Chapter 18 – Bringing it Down

An estate somewhere isolated in London covered around twenty acres of the area. Its only entry is through a closed gate made of old heavily mossed oak and rusting iron; which was affixed to great high walls built of heavy stones. Within the great walls, a large manor with high windows that were barred with iron centered the whole premise. But as vast as it was, it was gloomy; with trees surrounding the great house and a deep dark-looking pond where a stream led somewhere within the property. And besides the construction mentioned above, there was no other establishment surrounding it, enhancing its tenebrosity. Cold silent winds blew through the thick layer of the woodland, phasing through its branches, making its way to the old broken windows of the ancient estate. There was evident reconstruction inside, but only enough for inhabitants to dwell.

The estate was called Carfax, located along the byroad of Purfleet. It was infamous for being one of the houses of the devil; where the boxes of earth from its homeland were settled inside the estate's chapel, but purified by the great grandfather of his master. After the monster's defeat, her great grandfather plundered everything that it owned: the properties of land, houses, and estates, all from different locations around England. But not long after, the Carfax estate was abandoned and was left to age; it became obsolete, making the whole place covered with thick dust and filled with gossamers. It was a few decades ago that it was slightly renovated and was put to use by transferring some of the belongings from the Hellsing manor. Now, almost everything that the master owned was there.

It was late in the evening when the three vampires arrived in their temporary abode. As soon as they set foot in the vestibule, Integra stepped forward, sighing, and told her companions to rest, giving them the night-off. She went to her designated room afterwards. The room wouldn't fit her; she had her coffin there, resting across the furnished bed. The room would never describe her because it was in ruins. But, it would completely illustrate her change… When she was human, she had all the luxury in the palm of her hands; she used them wisely… But when she became a monster, she left all of it behind, in search for something that she wanted to attain. She sighed once again, taking her coats off, untying her cravat, opening the first few buttons of her white shirt, and flopped herself onto the soft mattress of her bed. The act of laying on her bed than in her coffin calmed her from all the frustrations she had been keeping. Her thoughts ran deep. It was time to wait and see what happens.

Meanwhile, Seras let Pip envelop their new home to keep surveillance. She went to follow Alucard afterwards, wanting to talk…

"Master? You seem quiet. Is there a problem?" She asked, looking up at her Master's solemn façade.

"When are you going to drink blood, Seras?" He crossed his arms, looking at the night sky.

The nostalgia…

"Master, we talked about this; and I know you're more worried about Master Integra than my feeding. How long will the two of you keep fighting this silent war? If you'd like, I'd slap her face to wake her up." Seras said impulsively after feeling irritated of the topic her master wanted to tackle.

"I'd like to see you try, Seras. But Integra's out of my reach. No matter what I say, no matter what I ask of her, she'll only push me away, and leave me in the same ground. I wouldn't bother her schemes. It's been decades and decades that I've been trying to get her to tell me, but not one of my attempts succeeded." He paused for a moment before continuing, wanting Seras to be secured after noticing that her uneasiness. "She promised me that she'll tell me everything… I just have to wait. It's just me who's acting impatient… So don't worry, Seras. It will pass and I'm sure things will turn out to be just fine." He said, not looking Seras's way.

Seras felt somehow at peace after hearing that from her master. Needless to say, it was out of character for him. She wore a gentle smile on her face and set her gaze to the night sky. "Would you like me to talk to her, Master? N-not to meddle with your affairs but… she somehow listens to me. Hehe…" She suggested rather shyly.

"I'll leave that decision to you. In the meantime, get some rest and drink blood; don't go back to the old idiot that you are." Alucard said with a stern face, never looking her way.

"You're so mean!" Seras said, sportively irritated. "I'll go now."

She left Alucard alone.

But as soon as she stepped into her quarters, she couldn't help but feel sad, still not knowing where their situation will lead them. She sat on the dusty old floor and hugged her knees. She could relate to a child's situation when his parents are fighting. It wasn't like Integra wasn't a mother figure for her, but what could she say? Alucard was like a father to her. She was an orphan, yet, she felt what it was like having parents; parents who loved her so much… After the absence of her biological guardians, she got used to the independence she became responsible for. But when she felt like she was adopted, and felt that she found herself a new family, she became afraid that she'll lose them. She had told herself that as long as they're all together, she'll be alright. But ever since her two masters were conflicting, she felt like they'll all be separated; and that's not what she wants.

Her façade was always joyous because she wanted to set the agony aside. She always wore a smile because she wanted to hide the tears in her eyes. She knew she was strong but alongside with it was that she was also weak. There was a reason why she and Integra got along very well... It was because they were doing the same thing, only Integra would do much better at hiding her emotions. Seras would admit that she would always look up to Integra because she knew that she could rely on her; and she would always know what to do. But on the other side, she knew how fierce Integra could be… She knew that Integra can disregard everything when it came to her duties… If she and Alucard were standing in her way, she wouldn't have any hesitation to annihilate them.

But… could she really do that? Seras thought to herself. Integra would never… but, she could. She always knew the difference between the righteous and the corrupt; she has always been a martinet and the embodiment of her name. She was a woman of uncorrupted authority. She never faltered…

But what about now? Is she still the same? Seras contemplated. Her mind was thinking too much because of the burden she'd been carrying. Usually, Integra would know about her sorrows and she would comfort her… Integra was always the stronger one… or the strongest. But lately, Seras figured that Integra may have been too strong for too long. She realized it and gently stood. Maybe it was her turn to do something for her master's master. But in the meantime, she decided to follow her order to rest. So, she went to gather some blood supplies and drank her fill.

Meanwhile, the Royal Order of Protestant Knights, along with two members of the Iscariot Organization, were already advancing to search for the monsters. They had published posters of the vampires' faces all over London and the internet. They even encouraged local citizens to gather information about the monsters' whereabouts but warned to never approach them. The influence caused a pandemonium for many, not knowing what to believe in: many people believed some vampires protected them because of Integra's doing, but the benighted thought otherwise. Because of the situation, the news became rampant because of its trend and the mass favored it, causing the local news from different channels to broadcast flimsy information about vampires.

Once again, Alucard's name became widely popular for his history in London. Newscasters relived the battle in London in 1999, recapitulating the event. There were rumors and information that weren't supposed to be revealed but they were already scandalized. Everything that Integra had done was flashed in the TV screens, and narrated by the newscasters. Channel after channel, the same story was broadcasted; either the 1999 battle of London, Alucard's history and participation in Hellsing's command, or Integra's immorality. The Knights of the Round Table Conference had betrayed her by allowing the media to control all the information about her. It was expected for the council to betray a traitor… even if she never betrayed them. She only wanted to continue her duty… and stay with the remaining beings who she treated like family.

Integra, Seras, and Alucard were in a room that was assumed as her office. It was dark, dusty, and old. Instead of a computer where she would receive reports and view them, all they had was a wide-screen television that was connected to the local network. The TV flashed the news before them, giving the shady room some luminescence. Besides the TV on a small table, there was a sofa, stitched enough for use, and there sat Integra and Seras who were watching. Alucard stood beside Integra as his face remained stern while watching with his companions. Pip was in his shadow form, enveloping the area.

They were watching when Integra turned it off. Pip protested, Seras looked at Integra with a concerned expression, and Alucard set his gaze on her. She stood, went to a long desk, similar to her old one in the Hellsing manor, and laid her hands on it. She heaved sighs. It was time.

"Knowing Section XIII, they'll be assaulting our territories in an unpredicted time and pattern. I highly doubt they're only after the people, but I have a feeling they're going to capture the King and put him under their command…" Integra said, looking at the fairly wooden desk. If she hadn't controlled her strength, it would shatter into pieces.

"Why would they do that? I thought they were only concerned of religion?" Seras asked.

"The crown, for centuries, had a history of intertwining religions. In the past, the ruler would have different influences and legitimize Catholicism, Protestantism, or sometimes, Anglicanism as the religion of this country. That was the reason why the Vatican targeted London— the capital of England, where the authorities rest. We have to prepare for their surprise. Seras, I want you and Mr. Bernadotte to sneak into the Military Communication Headquarters, or at least get some information about passing aircrafts. I want you to be thorough. There might be suspicious leads there." Integra looked at Seras.

Seras nodded and stood attentively. "Yes, Sir!"

"Alucard and I will check the harbors." Integra said softly and paused. "I believe it's time…" She continued and summoned her shadows, setting a suitcase on the table, and a number of heavier luggage on the floor. Before continuing, she sighed…

"Seras, in those luggage, are your ammunitions: exploding incendiary shells and depleted uranium shells. Custom ammunition for your cannons… The manufacturing stopped creating your ammunitions after I turned. You only had limited ammunitions left with you, am I right?" Integra calmly stated.

Seras's eyes widened with surprise. "R-really?! B-but how did you…?"

"I had more than enough time to study about what Walter had left." Integra closed her eyes and crossed her arms.

"The books about weaponries…" Alucard's eyes narrowed with realization as he muttered.

"Yes. And as for you, My Count…" She opened the suitcase and revealed an iron gun, similar to his Jackal. "It was unfortunate because Walter's blue prints of your weapons were non-existent. But after researching, I found a way to recreate your gun." Integra gently pushed the suitcase towards Alucard's direction, to which the ancient vampire looked at it and took it.

"The Armageddon?" He asked, looking at the inscribed characters of his newly acquired gun.

"Yes. 39cm long, 16kg in weight, and 6 rounds per magazine. 13mm explosive shells, casings of pure Macedonian silver, and Mercury tips. This time, it's legitimate, and not a fake. You can hold on to it for as long as you like… but honestly, that gun was made by an amateur. I could never have created something more durable like Walter did. So forgive me, if it's unable to withstand strong forces, and handle it with care, especially in the coming battle." Integra rested her arms to the side and looked at him.

Alucard flashed a calm fake smile. "I certainly will, Master. I'll treasure this."

"Well, I guess Pip and I will go then. And yes, we will be careful." Seras smiled wide.

"Wait, Seras." Integra said and eyed Seras, almost glaring at her.

"Yes, Master Integra?" Replied the younger vampire, looking wondered to why she was halted.

"Have you drunk blood?" Integra asked.

"Yes, I—"

"Other than Mr. Bernadotte's blood, Seras…?"

Seras stopped and glared back. She hated this. Everytime she was being asked of this... Wasn't it enough that she wasn't as stubborn as before? Still, she would still fight for what she wants.

"We talked about this, Master Integra, and Master too. I don't need any other's blood. I'm fine as I am." Seras said sternly.

"And what if you're dying? Mr. Bernadotte's soul would be sacrificed in order for you to return. Haven't you thought of that? You said you'd protect him, right? You know the rules. You know what will happen. And yet, you still wish to do what you want? If Mr. Bernadotte vanishes, you'll regret it. And soon after, you may possibly die. Would you sacrifice his life for your stubbornness, Seras?"

Seras cursed inwardly. She hated the fact that Integra was right. She thought she could trust her… She thought that Integra would be able to understand her. Why is she doing this to her now?

"How many times do I have to tell you…?! I don't want anyone else inside me! What's so hard to understand about that?!" Seras protested.

Integra's temper was rising. "Don't you talk to me in that tone, Seras." Her own tone was also raised. "You know why we keep on telling you this. How much longer would you keep up with your dogged determination? Don't you realize what's at stake here? We're talking about your survival. Your safety. If you don't listen, I wouldn't have a choice but to order you."

Seras gasped like her statement was unsuspected but she knew that she would say those words. She clenched her fists as she holds her emotions. "I thought you'd understand?! I thought we were done with this?!" Bloody tears started trickling off her eyes. "I thought you know me by now, Master Integra?! Just because you're my master's master doesn't mean you get to order me with what you want! What on earth happened to you?! Maybe Master was right because you're not the Integra that I know anymore!"

That pissed Integra off but she remained calm, yet her voice was the one that roared. "That's an order then! You are to consume any other human's blood until you are filled. Am I understood?! I will not tolerate your attitude any longer, Seras! So don't return unless you've done what you're told!" She slammed her palms on the table, causing a thunderous racket, and breaking the old wooden piece of furniture.

Seras bit her teeth and stormed out of the premise. Integra huffed for breath. Why didn't Seras understand that she was being told for the sake of her own welfare? Wasn't she clear on that?

Pip materialized into his solid form and looked at Integra. "I will go talk to her."

"Please. Make sure doesn't stray… Please, make her understand. Just please…" Integra implored but what she also wanted to say was that…

Please, let her be alright… Please, don't let her run away from me… Please, let her be safe.

"I will, Boss. You better rest. Leave everything to me." Pip stated as he turned himself into a shadow and pursued to track Seras.

Alucard stood in his spot and watched everything. He had nothing to do with their current situation. Witnessing what happened, he thought of letting Integra have some time on her own. Even though he, himself, had been acting half-heartedly all this time, he still worried about Integra because he knew that she was troubled. But deep inside him, if he was given a choice, he wouldn't follow Integra in defending her country… because he knew it was all too dangerous… especially for Integra, who isn't used to her risky abilities.

"You should rest, Integra." He looked at her but he stood stunned when did.

It was clear that she was holding back her tears. Her head was bowed down, letting her golden locks hang on each side of her head. Her fists were trembling together with her body. He wanted to approach her but his body wouldn't. He knew that she had to face this ordeal for herself; and that she deserved this. Deep inside, he wanted her to suffer because he's been feeling too impatient because of her kept secrets. He was also infuriated by the fact that she wanted to save those who betrayed her. But, he was in no position to speak, especially when things are convoluted between all of them… And as her loyal servant, he promised he'd follow her because she was a woman of authority, and she knew what she needed to do.

He can't do anything… for now.

He turned his back on her. "I'll give you some time alone." He sounded cold… and he disappeared out of thin air, leaving Integra alone with her thoughts.

It was justice for him that Integra would deal with everything… at least make her feel that she was facing it alone; that's why he left… to give her some time.

But meanwhile, Seras was running away, feeling Pip behind her tail. She knew where this was going; that's why she sped even farther away. She reached an area where it was similar to a woodland with trees and shrubs that would obfuscate her. She felt if Pip was still there and when she couldn't feel him, she let herself loose. She punched, kicked, and screamed on the top of her lungs. She was in no position to disobey her master's master's order. It's like she wasn't wanted anymore just because she had different views with herself… just because she's different…

Everything that she thought about Integra was right. She would do everything if she was a hindrance to her. And now, she finally faces the consequences of their mistakes. Everything that she wanted… and wished for, collapsed just like the woodland she's been destroying.

Everything…

Everything…

All of it…

Caved in…

She screamed in despair, pain, and anger. The thought of becoming more of what she is, and disregarding Pip's sacrifice; she would never allow it… But because she couldn't disobey an order… because she was disciplined and educated to follow authority… but right now…

Is everything going to end like this? She'll comply with the order but when she gets back, there'll be a boundary between them… And Pip… She could never imagine losing him but that was the reason she diligently trained herself to manipulate her powers so that she could fairly protect him. She bawled until she calmed, yet, tears still fell off the side of her face. All she could do was ask how and why all of this were happening to her.

"Is it all that bad, Seras?" Pip said, standing beside a tree, watching her.

"Pip, we talked about this! How come you're agreeing to this?! You know damn well why I—"

"Same as Integra, Seras. You're the only one resisting. I told you; I'm different. The question you should be asking yourself, Ma Cherie, is why don't you understand?" Pip stared at her.

Seras paused, trying to fathom what he's trying to say. Pip smiled proudly, knowing Seras too easily, and too much.

"Seras, Ma Cherie, you know why we've been telling you the same thing everytime. Alucard, if you notice it, hides it but shows that he cares. Integra changed and allowed herself to show her love and affection towards you. As for me, you know how much I love you, Seras. Don't you see that? It's for your sake; the better… Because we don't want to lose you in the same time you don't want to lose me. As strong as I am right now, I am weak and easily disposed when your undead life is in danger. You know that there's only one answer to that question; and I know that as well… that's why I agreed that you need more lives inside of you. Seras, please understand." Pip took out a cigar and smoked.

Seras just stood and bowed her head. "I know that! But—"

"You've been carrying the burden of trying to be independent, Seras. It's time that you depend on me this time. That's the reason I'm here, right?" Pip took steps towards her and stood right in front of her. "If it wasn't for my death, Hellsing would've been defeated. If it wasn't for me, you would've died that time as well… is that what you always wanted to say? — That you owe me so much?"

"Yes… That's why I want nothing else… For you… Because you deserve better… At least, just once… that you'll feel special." Seras began to sob again.

"You idiot." Pip gently flicked her forehead for her to focus on him. "I already know and feel that. See? You're the only one who's stubborn around here. Integra begged me to keep you safe after you stormed out of the place. I'm not kidding. She pleaded me to do this. So, could you at least understand her first before you jump to conclusions and kill innocent lives or otherwise?"

He threw his cigar away. "We love you, Seras."

Seras grunted from the pain on her forehead but because of it, she finally realized what Pip had said. She sobbed after the raw explanation she had heard. After a few beats, she felt arms wrap around her, and her head was gently being pushed towards a broad chest. Pip embraced her and soothed her misery by stroking her hair and patting her back.

"Hush now, Ma Cherie. Right now, you need to trust me. I understand…" Pip sighed as he felt her grip around his torso. He didn't know how long will it take for her to recover. But, he knew that starting from where they are, everything will turn out just fine.

"Stay with me. Don't ever let me go. Promise me." Seras whispered.

"I won't promise it." He paused and Seras looked at him with great shock.

"I commit it." Pip said before kissing her.

The night was still young, with the moon and stars illuminating the darkness where they stood. Though it was still dim, there was faint light that would guide them back together… because…

What was the moon without the stars?

A/N: Ok, so... we're almost there. Honestly, I don't have a plan on what's going to happen in the crusade. If ever I do, I hope I won't disappoint you people. LOL. Please do inform me of my mistakes: vocabulary, grammar, etc. so I know them and improve them.

I'd like to thank OverWordly (if ever she reads any of this because she's my half-Beta. lol) for bugging me because she could never understand the very first paragraph and made me revise it more than a few times. And thank you, Shadowpyro13 for your wonderful reviews. I admit that I feel so very encouraged everytime I read your reviews. Same for everyone who reads this fic of mine. Thank you for spending time reading this. LOL.

The title of this chapter is from Starset's song: "Bringing It Down" which I think would suit the summary of this chapter. I also put some other song references there, namely "Ashes of Eden" by Breaking Benjamin, and "Moon Without the Stars" by Jerry Barnes (ft. Quiana). I'm a rock music fan and game music fan. I also love many of Hellsing Ultimate's OST's especially the ones sang by Rip Van Winkle, and the operas.

Lastly, I'm not sure about the history of England's rulers changing the religions. I just got that information from YouTube. And lastly, Carfax estate, I think I'm way too canon, huh? I did mention where I get my references. So... I hope I'm doing well.

Spoiler: everything started to fall apart. She was filled with regrets and Alucard couldn't take it anymore. What will happen to them and will they be able to protect London from Section XIII's assault? Stay tuned to find out! And as always, questions and suggestions are always welcome, PM, Review, whatever's convenient~

Tschüß und Auf Wiedersehen!