The Lost Priest

Chapter 3

Cause and Effect

(A/N: So, here at last is chapter 3 and the battle between the No Life King and the Crusnik. Please enjoy this exciting new chapter.)

SOUNDS/sounds

Thoughts

Telepathy

(Last time)

"So be it. If it will quiet your bloodthirsty rampage," Abel said, standing up and setting his glasses on the table. "Then I shall fight you."

"That's more like it! Hahahaha," Alucard laughed as Abel picked up his gun.

"ABEL, DON'T LET HIM GET TO YOU," Seras screamed, looking through the one-way mirror as Abel turned to look at her but only saw his refection. "GET OUT OF THERE!"

"Please forgive me, Ms. Victoria," he said, turning back to Alucard, hearing hurried footsteps coming down the hall.

THUMP! THUMP!

"ALUCARD, I'M ORDERING YOU TO STOP," Integra shouted finally arriving and started banging on the glass, watching what Alucard and Abel were about to do. "ALUCAAAAARD!"

(Present Time)

"Releasing control art restriction to level three, level two, level one…"

"Nano-machine. Crusnik 02…"

"…Situation A. The Cromwell Approval is now in effect…"

"…Power output at 40 percent ..."

"…Hold release until target is silenced!"

"…Activate!"

"Show me what you got, priest," Alucard chuckled deeply, firing off his guns as Abel jumped out the way in the blink of an eye. "WHISTLE… You ARE going to be fun!"

"I'm not a toy, Alucard," Abel said in monotone, glaring at the grinning vampire. "Please do as Sir Hellsing and Ms. Victoria told you. There is no reason you should fight me."

Alucard only continued to smile maliciously before he fired his Jackal repeatedly at the Crusnik's head. Abel quickly swung his scythe as the speeding bullets came at him, knocking them away in one swing, sending them back at Alucard.

To Abel's surprise Alucard didn't try to avoid them. They hit him straight on but the smile on Alucard's face never wavered and a chuckle began to build up in his throat. Suddenly the area turned darker and colder and an ominous feeling took hold of the room.

"BLOODY IDIOTS," Integra yelled, hitting the one-way mirror, before turning to Seras. "Seras, break in the glass!"

"Yes, ma'am," she said, ramming her elbow into the glass, but it was like hitting reinforced concrete. "OW! OW!"

Integra shook her head and rolled her eyes as Seras rubbed her elbow. Seras then backed away from the glass and ran back at it full force, planning to knock it out with her shoulder, only to find that it just as hard for her shoulder as it was for her elbow, and fell flat to the floor.

"Dammit, Alucard," she snapped, firing her gun at the glass only to have it bounce off and graze Seras in her already hurt shoulder. Seras threw her a murderous look as Integra looked the other way.

"That really hurt," Seras growled.

Integra didn't respond to her complaint; she was more interested in how to break up the fight inside the interrogation room. It was clear that Abel did not want to fight but Alucard was forcing him to do so. Maybe she could get Abel to do something to stop this fight quickly and with only minimal damage. But how?

Abel watched as Alucard's body turned pitch black and a large magnitude of red eyes appeared from within its depths. This was not good; he would have to end this quickly. He gripped hold of his scythe and ran at Alucard, jumping ever so slightly into the air and brought the scythe down on Alucard's head. The large red scythe slashed him straight down swiftly, splitting him in two.

Abel stepped back as he watched to two black halves melt and spread out along the floor. He knew that the vampire in red wasn't close to being destroyed- not if he was true nosferatu. Alucard's power still filled the room and was not showing any signs of letting up. Then, suddenly, he felt something crawling up his legs. He looked down and his eyes widened slightly.

"What is this," he snapped, kicking his legs trying to knock of the horde centipedes from his legs as they moved up his body. "GET OFF ME! AGH! GET OFF!"

"Ahahahahaha! What's the matter, Catholic, can't take a few bugs?" Alucard mocked, his voice resonating from all over the room. "Don't just stand there! Fight me! Use your weapons, use your powers! Do something!"

"You want to see my powers so badly," Abel hissed, looking down at the centipedes that by now encased most his body.

Then, with great force the centipedes exploded to the four walls of the room. Abel could hear two women outside scream as the bugs pelted the mirror, splattering into pieces. He turned back to the black puddle on the floor to see two large streams of blackness came at him with what appeared to be ravenous dog heads.

Abel jumped back, cutting one, but the other nailed him in the shoulder. He quickly tore loose from it before cutting that one to pieces too. Alucard was more trouble the ones he fought back home. He quickly turned around after hearing something move behind him. What he saw was a horde of bats heading straight at him. This was getting monotonous and he was getting more aggravated by the second, but Alucard was not going to give up any time soon.

"ENOUGH," Abel shouted as a pair of menacing wings surrounded him, blocking him from the oncoming bats. "Haven't you had your fill yet, Alucard?"

"I want to see more! You are full of surprises," Alucard laughed. "MORE! MORE! MORE! I WANT TO SEE MORE!"

"I'm growing tired of your idiotic game," he snapped as his opened his wings and they disappeared. "This battle of yours has gotten out of hand! I insist that you stop this here and now!"

Abel felt a presence behind him and heard Alucard laugh and cock a gun. He was in a corner by now and his scythe would only make contact with wall no matter which way he swung, so he quickly grabbed the only other weapon he had.

BAAAANG!

The silver bullet landed squarely between Alucard's surprised eyes. Abel then quickly kicked at Alucard, slamming him into the mirror with a loud thud; he was tired of this game of Alucard's. He walked over to the stunned vampire as he muttered something and held his hand out over his scythe.

"Damn, you are good," Alucard said, attempting to get up but being stabbed through the middle by Abel's scythe; it was more painful than before, and his body couldn't move. "UGH! Wh-what did you do?"

"I am a priest, remember," he said, not removing the blade as his other hand held the gun out again. "All I did was put a blessing my scythe, and these bullets are also blessed silver. Now, I want you to quit this rampage of yours. This battle is over!"

Abel then turned, looked over at the door, and heard it click as it unlocked. He then turned back to look up at the mirror, removing his scythe from Alucard and transforming back. But before he did anything else, he bopped Alucard in the head with a hard fist and muttered something about stupid vampires. He then let out a tired sigh before walking over to the table, putting on his glasses and robes, and opening the door to an angry Integra and Seras.

"ALUCARD," Integra snapped, storming in, slamming the door into Abel and sending him into wall, crushed behind the door. "How dare you go against my orders and engage in such an idiotic battle! Don't you dare think this won't go unpunished!"

"Sorry," he said in a quiet voice, finally getting off the ground.

"Hmph, sorry my ass! How dare you have audacity to do this to me," she snapped, holding out her gun at him. "I should shoot you myself right now for the embarrassment you caused me tonight! I want you to go down to your chamber and stay there until I summon you! Do you understand me, Alucard!"

"Yes, my Master," he said as he disappeared into thin air.

"As for you, Father Abel," she barked as she turned around toward him.

"Y-yes, ma'am," he swallowed, peeking out sheepishly from behind the door.

I can't believe I'm about to say this to a Catholic… "I would like to apologize for my subordinate's actions against you just now," she said, looking Abel right in the eyes. "They were highly uncalled for, as were mine earlier this evening. I see now that you mean us no harm. Please forgive me and my men for our previous actions."

"It's all right, Sir Integra, all is forgiven," he said with cute smile as he walked out from behind the door. "I too must say my own apologies. I should have never engaged him that fight. I'm at just as much fault as he is for this whole mess, and I hope you can forgive me."

"You were threatened, Father; you had no other choice but to fight back," Integra said, putting her gun away. "You also showed restraint, which is something Alucard was not planning on doing. I would like to offer you a room for the night, but only for the night."

"Sir Hellsing, I humbly accept your offer," Abel's smile only widened. "I promise I won't be a burden you or your staff."

"Good, I'll send Walter down here to show you to your room," she said, walking out the door, before stopping beside Seras. "Watch him for me, and don't let him out of your sight."

"Roger," Seras said, saluting her boss as Integra walked down the hall.

KRAAACK! SHAAAATTER!

"OH, SURE, NOW THE GLASS BREAKS!" Seras yelled, storming into the room and looking at the glass that littered the floor. "AARGH! Of all the… OOOOH!"

Abel just covered his mouth to stifle his chuckles as Seras continued to rant and rave about the broken mirror on the floor. This was turning out to be rather interesting. Who knew that he would actually fight a REAL vampire from pre-Armageddon folklore?

Soon dawn finally had come to London, bringing with it the usual dark clouds, rain, and strong winds. Inside, Integra sat at her desk with one of her expensive cigars in hand and a cup of warm tea in front of her. Standing in front of her desk was the butler/retainer of the Hellsing family. He stood straight, looking very proper.

"Walter, is the Crusnik still sleeping?" she asked, taking a puff of her cigar.

"Yes, my Lady," he nodded. "Do want me to wake him?"

"No, let him sleep." She let out a smoky breath. "I contacted the Vatican barely an hour ago. They have no knowledge of a Father Abel Nightroad. I left the Crusnik part out, of course, as I spoke with Maxwell."

"So, then he really isn't with the Vatican," Walter asked, adjusting his monocle.

"I'm not entirely sure. He most definitely blessed that scythe of his or it wouldn't have hurt Alucard the way it did." She took another puff of her cigar. "I really don't understand what's going on. Maxwell could be lying to me, for all I know."

"Sir Integra, if I may be as so bold as to ask about the nature of the punishment you have placed on Alucard?" Walter asked, getting a glare from her.

"The harshest thing I could come up with. He likes to fight, that is for certain, so I have forbidden him from participating in our next seven operations."

"But, Sir Integra, Ms. Victoria is still just getting used to her powers and is not eating like she should. I have full confidence in our troops, but still—"

"That's enough, Walter. Alucard will not be fighting for a while," she said in a stern voice. "He dared to go against my authority, and he must be punished for his transgression."

"I understand," Walter replied.

"However, there is some truth to what you said about Seras and the troops," Integra smirked, putting out the last of her cigar as thunder rumbled outside. "Once Abel awakens, please send him here. I would like to have a few words with him. You may go."

"As you wish, Sir Integra," He bowed to her, before turning on his heel and walking out of the room.

A couple of hours later, Abel woke to a knocking sound at his door. He quickly put on his glasses and opened the door; it was Walter with a tray of food, and Abel quickly opened the door to let him inside.

"Oh, uh, good morning, Walter," Abel said as Walter set the tray down on the dresser.

"I hope I didn't wake you," Walter replied.

"Oh, no, it's all right; I'm usually up by now anyway," he smiled, waving his hand lightly at the butler. "Thank you for the breakfast."

"You're welcome, Father. Once you're finished I will escort you to Sir Integra's office, as she wishes to speak with you," Walter said, bowing to Abel. "I'll return in thirty minutes."

Before Abel could say anything, Walter shut the door. Abel shrugged and walked over to the tray of food on the dresser. Well, he only had thirty minutes to eat so he might as well get started.

As promised, Walter returned, escorted Abel to Integra's office, and left him there. Abel swallowed as he knocked the door, hearing Integra's voice ordering him to enter. He opened the door and slowly walked in, closing the door behind him.

"Have a seat, Abel," she said, pointing at a chair at the front of her desk.

Abel walked over to the chair and sat down, folding his hands in his lap. He looked a bit worried as Integra continued to stare at him.

"What is it that you wanted to see me about, Sir Hellsing?" he asked.

"Tell me, Father, have you ever been in here in London before?" she asked as perked his head up.

"Oh, of course I have," he nodded. "Why do you ask?"

"Do you know your way around," she inquired.

"Yes, a little."

"Are you planning on staying here in London for while?"

"Well, I've never really thought about it. I have a bit of a habit about not staying on one place for too long."

"Is that so? Tell me, Abel, do you have any means with which to get by with?" she asked as she picked up a cigar and her lighter.

"That is something I'm sorry to say I do not have," he sighed, looking down at his hands. "I kind of took vow of poverty, you see."

"If I were to offer you a job, would you take it?" she lit her cigar.

"Huh?" he asked, processing her words. "Oh. I'm sorry, I'm a little confused," he blinked, watching her take a puff as a smirk grew on her face.

"I'm offering you a temporary job here at the Hellsing Organization," she said. As Abel looked awestruck, she set her cigar down in the ashtray and began explaining. "You will be filling in for Alucard until his punishment is over with. Do you think you could handle working here? You will be given full pay for as long as you work here. After Alucard is allowed to go back to work, you can go. Are interested, Father Abel?"

"Oh, yes, of course I am, Sir Hellsing! Thank you ever so much!" Abel gleefully (almost) shouted, making Integra jump slightly. "I promise I'll do my best for you! I won't let you down for the time that I'm here! Thank you so very much, Sir Hellsing!"

"I hope you do know that I am very strict and won't tolerate anything," she said as Abel straightened up his seat. "Can you work under these conditions?"

"Yes, of course I can," Abel nodded. She not that much different from Caterina, so she can't be any worse.

"Glad to hear it. Now I realize other than the clothes you have on now, you don't have any other attire. And I can't have you going around in those robes," she said, looking a bit disgusted as Abel looking down at his clothes.

"I will be wearing a uniform then, won't I," He surmised as a smile slid across her face.

"No," she said bluntly.

"Huh?" he blinked. "Why not?"

"You won't get a military uniform," she smirked as Abel looked completely perplexed, "because you won't be staying here long enough to really need a uniform. But I will have Walter take your measurements and have some clothes made for you. You're a bit like Alucard, too tall to just go into a shop and buy clothes. They will have to be specially ordered to fit you."

"That's not really necessary," Abel said with a soft smile. "You don't have to go through all that trouble."

"It will be coming out your first paycheck," she said coldly as Abel looked like he got hit with a ton of bricks. "But it is a necessity for you to have some other clothing other than your robes. This is a Protestant country after all, Father. We can't have a man dressed as a priest going around working for the Hellsing Organization. You may go back to your room for now. Walter will take care of you from there. A good day to you, sir."

"The same to you too, Sir Hellsing," he said as he got up from his seat and started towards the door.

"Oh, and more thing, Abel," she said as he turned to look at her. "How often do you need vampire blood?"

"I don't have to have it all that much; I can do fine with regular food for quite a long time," he said, a little surprised. "Why do you ask?"

"I was just a bit curious as to what a Crusnik's eating habits are like," she said, getting a weird look from Abel. "You will be working with vampires and I wasn't sure just how much human food you could get by with before you needed vampire blood. I would appreciate if you didn't feed off them."

"Oh, I see. You don't have to worry," he said with large smile. "I'm not like that."

"Seras said the same thing to me when she first started working here," Integra said as Abel raised an eyebrow. "Speaking of Seras, she seems to like you quite a bit, and I was wondering if you could do me and her both a favor while you're working here."

"What is it?" he asked as Integra looked at the smoldering ashes in the ashtray from the cigar she had forgotten to smoke.

"Seras is not eating like she should; she is hesitant to drink the transfusion blood that is given to her, so her body is growing weak- and I don't have the patience for her ignorance," Integra stated, putting out the last of her spent cigar. "Alucard himself has tried to make her drink, but she defies even him. Neither of us has much in the way of patience with her any more about her not eating, so maybe you can finally get through to her."

"I understand, and I will see what I can do," He said as Integra waved him off.

(A/N: Well, how was that chapter? Sorry, I took me a little longer to get this up. Please review)

Millie M. Banshee

Beta: 2stupid

(BN: Yep. It's me. Please review this chapter so we can know how you feel about it. It will also make us feel much better. Especially when I'm typing this when it's 40 degrees Fahrenheit (around 5 degrees Celsius and 278K) and I live in the middle of a desert.)