Note on Chapter name: "Knight's Virtue " Virtue- the quality of being morally good or righteous , could also mean Chastity /Sexual abstinence.

Note on Abel's village name: They gave him the name of Raziel, the Angel of mysteries.

Note on Michael's former name: ' Levent' Possibly means "handsome" in Turkish.

Knight's Virtue

"Oh goodness, I finally made it."

The traveler dusted his long coat off and strode purposely towards the simmering dome, the sun was rising and he guessed that someone would be awake to greet him.

Father Abel Nightroad, a member of Arcanum Cella Ex Dono Dei or AX as it was commonly called, was a deputy enforcer, a priest of the Vatican. He often visited this village during his vacation time. This time, however, he wasn't here for a pleasant visit.

Hurrying across the wild fields he breathed a sigh of relief when a guard popped up out of the grass in front of him. "Who goes there?"
"Gabriel? Is that you?" the silver haired priest asked.

"Raziel?" The Methuselah lowered his spear. "It is you! How wonderful, today's the Sabbath, everyone would be glad to know you're here." Gab said through his helmet.

"Sorry, but I'm not here on official business, There is a squad of Troops from the Vatican hunting in this area."
"You're…." The soldier winced. "….kind of too late. Michael's already got the leader under guard at his house."
"WHATT!!???" Abel was aghast. "How long ago!?"
Gabriel sighed. "Some two days ago, we defeated them, but…"
"Take me to David. This is an emergency."
"Yes, Raziel."

David scowled. "Raziel, the news you brought to us, comes much too late. The Vatican soldiers are being held in the caves and the injured are in the infirmary. We have been trying to figure out a way out of this mess, we are reluctant to kill them."
" They should not be killed, they are soldiers of The Inquisition, their mandate is to hunt down and exterminate vampires. If they do not go back to Rome then Cardinal Francesco will send an army to search for them. The head of the Inquisition was with them." Abel was seated in David's house, Abraham beside them with Luke listening on.
"You mean Brother Peter?" Abraham asked. "He has been recovering from an injury at Michael's house, they have seemed to taken a liking to each other."
The wandering priest gawked in surprised. "What?"

Luke nodded. "It's true; the rumor going around is that Michael managed to convince Peter to keep our village secret, by whatever means."
Abraham had to laugh at Abel's shocked expression. "Our Michael can be very persuasive."

"I…I am impressed….I heard the Petr- Er Peter, is a very difficult man." Able sipped his honey and milk tea his thoughts running a mile a minute." I don't' suppose that I could talk to him?"
David nodded. "Luke?"
Luke hurried out.

Petro had just finished changing into his own clothing when Michael woke up. The inquisitor had been going through many ways to say that he wasn't interested, to let Michael know that he had embraced a life of chastity.

The carefully prepared words all became jumbled then the Methuselain Knight came out of his room.
Michael had taken care to dress with more care choosing something soft and fitting to show off his slender form. His blond hair was carefully combed and groomed to highlight the shape of his gorgeous face. Now that he had confessed his feelings to Petro, he had decided that he would try his best to woo the blue haired man.

Brother Petro felt his face grow warm, knowing that the knight might try something like this; he had to admit that Michael did cut a stunning figure.
"M-Michael…I-" he was stopped by that green gaze of perfect attention Petro found himself stuttering. "A-about last n-night…"
"I am sorry that you had to see that, I….was weak and didn't know what else to do."

"You weren't weak." Petros heard himself say, 'damn, stick to the script' he mentally chided himself. "You just needed to get it out." Here he took a deep breath. "It's good that you confessed, and now you can get over it."
Michael's eyes widened. He chuckled." I don't think so. I am totally infatuated with you-"
"I took a vow of Abstinence!" Petro quickly said, 'dumb fool, that didn't come out right either!' He cursed to himself.

The beautiful knight put a finger to his lower lip in a thoughtful pose. Petro could not help staring at those perfect lips.

"That's too bad….how embarrassing." Michael laughed. "Here I was all ready to try and Court you with all the grace I had." He noticed Petro staring at him. "Then again, I could try to convince you."
"Convince me of what?"
"That we can pursue a chaste relationship- thought….it would be...difficult…" Michael's eyes trailed over his guest, Petro had dressed in his own clothing .Michael mourned the loss of the tight shirt. It wasn't as flattering, but the form fitting low-rise pants more then made up for it. He could see that they had a bit of stretch to them. Making them comfortable and also they showed quite a bit of skin at his hips.
Brother Petro's face flushed hotly. "Hey! Eyes up here!"

Michael blushed looking away. Stupid, I should be more subtle then this. But Petro was all flustered. It drew an amused smile from the knight.

"Sorry, but this is very hard for me to resist. I haven't allowed myself to become involved with anyone since I came to the village, but I took a vow as well."
"What kind of vow?"
Michael looked at him, into those blue eyes. "That I would wait till the right person came along."

" But-but I am an Inquisitor, I hunt your kind!"
"I'm willing to take that chance." Michael said resolutely.
Brother Petro began to panic. Was there nothing left in his arsenal? Attacking with words would only be playing in to Michael's tune, He glanced at the burn on his face, it had healed, looking nothing more then a mild rash. "Have all your wounds healed?" He asked, uncomfortably aware that he was beating a hasty retreat here. He didn't have much experience with dealing with these kinds of situations.

Seeing an opening, Michael smiled and stepped closer, "Yes, you have a healer's touch." He reached up to put a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, Thank you for all your help Petro."
Fatal blow, Petro saw the gratitude and the sincerity in the knight's expression; he did not hide it nor was it false. It was one of the qualities that Petro liked about Michael. He was honest and it took courage to come right out and confess his weakness. What's more, he appreciated the way Michael used his true name…

A sound of someone clearing his throat came from the door.

"Am I interrupting something?"
Luke was standing uncomfortably in the open door; he had walked in and found both men lost in each other's eyes. The healer wondered if any of the rumors starting to go around had any truth to it.
Michael quickly let his arm drop and turned to the healer. "No, Luke…we where having a discussion, negotiating on the release of his men."
Petro glanced at him with surprise. It was a blatant lie.

"If you are done, Raziel has just come in and he wishes to speak to Peter."

"YOU!!!" He yelled, pointing accusingly.
Abel looked like a frightened cat, Petro was brisling. "What is a Deputy Enforcer doing here?"

Abel stepped off the couch, wiping off the spilled tea. "I had heard that Cardinal Francesco had sent an inquisition squad to the north east. I got worried that you might find the village and hurried as fast as I could but my vehicle broke down and I walked the rest of the way." The priest said almost tripping over his words in his haste. "I was going to try and detour your search to someplace else. " He nervously pushed his glasses back up his nose.
Brother Petro was still brisling like an angry feline. The others just watched and listened with fascination.

"As you can see, you're already too late!"

A sigh, "I know, this wouldn't have happened if I had gotten here on time…"
David spoke up." Brother Peter…..This is man, Whom I'm sure you know of, is called 'Raziel' here in this village, he is our Priest and thus far the only one that comes to visit us. He has kept our secret for many years you can trust him."

Petro stared at the tall, silver haired, four eyed man. "I don't trust him; He also works for the Vatican, a rival branch to the Department of Inquisition."
"He's a rival?" Abraham frowned.

"Brother….Peter was it?" Abel asked. "As you have already been informed, this village must be kept secret, not just from the Empire but from the Vatican as well. People, will not like the idea of a village of Christian Methuselah existing. They have already have been osterised from the rest of their race."
Petro shook his head. "I know all that! What I want to know is what will you say about me being here?"
"Absolutely nothing, as far as I know, I am still looking for the Head of the Inquisition ….not 'Peter' " Abel let the words sink in for a moment, then chipped in ."I also hope that you return the favor and not see me as a deputy enforcer but simply as 'Raziel' a wandering fool."

"It's Solomon's Law." Intoned Abraham, "That; whoever comes into this village, their past is left behind. Whatever you have been in the outside world Peter, who you have been, is forgotten or set aside for the common good of this village. We do not know you as this 'head of the inquisition' but as a strong warrior of god. If you keep our secret, then we will keep yours."
"Amen." The priest agreed. Abel held out his hand to Petro. "So, do you agree to forget our stations while we are in this village? I too, am putting your trust in this."
Brother Petro scowled; he didn't like being put in a situation where he was forced to agree. But in this case, everything made sense. They trusted him, and so, he must trust them. He shook the Priest's hand. "Agreed, But Once we get back to civilization, we speak none of this to anyone is that clear AX?"
Father Four eyes sighed in relief, "Agreed, we will go about it like we haven't seen each other."

David stood up from behind his desk. "Now that's out of the way. Father, you arrived at an appropriate time, it's the Sabbath and Sarah has had her child this past winter. We would like you to baptize the baby and stay for Mass."
"I would be delighted to!" Abel bounced up." What did Sarah have?"
"She had a baby what else would she have?" Luke teased.
"Boy or Girl?"

Petro left, outside he saw Michael sitting on a fence, he had stayed outside while the meeting took place.
"I don't like that guy." He admitted, "Raziel scares me." The knight pulled his cloak around his shoulders. Often, when Father Raziel came to visit, Michael would be off riding or with his men in the caves.
"What? Don't tell me that you're scared of Father Four eyes?"
"Don't mock my fears Peter! " Michael stepped off the fence. " That….man, very nearly killed me once."

All he could remember was the blood, his blood running, being drawn into that Thing's mouth. The Creature that wasn't Human nor Methuselah. It had been Raziel who forced him to awaken in the burning light of God.

He kept it secret from everybody else in the village because of Solomon's law. Here, he was the traveling priest who came to visit, but who he really was remained a mystery to them all. The name "Raziel" was more fitting to him then they realized.

"I'm going to go riding for awhile. Tell Abraham…that I'll be back in time for Mass."

"I'm coming with you."
"What? You don't' know how to ride."
"Then we'll have to ride double again. I need to speak to you privately. "

They rode back to the top of the hill; it was overcast today the clouds signaling rain.
Brother Petro dismounted and waited for Michael.
"Alright, what is so important that we had to get out of the village?" the knight asked as he slipped off the horse.
"Father…..'Raziel' had come to try and divert me from finding this village, but it wasn't a village that was in my report, but a band of wandering vampires that settled in the area. The report was pretty resent, if anyone outside knew about the village…"
"Then a settlement would have been reported." Michael began to understand. "Still my Scouts have not seen any other band of Methuselah roving in the area."

Petro chewed on a thumbnail. "There are many places to hide in this region. The hills rocks and caves…"
Michael, "I'm sure that if they were out there, I would have heard of them by now."
"Then how have I come to be here Michael?"

The Knight shrugged.

Brother Petro looked down at the glittering dome that hid the village. Something was just not right, his instincts where telling that something wasn't right.
"Michael, I want my men released as soon you are able."
"It will be done…come, let's go to the caves and lead them out, I'm sure that they would enjoy the hospitality of our little village eh?"

It took most of the morning and a good part of the afternoon walking with the released inquisition squad. The men where glad to be out of that cave, they came out into the sunlight blinking owlishly.
As his feet took the distance, Petro appreciated that Michael rode nearby with a large water bag for anyone who would want a drink on the way. The chief explained to them of Solomon's Law. They were a bit confused, but agreed; despite behind held prisoner they had been well treated.

Many of Michel's me rode with them too, it was the Sabbath and they where looking forwards to Sunday Mass. Though behind Gabriel's horse a cart had been hitched up contained inside where Petro's armor and weapon.

The small red-haired man sniffed the air. "It smells like thunder I'm sure. This time of year, storms can whip up quickly."
"Then let's hurry,"

Once past the veil, they where greeted warmly by the village. The men where offered warm meals, a large bonfire was made by the church so that the Vatican soldiers would a place to sit and keep warm.

Little Mary picked her way across the rocky terrain, in her hands where herbs she had found the kind her father grew for medicine. She knew that it would please him if she got him some. The little girl had range farther then she usually did. Hurrying as the sun started to dip lower in the sky.

Sunday Mass started with the Baptism of a baby girl. Father Abel smiled as he poured holy water over the infants head. "By the grace and love of God, our holy Father and his beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen."

His sermon was about love and forgiveness, something that everyone could agree with, considering the events that had happened in the past few days. The inquisition solders where invited to attend, several soldiers and Brother Petro accepted they stood in the back listening with interest.
Inside, it was standing room only with the front pews occupied by the elderly and those with young children. After Father Abel's sermon, the children and younger teens stood at the front to sing praise and hymns. Brother Petro smiled as the whole village sang along caught up in the spirit of it, even his soldiers where clapping their hands and singing along to the choruses of the rousing Gospel songs.

Michael watched the Vatican soldiers, seeing smiles, sowing the seeds of trust and hope. Petro didn't sing nor join in clapping, he leaned against the wall, a pleased expression on his face as his listened to the villagers sing praises to the Lord..

Mass ended near sundown, the dome was turned off the sky cast dark under thick rain clouds.
Michael headed off Petro early as the church emptied. "Tell your men that they are invited to stay for the dance," He put an arm around the inquisitors shoulder. "We always hold a dance at night after Mass for the young people, it helps them get rid of their excess energy and socialize…not that they really need to, of course."
"Of course."

The Bonfire was built up and the musicians moved outside while the older adults and young children went home. The young adults gathered here and there in groups, a pot of hot tea was made and cups passed around.

The young ladies giggled, whispering behind their hands glancing at the newcomers.
Petro looked on in amusement as one brash and bold young woman stepped forwards and issued a challenge. "Last the night dancing and I will give you something pretty."
In the mood, one soldier teased. "Would it be a kiss?"
"Only if you impress me with your dancing." More giggles.

Michael laughed. "Girls, you should know better, the village men are much better dancers. Why look else where?" With that, he stepped into the fire's light with Gabriel as the musicians played jaunty Celtic sounding tune. Not to be outdone, a Vatican solider joined them in a skipping jumping tune. He was cheered on by more then one comrade.

The dancing and revelry continued, with many of the village young people and guests enjoying themselves. Lithe Gabriel performed superb acts of acrobatics that got them all cheering.
Quite often Michael found himself dancing with one pretty young thing after another.
Brother Petro didn't dance; he stayed just outside the ring of light, enjoying the music. This really wasn't his kind of thing really; he usually left socializing to the others.

The Inquisitor noticed that Michael hardly ever stopped; pausing only to change dancing partners and it was obvious about how the young women thought of their Knight.
Feeling an uncomfortable pressure in his gut, he continued to watch, Michael was spinning from one girl to another, laughing. His handsome face lit with delight.
The music suddenly shifted to a heavy drum beat, Michael moved his body in an evocative, provocative way, the movements slow and purposeful. The young women giggled and moved out of the way to watch him with adoring eyes.
Watching, Petro felt his discomfort sharpen into anger at the way Michael teased the young women with his suggestive body movements. Had he no shame?

Unable to bare it any longer, he turned away, fighting the urge to go up to the Knight and punch him for his stupidity.

Michael huffed shaking off the young women who wanted him to dance more; he looked around for the blue haired Inquisitor. Not seeing him turned questioning eyes to Gabe who just shrugged and pointed down the hill.
"Ah he's gone to the house then."

The knight smiled, he had hoped that Petro enjoyed himself.

Petro sat on the couch unable to do much else he had taken a book to read. As the time passed, he kept imagining Michael's provocative dance for the women. The drums and music continued as the twilight deepened.

Michael stayed for two more dances mostly waiting for Petro to return. When he was sure that his guest wasn't returning, he left the dancers.
"Brother Peter?"

He was met with a hard glare from a pair of fierce blue eyes. He closed the door. "I guess my question can wait...For what honor do I receive that look for?"
Petro slammed the book he was reading down on the table, making the candles waver. "You know Dammed well why!"

Michael looked confused. "Enlighten me…"

"For dancing that…that way with those girls!!"
" But..."
"What kind of Knight of God are you!? Such shameless acts in front of those young women, you ought to be put in prison!"
Michael let Petro yell, confused by his behavior, "Don't be so unreasonable, I was just dancing with…"
"…With nearly all the girls there?!"

Ooohhh …So that's it…

Michael felt relief wash through him, he felt his lips twitch. "So you'd rather I danced with you instead?" there was a devilish grin on his face.
Petro looked taken back. "No, that's not what I said!"
"But it's what you meant; I would have invited you to a dance if you hadn't left early." "You fool!" Petro stood up his hand striking out. Michael caught it easily gripping him by the wrist. "I agree with you Petro." Michael pulled him closer. "I'm such a fool to have ignored you for so long."
Petro stiffened when he felt the Knight put his other hand around his waist pulling them closer together. "Wha-what are you doing?" Petro tried to pull away but with Michael's inhuman strength, he couldn't move. The unearthly beautiful knight smiled, "You don't' realize it yet do you?" his jade green eyes nearly level with his own, Petro found that they where about the same height, if not build.

"A dance or a battle…which do you chose Petro?" Michael's voice was husky, making the Vatican knight blush.
Before Petro could open his mouth to protest, Michael descended and took those lips in a soft kiss. Petro let out a soft gasp, feeling something inside simply melting at the light touch.
Michael felt the blue haired man in his arms slowly relax, he released him and stepped back, his legs oddly weak. He was amused by the look of utter shock on the Inquisitor's face, he chuckled. "You've never been kissed?"
Petro shook his head, clearing it, "No, you Fool! What made you-"

A sound of someone pounding on the door caught their attention. "Michael! Michael! For the love of God open up!"
Michael hurried to the door and pulled up the latch. "Luke?"
"Little Mary's missing, I haven't seen her since before Mass, I thought that she just might have gone with a friend's family but she's not in the village Michael, I can't find her anywhere!"
"Have you checked all her favorite hiding places? The hen-house?"
"Y-Yes!"
"Let me gather a few men and we'll go looking for her in the countryside."
"Thank you Michael,"
Petro saw how distraught Luke was and quickly volunteered to be part of the search party. "If she is lost in the dark someplace, that little girl will be frightened." If it was one weakness that he had to admit, it was for small children, the most innocent and defenseless. Besides, he had grown fond that little girl who looked at him with her adorable brown eyes.

Michael had a small party of volunteers; he sent two each in four cardinal directions.
"Little Mary!" They called out in the darkness. Gabriel noted the low rumble of distant thunder and hurried.

Petro and Michael had just arrived at the stables for the horse when they heard the explosion rock the village.
"What was that?"
"Sounds like an artillery shell!" Petro moved out of the way as the gray charger reared in fright. Michel fought to keep it under control. "Do your men have any such weapons?"
"No! We use archaic weapons and that's no canon."
Petro jumped on the back of the horse and they galloped towards the edge of the village.

Little Mary cried the loud noise scared her and the stranger who held her was hurting her arm.
The Methuselah grinned as he saw the village stirring as the people panicked, the women screaming and the men running around like lost sheep." Turn on the lights!" He roared.
His men turned on the floodlights, each one bright and blinding.

Heavily armored trucks lined across the field, all the turrets pointed towards the defenseless village.
Soon enough several armored men from the village brandishing spears and cross bows made a line of defense. Several riders also came, one baring two men.

Petro slid off the horse and hurried to David. Father Nightroad was already there with them.

"This is really bad; we cannot defend the village like this." David was trying to look through the bright lights at the invaders. "Almost all of the guards where here for the Mass but, we haven't the weapons to face-"
"Perhaps I talk to them," Father Abel said, "If they wanted to destroy the village would have done by now." He started to wards the lights. But David grabbed him "NO! Who ever they are, they must not see you, Your Priest's robes will make you a target, and if they are from the Vatican…"
Petro spoke up" They are not from the Vatican. If it was an Inquisition squad they would have used different measures."
"Then are they from the Empire? If they are then any Vatican solider must not-"
Michael rode out to meet the invading force.
"Michael!?

"Michael what are you doing? Come back!"

The knight pressed his lips together, he was trying to buy everyone time to gather and make a suitable defense for the women and children. He trusted that his second in command, Gabriel, would quickly understand and send them to retreat someplace safe.

"Hail! I am Michael, Defender of this village. By what right do you attack this peaceful village?" He paused in a place halfway between the village and enemy lines. He carried no weapon.
There was a laugh from the lead truck. "Levent, is that you? What name do you call yourself this time?"
Michael seemed startled. "Rakshimir? I thought you where dead."
"Yes…dead by your own hand." The leader jumped off the truck and took a few paces forward; he was holding a little girl in his arms. "I have something to return to you, a lost child, who was a very good little girl in telling where you were."
Little Mary cried piteously "I want my mommy!"

The Knight cursed under his breath. "Let her go Rakshimir, You've found me."
Again the man laughed. "I would see you suffer for betraying me, my Levent. I will let you live to see all those you care about suffer a horrible death!"

Abel frowned, this was horrible, he had his gun but he couldn't take on all of them by himself if only he had encountered them alone…

Gabriel came with more armed guards and most of the Vatican soldiers. The soldiers had picked up whatever they could find to use as a weapon.
"Chief what is going-"
"Shussh! Be silent, go with those men and guard the villagers in a safe place."

"Perhaps we can make a deal Raskshimir, My life for the lives of the villagers." Michael offered.
Petro clenched his fists tightly at that. What was he doing?
Raskshimir laughed. "No….Your miserable life is not worth the dust of the earth. Or of this small one. "He with drew a long knife and held it to the girl's neck.

"Mary!!" David and Abel held Luke back, the distraught father looking on helplessly as his child wept.

Michael dismounted. "No Stop! Don't' hurt her." He let the horse go and took a step towards them "I will do anything, just don't hurt her."
"Anything Levent?"
"Please."
Raskshimir pushed the girl forwards, walking until he was standing face to face to the knight. "You want to make a deal Levent?"
"Please just leave the village and the people alone; they are not a threat to you." Michael fought to harden his heart against little Mary's weeping.
"Very well then….if you come to me tonight, I will give you and the village till noon tomorrow." He snorted seeing the line of men and Guards with pitchforks and spears. "Time enough to properly arm your selves, At least give me a challenge my beautiful Levent."
Michael scowled. "Agreed….now let her go."
Raskshimir smiled cruelly, "As a reminder should you fail to show up.…" He stabbed the little girl through her right shoulder. Mary screamed in agony.
"MARY!!"

Father Abel gasped, hearing the little girl's scream. Brother Petro looked enraged. "That Beast!!"

Michael threw himself to catch the child as she fell. Mary had passed out from the pain. Michael carefully cradled her looking up with bitter impotent rage at Raskshimir. " Raskshimir…I…"
"Will come to me tonight!" The man turned his back and walked back to the line of trucks.

Michael carried the girl back to the village; Luke ran forwards and took her from his arms.
"Michael, Michael who are those men?" David pushed past brother Petro. "They are leaving what did you say to them?"
"….I have brought us more time, we have to get every able bodied man and woman to take food and water, what ever horses we have hitch them to carts the children, elderly and injured will ride, the rest will walk."
"Who are they Michael? Are they Terren? Methuselah ?
Michael frowned. "They are the worse kind David. They are Methuselah raiders, lawless, ruthless and no part of any Empire or government."
"Then, it was they, my men and I were sent to hunt them down." Petro said. "Michael, give us back our arms and amour and we will finish what we came here to do."
The knight looked at him. "Have you seen how many men they have? You will be slaughtered!"
"I will take that chance."
"No! I cannot risk you." Michael said. "I need you and your men to help us; we are too few and ill equipped. Brother Peter, Please….I am asking, no, I am begging you. Please help me defend my people."

Petro frowned, he desired nothing more then to kill that Monster who dare harmed that little girl, but he also knew that if taking his men out now their chances were very low.
"Where do you plan on taking the villagers?"
"To the caves."

In the time it took for the villagers to gather their wits and start packing, David and Father Abel were busy making preparations to move the villagers. Gabriel was busy distributing whatever weapons they had. It would be a walk of several hours to the caves.
Michael strangely didn't lift a finger to help, but spent the time pacing about his house.

Petro confronted him again. "Why won't you let me attack? It will give you more time to take the people to the caves." The knight shook his head "No, even if they destroy the village, I will not allow a single soul under my protection die, that includes you Petro!" To the angry expression his guest face he frowned. "Now if you would excuse me, I have a contract to keep." Michael pulled his boots on and left.

Contract? Petro wondered. He followed the knight at a distance, always careful to stay low in the long grass and out of sight. The Vatican Knight worried about Michael since the invaders had left he had been acting rather strange, agitated and frustrated, all the signs of a cornered man.

As he was stalking around a large bolder, he bumped into a figure that was also following the wayward knight. "What the!?"
"Shush, it's only me Peter; I saw Michael leaving and I wanted to see what he is up to." Father four eyes adjusted his glasses. "I am worried about him. He used to be one of those Raiders."
What?
"Let's go. Before we lose sight of him." The silver haired Priest hurried thought the grass.

The moonlight was peeking thought the brake of clouds giving little light to see by. Petro and Abel followed Michael out over the ridge of the high hill to the east, keeping out of sight by hiding behind the large boulders scattered across the land.

Michael stopped by a large flat rock; it looked like a long table. Raskshimir was already there, his long coat unbuttoned.

"Isn't that the leader? What is he doing?" Petro whispered from their hiding place. Abel said nothing his bright blue eye affixed to the two men some distance away.
They appeared to be conversing, Michael's hands clenched closed. Unfortunately, the Vatican knight and priest couldn't get closer to hear them.

Raskshimir took off his coat and beckoned to the knight. Michael stood his ground and tensed. Where they going to fight?
No, Michael did not strike back as the other man grabbed his wrist and pull him close for a savage kiss. Abel frowned. "Thought so…"
"What?"
" Michael used to be his second in command….but they were also lovers at the time."
"Is this what Michael meant when he said that he had contract to keep?"
"Do you mean…that they…Oh no." Abel groaned, understanding at last what the knight had done.

Brother Petro watched as Michael struggled against the man, the handsome knight obviously did not want to do this. His former lover raised his hand and stuck Michael hard on the face, knocking him senseless. Petro felt his body bolt upright from his hiding place. Rage clouding all other thoughts.

Abel tackled him to the ground struggling with him "Stop it!" He hissed, "There's nothing we can do. If this is what Michael agreed to do then we must honor his wishes. Peter."

Petro stopped struggling. He could see in his mind's eye, that Beast, ripping Michael's fine shirt off and… He swallowed hard, biting back bitter words. Michael..

"Come, we don't' have to see this, let's go back and wait. Come on Peter."

Waiting was the hardest part. With Michael gone, the house never felt so empty. Petro paced around unable to sit still for long. Michael, what have you done? You should never have... the Inquisitor paced.
Many times Petro looked at his armor which Gabriel had brought, wanting to put the halves of his Screamer together and shred that Methuselah Beast into tiny bloody bits. Petro clenched and flexed his hands relishing the thoughts.

On contrast, Father Abel sat at Michael's desk reading out passages from the bible, either for his own comfort or to comfort the angry Goliath of a man.

It was nearing midnight before Michael finally limped back. His shirt was indeed torn and his sported an ugly bruise on his face. Petro and Abel looked at him in utter shock for a long moment.
The Knight's green eyes seemed clouded and distant. "I have…I have brought us more time…." His voice was flat and defeated.

"I'm going to race the sun!"

"I took a vow as well"

"I'm willing to take that chance."

"A dance or a battle…which do you chose Petro?"

Without being aware that he moved, Brother Petro had drawn the fallen angel into his arms, holding him close. Unable to find the proper words to comfort him, he remained silent.

Michael was numb, numb from the cruel rape he just endured. He had hardly been aware that he returned to the village only speaking what needed to be said. When he felt arms around him he slowly began to become aware that it was Petro holding him tenderly, his strong arms tensed and so light as if afraid that he'd brake. Michael buried his face in Petro's shoulder, drawing the blue haired man's strength within himself.

After a few moments, Michael drew back, Petro frowned in concern "Are you alright?"
"I will be fine…" The knight felt his wounds sting and his skin crawled at the feel of Raskshimir's slime on his body. He shuddered revolted. "I could use a bath."

Father Abel nodded. "Good idea." He hurried to the door. "Peter, helping?"
Petro was reluctant to let go, but the sooner Michael returned to normal the sooner he'd see his smile again. He followed the Priest out.
They returned with buckets of water from the hot water tank. Abel poured it into the empty bathtub. Michael was hesitating, he shrugged his torn shirt off, and again Petro suppressed that blind rage; Michael's body was covered in deep bite marks.

Father Abel night road frowned. "Michael, get undressed and into the tub." The Knight looked at him dubiously. But the Priest's tone was serious. "It's not much, But I'll do what I can…Petro bring that cup…" he opened the bible and said a prayer over the water, sanctifying it.

Michael knelt in the wooden tub, uncomfortably aware that the Priest and his guest could see the bruises and wounds on his nude body.
"By the power of Our Father, the Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ, I purify your body and spirit…" He dipped the cup in the holy water and poured it over Michael's head. The water trickled down the knight's form. Michael bowed his head and closed his eyes in a whispered prayer. Abel continued. "…by the love of the Lord and his Heavenly Host, I return to you your purity and virtue."
"Amen." The knight whispered. He looked up to Father Abel with gratitude. "Thank you,"
Abel smiled that peaceful kind of smile that made the heart feel lighter.

Petro poured the rest of the water into the tub; He avoided looking directly at him, the sigh of the wounds still making him angry. Michael flinched as he lathered himself, the soap making the wounds sting.
"Do you have some 'water of life' Michael?" Abel asked concerned.
"No Father…the water of life is guarded by David, we only make it once a month as needed."
"Your wounds would heal quickly if you took some."
"It's not time, There wouldn't be any made."
Abel sighed. "How troublesome, I wonder what Luke has for those wounds." He looked at the soapy water, "Probably need more hot water too. I'll be right back." He left, leaving the two men alone.

Brother Petro forced himself to look at the bite marks on Michel's shoulder. "He's right you know, you should heal them. " His knowledge on Methuselah physiology was limited, he knew that they where able to heal themselves if they drank 'water of life' or blood as it was made from. There had been reports of wounded vampires quickly healing themselves by drinking the blood of the nearest victim.
Michael paused. "I don't like them either…P-Petro?" he stuttered as The Inquisitor pushed up his sleeve and offered his bared wrist. "….what are you doing?"
"You've got to have your whole strength if we are to defeat that Beast who did this to you."

The beautiful knight stared up at him, his green eyes questioning. Petro was offering himself?

Feeling his heart start to pound, Petro looked away, his face growing warm. He felt Michael take his hand and draw it upwards. Michael pressed his hand to his face, savoring the feel of the subtle caress. Petro tensed as he felt Michael's lips slide down his palm to his wrist.
Michael was swooning, he did need the blood, and he could feel it just pulsing under his lips. What's more, it was being offered by the man he is falling in love with. Strongly tempted to bite in and drink he was aware of how tense Petro really was; he withdrew his kiss and looked up. "Thank you….but if you would please…I'd rather drink it from a vassal or a cup."

Petro nodded, blushing deeply, he was a bit embarrassed, what was he thinking? At least he managed to get Michael to agree to drink something. Cutting a shallow cut at his wrist, he let his blood pour into a shallow dish. He tied a scrap of cloth to his bleeding wrist as he brought the dish to Michael.
The knight accepted it with a bowed head; Michael watched the hasty bandage grow darker with blood as he sipped from the dish. It had been a long time since he last tasted blood, Petro's was rich with a dusky bitter sweet flavor, he swirled it in this mouth like wine before swallowing it wondering if he'd ever taste it again. The infusion brought a flood of warmth through his body as his system recovered from the long drought and healed the wounds. His skin itched as the wounds closed and healed.

"Here let me see that." Michael rose up out of the water reaching for Petro's arm. The Inquisitor glanced away, one glace was all he needed. With the wounds gone, Michael's perfection glimmered in the fire light; water ran down his body's contours, his skin flawlessly smooth once again.
"Y-you don't have to…" He started, Michael pulled the bloody bandage off and raised Petro's wrist to his lips.
"M-Michael!"
The Knight's tongue flicked out and lapped at the slight wound, healing it. Petro's voice had gone, he remembered how Michael had healed his wounds before and it awakened his body's remembrance of how good it felt, his deep flush shot down the rest of his body, making his heart pound and his ears ring.
Seeing the stunned look on his face Michael let the hand drop. No, he didn't want it this way. "I-I am sorry, I forgot that…"
Petro relaxed. "It's ok…I know you didn't mean to." He was trembling inside, his arousal awakening from the momentary pleasure. He pulled his sleeve back down shivering as the still sensitive skin thrilled as the light touch. Petro avoided looking at Michael's naked form." A-are you finished? We should probably…"
"uh..yeah…" Michael wrapped a towel around himself, and retreated to the bedroom, hoping that The Vatican knight didn't see his growing need.

"Damn it!"

"I'm back!" Father Abel came in, carrying a bucket of hot water and a packet of herbs. "Sorry I took so long I- Where's Michael?"
Petro was slumped on the couch. He glared at the annoying priest, "I was expecting you sooner." And maybe that little 'crisis' wouldn't have had happened. His wrist was still sensitive.
" I apologize; I was with Luke for awhile. Little Mary is fine, the knife had missed anything vital."
Petro sighed, "She will be alright?"
"Yes." Abel put the bucket down. "David is asking for Michael, most of the villagers are almost ready to leave."
"Give me a moment to put on my armor and I will be joining him shortly." Michael said as he walked out of the bedroom, dressed and whole again. "Brother Peter, I would be honored if you joined me. I am glad that Gabriel had brought your armor….though, it will disappoint him if we postpone our match."
Petro grinned. "A pity indeed."

To be continued

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A/N: Sorry about the tease, there will be some yoai in the later chapters, but I'm kinda caught up in the "story" aspect of this. I hope that you can forgive me.
So many Romantic moments! *Sqwees* And Petro really doesn't realize that he was jealous. XD
At the end when Abel comes in, I can't help imagine that he waited outside for bit, you know, like he didn't want to walk in on a possibly embarrassing scene? Very subtle Father Nightroad. That's why I brought him in…though he's playing more of a Secondary supporting role this time round.

Anyways, Post a comment/Review!

~Ely