To everyone who reads this story I thank you so much for reading and for being patient with my slow updating. I will definitely try and update sooner. I'm glad you have been enjoy it thus far and I thank you for your kind words.

Without further to add, I leave you all to enjoy this chapter :)

Every Full Moon

Chapter 4: Secrets

Year: 1920

"Erin do you believe so? Erin?!" Evangeline stopped walking when she noticed her brother several feet behind her staring far into the distant sky. She walked back until she was standing right in front of him and only then did he actually acknowledged her. "Honestly Erin, you have not been yourself recently." She said in a huff, taking in his expression. He wore distress especially when he was outside, fear from what, she could not say.

He turned to her and smiled, "I assure you I am alright." He was trying his best to smile but it did not reach his eyes. Evangeline had noted he was usually now spending more time in their father's study room and she only saw him during meal time. Today was different, she had forced him out of the study room because she wanted to take a stroll around the garden and someone had to accompany her.

She sighed again giving no sign that she knew that he was lying to her, "then assure me by at least listening." She wrapped her arms around his and tugged him forward as they continued to walk along the path.

"So Erin, when are you and father leaving again?" Her father and brother leaving every month was becoming a routine.

Erin looked away from her gaze, the usual expression of fear taking over him, "I believe…perhaps after your birthday."

"I am sure you have learned a lot about the business, I wish I knew." Still kept in the dark, nothing but hushed conversation and closed doors around her.

Erin came to a sudden halt, stopping Evangeline who was holding onto his arm. She looked at him and he was staring right at her with the gravest of looks. "You have not the slightest idea of what you ask."

"Erin what do you mean?" She gasped at the coldness of his words, what was the secret then? What did he know that made him drastically change in such a short fraction of time?

Evangeline continued to look up at her brother, wanting to understand him but he didn't give the slightest opening to his thoughts and demeanor. Erin wished he could tell his sister, he hoped that his fate was indeed just his burden alone and that it would not be passed down to her if he should fail.

They heard galloping approach the front gate where they were strolling, soon the gates opened and a familiar voice called out to them. "Erin, Miss Evangeline! It's good to see you two."

Erin was able to look away from the intense stare his sister was giving him, most importantly he was able to keep his mouth shut on the matter. "Varrick?" He questioned. He had seen Viscount Dorning at the estate almost every day after their father had agreed to fund his company's growth. Erin had his reasons not to trust Varrick as well, he seemed intent in winning Evangeline's favor.

"Likewise you know you may call me by my first name." Evangeline gave a small curtsy in return. Varrick dismounted his horse and began to approach the two siblings, his eyes shifting towards Evangeline and her warm smile.

"Have I earned such an honor?" Varrick said bowing to her.

"Indeed not." Erin interjected and pulled out his sword, the tip touching Varrick's chin.

"Erin what are you doing?" Evangeline grabbed Erin's arm and tried to lower it but his grip on the sword and arm posture didn't move an inch.

"Hmm…You know I mean her no harm." Varrick said seriously. He raised his head and arms slowly and backed up. The tip of Erin's sword still held precisely in place on Varrick's chin even as he moved back. There eye's locked until Erin slowly removed his sword but it still remained unsheathed at his side, Varrick glanced at Evangeline who still held onto Erin's arm and giving him a confused expression which he did not respond.

Varrick contemplated reaching for his own sword but the look on Erin's face made him contemplate otherwise. Erin huffed and his posture changed becoming more relaxed, "while that may be true, I am in need of a sparring partner."

Varrick chuckled lightly using it to disguise his worry with where the situation was going but nodded in response.

"You, ughh…are…hhhhnnn…quite the sparring partner..uhh..." Varrick was laying on the grass panting, he felt that there wasn't enough oxygen reaching him. Erin was above him, the tip of his dull sword above his heart. "Do you get into quarrels much?" Erin removed his sword from Varrick chest and handed it to his instructor.

"Yes." Erin replied, he stretched his hand out to Varrick who was still panting but took the gesture of help from off the ground. "Good intent." Erin still didn't trust Varrick, he didn't understand why but, he did admire how he managed to stand his ground for a while.

Later a maid approached them holding two glasses filled with water, Varrick took hold of both of them and handed one to Erin, "I say, you fight to kill Erin." Varrick teased and then began to drink his glass without stopping until he finished all the water.

Erin took a small sip and simply starred at the remaining water, "I must never lose." His eyes narrowed as he looked up at Varrick, "excuse me I have other tasks to attend to." Evangeline got up from her chair to stop Erin from leaving.

"Erin wait-" Evangeline tried to block him from walking but just by looking at him she knew it was to no avail.

"Excuse me sister." He said walking past her, he opened the door and slipped inside. She looked back at Varrick who mirrored her confused expression.

She turned back to face the door and whispered to herself, "why do I feel he speaks in riddle?" There are things he wishes to express but it's as if there is a strong impediment, some sort of danger… Evangeline finished pondering.

"It was not my intention to offend him." Varrick quickly countered in fear that Evangeline would blame him on the abrupt behavioral turn her brother took.

She faced him, large eyes threatening to tear up, "I know…"

"Then do not look so glum, it does not suit you my lady." He held out his hand to her, "I believe I interrupted your stroll, we can continue it if that is what you wish." He smiled lightly.

She trusted Varrick, he was always so kind towards her. There was no reason to doubt him and with that she placed her hand in his but as she did she heard a raven's caw.

Evangeline was restless, it was a full moon but Vlad returning wasn't the only thing on her mind. There was a lot of stress weighing down on the inhabitants of the Hellsing estate and everyone seemed especially restless tonight. It did not help that Evangeline's bedroom was situated near the stairs where she could hear footsteps pacing up and down every few minutes.

Unable to deal with the curiosity, she got out of bed, Mina began chirping in a frantic way that sounded like a warning. "Mina, sshhh," she pressed a finger to her lips, "I will not get caught." She grabbed her night robe and slippers, quickly putting them on before leaving the room.

She was about to go to the stairs when she heard a muffled conversation coming from her father's study room which was just down the hall from her own room. Quietly she crept to the room making sure no one was coming from either side: being behind the door or from downstairs. She placed her ear on the door but she didn't understand what they were say but she could at least tell who the voices belonged to, they were that of her father's and brother.

They seemed to be engaged in some sort of conflict. Evangeline placed here ear over the key hole where she could distinguish the voices and hear a clearer conversation.

"Erin we must go to the town of Greenwich." Lysander spoke while going through many papers that were on his desk.

Erin got up from where he was seated, shaken by the news he dropped some papers that he had been studying. "Tonight father?" He questioned hoping it wasn't tonight but he knew better than to hope for that outcome.

Lysander looked up at his son, "yes the situation might get out of hand if we do not proceed immediately." He finished placing the papers inside a green leather book and walked near the door. "Make haste Erin." Erin seemed to be prolonging the departure by picking up his scrambled papers at a leisure pace. This gave Evangeline enough time to run back to her room and remain undiscovered.

She had left her door open slightly, enough to let her see her father and brother stride by. They both shared a serious expression, "I wonder…" She whispered to herself. Curious as ever Evangeline had a hard time waiting in her room for there to be absolutely no noise and no one passing by her room.

Mina kept cawing in distress but Evangeline ignored it and once again left her room. She assessed the situation while sneaking out: she wasn't half bad at riding a horse, but riding at night would be dangerous especially if she was trying to stay a distance away from her father and brother but still within reach to track them. She wanted to know what was in Greenwich? What made her father and brother leave at the darkest hour in such a grim state?

Unheard and unseen as she left the estate, she made her way to the stables. She was willing to risk going through with it, if not for a familiar warning that came from the entrance of the horse stable. "I presume you are not planning to venture into the forest yet again after I forewarned you."

Evangeline let go of the horse's reigns to look towards the entrance. The figure was shrouded in shadow but the voice was unmistakable. He stepped back outside and Evangeline sighed as she gave up the intent and followed him out of the stable.

"Vlad, it is not what you were thinking, I simply..." Her coming excuse was pitiful and a lie. She looked up at him only to find that his back was turn towards her. Mina was resting on his shoulders at ease looking at the sky just as he was.

He slowly turned to face her, "being of a inquisitive mind in this world will only lead to misfortune." He wasn't scolding her in fact it surprised her how calm his voice sounded. She nodded in response.

She looked up at him and sighed, "they just left again, I do not understand..."

"Hopefully you will not have to." He said under his breath, though his comment was for him alone.

"What was that?" Evangeline raised an eyebrow, he was his usual cryptic self she thought.

"Do tell me what you have been up to. Hopefully whatever you have been doing is not as hazardous as what you were planning tonight." He petted Mina who was still resting on his shoulder quite at home being near him.

"I have told you many times I live a dull life and I do not have enough liberty to get into any trouble, mind you." She said pursing her lips in sulk and crossing her arms.

"You are indeed getting older. The way that you speak is becoming quite rebellious." Vlad rolled his eyes. He gestured his hand towards Evangeline who took it even if she was a little reluctant to. They began to walk towards their usual spot in the garden. "Though, you seem more at ease than the last time we spoke." Vlad commented.

"I am, I have Mina to keep me company and Varrick as well." Mina turned to face Evangeline and bowed her head towards her: meaning she wanted to be petted. Evangeline obliged and smoothed the feathers on Mina's head, it gave her an excuse to not look at Vlad while he gave her a sort of irritated look.

"Who is this Varrick fellow?" Of course he knew who Varrick was but he wanted to know how Evangeline perceived him, what words she would use to describe him.

"He does business with father and visits frequently, we usually have afternoon tea together. He is a gentleman who makes good conversation." Mina hissed as if responding to what Evangeline said, she jumped off Vlad's shoulder and flew high into the night sky.

"Hmm." His furrowed expression worried her, he might get so upset and leave abruptly again.

"Mina does not seem to like him much; I have no idea as to why that is. She tried pecking him several times as we walked this afternoon." Evangeline shrugged and sighed, it was if only her father, mother and herself liked Varrick everyone else acted against him.

"Maybe you should heed her warning." Vlad smiled. Evangeline stared at Vlad not understanding why he found this situation humorous.

"You are indeed strange." She commented bluntly but quickly covered her mouth recognizing how irrespective her words were.

"Am I now?" His head cocked to one side, "hmm, how so?" His lips curled into a smile. It was if he had heard something completely amusing although to Evangeline it sounded nothing but the norm.

"Well, you…" The look he was giving her was intense, she was afraid of giving her honest opinion, what if it upset him so much he would disappear and never return.

"Go on," The panicked expression she gave him amused him even more, he really wanted to hear what she had to say. Reading her mind was no fun and he had sworn to himself out of respect for her he would not do it again. "You must know that once you leave someone intrigued they can force the truth out of you one way or another." Her eyes widened. He recognized his previous comment sounded a little too sadistic. He sighed and smiled lightly, "you are afraid your comment will upset me?" Evangeline nodded her head slowly in response. "Ridiculous, now let's hear it." He sat closer to her with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.

She looked down at the grass as she spoke, "To start it all off, that is to say…you are so cryptic." She quickly glanced up at him expecting him to be angry with her comment but his expression was intrigued, his ruby gaze beckoning her to continue.

"You speak in riddle sometimes and I do not know what will make you smile or what might upset you. You hardly speak of yourself and when you do you become saddened. You seem to prefer the night time; the appearance of the full moon makes you happy...and you find the strangest events humorous..." From her time spent with Vlad these are the facts she had gathered about him, the only things she was positive about that made up his personality.

He let out a chuckle, he beamed down upon her with his now intense gaze, "I believe that my gift is befitting of such an outspoken young lady. Never be afraid to let your opinions be known: be it written or voiced." From the inside of his coat pocket he took out a small square shaped item that was folded in an intricate patterned cloth. He gestured it towards her which she took lightly into her hands.

Evangeline unwrapped it carefully to find it was a book. The front cover was painted with acrylics, she could tell because that is what her brother used for most of his paintings. Her finger traced the painting of the colorful butterfly. The butterfly seemed to be resting on a sunflower. She opened the book and flipped through its many empty pages. She was delighted with the gift and hugged it to her chest and smiled.

"Thank you Vlad." She got up from where she was seated and approached him slowly, he seemed calm and she jumped at him with a joyous expression. She embraced him tightly and he responded to it with a light pat on her back.

"I am always delighted that you find happiness in the humblest of things." He patted her once more on the back and broke the embrace, he had that mischievous grin on his face as she turned to look at him. Though this time Evangeline could tell that he seemed genuinely happy and she could not help but smile in return.

Evangeline remembered what had happened the last time they met under the moon, it was such a melancholic moment; how distressed they both were with the situation at hand but they both had moved on so it seemed. All her troubles vanished when she was with him.

He felt calm as well tonight as opposed to the other nights he had spent with her, even he began to feel his troubles melt away but his reality was much darker and it was a darkness that would never end. His happiness was only momentarily thus he had to enjoy it whilst he could.

Even if Evangeline had not continued to question him, he knew she would bring up the subjects in question again considering his past, person and relations eventually. These innocent moments wouldn't last forever and unfortunately they didn't last long enough.

"I believe this evening has come to an end."

"I really wish it had not." Her features saddened.

He lifted her chin so she was looking up at him. "Nothing lasts forever dearest." His existence was the only contrariety to this quote.

"Which is unfortunate but I understand." Again she was displaying a level of matureness that exceeded her years, Vlad smirked at the thought. "Well then, I believe it is time for a well deserved rest." Before Evangeline could gesture in agreement Vlad picked her up and flew with her up into the sky and onto the balcony railing. Mina was resting on the railing but greeted them by letting out a soft chirp. He stepped down from the railing, landing softly into her room.

He turned back to look at Evangeline who had her eyes covered with her hands, he remembered that she had mentioned her fear of heights and how she would never be accustomed to his strange aerial abilities. "We have landed my lady." Evangeline continued to cover her eyes until he settled her onto her bed. Slowly she opened her eyes to look back at him.

She was sleepy and her long yawn proved it. "Thank you Vlad…Once again. I value your company and friendship." She murmured. He pulled the covers over her and watched her peacefully slip into slumber.

"As I do yours. Pleasant dreams to you my dearest." He whispered, he brushed back the golden strands of hair that had fallen on her face and tucked them behind her ear. He placed a light kiss on her forehead, her aroma was so sweet and rich it was breathtaking. It was intoxicating but quickly the thought left his mind considering what he had promised, to be a guardian to her: no more, no less.

He was indeed possessive and acknowledged that he had somehow felt threatened by Varrick's presence in her life but he felt foolish in doing so. He didn't want to feel possessive over her yet it was unavoidable. This situation reminded him of Mina but this time he would act more subtly and refrain from such controlling thoughts and actions. He felt childish: such emotions of jealousy and possession wanting to take him over especially when his rival is a young boy, hardly a match at all especially in her eyes. He smirked at how preposterous it all sounded.

Prideful in those thoughts he bowed to her and slipped into the remaining darkness of the night.

It was very early morning, the sun had not even begun to shine through the sky, it was an eerie sort of darkness, it was overcast not a single star was visible but it didn't mean that they weren't there. Only one lamp on and the fireplace was lit though, it was still dim in the room. Alexandria and Lysander preferred the room this way but neither admitted it to one another.

Alexandria was seated in an arm chair, staring angrily at Lysander who was standing right across from her. Tears were rolling down her cheeks, she was so furious she was shaking.

"I fear Erin is not ready for such a position." Lysander sighed. The quick trip there and back with Erin from Greenwich had left him in a state of weariness and doubt. He looked at his wife already knowing the argument she was going to put up.

"Do not dare take her away, Lysander you promised." She was keeping a hushed tone but her breath was sharp and she was still shivering. She held on tightly to a handkerchief with both hands that rested on her lap.

Lysander came to kneel before his wife, he reached for her hand but she refused his comfort. "I recall what I promised but only we can do this. It must be a Hellsing." She didn't make eye contact with him as he spoke. He sighed again, "Erin is still undergoing a trial period but if I do not see any improvement, I'm going to have to… to show her." Lysander as a father did not want his daughter to undergo the dark path that was designated to the most capable child of the current generation. He wanted to believe his son was the right choice as the position was usually given to the first born son but the actions Erin demonstrated tonight made him reconsider his choice and doubt the traditional route.

"I do not want that life for her," Alexandria said as she looked at the fireplace, her eyes seemed distant as if not wanting to see this reality. "I did not want this life for my son either." Her eyes narrowed, if she would have known what her union to Lysander Hellsing would bring she would have preferred to be a nun than live through such unjust suffering.

"Neither do I but like I said only a Hellsing can manage the task given to us by the church and our Queen, Evangeline is the strongest possibility we have for a brighter future." Lysander wanted to believe his daughter might be sparred from this tragic fate but he could not deny the facts that Evangeline was a prodigy, such wit was uncanny. His wife was once again shedding tears; she did not make a sound, the tears simply rolled down her face.

He sighed once again, he was recalling the moment when he first held Evangeline; she was wrapped in a white blanket with a serene sleepy expression, such a fragile beauty. "She will forever be my little girl." He whispered. He got up from where he was kneeling and headed towards the window, the sky was lighting up even if the clouds covered the sky but through it all there was a single star residing. "I will still send her to the education center as promised." Evangeline would continue to receive the highest education until it was time for the final absolution to be made.

Vlad was a dark shadow outside the window, he had overheard the entire conversation. His expression solemn as he spoke for not only himself but for the parents of his dearest one: "Time is truly a gift for us. Sooner than I predicted, we shall have to part ways."

This chapter was a bit short but I do hope you all enjoyed it! A special thanks to my reviewers: ninjadaleburg, Dragonmaster789, speedfanatic05, alexc1209 and SukiFictionist! Thank you for those kind words, they help motivate me while I write!

I just wanted to clarify that Varrick is six years older than Evangeline. Even though Vlad and Varrick haven't met face to face their is already antagonism on one side, what would happen if they should meet in the future? (XD)

Ooh, I'm being really cryptic again, this chapter is really full of hidden meanings and family secrets. Poor Evangeline she has to deal with so much mystery. Well thank you once again readers and till next update!

-roseimagine