Disclaimer: I do not own Trinity Blood. It is copyrighted to Sunao Yoshida and the Art by Thores Shibamoto, and to Kentaro Yasui, and GONZO.

+ dedicated to the late Sunao Yoshida +


Edit July 29,06

Info Corner: Albion is the old name for United Kingdom. So that pretty well explains Esther's Victorian clothes. In case your wondering why Abel is so hot on destroying the data bank in England, it's because it contains information on the creation of Abel (he's really entirely human from the start, BTW) and Cain wants that info for his 'evil' purposes.

Author's Notes:
Some facts were based on anime. Especially on Dietrich being there when Abel destroyed the data.

As much as I want it to be an Esther-Ion centric, story I just… cant. Because I tried to doing it that way but I ended up stalling. I've started writing again when I let the story carry on its on. Oh well, shrugs looks like I can't avoid the politics. slouches and the Vatican just can't keep their wet noses on their own. Bah.

another thing: I HATE FRANCESCO!

. thx for the reviews, minna, and anyway pls forgive me on the misspelled name of Esther, I sometimes forgot the 'h' because her name is spelled "Ester" in our local language, and the spelling corrector does not mark it as a wrong spelling, so I don't usually notice, gomen. Also I'm very grateful for the spelling correction of Kakka, it's a big help sore ja, arigatou gozaimashita.

Warning: Canon story spoilers. LOTS of them. Anime and manga fans, beware. Mature theme. Adults talking, plotting and outwitting each other.


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Crossing Differing Lines
veiledlantern

Chapter 2
When the Late Spring Breeze Starts to Change Courses

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Pope Francesco Medici sits calmly on his stately throne. Perfect, yes, this is perfect. The renaissance styled gold furnishing of the place matches his gold trimmed white dress. He feel exulted, grandiose, and most of all…

Powerful.

At last he had been able to obtain what he wanted. At last, everything was his. He smiled. He knew the angels were smiling to him the day the incident happen.

And after that, Caterina is just too easy to handle.

This must be the will of God. Yes, it is. It should be. Of course He wants the world to be purified from those blood-sucking monsters. The Lord wants to redeem his children from those abomination called vampires. That's why He had placed him in this position.

Now to initiate the plan.

Making himself appear regal at best, Francesco rose from his seat, making the advisors and the other Cardinals and Monks face him.

He then began his monologue.

"My Queen" Vanessa started a greeting

Esther looked up at her. She is currently sitting on her throne, talking to some magistrates about some local concerns just now. She nodded on them and stood up. The Magistrates started discussing amongst themselves as Esther left the throne and walked to the other hall, with Vanessa following her.

"The Vatican contacted us. They have sent an early call that the Pope himself is going to Albion to discuss matters with you."

Esther inwardly groaned.

She remembered attempting to contact Abel and have a meeting with the available former AX members in private. She is currently too full of the Contra Mundi situation. It would make twice as hard for them if the church were going to meddle on their mission. Especially when they know that the Holy Body would undoubtedly go against it.

"When?"

"They said they would arrive for at least about a week from now."

"I understand. Thank you for informing me." Esther smiled at Vanessa but it easily faded and replaced by worry.

Vanessa did not dare to say something even though she wants to say some comforting words to the young Queen. But it was the blinding fact that once Vatican starts moving, they will be in deep waters.

Esther bowed her head a little, made a small smile, and then looked to Vanessa to say farewell.

"So, I'll be going back now, Vanessa-san"

Vanessa bowed back and watch the back of her Queen as she goes back to her meeting. She stared for a while before a certain voice at her back roused her from her occupation.

"So you have informed Her Majesty?"

Vanessa did not bother to turn around when she recognized Mary-san's voice at her back. In the passing months, the chess tournament is becoming more and more interesting.

"Yes, Kai-san. We'll just have to wait for the Vatican then, it's their move."

Mary-san nodded her farewell then walked out to talk to the leaders of the squad.

/Yes, I guess that makes us all pawns in here, I wonder who will be in checkmate later on/. She passed on the dark side of the corridor. Her high hills clanking against the polished floor. Fierce, violent eyes are now thoughtful.

/And I fervently hope it would not be us./

Beautiful, smooth laces sparkle in the afternoon light as she moves gazing at her window. Cobalt blue eyes seemed restless as the hues darken further, a sign that she is deep in thoughts. Long flowing robes and jewelries dance in light, Red hair deepens reflected by the brightness of the day. Looking absolutely regal like the queen that she is. The young monarch, Esther Blanchett,

Things are running well, at least for the rest of the week. As of now, everything went quite smoothly. They had been on constant communication with the former members of AX. After meeting with some trusted royalties, they had reached an agreement that the government of Albion will finance the former team members of the AX in exchange for the help of the said team. Said team is being regrouped and reformed by the remaining members helping Albion

/There are still many plans on hold, actually, not until we've finished this problem with the assassination plot and temporarily divert the attention of the Contra Mundi. Till then, we'll deal with whatever the Vatican is cooking alongside with it the dealings with the vampires./

The only thing that she had to do is to wait here in her room. Till they arrive.

A knock at the door.

She is very deep in thought that she almost jumped when she heard the sound. "H-hai, come in"

"Please go to the meeting now, Your Royal Highness, the guests are already there."

Wordless, she followed the courtier. But the worry inline her eyes show. She followed him in the long paths of the lengthy, spacious corridor. Inhaling to ease up, she entered the door to meet them.

"Iyaaa… Esther-san, the securities were so tight in the palace we're just lucky we've been able to enter…"

Esther blinked. Then looked up. That expression, that funny voice…

"Shinpu…san?" she asked testily

"Hai! Its been a while Esther-san"

She blinked again.

/What is this/ But her eyes had not deceived her. There he is, standing in this room with upturned eyes with those silly grin, slouched as always, hands scratching the back of his neck.

"Abel Nightroad Shinpu?" she addressed her the second time. This time, shock and a bit of incredulousness laced her tone.

"Anou… Esther-san, are you expecting something aside from us?"

Esther just stood there. /Actually, yes / But she did not voiced it out. What had just happed? The Pope… I thought.. Then she replayed what Shinpu-san had said..

/Wait… Us/ But she didn't need to search for answer.

"Gomen Esther, does it seem that we have come on a bad time? We have been talking to your other colleagues from the former AX as well and we've decided to visit you and have some talk."

The quiet, respectful, serious tone that sounds almost childlike. It could only belong to…

"Iya, iya, that's nothing, Kakka." Esther held both of her palms up a little and smiles to reassure her guests.

"And don't call me Kakka, you're technically higher in position than me now, Esther-hime"

"And don't call me Esther-hime either," They both smiled at that. Well, Ion managed a little smile and then looked away. /…it feels awkward too./. She finishes in her thought

"Your Highness" This time, Virgil-sama arrived at the door, bowed on her with left hands in chest, then walked towards her and took her to the side. Ion and Abel merely observed as he steered her away from them.

"Sorry to inform you but Pope Francesco-dono has sent a message that he's going to postpone the meeting till tomorrow" Virgil said in a low tone, with a hint of displeasure in his tone.

Esther cannot hide her upset face "But…" she wrung her hands to swallow the words. She would have a discussion with her council later, but for now…

She faced the two men standing in the middle of the room. "I don't think you've met with him yet, Virgil-san, this is Ion Count of Memphis of the Byzantium Empire. Ion-san, this is Count Virgil-san one of my own trusted council. He also oversees the Methuselah towns of our country in my behalf."

"Pleased to meet you." Ion bows politely.

"Likewise. Please make yourself comfortable" Virgil greeted Ion, "Father Nightroad, pleased to meet you again, and I also thank you for helping us saving the Pope and the ghetto as well "

"Iiee, well actually I didn't EXACTLY helped you know." Abel chuckled a bit and waved his hands embarrassingly. Virgil-san looked to him in the eye knowingly. It was the old laboratory room where Abel and Dietrich fought that he was thanking for, actually. The place kept secret and is only known to the Walsh family, and the person created there. A secret someone wants. An important secret that is very dangerous to fall into the wrong hands. If Abel hadn't destroyed the room completely then Cain would have those valuable data. And they have no idea what would happen to the future. If there is still be a future left after that.

Unnoticed by Esther, Abel's face turned serious when he saw the knowing eyes of Virgil and recognized the words in there. He bowed his head a little for acknowledgement then he switched back into being cheerful again.

"Anou, Esther-san, it seems that we've come to a wrong time. If you're kinda busy, its okay, we're going."

Actually he and Ion intended to visit the palace this very day, knowing that the Pope is going to talk to the Queen, to spring unto action if ever the discussion appeared none too pleasant.

But of course the others do not need to know.

"It's okay, Abel-san, actually its quite fortunate of us for an ally to visit. We've got several things to discuss. Do you want to come with me so we could contact Sister Kate and the others?" Virgil-san suggested.

Ion looked at the two then to the window. The truth is, he really does not have an interest on the subject. He knows they're just going to talk about the church and the government politics. It's outside of his case, really. He intends on going home that time when a voice suddenly stopped her.

Esther, sensing the young man's reluctance, had rapidly blurted out something fast just to make him stay "Ion-san, would you like to have some walk? It's evening already, the sun will not hurt you anymore."

Ion, almost agreed with her but stopped, remembering himself "No, you don't have to do that for me, Esther-san..." He should not go closer to her anymore. Didn't he promised himself to not pursue his feelings before he fulfill his mission?

Unfortunately for him, Esther does not easily give up. "But Ion-san, you have to wait for Abel Shimpu-san, isn't it? And don't you want to have a walk with me?"

/Of course I want to, why shouldn't I/ That was what his heart beats erratically ight now. Ion was silent for a while before answering her. "No, I don't have to wait for him, I can go out on my own. I have something to finish" came a reply from a well hidden clenched teeth and firm jaw. Ion looked away, not bearing to look at Ester's face upon saying those things.

"Oh, Is that so?" Esther looked down the floor, disappointed, but tried to be cheery as she looked up the noble Methuselah.

"Yes. I'll be going now." Ion bowed his head at the Albion queen. "I'll be at your disposal whenever you needed help." Ion turned and nodded to Count Virgil and the silver-haired priest. Abel looked at Ion with scrunched brows, noting the pale haired boy's strange behavior toward Esther.

Esther also noticed Ion's cold indifference. And it hurt…somewhere inside. She tried to smile. However held in her deep blue eyes was the unmistakable trace of hurt.

"Ah, ok, so… take care then, Ion-san"

Ion flexed his hands trying not to clench them. He merely nodded at her words then jumped on the window to get out. He needed to get out. He didn't want to feel the guilt, and the pain from his own doing.

"So, Abel-san, are you're coming with me?" Count Virgil suddenly broke the heavy, silent air that hovers around the room.

"H-hai, I will" Abel smiled and slouched with an arm hanging on his head. They both looked at the young Queen, who minutes since Ion's departure has not moved an inch in her position looking at the open window.

Esther bowed her head. With her hair still veiling her eyes to show any emotion there, she started to speak in a tone that is obviously trying to be optimistic and cheerful.

"I… I needed to take a breath of fresh air, I guess. Just summon me when I'm needed."

The two men nodded and went to the other room. Esther was silent for a while then bolted to the door and ran out of the palace in a rather non-aristocratic way, gripping her skirt to avoid tripping.

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The cool Albion breeze sifted through the clear curtains in the midst of the afternoon. Francesco leaned on the cushioned chair, pleased with himself. Getting here in Albion is easy as it is. Pretending to discuss on peace talks wherein he just wants to have Albion by himself is not that hard.

/I'll just play with them for a while. Then I will put a leash on them. If they resist, they will learn about the Iron hand of God. But I think they will be afraid. After all, they should submit to the church as they always been, as every human kingdom does./ he muses

"Commander Petros and Vice-commander Paula reporting. Your Holiness…" A tall, heavily armored man in red robes bowed to the Pope. The face is hidden beneath the metal helmet. His long, straight light green hair flows under the headgear. Behind him stands a lady in less heavily heavy armored suit, standing stationary not so far away. On the far edge of the room several people who had the same motif of armor, as they were stands in attention. These were Francesco's loyal army. Not the ragtag of uneducated and immoral people Caterina formed as the Ministry of Defense. The people he sent to battle against heathens and abominations of the world called vampires.

The Department of Inquisition.

The Captain of the Inquisition continued. "The Inquisition is ready. We have been able to gather an ample amount of forces at Munich as you have ordered. Other men are in Albion and were positioned outside the manor already. We are waiting for further orders."

Francesco creased his brows in thinking. Brother Peter and his assistant wait patiently as the Pope forms his plans. Peter notices the developing smirk and the malicious glint on the Pope's face.

"Very well. Petros, instruct your men to guard the manor, we are not going to take action today, I know they are expecting it right now. Paula. Go to the Albion Palace and apologize to the Queen. He smirked malevolently. This is the message…"

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Ion sighed as he seated himself on a stone chair, surrounded by a lush garden adorned by myriad colors of flowers of different species. Heads bowed, he leaned down, with his arms resting on his knees. His red eyes deep and lost. Suddenly, his head shot up and turned right. Beneath the rustling of leaves and the tall trees Esther appeared, with worry on her normally bright eyes. She successfully wiped some of it to attempt a smile.

"I though you're going home?" she asked.

Ion stood the moment he saw her as she walks toward him and halted in front of him. The years have been kind to Ion. He's now at least 2 inches higher than Esther, he realized. He is now looking down at her as he peered on her gaze but he abruptly diverted it and bowed his head. He proceeded on walking away from her slowly when a warm hand suddenly grasped his arm. He looked on the small hands and unconsciously his eyes trailed from the arms to its owner.

Esther noticed Ion's stares and in that moment she caught herself and promptly retrieved her hand, a small blush grazing on her cheeks

"A-anou… gomen nasai…" She clutched the hand on her breast that has been previously holding the other's arms.

Silence rules for some moment. The chirping of birds were the only noises that were heard in companion to the soft rustles of leaves against the breeze. Ion said nothing. His red eyes deepening like the colors of blood that reveals a mixture of emotions that he is struggling to rein.

"Terran…" He gritted his teeth on the name call. Somehow, it does not suit her to be called that name anymore. "Don't be on my way, I do not have any business with you anymore. I want to be alone. Terran politics is none of my business, I came here for the empire and the Contra Mundi that's all."

Which is a complete lie. He wants Contra Mundi to be destroyed, and now the Vatican (or specifically Francesco) to stop meddling so the Methuselahs and the Terrans could coexist. And besides those heroic intentions, deep in his heart he knows its only an ultimate excuse for him so he could be together with Esther without the people looking down on them, or hating them.

Deep in his heart.

And it annoys him to no end.

She did not say anything but the clenching of her hands shows how much his words are affecting her. His gaze softened when he see the hurt on Esther's face.

"Go away Esther." He speaks on a more calmer, softer tone. He waits for a moment, but sensing that she's not going to leave anytime soon, took his strides outside the garden. Feeling no better that he did when he came here.

On the other hand, Esther feels hurt and confused

"Why… why are you doing this? Being like this? After all these years… You promised…" Big blue eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

But it seems that those whispers only dissolved on the late spring air. The sun has set sometime ago. He's gone already.

-

A pair of eyes glinted from a faraway perch. The two people conversing are too drowned in their own feelings and are too focused on their conversation to notice her. This will be interesting news for the Pope

A piece of red and silver metal flashed from a distance.

-

Ion clutches the golden locket hard in his fist as he jumped from roof to roof. The whole place seems like a blur now in his increased speed. He continued jumping on the roofs. Nobody would notice him because it's already dark. Its dinnertime when he arrives in his mansion. Abel has not returned yet so he decided on eating alone. He rings for his Methuselah attendant.

/That's just excellent, Ion Fortuna. You just had not allowed yourself to add another problem aside from your mission but also managed to destroy some little thing that is left on what's between you and Esther. Dobito… I'm supposed to guard her…. / He berates himself on his stupidity.

And somehow, the food tastes bland. He settled on drinking a cup of blood then sat to his window and stare at the starless star the whole night.

ooOoo

Esther arrived back on the palace dejected. The same question still plagues her mind.

/Why is he like that/

True, the fair haired, red-eyed Methuselah doesn't calls her like that anymore. It almost sounded like the contemptuous tone he spats on her years ago when they first met. Back then, the first time their eyes met she sees his eyes filled with hate, calling her Terran. Cursing her for being one. The second time is just because he's angry with her because of some wrong information. And it has a reason.

/What have I done this time/

Then suddenly, a cheerful voice snaps her out of her reverie

"Yaa, Esther-san, we've been worried about you, you know, its been dark and all, who knows somebody might abduct you and…"

"Abel-san!" Kate reprimanded with apprehending eyes.

Abel folded up immediately "Ah gomen, gomen Kate-san"

It seems that her own feet carried her on this place. She took a deep breath and closed the door behind her, sitting on the chair Virgil-san offered her.

Professor William smiled on the scene displayed in front of him with the pipe on his lips. Sister Kate could surely enliven meeting if she really want to. Esther looked over the assembled people in the conference room. Sister Kate debriefed her on their conversations, briefly explaining about Leon-san's absence. The Vatican starts noticing that the former group was moving together even without the direction of Caterina-sama. That alarmed them somehow so they plotted a way of dividing them. When Leon's case comes to light they immediately grabbed it, pressing on his charges.

"But the fact that they do not know that you have allied on the Albion Government yet is a good thing." Mary-san added. She had been summoned earlier when the former AX members starts appearing.

"And let's keep it that way. It would be very dangerous if they had learned that we are meeting like this. It could also endanger the favor of the church your Kingdom." William with his eyes closed, inhaled his tobacco then let out the smoke in between his teeth. "Are you alright Queen Esther?"

Everyone's eyes rest on the unusually dispirited monarch. The silence tells that they were waiting for her answer. It would not be absolutely okay if their pillar would be the first to crumble.

"It's alright everyone, I'm okay. You don't have to worry, I just had some nice walk around the garden." Esther flashed a smile to everyone in the room. She doesn't need to worry them. She doesn't want to be a burden with these people who care about her and is being good to her kingdom.

And the fact that Shimpu Abel-san is here makes it more calming to her.

The said Priest was eyeing the young Queen discreetly. He had an inkling that somewhere along, Esther and Ion met outside the palace and Ion is stupidly avoiding Esther, being the melodramatic person that he is that took everything too seriously. He inwardly sighed.

Settling down, The Professor initiated on carrying on the interrupted conversation.

"We must be careful…"

But before he starts voicing out his opinion, there was a knock on the door, and then it opened. A guard appeared, bringing a message.

"Sister Paula, Vice-Captain of the Inquisition is waiting on the Court Room. She brought a personal message from the Pope. She wants to talk to the Queen immediately."

Everybody's surprised stares pointed at the guard on the door, coupled with several loud heartbeats.

Esther's audible gasp is heard throughout the room.


Iya-No. But on some cases, its just an expression or an addition to the emotion in the sentence.
Gomen–sorry
Anou-some form of speech filler like "ummmm" in English language.
-dono-a suffix use that is more formal and old than other addresses. It is usually used on very respectable or high positioned people, perhaps kind of an equal to 'my lord/lady'
dobito-an Imperial contempt term. Similar to stupid or fool.
Terran-What Methuselahs call humans. Kind of a demeaning words for they think that they are superior to normal humans
Shimpu-Priest/Father

A/N
Okay, so I've decided the chapter to end this way (its adds to the suspense nyeheheh) and to be honest, I kinda like the ending of this one.