Disclaimer: All of Hellsing and its characters are copyright to Kouta Hirano. Any original characters belong to the author of this fanfiction.

HELLSING

EREBUS

Here standeth the Bird of Hermes,

Eating my own wings to make me tame...

CHAPTER SIX

The Hellsing Organization

Sunday Midday, November 2, 2031, Alex's Apartment...

The apartment would prove to be an easy feat, as Alex didn't own much. She would sell the furniture, much to her chagrin, but her clothes were already tightly packed into a couple of large suitcases. Alucard watched with amusement while leaning against a wall, arms crossed, while she appeared to agonize over everything she put away. It wasn't easy, knowing you had to go away, and then lose a bit of your stuff as well. He didn't offer his help, and she would never ask for it. Such tasks were beneath him, and Alex didn't want him touching her stuff more than necessary. The girl had rudely told him to go hang on the wall or something, half-expecting him to turn into a bat. No such luck. She had been intrigued by the idea of him shapeshifting in front of her.

Currently, she was packing up all her stuff in the bathroom, which would take up a box at most. When she finished, flattening her shower curtains over the top, she came out and debated between the kitchen, and the living room. Another box was grabbed and she went to unhook her electronics, packing her media in the box. Brown orbs looked over at the vampire, who had his eyes closed, his hat's wide brim covering his features, but she could tell his eyes were closed. It was a habit he often had. It took an hour for her to pack her movies and games, and just as she sealed the lids over the tops, there was a knock on the door.

"Hm?" she said.

"It's Van," Alucard murmured. "He's here to make the arrangements with you."

"Arrangements? You mean to have my stuff moved?" He grunted in affirmation. The man sounded really bored. "Well, make yourself useful and go answer the door!"

Staying there a moment more, Alex could almost feel the glower directed at the back of her head. She would not give him the satisfaction of looking tense! Finally, he pushed off the wall just as another knock was made, answering the door. "Hello, Mr. Drake," he greeted with boredom.

Van arched his brow, stepping inside just as Alucard was about to slam it shut. He was about to ask if there was a problem, but thought better of it. "Is Miss Rows here?"

"See for yourself," the Count replied, resuming his spot on the wall.

Van strolled in, looking around the apartment. Quite cozy for a single young woman living alone. Alex looked up then. "Hey Van."

"Good day, Miss Rows."

She snorted. "Please, just call me Alex. That whole Miss this, and Miss that. It's starting to bum me out."

"Alex, then," he tested. "I see you're already mostly done. Would you like any help?

She shook her head. "No thanks, I'm good. When am I leaving anyway?"

Van reached into his black leather duster coat, placing a parcel on the coffee table. "Your passport, yours and Alucard's plane tickets to London, new ID, and a credit card."

"What the hell do I need a credit card for?" she asked, crawling over to the coffee table to open the package, staring at all her new identification. "Can't I just look for a job?"

"It's Sir Hellsing's way of compensating for your inconvenience. You can go shopping and buy whatever you like. Clothes and food, for instance. I wouldn't suggest purchasing a vehicle though. That might upset her," he said, smiling. "Also, you will not be permitted to seek employment, however, you may offer your services within the household's staff."

"Oh," she said, slight disappointment in her tone. "Right, for my own safety."

"Correct. Integra is aware that this will be a difficult transition for you."

Alex stared at Alucard, then back at Van. Eyes wandering to the flight time, muttering, "Friday, November seventh."

"Make sure to arrive two hours before your flight, which is at ten PM." He then noticed the anxious look on her face. "Something the matter?"

"I've never flown before."

Van smiled. "I assure you, with today's technological advancement, you're perfectly safe. Now, as for your things, I can send everything over by ship."

"What?" she said, looking up in shock. "I don't have to sell my furniture?!"

He made an odd face. "No? Why would you put yourself through that kind of stress? Alucard tells me you actually have some nice furniture in the bedroom. It'd be a shame to get rid of it."

"WOO!" she cried out, arms up in triumph.

The young vampire laughed. "Ah, is there anything you do wish to be rid of?"

They conversed for an hour while Van made note of everything and when he left, Alex decided to make some early dinner. She peered out of the kitchen to stare at the Count, who hadn't moved an inch. The need to ask him if he wanted a drink suddenly stopped in her throat, choking her. What a stupid thing to ask a vampire, she mentally scolded. Sighing, she went to reach one of the glasses at the top shelf, ones she rarely used and hadn't packed yet. Unfortunately, she couldn't reach and was about to go grab a chair, but as she tried to turn, she felt a strange hardness against her back. The girl looked up, seeing Alucard's upside-down chin as he reached out for the glass. He then proceeded to hold it in front of her face, grinning down at her.

"Um, thank you," she said awkwardly, taking the dish. "C-could you?"

Wordlessly, he began placing the top shelf dishes on the counter for her as she slipped away from him. What was this all of a sudden? The man didn't move almost all this time and suddenly he was brushing up behind her. Heart hammering a little, she went into the freezer to get some ice, as well as cool off her face. Sipping orange juice afterwards, that same need to be polite rose again.

"I know this will sound stupid, but did you want to drink some water, or something?" She heard a final clink of the last dish being put down, and knew he was staring at her.

"You needn't worry about me. I've already drank."

She nodded, gulping down her juice. A pork chop was taken out of the freezer and she dropped the solid meat onto an oven sheet before salting it over and putting it in. Setting a timer, she walked out to the living room again, wondering about what life at the Hellsing Organization would be like. The woman flopped onto the couch face first, just lying there, arm dangling over the side onto the floor. Her back hurt from all the bending over. Maybe she could finish this crap tomorrow. Alex had til Friday anyway.

"You look tense."

"You sound bored," she shot back, annoyance muffled by the seat cushion. She unburied her face, laying her head on its side, staring into space. "Wouldn't you be tense if you had to suddenly leave a part, if not all, of your life behind?"

"You'd be surprised," he said mysteriously. Alex blinked, wondering what he meant by that.

Friday Evening, November 7, 2031, Toronto Airport...

Alex stood in line with a sigh. The week in that damn hotel room had proved to be incredibly depressing. The boredom prevented her from enjoying anything on the television. Alucard simply sitting there had also been dreary. If she really wanted to, she could hold an intellectually stimulating conversation with him, but he always seemed to take pleasure in playing games with her mentally. Yesterday, she spent the day with Tyler, who took the day off just so they could have the time to hang out one last time before she left. Naturally, Alucard was hiding away in her friend's walls, and Tyler had given her the impression a couple of times that he sensed someone's eyes on them.

Currently, she stood beside Alucard, who wore the grey suit again, while she wore a simple white blouse and black dress pants. She hated heels, so she had dress shoes instead. Their luggage had already been taken, not that Alucard had much beyond the coffin, but the security was much tighter than she expected, looking around to find many cops standing around, eyeing everybody.

Alucard noticed her unease and explained quietly, "They've been looking out for any who look suspicious, due to the bombing at Air Canada Centre. You should relax before they put their eye on you."

Rolling her eyes, she responded, "You look more suspicious than me." He only responded with that devilish grin, as if flattered that she thought so.

They were scanned for any weapons and then passed through. Getting through customs took forever, and Alex's back was starting to hurt. Damn boobs and weighing her down. When their flight was called an hour later, they came up to the door attendant, with Alucard handing over his ticket and passport. The woman scanned over it and smiled.

"B.S. Bennett," she said, muttering his name before handing them back with that robotic smile. "Enjoy your flight Mr. Bennett." She then took Alex's, doing the same. "Enjoy your trip to England, Ms. Rows."

They boarded the plane, the girl following after Alucard into first class. She'd never been on a plane before, and noticed a huge difference between coach and first class. Coach felt rather suffocating with all the seats squished together. Meanwhile, in first class, there was so much leg room, it was ridiculous. Alucard sat in a paired booth, meant for a couple, she supposed, swallowing as she sat down, wiggling in her seat to test the comfort, laptop bag in her lap.

"Put your seat belt on," the vampire instructed casually.

"How long is this flight?" she asked, doing as he said.

"Under eight hours." She groaned miserably. "Relax," he said with a chortle. "You're safe with me."

While everyone was being seated, she glanced around nervously. It took awhile before everyone was on board, and ready to go. As the Captain announced that they would be taking off soon, Alex's hands clutched the armrests, terrified. She whimpered, muttering something about changing her mind and wanting off. Alucard said nothing to her, as no words of comfort would do any good. However, if she tried to bolt off the aircraft, he'd pin her in his lap, even if she kicked and screamed. It was unnecessary though, and soon the plane moved, later ascending, causing an unpleasant lurch in her stomach. When the plane levelled, Alucard watched with fascination as she began to relax.

"Ha...ha, ha," she laughed breathlessly, as if she had been holding it in. "I did it."

"Congratulations," he teased, a smirk on his lips. "Feeling better?"

"I will when I throw up," she confessed, breathing to calm herself.

"We've got eight hours. It'll be ten AM when we arrive. I suggest some sleep."

She nodded, putting her laptop bag on the table in front of her. Try as she might, she couldn't figure out the reclining mechanism while Alucard pressed a button that would bring a privacy screen down around them, which was merely a holographic projection that obscured sound and sight, but still slightly see through. Alex watched as Alucard reclined his own seat with ease, having missed a step somewhere.

Alucard stared at her with a grin, having removed those indigo shades. "Trouble, my dear?"

Pride kept her from admitting she needed help. "I can do it. It's just malfunctioning, that's all. There's a glitch—what are you doing?"

The Count leaned over her, nearly climbing on top of her as he reached for the button that rose her feet and reclined her back. He smirked at her embarrassment, his face hovering over hers. "What a lovely liar you are," he breathed.

Heart beating harshly against her chest, she turned away from his face. Alucard sat comfortably in his own seat again, a slight smug expression on his features. Alex huffed, feeling outgunned at the moment, knowing he won this time. He always won. It annoyed her to no end, and so, she laid on her side, back to the vampire as she tried to get some sleep. For ten minutes, with her eyes firmly shut, the position began to get uncomfortable, and like her first day at the hotel, sleep evaded her. Sighing in defeat, she turned onto her other side, arms crossed.

"Talk to me," she demanded.

"About what?" he muttered, his own eyes closed, simply because he had nothing to do.

"Tell me about B.S. Bennett."

"It's an alias formed by my master. Previously, it used to be J.H. Brenner."

Alex's brows furrowed. "So, what does it stand for? Bull shit?"

He actually chuckled at that. "If you must know, it stands for Bram Stoker. Integra thought it would be funny. Better than the other name, I suppose."

"Why? What's J.H.?"

"Jonathan Harker," he replied almost bitterly.

His tone startled her. He never sounded so bitter before. She recognized the name and wondered why he hated it so much. Wasn't he just a fictional character in a book? Then again, she realized only now that she was staying at the manor of Integra Hellsing. Did that mean Van Helsing existed? She was afraid to ask Alucard. It took her a few days to realize what his name was an anagram of, but didn't mention it. She thought it was just something like a code name. Like his two aliases, everything she knew about Hellsing and Alucard seemed to be some kind of homage to the classic novel. When she met the director, she would ask her.

"Um, what about your life...before you became a vampire?"

He frowned. It wasn't something he was willing to share, least of all with a human. But this wasn't any human. "It's not a happy tale," he said, blowing off the question entirely with his dangerous tone alone.

She flinched. Not once had he ever directed that tone at her. It really wasn't her business after all. "Sorry," she murmured, turning away from him again.

Half an hour passed before Alucard began to feel some small regret. Sighing, he looked at Alex's back, sensing she had managed to fall asleep, body-pillowless. He removed the screen and asked one of the attendants for a couple of pillows and a blanket. Upon retrieval, he managed to get a pillow under her head and between her knees, draping the blanket over her. He lingered over her for a moment longer, resisting the urge to indulge in nuzzling her hair like before, forcibly seating himself, fists clenched, teeth grinding together.

Saturday Morning, November 8, 2031, Heathrow Airport...

A yawn broke out while Alex and Alucard waited inside the terminal. Men Alucard apparently recognized walked past them, carrying basically all of Alex's bags. It felt awkward having such service. Outside, a silver car awaited them, with the driver holding the passenger door open. Climbing in, Alex dropped into leather seats, trying not to move too much as the fabric made those awful sounds when shifted under weight. There was another vehicle behind them, apparently meant to deliver his casket safely, while her own luggage joined it.

The driver soon closed the door after climbing into his seat, looking at the mirror to smile at Alex. "I hope your flight was pleasant, Miss Rows," he said in a thick accent.

"Oh, uh, yes, it was...fine, I guess," she said sheepishly.

"Not to worry ma'am. We'll be at the Hellsing Estate quite soon."

The drive actually appeared to stretch on with the silence between Alex and the vampire next to her. If he could teleport, he'd be there in less than a second. Instead, he stayed. It probably had something to do with the fact that he was assigned as her protector until they arrived at Hellsing Manor. Sadly, she had grown accustomed to his presence, despite how annoying he was.

They reached the rural areas of the country, nothing but trees. Eventually, as she stared out the windshield, she spotted the large edifice in the distance. Eyes widened at its size and when she turned to look at Alucard, he was grinning madly, as if drawing close to his master gave him joy. She wondered what kind of person this Integra was to bring such mad joy to Alucard. The cars pulled up in front of the front steps, and soon, Alex was climbing out, gazing intently at the house. The coffin, covered in a black sheet, was carried up the steps and into the estate, her luggage following.

Alucard suddenly offered his arm while in a small bow. "Shall we?" he asked, a charming smile on his features.

Much to her astonishment, he was in his red coat again the second she blinked, with matching hat and those amber shades. Swallowing, she reluctantly took his arm, allowing him to escort her inside. They stood in the luxurious front foyer, Alex drinking in the sight greedily. Her sight-seeing was interrupted when Alucard pulled away from his arm. She watched as he slowly stepped his way forward, then knelt before an elderly woman with silvery-blonde hair, dressed in masculine attire. Alex stared, mesmerized by Alucard's humility and this woman's beauty, an eye patch over her left eye behind a set of round glasses.

"My master," he breathed, "I have returned."

The woman's blue eye softened as she smiled at him, as if proud of his accomplishment. "Well executed, my servant." At the sound of her voice, Alex became acutely aware that this was Integra Hellsing. The head of the organization rose her gaze to meet Alex's, actually making her feel somewhat small under the woman's obvious authority. "Miss Rows," she greeted with a smile. "Welcome to my home."

Saturday Midday, November 8, 2031, Hellsing Estate...

A click echoed off the walls of Integra's office, a lit cigar held between her teeth. Numerous times, she had made attempts to quit, but she couldn't kick the habit. Before her stood her ever smiling servant, again, not bothered by the sunlight. He had just finished his report of the last week and a half. Somehow, she sensed that he was leaving out certain, possibly personal, parts. He had removed his hat and glasses out of respect for her, though his behaviour seemed odd somehow. Like how he entered the manor with the girl on his arm. That was completely unlike him.

Integra drew in a drag of the expensive leaf, sighing with contentment as the stress of her workload began to ease away. "How did you like Canada, Count?"

"I've never been in a more boring atmosphere," he drawled.

The woman smiled. Yes, someone who was used to hunting vampires and ghouls on almost a nightly basis would say that. "So, vampire, what is your impression of her?" She blew out a puff of smoke as she waited for his answer.

"She took everything well, considering. Her mind is strong. The fact that she is able to accept what is happening and everything it entails, is quite admirable," he exclaimed, prepared to answer such a question.

Integra took his words into consideration. "All for the sake of protecting loved ones. It's not unheard of, but yes, it is admirable. Alucard, I want you to keep an eye on her at all times. You're not required to socialize with the girl, but her protection is a must."

"Yes, my master."

"Although, you would do so anyway, wouldn't you?" He didn't blink, but he didn't smile either. "Is there something about the girl you're not telling me?"

"It is nothing," he denied firmly. She would never know, he silently vowed. "If I may, I'd like some sleep."

Integra watched him for a moment, and then waved at him casually, as if not bothered. But she was disturbed that he was suddenly blowing her off. "Very well, go." He bowed, then disappeared. Sighing, she put out the cigar. She called someone on the phone then hung up, barely sparing a glance upwards as a knock resounded on the door. "Come in."

Alex was ushered inside by one of the guards of the estate, the door closing behind her. "You...wanted to see me, ma'am?"

"Yes," Integra affirmed, sitting up straight. "Please take a seat," she offered, indicating to the spare chair. "You've had a difficult ordeal," she began as Alex sat down.

Alex wasn't sure what was the right thing to say, so she stuck with the truth. "It was kind of terrifying."

"Yes, it would be," she agreed. "Tea?"

"No, thank you."

Integra proceeded to make her own cup, sipping the hot liquid appreciatively. "Mr. Drake informs me that you expressed your intentions of seeking employment." Alex's back straightened, as if in Job-Interview-Mode. "Relax, I'm just going to ask you a few questions and determine where you fit in. Asides from working as a sales associate, what other experience do you have?"

Alex relaxed almost upon command. "Well, I used to work in a couple of fast food restaurants. At one point, I cleaned houses. Beyond that, not...much," she said, looking quite sheepish.

With a nod, Integra sipped her tea again. "Well, if you have experience in household work, then you can start there, or you can work as a cook. My men do need feeding with the amount of training they do on a daily basis. Which would you prefer?"

The girl weighed her options. She didn't really like domestic work, but she did it because she had to. Cleaning meant no one would bother her, and even if there were other maids, the house was so damn big. If she chose to cook, she'd probably get to know some of the soldiers that were employed here, but didn't want to stand over the stove all day. Neither option appealed to her that much. Integra must have noticed, because she sighed, putting down her cup gently.

"You're welcome to think it over for as long as you need. You are not familiar with this country's laws and customs, so for you to find employment outside these walls is unwise. It's also unsafe."

Alex was quiet, her eyes veering away. "I understand."

"The rest of your belongings will arrive within the week. Until then, you will have temporary quarters. Upon retrieval, you will be transferred to more permanent chambers. Well, permanent meaning until your case is resolved," the elder woman explained.

The brunette just nodded. "Hellsing," she muttered.

"Pardon?"

Alex shook her head, remembering where she was. "Sorry, I was just wondering about your name."

Ah, Integra thought. The girl was beginning to make certain connections. "My ancestor's name is Abraham Van Helsing. I see you've made a connection, and you're wondering if it's coincidence. Correct?" Alex nodded. "The novel by Bram Stoker is based loosely on a real event that happened in 1893. My ancestor was involved with this incident."

This information made many questions run through her mind, various expressions of shock and intrigue playing across her features. However, the one question that blared sharply at the forefront of her thoughts, made it impossible to resist asking, her voice unsteady, "Dracula is real? He exists?"

Integra stood, up, grabbing a glass that was near her as well as a decanter of scotch, pouring the amber liquid and pushing the half-filled glass towards the girl. "Did Dracula exist? Yes. Was he as fierce as it was described? Worse. Was he defeated? Yes, but not the way it was written." Seeing Alex's confusion, she continued. "Dracula was defeated, but he was never dealt the finishing blow. That very same man was sent to find you, and protect you from those who wish to use you for some unseen purpose."

"A-Alucard?!" Alex breathed heavily. "He's..."

"Surely you've noticed the peculiarity of his name by now. An anagram that is a sign of his servitude to my family and its organization."

Though she had intended on ignoring it, Alex suddenly reached for the small glass, downing the liquid, face contorting as she felt her throat burn. Integra resumed her seat, waiting patiently as Alex allowed this information to sink in. The shock was imminent, and thus Integra had prepared her with a drink that had been downed immediately. Every time, they went for seconds and thirds, but much to Integra's surprise, Alex resisted, putting the empty glass gingerly back on the desk.

She laughed a little. "Count Dracula? The Count Dracula? God, and to think, I thought it was coincidence. Maybe a codename. But the real deal? I'm tripping out a little. Bloody hell, now I feel bad for calling him old."

The head chuckled. "Really? Right to his face?"

Alex raised her head, laughing still. "Yeah, but he just brushed it off and laughed at me!"

The two of them shared a laugh or two at Alucard's expense, and Integra thought back to Alucard's description of the young woman. Yes, she seemed to accept everything well enough, and this was one of those times. What did concern the director was Alucard's behaviour where Alexandra was concerned. He was hiding something from even his master. For now, she would keep quiet and observe. It was reminiscent on how he had acted before trying to claim Mina Harker, only this seemed to be much more serious. Right now though, Integra had bigger concerns. What was the significance of Alexandra Rows' blood?

A/N: I have chapter 7 done, and will post it shortly after giving it a quick look through for any failed formatting that didn't make the transition. WARNING, next chapter may cause cravings for chocolate. On a story-related note, when I was coming up with a new civilian name for Alucard, I just thought Bram Stoker (B.S.) would be the perfect reason for Alex to make fun of his name. The irony of her comment is that his name is Bull Shit, as in, you know...fake. I thought it was funny. Anyway, later I realized what the alias J.H. Brenner could have possibly stood for, as I had no freaking idea even though I tried looking it up. So, oddly, the new alias I invented for Alucard actually helped me come up with the theory that J.H. actually stands for Jonathan Harker. Interesting, no? It would be below the belt for Alucard to take the name of someone who had defeated him.

Anyway, please leave a review/question, and thanks for reading!