Act XXXIII

Part of him was still in denial.

Part of him was bent on holding on to the belief that he was a machine, that he was beneath humans because he was the creation of humans.

The other part of Tres was struggling.

This part was struggling to do what seemed to him the impossible: to adapt to a situation outside the battlefield. He wanted to adapt, oh but how difficult it was!

One reason was ignorance. The Gunslinger lacked the knowledge to return her affections. He wanted to be the one to kiss her soft warm lips and explore her mouth with his tongue as she had done that night.

Maybe even try to attempt the 69 position if he felt bold enough.

Tres sighed with frustration and stroked himself faster as he leaned against the wall of the shower stall.

At least I don't have to go to her for this every time it happens…

Something was going to happen today.

She could feel this in her bones. Something would happen, and it would change the world.

Sighing, the young woman slumped against the wall, lending half an ear to the moans coming from within.

Wait a minute…

Maria straightened and opened the door to Tres' bedroom, her eyes widening as she took in a sound she thought she'd never hear from his lips.

Tres was moaning. And not in pain, either…

She groaned under her breath as she felt her groin heat up, followed by a tingling sensation. "Of all the times…!" Cursing under her breath, Maria left the room at a run.

"Now is the time to strike. Strike and end this battle permanently."

Caterina's words seemed to have acquired a silent echo as she spoke. She had not raised her voice, but the statement was loud enough without her doing so.

For a few minutes, there was silence, until a loud cough from William broke it.

"That is all well and good, Your Eminence. But obviously we cannot allow the Rosenkreuz Orden to choose the field of battle."

"The valley of Megiddo."

Everyone turned to glance at the Crusnik in curiosity. Abel cleared his throat before speaking again.

"The valley of Megiddo, also known as Armageddon." Pause. "They want to establish a new world order. While Cain does not share their biblical beliefs, he wants the same goal. Why not fight them in a place that holds significance for them?"

The silence that followed stretched on for eternity, until Leon saw fit to shatter it.

"You're not as stupid as you look, Abel!"

"I…I beg pardon!?"

They had bumped into each other by coincidence in the hallway. Perhaps since both sensed a need to speak in private, they proceeded silently to the nearest confessional. A small part of her toyed with the idea of accosting the Gunslinger in the confessional, but she ignored it, her mind currently focused on more important matters. The confessor's side was big enough for both Tres and Maria to sit inside without discomfort.

Maria went in first, with Tres close behind. He closed the door securely behind him. The moment he sat down, the Gunslinger's arms reached out, pulling her close to his person. For several minutes, there was silence.

"You have decided, Sister Maria?"

"…I won't step down, Tres. You know that between Cain and Abel there will only be stalemates. I can change that…and end this."

There was a pause as Tres tucked her head against the crook of his arm.

"I will not stand in your way." Pause. "However, you must give your word…" He seemed to have problems saying the words. "You must give your word to me that you will come back."

Maria's eyes widened slightly. "Tres…why…?"

He cut her off, locking his gaze with hers as he lifted her chin up so that she faced him.

"Without you…Without you, my purpose is only half-fulfilled. And that…that is unacceptable."

"Are you…?"

"Just come back to me."

His plea was terribly close to begging, and that frightened her. She was both frightened and happy because she now knew her place in his life.

"I…I will. I promise I will come back to you."

The corners of his lips went up in a nearly imperceptible smile as the Gunslinger pulled Maria onto his lap, feeling his sentiments of denial decline several notches.

"Thank you."

Back in Caterina's office, Sister Kate had brought up another question regarding their present issues.

"Now that we know where to fight, how shall we lure the Orden to Megiddo?"

The answer was not long in coming as a smile tugged at Caterina's lips.

"Sister Kate, forward the following message to the Duke of Medici." Pause. "It seems we will require the aid of the VBI for this job."

Everyone's eyebrows shot up in mixed expressions of shock and bafflement. The AX and VBI were not known for being friendly with each other. What had possessed the Duchess of Milan to command such an action?

End Act XXXIII

V-ko: Act XXXIII is finally up! D (celebrates) Gomen nasai for the long wait, I was really stuck in this chapter, plus I was in Japan for a class trip. (For those who are interested, check out my account on DevART for pics!) In terms of action this chapter does not offer much, though I suppose the TresxMaria moment makes up for it. (cough) I hope it does at least.

Anyways, READ & REVIEW!