Hellsing: Resurrection (WIP)

Chapter 4: The Stray in the Night

The manor's sprawling estate stretched out under the midnight sky, its gardens sprawling like a vast, dark sea. Moonlight spilled across the neatly trimmed lawns, illuminating the plants and bushes, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch forever. Tonight, the manor was eerily quiet, the usual night patrols nowhere to be seen. The only sounds were the occasional rustle of leaves in the cool breeze and the distant croak of a frog from one of the small ponds that dotted the landscape. It was the calm after the storm, a rare, precious moment where everything seemed... well, normal. And Seras needed that. She needed normal.

After all, it had been a stressful few weeks. Between the constant battles with vampires, the tiring missions, and the endless need for vigilance, it felt like the weight of the world was pressing on her shoulders. Even Alucard's usual presence had felt heavy recently, and for once, Seras had no inclination to follow him around like a lost puppy. She needed a break-something simple, something... soothing.

And so, she found herself on a quiet, solitary stroll through the estate.

Her steps were light as she wandered through the gardens, her breath slow and even as she took in the peaceful atmosphere. She wasn't in a rush. No deadlines, no orders from Integra. Just... walking. She took a deep breath, letting the cool night air fill her lungs.

The wind was soft, almost gentle, brushing against her cheeks as she wandered down a familiar, narrow path that led toward the edge of the estate. It was a place she knew well, though it was seldom visited. Most of the Hellsing staff avoided this secluded corner of the manor, and that's just how Seras liked it tonight.

"Quiet... peaceful..." she murmured to herself, smiling faintly.

The only company she had on her walk was the moon, hanging low in the sky and casting its pale glow across the garden like a silver blanket. For the first time in a long while, she felt calm. No threats. No danger lurking in the dark.

She didn't realize how much she missed this kind of peace.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a faint rustling sound-a subtle shift in the bushes to her left. It was quiet, barely audible, but her sharp ears caught it nonetheless. She paused, her body tense, instincts kicking in.

What was that?

Her eyes narrowed, scanning the area. She was used to strange things happening in the dead of night-creatures that scurried through the bushes, sounds that couldn't be explained. But this... this felt different. There was something there. Something hiding.

Maybe a rabbit? A fox?

Seras's heart picked up pace slightly, her curiosity piqued. She crouched down, peering into the underbrush, trying to spot whatever it was. Her breathing was slow and steady as she moved cautiously forward.

"Come on... come out..." she whispered to herself, stepping softly.

Suddenly, a flash of movement-a small creature darted from one bush to another, almost too fast for her eyes to catch.

"Aha!" she whispered, excitement bubbling up inside her.

Without thinking, Seras lunged toward the bush, hands outstretched. But the creature was too quick, vanishing into the dark before she could get a good look at it. Her fingers barely brushed the leaves as she stumbled forward, losing her balance for a moment.

"Of course..." she muttered to herself, straightening up with a small laugh. "Typical."

But she wasn't going to give up that easily. No, tonight, she was determined. If something was out here, she was going to find it.

She pressed on, scanning the bushes for signs of movement. Each time the bushes rustled or a twig snapped underfoot, Seras couldn't help but feel the excitement build, like she was a child on a treasure hunt. Only, in this case, the "treasure" was an elusive, skittish animal.