A/N: Hello, everyone. I thank you so much for your patience and all the messages sent my way. All of you are angels.
Here is the next chapter. I welcome all new and returning readers.
Warning: Self-harm, suicide mention, foul language, Hellsing typical violence/imagery
"Hey, wait! Where are you going?!" Pushpa scurried after Alucard who, after hearing her declaration, promptly stood up and trudged away with a sigh. "Didn't you hear me? I want to help you!"
"Forget I said anything, and hurry back inside, little girl." Bile corroded at his throat, disgusted that he dared to make the same mistake twice. As he beheld Pushpa, the hatred burning in her eyes a juxtaposition of her runny nose and baby face cheeks, all he could see was eight year old Olivia touching his cheek and beseeching his aid to avenge her family.
No.
Never again.
He refused to let the past repeat itself.
"Please wait!" Pushpa was hot on his heels, reaching out to him but afraid to make contact. "I know you doubt me, and I am not a fighter! But I will prove it to you! Until then, at….at least stay here! It is so cold out and it wouldn't be right to send you off in such a state and—!"
Alucard listened to her prattle on, gritting his teeth as his worthless soul corroded with every plea from her lips.
"Be quiet, and drop it already."
"Just listen to me! I can—!"
"I said drop it, little girl."
"If you just listen—!"
"Go away."
"Li—!"
"Go away!"
"I SAID LISTEN TO ME!" Alucard found himself stumbling forward as something kicked his knee, and he whirled around to find a petrified Pushpa curling in on herself and begging for forgiveness. "I'MSORRYPLEASEDON'TBEANGRY!I'MSORRYI'MSORRYI'MSORRYI'MSORRY—!"
"Enough!" Alucard growled, sighing as she flinched back and dragged a hand down his face. "Don't...look at me like that. I'm not angry. I'm not. So don't cower like that."
"…..Please stay." Pushpa whimpered, uncurling her arms and holding a hesitant hand out. "Please."
Alucard stared at her hand before kneeling down so they were at eye level.
"My existence has caused enough trouble. Forget about me and—."
"If you don't come with me, I'll tell my mum! And she will scold you for making me upset!"
Alucard froze at her threat, taking in her earnest wide eyed gaze as a twinge of a long forgotten emotion tickled his chest.
"….Well….we can't have that, can we?" Alucard hummed, allowing her hand to curl around his index and middle fingers. "Lead the way then."
"Do I want to know how long you've been holding onto this?" Manali inspected her ring in the soft office light, a dimpled smile adorning her cheeks.
"Would you be surprised if I said the past five years?" Elizabeth, still kneeling before her, bashfully rubbed her neck. "Many a time I've wanted to give it to you, but I kept backing down."
"Her Majesty Elizabeth, backing down? Unheard of." Manali snorted before clasping her hands between hers. "What kind of ring do you want in return?"
"Oh, your answer is worth more than any jewelry! Besides, I have enough gems and sparkly things as you always tell me."
"Well, in light of these events, I'll permit you to have one more since this one is forged in love and not historic greed."
"How generous." Elizabeth hummed, leaning in for a kiss as a knock came from the door. "Who is it?"
"Oh, um, it's me, Your Majesty." The sound of Pushpa's voice caused both women to sit up at attention. "May I, um, may I come in?"
"Of course!" Elizabeth beckoned, watching Pushpa slip into the room with her head low. "You know you don't need to ask. My door is always open for you."
"What is it, sweetheart?" Manali wheeled forward, the apprehension on her daughter's face causing her chest to constrict.
"Um….A...'friend' of mine needs a place to stay and I already told him he could stay here but….I remembered this isn't my home…..so, can he stay?"
"Of course he can stay!" Elizabeth earnestly nodded while Manali gave a curt "What friend?!", both responses sending Pushpa's anxiety into high gear.
Manali's inquiry wasn't out of cruelty, but Pushpa never once invited friends over or even mentioned friends at school due to her introverted nature, and while Manali was pleased to hear the word, she was also perplexed at the circumstances.
What friend at this time of night?
And how did this friend enter the palace without being brought before Elizabeth first?
"I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation." Elizabeth assured her, clasping her hands over hers. "Is your friend waiting in the hallway? Invite them in and we can greet them properly."
Pushpa gulped audibly before nodding and turning towards the ajar door and opening it, revealing a haggard Alucard with Mr. Coffin in his arms.
"Pardon the intrusion." He muttered, taking in the womens' gobsmacked expressions before gesturing towards Pushpa. "Your daughter threatened me."
"Wha—Wha—Nngh—I—No I did not!" Pushpa sputtered out, her hands flailing around. "I just—It is so cold outside and he looks so hungry and—!"
"And you invited him in?! Pushpa, he is a vampire!" Manali hissed, frantically wheeling towards her daughter to yank her away from him. "A vampire who has been missing for days and has reason to harm us all!"
"I'm sorry, Mummy, but I….I don't think he will hurt us! I swear!"
Manali just covered her face while Elizabeth slowly rose to her feet and took a cautious step forward.
"Where have you been?"
"The village where we first met. It is in ruins now, nothing but dirt and weeds." Alucard croaked out, his voice grating to the ears. "I buried her bow there and planted daffodils above her grave."
"…..I see. And what will you do now? Do you intend to harm us? To harm anyone?"
"All I want is nothing. Nothing matters anymore, not vengeance or hatred."
"Then why are you here?"
"Because your advisor and her daughter are the last pieces of Olivia. Therefore, I place my fate in their hands….and yours. Do with me as you will." Alucard closed his eyes and bowed his head in submission, only for a gentle hand to grasp his chin and tilt it back up.
"…..You must be hungry." Elizabeth smiled, sweeping his bangs behind his ear. "Let's get you something to eat. I'll have the chef….and the infirmary prepare something for you.
Thirty minutes later, Alucard found himself seated in one of the palace dining rooms with his three hosts perched before him as the staff placed dish after dish on the table.
A bowl of chilled O-, a plate of AB+ pudding, a platter of kidneys drizzled with B-, and a mug of O+–Alucard was speechless as Manali leaned forward and shoved the cutlery container towards him.
"Vampire or not, wasted food will not be tolerated." She piped up, sitting back with crossed arms and wary eyes. "Being the Undead King does not absolve you of basic manners."
"I am more than happy to provide seconds if you want." Elizabeth added on, reaching over to rub soothing circles on her fiance's knuckles.
"The mug has a bat painted on it." Pushpa pointed out, ducking her head low when Alucard's gaze shot towards her. "I–I thought you would like that…..I'll paint an anatomic heart next time if that is too childish…."
"Don't fret, sweetheart, you did a fantastic job. Right?" Manali consoled her daughter before glaring daggers in Alucard's direction. "Right?!"
"...Yeah, it's nice." Alucard muttered, feeling like the physical representation of whiplash.
He had come to the palace, hoping for an end to his misery, only to be cocooned in a shawl and served a warm meal.
What a bizarre situation indeed.
"Are you going to eat or are you going to continue gawking into your soup for the rest of the night?" Manali muttered, earning an exasperated eye roll from Elizabeth.
Mr. Coffin, who was nestled on his lap, nudged their master's hand and gave him an encouraging yip, their tongue sticking out and tail wagging.
'Fuck it,' Plucking a spoon from the container, Alucard scooped up some of the soup and brought it to his lips, hearing the three hosts hold their breath in anticipation.
If he didn't feel like the embodiment of roadkill, he would've smirked at their antics.
"Well?" Elizabeth inquired as he lowered his now empty spoon. "Is it good?"
"This donor has a family history of anemia." Alucard brought another spoonful to his lips, nose wrinkling at the taste. "But it's edible."
The trio sighed in relief, and Alucard's lips involuntarily curled up as he helped himself to the pudding.
"I ask that you keep a respectable distance from my daughter during your time here," Manali led him down the hallway of the east wing after ensuring he had cleaned his plate. "You claim to mean us no harm and I am–against my better judgment–choosing to believe you, but my daughter has suffered enough and I want her to focus on her future. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes, Your Grace." Alucard nodded, his lips twitching upwards at the venomous scowl she fired his way.
"Advisor Yadav will do just fine, I have no interest in royal titles or anything that implies superiority over another. Elizabeth is the only exception, but even then, it is a fine line." She rolled to a halt in front of a door and gestured towards it. "Here, you will find your basic necessities. There is a dresser, a sitting area, a bed, a chandelier, a wash bin, a–."
"A chandelier?"
"I don't know how the hell you sleep! I'm just saying you have the option of using the bed or turning into a bat and hanging from the chandelier! Whichever makes you happy!"
This time Alucard actually let out a weak chuckle which didn't cease even when Manali 'accidently' ran over his foot as she rolled back down the hallway.
"Remember what I said!" She barked over her shoulder. "Stay away from my daughter. Don't make me regret trusting you!"
"Oh, I would never dream of that," Alucard watched her disappear around the corner, his partial smile dissipating into that blank expression. "I am not worthy of such an honor anyways."
Upon entering the room, Alucard found it exactly as Manali described–bed, chandelier, and all.
Yet he cared not, instead laying down and curling into a ball on the carpet.
He stared at the shadows lining the wall, having not bothered to turn the light on, before slowly raising a hand to his opposite wrist and proceeded to gouge at the skin with nary a whimper. And, when that wrist was rendered a visceral mess, he moved to the other–this time using his fangs.
Soon the carpet was drenched in blood, and Alucard shifted onto his back with his arms outstretched.
Still, he felt not a damn thing.
It was a slimy sensation that roused him out of his stupor, and he peered over to find Mr. Coffin licking at his wounds, tearing bubbling in their ruby eyes.
"Why the hell are you crying?" Alucard croaked out, his eyes becoming glassy. "Who are your tears for? Me? Psh, don't be stupid." He closed his eyes with a scoff. "I'm not worth it, I'm not worth anything."
He opened his eyes again as a weight settled on his chest, only to find Mr. Coffin nestled there with a paw over his heart.
The dam broke and Alucard wept openly, gathering Mr. Coffin close and curling onto his side once more.
"I'm not worth anything, I am nothing…."
"Are you sleeping in Her Majesty's room now?" Pushpa inquired as she settled in bed beside her mom.
"One thing at a time, sweetheart." Manali chuckled, holding her arms out to cradle her daughter close. "Besides, I am where I'm needed."
"It's okay, Mummy, really! My nightmares are gone and–!"
"I have them too," Manali kissed her forehead, silencing her pleas. "And I'll sleep better knowing you are safe here in my arms. So there is no need to put on a brave face, okay?"
"Yes, Mummy." Pushpa clutched Manali's shirt with trembling lips. "What happens now?"
"Elizabeth will handle things from here, she will ensure the wicked receive their due punishment. As for you, you need to focus on yourself and leave the rest of us. Alright?"
Pushpa was silent for a moment, listening to Manali's gentle humming.
"...I hope Alucard is sleeping well."
"I am sure he can handle himself." Manali grumbled before softening her tone. "However…..he will be treated better here, I can assure you of that."
"...He really loved her."
"...I know."
Soft sniffles filled the room, and Manali could only embrace her daughter and rock her to sleep as her own tears soaked into her pillow.
"One rotten chain truly can topple even the mightiest forces." Alucard's broken form was reflected in The Major's glasses. "Now, due to Walter's meddling, I have lost both Queen and King."
"Indeed, that is why I am lost as to why you continue to help Walter," The Doktor piped up. "Shouldn't he be punished or better exposed to his 'allies'?"
"He will have his comeuppance in due time, Doktor. As for right now, we focus on preparations for our glorious war. And, besides," His eyes shifted to Pushpa's sleeping face with a grin, "perhaps not all is lost. There may be a new opponent in the making–one who can bring My Beloved Count back. But let us concede for now and allow both parties to lick their wounds and recuperate, such as it is in war."
Pushpa's lungs burned, her head pounded, her heels bled, yet she ran and ran without ceasing.
A massive labyrinth surrounded her, its twenty foot walls a macabre kaleidoscope of stitched organs that still pulsed with life.
"Run, run as fast as you can~! You can't escape me~!" The marionette demon galloped after her on all fours. "I am the gingerbread man~!"
"HELP ME! HELP ME!" The labyrinth closed in around her with every step. "SOMEONE, HEL–!" Wires ensnared her heels, and she crashed to the ground as a tall figure loomed over her.
"What a pathetic sheep you are," Walter's cigarette illuminated his face, Olivia's severed head dangling from his fingers. "Spineless, weak, useless."
"NO–NO! I–!"
"GOT YOU!" The marionette demon pounced on top of her, its serpentine tongue slithering over her face and neck. "I win~! Time for my prize~!"
"NO! STOP! GET OFF ME!" Pushpa shrieked as the demon descended upon her, its massive fangs impaling her throat. "NO–O!"
"Pushpa! Pushpa! Wake up!" Manali tried to restrain her as she violently thrashed around and screamed bloody murder. "I got you! No one is here! You are safe! Wake up! Please, wake up!"
Pushpa's eyes shot open, eyes frantically searching for an unseen threat, only to find her mother's worried face covered in scratch marks.
"Wha….? Did I….? Oh, Mummy! I'm sorry! I–!"
"No, no, not a word! Not a word!" Manali hastily gathered her up and rocked her as she sobbed into her shirt. "Not another word….I'm here, sweetheart, I'm here…."
Two hours and multiple assurances later, Pushpa was propped up in bed with her sketchbook in hand.
Manali had advised her to skip class for the day and that she would return after meeting with Elizabeth to discuss her replacement.
The news of Manali and Elizabeth didn't surprise Pushpa–Elizabeth had never been subtle and Manali,despite her firm persona,always gazed upon Elizabeth with gentle eyes. Her mom deserved happiness, and she didn't dislike Elizabeth so Pushpa was content with 19 years, she had been the center of her mother's universe–and always would be–but it was time for Manali to focus on her own desires.
Placing her pencil down, Pushpa studied her mother's smiling face with critical eyes, pointing out errors and imperfections, before peeking at the clock.
"It's already half past eleven, much too late for breakfast." She closed her sketchbook and crawled out of bed to get dressed for the day. "Perhaps the chefs still have some leftovers."
Dressed in a plain blue dress, Pushpa closed the door behind her and made her way down the hallway, giving meek nods to the staff who passed her by.
The initial plan was to only stay the night before finding a new home, but Elizabeth insisted the Yadavs extend their stay in light of Manali's injuries. But now, with the previous night's events, the palace would now be their permanent home, and Pupsha internally bemoaned the loss of privacy.
Reaching the end of the hallway, Pushpa was about to turn the corner when she overheard some of the staff gossiping.
"I heard a special guest is occupying one of the east wing suites."
"Yeah, and Her Majesty ordered us not to bother him or speak of him to outsiders. We are to just leave him be and carry on with our duties."
"I wonder who he is. He is massive and reminds me of a forest cryptid."
"Hey, hey, let's not dwell on it. The Round Table is in enough hot water with The Queen right now for some reason–I'd rather not join their ranks. Her Majesty can be a terror when angry."
The other staff members sighed in agreement, their voices fading as they went off to their duties.
"The east wing huh," Pushpa peered around the corner to ensure the coast was clear before scampering down the stairway. 'I wonder if he is awake. Vampires sleep during the day right?'
She entered one of the kitchens and found not a soul in sight-hooray!-and the counters swept clean of any leftovers–boo!
Pushpa had never learnt to cook, considering Manali always had a meal ready before her stomach could even growl so she found herself spinning in circles at what to do.
"Ah, the grocer delivered the eggs! I can make–no, I don't know how to use a pan. Um, oh! There is some bread…..but I don't see a toaster….perhaps I should skip–Eeek!"
An apple was shoved into her line of sight, and her wide eyes shot up to find Alucard leering down at her, the apple in his outstretched hand and Mr. Coffin nestled in the other.
"Oh! Ah! Um! Good morning!" Pushpa squeaked out, taking the offered apple between sweaty palms. "Did–Did you sleep well?"
His eyes lined with heavy bags and wrinkles answered her question. His hair was longer than yesterday, and his clothes were the same with the addition of dried blood on his sleeves and back.
"Did you spill your breakfast? Um, I can ask Mummy if the staff can get you some new clothes and–Wait, where are you going?"
"I was ordered to keep my distance, but your incessant circling woke me up. Now eat that and be on your way." Alucard trudged towards the doorway, a slight wobble in his gait.
"Wait! Did…..was it my mummy who told you that?" He paused but didn't turn around, giving Pushpa the courage to press on. "I know you won't hurt us! In fact, truth be told, I was hoping to talk more about–!"
"I already told you to forget about it. Now mind your mother and keep away."
"I know what you said, and I won't push it for now. But….but…." She dug her nails into the apple and this time Alucard turned to face her completely.
"But?"
"I….well…..I was….I was just wondering if you would tell me about Olivia….what she was like…how you two met, how….you fell in love…and….I want to know more about you…before Hellsing….before becoming a vampire…the human you.."
"...Why do you want to know that?"
"I-I-I!" Juice leaked down her fingers and onto the floor. "Please don't misunderstand! I'm not forcing you nor do I want to make you ill at ease! I just….I just want to know more about you….both of you…"
The kitchen's temperature dropped to frigid degrees, and Pushpa feared she had put her foot in her mouth when she caught sight of his wrist.
"Why–! Why are you hurting yourself?!" The bone visible through his scraps of flesh made her stomach churn and she braced herself against the counter with a sob, her apple dropping to the floor. "I know! I know I don't understand anything! I am just a weak child in everyone's eyes, but please! I beg you, don't hurt yourself! Olivia wouldn't want you to–!"
"Enough. Eat. Go find your mother." Smoke billowed from Alucard's mouth, enunciating each syllable with venom. "And. Leave. Me. Be."
And with that, he vanished into the wall as Pushpa's legs gave out, and she succumbed to her tears once more.
Over the following weeks, Pushpa only saw glimpses of Alucard in passing with the exception being dinnertime since Elizabeth insisted the four of them dine together every night.
The routine was like clockwork–Alucard would silently munch on his food whilst Elizabeth and Manali combated the silence with domestic chatter; Pushpa was grateful for her mothers since she was at a loss for words.
[Yes, her mothers. No grand celebrations were held, just a signing of papers. But Manali was pleased so Elizabeth was pleased. The couple kissed blissfully as Pushpa applauded and Alucard silently watched from the doorway.]
However, there was a smidge of light in that Alucard seemed to heed her plea since no further stains appeared on his clothes and his wrists had healed.
Yet, his face remained haggard, his eyes soulless, and his hair unkempt.
Pushpa believed she was the only one who noticed until Manali threw her napkin down one night and hobbled to his side–now free of her wheelchair but still healing.
"Honestly! How can you see with such a mess in your eyes?!" She plucked a clip from her own hair and tied his hair back in a loose bun before stomping back to her seat in a huff.
"I'm sure that feels better right?" Elizabeth giggled at his lost expression. "Please help yourself to the blood cobbler–it is anemic free!"
Pushpa observed all of this with warmth flooding her chest and Alucard, despite not welcoming their affections, didn't reject them.
And so, the little song-and-dance sashayed on until a month had passed and Alucard finally broke his silence with a single question:
"So, when do you plan to inform me of my fate?"
All activity ceased and three pairs of eyes fell upon him and the ever present Mr. Coffin who never left his grasp.
"What do you mean, Alucard?" Elizabeth placed her silverware down and clasped her hands together.
"Do you plan to indefinitely keep me as a pampered pet or do you have another agenda?"
"Have I forbid you from roaming the palace?"
"No."
"Have I forbid you from leaving the palace?"
"No."
"Then don't insult me by implying I'm keeping you here against your will. You are my guest and so long as you are here, I will welcome you and treat you well."
"What if I never leave? What if I decide to plague you with my presence for the rest of eternity?"
"Then I will welcome you until the end of my days and will ensure those who come after me will treat you the same."
"Psh," Alucard shook his head. "So, you will never use me? You will pass over the chance to wield a weapon capable of atrocities beyond imagination? My, my, what a saint you are."
"Watch your tongue!" Manali slammed her fist on the table, nearly causing the centerpiece to topple over. "Don't you dare compare us to that warmonger who lurks on the other side of the city! We don't brainwash the vulnerable and mold them for our own twisted gain!"
Alucard just kept his head low, strands of hair slipping out of his bun, while Elizabeth placed a hand over Manali's, their rings shining in the dim light.
"...Why are you helping me?" Alucard's voice was barely a whisper. "I've done nothing to deserve your grace nor your trust."
"Because I'm a wicked person." Now all eyes fell upon Elizabeth. "I knew of your servitude, and that Hellsing was employing children as soldiers. But I didn't question it, I permitted it just like everyone else did. My complacency makes me no better than the Round Table and Hellsing and because of that….perhaps I am using you. Perhaps I am doing this to alleviate my guilt for permitting your abuse under Hellsing….and for failing to save Olivia from the beginning." Then, standing tall, Elizabeth crept towards him before suddenly dropping to her knees and kowtowing before a stupefied Alucard. "Forgive me for all my bloodlines and my kingdom's transgressions against you, Vlad Dracul."
Alucard let out a strangled cry which was only amplified as Manali joined her wife, gazing up at him with remorseful eyes.
"I too know the torment of betrayal and….I apologize for my callous behavior to you, a victim, and to you, the husband of one of the few people I've ever respected."
"Stop it….." Alucard clutched his throat, chest burning as millions of needles burrowed into his skin. "Stop it…..what are you doing….Stop…..Stop…" Then, when Pushpa joined her mothers on the ground, all hell broke loose and Alucard shot out of his chair with a roar. "ENOUGH! CEASE YOUR MOCKERY! I AM NOT WORTH ANYTHING! I AM NOTHING! TORMENT ME NO LONGER WITH YOUR PITY!"
The table was flipped over, plates shattered against the wall, and the room became a war zone with Alucard in the heart of the storm.
And, yet, the three of them didn't move a inch and Pushpa whispered the words that shattered Alucard completely:
"And we apologize for allowing you to believe that."
Gritting his teeth and digging his claws into his arms, Alucard hunched over and vanished into the floorboards, taking Mr. Coffin with him and leaving utter disaster in his wake.
"Don't bother the staff with this, we can clean this up ourselves." Elizabeth gathered her wife and daughter close, kissing their tears away. "And I'll have the clinic prepare some blood bags–just in case he is hungry later."
After helping to clean up, Pushpa went out to the gardens and took a seat on the same bench from before.
There was a moment of tense silence before she buried her head in her hands and screamed her throat raw.
"I HATE YOU, HELLSING!" She yanked at her braids to the point of tearing yet she didn't cease as her fury and sorrow consumed her. "I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!"
Jolting up, she grabbed a stone and launched it into the distance, awaiting the satisfying crash of marble or porcelain.
Instead, she was greeted with the sound of heels against cobblestone and a large shadow looming over her.
"You could kill someone, you know." A woman stood before her, the stone in one hand and a bouquet of sunflowers in the other. "You are lucky I'm already dead."
She had an otherworldly aura about her–skin white as porcelain, hair a starlight silver and dressed head to toe in black.
Black wide-brim hat.
Black sunglasses.
Black gloves, turtleneck, pants, and heels.
The only splash of color were her red lipstick and the bouquet she carried.
"...You're a vampire, aren't you." Pushpa gulped, craning her neck back to gaze up at the towering woman.
"Straight to the point, good. I loathe repetitive introductions." The woman tossed the stone aside and removed her glasses, revealing a pair of icy blue eyes that Pushpa quickly realized were contacts. "I have come to see His Majesty. May I enter your abode?"
And without hesitation, Pushpa nodded and watched as the mysterious woman proceeded further into the gardens.
"W…..Wait," Pushpa reached out to her, feeling the world spinning beneath her feet. "Who are you? How do you know Alucard?"
"I'm an old friend of his. As for my name," The woman gave a slight curtsey and flashed a toothy grin, "You may call me Duchess Valentine."
Vines and moss had overtaken it, but Alucard still recognized the platform where he and Olivia waltzed all those years ago.
It was a place full of love and hope, yet at this moment, it only served to mock him.
With a faint whimper, Alucard fell to his knees and proceeded to claw at his throat, choking on his blood and tears as he cursed the royal family.
How dare they?!
How dare they?!
How dare they care for him?!
How dare they treat him with warmth and respect?!
How dare they kneel before him and beg for his forgiveness?!
How fucking dare they?!
He wasn't worth it.
He was nothing, trash, worthless.
Hell, he couldn't even die.
All Alucard could do was bawl and hack at his skin as Mr. Coffin tried to stop him, their high pitched yips like nails to his ears.
Perhap he could rip out his vocal cords. Yes, then he would be spared of hearing his own wretched voic–.
"Your Majesty, stop!" A pair of bony hands restrained his wrists, preventing him from causing anymore harm. "Get a hold of yourself!"
"...What are you doing here, Fay?" Alucard beheld his old friend and enemy through blood soaked eyes, unable to find the energy to be surprised. "You are a long way from home."
"I came to see you and…..to pay my respects." She gestured to the bouquet she had flung away upon finding him. "Mortal or not, Olivia was our Queen and a dear friend. I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. I only recently heard of the battle and her fate. The undead information pipeline isn't as vast as it used to be, but the moment I heard, I dropped everything and hurried here."
"How sweet." Alucard snarled, shoving her hands away and staggering to his feet. "So, the undead knew of their Queen and now you–the great Duchess Valentine–have come to pay your respects….he…hehe….hehehehe…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Fay didn't even blink as specks of blood flicked into her eyes, her face showcasing nothing but pity and remorse. "If Olivia was so respected, then where the hell were you?! Where were all of you?! Why didn't anyone come and protect their Queen?! Why?! Why?! Why come now when it is too late?! What is the point?! She is dead! Nothing matters anymore! She is dead! Olivia is dead!" Alucard covered his face as his cackles dissolved into desolate sobs, his tears mixing with the blood pouring from his face and neck. "Nothing matters anymore…nothing….."
"I am sorry. Truly, I am. If I had known, I would've–!" Fay bit her tongue and averted her eyes. He was right, what was the point? Any further excuse would only be salt in his wounds. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. Forgive me."
Her apologies only served to send him spiraling further and realizing she was doing more harm than good, Fay picked up the bouquet and hurried back up the trail to the main road, Alucard's heartbroken sobs lingering after her.
Then, as she reached the main path, she found Pushpa standing there.
Suspecting she had something to say, Fay peered down at her and waited for her to speak up. And when she finally did, Fay couldn't help but do a double take.
"How much do you know about the paranormal?"
"Well, considering I'm nobility in its ranks, I'd say quite a lot." Fay crossed her arms and shifted her weight onto one leg. "Why do you ask?"
"I….I have a request…if you will hear me out."
"And that is?"
"I graduate soon and when I do…..would you please accept me as your pupil? I need you to teach me everything you know about the otherworld!"
Fay blinked once then twice, wondering if she was hallucinating this entire exchange.
"And why, pray tell, should I entertain such a request? What business does a child–a newly appointed princess from what I've heard–have with associating with the undead and paranormal?"
"Because I want to–no, I need to bring justice to Olivia and Alucard!"
Fay let out a snide chuckle at that, struggling to imagine the sheepish girl before her bringing justice to anyone.
"Okay, okay," She coughed into her fist, attempting to be polite. "Even if I said yes, it would take years to even scratch the surface. I'm talking about 10 to 15 years to just grasp the basics!"
"So be it then! I have a lot of growing up to do, I know that!"
"And when you do obtain this coveted knowledge, what will you do?"
"I….I will….." Pushpa stared down at her feet, standing before a crossroads that would forever alter her life. Taking a deep breath, she leapt and locked eyes with Fay. "I will return to London. And with my knowledge, I will marry into the Hellsing family and take control of the organization as its Director before toppling it from within! That is how I will avenge Olivia, Alucard, and all who have suffered under Hellsing's control!"
Across the sea and on the outskirts of Vatican City, Anderson roamed the halls of the orphanage after putting the children to bed.
Upon his return, Anderson requested permission to repurpose the abandoned mill near the city walls into an orphanage, and the Pope–after a brief moment of confusion–permitted it. And so Anderson went straight to work, tearing down the rotting walls and building it up with his own hands.
Within two weeks, the orphanage was complete and Anderson beckoned all wayward and lost children to its doors, promising sanctuary from heathens who dared to prey upon their innocence.
There were whispers about how a child himself–ordained priest or not–could care for other children, but Anderson ignored them and focused on his mission. He fed the children, taught them scripture, and filled their lives with laughter. In fact, during the orphanage's first week, he and the thirteen children painted a mural on the outer wall. Some painted flowers, others painted animals. As for Anderson, he painted a smiling woman laying in a field of gold.
When the children asked her identity, he just smiled and said, "The reason this orphanage exists".
"Father Anderson?" A gentle voice caught his attention and he looked down to find Katia, one of the youngest, tugging on his pants leg. "I'm thirsty."
"I recall telling you no midnight snacking will be tolerated." He sighed with a smile, offering his hand anyways. "Come along, little one, I suppose I will allow it this time."
Katia beamed and grasped his pointer finger in her tiny grip.
They slowly made their way down the hallway, Anderson purposely taking small steps so Katia didn't have to run to keep up with him.
"Father Anderson, may I ask a question?"
"What is it?"
"Pascal, Lily, and I were playing hide and seek today! Pascal won two times but I think he cheated. But Lily said it's because I breathe too loud when hiding but I think they both are being mean! Anyways! We found a door hidden behind a painting of Our Holy Mother and it was covered in locks! What is behind it?"
Anderson halted in place, causing Katia to bump into his leg.
"Father?"
Anderson touched the scar on his cheek with a far off expression, his eyes pinching at the corners.
"Father? Are you–?"
"Tell me, Katia, do you know the Gospel of John word for word?"
"Uh…..um…..forgive me, Father, I do not." She lowered her head in shame, digging her heels into the floor.
"Raise your head. You have no reason to be ashamed." Anderson smiled, patting her on the head. "We will cover it soon in Bible Study, so listen closely. Alright?"
"Yes, Father."
"Good. Now, let's be on our way. It's past your bedtime."
Feeling like she spoke out of turn, Katia nodded and allowed him to lead her down the hallway without any fuss.
After getting Katia her drink and tucking her back into bed, Anderson made way to his office. However, he ended up taking a detour to the painting in question and beheld the Blessed Mother's tear stained face as she gazed up to Heaven, seven swords impaled in her heart.
"Blessed Mother in Heaven, hear my prayer," Anderson traced a finger down the painting as he touched his scar with the other. "For the world's sake, may this 'stone' never be taken away."
A/N: I hinted at Pushpa's identity when Olivia saw Integra's image in her, but yes Pushpa will be Integra's mom in the future.
This arc will revolve around the events leading up to Alucard getting sealed away as well as Integra's birth, so there will be some time skips. I also wanted to write about Alucard and Pushpa because I've always wanted to know what he thought of Integra's mom so this is me expanding on that.
Anyways, yes, this chapter is a rather painful one and I mentioned before in the previous A/N that I place myself in my stories. I assure you I am alright and am not harming myself, but it is the emotional aspect that I share with my writing. There has been a lot of death and sorrow in my life, especially recently, and writing this fic at its current point was something I couldn't do for a while so I apologize for the delay in uploading this.
I could go on and on so I'll stop myself here, but I want to say thank you to everyone who sent me loving messages of support and for just asking me how I was. I love you all, truly. I will never meet you in person, but know that I love you.
Anyways, please look forward to the next chapter and of course, you can always chat with me on tumblr.
Thank you all and I will see you in the chapter.
And please, please, be safe out there and be kind to each other.