The Lost Priest

Chapter 21

Heritage

(A/N This is my longest running story yet. 21 chapters! It's rare enough that a story goes over 10 chapters with me. So, to honor this record breaking event I have created something special. I will give you the full details at the end of the chapter. But for now don't y'all think you should be reading the story?)

SOUNDS/sounds

Thoughts

Telepathy

(Last Time)

"Do you have any more ideas," Alucard said, walking into the room. "I've been listening for quite some time and I must say your plan sounds almost solid."

"'Almost,' huh? So, tell me then, what is your next idea," Cain said, turning around to meet Alucard. "Do I know you from somewhere?"

"You could but now is not the time to discuss the past," the nosferatu in red grinned. "If you're going to invade a base full of the undead wouldn't it be wise not to send normal humans?"

"So, we send in the Methuselah, but that will stretch our defenses here very thin," Augusta stated but Alucard only grinned wider.

"The humans can handle things here given the right weapons and proper leadership of course," Alucard said, looking at everyone around him. "We will win if the Contra Mundi speaks the truth."

"Well, it sounds like we've got a plan," Catherina grinned. "Get news out to Albion, the Vatican, and every other allied nation that's with us! They will regret ever coming here and destroying our world!"

(Present Time)

The sun was on the verge of rising. They had to get everything set and fast. All the guards and soldiers slipped on their UV proof cloths and armor and applied hefty amounts of UV gel to any exposed skin. Even Seras suited up in the same manner as did some of the nobles who were also willing to fight this war, which included Asta and Ion. They needed everyone they could get.

They got all the civilians they could down in the lower levels of the palace. The sun was now casting its bright rays of light on the tops of the tallest buildings. Some of the palace soldiers were now dressed in some of the Millennium soldier uniforms. They would be used to lure the real Millennium troops out into the open, and not to mention relay much needed information back to the palace.

Now they had to wait until the sun moved high enough in the sky to coat the ground is light. With everything now in place all they had to do was wait. The mission would begin at 9 and it was now 7 in the morning. Two long hours of praying and hoping that everything goes well without a glitch. Despite this ingenious plan Murphy's Law could still cause something to go horribly wrong.

While the long 2 hour wait slowly moved on those who could took the time clear their heads, eat, and rest up a little before the battle. Not they could really rest any with a war just outside the palace gates. Integra and Catherina decided to take small walk down the corridors just to clear their minds a little.

"So, when was it you first met Abel," Integra asked, walking to the right of the Cardinal.

"10 years. I'll be 11 next month. It doesn't really seem like it should be so long ago," the Cardinal replied, grabbing the jewel of the necklace the Crusnik had given to her. "My family was slaughtered by Methuselah. I barely made out of the house and they came after me. I didn't know where to go all I knew was I had to hide. I stumbled upon a tomb. It was dark and I figured I could hide there until the sun came up."

"That's where you found Abel I take it," Integra asked as Catherina sighed.

"Well, sort of. I saw an odd looking casket and inside I saw a woman with long red hair. She was really pretty I started towards her when I heard something move in the shadows," Catherina said, stopping to look out a window at the burning city. "I couldn't see who or what it was. I began to get scared that it was the Methuselah. I heard someone yell at me for a second before I ran back outside and away from the tomb. I stopped behind a large tree to catch my breath and a few minutes later I heard someone walk up behind me. It was Abel he was covered in blood. He was the one who saved me from my attackers. He was my guardian and a bit of my teacher after that."

"So, you two are really close," Integra spoke as Catherina nodded. "I meet Alucard about 10 years ago myself. I was in a situation close to yours, but instead of Methuselah it was my uncle. My father had just passed away at handed the Hellsing Organization over to me instead of his brother. My uncle of course did not like this so he and his men went after me. I was on my own and I hid out in the air ducts as I made my way down to the lowest dungeon of the manor. Where I discovered Alucard."

Catherina let a small laugh as Integra glared at her. What was so funny about this story?

"I'm sorry about laughing, Sir Hellsing," Catherina said, coving her mouth. "But you see my own uncle didn't like the fact that my little brother got the title of Pope and not him. He became really bitter about it. He even asked the Rosen Kreuz Orden build him a machine that could easily wipe out all of Rome. So, on some strange level I understand that completely."

"Well, you two seem to be having a nice little conversation," a deep voice replied behind both women. "It's a little odd don't you think?"

"Alucard," Integra said, turning around to meet her vampire. "What are you talking about?"

"Your childhood stories," Alucard replied walking up to them. "You two are from two different times and yet don't you find a bit strange how much your pasts are alike."

"Your point being," Catherina mused, raising a thin blond eyebrow.

"I'm just saying that in the end you both of you were looking for help and ended up finding it in a bloodsucker in one form or another," Alucard stated clearly as the two women looked at him oddly.

"It's a coincidence, Alucard," Integra sighed. "Nothing more."

"Of course," Alucard grinned. "Integra?"

"Yes," Integra replied with a long drawl.

"Where's your ring?"

"Huh?"

Integra lifted her hand and looked at it with wide blue eyes. It wasn't on her finger. She started looking around the floor where she was standing. Catherina started to do the same. She didn't know what the ring looked like but a ring was ring. Even Alucard helped in the search. They started back up the way they came from, asking anyone that passed by about it.

The search lasted about 20 minutes before something caught Catherina's eyes. In a small crack in the wall she could make out a fait glow similar to her necklace. She got down on her knees, took off her glove, and reached in with one thin finger. She could hear someone walk up behind her and stop.

"You found it," Alucard asked.

"I think so," the Cardinal said, digging in the crevasse the best she could. "It's right at the tip of my finger."

"Can you get it," Integra asked, getting down beside her.

"Almost," Catherina answered. "I… I think… Got it!"

Catherina pulled her finger out quickly before she lost her grip on the small ring. Just as she got the ring out a piece of splintered wood caught her bare finger. She winced and jerked her finger out the rest of the way, the ring landing in her lap.

"What did you do," Integra asked as Catherina shook her hand a couple of time as small bit of blood hit the wall. "Cut yourself?"

"Yes," Catherina drawled, looking at her bleeding finger. "I caught it on a piece of wood."

"Where's my ring," Integra asked as Catherina looked around on her lap for the ring.

"Here," Catherina said, grabbing the ring and held it out to Integra.

Before Integra could take it Alucard to their surprise grabbed the ring and Catherina's hurt hand. Catherina let out a hiss of pain and bit of anger as Alucard placed his lips on the cut. Integra stood up with a start and the nosferatu removed his mouth from Catherina's finger but did not let go of her hand even with Catherina fighting to get her hand back.

"Just what the hell are you doing," Integra bit out. "Didn't you get your fill of blood last night?"

"You two will have to forgive me," He said, jerking the duchess back up to her feet. "But I think you should see something."

"You're hurting me," Catherina snapped, bitterly, glaring at him. "Release my hand this instant!"

"Just hold on my dear Duchess of Milan," Alucard smirked not letting go of the angered woman. "This ring here on your finger—where did you get it?"

"My father gave it to me," Catherina bit out pulling as hard as she could. "It's just a family heirloom! What about it?"

"I want you both look at this one," Alucard said, holding out Integra's ring. "Look familiar to anyone?"

Integra switched back between her ring and Catherina's as Catherina did the same with hers. Both were made of rose gold, the jewel was shaped like a raindrop, both shined with many colors, and in the very middle of the jewel was an engraved "H." Both woman then looked at each other and then back at the vampire.

"I saw the ring on your finger right after you cut yourself," Alucard said, releasing the young Cardinal. "And your blood pretty much sealed the hunch I've had since I've met you in person."

"What are you suggesting," Integra growled at her servant vampire.

"I think you know quite well without me having to explaining things any farther," the nosferatu grinned widely. "Your ring, my Master."

Integra snatched the ring out of his fingers, and just glare at him. She slipped the ring back on her finger as Catherina fiddled with hers. Neither of the women would even look at each other now. The tension in the air was so thick even a knife couldn't cut it.

"Well, aren't you two quiet now," Alucard spoke but neither woman stirred. "It's getting close to time now for the fun to start. I'll see you ladies later than."

The grinning nosferatu dissolved into thin air, leaving them to the awkward silence. Were they really…? Was Alucard telling the truth or playing some cruel trick? They said nothing as they started back to the council room. A servant opened the door for them and they sat back down in their seat. Their odd behavior didn't go unnoticed.

"Is something wrong," Augusta asked, carefully.

"Nothing's wrong," they said bitterly in unison.

"Never mind," Augusta whimpered. "Forget I said anything."

"You're Majesty, there is 20 minutes before Operation Down Shield begins," Baibars announced with a low bow. "Are there anymore last minute requests that need to be put in place?"

"No, I believe everything is working perfectly," Augusta answered him.

"It's a bit awkward to be working together again, isn't it," Cain said, sitting right between August and Esther.

"Don't flatter yourself too much," Augusta snorted.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Cain grinned as Esther groaned. "Is something wrong, Esther?"

"I'm staring at it," Esther drawled.

"Still bitter, I see," Cain mused, drumming his finger playfully on the chair's armrest. "Don't worry, my dear, I have no reason to betray or hurt any of you. Especially with Abel and Augusta so nearby. That would be really stupid on my part."

"And coming here wasn't stupid to begin with," Maxwell spoke dryly looking just as thrilled as those around him to be working with Contra Mundi. "I would love see you being stupid if this is being smart."

"Cute, real cute," Cain snorted. "No witty comments to add from you two ladies?"

Integra and Catherina just glared at him and it was enough to make the great Contra Mundi shiver. He sat up strait and looked the other way. What a cold stare that was. What had gotten into them? He didn't even want to know if they were that upset.

Integra took a slight look at Catherina from the corner of her eyes. Was Alucard being an ass or was he telling the truth? Catherina, a Catholic and a daughter and brother to the previous and present Popes was her descendant? It had to be some cruel joke. No doubt the young Cardinal was feeling the same thing.

After all the odds of this had to be very slim. They couldn't really be ancestor and descendant. It was a little too farfetched to be believed. But she did have the same ring with the "H" deeply engraved into the gem.

Still debating if I was telling the truth, I see, Alucard's voice rang in her head. I meant every word regardless of what you the Cardinal what to believe. I find this ever so amusing.

How can you be so sure she is my descendant? The Hellsing blood must be very polluted by the time it would get to her, I would imagine, Integra answered with some venom. On top of that she's a Catholic and the daughter to the previous and sister to the current Pope! That would mean my descents would be Pope!

True but despite the pollution of blood in her veins I can tell. Weak it may very well be but still there. I see now why Abel follows her so closely and protects her so much, Alucard chuckled. He was the same way with you. He feared you and followed your orders. He saw Catherina when he looked at you and knew not to do anything wrong if he could help it.

Are comparing us now? Catherina and I? Abel and you?

Yes.

Why?

Why not, my Master? It's something in the Hellsing blood that a bloodsucker can't resist no matter their origins. In some strange way Abel has a bond with the young Cardinal very similar to ours. However, Abel has little more freedom than I do. Also their relationship is not so much master and servant but a little more like love interests. Something that as of late seems to be lacking between us.

I was never under the impression you saw us anything more than master and servant.

Hahahahaha! What little lies you weave. You both know full and well what we had before that priest came into the picture. I remember when you mind would wander on what it would feel like if I drank your blood. Now those thoughts are hardly there. I do miss those dirty little thoughts.

That's enough out of you, Alucard! I do not wish to talk about this matter anymore. Besides the battle is about to begin and I doubt you want to miss it.

As you wish, Master.

Integra felt Alucard leave her mind bring her back to things around her. It seem while she was out arguing with the nosferatu Maxwell and Cain got into to yelling matching, and from the looks of things the elder Crusnik was winning. She rubbed the sides of her head and sighed. This was going to be a long hard day.

"Operation Down Shield begins in 3… 2… 1…" Baibars announced over the radio. "Phase one: setting the bait."

"I really hope this idea of yours works," Esther bit out. "If if doesn't we'll lose a lot of good men and women."

"It'll work I can a sure again and again if I have to," Cain grinned sweetly. "Our little moles just need to lure them out into the designated opening full of sunlight and they have 40 minutes to do so. It will also take about 10 minutes for the air to clear out all the anti-UV particles. So, timing has to be perfect on this."

"So, it'll take about 50 minutes to get the actual fighting underway," Integra spoke up.

"Yes," Cain nodded. "Assuming that nothing unexpected happens."

"It had better not," Maxwell growled. It's bad enough I have to be working with Hellsing but to be working with damned monsters is disgusting!

"Why did you decide to help us all of a sudden," Catherina asked. "I mean you are Contra Mundi after all. I thought you hated this world."

"Oh, I do. Don't get me wrong, Duchess. It's just…" Cain trailed off.

"You want it all for yourself," Augusta grunted and Cain laughed. "Typical. You never will change."

"And neither will you, squirt," Cain grinned as an odd sounding grunt came from the Empress. "Hit a nerve did I?"

"CAIN, FOR ONCE COULD YOU JUST KNOCK IT OFF," Augusta bellowed as a thud was heard on the dome of her throne.

"Ha! Did you hit your head," Cain mused with a light chuckle. "Are you hurt?"

"CAAAAAAAAAIN!"

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Catherina yelled, standing up in her seat. "Knock it off the both of you! This is no time to squabble and bicker! The last thing we need is to have us fighting amongst ourselves at this point in time! We won't accomplish anything that way! The real fight has yet to begin! Let's save that fighting spirit for the battle!"

There was a moment of silence as those in the council room stared at the red faced cardinal. Her hands in tight fists and her lips pressed into a thin line.

"Of course," Cain said in a hushed tone. "Now I see what they mean by Woman of Steel…"

"Repeat your last statement," Catherina growled at him.

"I was just talking to myself," Cain said with a sheepish grin. This woman is something else. Able, my dear little brother… You know how to pick them, don't you? Hmmmm…

Abel, Seras, Alucard, Ion, Tres, Hugue, Asta, and Anderson made up their own little team as they waited for the battle to begin. 12 minutes left and in 2 minutes the shield will go down. 2 more long minutes of waiting.

Alucard seemed a little happy about something, but he kept whatever it is to himself. No one really wanted to ask. They were little weary about asking him. Hugue just glared at him. Despite Alucard's unusual joyfulness he knew Alucard was loathing him, and he had a pretty good idea why.

"What are you so giddy about," Abel finally asked, feeling a little uneasy. "Is there something you need to tell us before everything begins?"

"No, not really," Alucard grinned as Abel raised an eyebrow. "I'm just thinking of something. It's very ironic.

"Oh," Abel said.

He turned to look out from his hiding place at all the Millennium soldiers. They were almost in place now. A small pager on his belt went off, signaling the shield was going down. Now it was just 10 minutes until the UV particles dispersed fully. 10 more minutes of being with a smug looking nosferatu.

"Then what are you thinking about," Seras whispered. "We're all dying to know what's so ironic."

"It's my little secret," Alucard grinned, putting a gloved finger on his lips as his eyes shift back to Abel. "Perhaps the dear Duchess of Milan will tell you when she feels like it."

"What about Catherina," Abel said, whipping around to look at him.

"It's nothing bad," Alucard said, looking at Abel's eyes narrow for a moment. "I don't mean to upset you in any way."

Abel just turned back to soldiers as they moved around the streets. He couldn't wait until the air cleared and real fighting would begin. Something about Alucard today was making him mighty uneasy. Was this something that he should know about his Catherina? He really hated when Alucard played his little mind games. This fight couldn't come soon enough.

(A/N Well, that was chapter 21. Now for that little surprise. To honor the fact that I got passed 20 chapter I am creating a set of short one shot ficlets. They will be posted in another story titled The Lost Priest: Shorts. These "shorts" are comical stories that will in no way shape or form appear in the actual story and are solely for laughs. This story will be up shortly. I figure I'd get this note out first to alert people of the upcoming story. Thank you.)

Millie M. Banshee