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Trinity Blood: Divergent Path
Chapter 33: The Ark, Part 3: Launch

"I told you, 'no,' Sara," Abel said for what felt like the hundredth time that day alone, forget the past few months. "I'm not singing."

"But the part was written for you," Sara protested. She showed him the paper as if saying "see, it's written in your range."

"I don't sing," Abel repeated.

"You have a marvelous voice."

"No, I don't," Abel bit back the urge to growl. Losing his temper now would just make Sara upset and she was upset enough as it was without adding a temper to it.

"You sing with me all the time," Sara pointed out. "What makes this different?"

Abel had a whole list of why he shouldn't sing but he wasn't about to repeat it to her. It would be pointless seeing as he had done so at least four times in the past week alone. What made the situation even more difficult was that they'd been "dating" for the past year now. Abel couldn't bring himself to break it off; he couldn't stand the thought of making her cry or hurting her. The fact remained that he thought of her as a daughter more than his girlfriend.

"That is in private, without people around." He gave her a small smile, "You know my speeches tend to be short. Why would I sing when I can't even make a long a speech?"

Sara sighed and leaned into him on the couch. They were in his apartment; alone save for the guards out side the door. "I guess you're right," she muttered and placed her hand on his chest, "but it's really a shame you don't even want to play the piano in front of others when you play better than I do."

Abel kissed her forehead. "Look at it this way: I play for you and you alone." Granted Abel had never told his sister that he'd learned to read music let alone could play the piano. The second Seth found out she would want to hear it just know that he wasn't lying.

"The Ark will be launching soon," Sara whispered, her eyes traveling around the nearly bare room. The last pieces to go were a table, one chair, his bed, and the couch. It wouldn't be long until they had to leave the room to let the moving be finished. "What's Earth like?" Sara asked, closing her eyes.

A frown creased Abel's face. In all honestly he was having a hard time remembering much about Earth. After eighty years on Mars, this world felt more like home to him than any other place he'd seen while on Earth. He did have vague memories of wind, rain, and Cain throwing him overboard when they were kids. Most of his other memories were too painful to think on.

"Wet," Abel said after several long moments. "Most of Earth is covered in ocean. If you stand on the beach or are out at sea, all you can see is the ocean stretching out miles."

Sara laughed. "I bet the deserts aren't that wet." She smiled.

"Oh, they can be, but it's very, very rare." Abel glanced at the clock. There was only ten minutes remaining before he had to return to work. Even though he was working from the Ark most days, today had been pure chaos. The last of the equipment was being loaded and then there were people starting to come onto the Ark and get their personal belongings in order.

Following his gaze, Sara wrinkled her nose. "It's not fair," she complained in a small voice. "I only get a few minutes with you every day before you're pulled away for some reason or another." She snuggled against him, her eyes half closed. "I guess that's what I get for falling for the emperor."

The emperor thing again?! Abel had to bite back telling her off for calling him 'the emperor.' The fact remained no matter what he said, he wasn't going to step down and no one seemed willing to get him out of office.

There were even rumors going around of starting a nation once they returned to Earth. As Arthur had put it, they already had a military better trained than any the UN had. Even if they were smaller than the UN they would be able to protect their land and people far better, especially with Abel on the throne.

Abel had been unable to counter because he'd been called away to check on equipment. But since that day, people had seemed happier as if the rumor had spread that Abel wasn't planning on stepping down. In the end it was only a matter of time before he was made into the emperor seeing as he was already something akin to one.

The thought made him glance at the clock again. He suppressed the urge to shiver. Returning his gaze to Sara, he said, "I need to start heading back." He smiled at her as she moved a little from him. "I'll see you on the Ark before it launches, okay?"

"All right," Sara sighed before she gave him a small smile. "I guess I've a month to convince you or find another in your range."

Abel stood and helped her to her feet. "I'm certain you'll find someone," he replied in a gentle voice, hinting at the fact he wasn't going to change his mind about singing.

A small smile appeared on her face and she stood on the tips of her toes, kissing him on the cheek. "I will, but no matter what they'll never be as good as you."

"Ha, yeah right." He nodded to the door. "Now, I really need to get going." He released her hand and ushered her to the door. Just beyond he could hear his guards speaking with the people who'd come to get the remaining furniture in the room.

"All right," Sara looked away from him, her eyes filled with sorrow and disappointment. "I'll see you later today, then?" she asked, still not looking at him.

"Like I said, after launch." With that Abel kissed her hand before he headed off. He didn't have time to think on her behavior, right then there was just too much to be done and very little time to do it in.

xxx

Lilith watched from the shadows as Abel entered the Ark and started towards his office. He was already deep in conversation with Wilson. Not two minutes later Sara boarded. The girl glanced after Abel, a hurt look on her face, but not the one which would tell Lilith Abel had broken up with her.

"You know spying is never going to get you anywhere."

Jumping, Lilith's heart skipped a beat. "Seth!" She whirled around and, sure enough, Seth was leaning against the wall, her arms folded across her chest and the light of laughter in her green eyes. "You're one to talk there," Lilith said, giving the girl a small, warm smile.

"I wasn't spying on you." She lifted her hands, shrugging. "Just giving some helpful advice." A playful grin appeared on her face. "I know you still like my brother, why not just tell him? Especially since you've long since given up on dating any other guy."

"He has Sara now," Lilith stated, keeping her face straight. Oh, how the tables had turned. The years had made Seth into a capable woman. Even still Lilith could only see the little girl she'd helped raise all those years ago looking at her with sternness her green eyes. "Besides, shouldn't you be more concerned with what you and Solomon are planning once we're on Earth?"

Seth sniffed. "You're just trying to change the subject." Then she sighed and nodded. "He wants to get married after the announcements made about the empire being formed." She smiled, though it seemed to be a rather sad smile. "You know Abel still loves you, right?"

"It won't happen, Seth," Lilith started. "And Abel won't want to become emperor."

"How would you know?!" Seth shouted. She leapt away from the wall and was glaring at Lilith now. "You've not spoken more than a few words to him since he nearly killed himself eleven years ago!"

"Seth," Lilith started, placing her hand on Seth's shoulder.

Seth shook her hand off. "You don't know what it's been like for him. He's only dating Sara to keep her safe. He's only ever loved you and you're the one who has to repair the relationship, not him." Seth glared up at her.

"Seth."

"Don't 'Seth' me, right now. You need to set things right between you and him before it's too late and neither of you have time to be together anymore!" With those words, Seth turned on her heel and stocked off down the hall. She didn't even look back before she turned a corner and vanished.

Lilith turned back to the hall Abel was in. He'd stopped and was now talking with the man overseeing the loading of the Ark. Her heart fluttered as she looked at him. Over the years he'd kept his hair the same should length as if he were to lazy to get it cut back to the mess it'd been before. But, in all honesty, longer hair did look a lot better on him than short. He stood out among his guard as if he were a white flower in a sea of blood.

It'd been years since she'd spoken with him and done more than just watch him from the shadows. Lilith longed to go to him and speak with him. But, she could never again confess everything to him. The fact he'd never come to her after what happened showed he'd not heard a word of it while he slept. Then there was the fact he never comforted her about being in his room that night. She doubted he really cared anymore or remembered.

Shaking her head, Lilith turned away from Abel and started towards the medical bay. In the end it was just wishful thinking on her part. After all that had happened, after losing their daughters and enduring so much pain, Abel lived only for the colony. He couldn't live for anything else now, not after eighty years of living solely for his people. It was all he really had and she'd never take that from him.

It was only a matter of getting to Earth; then, yes, then he would become their emperor. Years ago, she'd dreamed of this, but now… had losing everything been worth it? Had losing him? His people did need him. She couldn't deny that no matter how much she wanted to. There was the fact that he'd led them through war and hardship. Now, once they launched and were on their way to Earth, he'd have kept every promise he'd made to his people.

The fate and destiny which awaited Abel was one not even he could avoid now. He would be their ruler. After so many years, the people only trusted Abel. Wilson was seen now as nothing more than an advisor to Abel. Everyone… well, everyone except for Alaric's group – wanted Abel to before the emperor. It was only Abel who didn't want it. Now – now Lilith was ashamed to admit she didn't want it either.

Eighty years ago Lilith had the chance to set Abel down a different path and she'd thrown it away for the good of the colony. She'd hurt him greatly and destroyed all her hopes and dreams for her own future that days as well. Ever since that long ago day, she'd dreamed of being with Abel and being at his side, supporting and loving him. But that dream had vanished for the good of the many over her own selfish desires. But, how could she have been with the one man who looked like Cain after she'd been fused? Her fear in those days had driven Abel from her. The rift had grown to the point no one could ever repair the damage which had been done.

Lilith entered the med bay and moved to where Kayson was working. "Has all the equipment come aboard and been installed?"

"Yes," Kayson said, not turning away from his work. "I'm just putting the finalization on this before sending it to the president."

"Good," Lilith stated. She moved off to attend to the people with minor to major injuries. Her mind still cluttered with her thoughts and the pain of knowing she'd be alone especially once they returned to Earth. The one place where once she'd hoped to have a family with Abel and live freely with him, Seth, and the real Cain. 01 had taken Cain, the years had taken all hope at repairing her relationship with Abel, and Seth was no longer a little girl who needed their protection.

xxx

"Everything's in order, President Nightlord," the helmsman told Abel. The man was looking over his shoulder to where Abel sat on the "bridge" of the Ark. "All the systems are green and the people are aboard and secure."

"Good, start the launch sequence," Abel instructed the man. He leaned further back in the seat and looked out of the corner of his eye to wear Barrack and Arthur sat. The rest of the guard were secured elsewhere on the ship with the rest of the people.

Nerves flickered in Abel's heart as he looked out the window at the calm, red-brown sands beyond. Not even a wind stirred the barren world. The weather was prefect for a launch. But deep down Abel wished it hadn't been. After eighty years they were living his home behind to head back to the world he'd only found torment on as a child.

"Athina's going to finally see Earth," Arthur whispered with a glance at his daughter.

Athy was seated on the bridge beside Solomon. She'd moved up in rank since she'd joined the military until she was second to only Solomon and Tabitha in respect and rank. She sat with her back straight and eyes intent on the window as if she expected to see Earth there and then before their eyes.

"Launching in five," the countdown started. "Four."

Abel turned his gaze back on the window. He'd not had time to speak with Athy as much as he'd liked to have over the years.

"Three."

The Ark shook as the engines started up.

"Two."

His heart raced with fear and excitement. They were going to leave. His people would be safe on Earth.

"One."

With a termindous shake the Ark started to rise. The atompshere pulled at the vessel. For several heart stopping moments they didn't gain altitude.

"Come on," the helmsman whispered with a nervous glance at Abel. "Come on."

"Move," Abel whispered, closing his eyes, heart racing. The Ark had to move. There was no where enough food remaining for the colony to stay on this world longer and for the trip back to Earth. The rations only allowed for the trip.

Then the Ark lurched and they shot towards the stars. Within moments the hazy atmosphere of Mars gave way to a sea of stars.

Cheers erupted throughout the bridge. Harnesses were unclamped and people were on their feet now, celebrating the successful launch. Those watching elsewhere on the Ark were no doubt doing the same. All of them were free of Mars after eighty years.

Abel closed his eyes and took a deep, calming breath. His mind raced through all the memories of Mars, of the home he had there and how this one project meant for only three years had turned into the best years of his long life. Regret filled him. He opened his eyes to a sea of smiling faces as people moved around the bridge, chatting and congratulating the successful launch and the start of their trip to Earth.

All the regret vanished in that one instance. This was right and it made them smile happier than Mars ever could've made them.

Abel released his harness and stood.

"We're really heading to Earth," Athy breathed beside him, her eyes locked on the mass of stars before them.

"No matter how hard you try, Athy, you're not going to be able to see Earth from this distance."

She flushed and looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "Well, sorry, emperor," she teased and gave him a playful punch on the arm. Looking away, she muttered, "Thank you, sir, for keeping hope alive." With that she hugged him before moving off to where her father stood cheering and celebrating with Tabitha, Solomon, Alexander, and Barrack.

Abel watched his old team, his friends and smiled. The smile was half hearted as Athy's words echoed in his mind. He turned his eyes towards the stars. "We're going home," he whispered, but was Earth his home? No – the planet in and of itself wasn't his home, but wherever his people were, was.

(Author's Note: Finally we are back with the old book. This chapter is the "same" chapter as Chapter 12: The Ark, Part 3: Nano-Machines' Truth… well for the most part it is.

I am going to say sorry about this taking forever to update. I was caught up in writing one of my own novels and completely spaced working on this, but here it is. Also, after further planning and moving around of chapters, "Home Again" won't be appearing until Chapter 36. I decided it took several chapters to get to Mars, it should take a few to get back to Earth :) .)