Abel felt a bit odd not wearing his priest uniform, but the dark grey greatcoat was at least similar enough to his old robes. He followed the Professor along the hallways leading to the elevator into the palace.

They passed a few people, but thankfully for Abel it seemed the beast was happy to stay quiet. A cool calming feeling had encompassed him after the small electrical blast with Asthe. He liked to think it was Lilith giving him some relief from the mad monster in his veins. Perhaps being fully fused wouldn't be so awful if she was able to help? Especially as it seemed going to see Seth was the next step for him, knowing his sister and having recently reconnected, he knew she would be upset at hearing he was injured. She wanted him to stay with her, but until Cain was dealt with, there would be no rest.

The hallways showed recent signs of violence, smashed panels, bullet holes in a few places and the occasional dark splotch of dried blood. Luckily the fighting hadn't gotten far in the underground, but uptop must be in rough shape if this was anything to go by.

"So, uh Professor, what all happened while I was...absent?"

"Oh it was a mess! Queen Bridget died, Esther's birthright was discovered, Mary Spencer tried to take the palace with her undead army…. the pope was lost in the underground, but he's ok. Damn inquisition locked up Lord Walsh, but obviously he was able to get free as he was there when Mary attacked Esther. Having the Order show up like it did was a huge blow, and they were happy to help Mary. There was some old technology paraded out that was just ugly, used microwave technology…my car did some really stellar flying, Miss Walsh didn't seem to agree with my tactics though oddly. It's been a while since I was in the thick of it, but I'm glad it's settled down some for now."

Abel stopped walking and stared at the professor, "I go lights out for a few days and the world goes off the deep end."

"It would seem so ole chap," William smirked, "so no doing that again."

Abel chuckled a little and nodded, "I don't think I'd want to do a repeat either."

They continued on in the hallway till they reached the elevator that would take them to the surface.

Once up top, they made their way to the waiting rooms used currently for meetings with Esther.

The entire building was a bit rough still, plaster and bits of wood had been shot here and there, panes of glass were covered over in a random pattern. The staff had done a great job repairing what they could, but it had a long way to go to being the flawless state it was before the attempted coup.

The side door opened and a butler waved the men into the smaller meeting room. The butler assured them a few minutes and left a tray of snacks and a fresh pot of tea.

Abel took advantage of the offered food, since he would be in close quarters with Lord Walsh. Admittedly he was also a touch nervous with seeing Esther again. She had truly seen the Crusnik in full form now.

"They really don't make furniture for someone your height do they?" William commented as he watched Abel shift himself around on the chair and coffee table to where his knees weren't in the way.

"Not that I've found in a long while, always no leg room." He admitted.

Both men looked up when the door opened to admit the familiar red headed girl.

Abel banged his knees trying to get to his feet.

Esther stopped and stared at him, her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"Father Nightroad! You're awake!" She rushed over to him and grabbed his hand.

Abel smiled down at her as she held his hand and looked worriedly over his features.

"Hello Esther," he said warmly.

"I've been so worried about you, but it's been so chaotic since the attacks and now they are going to be crowning me tomorrow as the Queen of Albion! It's just insane how much has changed in so short a time. Oh I'm so glad you're ok Father!" She gushed at him and then sat down on the chair next to him, motioning for him to sit back down as well.

She suddenly popped back up and reached for her pockets in her day dress.

"Oh I kept this safe for you after the whole um… thing with Cain." She handed him Lilith's heavy ornate golden cross.

He took it in his hand, feeling it's familiar textures and weight was a soothing thing he hadn't realized was missing till that moment. A sudden warming sensation started in his shoulder and he closed his eyes urging the nanomachines back to zero activation. As it was he felt a tingle of charge wrap his hand and go into the cross, discharging a small arc to Esther's hand as it was close still.

"Ack!"

"So sorry Esther! Are you ok?"

"I'm fine, it wasn't very strong…. are you having trouble with the uh… changes that happened to you?" Her blue eyes looked into his, heavy with concern and some guilt.

He tucked the cross into his pocket and had some tea before answering.

"It's a bit different for sure, but it was necessary for me to come back, to protect those important to me as I have a job still to do. I am truly ok with this, dear Esther."

She smiled and then leaned over to hug him, relief evident on her fine features.

"I'm so happy you're ok. I was so lost without you, I felt so guilty about what had happened in that room… I locked myself in the church for a while, before the main attack happened. I just couldn't be away from you… and then when Mary took me back to visit the Queen, things got really bad…" she stopped and looked around the room a bit, organizing her thoughts.

The door opened and a blonde haired man, smartly attired in a long coat stepped in. He nodded at everyone and smiled politely. "My deepest apologies, a few things held me back from coming in with Miss Esther." Virgil Walsh amended. "It's good to see you are awake and getting around Mr Nightroad." Luckily he took the chair furthest from Abel, and set about getting tea for himself and Esther.

"It's good to be about, and thank you very much for the clothes on such short notice."

Esther smiled at the two men, and took the offered cup from Virgil.

"Lord Walsh has been a most excellent host and has given me so much help these last few days. Did Professor fill you in much on what happened?"

"Ah… well no, other than a quick summary that had a lot of stuff happen while I was uh… indisposed." Abel admitted. "I was really hoping to hear from you what happened especially in the church as my memory kind of well... stopped back in that room when I saw Cain."

"Well, if I may, the quick and dirty of it was Mary Spencer used her undead army to take the throne after she had slowly poisoned the Queen. Then there was some assistance from this Rosenkreuz Order, that had somehow gotten a hold of the Excalibur weapon that was stolen from the ghetto." Abel's eyes widened at the name of the weapon.

"The man that was with Cain is Issac von khampher and has extensive knowledge with ancient technology… I have been trying to find him since my early days in Albion" William interjected.

"Yes, it seems that he was able to get some things while the confusion of your death had us preoccupied. This Excalibur weapon is quite nasty and killed quite a few with its limited use. One of Mary's lieutenants managed to get on the Pope's airship, but was neutralized by a high ranking inquisition member. While that was going on her other lieutenant had whipped up the public to attack the ghetto, we were ready for a bloodbath… then Miss Esther bravely stood up to them and turned the angry mob around into a more sensible group. We were able to kill that lieutenant as well, and gained some knowledge of Mary's intentions." Virgil nodded towards Esther and offered her tea, and took a sip of his as well.

"While we were trying to figure out how to stop the Excalibur weapon, Father Tres had made it to your tomb, and was attacked by… ghouls is what comes to mind… Esther and I rushed over to the Abbey. Mary Spencer was there in an armoured battle suit. Father Tres and I fought the ghouls to protect your coffin as well as Miss Esther. That was when Issac and his master, Cain entered the Abbey with intentions to take your corpse… Mary at the end tried to protect Esther from him but perished. We tried an assault on him but he severely damaged Father Tres, and I am still… recovering from the black substance he hit me with...it was truly the most painful thing to happen to me. Miss Esther stood in his way, and that's when you kind of well, erupted. When everything was done Tres and I were able to get back into the Abbey to get you to our infirmary."

Virgil looked into his teacup and settled back into his chair a little more. Abel looked at him a bit more closely and could sense his bacillus count was still quite low as a result of Cain's nanomachines attacking his system, it would likely take another week for the methuselah to feel steady again.

"All of our intel says they went back to the mainland after they escaped your attacks. Perhaps Albion is safe for now but I have the feeling this is only the beginning"

"Thank you for your report Lord Walsh, thanks again for your efforts against him. I would um… recommend upping your diet for a bit to regain your strength. The black stuff he got on you would have depleted all of the bacillus in your blood…"Vigil's eyes widened as he understood more of what Abel's advice meant. "And yes I do greatly agree with you in regards to this is just the start for Cain. I will be leaving soon to go after him. No one else can defeat him as there is nothing else like him on earth except… me, given him and I are of the same monster." Abel's voice drifted off and he awkwardly drank the last of his tea.

"Father you are not a monster! Granted you're more than human but not a monster." Esther stood up and faced him fully. "I saw how you protected me from harm, a monster wouldn't do that, so don't ever say that again about yourself!" She was quite flushed and had her fists clenched as she spoke, her voice heavy with conviction.

Abel nearly dropped his cup when she had stood up, his face clearly showing his shock at her vehemence.

Esther sighed and got her emotions back under control, she reached forward and touched his cheek.

"Forgive me Father, you're too good a man to be a monster. I know truly now what you're capable of and lord knows we need you more than ever. As you once told me, I'm on your side and I will be your friend as you've been mine all these years."

Abel smiled warmly up at her and with blue eyes brightened with emotion, nodded.

"Thank you Esther," he said softly. He took her hand away from his face, gave it a squeeze and released it. No other words could portray his feelings of thankfulness at her declaration.

William coughed politely, "Lord Walsh what are the plans from Albion going forward?"

"Ah yes, after the massacre of the House of Lords, death of Queen Bridget and a substantial loss of life within the city it looks like Albion is in need of repair. What lords remain have chosen to elevate Miss Esther to be crowned tomorrow to help with both political and public relations. A few of us have stepped forward to guide our young queen at this turbulent time. I do hope with this change that the ghetto will have a chance to be known for our people and not just our technology… as I do have some disgruntled residents who struggle with our shadowed existence. But we must take it slowly since the Inquisition is now aware of our residence, if Pope Alessandro can continue to support our acceptance, things might really come around."

Everyone nodded in agreement of Virgil's words and hope for a better future.

"Well Esther it looks like you really have your work cut out for you. But I think truly you're the lady for the job. I will be leaving after your coronation, the Empire has requested I return for a time, which since my position at AX is...um...well done in, it's a good place to start my search for him."

"Have you spoken with Cardinal Caterina?" Esther asked

"Yes, she was one of my first visitors once I came around. She is aware of my plans and I will do my best to be in somewhat regular contact."

"That's all I can hope for, if I can't be your partner I want to at least know you have others looking out for you." She smiled a bit sadly.

Virgil checked his pocket watch and stood up.

"I sincerely apologize but there is much yet to do Miss Esther, we really need to continue our day…"

Everyone else stood up, Abel again banging his knee on the table and clanking the teacups on their saucers.

"Oh Father, even being back from the dead you still have no grace," Esther teased and gave him a friendly hug before leaving.

Virgil nodded in farewell and followed her out.

Abel sighed to himself and looked to the professor.

"Would Tres be any help before I leave?"

"He's still in repairs actually. His circuitry took a major hit and I have him on a sleep mode until I can source more materials for him. Lord Walsh has promised assistance after the coronation."

"Then perhaps I should go ready myself for my journey. Being um… retired from AX do I get any money for my efforts?" He asked hopefully.

William laughed and patted him on the shoulder as they left the meeting rooms.

"Your retirement fund is something Caterina kept well stocked for you. I will take your bills to her to deal with one last time. Something about funeral costs are a write off." Both men smirked a little about the tedious nature of books.

They made their way to the market area of the ghetto since the Terran markets were closed for the day. Abel was able to pick up several sets of suitable traveling clothes and gloves. He wanted something that would absorb some of the electricity he tended to emit now.

Once back at the room, Abel was happy to sit and take in some late supper. The nanomachines had stayed quiet until the last vendor when some of their electronics reacted to his static charge. Thankfully William had stayed around just in case.

"Your system has gotten even higher in its metabolism than before. I know you won't like hearing this but… you need more blood in your diet to keep things... quiet." William said as he chewed on his pipe while sitting in Abel's room.

Abel sighed as he finished the last bites of his meal. How to solve this issue without blood or copious amounts of food was tricky. Before he just kept the crusinik barely sustained with sugar and when forced took blood from the vampires they killed. Now he was going to be surrounded by dreadful temptations for a fully fused crusnik.

"I could see about doing a similar pill form that they use for their blood needs but it will take me some time.. If you have trouble keeping it down, perhaps letting the Duchess of Kiev know exactly what you are and need to remain stable." William mused as he noticed Abel's discomfort rising as he mulled over the issue.

"Perhaps you are right, but I will wait till we are back to the Empire since if I am to travel alone at least she is safely home. There is no where here I can get a good chance at understanding what changes have happened to me without causing a scene… not without going to the forgotten areas of the facility, and honestly it's best left untouched even from me. So far I have an easily triggered electrical field, and activation that does not need commands just want or intent… I will need to be more mentally aware of it than before I guess."

"Fair enough. Well I need to retire for the night, want me to come find you before the coronation?"

"No, I will find you and Caterina before I leave, no worries there. Please get your rest, I'm sure you need a break from watching me all day."

William smiled and tucked his pipe away. When he got up he patted Abel's shoulder and let himself out.

Once alone Abel fussed with his packing, making sure it was all going to fit in his old suitcase. Surprisingly his spare set of priest robes were still tucked inside. A note written in Caterina's stylized lettering read "you never know when some faith can come in handy. -C." He smiled as his ran his thumb along the writing before placing it back with the robes. He was grateful that she had the foresight to give him a way to gather information. Most of the smaller frontier towns were suspicious of a random stranger asking questions, and yet they bubbled with information when a priest asked. Humans were an odd bunch overall, he mused.