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 THIRTY-ONE

Stabbing Despair

Everything was, save for a couple of things, perfect. The wedding was large, the feast great, and Vlad could not help but grin the entire time. During the entertainment from fire dancers and musicians, Katarina leaned against his arm with a genuinely happy expression on her sweet face, tugging a little at his sleeve. Getting the idea, she and Vlad retired for the evening. They didn't need all that ceremony, just each other, consummating their marriage until they couldn't move anymore.

It was then he finally began to take his revenge against the Ottomans, and even against those within his own walls, ridding his court of those corrupted by their greed for power. The sultan of the empire had even sent envoys to ask for tribute. Angered by the nerve of the sultan, Vlad refused outright, which had shocked his subjects. No, never again would Wallachia be under Ottoman rule. His father had been a fool for paying for such tributes, even giving his own two sons away.

As he finished with the envoys, having literally nailed their hats to their skulls for their insolence, he left to be with his beloved, who sat in the tallest tower, where their chambers resided. Near the large window, he found her sitting, sewing something. No doubt it was for the child developing in her womb. Glancing at her stomach, he smiled with some pride. She was only halfway through her pregnancy. Katarina looked up from her craft work, smiling as brightly as the sun as her eyes landed on her husband.

"Katarina," he breathed out, walking over. Reaching her chair, he leaned down, kissing her with a great passion, his wife moaning delightedly under his mouth. Pulling away, he asked, "How does my love fare?"

Absentmindedly, she ran her hand over the baby bump with a loving stroke. "I am doing well. What of my prince?"

He smiled, kissing her forehead. "I am doing well." Looking down again, he knelt to the floor, pressing his ear gently against her stomach, closing his eyes. After a moment, he said, "They seem to be doing just as well."

Just as she had with her stomach, she stroked down Vlad's thick mane, running fingers over his scalp as they slipped through his thick black locks. If Vlad had been a cat, he would have been purring. No, Katarina was more of the cat, especially when she awoke from their spent passion, stretching languidly. With that thought in mind, he grinned, kissing her stomach with paternal gentleness. Soon, their child would be born. But right now, he was more than happy to receive her love, and return it, standing up and helping her to her feet, kissing her again, only more fervently.

The new year came, Vlad finding himself between fighting off the Ottoman forces, and constantly worrying about his love and their soon-to-be-born child. Katarina eventually collapsed with the pain of labour, and he sat next to his wife in support as she screamed from the pain, panting with exertion. Suddenly, there was a cry, Vlad and Katarina holding their breaths as the midwife and healer cut off the cord, wrapping the child up in a clean cloth. As their newborn son was handed to his mother, Katarina laughed and sobbed at the same time, the child still crying at the top of his lungs.

Vlad stared at the boy in astonishment. "My son..."

The baby finally calmed down as his mother cooed softly, pressing his head to her cheek. Looking up at Vlad tiredly, who was still transfixed on their shared creation, she asked with a smile, "What shall his name be?"

His features softened, looking upon his son with pride. "Mihnea."

Tuesday Morning, December 30, 2031, Hotel...

Finally, the storm had stopped sometime in the night, having decreased to simple snowfall. Part of it still lingered, the wind picking up now and then, but otherwise, it had calmed down. Unfortunately, according to the reports on the television, the airports nearly all over North America were still shut down, and would be for another few days. Van sighed, shutting it off from his chair, eyes trailing over Alucard's coffin. The vampire had only emerged once, and that was to take some blood from the cooler. That was roughly around midnight. Alex and Alucard hadn't even looked at each other, but the hunter said nothing. Van had no idea how long either of them would be like this, but he sincerely hoped it did not last throughout their week at sea. In fact, he was hoping they'd start getting along again before they got on the ship.

Meanwhile, Alex was sleeping in, although she had been restless all night. Van wasn't aware of her sleep requirements, unlike Alucard, and asking him would have been awkward. At this point, with the Alucard and Alex avoiding each other, the Count would likely bite his head off for asking, literally. Asking Alex would probably have been considered inappropriate, but he did wonder if she actually relied on Alucard's presence to sleep. Maybe he was looking too much into it, as their first night in this room, she slept just fine without Alucard. Perhaps it was the hostility between them that kept her awake. Van was just about to lean back and take a nap, but then heard her stir. Looking over, he watched as she sat up, hair sticking up at various places, bags under her eyes, concerning him a little, since she was very similar to how vampires looked.

"Good morning," he greeted.

"Meh," was all she could say, rubbing at her eyes. She croaked out, "What time is it?"

"Half-past ten, I believe. When's your lunch date?"

"It's not a date," she replied firmly, climbing out of bed. "Twelve-thirty. I need a shower."

Grabbing her bag of clothes, she left for the bathroom, closing the door quietly behind her. Van frowned, thinking she already had a shower yesterday, but supposed she needed it to wake up. Alex stood near the tub, turning on the water, holding her hand under the running liquid as she adjusted the temperature. Once it was satisfactory, she stripped, climbing in, shutting the curtains before turning on the shower head. She was just so tired, and she was tempted to cancel her lunch with Conley, but alas, she didn't have his number. Oh well, she might as well get the thing over with and maybe this time, they could part on good terms. Alex wasn't like Alucard. She didn't live for constant conflict. In fact, it just made her sick to think about it.

It had been the same with her mother, the endless fighting brought up by misunderstanding. Every time she went to call her parents, there was that nauseating sense of dread, her stomach tying into uncomfortable knots. Now that they had properly discussed the issues between them, their relationship had improved and Alex could finally relax over that aspect of her life. Conley, however, was an unresolved issue. Part of her felt like they were never really over, and she couldn't run away forever. And now she was silently fighting with Alucard, and that made her even more sick.

The smell and sound of water woke Alucard, and he lied in his coffin, still seething from yesterday. As he listened to the sound of the shower though, he began to calm, his body relaxing. Perhaps he overreacted at her decision. Still, why would she accept seeing the bastard again? It didn't make sense. Wasn't that boy the bane of her life? Slowly, he rose from his coffin, and Van looked over, opening one eye. From what the hunter could see, Alucard's sleep had been just as restless.

"You look fantastically miserable," he commented. "Do you feel better about yourself?" Receiving a warning glare from the Count, he said, "I'll take that as a no." As Alucard stood from his coffin, he asked, "So, are you going or not?"

After a moment, he replied, "I'll go."

Van nodded. "Good. You'll probably be more awake than me. I wanted to rest a bit before going out later to check for the ship as well. Even though the weather has cleared, the airports are to remain shut down for the week."

The vampire looked out the window, and sure enough, it was just snow floating down to earth gently, a gust of wind occasionally picking up. "So I see."

"Alucard..." The Count turned to Van. "I just want you to remember what you had told me."

Wryly, he smirked. "And what was that?"

"Human problems are human problems." Alucard frowned, turning his gaze back out the window. "Like you said, whatever she decides is her business. Let it play out."

Crimson eyes narrowing, Alucard said nothing. Though he had said it, to have it repeated to him as a reminder was annoying. In the end, Alucard could do nothing for Alexandra. Still, what Van said afterwards lingered a little. Right now, Alexandra was just hearing out the fool. Though it was against his own better judgement, Alucard would look into this boy's motives himself, and why he had treated her the way he did seven years prior. As he thought this, the door to the bathroom opened and for the first time since yesterday, their eyes locked. Alex stood there, surprised to see him.

"Alucard..."

Instantly, his shoulders relaxed at the sound of her voice. "Hello, my dear."

His change of tone threw her off a little, and warily, she stepped towards the bed, watching him. "Hi..." She looked at the time. There was still a couple of hours to kill before she would be meeting Conley.

"Alucard will be watching over you today," Van announced, and Alex froze. "Something wrong?"

"No, I just..." She swallowed, actually surprised by this news. Was Alucard no longer mad? "I was just under the impression he wanted nothing to do with it."

Immediately, the Count's defences went right back up, his anger simmering once more. Casually and coldly, he replied, staring back out the window, "I don't. However, my master has ordered your utmost protection. I will obey every order given to me."

There was a deathly silence. The words, though subtle, had shot right through her. Her legs shook, and slowly, she put the bag of clothes down on the bed. Alex was holding her breath right now, afraid that if she released it, she would collapse at that moment, giving in to weakness she was not willing to reveal while others were around, especially not around Alucard. So, he thought of her as nothing more than an objective to be completed. When she finally did release that breath, she was thankful that the threat of falling did not come to pass. Let it go, she told herself. It wasn't worth fighting over.

"Right, of course," she whispered almost sadly.

Van glared at Alucard for his poor choice of words while Alex sat on the bed in silence, turning on the TV to watch whatever was on. It didn't matter if it was reality talk shows, or cartoons. Anything to numb her mind. As it approached the time she was to meet Conley in the lobby, she turned it off, grabbing her boots and coat. Alucard didn't waste any time, as his black trench had instantly appeared on him. Normally that would have amazed Alex, but she wasn't in the mood to be amazed.

Alex waved goodbye to Van before leaving with Alucard. The elevator ride down just made her feel closed in with the Count, as she didn't want to be anywhere near him. With a ding and a slight lurch in the compartment, the doors opened, Alex stepping ahead of him. When she peered over her shoulder, he was gone. She blinked, wondering where the hell he went. It didn't matter, he wasn't supposed to be seen by Conley anyway. Turning around again, she spotted Conley waiting in the middle of a lobby. The moment he saw her as she approached, he smiled charmingly.

"Hello," he greeted.

"Hi," she replied back less enthusiastically.

"Well, where do you want to go?" he asked. "I think just about every fast food restaurant is open. You want pizza, McDonald's, Wendy's? Or maybe you're in the mood for KFC."

There he went again, looking like a cute and nervous wreck. Features softening a little, she gentled her tone, "I don't really care, but I guess it's been awhile since I had Wendy's. But, whatever is closest is fine."

Conley smiled again, holding out his arm. Almost immediately, he saw her guard go up again as she glared at it. Damn, she was still mad, he realized. Dropping it, he shrugged, giving a wry smile and heading towards the door. Outside, the snow was still thick on the ground, and he tried to remember where the nearest Wendy's was. Honestly, he didn't want to look like a fool, so he avoided looking it up on his phone and just went in a random direction. If all else failed, they'd come across a pizza parlour.

Seven years, and she was still as pretty as when he last saw her. It was probably because she didn't rely on a false appearance to make herself attractive. It was her natural looks that made her appealing, not that she looked bad with makeup. In fact, he recalled that she rarely wore it, but when she did, it was so minimal, it merely accentuated her already appealing features, especially her eyes. After comparing her to how she looked in the past, he realized that she seemed thinner, or rather, more in shape. The way she walked was also a little different, as if she was more sure of herself.

Thankfully, much to his own luck, there was a Wendy's up ahead, and he quickened his pace a little. There was a squeak behind him, and he turned to see that Alex had tripped, falling into the few inches of snow. Chuckling a little, he backtracked, holding out his hand. Alex blinked at it, staring up at him. Why was he being so...? What the hell did it matter? Seven years changed a person. Back then, Conley was a lot more snarky, but now it seemed like his rough edges had been smoothed a little. Although, he did show this rare kindness only to her in the past. Sheepishly, she took his hand, being helped up. She really had to stop falling over.

"Thanks," she mumbled.

"You're welcome. Come on," he urged.

The restaurant was pleasantly warm, but not overheated. The smell of french fries wafted under Alex's nose and she sniffed appreciatively. For a moment, she wondered if it was a curse or a blessing to a vampire of never needing solid food. If she had been a vampire, that delight would have been great loss to her, as she loved many types of food. Well, at least there's the plus side of never getting overweight from drinking blood. From what she knew, vampire metabolism would have burned the excess fat away. At least, that's what it sounded like during her studies in vampire biology.

Ten minutes of waiting, and they sat down. Conley with his baconator, and Alex with her bacon mushroom melt. Neither of them spoke for several minutes as Conley ate his burger while she ate her fries first. He watched her curiously. He remembered she had a ritual when eating fast food. It was always the fries first, then the burger, and if she had ordered nuggets or strips, those were next and last. As expected, she had ordered root beer with no ice. The little details he remembered about her...

"So," he began, munching on a fry, "since we both know vampires don't exist, what's your real job?"

"Just because you don't believe in the supernatural or aliens, doesn't mean that I don't."

"Purely fictitious nonsense," he droned. "People who say otherwise are idiots who are likely on drugs, or they're saying it to get attention. It's a common fictional interest, and that's all. None of that shit's real."

And here was one of the old barriers of their past relationship. Just as she didn't believe in religion, there were those, like Conley, that didn't believe in the supernatural. "Aliens most definitely exist. If we're the only ones in the entire universe, than we're living a pretty lonely existence."

He shrugged. "Maybe I prefer it that way."

"Also, ghosts are a proven phenomenon," she said, finishing off her fries, licking the salt off her fingers. As are vampires, but society doesn't know that.

"I can't believe you still believe in that bullshit." He sighed. "Well, enough with avoiding the question."

"Avoiding what question?"

"Your real job."

She paused. Remembering the lie Van had told her parents, she muttered, "I'm in training as a security guard. I watch video feeds."

He arched a brow, not really buying it. Somehow, a security guard position just didn't fit with Alex. However, she had a serious expression on her face, unlike yesterday where it was obvious that she was being sarcastic. "How weird. Didn't peg you as the security type."

"It's admittedly a little boring, but it's easy where I'm sitting." Ha! It was quite the opposite. It wasn't boring, and it certainly wasn't easy. Almost everyday, her body ached from the physical training, and she was told to study everything she could in the library. "The people I work with are pretty interesting though."

"I see." Who would have thought? Well, maybe it wasn't as farfetched as he thought. "Do you work out?"

Alex nearly snorted root beer out of her nose, coughing a little before swallowing. "W-what?!"

He laughed. "I just meant since you look so...different."

"You calling me fat in the past tense?" she asked, giving him the hairy eye, and immediately, he panicked. Alex just couldn't resist putting the guy on the spot and for once, she laughed, loving the look on his face. "I'm messing with you." He visibly relaxed. "Your priceless expression was worth it."

"You're as mean as ever," he commented, looking a little miffed that he had fallen into her trap.

She smiled, attempting an incident-free sip of her pop. "To answer your question, yes, I've been working out a bit. Just a couple of months though."

"Well, you look great. Did you take up martial arts like you wanted?" Alex's blinked in surprise. "I just remember you saying that you would have preferred having the build of an athlete and not a body builder."

"Weights are boring," she admitted. "I guess you could say I am taking some exercises similar to martial arts." Slowly, she unwrapped her burger, inhaling the delicious scent of mushrooms, bacon and melted cheddar. "Did you ever finish your training in karate?"

"Nah, still a red belt," he said. Conley watched as she ate her burger with great satisfaction. "I know you said it wasn't any of my business yesterday, but...who were those two with you at the library?"

Alex paused, chewing thoughtfully. "Why do you ask?"

"Because they looked a lot like they were your bodyguards or something. Especially the taller one."

What could she say? Well, she could blow him off again and tell him to stick his nose elsewhere, but she wasn't a juvenile. "They're coworkers in security. I invited them along for the holidays."

"You're not dating either of them, are you?"

She frowned. "Why does everyone ask me that?! For god's sake, no!"

It's not that either of them were a bad choice. It's just that she considered Van the same way she considered Tyler—a brother. Alucard on the other hand was complicated mix of everything mushed together into one steaming pile of...hell, she didn't even have a word for it because it was so complicated! At times, he was as charming as the devil, seducing her slowly at every opportunity. Other times, he just aggravated her with his sudden intrusions. Even his constant grinning made her want to punch him in the damn face, which she had already done twice, and shot him through the head for good measure. As of right now, their undoubtedly growing relationship was teetering dangerously towards destruction. Though she knew that, she wasn't going to allow Alucard to act for her. Ever. She was not an object he could play with and control.

As the vampire watched from within the walls, he listened closely to their conversation. It went on and on, and he sorely wished Alexandra would tire of the boy and leave already. Still, she stayed, and Alucard's self-control began to slip a little, emitting a growl every so often, scaring and confusing the dining customers that heard him. Every now and then, the echoes of her thoughts seeped into his own mind, and the most recent one had nearly brought him to a breaking point. Is that what she believed? That he thought of her as a toy?! If only she knew how wrong she was.

"I'm sorry," Conley said, raising his hands again in peace. "I was just curious."

Alex nodded, still a little irritated. They said nothing else as they continued their meal. Somewhere, she could sense that Alucard was close by, and his presence was beginning to suffocate her as his anger grew. Everybody else was acting normally, so they didn't seem to be affected by it. Perhaps it had something to do with being exposed to Alucard for as long as she had. If there was only a way for her to scope him out and pin him down with a glare that told him to remove the stick from his ass.

As they finished up, Conley wiped his hands with a napkin, staring at her in consideration. "Are you doing anything tomorrow?"

"Not really," she answered honestly. "Why?"

"When are you leaving Halifax?"

She arched a brow. "Again, why?"

He smiled, balling up the napkin, tossing it on the tray. "Well, tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and I was wondering if you wanted to, well..." he hesitated.

Astounded, Alex had to stop him before he could finish. "I'm not comfortable with this." He looked up at her, and she sighed, rubbing her forehead. "I don't know if you've realized it yet, but I simply don't trust you not to hurt me again."

Alucard listened more intently, his anger ebbing away some with her words. Conley seemed a little miffed by her declaration though. "I see. I didn't think it would help if I simply said sorry." He sighed, leaning on the table. "Listen, I never meant to hurt you. Not in the least. I was an idiot, and I got defensive because you were making me believe that you lost faith in my loyalty to you."

That wasn't the issue. It wasn't his loyalty she had questioned, but something else entirely. It was whether or not he had simply gotten what he wanted, was disappointed, and grew bored. "You disappearing for months after each visit was suspicious, Conley. I was naive to accept the first excuse, but the second time..." She shook her head, brows drawing together. "What did you expect me to think?"

"I know... I want to make it up to you while you're here, at least a little, even if you're still mad at me. I want to at least try to get back into your good graces." He looked up at her, sincerity in his features. "Will you at least let me try?"

No, don't make that face, she silently begged. It would be her undoing and she wouldn't be able to refuse. Though Alex couldn't trust him, how could she deny a heartfelt plea of repentance? Alucard watched her, eyes narrowing as indecision stormed in her eyes. She wouldn't. There was no chance in hell that Alexandra would accept someone so undeserving of her trust and forgiveness. When she nodded, it took everything Alucard had to hold himself back, his body aching to tear apart that boy, on the edge of his sanity.

Conley smiled, relief evident. "That's great. So, does this mean you'll hang out tomorrow night?"

"I suppose," she said, the suffocating feeling increasing. "What time are you picking me up?"

"I was thinking around five, if that's okay with you." She nodded, withdrawing the last of the contents of her drink. Leaving the restaurant after putting the garbage in the bins, Conley turned in the direction of the hotel, intending to walk her back. When she didn't move, he turned around, a little perplexed. "What's wrong? Did you forget about a washroom break?"

"Yeah, I did. But I was also thinking of walking back on my own."

"Alone? I don't think that's a good idea."

"Please," she pleaded. "It's not far, and believe me, I can take care of myself." With her training, she doubted any potential attacker would be able to overpower her. Although, with Alucard around, she wouldn't get to test that anyway. "I'll be fine. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Do you know the way?" he asked, a little reluctant.

"It's a straight line," she replied monotonously.

"Right, right. Okay, then I'll see you tomorrow."

Both waved to each other as Conley walked off, Alex standing there, staring after him. It wasn't until he had turned a corner that she finally released her held breath, heading back to the hotel. No doubt Alucard was still following her, as her difficulty with breathing didn't decrease at all. If she had been an asthmatic, she'd be choking right now. The fluttering sound of a coat sounded behind her and she stopped, looking over her shoulder at Alucard. Even though he was wearing his glasses, she could feel his eyes glowering down at her. Silently, she walked on, her breathing becoming easier since he took solid form.

Finding the hotel was easy enough, as she had already said. The elevator up was just as uncomfortable as when she had descended earlier, reaching their floor. With haste, she marched to the bedroom, wanting to get away from Alucard. However, his long legs allowed him to keep up with the girl easily, just barely avoiding scraping the heels of her boots with this toes. After a short fumbling with the card key, she unlocked the door, slamming it shut in his face. Van wasn't anywhere to be seen, and she briefly supposed that he had gone to the docks to see if the boat actually arrived. However, those thoughts were interrupted as Alucard phased through the door, tearing off his glasses to reveal his unbridled fury.

"You're seeing him again?" he asked, tone consumed with danger.

Alex turned, just as pissed off as him. "What of it? What I do in my spare time isn't any of your business."

"Oh, but it is." Slowly, he stalked towards her, eyes flashing, but she didn't budge, even as he stood before her. "Everything you do is my business, because it is my job to make it my business. I have to watch over you at all times, because it's essential that you don't end up in Gabriel's hands."

"I didn't ask to be babysat!"

He snarled, "Whether you like it or not, little girl, you're stuck with us. With me. That won't change until Gabriel and his followers are dead." He grinned maliciously then, getting in her face. "Unless of course you decide to take a different path entirely. Do you want to die? Shall I do you the favour of ending your miserable existence? It will certainly save us all the trouble of having to look after you," he almost crooned.

"Don't make empty threats, Alucard," she warned.

"Empty?" He smirked. "Hasn't it already been established that I am a monster? When I make a threat, I usually make good on it. Usually I don't bother with threats at all...I just do as a monster does."

"Oh yeah?" she asked. "Well, go ahead then. I dare you, Count Dracula, the fallen prince of darkness."

There was a growl, and his hand reached out, grabbing her neck and slamming her into the nearest wall, leaving a slight dent in it as she gasped, grasping at his wrist. He leaned in close, fangs elongated into fearful points, growling out, "You'd do well to remember to never challenge me, Alexandra! I have killed millions in my long life, and I can always add one more!"

Alex stared up at him, for the first time, actually fearing him. Lips curled into a cold smirk, the vampire using his index finger on his free hand to stroke down her cheek, then over her lips with his thumb. Under the thumb of the hand holding her neck, he glanced at the bare bit of neck, considering a taste. Much to his disappointment, she wasn't making a sound. That would soon change, but he was more interested in playing with his food a little more. Perhaps he would show her once and for all the monster he really was.

"What do you hope to accomplish by socializing with that boy?" he asked casually, never once looking in her eyes. "Are you hoping to rekindle the passion you once had? Maybe that's why you haven't given your body to anyone else. Deep down, you're still his whore."

There was a resounding smack with Alucard's head turned sharply to the right, the suddenness of it leaving him stunned. After a moment of shocked silence, he slowly turned his head back, only for the shock to increase as he finally locked his gaze with hers. He stared, wide-eyed, at the immeasurable hurt and fear he had inflicted upon her, tears running down her face. It was then that he had begun to see what he had done, and as if her skin had burned him, his hands recoiled from her entirely. Hastily, she moved away from him, standing near the window as she inhaled painfully with shock between sobs, wheezing from the harshness of her crying.

Alucard stared at his hands in disbelief. To think it was in him to hurt Alexandra. He swallowed hard, his mouth parched with thirst. Not only did he coldly threaten her, but he had laid his hands on her in anger, even thinking of drinking her blood as punishment. As a cruel finishing touch, he had dared to call her something so vile. Slowly, he turned towards Alexandra, and in a few cautious strides, he was behind her, wanting to touch her, but afraid of what he would do if he did.

"Alexandra...I...I didn't mean..." Damn it all! Why did words fail him now?!

"G-get out," she whimpered.

"Alexandra..."

"GET OUT!"

She turned away from him, going into the corner, and Alucard just stood there, shaken up. Making another failed attempt at swallowing past the large lump in his throat, he turned for the door. It proved to be a long journey for him, as if reality was no longer present. When he did reach the door, he actually reached for the handle, stepping out and closing it quietly behind him rather than phase through it. The Count remained in front of the door, staring ahead of him in a daze. As he listened, Alex's sobs increased, and he closed his eyes, his back slipping down the door as he slid to the floor in a heap, covering his face in misery.

"What have I done?"

A/N: As an author, I should confess to the fact that I actually cried a little at the final scene. Can you FEEL the emotion?! I didn't want anyone to forget what Alucard was capable of, especially not Alex, thus the threats. Although, he obviously feels regret over the incident. Next chapter...Alucard gets drunk! ...Okay, not really, since vampires can't get drunk. But it will be interesting all the same. Muwahahaha! Expect more drama, and something extra special! Also, aww, Alucard and Katarina had a baby! Can you really picture Alucard being a father? Honestly, it's weird for me to even imagine it. The closest I can see to him being fatherly, was the way he treated Seras, and even that's stretching it a little.

But anyway, please leave a review, your dastardly thoughts, any questions about life in general, and thanks a lot for reading. Also, I just realized that this story is only over a month old, and I managed to catch up to my other story's word count. Over 150,000 words! That's bitchin!