(Author's Note: Before we get into this chapter, and my other notes, I would like to thank all the people who have been reading my stories. I haven't had a lot of time to send notes and thank the people who have added one of my stories to their favorites, alerts, or commented on them and I regret this. I really do want all of you to know how much I appreciate the feedback and I do spend some time to go back through the comments as I write and really look into the comments and feedback I am given no matter what is sad in them. So, thank you for commenting on these stories.

Onto the information before this chapter: I use information mainly out of the novels and manga and not out of the anime. Don't get me wrong, I like the anime, but I would choose the books and manga over it because it is more canon than the anime. The anime messed up the timeline. In the novels Abel always calls Caterina by name with no lady or any other title before it unless he is trying to placate Esther or is Caterina representative.

A note on the title for this chapter, there is a chapter in Book 1: Divergent Path which connects to this one. If you find it or read this chapter closely enough you will see it (okay there are several chapters which connect to this one.)

Sorry for that, I go a little carried away here, now you can read this chapter^^;)


Trinity Blood: Book 2: The Winter Rose
Chapter 6: Song Heard on "A Lone Night"

A day later:
Caterina looked around the gardens completely lost in the maze here. Only three hours ago this had seemed like the best way to get away from Father Havel who had been rather jumpy since yesterday as if he still expected an attack. Abel had been no where to be seen since their arrival. Sighing, Caterina stopped walking and sat down. It was hopeless; she wasn't going to get out of here. Caterina closed her eyes, holding rosary tightly in her hand.

"Lady Caterina?" a familiar voice sounded from above Caterina. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked up. Abel towered over her, his icy gaze softened by the thick glasses he wore. Why was he even wearing glasses? He didn't need them. "Is something wrong, my lady?" he held out his hand to her, but she didn't take it.

Honestly a large part of Caterina knew she had been trying to get lost in the maze. It had been hard the last day. As matters settled down, the pain and lose began to set it. Slowly she buried her face in her arms, not really wanting to talk to anyone at the moment. Caterina heard Abel sit down beside her, but he didn't speak, only offered his silent companionship. For this Caterina was grateful beyond belief.

Several long moments passed and Caterina buried her face in her arms. Finally she confessed what was on her mind to Abel, "I – I miss them," she murmured. "I know I still have a father and half-brothers, but it isn't the same."

"At times like this," Abel's voice was soft, low, and comforting, "it is best not to let go of the memories we hold of those we loved." There was a surprising amount of experience in his voice. "The pain you feel now will only make you stronger in the future. It might be hard now, but lose will make you stronger. We learn and grow from our experiences." Slowly she looked at him, trying to hold back tears. "This might not help much," he wasn't looking at her, "but there are a few certainties in life and they are the sun will rise tomorrow and life will go on." He looked at her a soft smile on his features. "You can cry," he said, "you haven't really cried yet and it is only natural to feel pain over the loss of a loved one."

Caterina straightened. "I won't cry," not in front of Abel. He was so strong and sure of himself, she didn't want to cry in front of him. How could she cry in front of him? Looking away, she asked, "How do you do it? Stay so calm and sure, I mean?"

"Hmm?" Abel looked at her in confusion. "I wasn't aware I had been acting like that," he smiled at her, trying and failing to look innocent. His expression straightened and looked at a far wall. Caterina bit her lip, forcing back the hot tears welling in her eyes. She didn't want to cry. "Long ago someone dear to me said this and I think it fits you far more than anyone I've ever met." He paused and she could feel his eyes on her. "Do you know what they say about the winter rose?" looking further away from him, Caterina forced on not letting him see her tears while she tried to figure out what he was talking about. "No matter how strong the storm is, it will always show its beauty and its strength," shock filled her and she looked sharply at him. Slowly he placed a white rose in her hair before gently wiping away her tears. "You are strong, Lady Caterina, stronger than anyone I know."

"But," Caterina protested, "I can't fight, I'm no good when it comes to guns and battles. All the way here I had to rely on you and Father Havel!"

Abel shook his head, brushing his hair from his eyes. "There are two types of soldiers: those who fight on the field of battle and those who battle with their voice and will alone. I'm the first type of soldier and you, Lady Caterina, you are the second type of soldier. I can stand by your side and guard you, but I can not stir the masses, I don't have any skill in formal speech or the ability to argue my viewpoints. You do, you can achieve far more in ten years than I could ever hope to in a thousand."

"You know," Caterina smiled softly at him, "I think you understatement yourself. Maybe you should just try giving a speech on your viewpoints."

"Ah, no thank you," Abel said hurriedly. "Been there, tried that, got booed off the stage." At this she laughed. He smiled almost sheepishly at her. She laughed harder, he almost looked comical.

"Well, at least I got one matter right today," Abel shook his head, his expression serious once more. "Seriously, Lady Caterina, you are the type of person who can stir the masses and I am the type of person meant to stay in the shadows. Now," he stood and held out his hand to her, "I think we should head back before Vaclav sends out the Inquisition to look for you."

"It wouldn't be wise to linger then, would it?" Caterina smiled at him, taking his hand. Abel helped her to her feet. Smoothing her dress, she straightened and looked around. "Do you know which way to go?"

"We could try up, my lady," Abel smiled at her. "Or just heading back the way I came, that could work too," she shook her head, highly confused with the way he was acting. The last time she had seen him he had been unable to joke now he was making an attempt at it. Perhaps the pope had asked Abel to lighten up a bit.

"You can just call me Caterina," said Caterina as they started off. It didn't feel right with him saying lady before her name every time he addressed her. There was just something which felt off about it. Besides he had saved her life twice, surely it didn't matter if he just used her name, right?

"Wha—" Abel looked at Caterina confusion. "I don't—" he looked at her, seeming to not be able to grasp the idea of not calling her by title. He didn't call Vaclav by title, so why should she be treated any differently from Vaclav? "No, Lady Caterina, it wouldn't be right—"

Abel grunted as Caterina gave him a friendly punch in the stomach. "It's just Caterina. It shouldn't matter if you call me by name. You've saved my life twice now. Wouldn't make more since to shout out my name instead of title and name?" she asked, voice even as she argued this point.

"Um?" Abel stood there, looking down at her. She stopped and looked up at him. His eyes looked as if he was trying to focus on her unsuccessfully. "It still wouldn't be right, my lady. I am a commoner and you are the Duchess of Milan," he explained, frowning as if this point were obvious.

"Why should that matter?" Caterina demanded. "We're both members of the church, right?" Abel just looked at her, brow furled in confusion and thought. It suddenly occurred to her, he might not have any friends. He had acted distant since she'd first met him. "Do you have any friends?" she asked, looking at him strictly. Abel just blinked, still frowning. "If we're going to work together, surely that makes us at the very least partners?"

"I still don't think it would be wise," Abel slowly said, looking somewhat uncomfortable. She didn't get what was so hard about just calling her by name. Surely it made more sense. "You're not only the duchess of Milan but the pope's daughter." Abel shock his head, "Perhaps later, but not—"

Caterina smiled at him and she saw him shiver. "It shouldn't matter about rank or standing. Didn't the pope – my father," she took a deep breath, "ask to speak with you the other day?" Abel nodded, not quite meeting her eye.

"I don't see what this has to do with being informal," stated Abel. "We really should get going," he made to start off, but Caterina grabbed his wrist. She felt him stiffen.

"You asked for me to call you Abel, so why don't you just call me Caterina?" asked Caterina, choosing her words carefully. It was becoming apparent Abel really didn't have many friends. Was this by choice or just seemed to have happened?

Abel carefully removed her hand from around his wrist, his touch gentle almost cautious. It was almost as if he was scared he might hurt her. "I'm here to help make your vision a reality, to protect you, and as many humans as I can, no other reason," stated Abel, looking at a point just over Caterina's shoulder. "It is for the best you don't try to be my friend, Lady Sforza." Her jaw tightened. Just when she had hopped she'd convinced him to stop calling her by title he got even more formal. This man could be very stubborn, couldn't he? It was rather annoying actually.

They started walking again. This time a stony silence had fallen over them and Caterina was too annoyed to think of anything to say to break the silence. Abel seemed content to just walk. Part of her wondered if he even wanted friends. Slowly she looked at him and frowned. Did he even have family, a home, parents, loved ones? Perhaps it was best to leave well enough alone. He had already told he was the only one of his kind in human territory. This made her wonder, though, if there was another crusnik in the empire and why he didn't just go there for a time. Sure he had stated he wanted to protect humans, but was it really worth being lonely for?

By the time they made it out of the maze Father Havel was waiting for them. "Thank god, you found her," Father Havel breathed a sigh of relief before walking over to them.

Caterina straightened, her hand briefly touching her rosary as she said, "I'm sorry if I worried you, Father Havel. This wasn't my intention." He smiled at her, bowing his head to her.

"I understand the need to get away for a time, but please, next time inform me of you whereabouts at the very least." At Havel's request Caterina frowned. It almost sounded as if they weren't safe from the vampires even still. Glancing at Abel, Caterina found she couldn't gleam anymore information off of his impassive expression and hallow gaze.

They started to walk back towards the entrance into the building. She was silent as she thought. Caterina paused as an idea suddenly hit her. "Wait, is the reason you didn't want to be called Mr. Nightroad because that was what your father was called?" she asked, not carrying she had just dragged Father Havel into a conversation they'd been having.

The effect her words had on Abel caught Caterina completely by surprise – he burst out laughing. His laugh was light, but at the same time almost had him doubling over. It was the first time she had heard any other emotion in him other than sorrow. Caterina stared at him, aware of the fact her jaw had dropped and Father Havel had a look of shock on his face. They just stared at Abel. His laughter was just so out of character she couldn't wrap her mind around it.

"Sorry," he gasped, at last straightening. Removing the glasses, he wiped tears from his eyes before pushing the glasses back into place. "No, I just don't like titles before my name or being really called by my surname," he shrugged nonchalantly.

Caterina suddenly felt herself smiling softly at Abel. "You know, you need to laugh more often," she said truthfully. He had a good laugh and it was a shame he was almost always hiding behind his sorrow or expressionless features. "It really suits you more than your normal sullen demeanor." At this he stiffened before slowly giving her a smile.

"I will try," Abel said this still smiling and eyes soft. It was nice to see some other emotion than sorrow, it really was. It occurred to Caterina then just how little she knew behind the reasons for Abel's normal demeanor and she really didn't have a right to tell him to smile more.

"I think I agree with Lady Caterina on this one," stated Father Havel, shaking his head. "Here I thought what was asked would have been a miracle, but I guess not." Caterina looked at Father Havel in confusion, but he didn't elaborate on this.

That Night:
Caterina sat up at her desk, writing. She knew she should be sleeping, but she found she couldn't. The events of the day played over and over in her head. It amazed her even still Abel had laughed at what she had asked him. A thought had been nagging her since then, why had he laughed? What was so funny? It could just be because he didn't like titles before his surname, could it? Surely not.

Sighing, Caterina set down her pen and picked up the paper she'd been writing on. She'd been trying to write up a proposal idea for an agency for the past several hours. She didn't have the standing to do so yet but it was more for practice besides she was still trying to enter the church fully as it was. She'd spoken with her father earlier that day after leaving Father Havel to his duties and her father had said he would think it over. Then she had asked Abel to stay for a bit. She'd left the office rather confused. This was the second time her father had wanted to speak with Abel. Now she knew something to had to be up and she just couldn't really figure what.

Caterina leaned back in her seat, thinking on this matter. Just outside her room she could hear Father Havel pacing as he kept watch for trouble. She hadn't seen Abel since she'd left her father's office and couldn't help but wonder what had happened to him.

Standing, Caterina walked over to the open window and leaned forward looking at the two moons. The larger of the two and the less wicked was full and bright tonight. The smaller shown wickedly beside its sister, the sight of it sent a chill through to her bone. A soft breeze tickled her face, carrying with it the damp scent of coming fall and – and something more. Caterina leaned out the window listening. Sure enough the soft sound of a piano met her ears. Someone was playing. Quickly she stepped back into her room and grabbed up a cloak.

As Caterina crossed the room, she threw the cloak over her shoulders. Whoever was playing would be there for awhile, but she wanted to understand why someone would play so late at night. No one would be able to hear them unless they listened hard to the night so it made no sense.

Opening the door a crack, Caterina waited for Father Havel to have his back to the door before darting from the room. On quiet feet she made it down the hall and slipped out of sight before Father Havel and even turned. Breathing a sigh of relief, she moved off through the halls. It took her awhile to find the right area of the Vatican. She spent nearly twenty minutes wondering around the halls until she at least heard the soft music once more. Quickly she raced off. The music grew louder and louder until she skidded to a stop before a door. It was coming from behind here, it had to be.

Caterina hesitated, her hand an inch from the handle. Taking a deep breath, she gathered all of her nervous and opened the door. She slipped quietly into the long hall like room. A silvered haired man was visible at the far end of the large room. His hands moved smoothly over the keys of the piano. It was Abel. She edged closer, noting the fact his eyes were closed as he played. Was he playing this song from memory?

As Caterina listened to the tune, she felt as if her heart was crying out in sorrow. The melody spoke of a deep seeded sorrow and pain. The song switched to an almost hunting tune and moved back and forth between the sad and haunting. It was graceful and filled full of emotions which the composer must have wanted the player and audience to hear. Closing her eyes, she felt as if she could see a lone woman waiting day after day for her lover as he matched off to war. It was so vivid, the music moved through her, giving her a hint into the mind of the composer and Abel played so well. Suddenly the song picked up, it began to heighten, making her heart pound. Then, the tune turned joyous, light and extremely happy. Opening her eyes, she watched in amazement as Abel's hands moved quickly with more skill than she had ever seen before. All too soon the song slowed and the last notes seemed to hover in the air even though Abel's hands had stopped moving. He just sat there, eyes closed, and sorrow coming off him in great waves.

A smile spread across Caterina's face and she clapped. Abel jumped, whipping around and staring at her as if he couldn't believe his eyes. "You don't need to look so scared," she stepped forward, crossing the room, "you play beautifully, far better than I ever could." Which was true enough, she'd been playing the piano since she'd been four as well as learning dance and other educate for one of her rank.

Abel just watched her with caution in his eyes before looking at the piano and back at her. Then, he seemed to relax and gave her a small smile, "Would you like to the play the next song with me?" he asked, making room from her on the bench.

"Oh," Caterina stopped, wide eyed, "dear God, no." She shook her head, "You are so much better than I am and I can't play duets," she explained, keeping her voice even. She pulled at the sleeve of her dress, not quite looking him in the eye. Perhaps it would have been better if she hadn't told him she played the piano.

"Can't?" Abel cocked an eyebrow, "Have you ever tried?" Slowly Caterina shook her head, "Well then, how would you know if you can and can not? Come on," his kind smile heartened her. Stepping forward, she sat down beside him. "Now, then," he leafed through the old book before him, stopping on a song she knew rather well. "Let's just give this a try then." Together they began to play. Caterina was soon caught up in the music. The song ended and Caterina blinked in shock. Looking at Abel, she saw him smiling kindly at her. "Can't, was it now?"

Caterina returned the smile. "I admit I was wrong," she looked at the music before them, her mind clouding with thought. "Abel?"

"Hmm?"

"That song you were playing when I entered, what was it called?" asked Caterina. "I've never heard such a complex piece and had a lot of emotion behind it," she explained, not wanting to come of as rude.

"It – it's called 'A Lone Night,'" there was a hint of deep sorrow and regret in Abel's voice as he said. "The piece was composed many years ago by a Methuselah, actually it was composed during the Methuselah-human war," he explained slowly. There was no denying the pain in his voice. Slowly she looked at him, but he was staring at the keys. "The piece was composed with the speed of a Methuselah in mind, I'm not shocked you've never heard a piece that complex before." There was extreme pain in his features and the tension in his shoulders. She should never have asked this. "The composer in question was rather well known, though it might just have been her tries to the Imperial family. The sheet music to the piece was destroyed before copies were made."

"Why?" Caterina stiffened in shock. Such a lovely being destroyed was almost inconceivable no matter who had written it.

"It's rumored the man she wrote it for didn't wish another to play it after her death and thus he destroyed it. I learned the piece awhile back for one of their descents," Abel wasn't looking at her and there was almost a bitter note to the last bit, telling her this might not be the truth.

"The piece," Caterina hesitantly began, "it sounded as if they were separated, the composer and her lover I mean. I felt as if one was suffering physical pain while the other went through emotional."

At this Abel gave a sad smile. "Well, as history tells it the man spent a year in Vatican prison until a good friend," another flicker of pain crossed his features, "set him free. If I had to guess this piece was started before and completed after his stay in prison. Beyond this I can't give you anymore details other than the fact it was titled after the emotions the composer felt." His shrug was half hearted.

Abel's expression was so sad and the melancholy seemed almost intoxicating. Quickly Caterina looked through the book and found one of her favorite songs. She started to play; the upbeat, rousing song heartened her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Abel smile and then he joined in.

They were nearly through the fourth song when the doors creaked open. Caterina stopped and looked over shoulder at the same moment Abel leapt to his feet and slipped back on his glasses. "Father Havel," Abel greeted the priest with a bow of his head. "I take it you're looking for Lady Sforza." She winced, both at the fact he was being formal and the fact she had been caught slipping away from the guard he father had on her.

Father Havel nodded, "Yes, but I see she was with you," he frowned, but his expression wasn't disapproving. "Next time, my lady, please inform me if you wish to leave your rooms. It isn't safe while this Orden is targeting you."

"Of course, forgive me, Father Havel," Caterina bowed her head, shame prickling at her heart. A question occurred to her then. "Umm, Father Havel," she slowly began to ask, "how did you know I was with Abel?"

"I didn't, I was coming to find him to get his help in looking for you," Father Havel smiled warmly at her. "I see now I needn't have worried so much. Abel," he turned his gaze to the stony figure, "I also came to tell you it's your shift."

"Very well, thank you for informing me," Abel bowed his head politely. Turning to Caterina, he said, "I will escort you to your room." Sighing, Caterina started towards the door, wishing they could have played a pit longer. The walk back was in complete silence, Abel seemed unwilling to speak, his expression guarded. "Here we are," Abel opened the door for her.

Caterina looked at him, blinking slightly. Her heart fluttering as she looked into his face. The light of the hall almost made his hair shimmer and it added warmth to his pale skin. "Thank you," she said before entering her room quickly. The door closed behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief, thankful and disheartened the night would be ending all at the same time.


(Just a few thoughts: I have noticed, while reading a few fan-fictions here, there are a lot of different viewpoints on the four crusniks and how Caterina and Abel met. I wanted to say this on Divergent Path, the reason I wrote it the way it is was because I was humanizing Abel. No matter what he has done and even if a person can change because of events, there will always be something which is the same about them. In his heart, I believe Abel truly wanted to believe in humans and in Earth, which is why I had him try to help rebuild Earth in Divergent Path and have him betrayed. I tried to keep with what I had read in the notes, but there are a few points which are different or have been interpreted differently by other writers. As an example: Lilith and Seth becoming fused with the crusnik, the discovery of The Ark, how Cain and Abel were fused with crusnik, and, what is the most important point here, Abel's past with humans and Methuselah. I believe a large part of Abel just wanted a normal life, but there was a part which knew he could never be normal and the crusnik (which is also interpreted differently by other writers and readers).

The last point here I would like to state is I have also noticed most stories go with how the anime ended with Abel being fused 100% with the crusnik and none seem to go with what the novels have (in the notes or the stories which are unpublished here in America) and that was with Cain taking Lilith's nano-machines. The rebel and curious fan-girl in me has a deep longing to see what the other path would be like and how Abel would defeat Cain if he only had 80% fusion. I might have this is book 3 or just in a side story later on, right now, I really don't know.

Okay, that was way longer than it really needed to be.)