Disclaimer: I do not own Trinity Blood or its characters.
I have not watched the entire anime yet. It's taking so long for them to release the second part here on VCD. Pouts. What happened to Abel after that showdown by the sea? Will Ion and Raden escape capture? The suspense!
The Trinity Times
Issue 9
Notice from the Vice-Editor
Dear readers,
I apologize on behalf of the newspaper for the delay in the latest publication due to damage to our offices. We will be resuming our regular publication of The Trinity Times with this issue. In addition, I wish to clarify that I, Catherina, will not be leaving for any isolated convent. Neither will my staff be fired. Instead, we will continue to work towards the welfare of the faithful and discharge or duties to the maintenance of God's peace. I intend to go on a diplomatic tour of the Eastern and Central European countries, despite what my fellow editor says. I ask all readers to pray that this outreach by the Vatican will be fruitful.
- Catherina, Duchess of Milan
ROME RECOVERING FROM MASSIVE QUAKE
Buildings Damaged
The Holy City was shaken by a massive quake a month ago but is well on the road to recovery. The quake, which could not be measured due to massive damages to the University of Rome's seismology department, caused billions of dinas of damage to the city and a total death toll of about 650. Though short in duration, it is estimated to be a 7 or higher on the Richter scale. The Rome quake struck within a week of the Barcelona quake, leading to fears that the planet may be facing a period of increased deadly seismic activity. Researchers at the University of Rome are currently investigating this quake as well as that in Barcelona.
Many of the damaged buildings are undergoing reconstruction. However, some of damaged architecture and sculpture is believed to be irreplaceable. Several historical churches and buildings have been demolished due to structural damages. One casualty is the newly erected obelisk from Cardinal Alfonso to his Holiness. The bell tower standing in St Peter's Square was found to be structurally unstable. I in addition, its design clashed with the surrounding buildings. This led to the final decision for its demolition. His Holiness expresses his grief and regret that the monument commemorating the mending of relations between the Vatican and Cardinal Alfonso of Madrid could not be salvaged. Despite allegations to the contrary, Cardinal Alfonso is well and in the dedicated care of his nephew, the Duke Medici. The cardinal is currently housed in the duke's country manor on the island of Sicily and looks set to remain there for the indefinite future.
The Basilica of St Peter was severely damaged by what is believed to be a flash fire generated by ruptured gas deposits under the building. A heavy smell of brimstone was noted by rescuers when they entered the building. The centuries-old frescos the Basilica is famous for were melted and irreparable, a tragic loss to the world of Christian art indeed. Miraculously, the two occupants in the Basilica when the quake struck were found alive. They have been identified as a priest and a cardinal. The cardinal was said to be in a state of profound hysterics triggered by shock. The priest was found unconscious with severe burns to his body. Both have since recovered from their injuries and are back at their posts. Indeed God must have intervened to preserve the lives of his servants.
Memorial Mass for Quake Victims
His Holiness has announced that a memorial mass will be held for the victims of the Rome quake in the Square of St Peter at seven this evening, a month to the day of the quake. The Pope's Office has confirmed rumours that His Holiness had suffered a slight injury to his shoulder and a sprained ankle which resulted in his hospitalization and absence from the public eye in the weeks after the quake. Pope Alessandro was having dinner with his brother when the quake struck. In their haste to evacuate to safety, the Pope slipped on the stairs. His Holiness assures all that his injuries have healed through God's grace and we can look forward to his first public appearance since the quake. He also thanks all for their prayers and good wishes for his recovery.
Giant Squid Creature an Omen of Doom?
Or Mass Hallucination
Eyewitnesses have come forward claiming that they have seen a giant luminous squid-like creature above St Peter's Square. In addition, gunfire was heard during the course of this apparition. Below are a few eyewitness testimonies.
"I saw it. Blue and glowing like a huge balloon. Try to convince me that was my imagination, but I am sure I saw it when I was taking my meds by the window of my ward at St Cecilia's Hospital."
Sister Clare, aged 80
"It was like something from the Apocalypse, a demon of the fiery pit or an omen that Man has sinned against Le Bon Signor. This quake was a warning to us all."
Friar Richard Bacon, a 'guest' of the Inquisition who escaped from his cell during the quake.
"I was dining with my brother when I heard gunfire, looked out my window and saw that monster. I was so shocked I tripped fleeing down the stairs and hurt my shoulder. Thank God my brother was unhurt in the quake."
Anonymous teenage boy whose house overlooks the Square.
Authorities insist that this was a mass hallucination the witnesses experienced induced by the shock of the quake. There was no sign that the monster was ever in the square or that a gunfight took place. In addition, allegations of a second Apocalypse are considered a heresy. The Inquisition will be obliged to offer you a nice cell in their hostel and subject you to the full rigours of their hospitality, should you be found preaching or propagating this blasphemy.
Wanted by the Vatican Bureau of Inquisition
Issued by Brother Petros
The following persons are wanted for heresy and blasphemy and other offences against the Church. Please kindly contact your nearest Inquisition office or Vatican authority should these persons be spotted.
Friar Richard Bacon – wanted for dabbling in forbidden technologies and arts, escaped during the quake from his cell.
Lady Marianne Tonedeaf – wanted for badly mangling hymns during Mass, believed to have escaped during the quake from her cell.
Leon "Dandelion" – failure to report to his parole officer for a prior offences involving vandalism of Inquisition barracks and assorted juvenile pranks
Hugue de Watteau – wanted for suspicion of involvement in an attack on 3 Inquisition officers on the outskirts of Rome.
Relic Verified to be the Blessed Bones of St Mark
It is a joyous day for the citizens of Venice as the relics discovered a month ago in the cellar has been confirmed by an expert as the remains of St Mark. The expert has requested to remain anonymous to protect his family's privacy. We can only report that he is renowned theologian and antique connoisseur of Venitian origins. The relic has been transported to the city and will be interred in a place of honour in the city's Cathedral of St Mark during a Mass presided over by His Holiness on the Feast Day of St Mark during the Carnival season.
Personal Notice of Apology
Dear sister, I apologize for my behaviour towards you in hour of trial and sincerely beseech your understanding for my actions in safeguarding the dignity of the Vatican. However, I must insist that you abandon your foolish diplomatic tour during this dangerous time with those vampires seeking to harm your person. – Francesco
Reply – Accepted. However, I believe the worsening rift between the Vatican and the outlying strongholds of the faith is the more reason for my tour. Would you like some assorted souvenirs from the Middle East, like a Dead Sea scroll or a basket of Cyprian dates? Do try to take better care of our little bro.