Well, chapter 21, the last! Thank you all! I hope you enjoy it.

Read on! You know, thinking back on it, I might have made Alucard a little too mature... but oh well.

AFTER DARKNESS... LIGHT.

Kazuhiko moaned and opened his eyes.

"Oh, no..." he moaned, grimacing. "Not that ceiling again."

"The ceiling and everything below it, Mr. Kazuhiko." A female voice. Kazuhiko didn't move his head, but he shifted his eyes. The medic came into his view.

"Uh... hi there doc. How did I end up here?"

"Apparently you passed out in the amublance."

"Ok... at least I was lying down. That would have been a pathetic image, to fall flat on my face..."

"Do you have any idea of how much blood you lost?" she interrupted in a resignated tone.

"Uh, no. Tell me about it."

"You should be dead." She informed coolly.

"Oh OK great. Thank you."

He sighed and shook her head. "Are you suicidal?"

"Ah..." Kazuhiko moved his head, like considering the matter. "Some say I am. It comes and goes."

She shook her head again. "I'm glad I'm not your head medic."

"Sorry. How long am I gonna be here this time?"

"Fortunely for all of us, you'll be out of here this afternoon."

"Really?" Kazuhiko smiled. "Great." He looked around. "Any wounded?" he asked frowning.

"Nothing too bad." She answred. "You, Lt, and Mr. Dollneaz were the worst."

"Ah, Walter! How is he?"

"Asleep finally." She answered irritated.

"Hey I thought everyone here liked him!"

"Oh I like him. He's just not too well dealing with anything involving rest." She replied.

"Aha... I'm not the only one then... What about the Lt. Colonel?"

"He got out this morning. We had him in observation the whole night because of the shaking, but he was way better earlier today so we let him go."

"Lucky bastard."

"I agree." She rolled her eyes. But she was smiling. Kazuhiko was like a little kid; it was anoying, but also fun to have him in the infirmary.

Then Gingetsu appeared in the doorway. He looked at Kazuhiko. When he saw he was awake, he walked to him.

"Hi Gingetsu. How are you?"

"I have a headache."

"Tell us about it." The medic muttered under her breath. Kazuhiko arched an eyebrow and looked at him.

"I seem to be interfering with all the digital systems within the state. At least." He said reluctantly.

"Oh." Kazuhiko arched his eyebrows with a skeptical look. "Anyone ever told you about aspirin? Cute little thing it is."

"I'll sleep for three days straight."

"Have I ever told you being a Clover sucks?" Kazuhiko smiled playfully.

"No. Tell me about it." Gingetsu seemed to roll his eyes behind the visor.

"I just did." Kazuhiko guessed Gingetsu was glaring at him. "So how are things back home?" he asked.

"Magis are happy about all this matter being over. They're less happy with us, though."

"Tell me something new..." Kazuhiko said, voice full of sarcasm.

"I'm going back tonight. You and Niko are staying a couple more days."

"Why is that?" he asked curiously.

"Homesick?"

"Moron, why are you going back first?"

"They want to do some tests..."

"What?"

"Don't."

Kazuhiko glared. A lot. But Gngetsu chose to ignore it.

"I have something I'd like to give Sir Integra. I'll come back later."

"Not like I'm going anywhere right now..."

He heard the medic sigh and smiled wickedly. Oh, he could be so much more annoying...

"Don't drive anyone insane." Gingetsu warned.

"What? You're worried about a little insanity? Since when have we been sane?"

Gingetsu leaned in forward to be right in Kazuhiko's face. "Sit tight, stay still and be quiet." He warned. Kazuhiko narrowed his eyes in discontempt and leaned back on the bed.

Gingetsu turned and left.

He went directly to Sir Integra's study. He had things to do in the day so he wanted to have this done now in case he didn't have time later.

He softly knocked on the wooden door.

"Enter."

He slowly pushed the door open and got in. He closed it behind him.

"Lieutenant. How can I help you?" Integra asked leaning back on her chair.

"I believe you should be resting." He commented after vaguely looking around.

She made a movement with her hand, disregarding the matter. "Is that all?" she asked coldly.

"Obviously, no." Was the equally cold reply. He approached a few steps to the desk and stopped middle way, in the center of the room.

He closed his eyes and leaned backwards a little. He extended his right hand and summoned a long, silver katana. He took it by the sheath and held it with both hands before him.

He casted a long look upon it. Integra did the same. It was a magnificent weapon, with beautiful engravings of dragons whose eyes were spectacular saphires, and a deep blue silken ribbon wrapped around the base of the hilt. Integra stared at it, impressed. How could someone do something that gorgeous by only wishing it?

"In acient times, in Japan, the becoming of a warrior was marked by the day you received your katana." He said. "All your life you trained for that one day in the one you became worthy of carrying it." Gingetsu rounded the desk and went down to his right knee, looking at her. His visor disappeared and Integra stared into his blue-green orbs. She felt somewhat stiff. He didn't need to do that. "Then, when you finally got the katana and became a Samurai, you had the responsibility of doing what you believed to be right, nevertheless you found it hard or displeaseant. In the short time I've spent here I have come to the conclusion that you became a Samurai long before we ever knew you, Sir Integra." He added smiling a little. Integra returned the smile, nervous. "But I thought I'd make it official." He lowered his head though kept looking at her eyes, and offered her the sword with both hands.

Integra hesitated. She extended her hands and took the sword from his with care. It was heavy, and felt warm to the touch, even though it was metal.

Gingetsu stayed there, looking at her with a slight smile, and a look in his eyes that seemed to be... amused? He sat on his left heel and placed his elbow on his left knee, observing her quietly.

"You seem concentrated... see something interesting?" Integra arched an eyebrow.

Gingetsu lowered his eyes and smiled, moving his head. He looked at her again. "I'm making sure that I rememeber your features." He said. Integra smiled sadly.

"You're leaving tonight then."

"I don't have a choice, as you very well know, Sir Integra." He answered smiling apologetically. "Then again I will miss our discussions on the roof."

"Same here."

There was a long silence as they looked into each other's eyes.

"Will you be alright?" she asked softly.

He looked surprised at that question. "Danger's passed..." he said.

"The experiments they want to do..."

"I'll be fine." Gingetsu cut her off smiling, again, for the second time, a true, wide smile. And it was breathtaking.

"You should smile more." She said before she could think.

Gingetsu chuckled. "So should you." He looked thoughtful for a moment, then he smiled again. "I think we get along because we are quite alike in some things. In other circumstances perhaps we would have been good friends."

"I thought we were."

Gingetsu arched his eyebrows. "Ok then. We are friends."

He stood up and looked at her. His face was so different when he showed expressions that Integra was taken aback. "Keep that katana close, when you are in danger." Gingetsu added. "I will know if it's unsheathed and used."

"It will tell you if I'm attacked, then. But what for? You wouldn't be able to do anything from Japan..."

"I wouldn't be so sure." Gingetsu said enigmatically. "I need to do further research on my newly acquired powers and then I will inform you."

Integra smiled. "Yes, keep in touch."

Gingetsu nodded smiling. "Good bye, Sir Integra."

"Good bye Lieutenant."

break+

That night, Alucard woke up late. He looked up at his coffin's lid and felt stiff. He tried to stretch, but something was bothering him. He looked down.

Seras was sleeping with her head rested against his chest. Her hand was gripping his shirt, like she feared he would leave her. He felt touched and smiled.

He gently brushed the hair away from her face, to look at her. She was so beautiful... Alucard stroked her cheek with his thumb, hypnotized by the softness of her skin.

Seras made a soft noise close to a purr and slowly started wakening. She inhaled and opened her eyes. At first she had trouble recognising where she was. She looked at her hand and loosened her grip on the fabric. She timidly looked up.

Alucard smiled at her. "Good evening Police Girl. Did you sleep well?"

"I'm sorry, Master." She answered sheepishly. "Do you want me to leave you alone?" though it was obvious she didn't want to leave.

"Actually I rather like this." Alucard placed his arms around her, hugging her slim body. Seras giggled and rubbed her cheek against his shirt. "How do you feel?" he asked.

"I'm a little tired, and hungry." She answered honestly.

Alucard chuckled. "Yes, it makes sense. Walter's in the hospital wing again, and the maids never come in my chambers, but there should be blood packs in your room. We should go get them."

"Mmm." Seras hid her face in his shirt. Alucard laughed out loud.

"I'm spoiling you, Police Girl!" he said smiling widely. "We can't stay in my coffin the rest of the night, woman. You need blood and so do I." He placed a finger under her chin and turned her face up so she would look into his eyes. "I promise I'm staying around, Seras." He added gently.

Seras nodded silently. Alucard opened the lid and they both came out. Seras stretched her stiff muscles, closing her eyes.

Alucard scanned the manor with his mind. Kazuhiko was in his room with Niko. Walter was still in the hospital wing. God pray he'd stay there unti he was alright this time, Integra was, surprisingly as always, in her study. Lt. Colonel Gingetsu was gone. Probably already heading back to Japan.

He would have liked to have a word with him before he left, but oh well. Not like he would miss him anyway.

Alucard looked at the tie that hung off the chair and grabbed it, but decided he wouldn't put it on and placed back on the chair, thoughtful. He didn't put on his jacket either. He was not a man keen on the lack of neatness, but all he wanted tonight was to sit down and stay with Seras, and for that he didn't need to be formal and well dressed. He turned and noticed Seras was looking at him curiously.

He smiled. "Go to your room. I'll go get myself some blood packs and I want to check on my Master."

Seras nodded sheepishly and passed by him. Alucard absently brushed her hair with his long fingers. He loved the feeling of her silky hair on his hand. Seras smiled at him and left the chambers towards her room.

Alucard went to Integra's study first. She was alright, so he went down to the kitchen, where he practically scared everyone out of the room, grabbed two blood packs off the second fridge and appeared in Seras' room.

She was sitting on the bed, hugging her knees. Alucard left the blood packs on the table and sat beside her.

"What is wrong, Police Girl?" he asked gently.

Seras was staring at the other side of the room, absentmindedly. She didn't move, and she didn't look at him.

"Master, I think I'm in love with you." She said low. "Actually I'm... quite sure I am."

Alucard stared, frozen. He had told his Police Girl he wanted her to be honest, but... well... oh. I mean... OH.

Alucard blinked. What...?

"Seras... I..."

"It's OK." She interrupted smiling without humour. "If you don't feel the same. I just thought I had to tell you that's all."

Alucard put his arm around her shoulders and brought her close to him, his nose against her temple. "Thank you, Seras." He whispered. "I'm not sure... what love is, but, I think I love you too."

Seras shifted and leaned her head in the curve of his shoulder. He rested his cheek on her hair, closing his eyes.

He felt stupidly happy.

break+

Alucard stood before the doors, back to the manor. Kazuhiko stopped the car in front of Niko and got out.

"Oh! Yeah! You brought me a car!" Niko clapped her hands, thrilled.

"Huh? What are you saying? I didn't bring you a car, I came to pick you up!" he replied arching an eyebrow.

Niko glared. "Oh, you're so boring."

"What I did bring though was this." He leaned forward to get something from the inside of the car and got up holding a beautiful black katana.

"Oh thank you!" Niko ran to him and took the weapon. She came back and offered it to Alucard. "Another one for your collection." She smiled. Alucard smiled back and took it.

"I don't use these anymore, you know." He commented.

"You could, you're losing practice I'm sure."

"You could practice your aiming." Alucard replied back.

"My aiming is wonderful."

"So is my kendo. Now go, Kazuhiko is waiting."

He leaned forward and they hugged tightly. Niko gave him a light kiss in the cheek and went to the car. Just when she was about to get in it, Seras came running out of the manor.

"Niko, wait!" she said. She passed by Alucard and ran to her. She showed her a little figure.

"It's a doggy. I made it for you when you said you liked them."

Alucard smiled. Niko laughed delighted and took the little figure. "Thank you Seras-san it's lovely!" she said. "Did you see my present already? I left it on your table."

"Yes, Niko it's gorgeous. Thank you so much."

Alucard looked at her curiously. She hadn't told him Niko had given her something. He had been practically kicked out of the room when Police Girl and him had been innocently speaking, so she and Niko could talk alone.

"Bye Kazuhiko!"

"Bye Seras-san. Alucard." Kazuhiko made a movement with his head to the elder vampire, who smiled showing his sharp fangs, as insanely as ever. Kazuhiko rolled his eyes and got inside the car. Niko was already sitting in, looking at the doggy fascinated.

Seras backed from the car so she wouldn't bother and found her back hitting Alucard's chest. He wrapped his arms around her resting his chin up on her head.

The car left the state.

Niko left the little figure in the place between the seats, smiling blissfully.

"That cheered you up." Kazuhiko commented looking at her with a smirk.

"She's so lovely." Niko replied. "I feel like she is my little sister. It's good to go places and come back with new relatives." She added smiling mischiviously.

Kazuhiko arched an eyebrow. "Is that so? And what else did you get besides a sister, in this trip?"

"A hot boyfriend." She quickly answered smiling widely.

Kazuhiko flashed a skeptical look in her direction. "That sounded kind of possessive." He commented.

"I take care of my things..."

"Oooohh... so I'm your thing now." He said smiling slightly, eyes on the road ahead.

"Yeah... but you're the cutest thing I've got." She added sweetly.

"Oh... I'm... I'm touched. Really, I am." Niko laughed and leaned back on the sit, looking out the window.

break+

Alucard turned her so she would face him, still holding her close. "What did she give you as a present?" he asked.

The Police Girl smiled grabbing his tie. "She gave me a beautiful kimono. It's green and blue. I'll show you later."

"She gave one to Integra too." He said. "Black and white. Integra said she told her that because she lived in a world of men more than anyone she had to be femenine."

"She did not!" Seras widened her eyes, laughing out loud.

Alucard smiled himself. "Oh, she did. Surprisingly enough, Integra accepted the advice and didn't shoot her. I think she grew fond of her."

"Maybe. Niko's so cool."

"Moving on into more insteresting matters, I've heard of a club in downtown London that has a reputation of being fun."

"It won't be if Sir Integra hears of it."

"Well I'm not telling. What about you?"

Seras smiled and stretched to lightly kiss his lips. "I'm going wherever you're going," she said.

break+

A week later, when Walter finally was released from the hospital wing, he went down to his room and found a big box on the table.

Frowning, he opened it and found an amusing big wooden figure. He studied it and realised, laughing, that it was a grandfather with a monocle on his left eye. He found a card in the box and read it.

"We didn't think you would like a kimono, and you don't use swords, but your room would use some decorating, old man!"

N and K

Walter laughed again and placed the figure in a shelf of his library. It was lovely.

He would miss those two. The manor would be rather quiet without Kazuhiko's noisy presence.

THE END

Autheress's Note:

Finished! How about that? Yeah, I like happy endings, so sue me! No wait...

OK, as the Looney Tunes used to say, That's All Folks.

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, and I thnk you all for following me through this insanity. Special thanks of course to the wonderful beta-reader CrypticShadowWriter (you rock, thank you so much) and the next reviewers that made me want to go on with it when I though of cutting it:

Ishtar Darkside, that was my first and most faithfull reviwer, special thanks, along with Alucard's Secret lover, too.

Pyromaniac-schizophrenic, hope I didn't worsen your condition with my cliffys, sorry...

Harry/Ginny91... love your nickname. I had to tell you.

Kaori

Anime-queen46

Seras Ryoko Victoria 21 and Seras Ryoko Victoria, I don't know if you're the same person, so just in case, both.

Tornado reviewer

Dagger 1211

Coliginous fluff

Furikuzu no (get in touch, you have my mail, gracias)

Alucard110

Alucard's princess

Terror

NalaravaTheRed

Greg24

CoolyWooly

Loving GaNning isnteasy

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!

Until the next fic! I hope you enjoyed all of this as much as I did.

Namariel Out!

(But not forever)