INTRODUCTION

The Countess retired for the day. Work was papers away from finished, and were scattered around her bed as she slept. Books were on the edge of her bed as well as the papers she reviewed. She slept soundly in bed, stress and tiredness obvious in her features. But while she slept, a presence was there. It was familiar. It was very familiar to her. The presence took form… then slowly walked its way towards the side of her bed… She was sleeping soundly but gained awareness when she felt it next to her, getting closer as she felt its breath, nearing her bare and vulnerable neck. She kept her sleeping façade. She took no second and soon shot the thing using her gun that was hidden under her pillows.

The next thing heard was a loud kicking of the door, forced open.

"Are we being attacked again, Master?!" Yelled the panicking Seras, carrying her guns and opening the light switch. Both women took a moment to see who the intruder was.

They heard a specific dark laughter they all well know.

"Such a violent welcome. What an honor! I feared you've forgotten about me." Chuckled Alucard as his wounds healed.

"You're back!" Seras took a step and gleefully welcomed.

The Countess was now seated on the edge of her bed, her left leg resting on her right one. "You're a bit later than I expected, Alucard… Care to explain yourself?"

"Hmph. Killing one's self takes some time. And in my situation, there was a lot of self to kill…" The vampire expounded further.

"You've returned." The Countess' tone softened. "And in the meantime, I have grown old and grey."

The vampire smiled apologetically. "Hmm. Do forgive me."

The Countess turned to look at him with her eye, still sitting on her bed. "Were you skulking in here to drink my blood?" She smiled knowingly.

The vampire laughed for he knew that his Countess already knew what his motives were. "You need to ask? I haven't eaten anything in 30 years… I'm famished."

The Countess stood and walked to the sitting vampire. "The young woman you knew is gone… I'm… ancient." She told, her eye showing disappointment.

The vampire's eyes softened as he looked at her. "And I'm not?"

The Countess chuckled softly, a bit flattered, knowing she was still the same in his eyes even if years passed on her. She chuckled softly as she put her right hand on her cheek, placing her ring finger to her mouth. She came to bite it, enough to make a small wound to draw her blood out for her loyal servant. The vampire watched her, giving an anticipating smile, relieved for he will be fed. The Countess put her arm and finger out for her servant. Both were happy seeing each other again for the past 30 years.

"You're home, my dear Count." Smiled the Countess.

The vampire smiled back. "Back forevermore, my Countess." He replied as he gently stuck his tongue out, anticipating her drop of blood.

The blood dropped in the night of the red moon, quiet and peaceful in the dark skies.

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Chapter 1: The Beginning

Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing arranged a meeting for the round table conference 2 days after Alucard returned. She would report the return of her vampire. The council wouldn't have cared but they would since Integra has reached her age. It would be a problem for them if she didn't have a plan regarding her vampires and the future of her organization.

The knights had changed. They weren't the same people Integra used to call for a meeting but their faces were still familiar, reminding her of their late ancestors. Somehow, the meetings they held were relaxed as there were less problems except for the undying cases of vampires that were usually annihilated by Seras in her missions.

The meeting started. Integra began by announcing the return of Alucard. The members were surprised and shocked by the news except for Rob Walsh. He was the only member who was still alive besides Integra during their time. The council felt tense because the moment had come for Integra to answer their questions.

"How did that happen, Sir Integra? I thought he was reported as 'vanished from existence'. Please elaborate why and how." One questioned her, it was Islands. Hubert Islands. He had read the reports of the incident 30 years ago. He was aware of the casualties as well as foreign ones when he was going through the papers. He also noted the disappearance of her vampire. Curious to know why, he pushed his question.

"Gentlemen, I have explained this to you whenever we had a meeting before. But now, I will expound. My servant was 'vanished from existence' by a werecat who had the ability of limitless possibilities. It's very difficult to explain but to make it short, gentlemen, the enemy was nothing but an imposter; a fake. That wretched Major was not human, but a cyborg. Moreover, it must be a human to kill a monster. Therefore, my servant has returned for he cannot be bested by such a ludicrous imposter."

"So what are your plans now, Integra? You have no heir for Hellsing, making you the last head. Of course, his majesty should know what you'll do next." Walsh stated. He needed to come to make sure of the council's condition and to hear from her.

"I will still continue to serve my country, my men and his majesty until I die." She said calmly. Her answer was obvious. She was loyal to her duty and the legacy her father left to her.

"That as well, Sir Hellsing. What will happen to your vampires and Hellsing?" It was Walsh again.

"Ah yes. When I die, Hellsing will too, it will just be a state-run government agency governed by either one of you. It's up to you men to continue protecting our country. I believe that all of you are well informed of the monsters we slaughter. And as for my vampires, I believe, someone else has to lead them." She said almost faintly.

"But how will that happen, Sir Integra?" A man asked from her left. His name is Timothy Hyde.

"I would like to suggest that I would take Sir Gregory Penwood under my wing. It is possible that Alucard and Seras will follow him as an order." Her demeanor stayed calm or, rather, confident. She knew those two won't ever betray her…

"How can you be sure that they will be following your order even when you're gone? Are you even sure of their loyalty to you? Do you even know if their loyalty to you is absolute?" This time, it was Garin Wyndham who tweeted.

She sighed. How dare he question her servants' loyalty to her? But she recalled a painful memory about that. She kept silent for a while. Alucard and Seras are different. They could never betray her. Some things never change. She chuckled then. She slightly remembered the time when the Valentine brothers were invading them and the members were panicking like she was going to let them die. As if.

"Sir Wyndham… And all of you, if my vampire wasn't loyal to me, then he wouldn't have returned and would've used his power to bring chaos to England again. If they weren't loyal, then they could've just did as they pleased, and killed me during my deep slumber. Seras wouldn't be a problem. She's very unique. As for Alucard… He has never disobeyed any of my orders. Not one was disobeyed. I will have all of you know that he's still following orders from my father before he was sealed away." She kept her stern face. She lied. Alucard disobeyed her that one time when all could've ended in total chaos. As retribution for lying, Alucard's words resonated in her head: "I'm afraid I must disobey you. Farewell, Integra." He'd be her main problem in her plans. She must prepare him for what the future will bring.

"Sealed away? Why don't you seal him away like your father did?" Walsh asked, bringing her back into the conference.

"My father died too early before he could teach me anything else… Moreover, the attack from 30 years ago left my manor in shambles. Not one document from my ancestors survived. I've thought of it and searched for those notes but unfortunately, none was left. Everything was destroyed." She explained.

"Then, Greg, we wish you good luck." Islands cackled.

"E-err… A-alright." Gregory Penwood, nervously said.

"Why Gregory? Why him? Is he even capable of this complicated leadership?" Wyndham protested.

"Who would you want Sir Integra to mentor, Sir Garin Wyndham? I believe Greg would do just fine. He's a nitwit but he's hardworking. And besides, no one else in this council knows Sir Integra well other than Greg. He's keeping up a good work on his fencing lessons as well, isn't that right, Sir Integra?" Islands cackled louder.

"Yes, he has improved." She smiled. She was quite proud of herself and Gregory. The others in the council stayed quiet after Islands' remark. Though it will be a big change, they couldn't object for they couldn't do anything on the matter.

"I think it's best if Gregory would be the one to learn from you, Integra. He's probably the closest to you in our council. Wasn't Shelby close to you as well?" Walsh reminisced. Although it was rare for him to attend the council, he was aware of their close bonds. Shelby, Hugh and Arthur were a team. Integra's probably comparable to Shelby as his niece since he and Arthur were such close friends.

Integra chuckled silently. "Yes, quite. He told me how close he was with my father. Is the council in favor of Penwood leading my vampires? Of course, he will be properly trained and taught well on how to handle them."

The council was silent in agreement, some, nodding. They weren't sure about the whole thing but they had no other choice. In all honesty, they doubt that everything would be settled well. They talked about Integra's plans if ever her demise comes in their past meetings, and they didn't like her idea of Seras taking her seat. They didn't want a vampire to be one of them that's why they can't do anything now but to agree and hope that Penwood would improve much better under Integra's guide.

"One last thing, gentlemen. The Vatican Section XIII still visits me in occasions. I fear I am not comfortable with them. We all know their attitudes. Please be prepared… for anything." She warned…

That night, she gathered her vampires to get their report on the day. It became a daily routine for her and Seras while Alucard was away. The two women grew very close with each other after spending so much time together in 30 years. Seras became much stronger as well. She was able to manipulate more of her vampiric powers and had been doing a great job in the manor. She also took great care of Integra as she grew older.

"So much has changed in you, Master. Seras as well. Did something happen while I was away?" Alucard's grin never changed even after three decades.

"No, just the usual but the aftermath of the war did gave us a lot of work. Not to mention the manor being renovated and there were a lot of ghoul remnants scattered about. Many vampires were also created so our work never got done. These times are quite a breather for us, Master." Said the always enthusiastic Seras. She was really happy for his return.

Integra smiled a bit. She felt relieved that her family is reunited. All that was left for her to do is continue her duty and wait for her demise. "Any reports, Seras?" She finally changed the subject.

"Yes, Sir!" She stood straight. She reported some ghoul incidents around the abandoned subway and the found vampire was kilometers away from the said place. After her full detailed report, an enormous shadow enveloped the room.

"Good evening, Boss! Sir Alucard! I also have a report. Ma Cherie didn't remind me." It was Pip.

Alucard looked amused. 30 years and she was almost good as him in vampiric power manipulation.

"Good evening as well, Mr. Bernadotte. I see you've become more than Seras's familiar." He grinned wider, looking at Seras. "Why. It makes me proud."

Seras blushed by his compliment. It made her chuckle shyly before regaining her composure. "Ah. I'm sorry. I forgot. We had consecutive missions after that… "

"Alright. Mr. Bernadotte, your report?" Integra acknowledged him.

"Sir Hellsing, two days ago, when the Vatican Section XIII were going back to the lobby, they hurt me." He said uttermost sadly.

Integra sighed. "Is that all?"

"Of course not, Ma'am. I heard them planning an attack on the council. The blonde one suggested they attack, sacrificing themselves to kill half of the council but the chief dismissed her thought. He said the 10th crusade would settle it after a century or two, declaring that they can wait until all is ready to attack us." Pip finished.

Alucard chuckled deeply. Some things never do seem to change. Integra kept her calm. She was thinking about it.

"I'm sorry that I forgot to report on that, Sir. Pip and I were quite busy cleaning up some mess in our mission. I didn't get a chance to tell you sooner because I didn't want to bother you resting." Seras said apologetically.

"It's alright. It's better now that we know their plans." Integra said, still in deep thought, a bit relieved that her warning to the round table conference didn't go to waste.

"What will you do now, Integra? Should you tell the council in your soon meeting?" Alucard asked, still wearing his toothy grin. He knew that this issue will bother her.

Integra kept silent. This shouldn't bother her anymore. She should just tell the council of the Vatican's plans and get on with it. But she had a bad feeling about what's going to happen. The 9th crusade were already too much to handle. What more will the 10th give out? She felt like there was something more that she didn't know. Even though a century or two wouldn't accomplish much of the numbers of the previous crusade, she felt that something will definitely be different and… dangerous.

Her phone rang. She answered it. There was trouble. She hung up the phone and looked at Seras.

"Seras, it seems the ghouls you've been chasing are still loose. The place is in an abandoned building 30 kilometers, south. It's not far from the subway you cleared up. Go."

"Yes, Sir!" She saluted then collected the shadow, that enveloping the room, to her left arm. "Master, you stay here and guard Master Integra, alright? We're off!" She smiled wide and left with Pip. She figured it'd be much easier to locate all of the freaks with Pip with her.

"Master." Alucard walked closer to Integra's desk. Integra turned around to watch the moonlit sky, its glow emphasizing her pale hair. She grew more beautiful in her old age but something had changed in her. Alucard felt it. She's much relaxed, open if possible. It seemed like the years have gifted her more beauty, wisdom and content. Indeed, those were the things he saw in her in the moment. And then he felt something else… it was… sadness? Hopelessness? Despair? He stood there, examining her. Physically, she grew to be a fairly middle-aged woman but when he inspected her more, he noticed she's… sad. He wondered why.

They were silent for a while.

"Alucard, I've been wanting to ask you something." Integra finally spoke but didn't look at him. She kept staring at the night sky.

"What is it, My Master?" His tone gave a hint of seriousness. He didn't know how to cope with her current… mood or emotions. It was rare for her to manifest them but those decades just changed her to allow such things to be shown.

"Walsh told me about Sir Hugh's suspicion… Did you know why Walter betrayed us?" She finally said it.

Alucard wasn't surprised by her question. He knew how much she loved Walter since she grew up all her life with him. He was her second father after all. He wasn't just her butler, her retainer, but he was her surrogate father. He helped in raising her to be Hellsing's leader and to be a woman of authority. That, he can never deny. He knew Integra would face that misery. He knew she was hurt when Walter showed up as a vampire; showed up as their adversary. He knew how hard it was for her to tell him to kill Walter. That's the reason why he asked her to give him his orders. As much as he didn't want to add to her burden, he can't because it was her decision. It was her will to be done. He just had to do his part of the bargain as her loyal servant, her monster.

He remembered how she ordered him; how she ordered him with a big hint of pain in her voice. He couldn't do anything in the situation. He knew she needed to learn things on her own like: how to handle traitors. As a Hellsing, as a knight, she needed to destroy those who oppose and threat her country.

He remembered the moment that he bowed down to her, crouched as low as the ground, kissed it to show her his unwavering loyalty to her, bound or not bound by blood. He stood, facing Walter with his head still bowed down as she said her final words to Walter; how she easily disregarded what Walter truly is to her and that she no longer care.

As strong as she is, as much as she doesn't want to show her emotions, he can feel it. He knows her too much even though they've only known each other for 10 years. Up until now, he can feel her pain even after 30 years.

She didn't know the truth. She just did what she needed to do. And now, she wants to know why. Is this the reason why she's sad? If so, then he'd tell her everything.

It took him a while before he could reply.

"Master... He was a fool. He let his childish self take over him…" He said quietly.

"What do you mean?"

"You see, Master, he wanted me dead. He wanted to kill me ever since we met and sent to Warsaw in 1944. Ever since then, he wanted to fight me but he didn't have to opportunity to do so. I was sealed away and took the opportunity 30 years ago." He said slowly. It was quite hard to explain.

"Why would he want that?"

Their conversation was quiet. It was like they were revealing some secrets in their pasts… A sad one. Alucard paused for a while, thinking of how he'll have to say it when she urges him…

"No need to hide anything from me, Alucard. Just tell me everything." She pointed out. She still didn't look his way. She never did show her emotions to anyone… Maybe except for Seras.

"Alright, Master. Your father honored him because at his young age, with his excellent intellect and strength. He was almost as strong as me… But he succumbed to his immaturity and insecurity after that incident in Warsaw, 1944. He almost got killed by a powerful werewolf… if I hadn't saved him, he would've died. And because of that, he became afraid… afraid of becoming useless, of becoming old, and being forgotten. If he dies, he will become nothing. He will become trash in refuse. He loathed me because to him, I'm the better servant. Because of that, he secretly betrayed your father and plotted everything so he can have your undivided attention. But in the end, he failed. He, himself, was too weak. He can never defeat me." He grinned, repeating Walter's exact words when he stood before them, mocking Anderson's dead remains.

"But why you, Alucard? The two of you seemed to be close acquaintances in all the years I knew the both of you. Sometimes, I'd get to see the two of you getting together."

"Let's say that he's jealous, Master." He grinned wider.

"What do you mean? Jealous of what?" This time, she turned to look at him. She was shocked to know that petty reason Alucard was telling her. It was unbelievable.

"You. Because he loves you, Integra. Ever since you were born, he was already there. I know Arthur was a busy man like you and he relied on Walter too much. I bet that he was the one who took care of you most of his time while you were an infant. He became your surrogate father ever since then. Another reason is because I serve my masters better than he can. Whenever I was there in battle, he can't stand a chance of killing anything when I was present. And when he's here, all he can do is be the butler in disposal only when needed. But I was more. I served your father at best especially in the war." He paused before continuing.

"Walter earned his title for a cause… 'The Angel of Death'… He persevered to prove that he was the better servant because he wanted attention; specifically your father's and yours. He wanted to show his master, Arthur and also maybe you, that you don't need me when it comes to hunting down monsters. To tell the truth, there were times, when I was still present, he wanted to fight me. I felt it, Master. It was like how Anderson looked at me when he wanted to decapitate me. Again, he persevered, and grew stronger when he was in his early 30s but when he was about to test it with me, I was sealed away. In the end, he waited for his plot to act… to finally have a chance to fight me. He became jealous once more when you had released me." He chuckled, remembering how inquisitive Integra was when she was still young. "Your attention was brought to me even after the incident, right? When he returned from his trip, all you asked him was about me. When he dared to question you about my being, you defended me, giving him the cold shoulder. He must've felt awful. First, your father and then you… Integra, we've known each other for 10 years. And in those years, we've known each other better than anyone else… Walter must've felt the same thing again." He stopped. He'd be repeating himself if he reasoned again.

"I see." She said nonchalantly. How it pained her to know the truth. She could've gotten a cigar but she wouldn't want Seras to know of it and scold her endlessly. She got her answers but there was something else…

"You missed one thing though…"

"Hmmm?" He hummed questioningly.

"He was still loyal to me, Alucard. I have no proof but when he died, I felt it. He…" She trailed off, remembering that incident 3 decades ago. There was no doubt that Walter still did something good in the end. She just felt it. She knew it because he was her second father.

"I understand, Master. You know him better than anyone else. Just like you know me better than anyone else. He did what he can just as I did. Just like how I always did." He grinned.

Integra gave a dark chuckle at him. "Did you?" She said sarcastically.

"Of course, My Master." He chuckled then gave a slight bow.

She laughed a bit, her mood lightened. "Did you really? Your gluttony didn't help your statement at ALL."

Integra smiled, her eye gleaming under the light of the moon. In return, Alucard smiled as well. "I'm sorry."

Integra shook her head, still wearing her smile. She got back at him for once.

"You sure did change, Master… I also have something to talk with you." He said, giving out a grin.

"What is it?" Her brows raised at her question.

His expression grew serious as he walked to her side and knelt before her.

"Master…" She looked down on him. "I believe I've become more immortal than ever before; even with one soul left within me." He said gravely.

Integra was taken aback. What? More immortal? How? Why? "Why's that? And the restrictions…"

"Yes, Master. That demon's soul and abilities are remarkable. Not only is he immortal but he can choose when he dies; or there's only one thing that can kill himself but I don't know what. All I know is that he used a knife. That was all I can see in his memories. And now that I have control over his soul, I replaced his memories with mine and claiming his soul, mine." He chuckled. "But I am still bound to you, Master. Even if I was free from your bloodline, I would still follow you... Because there's no greater master for me other than you." He smirked.

She paused, deep in thought. "I see..." She replied.

Alucard didn't keep what he always wanted to ask her, especially now that he knows she's weary of her age. "Have you ever thought of asking me to drink your blood, Master? Have you ever thought about becoming more than what you are? Just give me—"

"No, Alucard. Why do you ask me that? Do you think of making me your No Life Queen? If so, then stop this. I have no interest in what you're offering." She declined but she knew he'd ask her about this. It ran over her thoughts some time ago. She could've accepted it because she's feeling her age but as a Hellsing, she would decline. It's always been a Hellsing's will to die as a human.

He saw her expression. Hesitation. Why, he thought… Did she anticipated this already, and thought it over before he came back? He decided to persuade her.

"If you die, Master, I will be free. And what's more is that no one will control me. Not even Police Girl. Would you want that?"

"Who the bloody hell do you think you are, trying to threaten me? Don't you dare question my resolve, Servant."

"Then answer me this, Countess. Why do you hesitate? Have you thought about this before? Did you know that I've always wanted to turn you? Have I lost your trust in me? Did you think I won't be coming back to you? Did you think I betrayed you?"

"What do you think, Alucard? Waiting 30 years as a human already wasted too much time. I wasted most of my life waiting and losing faith for you to return. And now, you're asking me to be something I hunt down and kill?" She retorted.

"Please do not degrade me with those scums, Master. You know who I really am and—"

"That's the point, Alucard. I know almost everything about you except your personal thoughts. And if you think I'd accept your offer, then I'd rather—"

He slammed his palms against the wall in between the windows, his arms on each side of her head, trapping her in between as he closed their distance.

"You'd rather what, Master? Would you rather die and leave Seras and I alone with whoever you think can lead us– control us, even? Then no, Master. If that's the case, then I'd become what I really am. No one can stop me. I will not accept anyone else to hold my leash. I am not anyone else's dog! Tell me what you like to believe but I will not give up on persuading you. You deserve everything that a human can't have. You deserve more."

"If you think I'll call you Master, then to hell with you. I don't need your immortality—"

"But you need me, Integra. I'll make it up to you if you let me. I'll destroy the world for you if you let me because I'll do anything for you."

Integra was surprised. She looked at him. His eyes weren't blazing unlike before. They were calmer but in his frustration, they were becoming redder. Why does he make advances to her even at her age? He just read her mind.

"Because you're more beautiful than ever, Master. Time has even made you more beautiful and not to mention you have become my perfect Countess. In this total immortality I have acquired, I'd like to spend all of it with you, my equal, my Countess, my Integra... For I will not follow anyone else. This I swear to you. Get angry at me if you like but I will also get mad at you for making me someone else's pet. Just a reminder, Integra. Even dogs stay loyal to their Masters even after their death but when someone else takes them, they will bark for they see anyone else as an enemy. Fortunately, not all dogs are like that but unfortunately for you, I AM that kind of dog. I will never bow down to anyone else. Never."

Just then, Seras came back and Pip enveloped the whole manor again. Integra made her dismissal. She left without a word and retired to her bedroom.

Things has changed or not changed. Some things never….

A/N: So this is originally my first fic. It took me time to post it because I needed a lot of researching to do. Anyways! Sorry for errors. I'd totally appreciate pointing out my mistakes so I can make them right. In the summary, I've put AxI and SxP because they'll have their time in the later chapters. I didn't put romance in the genre because there isn't much in the early chapters. The romance will most likely to be leveling up, step by step. I hope you guys like this! Thank you!

7/21/2017: Minor edit has been made on this chapter. Thanks, EarthHeartIdiot for pointing them out! Forgive me for the grammar mistakes in the following chapters. I will edit them after I finish this fic. I will be updating soon. So stay tuned for more!

Tschüß und Auf Wiedersehen!