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-TWO

To Finally See What You Are

Tuesday Afternoon, December 30, 2031, Harbour...

As Van finalized the trip with the ship's designated captain, there was small comfort in the fact that they would be leaving soon. Just a couple more days and they would be out at sea heading for London. With signing the necessary paperwork, Van bid thanks to the manager and the Captain, saying how he would check back daily for any changed plans. Last thing he wanted right now was to find out that they had completed loading everything and had departed early, thus making Van and company miss the boat.

Thank god that the storm had finally ceased, he thought. Just remembering it made him depressed. Heading back to the hotel, he was suddenly struck with a sense of dread, and it had a lot to do with Alucard. Perhaps he shouldn't have left Alex alone to be guarded over Alucard after all. When there was no one around to see, he rushed off at high speed, reaching the hotel in less than five minutes. Just as quickly as the feeling appeared, it faded away, replaced by some kind of sadness. Normally, Van's interpretation into emotions wasn't very strong, but the feelings were so overwhelming, that it was difficult not to decipher them! Fear was always one thing a vampire could always sense. The other was lust, but that wasn't what he sensed at all.

Rather than wait for the elevator, he left for the stair access, running up the floors with inhuman speed til he reached their floor, running to their room. Something reached his ears the moment he placed the card key in the slot, and he stormed in, expecting to see an enemy of some sort, even though he knew there wouldn't be. The door closed behind him as he ventured slowly into the room, noting the slight dent in the wall. There was a quiet sob from the corner, and he turned towards the source to find Alex curled into herself, hair obscuring what was no doubt a face of misery.

"Alex!" Immediately upon seeing her state, he ran over, kneeling next to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "What happened?" The instant he touched her, she flinched, her sobs stopping, as if holding her breath. "Alex, it's me. No one's going to hurt you."

"V-Van?" she asked, raising her head a little.

He nodded. "What happened?" he asked again.

She sniffed, rubbing at her eyes, and Van reached up to brush back her hair. "Alucard and I had a fight. He got mad at me because I told Conley I'd see him t-tomorrow."

He was almost afraid to ask, but... "Then what happened?"

A hiccough made her jump a little. "We argued, and he...threatened me and threw me against the wall after I provoked him." Van frowned. Well, that explained the dent. "And he called me a-a-a..."

Again, afraid to ask, speaking gently, "What did he call you, Alex?"

"A whore," she managed on a whisper, sobs making themselves known once more.

Van pulled her into his arms, shushing her softly, rubbing her back. The nerve of the Count! If Van had the power, he would be hunting down Alucard right now and shooting him in the head! "Where is he now?" he asked calmly.

"I-I don't know where he is," she murmured. "I told him to leave after he let me go."

"I see." Damn right he deserved to be kicked out. Although, the fact Alucard did leave might have been proof that he regretted his actions. "Come on," he urged gently, helping her to her feet.

As he helped her into bed, untying her boots and slipping them off, she stared at the wall in a daze, eyes puffy and red. "I broke the wall," she mentioned feebly and apologetically.

"Wrong. Alucard broke the wall. Don't worry about it. I'll pay the hotel for the damages. It's a small fix."

Van wrapped the thick blankets around her, crouching next to the bed after having thoroughly tucked her in. Right now, sleep was the best thing for her. After awhile, she did finally fall asleep, and he observed her carefully. Once he was convinced that she would be alright, he closed his eyes, feeling out for the other vampire. Luckily, he was still in the building, and Van rushed quietly out the door, heading downstairs, and going into a classy little bar that was separate from the hotel's restaurant. As his silver orbs searched, they landed upon Alucard's dark form, sitting at one end of the counter. Narrowing his eyes, Van marched straight over, nearly bulldozed over by the sight of Alucard...with alcohol, a bottle of vodka right next to his half-filled glass.

He moved onto the bar stool next to the Count, and the bartender walked over, eyebrows raised in question. "Nothing for me, thank you," Van told him, and the bartender nodded, walking away. Van removed his leather gloves, placing them on the counter and rubbing his hands together, as if to warm them. A habit to serve the public with the illusion that he was human. After a moment, he regarded Alucard. "Do you mind explaining to me what the hell you were doing?"

"About what?" he replied irritably.

"You know perfectly well, what. I came back in a hurry, because I felt something was wrong, finding her curled up in a corner on the floor...crying." He watched as Alucard ran his gloved finger along the rim of his glass, his face impassive as it rested upon his propped up palm. Unfortunately, Van couldn't see past Alucard's glasses to read his eyes. "You've threatened her."

The corners of Alucard's mouth went down a notch. "Yes."

"You physically harmed her."

"Yes."

"And you called her a whore?" For once, Alucard flinched, his frown deepening. "I should fucking hit you, or better yet, shoot you."

"Anything you do means nothing, so go ahead. She's already dealt a blow of her own." At Van's puzzled expression, he smiled wryly. "Yes, she slapped me, right here," he said, tapping on his left cheek. He half-laughed, "For a human, she certainly packs a wallop."

"You think this is a joke?!" Van demanded, keeping his voice down.

Alucard scoffed. "Of course not." Picking up the glass, he downed the contents, only to fill it up half-way again. "Nothing about this is amusing."

Van watched him, frowning deeply with a mix of sympathy and anger towards the older vampire. "Why are you drinking when you know you can't get drunk?"

Alucard held up the glass, staring at the contents with lackadaisical interest. "I'm using the placebo principle. Maybe if I think it'll work on me, I'll actually feel inebriated."

"You have self-observing powers," he pointed out. "You could always will yourself to be drunk, and it might actually work."

The Count just gave him a short laugh. "That's a dangerous thought," he commented.

Van half-smiled, staring over the counter, but not really looking at anything. "You're right. A drunk vampire, if at all possible, is a dangerous vampire. Although it would probably be amusing to find out what kind of drunk you'd be."

Alucard scoffed again. "You can speculate all you like."

There was a sigh from the Dracul as he clasped his hands together on the counter, his eyes staring at them. "Alex has also informed me of the reason for your...argument." Alucard snorted, downing the contents once more, wiping his lip with the back of his gloved hand. "Who is he to you?"

"Alexandra's ex-lover," he replied bitterly.

"And you're behaving irrationally because of jealousy?"

"How I behave isn't any concern of—"

"It is when you could have seriously damaged Alex!" Alucard closed his mouth, and kept it shut. "You two aren't even an item, and you're acting as if you own her! I was even beginning to believe you didn't have it in you to ever harm her." Van watched him, eyes narrowed seriously on the Count, who didn't look at him. "I plan on going with her tomorrow—I'm guessing for some New Year's celebration—and you're coming as well."

"Bad idea," Alucard muttered into his glass.

Van watched him for a moment before turning and leaving the seat. "I didn't think of you as someone who was afraid." Alucard's eyes narrowed behind his shades. "Come on," he urged. "I'm sure she'll be a lot calmer when she wakes up. I'd hate to see this as a permanent wedge between you two. Besides, I can't watch over her by myself when she's in a crowd." After a moment, Alucard sighed, shoving away the drink, tossing money on the counter and leaving with the hunter in stark silence.

Wednesday Morning, December 31, 2031, Hotel Rooftop...

The air was chilled with a strange calm as Van stood on the roof of the hotel, overlooking the city. From here, he could see the harbour, reaching out into the ocean. Less than forty-eight hours, and they'd be on those currently calm waves. Since the storm had ceased, Van's cellular got back its signal and he reached into his coat to take it out. Making a mental note to recharge it later, he dialled for Integra, raising it to his ear as he waited for her to pick up so that he could make a report.

"Hellsing."

"Good morning, Sir Integra."

"Ah, good morning, Mr. Drake. How goes the tempest situation?"

"The storm has ceased, but airports will be closed for awhile. The runways are packed with meters of snow it seems." He sighed. "Thus we'll be taking the ship to London. I've solidified the arrangements with the captain, and we'll be there around the ninth or tenth, according to their calculations, anyway."

"I see. Are you able to tell me the details now?"

"Yes. Alexandra felt uncomfortable staying longer than necessary, so we left on the twenty-sixth in the late afternoon. A storm slowed us down, along with immense traffic, and four hours into the drive, our vehicle was destroyed by thirty hostiles."

"Vampires working for Gabriel, no doubt."

"Indeed. They even admitted as such. However, this group was much different than the first group that attacked us. They were equipped with suits that rendered themselves completely invisible to vampires. Alucard called it Mirror-Tech."

"Mirror-Tech? Is it military?"

"I don't know. They also had voice resonators that confused our sense of hearing so we couldn't pinpoint them by sound when they spoke. However, because Alex isn't a vampire, she was able to spot what she described as visual distortions in mid air, locating most of them for us to wipe out."

"That's fortunate. These...suits...did you acquire them?"

"Yes, and we also have their electric swords."

"Swords?"

"They have a strange effect on us, but more so on Alucard. I wanted to wait til we got back to London before I did a thorough look at them." Wind rushed through his coat, the flaps billowing around his legs. "Their gear may be a lead to where Gabriel is."

"Indeed. The sooner we can deal with Gabriel, the better. Anything else?"

Van hesitated. "There is one other thing that I think you should be made aware of."

Wednesday Morning, December 31, 2031, Hotel...

The urge to stay in bed all day was strong. Alex had been awake for about half an hour, simply lying there as she avoided looking at Alucard's coffin. Deciding that she was bored, she slowly sat up, reaching for the remote on the nightstand. Turning on the TV, she flipped through each channel, staring at each program for a full minute before moving onto the next, just skipping the sport channels entirely. Right now, she wish she was back in London already. Television was proving to be an absolute bore.

The door opened, as Van walked in. "Good morning, Alex," he greeted. "Are you hungry?"

Alex blinked once, then twice while still staring at the screen, then she turned to look at the vampire. "I guess so."

"I can order something up for you, unless you'd rather go downstairs." He avoided asking how she was feeling or doing, so as not to bring up memories of yesterday, but he knew she hadn't forgotten, and wouldn't likely forget anytime soon.

She thought it over for a moment before she slipped off the covers. "Downstairs," was all she said. Since she was already fully clothed, having no pyjamas, she merely tied on her boots before leaving with him.

Moments after they left, the coffin lid rose as the Count sat up, staring at the door expressionless. Slowly, he stood from his coffin, which closed by itself, handing something in his hand as he sat on the bed. A Romanian box lied on his lap, gloved hands opening the hinged lid, revealing an assortment of things in the red velvety interior. Alexandra had given him this box to him only less than two weeks ago for his Rebirth day. Inside was the lock of Alexandra's hair he had asked for, wrapped tightly in a bow of his own essence. He picked it up, the gloves fading from his hands as he felt the silky strands with bare skin before placing it under his nose, taking in her faint but lingering scent. Putting it back, he spotted the matching set of bra and panties he had stolen from her underwear drawer nearly two months ago.

Now that he thought about it, today would have marked two months since they had officially met. Though he had seen her the day before, it was on Halloween that he had actually spoken to her, later rescuing her from those working for Gabriel. Now it was New Year's Eve, and he had already destroyed all his efforts to win her over with one simple argument. It really was true what they said about relationships taking a lifetime to build, and only moments to destroy. Next, he peered at a long and thin silver chain necklace, with two very old rings on it. Both had been tarnished by time, one large, the other small and narrow, both with intricate designs upon them.

Pale fingers took the rings into his palm, and he observed them more closely. "Katarina..." Of all the things he was capable of, turning back the clock was not one of them. Closing the rings in a fist, he gritted his teeth, dropping his head.

Wednesday Afternoon, December 31, 2031, Hotel...

It was almost five in the afternoon, and Alex had just finished showering, sitting on the toilet as she waited to dry. The window had been opened to air out the bathroom while her mind mulled over her argument with Alucard. Admittedly, she did provoke him, as she had already confessed as such to Van, but she still wasn't willing to talk to the Count. Yesterday had been a terrible reminder of the creature he was and what he was capable of, and that fear of him lingered. It amazed her that she had enough courage to have struck him. After that uncalled for remark, she didn't think anyone would have taken that.

Just thinking about it made her physically ill, so much so, that she actually jumped off the toilet, lifting the lid to evacuate her breakfast. By the time she was done, her stomach hurt, and her throat stung from the acidic bile. Alex took a few moments to catch her breath before flushing and heading for the sink. She took water from the tap, washing her mouth out and then brushing her teeth. As her body felt dry enough, she dropped the towel, putting on her clothes.

Moments later, she left the bathroom, startled to see Alucard standing near the window. The vampire turned his head ever so slightly, but said nothing. His face also betrayed nothing, but his eyes told her everything, startling her again. As he turned to look out the window once more, Van stepped into the room, having gotten back from checking on the ship and their departure schedule.

"Ah," he said, noticing that Alex and Alucard were just standing around. "Um, Alucard is...well, I asked him to come along because you might be in a large crowd."

Alex stared at him impassively. "Oh, I see. And?"

"I just thought..."

"He's just doing his job, I know," she said dismissively before grabbing her coat and boots. "Conley's probably already in the lobby."

No one said anything while they ventured downstairs, Van standing between Alucard and Alex in the elevator. The vampires held back as Alex walked out on the main floor, and so began their tailing mission. Alex greeted Conley casually, walking out into the city, where the vampires kept their distance. Van did not have the same abilities to merge with walls and the ground as Alucard did, so he had a little more trouble being discrete. However, due to his years as a hunter, it wasn't that difficult. More people were outside now that the weather was clear and—god dammit—sunny, so he blended into the crowd easily.

Meanwhile, Alucard watched and listened, following closely behind Alex's footsteps. She barely looked at Conley from the corner of her eye. "Where are we going anyway?"

He smiled mysteriously. "Well, I was thinking we could get something to eat before going to catch a movie."

"There's a theatre open?"

"Mm-hm. I honestly don't know what's playing, but it's lady's choice."

Alex shrugged, and Alucard felt some satisfaction with Conley's disappointment with her lack of enthusiasm. "Then what?" she asked.

"And then, if you're up for it, there's a rooftop party."

Honestly, she didn't like parties. It was usually crowded, and Alex wasn't a social butterfly, so she always felt out of place. Being a non-drinker, all types of drunks annoyed her. Dancing also wasn't her thing, and Alex didn't have the self-confidence to flail about like a fool with half-assed footwork. Still, this party might serve as a distraction from her current problems for the time being.

Wednesday Afternoon, December 31, 2031, Empire Theatres...

Because Alex wanted to eat light and not throw up, both she and Conley went to the nearest pizza parlour where she only got a single slice. They ate in silence, with Conley watching her—among others—then left for the movie theatres. The people around were surprisingly excited about the new year and the events that would take place. The movies were just as crowded, people buying their tickets as Alex considered her choices. There was a comedy, and she could certainly use a laugh, but she didn't feel like it. A horror movie just wasn't the answer, since it might send Conley the wrong message. A couple of dramas and—eww—a chick flick.

There was one called Neon Black that caught her attention, and she watched the trailer on one of the screens they had in the lobby. She recalled hearing about this movie sometime last year based on a series of graphic novels. Alex had looked it up once, becoming intrigued with the basic plot line, as it had revolved around the supernatural, specifically vampires. She had intended to read them, but had forgotten til now about them. Supposedly, it was a fantasy, slash, science-fiction action film.

"Any ideas?" Conley asked.

Alex pursed her lips in thought. "Neon Black," she said finally.

"Cool. I'll go buy us some tickets. Here," he said, giving her forty dollars. "Get whatever you want from the concession counter."

Alex watched him walk away to stand in line before staring at the money. There was one thing that always made her uncomfortable, and that was spending money that wasn't hers to begin with. Even though Conley was trying to make up for what he did, money wasn't going to solve anything, especially when it made her uneasy. Rather than wait in line for snacks and drinks, she stared at the nearby arcade, missing Tyler and Len. In fact, it had been awhile since she played any video games, with the exception of her time spent with her friends on the twenty-third. It had been even longer since she'd been to an arcade, or a movie theatre. They were such minor things, but it reminded her of when times used to be fun for her.

Alucard watched from a corner of the lobby, standing with Van, the young vampire staring puzzled at Alex from a distance. "She's just standing there."

"Money doesn't buy happiness, or forgiveness," said the Count, his arms folded in front of his chest. "The idea of spending it, permission or not, makes her apprehensive."

"Why?"

"It goes against her morals to spend others' wealth."

Van arched a brow at the vampire. "Are you just guessing?"

"No. In a world filled with greed, she steps away from getting things easily. It's one of the traits she has with concern to her independence. To her, retrieving things easily are probably not worth having at all."

Van blinked at the strange wisdom he was hearing from someone who didn't really have the appearance of a wise man. Alucard's eyes never left Alexandra, knowing she was the type who'd rather earn or fight for everything she gains. The Count was of a similar mindset, which was why he always respected those who actually fought for their right to live. It was the reason he was so proud of Seras. Giving up or giving in made a person weak. Only those who refused to give up were entitled their right to trample upon the weak. Those were the words he had told Walter thirty years ago. Unfortunately, despite the old man's claim of growing old being a gentleman's pleasure, he had betrayed them, taking vampirism for himself to become the Angel of Death. However, that was past, and Walter was gone. Now it was down to Alexandra, having decided to fight against Gabriel, rather than curl away in fear. No, she wasn't the type to hide behind others. The girl had proven just that by assisting himself and Van in their last battle against Gabriel's servants.

Alex stood there for a full five minutes before Conley tapped her on the shoulder, the girl turning around. "Hey, you not thirsty or something?" he asked, curious as to why she hadn't moved.

A hand thrust the money back into his hands, the girl firmly saying, "I can pay for my own drink and snacks." Conley stared at her, loosely holding the bills. "I insist," she added.

"You still get weird about people spending money on you?" Conley frowned, a little annoyed with that particular quirk of hers. "I've never heard of a girl who didn't want money spent on her."

"You obviously have been sheltered then," she bit back. "My mom's the same way, and don't call me a girl, or I'll kick your ass."

He scoffed. "Uh huh. Anyway, the next showing isn't for another hour. What do you want to do in the meantime?"

Alex looked around, glancing at the arcade again. "I guess some games wouldn't hurt."

Fascinated by Alex's competitive attitude when it came to gaming, Alucard and Van watched from a table in a tiny food court as she and her ex exchanged twenties for playing coins. The first game she played was a zombie game, much to the vampires' amusement, using a mock rifle to aim and shoot her way through the levels, dominating Conley's score. Honestly, this was just Alex's way of blowing off steam, and she kept firing, arms positioned properly, even if the shoot sensor was a little askew. Defeating the final monster, she put the plastic rifle down, finding Conley staring at her in small surprise.

Deciding to avoid any games with guns from now on, she tried others, beating Conley in a couple of fighter games, using Wolverine against Conley's M. Bison, much to his dismay. The first time she started losing was in the racing games, her eye twitching whenever she crossed the line after Conley, driving not being one of her skills. After her loss, Conley looked at his watch as it closed in on the movie starting. Getting their snacks and drinks, they left for the designated theatre, followed by two vampires, although Van had to buy his own ticket while Alucard easily phased through walls.

Van walked behind a group of people as he reached the top of the stairs, finding Alucard already sitting in the furthest corner, his legs crossed and resting on the back of the seat in front of him, hands clasped over his stomach. The hunter shook his head, sitting down in the seat next to Alucard's shoes. Crimson eyes glanced over to where Alexandra was, she and her ex situated somewhere in the middle rows. More and more humans kept piling into the theatre, most of the seats filled before the room grew dark, the annoying advertisements ceasing. Sound shook the environment, beginning the trailers until the movie finally began, but still, his eyes never left her.

Throughout the movie, though she was thoroughly enjoying it, she found herself distracted, absentmindedly eating her candy. Every now and then, Conley stared at her, but she ignored him. It became increasingly difficult to actually focus on the film as her thoughts wandered to Alucard. That nauseated feeling came back due to a strange ache in her chest, the memory of yesterday coming to the forefront of her mind. His face had been contorted with a mix of rage and glee, until she had slapped him. At first it was shock on his visage that had barely registered the fact she had dared to hit him despite his monstrous strength, but then the shock was for another reason, and she had seen the way his eyes had changed at the sight of her. The vampire had released her immediately, as if he had just snapped out of some kind of spell. Alex had put a gap between them for her own safety, afraid he might threaten her again. As she had cried, there was a vague memory of his poor attempt at apologizing. Rather than hear it, the distraught young woman had demanded his leave, and thinking on it, she realized he obeyed.

Alucard...you weren't yourself in that moment, were you? "Dammit..."

Conley turned to look at her, hardly interested in the movie. "Hm?"

Alex blinked, then laughed quietly, waving her hand. "Oh, nothing, just remembered something." The young man shrugged, turning his attention back to the screen as Alex did the same. I'm such an idiot.

The movie was surprisingly long, lasting two and a half hours before people began to file out the doors. Alex made a mental note to buy the movie, since it was actually pretty good for a film adaption based on graphic novels. Okay, if she hadn't been so distracted, she likely would have found herself engrossed in all of the special effects and thick plot, as well as the awesome fight scenes. Both of them threw out their garbage on the way out, both going their separate ways for the washrooms.

"Well, damn," Van muttered. "Can't follow her in there...and don't even think about it," he warned Alucard, who just smirked, disappearing anyway, slipping into the nearest wall. The Dracul gawped, panicking a little. "No-no, Alucard! What are you doing?! Bodyguards or not, we're not supposed to go to that extent!" he whispered desperately.

"Relax, Bat Boy. I'm not so sick as to do that." Besides, he wasn't in the mood to be a pervert right now. "Just watch for her. There's something else I must do."

"What on earth could that be?!" But Alucard never answered him, having already gone.

Shadows of the vampire slipped into the men's washroom, slithering along the tiled floor. Hiding in the mirror, he watched as Conley emerged from one of the private stalls, heading for the sinks. Hands held under the faucet, the water automatically began to ran, and Alucard saw this as an opportunity. He needed to know, not for his sake, but for Alexandra's. Only then would the Count decide what to do with him.

As Conley looked up, he paused, and Alucard's eyes widened as he penetrated the human's mind, finding himself submerged in a mental space of Conley's memories, various paths lying before the vampire. However, he only wanted one, and so he took the jump forward, as if already knowing where he was going. Stepping through a door, his crimson eyes narrowed as he viewed the memory in black and white. How odd, Alucard thought. Memories usually took the form of how the host perceived the world. Looking around, he found himself in a kitchen, a woman at the sink, and a kid with dark hair sitting at the table.

"Conley, what do you want for lunch tomorrow?" the woman began in a dreamy voice. "It's your first day of grade eight, which means it's your final year before starting high school. Isn't that exciting?"

The boy shrugged. "I don't care what I have. Any food is fine."

"Maybe I'll make you a sandwich. I can go to the store and get some buns and cold cuts."

The woman rambled on about other ingredients, but her voice seemed to muffle somehow, and Alucard realized that Conley was tuning her out. Without her notice, the boy slipped out of his chair, and the vampire followed him to his room, where he sat at his computer in the corner. Alucard examined his face, finding this fresh teenager looking dreary and without emotion. On the computer, a window came up, crimson eyes darting towards the screen as Conley began to type away on it while Alucard read along.

Entry 72: Boring. Everything is so boring. Once again, mother blabbered for no particular reason, except to fill the silence. It's as if she believes that everything she says is interesting. Outside of this house, it's no way better. Routine. That's all it is. The world is boring. Nothing interests me at all. It's all grey. It's getting to the point that I won't be able to stand it anymore. Maybe I should plot a murder just for the hell of it. At least the bloodshed would add some colour to this place. Or maybe I should try suicide. Cutting my wrists might give me a new perspective.

Such dark thoughts, Alucard mused with little amusement. To be thinking these things at such a young age, it was already apparent that Conley was disturbed in some way. The scene shifted, everything disintegrating then reassembling into a classroom. The vampire turned to find Conley sitting at the back of the room. The door to the room opened, crimson pools darting to where a young Alexandra was being led into the room. For a moment, his gaze lingered upon the image of her youth with her longer hair and not yet matured body. Like Conley, she was barely a teenager.

"Everybody, say hello to Alexandra Rows," the teacher urged, a class-wide murmur of hellos following. Conley barely glanced upwards at the new girl, going back to staring at his desk. The instructor turned to Alexandra. "Go ahead and pick a seat, Alexandra."

Indecision lit up her eyes as she debated between the empty seat at the front, and the one at the back next to Conley. Choosing the latter, she walked along with her bag, sitting down and glancing at him. Neither of them said anything, but when she looked towards the front, Conley stared at her from the corner of his eye, and Alucard could sense mild puzzlement over the fact she had not spoken to him. It was surprising that he wasn't being bothered for once. Alucard's eyes narrowed as Alex's black and white form gained a little saturation. What was this? Though he initially didn't care for the reasoning behind the greyscaled memories, now it seemed very important. Was that the effect Alexandra had on Conley?

It became clear to him then why Conley's thoughts were the way they currently are. He perceived the world as grey because he found it boring, reflecting his lack of interest in such a place. However, the moment Alexandra sat down and passed up the opportunity to speak to him, Conley became intrigued, thus her change in appearance. Despite that theory, Alex lost colour again as the lesson began, the scenery changing once more. Not much was different. The students were in different places, working on a project. As Alucard expected, Alexandra was sitting next to Conley, only on the desk, a couple of chairs behind their own seats with two people Alucard didn't recognize. Past classmates, he mused.

"Ugh, why did we end up with the comedy theme?!" Alex whined. "I'm not witty enough to make jokes!"

The other girl in the group pushed up her glasses. "Every other genre was taken. There's nothing we can do about it. Have you finished the cover page for the script?"

"I can't make a cover page if we haven't written the script. If I knew what the theme was, then I'd get it done." Alex scoffed, clearly annoyed. "This radio theatre assignment is bullshit."

"Do you want to be an actress?" asked the other unidentified boy.

"No," she said firmly. "I mean, I used to, but that was just a phase. If anything, I'd rather be rich than famous."

Conley looked up. "What is your long-term goal?"

Alex pondered over it for a moment, but she had this lost expression, and Alucard knew that even back then, she had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. "I don't know. I haven't thought that far." Conley just stared at her, and soon enough, the four of them went back to their assignment.

One by one, Alucard explored each memory, every once and awhile, Alexandra would saturate, her colouring becoming more vivid. To Conley, Alex was interesting, and it was affecting the world, colours gradually seeping in. Alucard stopped sifting through, finding himself inside a darkened gym, lit by spotlights while decorated with twisted streamers and balloons. Every fresh teenager dressed formally, and the vampire presumed it was a graduation ceremony of some sort.

Meanwhile, Conley wandered about until he was approached by a girl Alucard didn't recognize, poking the boy in the chest. "Hey!"

Rubbing at his chest, he answered irritably, "What?"

"You need to dance with my friend. She'd ask you herself, but she's stubborn and shy."

A brow rose. "Really?" He sighed. "Look, I'm not interested in dancing with anyone—"

"I don't care," she declared, grabbing his arm and dragging him back to a group of girls, despite his protests. "Hey, Alex! I snagged him for you!"

The mention of her name had both Conley and Alucard looking amongst the group, finding a partially saturated Alexandra in her light purple dress. Her visage held shock, appalled that her friend had done such a thing. When she looked up, she blinked. Alucard followed her line of sight towards the boy, who stared seriously at her. Again, the vampire sensed his thoughts at that moment. For a girl who didn't care for dresses and make up, she actually looked rather pretty. It was odd, seeing her dressed up, as she normally wore baggy t-shirts and jeans, never caring about how her hair looked.

Instead of saying anything, Conley pulled his arm away from the girl's grip. The group of girls surrounding Alex dispersed as he stepped forward, putting his hands on her waist, Alucard's eyes going into slits. Awkwardly, she placed her hands on his shoulders, and they swayed back and forth, spinning in a slow circle, the girl avoiding looking straight at his face. Though her blushing face was endearing, Alucard felt annoyed that Conley was the cause of it, especially when he caught sight of Conley smirking a little while she wasn't looking, the world colouring itself brighter.

"What are you up to, boy?" Alucard murmured. Time moved forward again til Alucard stopped, in Conley's bedroom again, the boy sitting at his computer once more, writing another entry. "Ah, let's see what else you have to say."

Entry 156: It took her a couple of years, but Alex finally confessed her feelings to me. Little did she know that she intrigued me the moment we met. She isn't like most girls. Alex is normally so outspoken, but can't express what she's actually feeling. It's the same for when she cries, which I have never seen her do, but surely she's cried at some point in her life. I find her to be of kindred spirit. She finds the world just as boring, but the difference lies in the fact that if there's something she doesn't consider appealing, she changes it. Not physically, but she twists it around in her head. Even though she's highly imaginative, she has a pretty good sense of reality. I wish I could see the world as she does, as I don't have that kind of power. Maybe if I—

It stops there, Conley saving the file before closing the window just as his mother called for him. Alucard watched as he left the room in a hurry. Nothing more could be found here, so he moved on. Next came many memories about Conley's and Alexandra's time spent together as a young couple, Alucard's eyes focusing on any details that seemed strange or amiss. He stopped, standing in an unfamiliar bedroom, but the arrangement of it seemed very much like how Alexandra would. While Conley's room was slightly dishevelled and yet nearly bare, save for a bed, closet and a corner for his computer equipment, Alex had more to hers. It wasn't the room back at her parents' place, but slightly smaller, making him assume that this was after she moved out.

As his eyes roamed, they landed on the bed, pausing on the couple lying there naked under the sheets. Crimson pools narrowed, a muscle twitching in his jaw while Conley was spooned up behind Alex, staring at the back of her sleeping head. The anger faded away to puzzlement. What a strange expression he had. Not only that, but the world was black and white again, including Alex.

Time shifted again, the vampire standing in a different room. Oddly enough, there was an actual smell to it, like perfume. Perhaps Conley recalled the scent, thus why Alucard was able to smell it as well. However, this place had a different feeling to it. It didn't belong to Alexandra at all. It was exceedingly feminine, and the perfume was strong. Alexandra never wore perfume, he realized. The smell he always associated with her was oranges, and that normally came from her bath products. This was another woman's residence.

The vampire wandered into the bedroom, eyes narrowing again as he found people in the bed. Writhing under Conley was an entirely different woman, mewling like a sex-starved whore. Alucard watched them, unsurprised by the scene, but angered all the same. It must have been about the time Conley disappeared the first or second time. The bastard had already betrayed Alexandra trust, trysting with another woman. Was this what his beloved had suspected Conley of seven years ago? Perhaps she did a little, but wanted to believe in him.

The Count moved on, the small conversation on the phone about why Conley hadn't come online in a couple of months, and another couple months later, his second visit. Like before, they got intimate again, and Conley disappeared. This time, Alex suspected something amiss this time, and the young man was again with another woman. Alucard stopped briefly to watch the argument between them on the computer, Conley looking a bit annoyed. The vampire stepped forward, reading the dialogue on the screen.

Alex: This is the second time you haven't shown up for two months after visiting me. What the hell is happening?
Conley: My internet was acting up again. I guess whenever I'm off it for a few days, it stops working properly.
Alex: Don't give me that lame excuse. I want the truth, whatever it is.
Conley: What truth? You think I've been lying to you? Why? Do you think I've been cheating on you or something?
Alex: No...that's not it.
Conley: Then what? Why would my disappearance bother you so much, that you start implying that you suspect me of treachery? What kind of man do you think I am?
Alex: Bloody hell, Conley, don't make me out to be the bad guy! I just want to know the real reason why you stop showing up online after coming to see me. You can't tell me that it isn't suspect.
Conley: Suspect, you say? I've been telling you the truth this entire time.
Alex: Yeah? Well, you could have called your internet provider and they wouldn't have taken two months to fix the damn thing. All it probably would have taken was replacing the box.
Conley: I see. So, you don't trust me. You're acting paranoid and overreacting because of it.
Alex: I believe I have that right based on what you're doing.
Conley: Oh? Well, in that case, I can't be with someone who can't even bother to trust me. I thought you loved me, Alex, enough to know that I would never betray you.
Alex: Wait, what? Are you serious?
Conley: Indeed. Goodbye.

Before Alex could respond, Conley signed off, leaning back in his chair. "Stupid girl." He leaned forward again, opening up his journal program.

Entry 289: How distasteful. That girl is far too smart, and stupid, for her own good. I just ended things officially between Alex and I. Admittedly, she added a bit of interest to my boring life, and she started off as a decent plaything. It was amusing how she used to always talk back at me with this snarky attitude she always had. Now that's gone, and she gave into me entirely, giving me her body to explore. At first, I found the experience exhilarating, dominating her and listening to those little noises she made. But it wasn't enough for me. Unfortunately, she wasn't as loud as I wanted her to be, and partway through, I actually lost interest in the activity. I'm surprised I was able to keep it up until both of us were satisfied. It wasn't as difficult to maintain the facade the second time I came around, since I have been practised in the art by then. Girls who had fallen for me at my school, especially one who could have been considered a real stalker type. Like Alex, I've dominated them in a similar fashion, gaining back that little bit of colour that keeps fading away from me. I realized then that I liked playing with girls' feelings, wrapping them around my fingers. They're all pathetic, turning to mush in my hands. I feel like a vampire, sucking the life out of them, and it feels good.

The Count moved on, and the pattern continued onwards and endlessly for Conley. For seven years, the young man courted many women, using them to satisfy himself til the time line caught up with the present and Alucard stood inside Conley's bachelor apartment. Like his previous bedrooms, it was barren and void of any feeling. Looking around, Alucard felt a strange darkness in this current memory. In one corner was that same desk, with a different computer set up. Conley sat at it, typing away in his journal again.

Entry 813: I've grown tired of the girls who flock to me. They're always drawn by the tall, dark, and mysterious. It is a female's bane. I'm now avoiding them, and my thoughts all come down to her. It's been seven years since I last saw and spoken to her. I still remember the dream I had about her a couple of years ago, and since then, I kept thinking about her. I always wondered, 'Why now? Why does she stay in my head?' It's become clear to me now that she was the only one who held my interest for as long as she did, because she was different. It's a pity I turned her away. Though she is just as pathetic as the rest of the women, I can't help but feel drawn to the memory of her. Courting had its merits. I got to play with their hearts, giving me an interesting hobby for awhile, and I got a release, and they got to be fucked like the little whores they are. But now, things are different...I actually sort of miss her.

The scenery shifting to a different day, Conley sat in his chair, staring at the computer with a grim expression. Both he and Alucard turned towards the door as a knock sounded. Getting up, the door was opened, but no one was there. Scoffing in annoyance, Conley went to slam the door shut, but his eyes caught sight of a small envelope on the floor. Bending down, he picked up the mail, closing the door before looking over it. On the front was his full name, but there was no stamp, and no address. Whoever sent him this probably delivered it personally. Opening it, something was pulled out.

Alucard and Conley read aloud, "Come to the Halifax Central Library. There, you will find her."

Puzzled, he flipped over to the other side of the note, eyes widening. Dropping everything, he grabbed his coat, his wallet, shoes, and keys, rushing out the door. Alucard lingered, his eyes fixed upon the parchment upon the carpet. It was a photo of Alex from the day they had arrived in the city in full colour, standing out of the black and white surroundings. Growling, Alucard moved forward, and sure enough, Conley was in the library, standing before a shocked Alex, in vivid colours, Van and Alucard standing next to her. It was odd seeing himself. Alucard angled his head, comparing it to looking in a mirror. It'd probably be the closest he ever got to casting a reflection. And for the final time, Alucard was back in Conley's apartment, taking notice of the pale colouring of his world, the boy typing furiously away in his digital journal.

Entry 828: It's really her. After all these years, I finally see her again. I don't know who sent that photo and note, but it doesn't matter. I don't care. What matters is that she's here, and this time, I plan to keep her. It's obvious that she's a bit upset to see me, but she'll see that I'm sorry, and then she'll be mine again. She's the only one who makes my life remotely interesting, and I'll keep her to myself forever. Alex had given herself to me before, so she'll do it again. However, there is one thing that troubles me. She was with two guys, and though she denied it, one of them looked rather possessive of her. That man's presence reeked of dominion and darkness. I've never met such a guy. He looked as if he had an old soul, not that I believe in such nonsense. He might be a hindrance, but it doesn't matter. Alex will be all mine again, and if he gets in the way, I'll deal with him.

Slowly, the vampire's mental hold on Conley's mind lessened, the boy blinking at the mirror, as if waking from a dream. Alucard watched him recover from his probing, washing his hands then leaving. After a moment, Alucard slithered amongst the floors and walls, returning to where Van stood waiting, watching Alex wait for Conley. Sensing his presence returning, the Dracul turned just as Alucard emerged while people weren't watching.

"Where the hell did you go?" he asked, then blinked upon seeing that evil grin on Alucard's face, as if he was privy to some dark joke. "What is it?"

The was a chuckle, causing a chill to go down Van's back. "That little shit has no idea who he's contending with."

Realizing what Alucard had really done, he asked, "Alucard, what did you see?"

His grin lessened into a smirk. "You'll find out soon enough."

Wednesday Evening, December 31, 2031, New Year's Party...

This place was...different, Alex inwardly decided. It wasn't exactly the kind of place she had expected Conley to take her to. On the very top floor of a building, they were shielded from the cold by glass walls and a pointed roof. It was lit by blacklights, making fluorescent painted murals on the floor glow in bright neon colours. At one end was a small stage with a DJ, coloured lights travelling along the ground, and reflecting off the windows. At another was a bar and a few tables covered in food. In the centre was a pool, and people danced around it while some dove in, still wearing their clothes. If people wanted to relax, there was a seating area full of plush couches, people socializing while drinking, wearing party hats and glow-stick jewellery.

"Wow," she said. Normally she didn't go to shindigs like this, but she almost wished she actually dressed for it. All she was wearing was jeans and a black blouse, her sunstone glinting in the flashing lights. "Of all the parties, you bring me here." She turned to him with a raised brow. "I thought you hated parties."

He smiled mysteriously. "People change. Parties are only as good as their people and their music. Why? Do you still hate them?"

"I do, actually, but I suppose you're right. I actually went to a Halloween party a couple months ago at a nightclub I used to frequent. It was...interesting to say the least." Interesting was right. She had witnessed murder and the revival of the dead before Alucard came along and rescued her.

"I see. Do you want a drink?" he asked, indicating to the bar.

"No. I'm not in the mood to drink."

He shrugged. "Suit yourself. I'll be right back."

Meanwhile, Van and Alucard stood near the entrance to the dance party, blocked off by the doorman. "Listen, I can't let either of you inside unless you've got a purchased ticket. Now, get out of here, or else I'm gonna call security to have you two removed."

Van huffed. "No, you listen. We're here on business, and unless you let us in, I'm going to have to ask to talk to your superior. We have a client inside!"

"I don't give a shit! Take your bullshit elsewhere!"

The hunter sighed. How on earth were they ever going to get in. Alucard could probably sneak in fine, but Van was stuck. He really had to learn how to phase through things. "Dammit all."

Alucard smirked. "You give up too easily, Bat Boy." He chuckled as Van stared at him quizzically, the Count raising a white gloved hand to remove the indigo glasses, removing them to reveal his crimson orbs.

The doorman's eyes widened slightly as the other hand waved about hypnotically, pointing directly at him, as if reaching out his power. Soothingly, the vampire uttered clearly, "Enough. Everything is fine."

The man's shoulder's began to sag, his eyes becoming dazed, glazed over with red as he whispered back, "Everything...is... Everything is...fine."

"Everything is perfectly fine."

Slowly, the guard gave a lazy smile, half-grinning to himself. "Everything is perfectly fine."

"Good," Alucard said suddenly, and with that, he dropped his hand, replacing his glasses as the doorman stepped aside for them. "Come along, Bat Boy. No time to dawdle."

Van stared in slight awe at the man, who had a little drool coming out of the corner of his mouth, dribbling down his chin. "Sweet Christ, what kind of spell did you put him under? The man looks like he just had sex."

Alucard didn't answer, entering the crowds, Van following after him before he spotted Alex. Seeing she was alone and Conley was waiting at the bar to order a drink, he headed straight for her. His eyes followed the Count til the man seemed to disappear amongst the dancing crowd. Coming up behind Alex, he tapped her lightly on the shoulder. Startled, she spun around, wide-eyed before seeing it was just Van.

"Sorry," he said, an apologetic smile on his face. "How's it going so far?"

She shrugged, calming down a little. "Can't complain. Where's Alucard?"

"I kind of lost track of him a moment ago, but he's around." He noted the slight disappointment on her face, but he wasn't sure if it was because Alucard was still around, or because she couldn't find him. "Alex, he feels incredibly guilty over the whole incident. You and I both know he would never intentionally hurt you." Her frown deepened. "It's just he can't help but feel wary of Conley. He's your ex-boyfriend, correct?"

The girl sighed. "I guess Alucard told you that, huh?" He nodded. "What else did he say?"

Van smiled. "He told me that you gave him quite the good smack. I'd say he still feels it." That put a small smile on her face, relieving him a little, but his face hardened a afterwards. "Still, be careful of this man. Alucard seems to hate him even more since the theatres."

Alex blinked. "What? Why?"

Van looked up, seeing Conley on his way back over. "Alucard didn't say. I better slip into the crowd myself before Mr Andrews spots me."

Alex nodded, and Van turned away quickly ten seconds before Conley reached her. Alex blinked when she was given a bottle of Dr Pepper. "Huh?"

He smiled. "For later." Alex held the bottle while both of them turned towards the pool, watching people swim, dance, and drink, even singing along with the songs that played. "I remember the first time we danced together." The girl looked up at him, a little lost as to why he brought that up now, and Conley simply feigned a little sadness. "I think that was about the time I started falling for you."

She turned away her gaze, brows drawn together. "What about it? That was twelve years ago. We were kids then. Even seven years ago, we were just hormonal teenagers. I was just a silly little girl with a crush."

Conley sighed. "Was that really all it was to you?" To be honest, he actually felt a little hurt by her statement. Even if what he had done had been out of selfishness, did she really think so little of him? Was her grudge that strong? Winning her over would take a long time.

"No..." she said quietly, the music nearly making her inaudible, Conley staring at her. "I admit, that I felt like I was in love with you back then. It was the first and only time I've felt that way about another person."

"Could you...love me again?" he asked, genuine hopeful.

"What?" she asked, unable to hear him over the music.

He smiled, taking her hand, which caused an unpleasant shiver to run through her. Was that Alucard reacting to the sight? No doubt he was watching them right now, but it didn't feel like him. "Come with me for a minute. There's something I wanted to talk to you about."

Alex couldn't help but follow him, staring at the hand that held her, wanting to yank her own away from it. "Where are you taking me?"

"Just somewhere private where we can talk."

They went through double glass doors onto a viewing deck, comfy patio chairs everywhere There wasn't any light, except from the city outside the windows. He smiled, pleased that they were alone as he released her hand to walk up the the full pane, staring at the parade happening below. Alex stared at his back, perplexed by his strange behaviour. What could Conley want to talk to her about, and why?

"Alex, could you love me again?" he repeated, not looking at her.

She blinked. "What? What is this?"

Conley turned, walking towards her slowly, slight pain etched on his face. "The truth is...I miss you. I miss us. I was an idiot to treat you the way I did and then let you go like that. Everyday, I've regretted my actions, and lately I can't stop thinking about you. Here I was, believing that even if I tried to look, I'd never be able to see you again." He stopped a foot away, smiling at her. "But, here you are, as if a godsend. Even if I don't believe in it, I feel as if this is fate. I'll spend eternity trying to make it up to you, but know that I have always loved you, and will continue to love you."

The young woman stared at him in shock, eyes wide, mouth slightly ajar. There was a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach and it wasn't a good feeling. Dropping her gaze, she muttered, "You don't know the meaning of eternity."

"Does it matter?" he asked, stepping closer. "The point is that I want it to be you and me again. Don't you miss what we used to have? It was three years of bliss before it was torn apart by one argument." She frowned, but he lifted her face by her chin. "What do you say, Alex? Do you want to start over?"

Start over? A million things ran through her mind as she tried to concoct a coherent answer. What did she want? As the answer became clear, she felt the already slightly chilled room grow colder and darker, a low growl resonating through the room. Confused, Conley looked around, releasing Alex while she dreaded the worst. Soon, Alucard's deep and rumbling chortling filled the room. Alex looked past Conley, seeing a wicked and large shadow emerging from the floor behind him. Before she could tell Alucard to stop what he was doing, the vampire snarled, Conley whirling around just as Alucard snatched his neck, and with one quick movement, he was dangling by his feet, held against the wall.

"Alucard!" she shrilled. "Stop it! Put him down!"

Conley choked as Alucard ignored her, clawing at the vampire's hand. As the boy's vision cleared enough from his head impacting with the concrete, he gasped in surprise at the sight of hellfire in the Count's eyes, his jagged teeth bared in a malicious grin. What the hell was this man?! No, not a man, a monster! Even this creature's hair had a life of its own, swaying around his impressive form in long black locks. Alex ran to Alucard, grabbing the arm that was held Conley.

"Alucard, let go! He's only human!" she exclaimed desperately.

"Human?" he repeated, his voice resonating with his power as his expression sobered. "I think not." Much to Alex's relief, Alucard dropped him.

Conley fell to his knees, coughing as he grasped his neck. Looking up, he stared at Alucard in astonishment, wheezing out, "W-what are you?"

Haughtily, Alucard glowered down at the pitiful bastard. "Tell me, little man, am I interesting? Do you find my nature appealing in your dull little world?" Conley's eyes widened while Alex stared in confusion at the vampire. "Will my eyes burn just as red in your memories? Do they compare to the blood you wished to spill from your own wrists?"

"How did you...?" Conley began, shocked by what this man was telling him.

Alucard grinned, quite pleased. "Yes," he hissed. "That's the reaction I wanted to see. You're no human. You're less than that. And how dare you compare yourself to a vampire. You're nothing but a disgusting little parasite."

"Alucard, what are you talking about?" Alex enquired, wondering where this was all coming from.

Conley shook as he replied in question, "Vampire? Are you...?" He gasped, staring at Alex in horrified shock. That time at the library's cafe; she wasn't lying?!

As the boy looked back at the vampire, Alucard continued on, "Yes, I am a creature of the night. In the six centuries I've been alive, I've seen plenty of pathetic men, but you...you disgust me! What I wouldn't do to tear you apart this instant!"

The girl pulled on his arm, demanding, "Dammit, Alucard, what the hell are you talking about?!"

This time he did listen, turning a soft gaze towards her, disarming her of her anger, leaving only puzzlement. "I took the liberty of looking into his mind. He used you, and a countless amount of other woman to satisfy his own need to...colour his world." Seeing that she didn't understand, he glared at the young man, elaborating, "You see, he finds everything incredibly dull, and he has contemplated a great deal of his time trying to add something he could be interested in. Like a toy. When you came along, he began to think of you as a potential plaything. During your relationship, he manipulated your feelings, as if he wanted you to worship him yet fight him at the same time."

Shaking from this information, Alex looked at Conley. "Is this true?" He said nothing, his face turning ugly with anger.

"There's more," Alucard added, the girl looking at him. "The first time you got intimate with him, he immediately lost interest, believing that you would no longer fight him, making him feel he's already won a game while at the same time, believing he lost somehow. When he left, the first thing he did was seek out a new plaything." Brown pools widened in shock. "When you confronted him on it, he took that opportunity to rid himself of a toy he thought broken. He did the same thing to other women for seven years before he grew bored of manipulating them."

"You can't possibly believe this over climactic bullshit, can you?" Conley demanded, rising to his feet. "He's just jealous, making all this up to keep you for himself."

"Really?" Alucard asked with a tone of amusement, grinning a little, making the human flinch away. "Do you fear me, little man?" Conley said nothing, the vampire's grin widening. "Now that you're aware of what manner of beast I am, you can't help but curl up in a ball before me."

"Stop it, Alucard," she said.

He sighed, continuing on, "As he grew bored, he began thinking of you again, always believing you to be his favourite toy. The only truth he's admitted to was the fact he missed you, but only because you are the only one who has given him such a hard time, making his dull world interesting. The meeting in the library was no coincidence. He received a note saying you'd be there."

"How the hell do you know that?!" Conley demanded.

Alex gave a short gasp, staring at Conley in surprise. "It's true?"

"He doesn't know who sent him the note, but I have a pretty good guess who." Alucard's eyes narrowed some as Alex looked up at him, puzzled by his statement. "In his own twisted way, this piece of shit may actually love you, but it's not the kind you should ever want, especially from someone as conniving as him."

"Fuck you!" Conley spat.

Alucard laughed, lunging forward and grabbing his neck again, teeth bared as his face contorted with his rage, snarling at the fear-stricken human, "You share her bed, take her virginity, make her feel like a woman, receive her love. And what did you give her in return?! Nothing! You abandoned her and crushed her heart, spitting it in her face! She had been nothing but devoted to you, and you betrayed her! You're nothing but filth!"

He choked a little, trying to pry the vampire's fingers off his throat. Looking at Alex, he pleaded, "H-help..." But Alex just stood there. The information Alucard had shared having shaken her. Desperate, he said, "H-he's lying. P-please."

Alex frowned, her gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, she sighed. "Alucard had done many terrible things, but not once has he ever lied, especially to me." Walking closer, she placed a hand on Alucard's arm. Regarding her, he closed his eyes with a sigh, conceding to her silent wish, releasing Conley throat. The boy coughed as Alex went on, "There's only one reason I hung out with you these last couple of days." When he looked up at her, she said, "I wanted closure."

"That's all you wanted from me? Closure?"

"Mm. To be perfectly frank, I'm tired of you." Her ex looked as if he had been shot, bewildered by her statement while her own face remained blank. "I'm not entirely surprised that you've cheated on me, but it wasn't the reason why I confronted you. I thought maybe after you finally got into my pants, you grew tired of me. I even thought that the long distance relationship was beginning to have a toll on you more than me. Finding out now doesn't even matter to me anymore. I'll never be able to trust you again, and I feel sorry for the next woman who has to put up with you and your...hobby."

His expression grew cold, annoyed by her claim. "Just like that? You'll believe everything he says?"

She scoffed, delivering him an equally chilling expression, surprising him. "If I were you, I wouldn't piss him off more than he already is." Not that she hasn't already, but that seemed to shut Conley up as Alucard grinned at him. "Restarting a relationship with you is impossible at this point. You've already shown your true colours, and I..." She glanced at Alucard, who stared back with a gentle expression. "I've got my heart set elsewhere. Besides," she began, staring back at Conley, "you'll just be a burden."

With an echoing step forward, Alucard knelt down before her, head low in a bow of respect. "What would you have me do with him, my lady?" Alex showed disbelief at his sudden display, words failing her. "I can wipe him from the earth, grind him to dust. I can do this for you. Just say the word."

Panicked, Conley backed away from the humble vampire, heading for the only exit. As he turned around, he saw Van standing in the way, arms crossed, eyes red, but otherwise quite calm. Alex and Alucard ignored him as she regarded the dark form kneeling in front of her. Having made her decision, she closed her eyes, saying softly, "No." Alucard said nothing but Conley turned around in surprise. "There's something else I want you to do instead."

Alucard smirked. "Anything. Would you like me to torture him first?"

Alex smiled, closing her eyes. "Nothing so drastic, though the idea is tempting." Her eyelids opened, adopting a serious expression. "He knows too much now, but killing him is out of the question."

After a moment of silence, he said, "I see. Then I shall do as you wish."

Before Conley could run away, Van snuck up behind him, his arm going around his neck as he put one of the human's arms into a firm lock. "N-no! Stop it! Alex! Alex!"

The vampire stood from his knelt position, stalking towards Conley with dark purpose. They all stood in silence, Alucard looking at him as if debating something. With the tension building, Conley squirmed a little in Van's hold. Red belt or not, he was no match against a vampire's strength. With one smile from the Count, Conley prepared himself just as a fist suddenly connected with the side of his face, knocking him out of Van's hold and sending his body rolling across the floor.

Alex and Van blinked at Alucard as Conley lied on the floor with a groan. Alucard turned to them with a smirk. "A gift from your father and Tyler, as well as something I've been itching to do for days."

Alex stared at him in slight bewilderment, but after a moment, she sighed, shrugging. The vampire walked over to Conley's pained form, kneeling down. Slowly, Conley opened his eyes, Alucard staring into them with his glowing red orbs. As he did with the doorman, he raised a hand, fingers moving in a slow blur. After awhile, Conley closed his eyes again, falling unconscious. Wordlessly, Alucard stood, walking over to Alexandra.

"What did you do, exactly?" she asked softly.

Alucard considered her, expression vacant. "I took away his recollection of ever seeing us, altering his memories." She nodded, and he debated telling her the other thing. Deciding that the truth was best, he added, "And, I took away every memory of you."

She blinked, looking up at him. "Why?"

"Because I'm selfish," he replied readily. It was the best he could give, since he didn't want Conley near her ever again. She didn't need that stress, and this whole thing had caused a rift between himself and her. "I...can erase your memories of him, if you wish."

She remained silent for awhile, taking his offer into consideration. Finally, she said, "No. I'll lose what I've learned from this. Besides, I'm over it." A hand rose to cover her face as exhaustion from the event put a sudden toll on her. "Right now, I just want to leave."

Van smiled, putting a supportive hand on her shoulder. "Let's go then." He looked at Alucard, seeing something in his expression. "I'll go on ahead."

Alex blinked after Van's retreating form, leaving her and Alucard alone, save for an unconscious Conley. There was an awkward silence between them, and she debated leaving. Not sure what to say, she turned towards the doors, but a strange sound caught her attention and she spun back, eyes growing huge at the sight of Alucard bowing low on the floor. It looked even more strange than when he knelt down on one knee. Now his nose practically touched the stone tiles, elbows bent above his head with his hands on either side of him. It was as if he had fallen on his knees in prayer at a Buddhist temple.

"A-Alucard?" she stammered, unable to comprehend this strange behaviour.

"Alexandra," he began, his voice hoarse with regret, "I was a beast yesterday. I will not ask you to forgive me, for I don't deserve it. If you wish, I will never force my presence upon you again."

"You idiot," she said, causing him to lift his head to look at her. "I already know you didn't mean it. You just...scared me was all." Her voice had gone soft, sighing afterwards. "Even if that last comment was very hurtful, I'm..." She swallowed, thinking about it making her teary-eyed, Alucard's own mood becoming miserable. "You know what's weird? Even though I loved Conley, during our relationship and when it ended, I never cried. You'd think that would be a good thing..."

He frowned, pondering over this. "You knew he didn't love you," he realized. "How?"

"Just a feeling I had, but I stayed with him anyway. I guess I was lonely and wanted someone who I thought understood me. In some ways, I suppose I was using him as well, clinging to him like some kind of security blanket. In the end, I really was his whore—"

"No," he said firmly, rising to his feet, expression sincere. "Don't ever believe such nonsense. You're no such thing." He took her hand, lowering his lips to her knuckles, sending a pleasant shiver through her bones. "You're beautiful," he murmured, looking into her eyes.

Heat crawled from her toes to her cheeks and to the tips of her ears, nearly turning to goo from his compliment. There wasn't any music in the other room, and people were clamouring with excitement. Realizing the time, an idea popped into her head and she shook off her embarrassment, putting on an authoritative expression. The vampire's brows rose a little at her sudden change of mood, curious to know as to what she was thinking.

"I'll forgive you, Alucard...on one condition." He cocked one brow, waiting. "Get on your knees and close your eyes."

Though puzzled, he did as she asked. Alex noted once again how tall he was. The top of his head still reached the bottom of her chin. In the background, she heard the countdown, the girl waiting until it reached a loud applause and dozens of cheers. Smiling, she cupped both sides of Alucard's face and leaned down. Surprised to suddenly feel her lips on him, he opened his eyes, his beloved kissing the corner of his mouth. It wasn't the kind of kiss he hoped for, but the fact she initiated this tiny teaser caused him to smile, his hopes being rekindled by her token of affection.

Standing straight again, she smiled down at him with warmth. "Happy New Year."

Alucard grinned. "And a happy New Year to you, my dear Alexandra." Meanwhile, Van waited outside in the cold, watching as fireworks lit up the night sky, feeling everything had finally been worked out between those two, the young vampire smiling to himself.

A/N: Longest chapter EVER. This is about 2-3 chapters in one. It's over 12,000 words, and I try to make each chapter around 4000-5000. I will admit that Alucard is a little bit out-of-character in this chapter, but in my defence, he's miserable over what he did to Alex last chapter, and she has that effect on him. Since that particular crisis is over, we'll never see Conley again. YAY! I was thinking about cutting this chapter in half and then posting it as two chapters instead of one, but I'm lazy. Next chapter might be just as long, but it won't have this soap opera crap in it. I'm all out of drama-juice for awhile. Also! You thought I had forgotten about the stolen lingerie, didn't you?! It had to come up again sometime!

Lately, I've been doing tiny bits of research, like a bit on Romanian folklore, and of course, people involved with Vlad the Impaler. My only source is wikipedia, because I'm a lazy researcher, thus where the whole flashback things are coming from, though occasionally I deviate from facts. Surprisingly, no 15th century memories in this one, but I'll probably try to squeeze another one in next last flashback took place between 1459 and 1460, so Vlad is around 28 to 29 at that time.

Anyway, can't wait to get started on and post chapter 33. I already know how I want to write it. We're getting back into the familiar goriness of Hellsing. But for now, I need sleep. Please leave a review, your thoughts, your questions, and candy. Thanks for reading!