She finally succumbed.

Despite my forgetting, the disclaimer still applies.

Walter hummed as he tidyed up the dishes. A chill made him turn with a slight smile.

"Ah, Lord..." He stopped. Sitting on the kitchen table was a purplish-red orchid in a white pot. A cream envelope with his name on it was tied to the pot with a black ribbon. Walter walked over and untied the envelope. Foreboding washed over him as he slowly opened it and read the letter.

"Dear Walter,

I am afraid I will not be able to make our tea appointment. I am terribly sorry. It may seem cowardly, what I have done tonight, but when weighed against becoming a No Life Queen, I will accept the title of coward. At least this way I will not be tempted to drink you instead of tea.

I am glad I was able to care for you and I hope you like my gift. I know you will give this flower all the love and attention it needs. May it bring you as much joy and sweet reflection that it has given me.

I remain your most humble servant,
Rowan Mina Ascot"

The letter fluttered to the table. Walter closed his eyes, allowing a few tears to escape his control for the woman who had healed him. Finally, he sighed, opened his eyes and kissed the orchid's petals.

"You were never a coward, Miss Rowan."

* * *

Integral sat at her desk, wading through a canyon of paperwork. While Michael had only allowed her half-days, she was determined to get as much done before Walter came back and nagged her to bed. A chill made her shiver, then something hit her desk with a low, metallic "thunk". Pushing aside a wall of white, she discovered a sheathed blade crushing a pillar. Black ribbon secured a letter to the blade, which had a capped wood hilt. Integral swallowed nervously and untied the letter.

"My dear Sir Integral Hellsing,

I regret to inform you that Alucard and I had more in common then I had originally suspected. There was a reason I had this blade made, as well as why I went into botany in school and insisted on inscribing Latin phrases of protection all over my house. It saddens me to know he has not forgotten. If anything, the time we spent apart has only sharpened his desire for me.

As such, I have taken steps to ensure you will not have two vampires on your hands. I doubt I would make a good one, for to be honest with you, I miss the sun. I also love the ocean and not to go near it again does not sit well with me. I leave my blade with you. I know you will put it to good use.

In lieu of cash payment, I will accept a place in your family crypt for my ashes, which Michael will be bringing in a week or so. I am afraid I will have to bother you with lawyers as well, for I changed my will today. Forgive me for imposing on old family friendships, but I feel it would be best if my remains were kept where Alucard can be reminded my will is stronger then his desire.

Thank you for allowing me to care for you these past four days. It has been an honor and a pleasure. Your grandfather would be very proud of you. I am.

I remain, your most humble servant,
Rowan Mina Ascot."

The letter crumpled in Integral's fist.

"As you wish." She hissed. Alucard was going to die for this.

* * *

A red hat sailed through the air and landed neatly on top of a beautiful coffin. The red coat followed, spreading out unwrinkled to cover most of the lid. Alucard sat at his table, put his feet up, and took out the champagne bottle. He eyed the amount of liquid inside.

"Over half full. How very generous." He fished out the goblet from his coat, already rinsed out. No need to contaminate such a gift with residue of hemlock and mint. Alucard pulled the cork with his teeth and spat it out. As it ricocheted around the room, he filled the goblet with the cool, thick liquid. Putting the bottle on the table, he inhaled the bouquet, sighed in satisfaction, and took a long, slow swallow. Rowan's virgin blood burned down his throat. Even cool from the ice, it was exquisite. Alucard drank again, then put the goblet aside for the letter.

"My Dear Alucard,

By the time you read this, you will know I have won. It serves you right. Surely after over a century, you would have learned that an intelligent woman's heart cannot be swayed by mind tricks and false ploys. If you really wish for another bride, I suggest you try the old fashioned method of wooing. It gets better results.

I have no doubt we will meet again. Fate seems to conspire to it. When it does, rest assured I will not be easily swayed. It takes more then charm to woo ME.

Enjoy my gift. After thwarting you all by myself, it seems appropriate. After all, I was a terrible tease in this lifetime.

Yours,
Mina."

Alucard laughed and raised his goblet.

"Enjoy your stay in Heaven, Rowan Mina Ascot. It will not be permanent."

Because I've been forgetting: I do not own Hellsing. I own Rowan.

11 o'clock. Rowan stood in her bedroom, looking at herself in her dresser mirror. A black and purple stoneware goblet sat on top of the dresser. She glanced at the goblet, then slowly turned away and scanned her room. It was tidy. Pink candles were scattered around the room, burning brightly and giving off a subtle rose scent. The presents were carefully arranged on a small round table in the middle of the room. Everything was ready, even her. Well, except for one thing. Rowan turned back to the mirror and gripped the dresser's edge when dizziness swamped her. Maybe she had been a little too extravagant with his gift. Ah well. It wouldn't matter.

She lifted her eyes and gazed into her reflection. The blue-green orbs looked different, more knowledgeable and infintely more sad.

"I don't want to." She whispered. "I am afraid. But...what other option do I have? Become a...child of darkness? Never see the sun again? Live on blood? A non life? No. That will not do. I cannot let him win." Rowan took a deep breath and studied herself carefully. The dress was a flattering shade of green, simply decorated with cream colored lace along the neckline and cuffs of the short sleeves. Her waist was banded by a cream colored ribbon, neatly tied in a bow off the left hip. Not exact, but the oddity amused her. She looked at the goblet. "It has mint. It will taste fine. I have to time this right." Another deep breath. She picked up the goblet and saluted herself. "Here's to the night." She drank the contents quickly, gasping for breath as she slammed the goblet down on the dresser. "Whoo, that's strong." She carefully walked over to her bed, using the wall for support. It was all made up with her best linens and a lace coverlet. Rowan eased herself onto the covers, carefully swinging her feet up and laid back. Her eyes closed as dizziness crashed over her like pounding surf. She breathed deeply and slowly relaxed.

"Good night, dark prince."

Blargh. Half a day and I'm already bored. Not from lack of work, per se, but because my trainer fled to take a break (didn't say if it was lunch or not) and she didn't leave me anything else to do. The five envelopes took me all of five minutes to process and ship. *sob* I'd start going through her files if I knew what I was doing, but it's only my second day here. Grawr!

So, in light of this and the fact that I couldn't sleep half of last night and got it all worked out in my head, I present the next segment of Hellsing. Gods, I need a title.


Michael put away his thermometer and smiled at his patients. "Well, your fevers have broken. I say you're nearly fully recovered. Of course, you will both need to take it easy for the next week. Half days, Sir Integral. You too, Walter." The knight and butler nodded gravely. Rowan, standing nearby, bounced and clapped her hands.

"Wonderful! This is one of the fastest recoveries I've seen."

"That is in large part from your care, Rowan." Integral said, cracking a faint smile. Walter nodded.

"Indeed. Thank you very much, Miss Rowan."

"Oh, you're both very welcome. Now, who do I send the bill to? Michael or you?" She asked Integral. Integral glanced at Michael, who rolled his eyes.

"Send it to Michael. He is in charge of that paperwork." Integral said with a mean smirk. Michael sighed heavily, Walter and Rowan laughed.

"Right, then." Rowan closed up her black bag. "I have left a list of infusions and foods known to improve immune response with your housekeeper. She said it wouldn't be a problem integrating them into your diet."

"Thank you." Rowan nodded at Integral, then walked over to Walter, sitting on his bed. Even in striped pajamas, he radiated dignity. Rowan bowed, fist over heart.

"It has been an honor working with the staff here, Walter. You have them well-trained."

"Thank you, Miss Rowan." Walter bowed back. "I was hoping you would join me for tea next week. Our herb garden has not been doing well and I would like your advice."

"I'd be happy to, Walter. Would Thursday work? Say, around 5?"

"Perfectly." Walter captured her free hand and kissed it. "Thank you, Miss Rowan." Rowan blushed and slowly backed away. Walter let her go, a smug grin on his face. Integral frowned at them both. Once she composed herself, Rowan turned and bowed to Integral.

"I hope to see you again, Sir Hellsing, under better circumstances."

"I am sure it will be arranged." The women shook hands. Rowan nodded to Michael and quit the room. She was quite pleased with herself. Four days instead of seven! That was a new record. Rowan skipped down the stairs, jumping the last three steps to land with a resounding "Thud" on both feet.

"Midnight. Leave your window open." The voice purred darkly in her head. Rowan's eyes widened, then narrowed. She turned slowly, carefully scanning the foyer. Nothing. No shadows, no red eyes, no curls of mist.

"What the hell! My job is done and now you start bugging me?" She growled aloud. A nearby maid looked at her and sidled out of the room. Low, satisfied chuckles filled the room, rapidly gaining volume. Rowan's fists clenched. "That does it. I'm reporting you to Sir Hellsing. I'll be damned if..."

She whipped around and stepped into a room. Rowan pulled up short, frowning. It was a sitting room, a lady's sitting room. Pale green and yellow color scheme, a cozy conversation grouping around a low coffee table, large window and a white desk with a typewriter. Rowan slowly put down her bag and walked over to the desk. The typewriter was ancient, black with fat, round silver keys and the thin strips of metal to strike the paper. The kind that went "clack clack click clack CHING". A paper was already fed into the roller. Rowan leaned over the chair. Two words were printed; "Hello Mina". Rowan staggered back, nearly tripping over her bag.

"No! No!" She closed her eyes, digging her nails into her scalp. "This isn't real. It's not real." The chuckling returned, louder then ever. "Get OUT!" Rowan screamed.

"Midnight." The voice demanded, rolling over her. "Leave your window open."

"GET OUT OF MY MIND!!" Rowan shrieked.

"Good evening!" Rowan chirped happily, strolling into the bedroom. Walter and Integral looked up from their respective reading. Rowan was carrying a juice tray. The liquid inside the jug was a peculiar shade of yellow, almost orange.

"What...is that?" Integral asked, folding and tidying her copy of the London Times.

"A different blend. I was thinking you'd be sick of berry flavor by now. This is pineapple, orange, lemon, persimmon and starfruit. Very refreshing." Rowan poured her patients a glass and handed them over. Walter and Integral exchanged looks.

"Cheers, sir." Walter said bravely and sipped. His eyes lit up. "Miss Rowan, this is delicious! Thank you very much."

"You're welcome." Rowan bowed to Walter, fist over heart. Walter grinned and drank deeply. Integral frowned at her butler, then tasted it herself.

"I think the fever has damaged Walter's taste buds." She said, setting the glass down.

"You don't like it." Rowan said.

"No, I do not."

"Very well. I have plain orange juice downstairs. Would that work?"

"Yes. Now what other tortures do you have planned for us?"

"You're feeling better. You're getting grumpy. Michael warned me about that." Integral turned a low-level glare on Rowan, who grinned and held out her arms. "Knights first tonight. Off to the tub!" Integral grumbled under her breath as she threw back the covers and stood. Rowan supported her arm and waist, tossing orders to the maids that appeared in the doorway. One opened the bathroom door, the other handed Rowan a plastic bag, which she took in her teeth.

( It really is disgraceful how you have come in and taken over my staff. )

Michael Trevellian arrived promptly at 8 o'clock. A footman let him in and escorted him to the kitchen. Rowan was standing over the sinks, rinsing the last of her dishes, the staff flowing around her. Michael wove around people and reached her side. She looked up when he touched her shoulder.

"Just a minute." She said over the noise. Putting the plate carefully in the drainer, she threw a dishtowel over the rack, nodded to the housekeeper and fled the room, Michael in tow. Once back in the foyer, she stopped and leaned against the railing.

"Bad night?" Michael asked, studying her closely. Rowan chuckled.

"No, not really. Just odd. Our patients are doing well. Fever's constant at 100 in Integral, 99.7 in Walter. Vitals are strong, they've slept well most of the night." The housekeeper bustled by with a tray of juice and porridge. "I think they're ready for gentle foods."

"Any further instructions?"

"They both need ten minute soaks, l left the supplies in the bathroom. Two sachets and a double handful of salt in each bath, water should be warm but not stinging. You know the teas, infusions every two to four hours. I made three jugs of juice, they've gone through one already. I'd like to see one more consumed." Rowan pulled a tin out of her pocket. Flipping it open, she took out a cigarette and put it in her mouth. The tin went back into her pocket. Michael provided a light. She took a long drag. "I should warn you, Integral is getting restless. I've already told her no paperwork. Don't let her wheedle you." Michael chuckled.

"I'm well used to Integral's tricks. I've cared for her for seven years. All right, I'll head up. I can't spend all day here, but I will stop by at lunch and again at teatime."

"I'll be coming about 5 o'clock. I need to pick up some more supplies. See you later!" Rowan gave Michael a friendly elbow in the arm and strolled off. Michael watched as she collected her things at the front door and was bowed out.

* * *

By ten o'clock, Integral was bored. Michael allowed her to sit outside on her balcony with a book and a tall glass of juice. Integral eyed the dark pink liquid resignedly. She was going to hate juice. Walter shuffled up beside her and eased into the lounge chair. A maid arranged a light blanket over him and added another juice to the table between them.

"I'll be just inside tidying if you need me, sirs." The maid disappeared with a slight curtsey. Integral frowned at the trees.

"A lovely day, woudln't you agree, Sir Integral?" Walter asked, leaning back and folding his hands.

"It would be lovelier if I could get some work done. All this sitting about is annoying." Integral stroked the book in her lap. It was one of her favorites, but the deep and complicated plot was not drawing her in.

"You have earned a bit of vacation, sir. Granted, it should have been under better circumstances."

"Do not hand me that rot. You and I both know I would not take a vacation without some form of external pressure. Usually it is you." She looked at her butler. Walter's eyes were closed, a smug smirk on his face. Did I learn that from him or him from me? She wondered. "Besides, vacations and I do not get along. They end in disaster."

"Perhaps we can break that jinx this time."

"By never leaving the house?" Walter chuckled.

"By not worrying and simply enjoying the quiet time. Fargeson has everything well in hand and I am sure in a day or two, you will be allowed to go back to your paperwork."

"I shall go stark raving mad before then."

"Do not be silly, Sir Integral. You would never allow yourself to fall into such a condition. That would be giving up." Integral's mouth twitched.

"You know me too well, Walter."

"It is my duty, sir."

Hellsing is not mine. Don't bother asking for money. Rowan is mine. You can't have her. So there!

'Midnight and I'm waiting on the 12:05..." Rowan sang to herself, glancing at the clock in the kitchen. 12:01. "Still the witching hour." Rowan chuckled and puttered about, putting a nice lunch together. Her patients were asleep, again. They had responded well so far, drinking several cups of juice and eating some toast. Their fevers were under control and the body aches had been soothed away with boneset infusions. Rowan was feeling quite pleased with herself. At the rate things were going, excepting some horrible relapse, Integral and Walter would be in the clear in five days, not seven.

"I do believe this calls for a little something." Rowan opened a likely door and flipped on the light inside. "Bingo! Wine cellar!" She trooped down the steps, humming. The housekeeper had given her free range in the kitchen, as long as she cleaned up after herself and didn't eat everything in sight. Rowan perused the racks of bottles, looking for something red. She found a label she recognized. "Ah, splendid." She carried the bottle up the steps and switched off the light. Kicking the door shut with her heel, she strolled over to the table. Arranged neatly on a tray was a roast beef sandwich, several carrot sticks, ranch dressing, a bowl of her favorite crisps and a large slice of red velvet cake with white chocolate frosting. Rowan put the bottle on the table and began searching for a corkscrew and a glass. Along the wall by the stoves, shadows began to condense. Rowan found a wine glass and put it on the tray. The shadows grew thicker and eyes appeared.

"I am not your friend, I'm not your only friend..." Rowan started to sing. She was well aware of something happening behind her and had no intention of giving that knowledge away. She still had questions and he was the best one to answer them. After all, it was just the two of them in the kitchen. "Playing on the Queen of Hearts, though you know it ain't really smart." Masses of red eyes blinked in a bizarre pattern. Rowan began opening drawers at random. She found the corkscrew in the third one. The eyes continued to blink. Rowan walked back over to the table and peeled the foil off the wine bottle, still singing random snatches of song, skipping between artists. Shoving the corkscrew into the bottle, she twisted it. "One note spelled lite." She clamped the sides down and yanked. The cork came out abruptly, Rowan spinning with the force to avoid dropping a very nice bottle of wine. Wine splashed over her hand and onto the floor. "Bloody hell." Rowan completed her spin and plunked the bottle on the table. Licking her hand, she went looking for a rag. A faint chuckle whispered in her mind.

"Lots of red eyes in the corner by the stove, they're watching over me." She sang in response, snagging a dishtowel. Kneeling, she cleaned up the wine. "No need to worry about it, 'cause I know that I won't be bit." She stood as Alucard rushed across the floor and materialized behind her. Cold hands closed on her shoulders and spun her around. Rowan stared up into Alucard's yellow-red eyes, gleaming fiercely behind his sunglasses.

"Are you so sure?"

"Would you have spent all that time skulking if your intention was to bite?" Alucard smiled, a deadly smile. Rowan smiled back. She could feel something going on between them, in her head. She wasn't sure what it was.

"It is more fun to stalk one's prey, lure them into a false sense of security, then strike."

"But you can't." Rowan reached up and touched the sigil on Alucard's right glove. "You're not allowed." Alucard tightened his grip. Rowan felt the chill of his body seep through to her bones as he yanked her close. He bent until they were nose to nose.

"I can if I wish, little girl." He growled, staring deep into her eyes.

"If you wished, I would already be dead. You have had plenty of opportunities. You haven't. Why?" Rowan whispered, meeting his gaze without fear. She knew very well she was playing with the worst kind of fire. The kind that could consume you in an instant and you would laugh as you melted. Alucard growled and thrust her away, shoving her into the table. He looked away.

"Integral needs you."

"So when Sir Hellsing is well, you'll hunt me down? Invade my bedroom while I sleep?" Alucard jerked and snapped his head around. Rowan frowned, wondering at the intensity of his gaze. Alucard smiled, a different, much more seductive smile.

"Would you like that?" He asked. Rowan braced her hands on the table and managed to shrug.

"I don't know. I've never been invaded."

'No, you haven't. Though not from lack of interest." Alucard was now staring at her speculatively. Rowan's frown deepened, wondering what he meant by that. "Strange. You're that old and yet you are pure. You would tempt any man, but you hold yourself aloof. You keep men away with laughter, not ice. Fascinating." Rowan blinked at him, then stiffened as she felt something tickle her mind.

"Hey! Hasn't Sir Hellsing taught you any manners?" She growled, raising her hand and making a warding gesture. "Get out of my head!" Alucard chuckled.

"That will not work on me, little witch. So, that is your game. You seek the power of plants. But magic will not keep you safe from a determined hunter."

"No, but silver will." Rowan retorted, drawing a knife from under her jersey. Alucard smirked at the six inch blade.

"You would have to be very close to use that. What is to stop me from using it against you?"

"The knowledge that I will report you to Sir Hellsing if you touch me without my consent."

"Ah, but what if you do consent?"

"Mind control does not constitute consent."

"I have already touched you, little witch." Alucard walked forward. Rowan raised her knife to a defensive level. "You did not complain. You seemed to enjoy it."

"You won't have me a second time." Alucard froze. Rowan kept her knife up, her body balanced in a fighting posture. Alucard looked her up and down, slowly, then burst out laughing.

"We shall see, my lady. We shall see." He disappeared. Rowan remained where she was, looking all around. After a few minutes of her neck not prickling, she sheathed the knife. Pouring herself a glass of wine, she corked the bottle and stowed it in the icebox. Collecting her tray, she headed out of the kitchen. She had a feeling being near Sir Hellsing would be the only way to guarantee her safety tonight.

Rowan Ascot is mine. Everything else is borrowed without permission. Don't worry. I'll return them when I'm done.

Integral looked around her bedroom, wondering if she should be outraged or amused. The last fifteen minutes had been...chaotic. The apothecary, Rowan, had walked in, politely introduced herself, then completely taken over. Footmen brought in a bed for Walter, so Rowan wouldn't have to run up and down two flights of stairs all night. That was sensible. Sprinkling the mattresses with herbs before changing the sheets, not so sensible. The room smelled much nicer, but Integral was already missing the wiff of tobacco. Two ball candles burned beside her on the nightstand, smelling strongly of lemon. Integral shifted in bed, feeling the leaves break under her. Eucalyptus and lavender rose to mix with the lemon. Integral breathed deeply. Well, this was nice. Maybe the mattress treatment was sensible. She accepted a cup of tea from Dr. Trevellian.

( Rowan was arguing with Walter through the open door of the bathroom. )

Standard disclaimer here.

Dr. Trevellian looked up when Alucard dropped in. The vampire had a strange smile on his face.

"Sir Hellsing has agreed. However, your apothecary friend will need to sign a few forms."

"Of course." Dr. Trevellian had done the same years ago. He pulled out his mobile and dialed a number. Alucard opened a drawer in Integral's desk, keeping his ears tuned to the doctor's conversation.

"Somebody better be dying, Michael." A sleepy, feminine voice growled. Alucard's ears perked.

"Not quite, but it is serious." Michael said. Alucard heard a match strike, then puffing. She smoked?

"Go ahead."

"Two patiends, one a 58 year old male, the other a 20 year old female. Both have the worst case of influenza I've seen this year."

"Hang on. Let me get to my desk so I can write this all down." More puffs, a faint curse, doors opening and slamming. "This early call is going to cost you."

"I know." Michael grinned.

"All right. Go ahead."

"Temperature's 103 and 102, respectively. Fatigue, body aches, headaches, disorientation. The male patient has had one fainting episode." A pen scratching in between drags.

"Vitals?"

"BP 178 over 55 for the male. 180 over 60 on the female. Oxygenation levels above 90."

"Any nausea or vomiting?"

"No, but lack of appetite in the female."

"Your treatments?"

"Motrin."

"That's it?"

"They need 24 hour supervision. You're the best person for the night shift, Rowan. Besides, your herbals have worked better in these cases."

"You are going to hate my fee."

"Don't worry. Sir Hellsing can afford it." Alucard snickered at the gasp on the other end.

"Sir....Hellsing."

"You've heard of her?"

"Rich, titled, reclusive, icily beautiful, rumored to be slightly off her rocker." Alucard stiffened and glared at the mobile. Who DARED to imply Integral was anything other then brilliant?

"You will need to sign some forms when you arrive. Sir Hellsing insists on her privacy." Michael took the forms from Alucard's limp hand. The vampire was still trying to kill the phone with his eyes.

"I'll bet. All right, give me an hour or so."

"Thank you, Rowan."

"I'm looking forward to the new computer." The line clicked dead. Michael looked at Alucard.

"You haven't heard that rumor, I see."

"Who?" Alucard hissed, turning his burning eyes on Michael. The doctor shrugged.

"I have no idea."

"I will ask this Rowan." Alucard dissolved into shadows and slid under the door. Michael shrugged and gathered his things.

* * *

Meanwhile, six miles away, Rowan Ascot stubbed out her homemade clove-n-mugwort, sighed and frowned at the paper sitting on her workbench. HELLSING.

"Well, at least my questions will be answered." She said, heading off for a shower.

I WILL get this story out of my head! Bedamned to you, Muse! Oh, yeah. Hellsing does not belong to me. I'm just a fangirl. Please don't sue.

The enemy was insidious. It swept silently through the barracks, gaining strength from each victim. As it moved from person to person, it grew and changed. Once the barracks were completed, it moved on to the house. One by one, the staff fell before it. Such an enemy had never so completely ravaged the Hellsing Organization. Nothing could stop it. Attempts to counter it failed. Finally, when it had reached its peak of power, it struck the last two people standing.

"Ugh." Integral shivered despite her wool suit. The influenza bug that had spent the last three months making the rounds had finally caught her. Or had she caught it? She couldn't tell, her mind was so fuzzy. Despite the raging fever, lack of appetite and general body aches, she sat at her desk, trying to subdue the second demon in her life; paperwork. The first demon was hovering over her shoulder. Maybe she could blame him for the chill.

"I do not know if I should call you determined or stubborn." Alucard drawled, leaning his head over the back of her chair. He was the only one immune to the virus and took great delight in rubbing it in her face. Integral ignored him and contined signing the medical forms. Thankfully, the troops had fully recovered as well as most of the staff. A few were out on sick leave, but they were due back in a few days. "You are about to fall out of this chair, Master."

"Go away." Integral pushed her sixth, or was it seventh?, med form into the messy out pile and pulled another towards her. Alucard snatched it out from under her fingers.

"This is a requisition form for...high speed wireless installed in the barracks." He informed her, reading the request. His mouth twitched into a smile. The lieutenants were the first to go down and now that they had recovered, they were trying to take advantage. Alucard crumpled the form in his hand and tossed it at the rubbish bin next to the desk. It landed square in the middle. Alucard smirked and glanced at Integral. She had her glasses off and was rubbing her eyes.

CRASH! The sound of glass breaking sent Alucard out into the hall in a blink. He stared. Walter, the inflappable butler and Angel of Death, was lying on the floor. Lying crumpled, no less, with a broken lamp beside him and an end table resting on his right arm. Alucard knelt beside the fallen butler. His senses told him Walter was alive, but seriously ill. He moved the table off of Walter.

"What happened." Integral demanded, coming out of the study. Alucard rolled Walter over. He was pale, slightly grey, and his breathing was irregular. He was also burning hot.

"He fainted. He's caught what you have." A maid and a footman came running. They gasped when they saw Walter. Alcuard whipped around and caught Integral, who swayed on her feet. "And I have had enough." He scooped up Integral, who protested in a very weak voice. "You two, get Walter into bed. I'm calling the doctor."