Twisted Fates —A Hellsing Fanfiction
Chapter Three: Regrouping
From the hidden diaries of Anjali Hellsing
First and foremost, I remembered the utter slaughter that was the fate of my family. A lone vampire can do so much damage. My father stood no chance as he tried to face the monster and protect his family at the same time. Even if he had known how futile it was to fight, I don't believe he would have stood down. That was not his way. When he told us to run, I don't believe my mother would have run either, were it not for the fact that I was with her. For my sake, they separated; and for my sake they both died.
Alucard entered Arthur Hellsing's office as unobtrusively as he always did, taking note of the seriousness of the discussion between the two men already in there. Although he made no sound, he knew that Arthur was already aware of his presence. Such was the connection between Master and Servant. Walter greeted him with a usual nod of acknowledgment once he noticed him and continued to pore over some documents he had at hand. It was the night following the incident at Baidrick and after a day of gathering data, this was the first time the three of them had been able to collect their thoughts in one place. Arthur's duties as the Hellsing director and a member of the Knights coupled with the little known fact of his declining health had imposed restrictions on all of their time.
"What did you think of Iscariot's regenerator, Alucard," Walter asked from his position.
He smiled. "If that is the Vatican's best," he began, "then there is nothing to worry about when next we meet."
"Although," interrupted Arthur, "I have a feeling we haven't quite seen his full arsenal." He tapped his fingers on the table. "Which is both good and bad. Good for the coming battle ahead, but bad when they finally decide to turn their eyes on us and damn all political treaties." He grinned. "As that is not happening anytime soon, the mutual dislike between you and the regenerator might serve as more of an annoyance than anything else."
He smirked, remembering the look of surprise in the Judas priest's face after he had reformed from the beheading he had received. "It should be interesting at least," he said sardonically, his mind thinking back to the feel of the holy blade against his neck.
"I'm still a little curious over the woman, though," Walter said almost off-handedly, looking up from his papers. "The fact that Maxwell sent for her in that situation with the regenerator tells me there's more to her than just being another field operative. There's a connection there beyond what is written in these reports."
"And just what is written in those reports?" Alucard asked. He had not mentioned it to Arthur yet, but he had sensed something…well…odd…about Integra Maxwell. She wasn't a regenerator, of that he was sure. From the protective way Anderson had acted towards her when he didn't have his bayonets against her, Alucard could safely say that regenerating was not one of her talents. No, the woman felt decidedly human, with all the physical weakness of being part of that species entailed. What felt different about her was something else, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Whatever it was, it was something familiar.
Walter gave a frustrated sigh. "Nothing much, if that's what you're asking," he replied. "Integra Maxwell. Parents unknown. Adoptive sister of Enrico Maxwell. Grew up in an orphanage run by, and you may have guessed this, Father Alexander Anderson. No record of her education anywhere. While she is a field agent for Iscariot, she also spends half her time at the Vatican performing administrative duties." He looked up at them. "What that means, I'm not sure. One thing that is interesting, however, is the fact that she seemed to be present for many significant events for Section XIII. Although without any official political clout, her relationship with Enrico Maxwell and Alexander Anderson hints that she may work behind the scenes."
"Are you sure we haven't encountered her before?" Arthur asked, his face thoughtful. "She looked familiar. Has she been present in any of those meetings we've had with the Vatican? Either with Father Maxwell, or even Father Ronaldo?"
Alucard cocked his head to the side at Arthur's choice of words. Familiar. Perhaps Arthur felt it, too. That strange tug on the surface of his consciousness.
"I don't believe so," answered Walter. "We would have noted a woman, either a laity or a sister, if she had been part of the entourage." He leaned back against his chair. "I have a feeling that they would have kept her under wraps had it not been for the incident with the paladin." He looked at both of them. "You've seen what she can do and what level her skills may be. Do you have any ideas why she would be the one sent after Anderson?"
Arthur shook his head. "Only that Father Anderson seemed most reluctant to have any harm come to her," he replied. "I think that if she hadn't placed herself between me and the regenerator, that if it had been anybody else but her that stood between me and those holy bayonets, Father Anderson would have willingly sacrificed them in order to tear me apart."
"Still balking at the thought of a woman saving you?" Alucard asked, amused. It had been quite a sight to see his master behind a human woman.
Arthur shook his head. "Not at all," he protested. "I just wish I knew the reason for this…nagging feeling I have about her." He looked up at Alucard. "I would have sworn I've seen her before."
"Hmmm?" Alucard replied noncommittally. He, himself, needed to figure out what it was about the woman that bothered him. Remembering last night and Arthur's order not to harm her during the skirmish, he began to wonder what would have happened had the directive been different. Seeing her determination against the Judas priest in a battle that—if Anderson had been serious—was futile to say the least, earned her his respect for her fighting spirit. Not for the first time in his immortal life, he felt reluctance in the thought of killing another human being. Only this time, the feeling was a tad stronger than his previous urge to save the Police Girl.
"What are your thoughts on that one?" Arthur asked. "Have you seen her before?"
He shook his head. There's nothing to tell as of yet. Who knew? Maybe the sense of déjà vu he had about her had more to do with Arthur than the woman herself.
"Either way, you might have another chance to observe her this week," Walter joined in. "The appointment with Father Maxwell is in three days. Depending on who he brings with him, it might be an interesting talk."
"Oh," Alucard raised a brow. "An appointment was already set, was it?"
Walter nodded. "As luck would have it, it was Integra Maxwell who set it up this morning. Quite prompt, that woman."
"What was your feel of her?" he asked, curious.
"I've only spoken to her on the phone," he qualified, "but she seems to be the level-headed sort. Very straightforward." He grinned. "I had the distinct impression that she was quite unhappy with the Iscariot situation at the end of your last encounter."
"As she should be given her position," interjected Arthur. "The Vatican owes us for that."
"Yes, I had surmised as much," Walter agreed. "I believe that was one of the reasons Integra Maxwell did not press for a meeting in Rome instead of London. While the thought of Vatican dogs in our Protestant land is quite offensive, there is something to be said about the home court advantage as it were."
"Where will the meeting be held?" Alucard asked.
"Why, at Hellsing manor, of course," replied Walter.
"By order of the Queen," explained Arthur. "In the event of any altercations, the Queen would like to minimize public exposure to such goings on. Furthermore, as we don't know who are enemies are yet, it would be prudent to keep any cooperation between the Hellsing Organization and Section XIII under wraps."
"I see," he stated, his mind racing at all the possible scenarios he could think of.
"I would require your presence and that of Walter's, of course, to stand guard against any interruptions or disturbances during the conference," Arthur continued.
"Of course, Master," he replied. He wouldn't have preferred it any other way. Especially if the woman and the paladin were present as well.
Arthur sat back on his chair and tried to relax. As much as he might wish to deny it, the fact of the matter was that he was getting too old. While he didn't mind the fact that a woman stood between him and the Vatican's regenerator, he quite minded the fact that he needed to be rescued at all. He could remember thinking how sluggish his movements had seemed, especially with Father Alexander Anderson bearing down upon him with murderous intent. The fact that he would have been to late to block those bayonets weighed heavily in his mind.
"And Miss Victoria?" asked Walter, interrupting his thoughts.
"She'll be here, too," he replied, not missing a beat. "I want all available units here on guard in case someone decides that this would be an excellent time to attack both the Vatican and Hellsing at the same time. Maxwell will never let me hear the end of it if he and his party were attacked by FREAKs during their stay in Hellsing Manor."
"Yes," replied Walter with a deadpan expression. "That would make us abysmal hosts."
"Heaven forbid," he replied wryly.
He smiled. Good old Walter. The brother he should have had. He didn't know what the past decades would have been like without him. It was a double-edge sword when Walter retired from active field duty. On the one hand, he gained an excellent…butler who happened to specialize in weaponry on the side. On the other hand, he lost one of his most effective ghoul-killing weapons on the field. Despite Walter's comments about getting old himself and not being as spry as he used to be, the Angel of Death was still a formidable opponent of the undead.
"Would that be all for today?" Walter asked.
"Actually, no," he replied, looking at both him and Alucard. "There's something I've been meaning to discuss with both."
He found himself the focus of two pairs of intent gazes.
"I've spoken to the Queen at length," he began, choosing his words carefully. "She has asked that I provide her with candidates."
"Candidates?" repeated Walter, and Arthur could see the realization sink into his eyes.
"Yes," he replied. "Especially given the light of our current situation, it would be prudent to have one at hand in case the inevitable happens sooner rather than later." He grinned. "I can't expect women to throw themselves in front of me all the time now."
"I see," Walter said thoughtfully. "You have lost a certain charm over the years."
"Old age is catching up with me," he agreed. "That being the case, the Queen said that she would prefer to have my choice succeed me in this position. Given the decided lack of Hellsing heirs, she had asked that I provide her with appropriate names for consideration soon."
"Of course," stated Walter.
"As both of you may be the most affected parties during this transition," he continued, "I thought to also give you a chance to put forward your recommendations to me. Like me, you have both served this Organization for years and know what is needed for us to succeed. I would value your input."
"It seems quite morbid for us to discuss the next director of the Hellsing Organization," observed Walter.
"I have also found it to be so during my talk with the Queen," agreed Arthur. "But needs must." He looked towards his Servant. "Alucard? You seem unusually quiet regarding this topic."
"What is there for me to say, Master?" his servant returned, his eyes hidden beneath the pale yellow shade of his glasses.
"Your opinion is always welcome," Arthur stated, a little disturbed by the vampire's lack of response.
"Then let me assure you, Master, that should I think of a suitable candidate for your position, you will be the first to know."
"Has the Queen considered going through your family tree and locating distant relatives?" questioned Walter.
"And have someone who is completely unfamiliar not only with vampires but also with the Knights control the Hellsing Organization?" asked Arthur. "I believe the Queen (and I agree) considers it the lesser of two evils to have someone who knows the ropes take over my duties rather than someone who has to be introduced to our world. Besides, the Hellsings had never been the most fertile lot. I doubt if there are any of us left."
"Unbelievable!" she exclaimed. "You send me to the Protestants not once but twice in one week?"
Enrico smiled at his irate adopted sister. "Father Anderson would be there as well," he informed her. "I thought it would be best if you kept each other company."
"Oh very funny," she muttered. "I am sure you know that he is more than a little upset with me right now," she glared at him. "Have I thanked you yet putting me between a rock and hard place yesterday night? It has been my most fervent wish to come between Alex's swords and Protestants who ally themselves with the undead," she told him with dripping sarcasm. "And what thanks do I get? I've been at the receiving end of Alex's silent reproach and your annoying demands."
"Come, come, Integra," he chided. "I would think you would actually relish the thought of visiting Hellsing Manor. It goes with the whole keeping-your-friends-close-and-your-enemies-closer line."
She peered at him closely. "And which category do the Hellsing Organization fall under?" she asked softly. "Friends or foe?"
He leaned back against his chair and tapped his fingers against his desk. "Not one answer is complete," he said thoughtfully. He gave her a sideways glance. "All the more reason to keep them closer. You know this as well as I do so you may stop pretending to be obtuse." He grinned at her. "You play these games as well as I, if not better in some instances."
At her look of surprise, he qualified, "I said some instances. Like perhaps one percent of the time."
He ducked as she flicked a paperclip at him.
"I guess I should be thankful it wasn't a paperweight," he told her.
"The stapler was too far away," she responded. "Just when I thought you actually might have said something nice and kind of sweet and brotherly, you had to ruin it with your ego." She paused, as if deep in thought before turning to him again. "I thought you said you wanted me out of sight?" she said slowly, suspiciously. "Why the change of heart?"
"What I didn't want is to have you too actively involved in the duel between Hellsing's pet and our regenerator," he explained. "That would not only be futile, it could also be quite possibly fatal."
She gave him a look of disbelief. "Then what exactly was your plan last night when you told me to go and fetch Alex from his more than likely altercation with the vampire?"
"I didn't expect you to throw your body in the middle of a fight!" he protested. "If you recall, I said for you to be the 'voice of reason,' not the shield." Thinking back now, however, he knew that he should have expected that from her.
"Oh, and I suppose I just needed to shout 'Stop!' and Father Alex would just heed my directive," she threw at him, rolling her eyes.
"You don't think he would?" he asked curiously. "Or at least give pause?"
She was about to give a quick denial when she hesitated.
Enrico smiled again. He could almost read the thoughts running through her head before her mask settled in again. "I thought so," he continued, not waiting for her answer. "The three of us know each other well enough to at least give consideration to one another's entreaties."
"Be that as it may," she said, ignoring his smug grin, "why is my presence even required in such a meeting? I would rather—"
He waved her off. "I know, I know. You'd rather be off chasing and killing vampires and such. Fieldwork is your paradise while political games and machinations are your hell." He laughed. "For something you hate doing so much, it amazes me how surprisingly adept you are at the game." He winked at her. "You learned from the best, eh?"
She groaned. "Lord, deliver me from this evil," she pleaded from the heavens.
"Praying for respite already?" Father Anderson's voice interrupted them.
He looked beyond Integra to find the regenerator leaning against the door to his office. "Why Father Anderson, please come in and make yourself at home," he said in a slightly exasperated tone. "What is it about you and Integra?" he asked. "You both seem to have no sense of boundaries when it comes to entering this office."
"He's in one of those moods," Integra said beside him, addressing Anderson. "He still holds the hope that we will bow and scrape and prostrate ourselves before him."
Anderson laughed. "He's been hoping for that since ye were a young'un," Anderson told her. "I remember it like it was yesterday. Like the time ye kicked him in the—"
"Alright, that's quite enough," Enrico interrupted them before they strolled too far down memory lane. He frowned at both pairs of eyes that looked at him with mischief and shook his head. "What did I ever do to deserve such insubordination from my people?"
He heard Integra let out an inelegant snort beside him before turning back to Anderson. "I see you're talking to me again," she told him wryly.
"You're late," he told the paladin, stating the obvious.
"Couldna be helped," he replied to him before turning back to Integra. "Lass," he began, "the next time ye come between me and a vampire—"
"But I did not come between you and a vampire," she protested. "I do have a healthy sense of self-preservation."
"True," interjected Enrico. "She came between you and Arthur Hellsing, not his pet."
"And the difference between a vampire and one who consorts with a vampire is?" Anderson returned derisively.
"Quite right," replied Enrico in acknowledgment as even Integra nodded her head. "However, treaties have to be abided, if only for appearances' sake. And Arthur Hellsing's death might make things…more difficult as it were. At this time, we still do need to play nice with that Organization." He looked at both of them. "At least, until we determine where the real threat is coming from."
"I understand," replied Integra softly as she sat down on one of the chairs. "However, you must realize what an anathema this is for us and our cause. To socialize with vampire-lovers and their pets…" She shuddered.
He smiled at her. "Oh, believe me," he assured her, "I quite understand. Please don't be under the mistaken assumption that I don't grasp the distastefulness of the situation. I am quite aware that what I'm asking you both goes against everything you've fought to achieve. However, in this case, I must ask that you trust my judgment for now." He looked at both pairs of eyes intently. "You've gone with me this far and trusted my instincts on running the Iscariot. I only ask for patience at this time."
"So we're to play nice with Hellsing in three days?" Anderson asked.
"Well, maybe 'play nice' might be a bit much," he replied knowingly. "I would settle for not attacking them on sight."
"I hate politics," Integra muttered.
"Yet you're so good at it when you set your mind to it," he rebutted. "Think of it as an information-gathering meeting. You don't think I've asked you both to come to this meeting for display purposes only, did you?"
"Well actually," she said matter-of-factly, "it did seem to have a my-gun-is-bigger-than-your-gun feel to it." She grinned. "And be thankful I sad 'gun'."
A bark of laughter escaped from Anderson.
He frowned. Or attempted to, at least, fight back the laughter that bubbled from his throat. "You're incorrigible, you know that?" he said. He shook his head. "I knew we shouldn't have sent you so far away for some your studies! You come back lacking the proper respect and manners one should show to a person of my position." He grinned and prepared to duck just in case she got it in her head to take a swing at him.
"She lacked those even before she went away for her studies," he heard the regenerator comment from the side. "I should know. She's been my student since she was old enough to lift a sword."
"Hey!" she said indignantly, her eyes twinkling merrily.
He gave a contented sigh. It really was excellent to have these two with him. He must be a masochist for enjoying the playful banter that usually resulted when the three of them were together. It was quite a contrast to his usual encounters with the rest of Iscariot. A more somber bunch of men than any he'd ever met.
"I'd like to remind everyone that yours truly was responsible for averting an international incident just recently," Integra stated as she looked pointedly at Anderson.
"No respect, the young'uns these days," Anderson declared.
Enrico rubbed his temples and silently agreed. With both of them. While Integra possessed in her the qualities that would make a great leader, he knew that her lack of any real power and responsibility within the Iscariot had hampered with the development of those qualities to the full extent. The result was the brash and mouthy brat he grew up with. Unfortunately, while Integra did observe the niceties in public, she had a little difficulty hiding her opinionated self when alone with him and Anderson.
She grinned at Anderson. "Look old man," she began.
"Might that be perhaps a challenge against my abilities?" Anderson interrupted.
"Enough!" he finally said. Really, there were days when he would swear that the three of them were back in the orphanage squabbling over some 'toy' which happened to be a weapon. "We're getting off track here," he reprimanded them. "I called this meeting for a reason."
He heard Integra sigh beside him. "Truly, I would rather behave like a child and bicker with the two of you than talk about England and Hellsing and their bloody vampire," she said in all seriousness. "Or should I say vampires? But needs must, I suppose."
"Needs must," reiterated Anderson stoically.
Thanking God for the reprieve, he sat up straight and got down to business. "Your impressions of the two vampires," he began, "I want a full report."
Integra stretched her arms out as she listened to Alex give quite a detailed report on the vampire, Alucard. Her mind still reeling from their encounter with not one but two Hellsing vampires, she counted herself and Alex lucky for being able to walk out of that situation alive. The whole situation left a bad taste in her mouth.
She sighed. Who would have thought Hellsing's weapon would be so effective. Of course, their whole tactic made a frightening sort of sense. Why not fight fire with fire after all? No need for new technology. Just find a vampire willing to betray his own kind. And as vampires were once humans, did it not make sense that they would have the same human failings? Say, disloyalty? If humans kill humans, then vampires can certainly be more than willing to kill vampires.
The trick was finding out what sort of control Hellsing had over their vampires.
As powerful as that Alucard seemed to be, he could go on killing vampires by himself without the aid of Hellsing.
So what made him side with the Organization that no doubt at one point hunted him down?
"Integra?"
She looked at Enrico. "Yes?"
"Are you with us?" he smirked.
That damn smirk.
"I'm listening," she insisted, choosing to ignore her irritation at the moment. "I haven't disagreed with anything Alex has said."
After giving her a curious look, he turned back to Alex and left her to her thoughts.
Alucard.
She grinned. An anagram.
"This vampire," she said, looking at the two men before her. "How far back has his service to Hellsing been?"
"We have records of him from WWII," replied Walter, "but of course, it is assumed that Hellsing had him long before that."
"I wonder," she thought out loud.
"Wonder what?" demanded 'Rico.
"I wonder how old that vampire was," she replied. "He was quite…powerful."
"That he was," seconded Alex. "Unexpectedly so."
"Quite different from the usual trash we deal with on an almost daily basis," she continued, her thoughts racing. "And that girl," her voice drifted.
"Yes," drawled out Enrico. "That girl. She must be a new addition."
She shivered, remembering those red eyes. But, despite all that, there was something about a girl. An…an…an innocence. Which was preposterous! But still.
She closed her eyes, trying to think back on the mannerism and the body language exhibited by the only other woman from that night. She could see the delighted look in her face when that Alucard reformed.
"Master!"
She opened her eyes, the memory of the draculina's voice ringing in her ears.
"Not as powerful as the other, but," she looked at Alex, "she withstood the holy bayonets and was able to walk away." She looked at both of them. "What were the chances of two very powerful vampires collaborating with Hellsing?"
Enrico smiled slowly. "Slim to none," he replied. "Which means—"
"Which means that vampire is making more of his own," spat Alex. "More spawn of Satan!"
"She's a baby," she said softly. Remembering the hesitation in her steps and the way she looked up to Alucard before doing anything. "I would be surprised if she has been a vampire for more than a year."
"Interesting," mouthed Enrico. "Anderson?"
"I dinna really pay attention to the girl," he admitted. "Thought she was weak." He qualified. "Weaker than the other one at least."
"But still more powerful than the usual trash," reminded Integra, thinking of all those bayonets the draculina had pulled out of herself. "A true vampire."
"Hmm..." Enrico sighed thoughtfully. "Can you imagine…an army of those kind of vampires? How long would it be before they turned on Hellsing?"
"There's something there," she stated. "Something that makes them serve Hellsing. I don't know what it is, but there's a connection." She rubbed her arms, feeling her hair stand on end. She remembered the icy feel of something running across her skin when Hellsing properly introduced the vampire to her. "That connection," she reiterated. A bond almost, she thought. "That connection will prevent them from turning against Hellsing," she said with certainty.
She found the two priests staring at her in identical expressions of surprise.
"And how did you come to that conclusion, my dear?" Enrico asked steadily.
"It's just..." she struggled to find the words. "It's just there," she replied, confused herself. She turned to Alex. "Didn't you feel it?" she asked. "There's something between Arthur Hellsing and his vampire."
Alex shook his head.
"I'm not crazy," she told them. "I know what I felt."
"We're not saying ye are," he replied, his brows wrinkling. "But if what you say is true-"
She gave them a superior look. "Call it my woman's intuition."
"If what you say is true," continued Alex, "then there are plenty of people who would die to know the secret to controlling vampires."
"A vampire as old as Alucard at that," interjected Enrico.
"How old is that vampire?" she asked. "According to our records, that is."
"We don't have a firm date," answered Enrico. "But, if you would go by his name, he could be over five hundred years old," he said in mock seriousness.
"You don't think he is?"
"Are you asking me if I think he's Vlad the Impaler?" he asked her, surprised.
"Well, why not?" she questioned. "Is it not possible?" Again she rubbed her arms. "He feels old…and powerful." She looked at him earnestly. "Last night, for the first time in a long time, I…I feared for Alex." She looked at the priest. "And this has nothing to do with my confidence in your ability to defend yourself," she assured him. "But it has all to do with that vampire."
She stood up now and paced. "Last night," she said again, "I knew that if you didn't leave…if you had stayed on to fight…given our circumstances and the weapons we had at hand, I knew with a certainty that the vampire would have killed you." She paused. "But not me," she said quietly.
Not her, she heard the words again in her mind, coming out of Hellsing's mouth. Was it Arthur Hellsing's words that made her confident of the statement she just made? Maybe. But then again, she would have sworn she heard those words echoing in her mind after Hellsing uttered them. And she would have sworn that the voice in her mind was not that of the Hellsing director.
Author's note: hope you enjoyed this! As always, please let me know if you like it, hate it, or if i could do something to improve it.