Note: You guys find the strangest things funny... everyone can't wait to see what happens with the sleeping arrangements for Abel, Johanna, and Leon. Would someone explain to me why the harder I try to make sure that nothing romantic happens between Johanna and the guys, the more everyone wants to see it happen anyway? (I just love tossing Abel into embarrassing situations, and I know Johanna and Leon love helping out.)

BTW, random amusing present for you guys. The wonders of PhotoShop meet the character building ability of CITY OF HEROES, and voila! Sister Johanna Sinclair takes form... Hit my LiveJournal entry called "No, I don't have a fixation problem... really!"

Unexpected Results, Part XXXIV

Johanna: "Father Hugue is... ALIVE?! But how?!"

Father Leon: "This is Hugue we're talking about, after all. He's got more lives than a cat, I think."

Johanna: "But why wouldn't he just come in? I mean, if he knows we're here..."

Abel: "What's that old saying about putting all your eggs in one basket?"

Father Leon: "It makes sense to keep at least one of us separate from the others, just in case of... accidents."

Johanna: "Yeah, burning down a cathedral does make an effective object lesson. So, we've got, what, four hours before midnight? What do we do until then?

Father Leon: "It'll take us about an hour to get to Steen Castle from here. I say we get there an hour early to make sure that there aren't any other unpleasant surprises waiting for us."

Abel: "Do we travel together or separately?"

Father Leon: "Together. While it might draw more attention, we can't afford to have a repeat of the other night."

Abel: "I agree. In the meantime, Johanna, I want you to keep at that information collating project of yours, and make another backup of your information, now that you've decrypted it."

Johanna: "Got it. But... I hate to be the devil's advocate, but can we be sure that the note's from Father Hugue?"

Father Leon: "Why do you think we're getting there early?"

Johanna: "Good point."

Father Leon: "And to be on the safe side, wear your priest's robes, not your habit. I want you have the extra firepower on you in case things get ugly."

Johanna: "I was planning on it, actually."

Abel: "However... that does bring up a concern I have."

Father Leon: "Which is?"

Abel: "Johanna going back into combat, after what happened last time..."

Johanna: "You're afraid of me losing control again..."

Abel: "It was an understandable reaction, but one we can ill afford. When the time comes... will you be able to do what is necessary?"

Johanna: "I... I won't know until that time comes."

Father Leon: "Well, we'll have to cross that bridge when we get to it. It's not like we have a lot of options right now..."

Johanna: "Oh, wow..."

Abel: "Close your mouth, Sister, you look like a tourist."

Johanna: "But Father Abel, it's cool! I love castles. I wonder what it looks like on the inside..."

Father Leon: "Johanna, Abel, don't move..."

Abel: "What did you see?"

Father Leon: "... nothing. Just a trick of the lantern light up there. Sorry, false alarm."

Abel: "Better safe than sorry. Come on, let's check the rest of the courtyard before he gets here."

Johanna: "I'm surprised this place is still open at this hour."

Abel: "The castle itself is closed, but the courtyard remains open all hours of the day and night."

Johanna: "Maybe before we go, I can come back here and... that's odd."

Father Leon: "What?"

Johanna: "I thought I heard something up ahead."

Abel: "There's nothing here... at least not now."

Johanna: "Great, nothing like a little paranoia to keep me on my toes."

Father Leon: "The rest of the courtyard looks clear. Now all we have to do is wait for Hugue..."

Johanna: "If he's really coming..."

Abel: "Come on, have a little faith!"

Father Leon: "Quiet... someone's coming. Johanna, get in that alcove, keep your gun handy, and keep your eyes on the entrances. Make sure no uninvited guests show up at this party."

Johanna: "Yes, Father..."

Hugue: "You're late."

Abel: "We got here an hour early to be certain of our safety and yours, how does that make us late?"

Hugue: "Should have been two."

Father Leon: "Like Johanna said, nothing like a little paranoia... So what's the deal? And what happened at Our Lady's Cathedral? Obviously you got out all right, but..."

Hugue: "I failed."

Abel: "Don't blame yourself, Hugue... you couldn't have saved everyone there."

Hugue: "Not that. The saboteur escaped."

Father Leon: "You mean the ones responsible?"

Hugue: "One."

Abel: "One person burned down Our Lady's? That's not possible."

Hugue: "I know what I saw."

Father Leon: "Even for a vampire to move that fast, to destroy the entire cathedral singlehandedly... I've never heard of anything like it before."

Abel: "You'll keep investigating?"

Hugue: "Of course."

Abel: "And the reason for tonight's meeting?"

Hugue: "Memling's assassination. Two nights from now."

Father Leon: "You got details?"

Hugue: "Right here."

Abel: "Since you're telling us this, I presume you are not the one intent on taking him down. We'll have Johanna double-check the information just to be certain. Will you be coming back with us?"

Hugue: "No... but I'll be watching."

Father Leon: "No need to be all mysterious, Hugue- Johanna, what are you-"

Johanna: "Someone's here... I saw a shadow, up there on the wall..."

Abel: "A guard?"

Johanna: "I don't think so- GET DOWN!"

Abel: "Johanna!"

Johanna: "Don't worry about me, just stay down... Come on, you bastard, where are you?"

Father Leon: "Up there!"

Me: "Damn! Missed him, or if I hit him, it wasn't enough to slow him down. God, they move fast..."

Father Leon: "Hugue, where are you- damn it..."

Abel: "He's the fastest, with any luck he'll catch whoever that was. Johanna, you okay?"

Johanna: "Yeah... but who in their right mind attacks with a flamethrower?!"

To be continued...