters. It only differs what's on the inside. I'd like to believe in them. I'd like to serve them; protect them. I can see their future as a struggle but that would only mean that in the face of weakness, their strength would be forged. They will rise above all the hardship. They have proven themselves as I see it. Besides my reason to become a vampire, my other reason is that I want to see this through. It's a whim, to be honest. Will they stay strong and never give up even in the face of their weakness? Or would they allow their weakness to control them? These things question me because I've walked the path of a human before I decided to become a monster. I'm sure you thought about this too, am I right?" Integra smiles at her. Seras blinks. She was amazed.

"The only thing I thought about is: how am I going to continue if you passed away? I was afraid to lose someone dear. I think that humans are monsters. I think that monsters are also humans. But… Now that I'm a monster, what would become of me if I just watch someone dear to me go and leave me? It'll be lonely without that specific person to keep me company. I realized how lonely and bored I'd become if you're not there… Same goes with master. He's been bored all his undead life. I have Pip with me but master has none." Seras says sadly.

"Not you too, Seras. You know your master only looks up to me because I'm the only one who can free him from his boredom. Don't tell me you feel the same?"

Seras smiles wide. You know we can't live this undead life without you, Master Integra!

Integra just heard her and she shakes her head, smiling. "Let's see what'll happen to these humans, Seras. Will they evolve or regress? It's up to them. Let's make sure they won't fall to their doom."

Integra grew accustomed to her abilities and have taken control over herself. She kept herself hidden in Alucard's chambers, pestering him in the way she could. It was like payback to all the times Alucard pestered her in the past. Integra redecorated Alucard's chamber, adding a wide olive green mat under two grey Chesterfield sofas facing each other, and a traditional kind of coffee table that suits the sofas. Alucard's throne was placed on the head, not to completely take-over his space. The redecoration added at least a bit of color to his dark chamber. Integra spent all her time reading books and she would sometimes 'play' with Alucard in his own games of banter, battle of wills, and some physical games.

50 years have passed. It's the year of 2103. Gregory passed away and Sherwin was the one to continue what he left alongside with his son, Henry. During this time, Sherwin is in his 60s and Henry is in his 20s. The situation that they're currently having troubles with is about the swarm of ghouls causing havoc in one of the districts. When Seras finished her mission and went back to the manor by sunrise, Seras reported to Alucard about the creator-less ghouls and their conversation moved toward their fondness of blood-types…

"A bit. I only like A-negative when it's from her." He said casually. Seras laughs.

"I can't help but agree." She giggles more.

"Can't agree with what?" Integra came, materializing from the cold floor. Her appearance was of her father. And from her shadow, she let out a bag of books.

"Why, Arthur. It's been a while." Alucard looks her way as she change her form back to her normal self. She sighs. It was difficult for her to shape-shift into something of someone she's not familiar with. And the only person she could perfectly shape-shift into is her father.

"Hmph. What are the both of you talking about?" She deadpanned him. Seras and Alucard look at each other and they both wear a grin.

"It was nothing, Master Integra. We were just talking about how much we love you." Seras wears a wide, teasing smile. "I'll go and rest now! Bye!" She darts off, leaving her two masters alone.

Integra raises her eyebrow at Alucard and Alucard clears his throat. "I might say… Seras grew better at playing games with me. She's inheriting your wits."

"Get to the chase. What were the both of you talking about?"

"Why not read my mind, Master?" Alucard teases but she did so. When she got it, she clears her throat.

"That's new… We must investigate further about this vampire."

"Let Seras do it. It's her mission anyway and we're still not called for a mission."

"And I thought that you're always bored that's why you'd love to go out and hunt. Shouldn't this be some thrill for you?"

"I feel that it will be thrilling and I guess I'm not that bored anymore since you keep me company. Let's have fun while Seras is away."

"Very well, Alucard." She grins. And their fun has just begun.

That evening, Seras gave her full report to Sherwin and went on for another search. Alucard made his appearance according to Integra's orders. He told Sherwin that the situation calls for him to face…

"I know, Alucard. I am no Hellsing and never will I be. I respect your insights. Your intellect would be enough for me to face this. Shouldn't you go hunting as well?" Sherwin asks.

"Yes but you wouldn't like the aftermath." He grin evilly. Penwood jolts a bit.

"How is Sir Integra then? What is she doing?"

"She rested for a while and she's now researching about the matter."

"She's resting? I thought you vampires prefer the night to be active?"

"I tired her out." Alucard says and grins wide. Sherwin clears his throat.

"O-ok…? Then… Well… I mean…" Sherwin's face turned red. Alucard chuckles deep and dark.

"We'll make sure to find what we can. Do call when you need us." Alucard vanishes.

The following night, Seras reports the civilians she found and rest assured that they were safe in the shelter. The next morning, Seras went to visit the shelter. She wasn't allowed to go inside to see the three cousins but she was reassured that they were in a safe place. Little did Seras know that one of the three civilians she saved was able to hypnotize the staff in the facility and were only following orders. The three cousins went back to the small shack they found and planned their revenge.

A/N: Hope you guys like this chapter! These later chapters turn out to be longer than the previous ones because my fingers just type whatever my mind comes up with. I still have a lot of ideas to put and maybe the next chapter would be as long as this one. I kinda feel bad for Alucard because Integra and Seras look like they're teaming up against him. But never mind... He'd just be thrilled to have some company with him.

The title of this chapter is from the song "Temporary Bliss" by The Cab... It doesn't have any relation to the song but... The things that Integra was referring to is only temporary; everything changes and she doesn't know when things wouldn't turn out as she thought it'd be. And if you guys noticed, the title of my chapters are from songs except chapters 2, 4, and 5 because they're flowers.

Classes will start this Monday so I don't know when I'll be able to update. But do not fret! Because I have Chapter 13 almost done because I've typed Chapter 13 before I typed this whole fic. I also have a hand-written chapter, (which I don't know where or in what chapter I'll put it), in a pad paper. I think I wrote it even before I started writing my fics. *Phew* And to tell the truth, I can't wait to finalize my Chapter 13 because it'll be sweet. Hahaha! Anticipate it, people! LOL. I think it'll be fluffy and did you guys notice the fluff I've been putting? I just can't help myself! Hahaha!

Sneak peek on Chapter 12! Integra finds out that she has another kind of ability. What could it be? And will this affect her relationships with Alucard and Seras? Alucard feels that there is something wrong but he can't point it out... Maybe he had so much fun spending time with Integra?

Stay tuned for more! Tschüß und Auf Wiedersehen!