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 TWENTY-ONE

Done Out of Love

Lights were flashing everywhere across the gymnasium. Every grade eight student dressed formally for this graduation ceremony. Next year, they would all be going to a high school. Most of them was going to a school more well known, but Alex and a few others were going elsewhere. Right now though, she felt nervous. Not because of the fact she would be a high school student as of next year, but because she was trying to summon up the courage to dance with a certain someone.

Enviously, she watched all the couples that danced during the slower songs while her friends chattered away around her, talking about things that had nothing to do with her own interests. Did that make her selfish? Maybe, but this was probably the last time she would get to see him, and maybe let him know her feelings. She wouldn't tell him outright, but at least hint at it. Though, she'd gotten his email and he had agreed to chat with her online, but it wasn't the same as seeing someone in person.

A couple of hours had gone, and still, she hadn't gone looking for him. Eventually, her companions took notice of this, having asked her, quite aware of her romantic interest in Conley Andrews. One of her more blunt friends had hunted him down, demanding that he dance with Alex. Horrified, Alex couldn't say anything, completely embarrassed that her friend had done such a thing to him. Much to her own surprise though, he stared seriously at her, then placed his hands on her waist. Feeling nervous, she could only place her hands on his shoulders, and for that one song, she was happy. Finally, she got to dance with him, but she couldn't meet his eyes until the song ended and they both dropped their hands.

"I gotta go," he said. "I'll see you later."

Wordlessly, she watched him leave, but she didn't feel sad or disappointed. Instead, she felt puzzlement from what she saw in his eyes. They held so much meaning and yet she couldn't decipher them. Still, Alex was happy. She had danced with her crush. Sure, she had boyfriends and plenty of crushes before, but this seemed different somehow.

During the middle of high school, when she was fifteen, she finally did it. During the couple of years since she started high school she had a few boyfriends. The first one had made her cry, but she couldn't say that she didn't at least see the blow coming, breaking her heart for a little while. The second didn't last very long. Though he was interested in her, she didn't feel the same, and to spare him any pain, she ended it. The third lasted a little longer, and she thought she felt something there, but then she started talking to Conley online again. Again, maybe it was selfish to break up with the third just because she was falling in love with Conley again, but could she help that?

Sometime in the middle of spring, she had managed to confess to him her feelings online, instantly regretting it as she didn't want to face rejection. As if to make amends, she tried to type frantically, saying that she would understand if he had no interest, but then he said the unthinkable. He told her he liked her as well. Alex had sat there, shaking, numb. But then she felt overjoyed, and since then, they dated for what seemed like forever, and for the first time, she felt genuine love for someone else.

Tuesday Morning, December 23, 2031, Hotel...

For the longest time, Alex stared dazedly at the ceiling, her hair splayed across the pillow. A dream had come to her that night. It was a dream of a past she had forgotten about. Looking back, things seemed so simple then, but now everything was so different. The chair near the window was empty, and Alex could assume that Alucard had gone to his coffin to sleep. Van didn't sound like he was up either, and she wondered what she could possibly do all day while waiting for the hour to go to Tyler's.

With a sigh, the brunette sat up, hair a mess. After awhile, she climbed out of bed like a normal person, heading for the doors and sliding them open, seeing Van lying on the sofa. She smiled, seeing how baby-faced he looked when he slept. Looking over at the coffin, she felt small disappointment in the fact she wouldn't be able to indulge in listening to Alucard's heartbeat. At least, not with Van in the room. It was a secret she wasn't willing to share with anyone. Though, yes, she already had a shower yesterday, another wouldn't hurt. It would wake her up a bit more.

With rain coming down her body, she just stood there in a daze. Was it really right to come back to visit? For all she knew, she was probably putting everyone at risk by being here. Sure, seeing familiar faces was nice, but if she wanted to keep them from danger, no matter how much it irritated them, she should keep away. With that thought, after this vacation, she resolved to not come back, at least until this whole thing was done. It was better this way, and she could still talk to them long distance. It wasn't like she was completely disappearing from them.

Quietly, she tiptoed through the room, wearing a fluffy white robe like before, taking refuge in the bedroom. Tossing the suitcase onto the bed, she pulled out her clothes, debating what to wear. Settling on a red long sleeved shirt with a turtleneck collar, white fleece zip up vest, and white jeans, she was done. She brushed her hair out, putting on the clothes and taking out a couple of small wrapped gifts from her case. The girl grinned, knowing full well how Tyler was going to react to gift. Setting them down, she stared at the window, looking out at the city. She would have to make this the last time she saw him till this whole thing blew over.

Tuesday Afternoon, December 23, 2031, Somewhere in Toronto...

The vampires had woke up in the afternoon, as was the plan, and Van took his time having a shower, and Alucard simply waited, just wearing his civilian attire. Alex almost wanted to fuss over the Count's hair, even tell him to dress more casually, but she thought better of it. As long as it didn't weird out Tyler, she didn't give a damn. Besides, Alucard's hair looked fine the way it was. Van had dressed more casually than Alucard, wearing slacks and a woven turtleneck, all black again. And once they put on their coats and Alex had bagged the presents, they were off.

Alex wanted to walk, much the vampires' chagrin. At least it wasn't overly bright today, and Tyler's apartment wasn't far. He was able to afford a slightly nicer and more secure place than her old apartment. On the way, Alex explained to both of them what Tyler did, working in security, though he had some training in hand-to-hand and marksmanship. His girlfriend, Len, was a photographer and artist. Alex then went on to explain that she had known both of them since high school, but she saw more of Tyler than she did Len, so it was the first time in awhile since she saw her.

The building was simple, but looked slightly newer than her old building. Stepping inside the area where the intercom was, she pressed a button, waiting for a reply. Rather than a voice coming through, the door was simply buzzed open and they went in. Taking the elevator to the intended floor, they stood in silence, and Alucard took note of the fact that Alex bore a serious expression. What was his lovely Alexandra thinking about? Reaching the floor, the undead creatures just followed behind Alex until she found the door and then knocked. After a moment, the door opened, and her heart seemed to swell at the sight of Tyler. He looked somewhat different, his hair slightly longer and messier.

"Hey, Tyler," she managed.

Her friend smiled. "Hey, Alex. It's nice to see you." She nodded, smiling. He looked up at the vampires then, the look in his eyes changing. "And who's who, here?"

"Oh! This is Van Drake and... Bram Bennett. Van, Bram, this is Tyler. Be nice to each other."

Tyler just shook their hands as he let them in, sending Alex a look of offence. "I'm nice! Anyway, it's nice to meet you two."

"Likewise," Van said politely.

Tyler blinked. "Judging by your accent, are you from England by any chance? Or am I completely off?"

Van smiled. "Right on the mark actually. Born and raised. I travel quite a bit though, and Alex was kind enough to invite me with her on this vacation, same with Mr. Bennett." Tyler arched his brow at the formality before Van explained, "He's kind of my superior."

"Kind of?" Alucard said with a smirk.

Tyler eyed the two. They seemed so...strange somehow. Shrugging he said, "Well, just hang your coats up, throw your shoes anywhere and take a seat. Len, my girlfriend, will be by shortly. She's just picking up a few things for dinner."

Two minutes later, all four of them were sitting in the living room, Alucard sitting in the single chair while the other three sat on the couch. Already he was bored of this event, but it was bearable, watching Alex laugh and smile. The girl felt at home in this place. Occasionally, Alucard missed his own home, but there was nothing for him there now. His home resided at Hellsing, where he served his beloved master, watched over his precious fledgling, and now, Alex had been added to that home.

Tyler stood up, heading for the kitchen as he asked them, "Who wants a drink? I've got beer, pop, juice, water, and milk."

"I'll take a water, thank you," said Van, also getting up. "I'll give you a hand."

"What kind of pop?" Alex asked.

"Pepsi."

She frowned. "No Dr. Pepper?"

"Nope."

Alucard watched her look of disappointment, smiling slightly to himself. Then her face changed to that of an expectant look. "What about...that drink?"

Alucard could sense the young man's hesitation. "Maybe?"

"You do!" she cried, jumping out of her seat. "Cough up a bottle, asshole!"

"Oi! Go get your own, bitch!"

Van just blinked at the odd banter, but Alucard just grinned, utterly amused by it. He could sense the sibling affection in the words, and sometimes, insults were the best way for people to express that they cared. Tyler grumbled, and Van just chuckled, helping the guy bring out the drinks. Alex grinned as she was gifted with a tinted blue glass bottle with the name Bawls upon it in white letters. Both vampires just stared at it, and Alucard resisted the urge to laugh. So many jokes had lined up in front of him!

"What the hell is that?" Van asked as Alex twisted off the metal cap with her sleeve.

"It's an energy drink," Tyler explained. "Kind of hard to find actually. It's a nerd's drink. I managed to find a couple of convenience stores in the city that actually sell them. Couldn't find any stores where you're living Alex?"

She faltered as she was about to take a sip, shaking her head. "No." And she nearly cried in delight when she gulped down the first mouthful. "Oh, I missed this stuff."

"So, Bram, is there any drink you'd like?" asked Tyler.

"I'm fine," he said.

The Count could feel the boy's eyes on him. Yes, he remembered how he had practically interrogated Alexandra when she told him that she was leaving. The human was oddly sharp, but he seemed rather respectful of Alexandra's wishes when she said she couldn't say anything, with the condition that she keep in constant contact. This human meant something to Alex. Not as a lover, but like a close sibling. Every raised their gazes to the door as it was opened, and a young woman with light blue eyes and reddish-brown hair stepped through the door.

"Hey, Tyler, I could use your help over here."

"Coming."

"I'll go," Alex said, getting up to go help her friend. "Hey Len! It's been awhile!"

Len blinked then smiled. "Hey! You damn bitch, why'd you go and leave to who knows where?! I should punch you in the face for that!"

"Trust me, you won't even land it," Alex boasted with a smirk, taking some of the bags from her as they went into the kitchen. "How's it going? How's your business coming along?"

"Oh, it's coming, but it's been slow. I need to promote my work some more before people can really start calling me to do work for them. What about you? What have you been up to?"

Alex hesitated, pausing in her task of putting away the groceries. "Just working. I'm still on the probation period."

"What do you do exactly?"

"I can't talk about it." Alex knew Len was staring at her. "Don't worry about it."

"Alright. It's your business. Just don't do anything stupid."

The girl frowned at that and Len laughed. "What?"

"You make this weird face every now and then."

Alex blinked, looking at Len. Alucard had said the same thing once. "I do?"

"Yeah. You make this epic little frown and you look kind of haughty when you do it. Actually, you look like you're holding something back. It usually applies to when you're trying not to laugh, smile or something."

For awhile, Alex just stared at her. Now that she thought about it, she kind of knew what Len was talking about, having only been subconsciously aware of her own expressions. Thinking back, whenever that situation came up, it was usually caused by Alucard, who just seemed to smile or laugh in response. After a moment of pondering over this, Alex just smiled, going back to her task. Then there was that sudden feeling that she was being watched. Looking at the window, she frowned somewhat.

"What's wrong?" Len asked.

"Huh?" Alex turned to her friend, shaking her head. "Oh, it's nothing."

That was a lie, but she wasn't going to alarm her friends about it. Tyler had gotten up by then, hugging his girlfriend from behind. This had distracted Alex for a moment and she inwardly shook her head, going back to the living room. Alucard took notice of her strange expression, eyes narrowing behind his shades. And what was bothering his beloved this evening? Though he would normally respect the privacy of her thoughts, he didn't like her expression. Using his third eye, he peered inside, her worry becoming clear. Retreating from her mind, he then focused on their surroundings, seeking out any unwelcome guests, and sure enough, there it was. It was a weak presence, but he could feel them. At the moment, there was nothing he could do until they left the apartment. Either that or the offending presence made the first move.

When dinner was served, which consisted of chicken breasts, a creamy pasta, and some kind of pie, Alucard ate in silence while everyone else watched something called Shaun of the Dead, then A Cadaver Christmas. The night had grown darker by this point as Tyler, Alex, and Len all played some sort of shooting game on the television. Alucard became momentarily impressed that Alex was able to hold her own against Tyler to some extent, grinning whenever she cried out in victory over a particularly bloody kill. They would laugh at their own deaths, as the physics inside the game had faulty mechanics, sending their characters flying out of the map entirely, or their bodies phased halfway through undamaged walls.

Van took over awkwardly for Tyler as the young man got up. He turned to Alucard, giving the vampire a look that was easily understood as, let's talk. Alucard got up, following after him to the balcony, Tyler sliding the door closed behind them. "You don't talk much, do you?" It was a statement rather than a question.

Alucard just pocketed his hands inside trousers, staring ahead at the city in front of him. "I've got nothing to contribute to your little reunion."

Tyler stared at him, arms crossing. "Then why are you here? Is it because of Alex?" The vampire turned to the boy then. "What is she to you? Were you the one that convinced her to leave?"

"You ask a lot of questions. But, that's to be expected from someone who works as security, even though you're not a cop." Tyler said nothing. Alucard just smirked. "To answer you, though my boss would not approve of me giving you such information, yes, I am here because of Alexandra. What she is to me isn't of your concern."

"Like hell it isn't," Tyler retorted. "I've known her since high school, and I care a great deal about her. If you've got some sort of intention to get into her pants, let me tell you that I won't take anybody breaking her heart. It's bad enough that she had it crippled to almost nothing by somebody else."

The Count frowned at this piece of information. "My intentions run far deeper than that. I would never intentionally harm her, emotionally or otherwise."

Green pools searched the vampire's face. "Take off your glasses."

"Why?" Alucard already knew why, but he had asked anyway.

"So I can see whether or not you're lying.

The Count just scoffed with a smirk. "You asked for it," he warned, raising a gloved hand. "I shouldn't be showing you this, but since you mean a great deal to Alexandra as well, I trust you to keep an open mind, and your mouth shut."

Tyler said nothing as Alucard removed the indigo shades, gasping when he saw the demonic irises that glowed against the night. "Jesus," he breathed out. "I thought something was strange about you. You and that Van inside. But, you're different, aren't you?"

"Indeed. Very astute for a human," the Count commented, shocking Tyler even more. "We don't mean her any harm. We're here as her protection. It is why she left, as she's been targeted because she carries something very valuable inside her. I can't tell you more than this, as it's for your own safety that you don't know."

Tyler exhaled as he absorbed all this. This guy could have been lying to him for all he knew. "What exactly are you? Can you tell me that?"

Alucard grinned toothily, showing his sharp canines. "To put it simply, we're vampires. And the very people after her are vampires." The vampire watched this human with slight interest. Interestingly, Tyler was taking it quite well. "I am curious though. Are you a sensitive by any chance?"

Tyler frowned a bit. "I've always been able to pick up strange phenomena."

Alucard smiled. "That explains it." He looked back up at Tyler. "Questions?"

The young man didn't speak for awhile. Then he asked, "You won't let any harm come to Alex?"

The vampire gave the human a soft expression. Yes, Tyler truly cared, just as much as Alexandra cared about him. Humans were strange with their loyalties and protectiveness over their loved ones. But who was he to judge? It just made him envy them, as he was a monster, and normally he felt nothing except excitement in the heat of battle. However, ever since he had began serving Integra, and had turned Seras, and now with Alex stirring up his memories, he started to care about things again. Ever since Katarina's death, he no longer cared about being human. Alucard closed his eyes, recalling something from thirty years ago.

"Why are you crying? Are children hiding under your bed? Monsters do not cry. You became one so wouldn't anymore...right? People cry, and when those tears have dried up, they're reduced to becoming monsters. That's how it always is."

Alucard opened his eyes, fixing them upon Tyler. "Never."

They stared each other down for awhile. After a period of time, Tyler stood down, satisfied. "Alright, but if you go back on your word, I will personally kill you. Whatever it takes."

Only humans can kill monsters, so Alucard grinned at him, pleased by his declaration. "I'll take your word for it."

Alex was starting to get worried. The girl had noticed Alucard following Tyler and wondered what they were talking about on the balcony. After a twenty-minute chat, they both returned, Alucard resuming his seat, glasses on again, and Tyler sat on the arm of the couch next to his girlfriend. Staring between the two, Alex frowned. Shaking her head, she resumed the game play, having trounced poor Van with Len into submission, as he had never played video games before. Eventually, Len had teamed up with Van to try and put Alex in her place, and they were pretty evenly matched. Finally, Van looked at the time, as it was close to two in the morning, and they had to make their way to a different city later that day, as it was Christmas Eve now.

"I think we should start heading out, now," he said, putting down the controller. "It's quite late."

Alex blinked then groaned. "Aw, I don't wanna!"

Tyler just grinned. "You can visit again before you head back, right?"

The girl's disappointed expression dropped to nothing. Could she? Maybe she should head back early. Then again, if this was going to be the last time she saw them in a long time, she might as well take as many chances as possible to see their faces one more time. "Sounds cool. Might drop by the day before our flight." Alex suddenly gasped, realizing something. "Oh right, I brought you guys your presents!"

Alex ran off to grab the bag she brought, bringing it over and handing out a few wrapped objects. Tyler unwrapped something flat, revealing a plaque with a Star Trek Starfleet insignia upon it with his name engraved. "Holy shit!" he shouted with a grin. "This will look good above my desk."

"Nerd," Alex teased.

"That's Trekkie to you!"

Len opened hers next, pleasantly surprised to find a very thick paperback on photography. "Wow, this is great. Thank you!"

Alex smiled, then frowned a little when they both went to open the third gift. It was a small wooden box with a handgun, a couple of magazines with silver bullets, and a rounded vial of water. The couple stared, perplexed by this gift, but Len looked more confused by it than Tyler did. Alex was then shocked when Tyler looked up at her in understanding.

"Thank you." The girl nodded. "We got you something as well."

The girl blinked as she was then handed something quite small. Tearing at the paper, there was a box. Removing the cardboard lid, her mouth fell slightly ajar. It was a short braided leather necklace with a small sunstone dangling from in wrapped in gold wires. The stone was smooth and oval, with mixed deep of shimmering red, orange, and gold. Alex had forgotten that Tyler dabbled in stones, and she only remembered it was a sunstone because he had shown it to her once, saying that it fit her perfectly.

"Tyler picked out the rock, I just put it together," Len explained.

Alex smiled, truly touched. "Thank you, guys."

After they had exchanged their goodbyes with hugs, although the vampires just shook hands, they left, the winter air much colder as it was so late. Van smiled, angling his head as he looked at Alex. "That's a pretty little stone, isn't it? Do you know what it is?"

Alex was staring at the necklace in her hand, smiling sadly. "It's a sunstone."

"How...ironic," he decided. "Would you like me to help put it on?"

"I'll do it," Alucard said suddenly, standing behind her, holding out a hand in front of her.

Both Van and Alex blinked at this gesture, but neither questioned it as the girl handed over the jewellery, unzipping her vest and pulling down the collar of her shirt some. Quietly, Alucard draped it in front of her, wrapping it around her neck and tying it firmly in the back. When he was done, his fingers brushed the back of her neck. The streets were empty at this time of night, as most people would be home right now. Something compelled her to look at the Count, and so she turned, seeing that he had removed his glasses, the look in his eyes smouldering with an emotion she could see as clear as day while Van just watched them, puzzled by this silent exchange.

"They gave it to you out of love. It will protect you. I will protect you," At his words of promise, Alex began to feel a stinging in her eyes, and she shuddered out a breath. Before Alucard could say anything else, something caught his attention, and then the vampire grinned, hissing in glee. "Oh ho. So, they're finally showing themselves."

Van sensed it as well, hand burying itself under his coat, taking a short whiff of the air. "What a disgusting scent. Seems like there's at least twenty of them."

The Count chuckled at this. "Yes. They've come for her. I sensed them awhile ago, but they weren't willing to get close till now."

Alex stood there, fear on her features. "Tyler...Len!" Alucard turned his gaze towards her panicked expression, softening his features. "Alucard, please," she pleaded.

"By your wish, they will not touch them," he reassured her, shadows shifting about his feet. "I will know if they're in danger, so go with Van."

"What?! What about you?!" she demanded, grabbing at his coat, gasping when she heard the jeering of distant monsters, looking up to see red eyes gleaming at her with malicious intent. They were everywhere. Left, right, front, back, and above on the buildings, hidden in shadows.

Alucard gently gripped her hands, smirking at her. "You should know by now that I can't be killed by such filth. Only humans can defeat monsters. Now, go."

Alex was pried from him with a gasp by Van, cradled suddenly in the young Dracul's arms. Alex and Alucard's eyes locked for a moment, and Alucard just grinned toothily while she merely stared. The shadows became more wild, expanding and rising up like a tidal wave of black flames, and when she blinked, Alucard was dressed in his normal getup, minus the hat and glasses. There was a frantic cry as the vampires beyond the black veil tried to look for her. With a lurch, Van leaped into the air, bouncing off the wall of a building and bounding back and forth to expand the distance between them and the enemy, Alex clinging to Van's neck.

The shadows lessening, Alucard stood alone, teeth bared in a grin. Surrounding him was just a bunch of punks with fangs, but they were still vampires. "I see you've all come to entertain me. Gabriel sent you all, no doubt." He chortled, but it gradually turned into a cackle before he roared out, "Well, c'mon then! Bring on the slaughter!"

A/N: Mmm, incoming violence is delicious. Gonna be a wild chase and because Alucard's involved, naturally there's going to be massive bloodshed. I can't help but LOL at the fact that Tyler gave Alucard a talking down to. If only he knew exactly who he was messing with. After this next chapter, you'll probably get to see Alex's parents, and the interaction between them and Alucard...well, I'm not sure what's going to happen but it should be interesting. Or disastrous. We'll see.

Now, please leave a review, your thoughts, questions, and thank you guys for reading, AND following, and favouriting. I truly appreciate it!