It had been a little over a week since Seras was brought to stay at the mansion. While she was always kind and polite to Walter and the house staff, she kept to herself. Even when around people she didn’t speak much. She stayed in her room most of the day and into the evening. Seras often had wireless headphones in her ears so she could listen to the music she had stored on her phone. She looked at the soundbar she would usually play music with and thought about using it. But she was afraid she would disturb someone with it, so the device remained silent. Walter would stop by her room at some point during the day to see how she was doing. He would see her with her earbuds in and her eyes closed. Sometimes they looked red and puffy. He could tell she’d been crying and was sometimes tempted to ask her what was wrong. He wanted to be of some help to her but wasn’t sure what he could do. He often hoped she would open up about what was bothering her, but she often kept herself closed up. Such was the case when Walter came to look in on Seras. He knocked upon the door but didn’t hear an answer. He carefully opened the door to see if Seras was all right. She was curled up on her bed apparently asleep. Her face looked red and damp. Obviously she’d been crying.

“Poor girl.” Walter said to himself quietly. He looked down to see her phone lying next to her. The screen was still lit. He could see the picture of an older but attractive woman with strawberry blonde hair similar to that of Seras. It was her mother, Sara. He carefully backed out of her room and slowly closed the door. He left the second floor and headed toward the sublevels. Integra was in her office still looking over swatches of fabric and patterns for the evening gown she would wear at Simon Penwood’s wedding. Walter didn’t want to disturb her with his concerns. There was only one other soul he could talk with, and that was Alucard. Walter was one of the very few humans Alucard had a connection with. They worked well together in Walter’s younger days. He was one of the few souls the vampire had genuine respect for.

Alucard was in his chamber finishing off his evening blood ration. He heard Walter approach. Seeing the expression on his old friend’s face, he asked what was going on. “It’s Seras. She never seems to leave her room much at all. She doesn’t speak much to anyone. I check in on her a couple of times a day, but so often she looks like she’s been crying. I ask her on occasion if she’s alright. She always says she is, but the look on her face tells me otherwise. She’s endured the loss of her mother, and then seeing her best friend as a ghoul and facing the prospect of almost being made into a vampire’s plaything. But I have a feeling there’s more that she’s been through in her life that she’s not telling.”

“She is strong for a human. Like you, I suspect there is more to her story than we know. But pressuring her to talk will most likely result in her closing herself off even more.” Alucard replied.

“You could learn what is going on in her head much easier than I can. I would go to Integra first, but she’s still trying to decide what her dress will look like and what it’s to be made of.”

“I suppose she’ll make it as drab and conservative as she can get away with. She came to hate dresses and skirts after the, ahem, incident when she was sixteen.”

“Yes. I remember her flinging every piece of clothing that wasn’t pants out of her closet and wanting it tossed out. She never did get over that completely. But as she’s busy right now, I don’t want to disturb her with my concerns.”

“Well, my master is not the most personable individual.”

“She never has been. Her upbringing and the responsibility she carries shaped her to be that way I suppose.”

“I am curious to know the events that gave Seras the resolve she has. I’ve seen humans placed in situations similar to hers, and they crack almost instantly. But she showed more anger than fear. I wonder what made her that way. She showed strength similar to that of Integra.”

“From what intelligence was able to gather about Seras, her father was a police officer who died in the line of duty. Her mother remarried but the relationship ended in a bitter divorce. Her mother, Sara and herself were forced to live on the streets. That was when a local antique store owner, Ingrid Kirkpatrick took them in. She helped Sara get back on her feet by giving her a job so she could support herself and her daughter. There’s a period of time between then and Sara’s passing where no intel was found. It was after Sara died suddenly that Nathaniel Parkins met and became obsessed with Seras. And then Seras was brought here.” Walter explained.

“Losing parents can be traumatic, but I suspect the failed marriage and the span of time between then and her mother’s death has something to do with shaping her spirit.”

“Alucard, there was something Seras told me when I escorted her to her living quarters. She said she heard your voice in her mind. But you didn’t speak in English. You spoke to her in Romanian. And to my knowledge, you’re the only one here who is fluent in that language.” Walter said.

“I feel drawn to her for some reason I’ve yet to figure out.” Alucard replied.

“Be careful. It was your indiscretions with Lucy and Mina that landed you in the position that you’re currently in.” Walter cautioned.

“I’m well aware of that. Lucy was lust. In Mina there was something I thought I’d found. I was wrong. But Seras is… different.”

“You were searching for something but it wasn’t in Mina? What exactly were you looking for?”

“I don’t know. I’m still looking for it.”

“And you think you might find it within Seras?”

“Perhaps.”

“Just tread carefully. A mistake could put Integra in a difficult position if you catch my meaning.”

“I’m well aware of the risks. I don’t intend to put myself in a precarious spot.”

“None ever do.”

Seras was in her room huddled upon her bed. She opened up the photo app on her phone and started going through the pictures. She found the folder with pictures of her mother and Ingrid. Some pictures showed Seras working alongside her mother in the antique shop. Others were of Seras taking selfies of herself and her mother. She found one of her mother holding two fingers up over Seras’s head and making a silly face. Seras tried to smile, but instead found tears forming in her eyes. She felt a lump forming in her throat as she struggled not to cry. She hugged the phone to her chest wishing she could hug her mother just one more time. Her body began to shake as she still fought against the wave of grief that threatened to overtake her once more. “Damnit, I promised mom I’d be strong. I just, I miss you so much mom.” She choked as the tears began to stream down her cheeks.

All of a sudden her soundbar switched on. Her phone’s bluetooth activated and paired with the speaker. Her music app opened and went to a playlist and a song began to play.

“Alucard?” Seras asked herself as the song ended. ”You are strong, Seras Victoria. You are stronger than you realize.”

Seras could once again feel the sense of calm that came when she heard Alucard’s voice. She looked down at the picture of her mother. She wiped the tears from her eyes and put her phone back on its home screen. She looked toward the door feeling tempted to get off her bed and open it. But she stayed where she was and looked at the soundbar as it turned off. She thought about the lyrics she’d just heard and hearing Alucard’s voice afterward. “Alucard, are you there?” She asked but heard only silence.

“Alucard,” said Integra, seeing Alucard standing outside Seras’s room. “What in the world are you doing?”

Alucard stood silent for a moment not exactly sure what to tell his master. Integra looked at her vampiric servant shaking her head. “Come to my office. I need to have a word with you.” Integra said. “Yes, master.” Alucard replied and vanished from her sight.

“What am I going to do with him?” Integra asked and rubbed her forehead. She walked to her office and opened the door. There was Alucard standing across from a picture of Integra’s father, Arthur. She walked to her desk and sat down. She took a slim cigar and got ready to smoke it.

“Those killed your father, you know.” Alucard replied with his back turned to Integra. She looked at him with a slightly annoyed expression. “I’m well aware of that, Alucard. I didn’t have you come here so you could lecture me about my health. I need to talk to you.”

“About?” Alucard asked.

“Seras Victoria.”

“What about her?”

“Ever since the Parkins case, your behavior concerning her has been, shall I say, a bit odd as of late. You’ve become somewhat fixated with that girl.”

“That girl has a name.” Alucard replied.

“Alucard,”

“Yes?”

“What are you up to?” Integra asked.

“And what makes you think I’m up to something?” Alucard retorted with his own question.

“Need I remind you of the reason that you ended up bound to my family? Your reputation with women isn’t exactly spotless.” Integra replied.

“Now who's lecturing whom? And if you must know, Walter already had that talk with me.”

“Come off it, Alucard. What is this fixation you have toward Seras Victoria?”

“She intrigues me. She has a strong spirit, yet she can be vulnerable at the same time.” Alucard replied.

“Women tend to be your downfall, Alucard.” Integra said.

“Pride was my downfall, master. And if you’re not careful, it could be yours as well.”

“Is that supposed to be a threat?”

“Merely an observation. And in case you’re going to ask, no, I’m not still hung up on Mina and Lucy. And I’ve long since accepted the fact you intend to remain human.”

“I suppose Walter brought that up as well.”

“Yes, he did. But seeing as you both seem to think it so strange I show concern for a young woman,”

“I know you, Alucard. You went to extreme lengths to obtain Mina Harker, including corrupting her dearest friend.” Integra stated.

“Lucy was more willing than you care to think. I did nothing she didn’t desire. I simply removed her inhibitions, that’s all.”

“And what of Mina? Did she have those same desires?”

Alucard remained quiet for a moment. His expression was serious as he looked away from the portrait of Arthur Hellsing. He focused upon Integra and began to speak. “I was looking for something. I thought I’d found it in Mina. I obviously didn’t. There, satisfied?” Alucard answered and then questioned.

“And now you’re looking for something in Seras. She isn’t here for your amusement.” Integra responded sharply. Alucard’s eyes narrowed. “You assume my intentions before you even know what they are.”

“I know you. I know how you are. Your past history confirms that.”

“Do not presume to know me the way you think, master.” Alucard said with a growl.

“Then why are you so interested in a young woman you hardly know?”

“Something about Seras draws me to her. Ever since the first night I saw her in her apartment gazing up at the moon,” he paused for a moment. “I feel as if something within me is awakening. Not lust, not boredom nor mere desire. No. This is… different.”

“She may not feel the same way. She hardly knows you. You didn’t find what you were looking for within Mina, and you may not find it with Seras either. And even if you do,”

“I’m growing tired of this pointless conversation. You assume I’m out merely for my own desire. I know I’m not a saint. I did unspeakable things both as a human and as a vampire. I can kill out of necessity or for sport without hesitation or regret. I am a monster. But understand that while my heart may have stopped beating over five centuries ago, it can still feel emotion. Your father was the same way in his assumptions.”

“I have to go by what I learned. My father taught me vampires are the most dangerous of all night creatures. That they are manipulators and are never to be trusted.” Integra replied.

“And yet, of all the beings he could have entrusted his only daughter, his only child with, he chose a vampire. Ironic, is it not?”

“You must remember the responsibility put upon me. I shoulder a great burden by protecting the queen, the church and the country from all supernatural threats.”

“You think I don’t know that? But then again, what do I know? I’m just your attack dog.” Alucard replied.

Integra looked down for a moment. “I apologize. It’s just that I promised Seras she would be safe as long as she was here.” Integra said as she looked down at her desk top.

“And she will be. I have no ill intentions toward her. I seek to protect her as you do.” Alucard replied.

“Just be careful that you don’t go looking for hope where there may be none.” Integra cautioned.

“Hope is a complicated thing where humans are concerned.”

“I guess I should ask since you were outside her room. How is Seras?” Integra asked.

“Alone, and lonely. She puts on a brave face in the presence of others, and sheds her tears when she is by herself. She is afraid to become too attached to anyone as she thinks she’ll be left alone once more. And there is a part of her that also fears people for some reason I have yet to discern. She is strong yet she thinks she’s never strong enough.” Alucard answered.

“And you admire her strength.”

“She is stronger than she realizes, perhaps even enough to rival you, master.”

“I suppose I deserved that.”

“It was not meant as disrespect.”

“Perhaps I’m just working too hard. Or I take things too personally.”

“Maybe you just need a man.”

“That, Alucard, is the last thing I need.”

“A good woman perhaps?”

“Alucard, did I ever tell you that you have the uncanny ability to be such a smartass?” Integra asked as she rubbed her forehead. Alucard’s only response was to flash his infamous smirk at her. Before she could say anything more, the red clad vampire vanished from her office. She sat for a moment trying to organize her thoughts. She stood up and walked over to the portrait of her father. She looked toward the doorway to see Walter standing in it.

“I was just about to take my leave for the evening. Is there anything you require?” He asked.

“Walter, this fixation Alucard appears to have for Seras, should I be concerned? Or am I just overreacting?”

“It’s hard to say, Sir.”

“I know he can be very dangerous. Why else would my father have had him locked away for all those years?”

“I really prefer not to think about that. I have my reasons.” Walter answered in a serious tone. Integra studied Walter’s expression for a moment. “Maybe you’re right. I don’t know why it happened, and maybe I’m better off not knowing.” Integra said with a slight shrug. Walter looked toward Integra and said, “All I can say for now is I didn’t agree with Arthur’s call. I would not have anything to do with it. If there is nothing you require, I will take my leave for the night.”

“Very well. I don’t need anything more tonight.” Integra replied.

“Good night, Sir.” Walter responded and left Integra with a growing sense of doubt in her mind. She once again looked over at the portrait of her father. Getting up from her desk, she walked over to the wall where the portrait hung. “Father, I’m starting to get the feeling there’s something, or perhaps a great many things you never told me. Why? Why would you tell me to beware of how dangerous vampires are, yet you make the most powerful and dangerous one my protector? And now even Walter won’t tell me what’s going on. I wish you hadn’t left so soon. Maybe I’m better off never knowing, but now I can’t shake the questions that keep cropping up. Why did you lock Alucard away thirteen years ago?”

Integra stood looking at the portrait for several minutes with questions and no real answers. She took off her glasses and rubbed her forehead. “There doesn’t seem to be anything going on tonight. Maybe I should get a couple of hours of sleep, before things get chaotic once again.” She said and made sure all the lights were turned off before she left her office.

Walter sat on his bed and removed his monocle from his face. He wore a serious expression on his face thinking back to the incident Integra mentioned in her office. He looked down at the ground remembering that night thirteen years prior. He tried to get his mind onto something else, but he could still hear the heated argument in his mind. He could still see the anger on Arthur’s face.

“Arthur, why are you doing this? He’s been loyal to this family since your grandfather bound him. This is a mistake.”

“Walter, my mind is made up. He can’t be allowed to roam among humans anymore. He’s getting willful and dangerous. The seals are losing their hold on him. This must be done.”

“I’ve seen no proof that the seals are losing their power. He has done nothing to threaten anyone since I’ve known him. Now please, come to your senses before you do something you’ll regret.”

“You don’t know him the way my family does, Walter. You’re letting your friendship with him cloud your judgement. You’ve seen what he’s capable of. I have no other choice.”

“I don’t believe that, and neither do you. What is going on, Arthur? What are you not telling me?”

“Enough! I will not have my orders questioned. Now go get Alucard, and bring him to my office!”

Walter shook his head and looked down at his aged hands. “What were you hiding, Arthur? You wouldn’t tell me, and you didn’t tell your own daughter. So many lives were lost that night because of what happened. Why did you feel you had no other recourse? What was Alucard’s crime that you felt you had to resort to locking him away? So many good men lost their lives that night, and you refused to tell me why. Why Arthur? Why did you lock him away?”

Alucard sat in his chamber. For the moment the room was quiet as no music was playing. His eyes were closed and his thoughts were of Seras. He envisioned her once again gazing up at the moon. He could see enchantment and wonder in her crystal blue eyes. He then saw those eyes show fear, but also determination to survive her tribulation no matter what it took. He saw the fire within her when she fought off her kidnapper.

“Are you willing to fight for your life?”

“Yes.”

“Then I give you this one chance. Show me your strength!”

He remembered how she fought to get away from Parkins before he could turn her. She showed fire and anger, but when faced with the visage of her best friend as a ghoul, she felt sorrow and compassion. She could be spirited, but also meek and vulnerable. He sat deep in his thoughts. The resolve Seras demonstrated reminded him of the night he and Integra met. It was the night her own uncle had tried to kill her. It was the night her father had told her to be prepared for if the worst should happen. He envisioned how she held the gun and aimed it at him firing bullets that she realized had no effect upon him. But even cornered and backed against the wall, she was defiant instead of afraid. She vowed never to give up that night.

The next morning Integra was on her way to the training barracks. Walter was with her as she made the walk from the mansion to the training center. They both looked up and saw grey clouds gathering in the sky. “It appears as if it’s going to be another typical London day.” Integra said. “That’s London weather for you.” Walter replied. He looked toward the barracks seeing at least twenty young men entering the training area. “It appears we have a batch of new recruits.” He added. “That must be the group from Manchester. Commander Garreth told me there would be a group of potential soldiers coming today.” Integra responded. She and Walter reached their destination seeing Commander Garreth standing in front of the group.

“Sir, you’re just in time. I was about to address the recruits.” He said. “If I may, commander,” Integra interjected. “Of course.” Garreth answered and stepped to one side letting Integra take his spot. “Gentlemen, my name is Integra Wingates Hellsing. You may address me as Sir Integra. I am the head of the Hellsing family. You all have come here today to prove if you have what it takes to be soldiers in service to The Hellsing Organization. I assume all of you have taken the required lecture detailing the mission we are charged with, yes?”

“Yes Sir.” The men answered in unison. “Good. You will be expected to go above and beyond the duties of normal military action. For over a hundred years my family has been called to serve her majesty by protecting the crown, church and citizens of Great Britain. And make no mistake, the enemy you will be fighting will test you in ways you cannot begin to imagine. So it is necessary that you are trained in ways that will push your limits, not only physically but mentally as well. The schedule will be grueling. I am sure that some of you will not make it all the way through training and testing. A soldier of Hellsing must be strong both in both body and mind. Today you will learn all that serving the Hellsing Organization entails. Then you will all be required to submit to physical examinations as well as screening for any potential conditions that would prevent you from performing at optimum capacity. Doctor Charles Trevallion will be performing exams and screenings. Background checks will also be performed. Once you have passed all the needed exams, you will be issued uniforms and identification tags. Once you receive your id tags you will be expected to keep them with you at all times. Finally, you will be expected to behave in a manner consistent with the expectations of this organization. We are in service to the queen of Great Britain. You are to address your superiors with respect. And those who work around the estate are to be treated with respect and courtesy. I expect you to maintain yourselves in a respectful manner. I understand the pressures of life here can be overwhelming, but I will not tolerate behavior that goes against the standards of this organization. When you are on duty you are to be completely clean and sober. There will be surprise inspections for illicit contraband as well. Anyone found to be in noncompliance with the rules will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, and there will be no second chances. As previously stated the ability of Hellsing to protect this country and her queen are paramount. Countless lives are at stake every day and night. Consider this your one warning, because I do not like to repeat myself. Understood?”

“Yes Sir.” The group answered in unison. “Very well. Commander Garreth, carry on. I expect the best from your men.” Integra finished. “Yes Sir Integra.” Garreth replied.

Later on in the afternoon Seras was in her room watching her television. She flipped through various channels but didn’t seem interested in what was on. She got off the bed and walked to her window looking out at the estate. She looked up and saw drops of rain beginning to hit the window. “Another lovely London day.” She said with a shrug. She walked over to her bed and climbed back on it and picked up her phone. Just as she was about to turn on her music app a roll of thunder rumbled outside. Seras stopped and looked toward the window. Another rumble of thunder sounded and her eyes widened. She felt her heart begin to race and her pulse quickened. She could feel anxiety beginning to build inside of her. “Oh no...please, not a storm.” She said to herself trying to keep calm. The thunder began to grow louder with an occasional flash of lightning streaking through the sky. At that moment Seras found herself tuning out all other noises except for the sound of thunder. She could feel her heart beating even faster and her pulse racing even faster. The feeling of anxiety was giving way to sheer panic.

“Miss Victoria, I’ve got lunch ready for you.” Said one of the house maids. She knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Thinking perhaps Seras was in the bathroom, the maid waited for a moment and knocked again. There was still no answer. The maid looked to see Walter walking in her direction. “Walter!” She called urgently. Walter picked up his pace walking briskly toward her. “Beth, what is it?” He asked with concern. “It’s Miss Victoria, Sir. I’ve knocked twice now to give her lunch, but she hasn’t answered the door.” Beth answered. Walter then knocked on the door calling for Seras. “Seras?” He asked. When there was no answer he knocked again. “Miss Victoria? Are you all right?” He called. But there was still no answer. “Beth, stay here. I’ll check on Seras.” He said and opened the door. He walked in to see Seras huddled on the bed with an expression of absolute terror on her face. Her eyes were wide, and she was tightly holding onto herself. Her body was shaking, and she appeared to be speaking incoherently. Walter slowly approached her. “Miss Victoria?” He asked. She was lost in her own fear and did not notice Walter walking up to her. He reached out a hand and touched her shoulder. “NO!” Seras screamed. “Don’t touch me! Get away from me!” She cried frantically and began to struggle. “Miss Victoria, it’s me. It’s Walter. Seras, what’s wrong?” Walter asked as he tried to calm Seras down. But his efforts only succeeded in making her worse. “Please! No! No, let me go! Don’t please!” She shouted and continued to struggle.

“Beth! Go fetch Sir Integra! Seras is hysterical! I don’t know what’s wrong with her!” Walter ordered. “Yes Sir.” Beth answered and hurried to bring Integra. Several moments later Integra was walking speedily to see what was going on. Walter had given up trying to calm Seras down as his attempts had proven futile. The young woman was unable to respond, being in a complete state of panic. Integra rushed into Seras’s room seeing how hysterical she was. She grabbed Seras by her shoulders shouting at her. “Seras! Seras calm down! What is wrong with you! Calm down!” Integra shouted, but her words had no effect. Seras continued to scream and flail wildly. Integra felt she had no other option and slapped Seras across the face to get her attention. Finally Seras stopped struggling, but she was still too panicked to be left alone. Integra stared at her not knowing what to think. “Seras,” She said sternly. When that didn’t work she raised her voice. “Seras Victoria! Answer me!” Integra shouted.

Seras was finally jolted back into reality. She looked through tear filled eyes to see Integra and Walter standing in her room looking at her. She was still shaken by the sudden panic attack, but Integra seemed more annoyed than concerned. “What the bloody hell is wrong with you?” She demanded. “What, oh no. It happened again.” Seras answered shakily. “What happened again? What is wrong with you?” Integra asked, expecting an immediate answer. “It… it was starting to storm, and I panicked. I, I’m sorry.” Seras said sheepishly. “For the love of God. You’re a grown woman. Storms come and go in this country every day. I can’t have you going into bloody hysterics everytime there’s a rumble of thunder.” Integra replied in a harsh tone. “Sir, I’m sure she couldn’t help it.” Walter said, trying to defuse the situation. “Walter, I don’t have time for this. There are worse things in this world to be afraid of. Get Seras something for her nerves.” Integra ordered. “And whatever this issue you have is, you need to get over it. I have to keep this organization running smoothly, and I can’t do that if you fly into a panic over a rumble of thunder. I’m going back to my office.” Integra said and marched out of Seras’s room. anyWalter walked over to Seras, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Please try not to take Sir Integra’s words too personally. She bears great responsibility and sometimes the stress gets to her.”

Seras looked down as tears fell from her eyes. “I’m sorry, Walter. I didn’t mean to be such trouble.” Seras sobbed. “Now Miss Victoria, you mustn’t think like that. You haven’t caused any trouble. Have storms always frightened you?” Walter asked. “Not always. There was a time when I was fascinated by them, but then” Seras stopped abruptly. “I, I can’t talk about it.” She replied with a fearful shudder. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. I might get into trouble for this, but I could talk to Alucard. He might be able to help you with your phobia.” Walter suggested. “I don’t want you getting into any trouble because of me.” Seras answered. “It won’t be the first time, Seras. Let me speak with Alucard. It wouldn’t be healthy for you to be sedated every time it storms. But Alucard may be able to help you in ways that most humans cannot.” Walter replied assuringly. “Well, if you think it would help. I, I don’t like being this way. I didn’t used to be this way. But I just can’t talk about what happened openly. It’s too much for me to go into.” Seras said. “I understand, Seras. I’ll talk to Alucard tonight. In the meantime, I’ll see if Doctor Trevallion can give you something to help you relax.” Walter responded. “Thank you, Walter.” Seras answered quietly.

That evening:

Walter knocked on the door to Integra’s office. “Come in,” She said. Walter opened the door and walked in. “Has Seras calmed down?” Integra asked dryly. “Yes. I asked Doctor Trevallion to give her something for her nerves.” Walter answered and added, “Sir, did you really have to slap her?”

“You saw her, Walter. Seras was completely hysterical. I had to get her attention.” Integra answered. “I understand Sir. Seras did say she wasn’t always afraid of storms. Something happened to her that made her this way.” Walter said. “Walter, this is not a mental institution. Yes we have mental evaluations, but those are for the recruits. I don’t have time to figure out what is wrong with her. She’s here for her safety. I have too much on my shoulders already to be concerned with her emotional state. And I can’t have her sedated everytime she panics.”

“Sir if I may, I thought perhaps Alucard could get to the bottom of what’s troubling Seras. It would at least be one less problem you’d have to deal with.” Walter advised. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Alucard already seems too fascinated with Seras Victoria as it is. I don’t need him getting any more ideas than he already has.” Integra stated. “Sir Integra, something is very wrong with Seras concerning this matter. Did you ever think that perhaps something traumatic happened to her and storms cause her to relive that trauma?” Walter asked a bit curtly. “I suppose. But having Alucard get inside her head could end up being a disaster.”

“Integra, you know there’s going to come a point where you have to give Alucard credit for being more than just a monster. He was a man once, you know.” Walter said firmly. Integra looked up at Walter. “Yes, a man who killed thousands of people in the most sadistic and barbaric ways imaginable. And as a vampire he’s no different. He,”

“That Integra is where you are wrong.” Walter replied with a stern expression. Integra’s eyes narrowed at the statement. “You don’t know him the way you think, Walter. He’s too dangerous to be left unchecked among humans. My father knew that and had him locked away.” Integra replied with a slight growl. “No Integra, you don’t know him the way you think. I’ve known him for over sixty years. I fought alongside him during the second world war. If he is the monster you think he is, then why am I here? Why am I still alive, and still human I might add.” Walter admonished. “My father wouldn’t have locked Alucard away without good reason. He taught me all that I needed to know about the undead.”

“With all due respect Sir Integra, you don’t know Alucard the way you think. And the same applies for your father.”

“That was out of line, Walter. I expect better from you than that.”

“Perhaps it was out of line, but you assume everything your father taught you was accurate. Perhaps it’s time you started viewing the whole picture and not just your perception of it.” Walter stated firmly. Integra wanted to give him a piece of her mind, but deep within there was a part of her that had to admit the aged retainer was right. She did view the world she lived in through a narrow keyhole. She knew that Walter’s words had a ring of truth to them. And it only made the nagging doubt in her mind stronger. She looked down at her desk and removed her glasses. “Damnit, all right. If you think Alucard can help her, fine. But I insist upon being there. Vampires are one of the most cunning night creatures in existence, and Alucard is the most cunning the world has ever known. I’m going to take this chance, but for Seras’s sake I hope you’re right. We might as well have it done tonight. I have enough problems to deal with including having to go to Simon Penwood’s wedding. Go talk to Alucard. When you have his answer, come get me.”

“Yes Sir. Thank you.” Walter said with a nod and exited the office.

Walter headed down the corridor leading to the sublevels. He couldn’t help but feel bad for Seras. “What could have happened to make her react to the storm in such a manner?” He asked himself. He turned the corner and walked down the stairs leading to Alucard’s domain. Surprisingly there was no sound of music as he approached, and he began to wonder what kind of mood his old friend would be in. Alucard was sitting in his chair when Walter walked into his chamber. He looked up to see Walter standing across from him. His expression was serious as the old retainer approached. “Alucard?” He asked. “What’s going on? I could sense worry radiating off of you all the way down here.”

“It’s Seras. There was an incident earlier this afternoon. A storm rolled through. Beth was bringing Seras her lunch, but when she knocked on the door there was no answer. So I called for her and there was still no answer. I opened the door and found her on her bed looking absolutely terrified. I approached her to see what was wrong and when I touched her, she became hysterical. I had to get Sir Integra to help and, well you can imagine how that went.” Walter explained. “What happened?” Alucard questioned. “Seras was so panicked, Integra ended up slapping her to get her attention.” Walter answered. “Bloody hell. What is Seras’s emotional state now?”

“Doctor Trevallion gave her something to calm her nerves. She may still be asleep. That’s why I came down here. Seras, when she was coherent enough, said storms didn’t always bother her. She said she was fascinated with them at one time. But then something happened but she was afraid to say what. I think she was actually afraid to talk about it. It must have been something so bad she may have repressed it for the most part, and the storm is a trigger for her to relive whatever happened.” Walter explained. “And Integra’s impeccable people skills probably didn’t help the situation.” Alucard replied. “I was hoping perhaps you could see what’s going on with Seras. I’ve already told her about the suggestion to have you help her. She seemed receptive to the idea.” Walter said. “And what about Integra? I’m sure if my master agrees to this she’ll insist on being present to chaperone me?” Alucard asked. “It took some persuading, but she’s agreed to allow you to see what you can do. Granted she has her reservations, but she’s agreed.” Walter answered. “When?” Alucard asked. “Tonight.” Walter answered.

Seras was in her room still trying to wake up from the sedative. She sat up and rubbed her head groggily. “Damnit, I flew apart again. I thought I was over this. It’s just weather. It’s been five years since that night. I’ve got to stop being this way. Sir Integra’s already mad at me, and Walter may get into trouble wanting to help me. I went through therapy for this. I’ve got to let this go, but I can’t.” Seras said to herself. She lifted her head suddenly hearing a knock at her door. “Miss Victoria, it’s Walter. May I come in?”

Seras rubbed her eyes and answered. “Come in.” She said squinting her eyes as her head started to ache. Walter opened the door and entered Seras’s room. She saw Integra standing beside him. She felt a sense of apprehension as the two approached. She saw a figure standing behind them. She saw the red coat and remembered how she had met Alucard the night he saved her from Nathaniel Parkins. “Alucard?” She asked herself not realizing he could hear her faint whisper. He remained quiet as he stood behind Integra and Walter. “Seras, are you all right?” Walter asked.

“I suppose. I’m sorry for how I acted earlier today. I thought I was going to be alright, but” Seras began until Integra cut her off. “Walter suggested letting Alucard see what is going on with you. Normally I wouldn’t permit something like this unless it was absolutely necessary. But seeing as I can’t have you sedated every time the weather gets rough, I’m going to allow this.” Integra stated. “Allow what?” Seras asked. “With your permission, Alucard is going to link his mind to yours to find out what it is you’re so afraid of talking about. He will look through your memories to find out why you have a storm phobia. Are you willing to allow him to do this?” Integra asked firmly. “Yes.” Seras answered quietly. “Very well. Alucard,” Integra said as she looked over her shoulder at her vampiric servant. She and Walter stepped apart allowing Alucard to walk between them. He gazed down at Seras as she in turn cast her eyes upon him as well. “You remember me.” He said standing beside Seras’s bed. “How do you know?” She asked. “I heard you say my name a moment ago.”

“He heard me?” Seras thought. “Yes, I did.” Alucard replied mentally. Seras looked up at him with question filled eyes. He could sense in her not fear, but curiosity. “Alucard, can we get on with this please?” Integra asked flatly. “Master, this sort of thing cannot be rushed unless you’d like her brain to get scrambled.” Alucard replied. “Fine. Just do what you need to do.”

“Done right, this will leave no ill effects upon you. But I will need you to focus solely upon me. Will you trust me?” Alucard asked Seras. “Yes. I will trust you.” She answered. “I want you to focus your gaze upon mine. Open your mind, and let me take control. I will do nothing to harm you.” He said as his eyes locked with hers. She did as he asked and kept her gaze upon him. “I want you to tune out everything except my voice. You will feel neither fear or pain. My eyes are all you will see. My voice is all you will hear.”

Seras began to feel her muscles relax. Then came the urge to lay back as her eyes began to close. “Let your eyes close, but remain focused upon my voice. Let me see all that is within your mind, all that you hide from all others… even yourself.” He said. Seras closed her eyes and was completely still. “Can you still hear me?”

Fully entranced, Seras answered Alucard telling him yes. “Your physical form is laying in your bed, but deep within your mind you are standing upright. Your mental form is standing in an empty room. I am there with you. Can you see me within your mind?” He asked. “Yes.” Seras answered. “Good. Now I want you to envision your mind as if it were a projector. I want you to show me your memories, as back as you can go. Let me see everything you can.”

Seras envisioned herself as Alucard instructed. She saw what at first appeared to be a screen. The first few years were blurry. She was only a baby and didn’t remember too much except for select moments when her mother and father were with her. She would see her father looking down at her making silly faces to stop her from crying. She saw herself as a four year old surrounded by children and adults. They were all wearing funny hats and singing happy birthday. She saw her father sitting her on a small white pony with a horn affixed to its head to make it look like a unicorn. She saw her mother and father often laughing and happy together with her. She saw herself waking up on Christmas morning as a five year old opening her presents and seeing her mother and father smiling at her and each other. But then not four months later she saw herself being held by her mother and both were crying. They were both dressed in black standing beside a black casket. It was her father’s funeral. She felt the sadness begin to fill her. “Seras, you must keep going. You need to remain focused. Take me as far as you can.” She heard Alucard tell her mentally.

The next few years were harder for Seras to see. Her mother, Sara, had remarried. But Seras’s stepfather, Robert, was not a kind man. Though he was wealthy, he treated Seras and her mother with scorn and disdain. She saw them arguing many times. Some of the fights would become physical. But Sara endured the treatment for the sake of her daughter. She kept hoping things would get better, but they only got worse. The next memory she saw was of a terrible fight between Robert and Sara. Seras saw herself watching the two go from verbal shots to physicality. Seras saw Robert grab Sara by her arm and shove her backwards. Seras ran toward Robert and stomped on his foot. In his rage he backhanded Seras across her face. Sara grabbed a fireplace poker and threatened Robert with it. In retaliation, he demanded Sara take her daughter and get out of his house. He didn’t care what became of them, and swore Sara would not see a penny of his money. The next thing Seras saw was herself and her mother doing what they could to survive. Many nights were spent in cheap hotels or worse, the streets. Sara would go from one job to another trying to keep herself and her daughter fed and clothed. Then came the evening an older woman saw them huddled on the street. She pulled up to them in her car and stepped out. Sara was apprehensive to trust, but the woman offered her and Seras a hot meal and a place to stay for the night. That was the night Seras and her mother met Ingrid. Seras remembered Ingrid offering her mother a job helping her with the antique shop she owned.

For the next several years there was a sense of peace and stability for Sara and Seras. While they weren’t overly rich, they were able to get a place to stay and lived comfortably enough. Through those years Ingrid became a dear friend to them both. The progress of her memories continued. She remembered her sweet sixteenth birthday. She remembered her birthday cake being done in a nineteen-eighties motif. Then came a night a few months later. She saw herself inside the house she and her mother lived in. Seras saw herself sleeping in her bedroom. It was ten thirty in the evening. Seras remembered being sick that evening and the medicine made her very sleepy. Sara was still at the antique shop helping Ingrid close up. Everything was dark and still except for ribbons of moonlight shining into her room. That light began to vanish as thunder began to softly rumble in the sky. Alucard noticed she was still sleeping and unbothered by the approaching storm. It was then Seras began to lose her focus.

“I can’t. I can’t go any further. I’m scared.”

“You are safe, Seras. You’re safe with me. It’s only a memory. It can’t hurt you.” Alucard assured her. She tried to keep going. She had not faced what was about to happen in five years. “You must keep going, Seras. If this is what frightens you most, I need to see it. I need to know what happened.” The vampire insisted. Seras continued into the night that would leave her forever changed. She was still asleep in her bed. She was in a deed sleep and did not hear the noise outside the living room. It sounded as if someone was pounding on the front door. The pounding got louder but still she remained asleep. After what sounded like the door being kicked, it gave way and opened. Three young men holding bags had broken into the house. They were laughing and boasting about it. Their intent was robbery, until they came to Seras’s bedroom and found her sleeping. They surrounded her as she lay in her bed. Alucard saw the sinister smiles on their faces. They dropped the bags. One man with shoulder length brown hair grabbed the covers and yanked them back. Seras began to stir only to find herself suddenly yanked upward and off the bed. The three leered down at her. She was wearing only a pair of pajama shorts and a tank top. The brown haired man grabbed her wrist and forced her against the bed. She realized she was being threatened and started to struggle. But this only seemed to encourage her attackers to keep going. The other two men, one with short blonde hair and one with red hair done in a buzz cut grabbed Seras by her wrists and restrained her. The brown haired man took out a switchblade and held it against Seras’s throat. He acted as if he were going to cut her, but to her horror he began to cut the tank top open exposing her full breasts. Then he leaned in trying to kiss her. She spit in his face and he backhanded her. The other two men laughed as the first told them to turn her around. She tried with all her might to pull her wrists free, but the two men had iron grips on them. Alucard’s eyes narrowed, realizing just what was about to be done. Seras screamed and cursed her attackers as they forced her onto her stomach, bending her over the bed. They laughed as the first man forced Seras’s shorts down and then undid his pants.

Alucard saw each man taking turns violating her while she screamed. They laughed and cheered each other on through the act. He could hear Seras screaming, but it wasn’t for mercy. Alucard saw the look on her face through the ordeal. He saw not fear, but anger. At one point he heard her gasp how she hoped they went to hell and for the devil to do to them what they were doing to her. That only made them laugh. But then their laughter stopped when they heard sirens close to the house. They stopped their heinous deed and make their escape out of Seras’s bedroom window. They ran into the night while the rain came down in sheets, thunder boomed and lightning lit up the sky.

Alucard could feel Seras beginning to lose control of her focus. He had to end the link before she became hysterical again. He could hear her heart pounding and her pulse racing. He saw tears beginning to form in her eyes. He turned to her trying to keep himself calm. His expression was one of utter disgust and growing rage. But he knew if he let that rage overwhelm him it could be disastrous for both him and Seras. He fought to keep his mental control until the link between himself and Seras was broken.

“Seras, listen to me. It’s over. Keep your focus upon me and only me. Take my hand. I will take you from this place and back to the mansion. Come with me.” Seras reached out and took his hand. Alucard watched Seras as she lay on the bed with a pained expression upon her face. Tears were beginning to fall even while her eyes were tightly closed. Integra and Walter both watched with concern as Seras began to wake up. Her eyes opened. She hugged her knees to her chest just wanting to hide herself. Alucard looked away from her for a moment.

“Alucard, what did you see?” Integra asked. Alucard looked at his master with narrow eyes. By the expression upon the vampire’s face, Integra could tell anger was building within him. “Alucard, answer me.” Integra insisted. “Raped.” He said with an intense growl. “She was raped five years ago by three men during a thunderstorm.”

Walter and Integra both stood in stunned silence. “That was as far as I went. I will not go any further.” Alucard replied as he fought to restrain his growing unrest. Integra looked down at her right hand. It was the one she’d slapped Seras with. She felt unwavering guilt throughout her entire being. “Lord in heaven, I…”

“God isn’t concerned with your apologies, master. I need to leave before I wreck something.” Alucard growled and vanished before Integra could respond. Seras was left huddled on the bed having revisited one of the most traumatic moments of her life. She buried her face against her knees and began to sob. Integra didn’t know what to do. She wasn’t sure how to handle what was going on. But she couldn’t just leave either. “Seras, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I, I should have handled this better.” She stuttered looking down at the floor. “Walter, please get Seras a brandy.” Integra requested.

“Please, no alcohol.” Seras sobbed. Integra looked over at her. “Seras, you need something to calm your nerves.” Integra insisted. “Fine, but no alcohol. My mother was an alcoholic before she met my father.” Seras said as she wiped her eyes. Walter took a step forward. “Sir, we still have some chamomile tea. I think that might help Miss Victoria relax.” Walter suggested. “Very well, Walter. Please make some for Seras. I, I need a drink for myself. Please excuse me.” Integra said and slowly exited Seras’s room. Walter watched her leave and then looked back over at Seras. “I’ll be back soon, Seras. Will you be alright?” He asked with concern. “I’ll manage,” was all Seras could say.

Alucard was in another wing of the sublevels. At his feet lay what had once been a column made of plaster and stone. It was a way for the vampire to unleash his fury without killing anyone. Humans had punching bags, but such a thing would have imploded with one fierce strike. Alucard opted to have columns of plaster and stone made to withstand his rage. He looked down at the heap of rubble and snarled. “Hell will seem merciful compared to the agony I will inflict upon your wretched hides if I ever find you.”

He looked over his shoulder and saw Walter standing a distance behind him. “You shouldn’t come up behind me given the mood I’m in.” He said with a scowl. “Forgive me Alucard. But I wanted to see if you were alright. You left in such a hurry.” Walter replied. “I didn’t think it wise to let Seras see me after seeing what happened to her. Is she calm now?” Alucard asked. “I gave her some tea to help her settle down. She was rather shaken afterwards.” Walter answered. “I understand now why she didn’t want to dredge up the memory of the night she was attacked. It was vile and disgusting.” Alucard responded looking back toward the rubble at his feet. “Alucard, this has hit you rather hard. I’ve never seen you react this way before. Wait, it hit you close to home didn’t it? When you were,”

“Don’t say it. I’ve struggled for five hundred years to put that memory out of my mind.”

“Alucard, Seras is still rather upset. I worry for her being left alone with the emotional distress she’s dealing with. Integra is in her office trying to drink and smoke away her guilt. I think she understands now just how delicate a situation this is for Seras. I don’t think Seras trusts neither myself or Integra just yet to be completely open about what happened to her. But I saw her expression during your interaction with her. She might feel comfortable with you being there with her.”

“I don’t think she’d want me with her. It’s because of me she’s in her present state.” Alucard said in a subdued voice. “Actually she gave no indication that she was upset with you. I’d rather she not be alone right now. She needs to be in the presence of someone who can reassure her everything will be alright.” Walter responded. “You trust me more than Integra does. And as you pointed out not too long ago, I don’t want to do something that will get me locked up again.”

“I know, but I think Integra has had a rather sobering wake up call upon handling a situation such as this. At least let me go speak to her. She may be more open now to allowing you to interact with Seras given the present situation.” Walter suggested. “I won’t hold my breath, not that I need to anyway.”

Integra sat in her office at her desk. An empty glass sat on the wooden surface of the desktop. Integra sat with her head down and her spectacles sitting beside the empty glass. She ran the events of the evening back in her head. “I would have made a terrible therapist. That poor girl has been through hell. I can’t believe how insensitive I was to her situation.” She said to herself looking at the empty brandy glass. She heard a knock at the door. “Come in.” She grumbled. Walter slowly opened the door and entered the office. “Are you alright, Sir?” He asked. Integra looked up. “I feel like I’m the most terrible person on this planet.” She replied. “You didn’t know.” Walter said. “It makes no difference. I should have shown more compassion toward Seras. I had no idea she’d been raped by three scumbags during a storm. And on top of that I slapped her because I was more inconvenienced than concerned. I take my position so seriously that I didn’t realize how cold and impersonal I really am. I treated Seras like she was a burden. She didn’t ask to be put in this predicament. I had no excuse for my behavior.”

“Sir, in light of what happened this evening, I am concerned about Seras being alone in her room. I don’t think she would harm herself, but I believe it would be advisable for her to talk with someone. Someone she feels at ease with who would be able to understand her.” Walter advised. “Let me guess, Alucard?”

“Seras seems to feel at ease around him. I watched how they interacted. Seras didn’t seem apprehensive in his presence. She actually seemed somewhat fascinated with him.” Walter answered. “You think she would open up to him?” Integra questioned. “Sir Integra, without going into any details, I can tell you Alucard knows what it is to be physically and emotionally traumatized. I know you judge him by his history, and it is true he’s no saint. But he wasn’t born that way. The events of his childhood and his adulthood made him that way. If there is anyone who can relate to Seras and what she’s going through, it would be Alucard.” Walter explained. “Normally I would not be open to allowing this. But given the circumstances and my poor handling of them, I will allow this. And I will let them see each other without my lurking over them. It’s time I start trusting Alucard more than I have. He has always been loyal to my family despite how he felt about being bound by my great grandfather. And my father entrusted my life to him even though he had Alucard sealed away. Everything my father taught me,” Integra began and then paused for a moment. “Now I find myself feeling at odds with all those lessons when I was a girl.”

“Your father imparted a good deal of wisdom to you concerning the position you hold, but I just feel there were things that should have been said and they weren’t. Arthur’s decision to lock Alucard never sat well with me. I couldn’t abide by it.” Walter said. “I used to feel secure and confident about my judgement concerning Alucard and my role as the head of the family. Now, I’m beginning to question myself.” Integra rambled. “You are the leader of Hellsing, Sir Integra. And you have never failed to execute that role effectively. All I’m saying is remember that you are also human. You’re not infallible. Even a strong, confident woman such as yourself will make mistakes. That’s just part of being human.” Walter replied.

“I suppose you’re right. Do you think Alucard will go to Seras? He seemed rather disturbed after seeing into her mind.”

“He just needed to blow off some steam after seeing the heinous deed perpetrated upon young Seras.” Walter said. “It must have been truly disturbing to elicit such a reaction from him. This is the same man who turned people into shishkabob as a deterrent against disorder.” Integra commented. “I can’t see into anyone’s mind, but what he saw truly disgusted him. His methods may have been brutal, but there was a time when he was an honorable man who believed in justice and order. But neither you nor I lived during his time. Things were different when he was human.”

“I guess as much as I know about vampires, I still have a lot to learn.”