Disclaimer: I don't own Hellsing or the charactars. But, I did create the original charactar in this fic. And she is NOT a Mary-Sue.
Integra Hellsing looked at her Captain, Seras Victoria, as she trained the new recruits. There was something about her that made Integra sad. She decided it was her eyes. Since losing Pip and many of the Geese, the Police Girl's presence was filled with an air of melancholy. Integra knew there was something special between Seras and the Captain, Pip Bernadette. If Pip hadn't lost his life protecting Seras the two of them most likely would be lovers by now. And yet, Seras never really had a chance to grieve for him. No Seras had come to her rescue in London and fought bravely against Millennium and Iscariot without a second thought. Integra grinned as a splendid idea crossed her mind: A holiday trip for Seras. Now she just had to break the news to Alucard. Things were slow and she could get one of the other senior officers to train the new recruits. Seras deserved this. She needed it. Integra mentally summoned her servant to discuss the Police Girl taking a holiday. She did not ask Seras to come - Integral wanted to talk to her privately.
"You called Master?" Alucard faded in through the wall of Integra's office wearing a smirk as wide as his face.
"Yes, Alucard - I've been thinking. I'm worried about Seras. I think the Police Girl needs a break from Hellsing, some time alone so she can grieve for Pip and the rest of the Geese who we lost. Some time off so she can relax would do her so much good. She has been through so much since that night in Cheddars."
"Exactly what are you proposing, Master?"
"I'd like to send her away on a holiday. Perhaps to an inn at the country or better yet, maybe..."
"Maybe what, Master?"
"Perhaps she could stay with an old friend of my father's in Ireland."
"And who would that be Master?" Alucard tried to remember. There was something about an old friend of her father's in Ireland that tugged at his memory. He knew that he should remember but the memory just wasn't coming to him.
"Oh you wouldn't know her Alucard. I believe she and my father became friends during your 20 year rest. Her father was the leader of Hellsing's sister organization in Ireland."
Alucard said nothing. It couldn't be Fiona, could it? He had forgotten about her. She was so very much like Integral.
Integra continued speaking, slightly surprised at her servant's silence. "Her name is Fiona O'Calleigh. She owns an old castle in Ireland. I can't recall the town. Walter can find out though. I think she is in her forties."
About
twenty years. She retired just when I was locked away in your dungeon
Intergal.
"Her family is rich and she never went into the vampire hunting
business. There was an incident. She lost most of her
family and even her fiance in a battle that happened when she was just
15 or 16. It was extremely hard on her.
I don't know the details but since then she has lived by herself
all of this time. I remember visiting it as a child. It's quite
beautiful and surrounded by forest. Fiona's castle would be the
perfect place for Seras to relax and reflect on Pip's
death."
"You've made a decision about my fledgling?" Alucard was respectful but there was a slight tone of displeasure in his voice. He was quite taken aback by this news of Fiona. He thought she had married.
"Yes Alucard, I have. She is my employee after all. You are not much of a Master to Seras anyway. When is the last time you worked with her to develop her powers? Pip helped her become powerful, not you."
"I resent that Integral." Alucard glared at his Master "This holiday is a mistake. Caring is a human emotion. Seras is not human and needs to stop acting like one. She is like me - a monster. You're pampering her. She needs to get stronger, not weaker. Taking time off after a loved one dies is something humans do. If you continue to treat her like a human, she'll stay weak."
"Alucard, I disagree. Seras still has much of her humanity. Instead of trying to destroy it, you should help her to become strong despite it. You do not treat your fledglings well, Alucard. No wonder you had so much trouble with your brides." Integra's voice was dripping with sarcasm as she taunted Alucard about his three brides. She just loved bringing them up. It upset her servant so. Alucard ignored her comment about his brides.
"Integral, I have neither the time nor patience for weaklings. The only way she will get stronger is if she does things for herself. I don't believe in coddling her like you do."
"That being said Alucard; it is my decision - not yours."
With a sweep of his hand and a bow, Alucard replied, "As you wish, my Master. I'm sure the Police Girl will appreciate your generosity in allowing her time off." The Nosferatu did not think his fledgling was worth arguing with Integra. He could care less what she did. Most of the time she was such a bother, with her refusal to embrace vampiric powers and cheery disposition.
"Alucard. Will she need to bring a coffin or could she sleep in a bed? I'm not sure if Meg has a spare coffin. She may considering the family business."
"If she drinks her blood she will be fine. I'll have Walter give her extra blood bags in case she needs them." Alucard grinned. Having the Police Girl away on holiday might not be such a bad idea after all. Perhaps he would be able to have more time alone with Integral without Seras intruding on their private conversation with utterly stupid questions. Then again, maybe he could use the mind link they shared to see how Fiona was coming along. "Master, this holiday sounds like something a human would enjoy. Since Seras is more human then vampire she'll probably like it - maybe too much. She may not want to come back."
"Alucard, don't be ridiculous. She is a loyal officer to Hellsing. Of course she'll come back."
"Don't be so sure of yourself Master. When are you going to tell her?"
"Now - have Walter tell Seras I want to meet with her."
"I can tell her, Master. Have you forgotten – we share a mind link?"
"It must have slipped my mind Alucard. Tell why you always insist on entering our minds."
"Master, old habits are hard to break."
"Very well."
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Seras Victoria walked into the room. She was as nervous as a vampire could get. Her hands were practically trembling. Alucard had been so mysterious about Integra's request for a meeting with her. What in the devil could she want? Seras thought about the last few days - she couldn't remember any glaring mistake she'd made. "Good evening Sir Integra. You wanted to see me?" Seras smiled nervously at her Commander.
Integral smiled graciously back at her. She could practically see the police girl sigh in relief. She felt bad; Alucard had probably made his fledgling think she was in trouble. He was such a prat. "Seras, as you know things have slowed down considerably. You're my hardest working soldier. I was thinking..."
"I'm not uhh getting laid off am I Sir?"
"Laid off?"
"Yes. You said things were slow. I don't want to get lose my job. I can't think of what I'd do with myself. And then wouldn't I lose my room? Bloody hell I don't know what I'd do.. Oops - excuse my language Sir. You're not uhh letting me go are you? Has Alucard complained about me? I've tried to become strong but I just umm-"
"Seras, calm down. Have a seat. It's nothing that bad, I promise."
"Yes, Sir."
Seras and Integra sat down on a large oversized loveseat. Integra couldn't help but notice Seras was still nervous. "I don't know what your Master told you but it is actually a reward I wanted to give you. You performed heroically even after you lost much of your unit."
"A reward? I like the sound of that."
"Yes. I thought you might enjoy some time off. Perhaps you could take a holiday in the country."
"A holiday - I haven't gone on a holiday in such long time. The last time was a when my mum, pop, and me, went on a holiday to the shore. That was right before---it---happened." Seras thought about the day she lost both her Mum and Pop. A teardrop of blood dropped from her eye. "I think that it'd be wonderful Sir, to get away. Umm where would I go? Is there a special place vampires can go away on holidays?"
"Not exactly Seras. But, I found a place I think you'll enjoy."
"I don't care as long as it's away from here. No offense, Sir Integra. It's just this place can be kind of - gloomy - and it makes me sad to be in the same place as.."
"Do you miss him Seras?"
"Him - the Captain? Yes I --- do. Believe it or not I even miss his perverted jokes. How did that one about the Eskimo go?" Seras giggled. "I never thought I'd say that! Pip made me laugh. I think that's what I miss the most."
"This house holds a lot of memories for you Seras. I found out when my father died that it's good to get away from them."
"Sir Integra, you're being so generous. Are you sure the troops will be ok without me?"
"Yes, Seras. The men will be fine. It's only a week after all."
"I hate to ask, Sir Integra. But, where will I be going? It doesn't really matter I'm just curious."
"Of course Seras. You'll be staying with an old friend of my father's. She owns a castle in Ireland and lives alone. Well except for her servants. But, I believe she only has one or two. It's very beautiful. If I remember correctly, she has a few horses as well. The castle is surrounded by forest. It's almost like something out of a fairytale. At least that's how I remember it as a child."
"What is she like?" Seras asked, just a little nervous about staying with a stranger.
"She is...nice. Her name is Fiona. She used to be leader of Hellsing's sister organization in Ireland. But, she retired about 20 years ago after she lost several soldiers. One of them was her fiancé. Her cousin took over the family business and she's lived alone since then. I think you and her will get along just fine. She does like her time alone and I'm sure she won't make a nuisance of herself."
How old is she, Sir?"
"Hmmm...She was just 19 when she quit so I guess that would make her about 40. You wouldn't know it though. She practically looks as young as you or me."
Seras couldn't believe Sir Integral was being so generous. She really was a terrific person and boss. The Police Girl became overwhelmed with emotion and gave her Commander a small hug, being careful not to hug too hard. Seras sometimes didn't know her own strength and if she wasn't careful she could cause real damage from a simple hug. Integra, being cool and reserved and not used to expressions of emotion was dismayed by the hug. But, she cared for Seras like a sister and gave her a small stiff hug back. "Oh I'm sorry Sir. I-I-I kind of got caught up in the moment." Seras spoke with a shakey voice as red tears filled her eyes. "No one has ever done anything this nice for me. Not since my Mum and Dad." Integra smiled.
"Yes Seras I know how hard it is when you feel like you're alone in the world. But, you're not anymore. You are a part of the Hellsing family." Integral had felt alone many times during her childhood. If it hadn't been for Walter and yes even Alucard, she wasn't sure if she would've made it.
Seras saluted her Commander. "Yes, Sir."
"I'll have Walter make the arrangements for transportation. You can probably leave on Monday. Make sure you ask him to order some extra blood packets for you. You'll need to take them with you."
"Yes, Sir Integra. And Sir---"
"Yes, Seras?"
"Just, thank you again. I can't tell you how much it means to me."
"I know Seras. I value your loyalty. Why don't you go find Walter now?"
"Yes, Sir. Have a good evening."
"You too, Seras." Integra watched as the Police Girl skipped out the room. She smiled. Seras was a special person indeed and she wanted her to be happy; even if her cheerfulness could be downright annoying at times.
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When Seras arrived in her room, Walter was already there writing a list of supplies she would need for her trip. "Hi, Walter." Seras beamed at Walter unable to contain her happiness.
"Miss Victoria. I heard you will be going away next week to Ireland. You are extremely lucky. I remember when Sir Integra went on a holiday there herself as a child. She and her father had a splendid time."
"Yes, I can't wait. And Fiona sounds great."
"Yes, she is. You'll find she is rather like Sir Integral. And I'm sure your visit will be a pleasant one. Make sure you prepare yourself well. Get your bags packed and with any luck you'll be on the plane by Monday."
"Thanks Walter. Ummm what about blood?"
"We have a special container. It will keep the blood cool. Take as much as you can fit inside of it."
"Ok Walter. Thanks so much for your help. I really can't believe I'm going to be staying in a castle!!!"
"I quite don't believe it either. Sir Integral has never sent anyone from Hellsing on a vacation. But, you've earned it."
Seras Victoria started to pack her bags, excitement filling her eyes as well as her heart.