When Alucard finally released Shalrik, Shalrik fell to the ground with a thud. The bullet had pierced any last defense Shalrik's heart had had, allowing the silver to pour in. Alucard walked to him, smirking. Shalrik managed to udder three words which Matthew strained to hear. He never admitted to hearing them, they'd chilled him so much. "It ends… Dracula."

Matthew's leg had recovered enough for him to walk, with help. Seras stood to his left, and in a manner similar to those two months ago helped him walk from the courtyard. Matthew looked over at Anderson, who was holding one of his swords before him. He could see in the Paladin's eyes what he wanted. The battle was over. Why not attack the Hellsing scum while they're weakened?

Matthew also saw Alucard. The elder vampire simply rolled his eyes, drew Joshua, and blew off one of the Regenerator's arms. Anderson gave him a look of venom, raised his remaining arm, and disappeared in a flurry of paper. Matthew was shocked, but Seras said it was pretty common with Anderson. Matthew tried to pay in no further mind.

Alucard disappeared after that, probably heading to report in to Sir Integra. Seras helped Matthew out of the castle and to a relatively clear part of the town. Matthew was now able to walk on his own, but needed some help into the helicopter once it arrived. As they lifted off, Matthew looked at Seras. "You know, Seras, I think that all things considered this has been a perfect night."

She paused in thought, then slowly nodded. "I think I finally have peace with this town."

"And I have peace with what I've become… Or at least enough of it to continue on."

Things finally calmed down around Hellsing, giving the troops some much needed respite. Many of the human troops were allowed leave. Matthew was envious, but wasn't angry at anyone. He still had e-mail to keep in touch with everyone, which was a big help. His e-mail conversation with Akira had grown more frequent and less depressing. They were adjusting to how things had changed. 'You know what they say, the relationship that can handle long distance is the one that will last.'

Over the month after Shalrik's defeat, a couple more of his earlier creations and one enhanced vampire started causing some trouble. They fell quickly. Matthew was adjusting, slowly. He still needed help from Seras when it came to blood drinking, but she was always willing to help.

It was about 9:00 AM, one month after Shalrik's defeat, and Matthew figured it was time to get out of bed. He walked across the room to where his clothes waited for him. As he stripped out of his bed clothes there was a knock at the door. "Hang on a sec'!" he yelled out. "I've gotta get dressed!" He quickly pulled on his jeans and got a shirt on, then turned to the door. "Come in!"

The door opened, and Seras entered, her hands behind her back. "Good morning, Matthew."

"Good morning. What's going on?"

Seras, smiling big, walked up to about three feet from him. Suddenly, she brought her hands around, a small wrapped package in her hands. "Happy birthday!"

Matthew's jaw dropped in shock, but he quickly closed it and smiled. 'Once again trying to cheer me up. She must have known I wasn't looking forward to today.' "Thanks!" He received the package from her. It was his first birthday completely isolated from his family. He was twenty, or at least he would have been were he still technically alive. 'Who'd've thought I'd be here after twenty years…' "How'd you know?" he asked.

With a chuckle, she replied, "I checked your personnel file."

He chuckled back. "Cheater." She nodded, and Matthew smiled. "Well, again, thank you." He unwrapped the package. Two paperback novels were contained inside. He smiled again, reaching up with his free hand to hold her shoulder. "Thank you, my friend." He set the books on a nearby table, and after a pause looked back at Seras. "Hey, Seras?"

"Yes?"

He smiled. "I'm in the mood for some chai. Wanna join me? My treat."

She chuckled. "If that's what you want to do. It is your birthday."

"Excellent. Meet me at the motorpool in fifteen minutes, ok?"

With a smile and another chuckle, she said, "All right."

Seras left for her room so she could change into civilian clothes. Matthew put on socks and shoes, pulled on his leather jacket, and put on his sunglasses. It wasn't snowing quite yet, but it was very cold outside. Fifteen minutes later, he stood at the door leading to the motorpool waiting for Seras's arrival. She rounded the corner moments after, wearing her black jeans, white sweatshirt, and red fabric jacket with black boots, red lensed sunglasses, and a red berette. Matthew looked her over for a moment. 'Wearing that, she looks a lot like Akira…'

Seras had picked up on that. "Is that a complement?"

Matthew looked shocked. "I thought you said you didn't read my thoughts!"

She shrugged. "Hard to miss them when you broadcast like that." She smiled. "I'll show you how to keep your thoughts in later."

"Ok," he replied. "And yes, that is a complement. To both you and her." Seras blushed a little. Matthew extended an arm, and Seras took it. "Shall we?"

"Certainly."

As they walked into the motorpool, Matthew spoke. "You know, I think today is going to be a perfect day."

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And that's a wrap! I'd like to thank those of you who have given me tips over the last couple years I've been writing. I've got "tweaked" versions of GC and DF up, and I'll be doing chapter replacements for the in a few minutes. Wasn't a severe rewrite this time around, so it should be easy to get 'em on.