Relationships

Arucard (Alucard)
Arucard The "master of monster," Integra is the only human whom Arucard will obey. He is bound to protect her, and she is also the only one who can release the final seal on his powers. In spite of the power she possesses over him, Arucard will openly criticize her, and in general, he has no inhibitions against freely speaking with her. She does the same to him: her baiting is just as obvious although her criticisms are usually more callous.

The two seem to have something akin to a love-hate relationship, although it's not that; there is, however, a duality to it. Arucard has a low opinion of humans in general- he does not want Seras to be bound to humans like he is to Integra, and he clearly resents his servitude. (For example, in episode 8, he sets an illusion upon Integra, asking her how she feels being hunted, like she hunts vampires.) Yet he and Integra share a very strong bond that extends beyond simple obedience to an authority figure. He shows Integra concern, of sorts, respects and acknowledges her strength, and understands her very well. In episode 9, he even is furious that Incognito has harmed Integra, even though Incognito says that Arucard will no longer have a master. (This may, however, be due to some aspect of Arucard's contract not made explicit in the first stage.) As for Integra, even though she frequently criticizes Arucard and his kind, in the end, she knows that she can always count on Arucard when she needs him, and this speaks volumes on its own; in essence, she has placed her trust in him.

Episode 10 is quite good at showing that the bond between Arucard and Integra is far more than the simplistic "master and servant" description. Seras is concerned for Integra and blames herself for failing to save the woman. Arucard, however, tells Seras that Integra is a fighter, someone who lives to fight and will "rip you apart and make your blood flow." Integra cannot give up; doing so will kill her, not only because of her present condition, but in general in anything Integra does. It is not in her nature to give in and accept failure. Arucard, after this analysis of Integra's character, then is silent and watches Integra intently; he doesn't even look at Seras as the female vampire leaves the room.

Although most of episode ten is a flashback of Integra and Arucard's first meeting, it is a flashback within a dream. Arucard's presence is felt on some level by adult Integra; his presence is his way of watching over her (as seen in her mirror) and providing her support. Actually, the dream itself could be his doing, as suggested by the end conversation between them, but that's arguable. Towards the dream's end, adult Integra speaks to the present Arucard. The exchange is gentle, intimate. Integra feels that Arucard is treating her like a child, presumably because of the way in which he is helping her, but Arucard replies that she is still the same child. Integra smiles in response, and then child Integra says, "Thank you," also reflecting adult Integra's gratitude toward present Arucard. It is only after Integra awakens, and is thus out of danger, that Arucard silently leaves.

Episode ten also provides the background to their relationship. Arucard has been a constant figure in Integra's life for the past ten years. Integra was thirteen when she met Arucard; even though she was always his master during that time, she was also a child, and his positive feelings towards her are probably a direct result of watching her grow up. Furthermore, she's female, and although Arucard does not appear to make distinctions among sex, it nevertheless has affected their relationship.

As further indication of Arucard and Integra's deep bond, the anime has Seras observe it. At the beginning of episode 11, Arucard and a recovering Integra are sitting quietly on the balcony. Seras, who is trying to deal with her nightmare, only notices Arucard at first and is happy to see him. She starts to say "Master" but she falls silent upon noticing that Integra is with him. Her reaction, which seems to border on unconscious jealousy, indicates that she senses the intimacy between Integra and Arucard, in spite of their silence (or perhaps because of it). Seras does not want to, and likely does not know how to, interrupt them.

Although in episode 10, the more positive aspects of Arucard and Integra's relationship are focused upon, episode 11 centers on the relationship's dual nature. Sometime after the above scene, Integra encounters Arucard in the basement. Arucard asks Integra if she has ever thought about drinking his blood to become stronger. Integra remains emotionless and flatly replies that he is not the type to not know what she is thinking (meaning yes, she has thought about it). He replies that he wanted to hear her say it. She is obviously annoyed by his observations: for one thing, Arucard has read her so well, and secondly, he is also taunting her to some extent (although his points are valid). Arucard recognizes that Integra's devotion to her duties has led her to entertain thoughts upon which she can never act; he offers her the impossible, knowing that she cannot accept. She is proud and becoming a vampire, in spite of the strength it would give her, would go against all of her beliefs and violate her honor.

Arucard thus seems to have ascertained Integra's internal conflicts; while he understands her, he is not above pointing them out to her, even though she is a private person who hates signs of weakness. Integra, however, has a slightly more difficult time handling Arucard's conflicts - his obligation to follow her versus his desire to be free from human control. Yet she also recognizes that he is different from the vampires she is hunting, although probably not just because he's a "true vampire."

The duality, the conflicting nature of their relationship is always present throughout the series. Although their interests, beliefs, and feelings often clash, they nevertheless have a strong bond, beyond their contract, that connects them. They do, in fact, care for each other.

Oh, and on a completely different note, I think ArucardxIntegra makes an awesome pairing. It's sexy. See Unresolved for a bit more on that.


Walter Cumm Ddollneazz
Walter Walter is Integra's devoted and trusted servant. He has served as the Hellsing family's steward for quite some time and is one the few constants in Integra's life; Integra grew up with him to protect her. In episode 2, when Integra questions whether Walter wishes to be out on the field again (referring to his days as the Shinigami, when he worked as a Hellsing agent), he denies that, saying his most important duty is to protect Integra-sama. Walter would give his life to protect her, and he almost does in episode 13.

Integra relies on Walter a great deal, not just for his abilities as a steward - although at times she takes it for granted that he must follow her orders, and thus treats him coolly when he is only being concerned - but also for emotional support. Walter is perhaps the only one Integra can really turn to for this, but since she never directly asks for it, he usually provides it subtlely and indirectly; when absolutely necessary, he will even directly support her regardless of how she responds. In spite of his concern for her health and well-being, Walter has a strong belief in Integra; in episode 10, he, too, believes that she will pull through since he recognizes her internal strength.


Seras Victoria
Seras Integra is clearly not pleased about having a second vampire join Hellsing. Initially she is quite cold to Seras, telling the new vampire flat-out not to go around sucking people's blood, and Seras bristles at the implication that she cannot control herself. Later, after Arucard's first battle with Anderson, Integra coldly states that Hellsing has no use for vampires that cannot take care of themselves, a criticism of both Seras and Arucard.

Despite Integra's generally cold behavior towards Seras, it's unlikely that she actually dislikes the girl. Seras is a vampire, and Integra's duty is to exterminate them; furthermore, Integra has no tolerance for failure, and Seras makes mistakes because she is still learning how to adjust to her new identity.

Seras, for her part, has no ill feelings for Integra; she seems to respect Integra, even if it's just for being the director of Hellsing. In fact, she probably feels more than just respect; when Integra is in danger in episode nine, Seras puts her life on the line against Walter. She is also clearly horrified and overwrought when Integra cuts her own throat; in episode 10, Seras blames herself for not being quick enough to save Integra. Frankly, Seras seems to be the type that would easily hero-worship Integra, although this may be more for the manga than the anime.

Seras, however, may be unknowingly jealous of Integra, as implied in episodes ten and eleven. Integra is the master of Seras' master, Arucard, which puts Seras in an awkward position; apparently before episode ten, Seras never really understood that Arucard had a master. Seras senses the bond between Arucard and Integra but is unsure of what to make of it. It's not sexual jealousy, since there isn't a romantic relationship hinted at between Arucard and Seras, but it's more a jealousy of intimacy.


Peter Fargason
Fargason Fargason, the commander of the Hellsing Institution 1st Squadron, has probably been working for Hellsing for quite some time. He is dedicated to Hellsing and obeys orders quickly and efficiently. Integra clearly trusts and respects him. Although they don't seem to have a very close relationship, she is distraught over his almost death by Jan, and then his real death in episode 12.


Enrico Maxwell
Maxwell As much as she despises the undead, Integra's dislike for them is paled only by her passionate hatred for Iscariot, the Catholic organization that rivals Hellsing. To Integra, England is a thoroughly Protestant nation, and Iscariot's interferences are condescending attempts by the Vatican to subvert England's religion. In particular, she clashes with Maxwell (although she has issues with Anderson, too).

Enrico Maxwell, one of the top priests of Iscariot, at first attempts to charm Integra through polite manners, oily words, and pretty roses. These, of course, fail. He comes off as a devious, ruthless jerk, but also as a coward when faced when Arucard and somewhat pathetic in his inability to successfully handle Integra. Although Integra is not above using insults against him, hers are mocking responses to Maxwell's; he calls her a "female swine" out of anger, and later, after she knows she has won, she returns him the favor by calling him "Vatican's male swine."


Jan Valentine
There isn't much of a relationship here, per se, so much as it is Jan's weird, obsessive behavior towards Integra. He seems to displace all of his hatred towards authority and humanity onto her, and Hellsing's refusal to simply give up like it should riles him up even more. Thus, by the time he reaches her, he not only wants to kill her but he also wants to rape her dead body several times. His completely offensive, totally disgusting behavior shocks and so disturbs Integra to the point that she can never forgive him for his actions. Although she asserts herself when they finally meet, she is still unable to control him; in causing his own death, he subverts her authority and has the last laugh. His actions and his personality continue to haunt and taunt her even after he's dead; mostly, he reminds her of her own weaknesses and her own responsibilities. Fortunately, however, Integra is strong enough to eventually move beyond this.


Sir Hellsing
Sir Hellsing Sir Hellsing (Lord Hellsing) was Integra's father. Although he only appears only briefly in the anime, it is clear that Integra loved him very much and was deeply loved by him. Their relationship was likely close and affectionate, although he had high expectations of her. When she appears late to their meeting, he gently points out her tardiness. Judging by their lessons, which presumably were frequent, in spite of her youth, he treated her as an intelligent and capable person. His desire to instill an awareness of her obligations as a Hellsing was successful; she is completely devoted to her family's God-given mission. He completely trusts her abilities and potential, recognizing her purity of strength and resolve, as demonstrated by his decision to leave Hellsing in her care. Even after his death, Integra continues to use his teachings to fulfill her duties to her lineage; she probably also greatly misses him, as suggested by how she (as young Integra) stares at him during the dream in episode 10, and by how frequently she is shown looking at his painting.


Knights of the Round Table
Knights of the Round Table Integra has a somewhat strained relationship with the Knights of the Round Table. Of the ten knights, she is the only woman, and she is also the youngest. Furthermore, she has the difficult task of eliminating the undead while making sure that Hellsing Organization remains a secret.

In episode five, the Knights meet at the Hellsing mansion out of concern for the increase in artificial vampires. At least several of the Knights are determined to hold Integra and Hellsing accountable for the recent attacks, as well as the increase in public awareness of the undead's existance. Integra, however, calmly and coolly points out the knights' neglect of their own areas, as well as factors beyond Hellsing's control.

One knight, annoyed by Integra's words, states that Integra's father never talked as she did. This scene suggests that the knights, including Integra, compare Integra to her father and to the standards that he set as the late director of Hellsing. However, even if she does meet these standards, that may not be sufficient for the other knights to truly accept her as one of them- her differences (gender and age) may always mark her as an outsider of sorts. Some of the knights even seem to resent Integra, although this may be because of her icy, unflappable attitude and not her gender or age; perhaps their dislike may be a combination of all three factors.

In spite of possible conflicting attitudes towards Integra, the Knights often look to her for solutions and leadership, at least regarding the undead. In episode six, while the other Knights are panicking, Integra is one of the few who manages to keep her cool. It is this collectedness, as well as her usual confidence, consistency, and passion, that causes others to rely on her; in all meetings focusing on the undead, Integra has a distinct, commanding presence.

The knights hold Integra accountable for the events in episodes five and six; this is somewhat unnecessary since Integra already completely blames herself. But their harshness in handling her seems a little overboard, even if it is fair to expect Integra to accept responsibility for what happens in her own organization.

Although Hellsing and Integra are betrayed by a member of the Round Table, this may or may not have been personally motivated. After all, the 'Judas,' who presumably worked with Incognito to set Hellsing up, also betrayed England and humankind.


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