Beyond the Old Ones

Disclaimer: I own nothing, this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment.

Cross-over from various games, books, anime, manga, and movies.

The familiar characters you see here belong to their respected authors and owners.

"Speech"

Time*

Chapter 8: Life is Confusing

30 minutes later*

I subtly and carefully wipe the cold sweat off my forehead, recalling how I barely managed to convince Integra that there wasn't anything else that needed to be done back in Japan—at least not yet. I assured her that, from what I could tell, there were no immediate actions required until I figured out how to regain those lost memories belonging to the old Chikao, as well as my own.

"Here you go, Chikao." Seras says, handing me a suitcase as I slide into the car. Her smile is warm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the tension that has been building back at the museum. "The weapons that Walter made for you are inside." She gives me a nod of encouragement, her eyes reflecting a blend of trust and expectation.

I take the suitcase, feeling its weight in my hands. As I carefully lift it, my mind drifts to the possibility of what's inside. I can't help but wonder if it contains the multi-blade weapon I once wielded against Alucard. The memory of that intense battle comes flooding back.

"Seras, have Alucard and Walter returned to headquarters yet?" Integra asks from the back seat.

I'm settled in the front passenger seat, my attention divided between the conversation and the thoughts swirling in my mind. Seras glances back at Integra with a frown. The atmosphere in the car is tense, emphasizing the urgency of Integra's question. I catch a glimpse of the city outside, the passing streets a blur, as I wait for Seras's response while she drives the car.

"Sorry, but Master and Walter have yet to return to headquarters." Seras replies, her tone apologetic yet with concern. She looks worried at Integra from the rearing mirror as she takes a turn. "However, I can still sense Master's presence. Did something happen?" As the car moves through the dimly lit streets, a silent question hangs in the air.

"Well, something's happened, alright." I mutter under my breath as I open the suitcase. Inside, I find a neatly stacked pile of ninja stars, aka shurikens. Beside them is a pouch designed for easy access, complete with a belt that can be strapped to my leg or arm.

Ah, right. Integra had mentioned that old Chikao had become a ninja. The realization sinks in as I examine the shurikens and the accompanying pouch. It seems that this factor of old Chikao's past, now represented by these weapons, is not just a distant memory but a vital part of my present. These are tailored for precision and stealth.

"This isn't good..." Integra grits her teeth, her frustration is noticeable in her voice. "I've tried to summon Alucard, yet he isn't responding to any of my calls." Her expression tightens with concern, the usually composed facade cracking under the pressure of the unknown. The silence from Alucard, coupled with the unsettling situation, only heightens the sense of urgency.

"W-What exactly happened to Master?" Seras asks, her voice trembling with barely contained anxiety. She looks at me with wide, worried eyes, her fear obvious as she struggles to keep her composure. The intensity of her concern, as though the weight of the unknown, is about to overwhelm her. Her fingers grip the edge of the steering wheel, knuckles white, as she awaits an answer.

"Calm down." I say as calmly as possible, trying to keep my voice steady to avoid causing a car accident. Seras's rising panic could easily lead to a dangerous distraction, and while she might survive due to her vampiric nature. Integra, on the other hand, is entirely human, and I'm not immune to pain myself despite being a Beyonder.

"B-But...!" Seras began, her voice wavering with distress.

I quickly cut her off, reminding her firmly that she was currently driving. "Focus on the road," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. Her hands tightened on the steering wheel, nearly breaking it if she didn't have self-control, and she remembered she was driving right now. I could see her struggle to regain her composure. The car's steady progress is crucial, and any distraction could endanger almost all of us.

"Yes, please calm down, Seras." Integra says, her voice steady despite the anxiety in her eyes. "We'll discuss this further once we get back to headquarters." Her face has gone pale, and she grips the edge of her seat.

Seras's expression clearly shows her impatience, as if she wants an answer immediately rather than later. Fortunately for both Integra and me, she refrains from pressing the issue further and instead focuses on driving. Her restrained nervousness allows a collective sigh of relief to escape from both of us.

A few hours later*

It's dark outside as we finally return to Hellsing's headquarters. The dim streetlights cast long, eerie shadows across the streets, and the building's imposing silhouette looms ahead. The quiet of the night is punctuated only by the hum of the car's engine as Seras pulls into the familiar driveway. The atmosphere is heavy with suspense as we approach the front entrance.

"Oh, thank goodness we've made it back in one piece." I mutter aloud. I quickly exit the car, suitcase containing the shurikens and pouch in hand.

I move to the side and open the door for Integra. As she steps out, I keep a watchful eye on our surroundings. The night air carries a chill that contrasts with the warmth of the car's interior. The headquarters' security feels like a haven.

Quickly, we make our way inside the headquarters, the heavy wooden doors closing behind us with a reassuring thud. Once inside, we pause momentarily to catch our breath. The dim light from the ornate chandeliers casts a warm glow.

For now, we have a moment of safety within these walls.

"Can someone explain to me what happened to Master now?" Seras asks impatiently as she looks between Integra and me. Her eyes search ours for answers, and the worry on her face clearly shows that she can barely contain her fear. The warmth of the headquarters provides little comfort as the weight of the unanswered questions hangs heavily in the air. We exchange a brief glance, knowing that Seras deserves an explanation and that it's time to address the troubling situation head-on.

"Well, let's just say there was a fight, and Chikao here managed to get me out of danger." Integra begins, speaking in a frustrated tone. "However, after some time, Walter didn't show up, which made me wonder where he ended up. I know for a fact that he isn't dead—not with his skill set. Alucard was engaged in a battle with a powerful Paladin, which led to the destruction of a museum. I should've expected as much, knowing how Alucard tends to react in such situations." She lets out a sigh, the weight of her words hanging in the air. "Anyway, one thing led to another, and everything became quiet. Now, I have no idea what happened to Alucard and Walter."

Integra's explanation leaves us all in a heavy silence.

"For the time being, Seras, I'm going to need you to stick with me." Integra says in a firm voice. "Chikao, I need you to prepare yourself. Go ahead and rest again. I want you in peak condition, even if you already are. I want to ensure you stay that way." She fixes me with a sharp, determined look. "Right now, we don't have Alucard, which makes things difficult for us."

I nod in acknowledgment and make my way to my bedroom. It's time to unlock the next Card of Blasphemy, and I know exactly which one to choose.

30 minutes later*

[White Tower Pathway - Sequence 9: Reader]

[Randomized Acting Method: 3x Boost]

[Input Acting Method (1 Word): Normal Boost]

[Equip Items: Empty]

[Potion's Ingredient Collection: 0%]

[Acting Progress: 0%]

[Adventuring (1): Not used]

[List of Items: Meatpie | 1% of Sequence 8: Archaeologist/Melee Scholar's Potion's Ingredients | Teleportation Charm]

Intilizating... IdleS9Reader begins its journey.

Skip Function Active.

Finalizing... Idle S9Reader survived for a day.

Idle S9Reader brought back 1% of the Sequence 8: Clown's Potion Ingredients.

Acting Progress... 1%. 3x Boost in effect... 3%.

Unlocking Beyonder's Ability of the White Tower Pathway's Sequence 9: Reader.

1. Readers gain improvements to their reasoning, learning capabilities, and memory.

2. They are capable of using Ritualistic Magic.

Now, that's just unlucky. The Idle S9Reader lasted only a day, which is something I wasn't expecting.

I blink once, twice, then thrice as the Reader's abilities begin to take effect. A subtle yet profound shift in my perception occurs, the world around me taking on a sharper, more detailed clarity. Information flows seamlessly into my mind as if I am absorbing knowledge directly from my surroundings. The power of the Reader is perceptible; each blink brings a deeper understanding and insight into the hidden layers of reality.

Holy crap, I should've gone with the White Tower Pathway earlier. I got my memory back—both of them! The realization hits me like a lightning bolt; my mind is suddenly flooded with the memories of old Chikao and my own past.

Every detail, every fragment of my former life, falls into place, weaving a complex tapestry of experiences and knowledge. The flood of recollections is overwhelming yet exciting. I can now remember training as a ninja, battles, accomplishments, and failures. Alongside these, my personal memories—my true identity, my relationships, my purpose—resurface with vivid clarity.

The Reader's abilities have unlocked a deep and potent part of me that I had thought lost forever. This newfound understanding and merging of two distinct pasts give me wisdom and strength.

The first thing that's 100% correct about my previous guess is that my name is, in fact, Chikao Fukui in both lifetimes. In addition, it seems that I am also the old Chikao who reawakened the memories of my past life.

The realization is startling and comforting. It confirms my identity, which ties together the threads of my existence. I am Chikao Fukui, a being who has lived through two lifetimes, now armed with the combined knowledge and experiences of both.

I cover my face in embarrassment as I realize another thing. I became a ninja to become stronger, obtaining the skills to protect Integra and hoping to get closer to her romantically. Hell, we even kissed before we last saw each other!

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts and emotions. The weight of my revelations settles heavily on my shoulders.

On another note, it's becoming increasingly clear that this world is a blend of fictional universes, not just Hellsing alone. The realization dawns as I take in the various elements that have woven themselves into my reality. From the supernatural elements of Hellsing to other influences that hint at different fictional realms.

Just great. My life is even more of a mess than I'd thought. And this is only 3% of the Sequence 9: Reader's power in action. Once it reaches 100%, I'm sure I'll uncover even more lost memories and face surprises beyond my imagination. The thought of what's still to come both excites and terrifies me.

On the bright side, I do have more answers now compared to before unlocking the White Tower Pathway. Despite the chaos and confusion, I'm relieved to have gained answers. Looking back, I don't regret not unlocking the other pathways first. The insights I've gained, though overwhelming, have been crucial in understanding my past and preparing for what lies ahead. Each step, even if unexpected, has brought me closer to unraveling the complexities of my existence.