Help...

[Lost]

The flames licked at the building with a vengeful rage, devouring everything in their path as they climbed through halls and rooms. The beams cracked and snapped under ferocious hunger of the fire as it ate them and turned them to ash. The walls crumbled and fell to the floor, one after the other like dominoes. Parts and pieces cracking off and deteriorating in the intense heat. Onward, onward it raged through the floors and towards the roof as fire often does.

And as it did, many became trapped within it's cages of scalding heat, unable to escape their slumbers. Screams of agony and terror echoed though the passageways as the fire claimed one victim after another. Yet still it was not satisfied. So on it went, unyielding and uncaring of the lives it claimed but seemingly fueled by it's feast's fear. And so onward it sped.

There was but one person in the upper floors that it had not claimed or let escape, a child. A little girl that couldn't be more than nine years old. She huddled by the window, her knees tucked to her chin and her eyes wide and trembling in panic as she listened to the shrieks and moans of the collapsing building. Her elegant black velvet dress reaching over her knees and covering the black dress shoes on her feet. Around her neck was a matching black velvet band that held a sort of lace underneath. Her hair had been done up in a very becoming way, but the mascara the streamed down the sides of her face were a dead give away of the creature's terror.

Her form shook violently as the howls of pain grew louder and louder as the fire raced to her hideaway, claiming soul after soul as is ran, licking at the door. It's red and yellow hues casting shadows across the dimly lit room. They danced and twisted like demonic beings reaching out to clasp the frightened creature.

Finally her panic was too great. She sprung from her seat and ripped open the tattered curtains and let the light of the twilight seep in through the dust stained and streaked window. She tried to lift the sill but found it to be tightly sealed. She began to pant harder, faster, coughing as the smoke began to seep under the moldy door frame. She tried again. It still didn't budge. Desperately she pounded on the glass with her delicate hands. Agian to no avail. But still she pounded. Over and over again, her muffled cries for help not reaching past the noise of the fire and the thickness of the glass... She was trapped.

[sebastian]

It was slightly after mid day; and he was in the process of returning from yet another errand in the main part of Hallowton. It had simply been a trip to order more food for the estate; as well as to check up on the refugees who had once resided within the manor. Those refugees had been doing very well since his last trip, in which he'd delivered supplies for them to rebuild their homes along with a large amount of food. Their small refugee sector was starting to become a place with many different shops, shops which the refugees stalked with hand-made items. They weren't exactly having bad business either; a good sign. Hellsing had given them a new life, and they were highly faithful humans who would return to aid at the manor if given the summons. The more pawns Integra had, the happier she was.

As he turned a corner back onto the main street; that was when the smell of burning reached his sensitive nose. He looked up with disinterest, noticing the massive plume of black smoke curling into the sky at a speed which suggested only an extremely large and uncontrolled inferno. A crowd of people had formed; and he could hear the cacophony of panicked voices even at this distance. He set off down the street; turning another corner and finding himself at the back of the crowd. It looked as if most of Hallowton's residents had come out to the tragedy; wanting to help but finding that they were entirely powerless against the blaze. The demon raised those ruby-red eyes to the building; it was obviously going to collapse very soon. Its support structure had all but burned away, and he could see the barely noticeable tilt. It seemed the humans didn't notice that the building was leaning at an 83 degree angle; rather than the 90 that it should have been. What fools. This scene brought back memories, unwelcome ones.



He remembered observing as London burned to the ground in the great fire of 1666; then watching it burn again as his former master ran through the chaos to join his other servants after their contract had been temporarily broken. And now... Here was yet another fire... He could hear screams being cut off within the blaze as life was wiped out. The demon sighed and turned to take his leave. He had no reason to help these humans, to warn them against the teetering building. It was far too late to stop the structure from collapsing as well. Everyone inside was probably dead anyway. But no matter how much those thoughts ran through his head, he found that he feet refused to move. Why? Oh yes... He doubted that Integra would take kindly to the fact that he simply let all these people die.

A deep growl rumbled in his throat as he turned back to the crowd, resignation running through him. His voice rose above the clamor as he started to make his way through the gathered crowd. "Everyone, please; calm yourselves... This building's structural integrity has failed. It will be down within moments; I suggest you all put some distance between yourselves and this location." The chaos within the crowd started to die down as he finally pushed his way through to the front as they registered his words; and then noticed the tilt. The bits of blackened rubble falling from the building was what dragged back the screams. People began to push and shove; practically trampling each other as they fled the scene, and the groaning of the building became audible through the rage of the flames.



Once all had cleared, Sebastian turned to take his own leave; when he distinctly heard pounding from the building's upper floors. The screams were barely heard, even by his own hyper-sensitive sense of sound. But obviously, someone was still alive. He spun around to lock his gaze on the window which contained the small figure silhouetted against the blaze. A child? So someone was still alive... And just letting her die when he could have saved her was yet another thing he doubted Integra would be happy with. Now that all witnesses had fled, he had an opening to act. The demon streaked toward the inferno, and took one easy leap to reach and stand on the window sill which had the child trapped. Standing on the narrow piece of protruding wood with perfect balance, he leaned over to take hold of the base of the window. It was pulled up with ease, though the sounds which came with the opening made it clear the window had been stuck.

He squatted on the window ledge, looking in on the petrified girl with a small smile. "Come, Child... You are safe now." His white gloved hand extended to take hold of her upper arm in a gentle, but firm, grip. He pulled her into his arms; one arm supporting her back while the bend in her knees rested upon his other arm. He held her close to him in a reassurance, as well as to hide the view from this height. Then he jumped; landing gracefully on the wasted ground many stories below. And then he was running, at a human pace this time. Mere seconds after he had cleared the area; the structure crumbled and sparks exploded outward as the fire finally ate through the support.

Sebastian had soon reached the location where the crowds had gathered; ignoring the yells of surprise as he made his way through with the child. Of course, a few recognized the Hellsing butler; while many others would soon learn who he was from those who already knew. One life had been pulled from the hungry flames; and that news was quickly starting to spread. The butler was quite keen on escaping from the crowds as quickly as possible. So before he could be accosted with questions, or congratulations, or any form of verbal communication; he had left the mass of confused people and turned down another side road. Once the chaos had been left behind, he set her down on a chair outside one of the buildings which created the alleyway. He knelt before her to be at her eye level, and pulled a handkerchief from an inside pocket. One might have thought he was the girl's father if they'd seen how careful and gentle he was when wiping away the mixture of tears, mascara, sweat, and general filth from the smoke. "Are you alright?" Came the soft voice.

[Lost]

The small child clung to her rescuer tightly and buried her face into his shoulder, to terrified to move much less worry about how high up they were. Even when his feet touch the ground she didn't release her hold on his lapel. The sounds of the fire still echoed in her ears and rattled her figure even as he set her in the chair. At least somewhat aware that she was safe. She sat back and let his stroke wipe away the grim from her face. Who was he? Whoever he was, she didn't seem to care, she just seemed happy to be free and out of doors. She did let out the occasional cough as he cleaned her, but she remembered her manners enough to cover her mouth with her slender, pale arm.

He was so kind and gentle to her. And his bravery had certainly left an impression on the child for, when he was done with her one eye, she leaned forward and wrapped her delicate arms around his neck in a grateful and still slightly fearful embrace. Her soft, sweet voice chimed from her lips as she spoke her gratefulness to her knight. Like the soft humming of violins, her voice would spill gently into his ears, "T... thank... you."

She drew back and pulled her shoulders straighter, her head taller, and her eyes more steady. Though the tears still welling up in her eyes and her slightly quivering breath gave her facade away. If he could be brave, then so could she. She sniffed a bit but nodded in response to his question, not quite able to make her own words sound just right. Her light colored eyes shimmering with a slight wetness that filmed them over, bravery trying in desperation to show itself but not co-operating in the slightest. To hide her apparent shame at her failure at bravery, she lowered her gaze to stare at the hands folded elegantly in her lap.

[sebastian]

She looked so helpless, pathetic almost. It reminded him all too clearly of the time when he was first summoned to young Ciel Phantomhive. The boy had been in an awful physical state; about to be sacrificed for a human ceremony he knew little about. But his appearance had proven faulty; he had been a strong youth who longed for revenge to an extent which he found reason enough to offer a contract. He had proven to be quite an interesting subject. Now, here was this young girl... No older than 9 years old in appearance; and only just come out of a large fire intact. Had he not been present, she might have very well gone down with the building and been lost forever. So, form personal experience, he knew not to underestimate her simply because she was a child; no matter how helpless she appeared. Perhaps it was those lingered memories of his former master which made him so willing to offer the child any form of help he could.

Her coughing was a matter to be concerned about. The smoke may have damaged her lungs, human lungs tended to be rather fragile. Her little coughs, while muffled by the arm he covered her mouth with, sounded raspy and strained. He paused in the clearing of the filth long enough to pull a small bottle of water from another pocket. It had been a gift from one of the refugee's children; who really had nothing to give. But he had been so determined, that the butler hadn't bothered to refuse. It was a touching attempt really; and he hadn't expected to use the water. As he began to screw off the cap, he suddenly became aware of the child hugging him; and the crimson gaze widened. It had been an unexpected movement. Her breath on his ear sent a slight chill down his spine. It was a sweet voice, even to his demon ears. "You are very welcome, milady..." He responded as she released him and sat back in her chair again.

Sebastian removed the top from the bottle, and looked up to see that she had her hands folded neatly in her lap and was looking down at them. A strange curiosity had settled into his intense gaze. Her embrace had brought up the question of what she was. In every way; appearance, behavior, and even scent; she appeared human. But her physical contact had allowed him to sense that she wasn't exactly human. He couldn't place her identity, and he was intrigued by that feeling. There was a demon involved, that was certain. It was extremely difficult for a demon to hide anything from another demon. But her species was a matter to worry about later. The butler extended a hand again, tucking his forefinger under her chin and gently pushing her head up. There was no reason for her to feel any sort of shame or shyness. "Please drink, it should help clear your throat." He said, taking the small bottle of water and pressing it into her hands. He folded the handkerchief over itself, and took a moment to wipe away the rest of the grime from her face before tucking it away into his pocket again. He would clean the cloth later.

[Lost]

The girl took the canister and sipped from it slowly. When she was done she set the canister down beside her on the chair as she did not take up the entire thing and let the man finish his work. She didn't move as he cleaned, she didn't want to make the task more difficult for him after all. So she took the time to study him a bit, her composure returning to her. He was sophisticated looking. A gentleman clearly, not just from his dress but also from his actions. Strange that a demon should have such manners...

She rather liked his black hair though. So clean looking and soft. His eyes were a treat as well, a rather interesting hue to say the least. On top of this he was cleaning her face without even getting a single smudge on his pure white gloves. That told her that he was used to such duties, or at least was a worker of some sort. Judging by his tail-coat and overall demeanor, she took a guess, butler. How nice indeed. "Wh- who are you?" She was still sniffing a tad but it was beginning to subside.

[sebastian]

He allowed another friendly smile to cross his features as he tilted his head slightly to observe her drinking. Good, water was the best thing for her at this moment. She still seemed quite shaken up, but that was to be expected. Being trapped in a burning and collapsing building, with the dying screams of countless others who perished in the flames... It was enough to traumatize anyone, any species really; assuming fire was able to harm the said species. And she was very young as well; but that wasn't saying much. For all he knew, she might have been centuries old; but trapped in the body of a child. Being trapped in such a body would certainly have affects... When she had taken in some water, she looked to be feeling slightly better.

When she asked her questions, he rose to his feet; once more towering above her and stepped back, an apologetic look set in his face. "Oh yes, forgive my inconsideration; I haven't introduced myself." He rested a hand on his chest bowed at the waist, his hair falling elegantly around his face. "I am Sebastian Michaelis. I serve as the head butler of the Hellsing Estate; an organization which resides here in Hallowton and serves the Queen directly. I am at your service." He straightened up again, curious of her again. She seemed too intelligent to be just a 9 year old, but he figured it was still good to let her know exactly what Hellsing was; if he was going to introduce himself as serving there. Honestly, he wanted to return to the manor as soon as possible; but this was something he needed to attend to. His gaze became more serious after a moment. "I hope you'll forgive me if this question is something you'd rather not answer; but I must know... Was you family in that fire as well? Do you have a place to go to? As your rescuer; it is now my duty to ensure your safety."

[Lost]

The girl's eyes turned a bit sorrowful as she pondered the answer to his question. Once again she didn't make eye contact with Sebastian. She trained her vision on a stray piece of debris by her foot, "No. They weren't. They died years ago..." she stopped for a moment seemingly to make the memories go away before she tried to continue. "I don't have a place to go. I-I don't even know where I am. I was s-sitting in Mrs. Turbledor's room and then... I wasn't. I was... in there." Her gaze shifted to the corner from which they had come, but not being able to see the building, she turned her gaze back to the debris.

Finally, she brought her face up to look at Sebastian's towering form, seemingly undaunted by it in the least. Rather, she had a look of immense curiosity. as he spoke of Hellsing Estate. So she had been right. A butler. Must be a very good one, she thought to herself. To be able to do all that- yes a good one for certain.

"As your rescuer; it is now my duty to ensure your safety."

The light in her eyes glimmered just a bit in the small light of hopefulness that hid behind them, though she did not voice that hope straight away. But it would be clear in her eyes that she did not wish to be left alone. She half wished that he would take her with him to this Hellsing. Being so young, her beginnings to find a certain fondness for her knight were to be expected.

[sebastian]

So, she had been an orphan before-hand? Yet another similarity to his former master. He mentally rebuked himself for allowing those thoughts of Ciel return to haunt him. He had a new master now, everything that had happened beforehand was irrelevant and unimportant. Ciel had been one of few masters which had actually made him feel start to feel a certain fondness for. But when he was denied his prize, that fondness had faded away to nothing, despite the fact that the loss hadn't been a choice of Ciel's. It had happened against his young master's will. However, the boy had certainly clung to him; and seemed to enjoy having his butler on an eternal leash. That was what made him dislike the youth. He allowed a trace of sympathy to show in his crimson gaze as he looked back at the girl. "You are in Hallowton, a city within a realm that isn't your own. While I cannot explain why or how you came to be here, I can tell you that you aren't the only one to be drawn into this world."

She was a child, demon or not, without friends or family; lost in a strange world with no way to take care of herself. She had just lost the only home she had, and was extremely shaken by the event. It was blatantly obvious that she didn't want to be abandoned here; and she needed some reassurance that she could live her life here without being in constant danger. And as he had said, he couldn't just walk away and leave her here after saving her miserable life of loneliness. But she appeared far too young to be of any use to Hellsing, taking her back with him would have its own consequences. He was silent as he rested his chin in his fingers, thinking about what to do next. Perhaps one of the refugee families that resided near the castle wall would take her in? He knew of a few who had wanted children; but were afraid of getting their desire due to only barely being able to sustain themselves. There was also the option of moving her into the residence hall on Hellsing grounds to join those refugees who had yet to become independent. While living there; she would have food, water, and shelter readily available; maybe she'd be adopted into a family. Yes, that seemed to be the best course of action. So long as she didn't get in anyone's way, no harm would come from her residence; unless she purposely caused it.



Sebastian looked back at her, and leaned forward to offer her his hand; smiling pleasantly once again. "On Hellsing grounds, we shelter many people who have been as unfortunate as yourself. If you wish to join them, you will have everything you need available. All of the refugees are much like an very large family; they would be more than happy to take in such a fine young lady as yourself. All I must ask is that you do your best to not get in anyone's way, and to not cause trouble. We are a busy organization, after all. In the near future, you may be asked to carry out a few tasks; but nothing you wouldn't be able to handle." If she took his hand, then he would bring her back with him. If she'd rather not; then he would set her up in a hotel somewhere. He knew of a certain couple who were former refugees which would take good care of the girl.

[Lost]

At hearing that she may have a home, she face lit up a bit more brightly. "I would like that very much. But... would I be able to see you?" She stood and placed her small hand into his, letting it lay elegantly in his grasp. Now she was not just looking at his face, she was staring straight into his ruby eyes with her emerald green ones. The deep pools of shimmering green that held a sweet request, one that would be echoed to Sebastian, not through words, but through a form a communication that only children could perform. The silent and polite, yet yearning voice that spoke with no tones.

She was an interesting girl indeed. Her mannerisms, her clothing, her voice all pointed to one that seemed to be above her class. And this butler suited her just fine- refined, poised, courteous. Yes he was just her type. She hoped that he would come to visit her often. Of course, she would be content with nearly any home he put her in. Such was her nature- to adapt. She had had no choice in the past and so she was quite used to it. Besides, she was quite comfortable under most conditions, though her dress would hint that an upper class family would suit her best. However, her face showed that the level didn't matter at the moment, as long as she could ask that one request of Sebastian.

And so she wrapped her other hand around his as well and waited for his answer intently. Before doing so however, she promptly wiped the smoke stained appendage on a clean part of her dress, not wanting to ruin his perfectly white gloves. She held his hand firmly but with a unique gentleness, as is his hand was a baby chick that she was holding and did not with to harm. Her soft skin aided in the gentleness with which she held the hand, perhaps hoping that somehow her behavior would secure the answer she wished.

[sebastian]

That was her concern? Whether or not she'd see him again? He could understand why she might have a desire to be able to speak with him; he had just saved her life after all. But the way she was looking at him now, accepting his hand and holding it in both her own... There was already a certain fondness growing for him in her mind. That was both unnerving, and amusing. He was easy to like, that much wasn't unknown to him. Without any effort, he could win over trust and appreciation; simply because he was living up to his status as a butler. He hadn't failed to miss her motion to clean her hand before touching his glove, and that came as a bit of a surprise to him. She had manners, and had just taken the task of cleaning his gloves from his long to-do list. Perhaps she would be a tolerable addition to the Hellsing Refugees.

He turned back to face her and bowed again, raising the hand she held to his eye level so that he could gently press his lips to the back of her hand. It was a general greeting from a butler to a guest of high status. "Certainly, Milady. Providing for the refugees falls on my plate of duties; you will see me multiple times a day. I apologize if I can't stop to talk with you every time I pass; I do have many jobs to handle around the estate. But I shall endeavor to be available should you require my services." He rose from his bow, resuming his straight-backed stance and slipping his hand hand from her grip. "We shall make our way back to the manor now then. It seems I have another room to prepare in the residence hall. You will be welcomed." He began to walk down the street; expecting her to be right on his heels. Today had been a rather interesting one... He'd picked up a librarian for the estate's Library, and now he'd picked up a strange girl who's species was unknown; and was bringing her back to live on the grounds. Whenever he met Integra later that day, he would be sure to pass on the updates.

[Lost]

She giggled a bit when he kiss tickled her hand and- seemingly pleased by this answer- the little girl's pained lips curled into a small smile for the first time. She slid off of the chair to follow closely behind as he began to walk off. A new home... This was very good turn of events to be certain. Her black heels clicked on the ground as she jogged to catch up with Sebastian, her delicate hands clasped in front of her waist.

Suddenly she looked up to him, realizing that she had left out one very important thing,. How rude of her, "I am terribly sorry, I forgot to give you my name. Clara. Clara Marise." That done, she looked back over her shoulder to the local of the collapsed building. By now the terror had be banished from the child's face. But something else was in it's place. Something... darker. She turned such that she was certain no one would see and allowed a queer smile to tug at her lips. And she thought to herself-



"This is going to be fun..."