Chapter 6: Knight's Redemption

Chapter title note: "Redemption" Atonement for sin.

Oh happy day,
Oh happy day,
When Jesus walks,

When my Jesus walks, He washed my sins away.

He taught me how to walk,
Fight and pray

Fight and pray
And he taught me how to live rejoicing

Yes, He did (and live rejoicing)
Every day.

The children sang as they ran ahead in the damp grass. The villagers breathed a sigh a relief as they came closer to the village.
They had spent the next day and night huddled in the caves and tunnels of the canyons, waiting while the guards and Vatican soldiers hunted the area for any enemy survivors. Tracks in the canyons told them that the surviving Raiders had scattered in all directions. It would be the Inquisitional Squad's job to hunt them down and eliminate them as per to Petro's original orders.

Michael smiled as he heard the singing of the villagers as they walked back home. Their steps light and burdens unfelt. There was joy in their voices as they sang praise; never had they have such a night of fear, of uncertainty. Their prayers had been answered and they where going home.

It was late afternoon with the skies clear and bright. The Methuselah villagers where wrapped well in cloaks and shawls, the guards covered in armor.
Brother Petro let little Mary pull him along, grinning at the small girl. The child's wound had been healed completely by Michael while she had been sleeping in the cave, she didn't feel any pain anymore. "Brother Peter! Hurry we're almost home!" She tugged on his massive hand, Petro laughed, "You think it's going to get up and leave?"

Mary pouted; it was such a cute expression that the Inquisitor lifted the girl off the ground with one arm. Mary giggled, holding on to his arm with both hands, swinging her wet feet.
Michael rode up from behind the group. He was covered with armor in the bright light. He laughed. "Is this little one causing trouble Peter?"
"Yes, she insists on marching ahead of the leaders. It's not very disciplined for a warrior to move out of line small lady." He let the girl dangle from his arm. Petro was wearing his armor, his trusty mechanical lance in his other hand, having picked them up after he had recovered efficiently enough to go back for it.
"I am not a small lady, I am the best Solider! I'm the very bestest of the village fighters! I want to go up ahead and check if the bad guys are not hiding under the beds."
Michael reached down and scooped up their future warrior. He set her in front of him on the horse. "That sounds like a very good idea Mary. Come with me and we'll go check under all the beds before the rest of the people arrive." He kicked the horse into a gallop, the girl's brown eyes glittering in excitement. Petro watched them ride on ahead, still partly concerned even thought he had heard the report of the scouts who had already looked over the village.

A few buildings had been ransacked; a henhouse burnt to the ground, the water tank would need to be rebuilt. Other then that, the rest of the village was in once piece.

Petro and the rest of the squad would stay and help with the restorations after they finished their job, it was the lest he could do. He glanced behind him.
The Vatican solider who had fallen for one of the village girls walked with a pretty little thing with bright blue eyes and a sweet face. The solider was happily holding her hand and she did not seem to mind at all, her radiant smile was for him alone.

The head Inquisitor found his mind wandering as he walked ahead with David and the others. Father Nightroad, "Raziel" was chatting animatedly with Abraham. Apparently he had found some parts for the UV dome that he could use to upgrade it.

Luke was grinning under his headdress. He watched the blue haired man walked ahead, noticing how the Vatican knight had picked up his pace once Michael had gone riding up ahead. 'Such impatience' He chuckled to himself knowing that the rest of villagers had often seen the both of them together in the village before. Michael and Peter did not like to leave the other alone for every long. The blue haired knight had stayed at his side while Michael recovered from his wounds in the dark cave.
There were whispers among the women, speculation among the guards. They thought now they both faced the enemy together, they where as brothers and where inseparable. The physician knew better. Luke was sure that Abraham and David knew it too, but preferred to keep it quiet.
Father Raziel, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the gossip.

The return home felt like a holiday. The children hurried to see if the vegetable garden was alright, the adults rushed to see if their homes had been left alone. Petro pulled off his helmet and walked into Michael's house. Mary was there, picking up the books that had been thrown about. The chairs had been smashed into kindling, the beautiful desk chopped in half. Apparently Raskshimir had wanted to cause as much damage as possible.

"He took all of my clothes and burnt them." Michael came from his bedroom frowning under his helmet. "I am thankful that he left my books alone. Mary, are any of them ripped?"
"No, they where just on the floor." The little girl set to work putting the books back in proper order on the bookshelf.
"Where are you going to get replacements for the chairs and desk? They are nothing but firewood now." Petro asked, picking up a broken piece of wood.
"I don't know, wood is scarce around here, I might have to go back to empire to obtain new ones….but, there's no need to rush." He shrugged. "I can live without them."
"Michael, do you want me to help clean up?" Mary asked her brown eyes where bright, like all the village children, she idolized the general of the Guards.

"No, Peter and I can clear this up, go back to your parents, they will be missing you by now." He smiled.

Once the girl had gone, he securely shut all the window shutters and closed the door. "At last, I can take this off." Michel pulled off the helmet in the safety of the dark house. Petro found the candles and lit a few of them.

"When will you be starting the hunt for the rest of the raiders?" Michael asked. "Tomorrow morning, do you want to join us? We will be needing guides for this area."

"No…I don't' have the stomach for more killing, I am going to stay and defend the village should they try to come back. I can have Gabriel go with you; he knows this area just as well as I do."

Petro sighed; he really hoped that Michael would agree, "Very well, Luke had invited us for supper at his home-"his words where cut off as the dome was turned on, blocking the sun, casting the village in its customary gray light.

Michael began to pull off his armor. "Hmm. Supper sounds good right about now…"

They had spent a bit time throwing out the broken furniture; Petro had the idea of using some of the broken parts for the stove. The house warmed quickly. Petro pulled off his armor setting it aside.

Michael watched him out the corner of his eye.

It was difficult to be close in the tunnels and caves; they had no privacy for anything more then a few whispers.

The Methuselah frowned and walked towards the blue-haired knight.

Petro's helmet fell to the floor with a heavy clank, as Michael took his lips in a hungry kiss, something that he wanted to do for many hours. Feeling the slight nip of Michael's fangs at the edge of his lips, Petro's knees went weak. When the Knight pulled back, he reached up to put on hand on the Inquisitor's chest, pleased that Petro didn't turn away. "You still blush Torvsh, do you still deny your feelings?"
"My feelings got nothing to do with it." He said quickly.
"Then you blush because it's physical?" the blond smirked. "Do your senses like it when I kiss you?"
Petro's cobalt blue eyes widened. Michael continued his voice low and silky. "Yes, you like it, I can hear your heart pick up, sending the blood rushing to your skin….the nerve endings preparing for more sensations." Pale jade eyes ensnared his. "…ahh, and your eyes, the careless blue of them, tell me so much."
The Vatican knight's heart was pounding; the large man took a step back. This 'Knight of Destruction' who had defeated many enemies and slain just as many vampires hesitated before this angelic being who held him with that damned lustful gaze.
'The Angel Lucifer couldn't have been more tempting.' He thought, taking another step back as Michael came closer and put his arms up around his shoulders. The lust slowly fading from his green eyes, sadness filled them instead. "I will not do anything that you are not comfortable with Petro, you mean so much to me. I do not want push you away." He leaned in close and kissed him again. This kiss was gentle and chaste, utterly devoid of passionate desire, but not of tender affection." Petro relaxed, putting his around Michael closing his eyes at the sweet undemanding kiss.

How long could he deny it? The feelings he secretly harbored for this man?

"You don't' realize it yet do you?"

…or perhaps not so secret. Petro pulled away from kiss. "How long have you known?"
Michael pulled back. "Since your jealousy at the night-dance after Mass." He gave him a small smile. "That's one of the things I like about you, you don't hesitate to let your stronger feelings show. But…you waver when it comes to showing your more…tender emotions." He smirked. "It rather excites me to see you resist your body's natural urges."
"Sexual attraction to another man is not natural." Petro countered.
"Would you feel better if I where a woman?"
"No…I-"
"Or is it because I am Methuselah?"
"No! That is not it! Methuselah or not, I have a deep admiration for you. I would not be as callous as to let a difference of race fall between our friendship. " The blue haired knight grasped Michael's shoulders. "I do not feel anything more for you." He said firmly.

"You have confirmed it and contradicted it the same breath Petro." Michael frowned. "I thought you where a man of integrity." He glowered as he felt Petro's grip tighten,

"Have you've been listening to what I've said?"
"Yes, I heard every word you said!" Michael shrugged off the hands." Your words in the canyon, your unspoken words whenever you protected me in battle every strike, your actions afterwards, was an admission to me. You saved my life Petro. Your actions speak louder then words" Michael lifted his shoulders; his arms open in a gesture of defeat. "I love you Petro…more then any words I can say."

The blond knight seemed to crumple before Petro's eyes. His lovely face downcast, his eyes troubled. Petro gritted his teeth against the guilt that grew. He wished he could say the words that would make the light return to Michael once again, but those words, no…he can't say them….he couldn't…

"Michael, please understand….I…I…"
The knight squared his shoulders. "Don't force yourself on my account." He said bitterly. "All I have is a hope and a prayer now." That sad kind of look of resignation came to him. "…that's enough for me." He smiled

Petro cleared his throat, noticing how dark it had gotten. "…We should get going; I have to talk to my men before we go for Supper."

Supper at Luke's more of a calibration, most of the stores of food hadn't been touched at all, and Amelia cooked a few chickens as a knight had finished posting guards all around the village. Petro had sent for the remaining trucks and other vehicles that had belonged to them, he would set out tomorrow at dawn.

Father Abel and David had joined them, with David sitting beside Abraham as they all watched Mary show off a few moves she learned with a staff, mimicking the warrior's practice moves. They all clapped and praised her when she was done.
"Very well done Mary, keep practicing and one day you'll be one of the 'guardian angels' of the village." David said, smiling at the small girl.
"Brother Peter? There is a serious matter that I need to bring up," Luke started. Petro swallowed down the bite of tender chicken. "About?"
"Well, it about one of your soldiers, the one named Terry. He came to me today and spoke about staying and marrying Anna-Marie."
"She is one of your assistants?"
"Yes, its good match and the village could always use another guard." Luke said quickly, seeing the look on Petro's face. "He asked me to tell you of his plans, he's afraid that you would not agree…"

Petro looked into his cup frowning, this was difficult diction. Normally he would have said no, the soldiers of the inquisition where not allowed to leave their post unless they where severally disabled or died in the line of duty.
Abel Nightroad looked at the blue haired man across him, knowing that the solider would have a less of chance of staying. He was just as astounded as the rest of the guests at what Petro had to say next.
"Tell him, that he will have to face me for the right to stay in the village." He announced. "Tomorrow morning before we leave."

"That was nice. But is it really necessary Petro?" Michael asked as they made their way back to the house. The dome had been turned off and the stars glittered bright above them.

"I feel that it's necessary," Petro said. "If he really loves that girl he will face me."
"He just recovered from his injuries."
"You think that would stop him?" Petro stopped before the door. "If he has half the courage you had, I'll give him that chance."
Michael smiled, following the Vatican knight inside.

They looked at the near empty living room, with its stove, wooden tub and remaining shifted uncertainly, "So….who gets the bed?"
"Why don't we share it?"
"But... isn't it a little small?"
"If we lay close together it should have enough room." Michel grinned, enjoying Petro's nervousness. "You've got an early morning and I promise that I won't bite…not unless you ask me to."

It was embarrassing to slip under the covers with just his boxers on. Michael had already undressed and was in bed while Petro got undressed. He had turned his back to him to give him some privacy.

They didn't speak that night; Petro was very uncomfortable with sharing the bed like this. Michael seemed to understand and had fallen asleep quickly. Petro wasn't so fortunate; he lay awake for several long moments, trying to divert his mind. Reviewing the battle in the canyon, he had fallen asleep thinking about Michael's sword strikes and counter moves. He admired it, the angel's graceful dance of death.

Petro could see the armored man on top of a tall rock, his sword flashing as he struck at the cloaked vampires who trapped him up there. Petro fought his way though them, his screamer shredding through the creatures with ease.
"Michael!"
Petro called out the name as a battle cry as more of the vampires swarmed around them. The man in armor; he knew to be Michael laughed under his helmet. His polished armor was reflecting the bright sunlight around them. He paused, his free hand reaching up to remove the helmet.
"Michael No!"

The knight laughed as the helmet fell; his golden hair fell about his fair smiling face, his green eyes glittering with battle-joy. Petro joined him, climbing the rock. Michael reached down with a gloved hand to help him up. Petro reached up and pulled the knight to him. In the hazy sunlight, Michael appeared a heavenly creature to him, a delicate male beauty and magnificent strength that rivaled any warrior or solider he had met. Petro felt himself slowly falling backwards, his armor falling away.

Michael leaned in closer, putting his arms around him as his own armor fell way from his slender muscular body. "Petro…" He breathed, desire in his jade green eyes, Petro felt the softness of the bed embrace him from behind, and he could feel Michael leaning in very close, his warm breath on his neck, pressing his body to him

He moaned softly in his sleep, the bed was so soft, comfortably warm and the arms of the one holding him was gentle.
Wait a moment, who was?
Petro began to wake, slowly as he was reluctant to wake from the blissful dream. The arms where not only a part of the dream. but they where of the waking world too.

"Mmn?"
He opened his eyes, aware and awake.

Michael lay half sprawled on top of him. His arm lay gently over his broad muscular chest, his head was on Petro's shoulder, tilted up, and his soft breathes catching into the hollow of his neck and shoulder. Michael's leg was even straddled his own, his hips lightly pressed to his lower body in such a way, that…
Petro bit back a gasp. Michael was also very hard; his cock was a piece of hot flesh that pressed against his bare thigh. The Inquisitor bit his lower lip as the sleeping knight shifted his hips, lightly grinding, he heard Michael sigh erotically in his sleep. Petro shivered, feeling his own cock stir to life despite his self control.

The Vatican Knight shivered again, Michael's breathing became heavier, softly panting against Petro's neck, his hips lightly grinding against his tensed thigh. Petro found himself panting too, just hearing Michael moan was enough to turn him on.

His left arm was under the sleeping knight; with his free hand he reached over…Michael's skin was soft to the touch, he found himself lightly stroking his shoulder, his fingers drifting over the smooth expanse of bared flesh. Petro hesitated then reached up to brush away the deep gold tresses from Michael's face, his thumb brushing against his pale cheek.
Michael stirred at the touch. His jade green eyes opening, blinking in confusion, dreams where never meant to meld into reality. Yet, here he was, pressed against Brother Petro like a lover. The look on Petro's face was enough to pull him into full wakefulness. "Petro?"

Then the blue haired man shifted his trapped leg, Michael let out a gasp as the movement brought shock of pleasure to his lower regions.

Petro's eyes fell on Michael's parted lips…those tempting lips, the glint of fangs behind them, the promise of carnal pleasure. His hard cock throbbed at the sound of Michael's voice.

Immediately, the Inquisitor knew that he should probably get out of there. To find himself aroused by a man was….preposterous! He shifted again, his hand gently pushing at Michael's shoulder.
Michael rolled off, seeing Petro's face redden, "What's wrong?"
"I can't do this." Petro made to get out of the bed, but Michael held him back.
"What? Do this?" Michael pulled him closer, was met with resistance, stopped. "Petro….I want you."
The inquisitor felt his cock jump at that admission. The knight continued. "…and I can see that you want me too. I can see it in your eyes Petro." He smiled. "Deny it if you wish. But the 'evidence' is very apparent." He green eyes drifted downward, to the hard on between Petro's legs.
Petro shivered, his throbbing hard member twitching at the gaze. Michael looked up at him. "Why…?"
"It is a sin. A dreadful sin of…" His words where cut off as the Methuselah claimed his lips and his words.
"Then be my sin Petro. " Michael purred lowly. "Let me burn in hell forever because if I can not have you then I am damned to this half-existence that you have placed me in." the words caused Petro's whole body to shudder. He closed his eyes, brow furrowed in concentration.

Michael placed his hands on both side of his face, admiring him. His thumb grazed the finely sculpted lips. They parted slightly at the light touch, a sigh that told him everything.

The knight pressed his lips to the perfection of Petro's, his tongue begging to be allowed in, they parted more, he pushed in, gently exploring, When he encountered Petro's soft tongue, he heard the man moan deep in his chest, a rumbling sound that went straight to his cock. He moaned in response, his hands drifting down Petro's neck, resting on his chest.

Petro caught his breath, panting. His head swimming drunkenly as he drank from those lips. He mimicked Michael, his tongue pushing past his lips and teeth, their tongues entwined in dance that brought wave after wave of a sweet desire coursing though him.

Michael whimpered against his lips, the sound causing Petro to react in an almost animalistic way. Kissing him savagely, without any finesse, just pure passion.

The knight pulled back gasping, "P-Petro…"

He didn't know why, Michael's voice melted all his resistance. Petro pulled back, his lips swollen from the hard kisses.

Michael shivered at that heated blue gaze his would-be lover was giving him. God he wanted him, he wanted all of him. The Methuselah licked his lower lip, devouring the man before him with his eyes.

His wide shoulders, his deep heaving chest. His eyes trailed downwards past the finely sculpted abdomen.

Petro's hands clenched. He could feel that damned green gaze drifting over his body; Michael was practically fucking him with his eyes. He titled his head back, shuddering and let out another deep moan of pure lust. He was lost. He knew that it was wrong but he beyond caring now.

"Michael…"
Swiftly, the knight pushed Petro back on the bed, throwing one leg over to straddle his thighs. He leaned forwards hovering over Petro, as their lips met Michael tangled his hands into the long pale blue hair. He lowered his hips more; rubbing his needful erection against Petro's.
"Aahhh"

Petro cried out at the hot grind. His hips bucked upwards meeting Michael, deliciously grinding their hard cocks together. His hands reached downward and grabbed the blond's ass, pulling him harder against him making Michael cry out as well "P-Petro!"

At that cry he nearly lost it. Petro stilled, trembling with arousal. He looked up when his host shifted lightly, pulling his hard cock free of the confining underwear.

The hard cock that jutted out between his legs was perfect, the ridge of the head flared outwards slightly and the long thick shaft had a slight curve to it. Michael was eager to explore it with his tongue and lips, 'later…' He thought pulling his own boxers down enough to free himself.

Petro's eyes widened, his mouth opened to protest but it died as a ragged gasp escaped him. Michael gripped them both, his hand moving rhythmically up and down, squeezing them both together. Petro let out a stuttering cry, feeling that dizzying climb to climax start with vengeance..

"ahh Deus, oh mei Deus!" Petro panted incoherently in Latin, his voice rising in volume. It was so hot, the hard cock rubbing against his own, the tips quickly becoming slick as precum dripped out more and more. That tight hand pumping at him was driving him into overwhelming pleasure.

"Ah mei Deus! Ahhnn mei Deus!"

Michael thrust his hips, his hard cock sliding against his hand and Petro's hot hard erection, when his lover started crying out, the sound of his desperate need drove him over the edge. "P-Petro!!" he cried. "I'm gonna-" He pumped his hand faster, gasping as he came hard, spurting thick long streams of cum all over his hand, spilling upon Petro's shuddering body.
Feeling that sudden gush of wet heat over his sensitive organ, Petro clenched hard at the bed sheets his body taught as he cried out his release, "AHHhhhhhH!!!!"

Michael caught his breath watching that gloriously thick cock spurting white essence. He stroked out Petro's orgasm, milking out every drop. Petro shuddered once more then laid still, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Michael moved off of him. Lying beside him, propped up in one elbow the other hand brought up to his face to look at their blended seed. The blond knight opened his mouth to taste it. Petro closed his eyes. "Disgusting…."
Michael paused. "What is?" he took a lick, savoring it on his tongue." Me doing this?"
As an answer, Petro turned his head away; his body was still trembling slightly.

"I assure you, it's more potent then blood." Michael lapped it up from his fingers. The taste of him, he knew that he would become addicted as soon as he tasted him. "Better even, I don't need to use my accursed fangs to get it."

"You still did use your fangs you demon." Petro sat up." I kept remembering that time and I…"

"You became tempted and aroused." Michael finished for him with a grin. "I am not sure If I should apologize for that."
"I thought you where a man of Integrity." Petro grumbled, echoing yesterday's conversation. He swung his legs off the bed, reaching for his clothing.

Michael's grin disappeared. "I'm sorry…If there could be anything that I could to make for that, believe me, I would do it. Petro."

The Vatican Knight pulled on his pants. "You've done more then enough." He said, then noting that the light outside was brighter he turned to his host. "I must go. The sun must be rising by now."

Michael let himself drop into the pillows, his thoughts troubled. 'He runs away yet again, why do I keep doing this?'

*

***
*

Terry, the inquisition solider stood nervously a clearing in front of the trucks; he was in armor, with a sword in hand. He was well versed in the art of the sword. But his hands where shaking, most of the squad was out here all of them also in armor and waiting for their Chief to arrive. He was late, it was past sunrise. Many wondered if the Head of the Inquisition was doing this on propose to make his opponent even more nervous and anxious.
Brother Petro came down the hill his Screamer held in one hand his helmet in the other, an expression of determination on his stern face.
Anne-Marie held her breath as the behemoth of a man approached. He looked so fearsome and the stories circulating about his deeds where none to encouraging.
Many of the villagers surrounded them, the soldiers quickly moved to provide a barrier between the combatants and the watchers. They would provide protection should the fight get out of hand. |
Brother Petro stuck his weapon in the ground in front of him. "You know our laws Brother Terry, you can not leave your post unless you are dead or have earned it through long years of service. I am giving you a chance to defeat me. If you defeat me, I will release you from service."
"I..I understand." Terry nodded, he held the heavy sword with both hand, oh god what have I gotten into this time" he thought desperately, but when he looked over to see Anne-Marie watching he steeled his heart and took a fighting stance.
Petro didn't' miss the look, he frowned and pulled his helmet on. "God be with you Brother Terry."
"I place myself in God's hands." Terry confirmed and attacked first.

It was a one-sided fight from the start, Terry couldn't find an opening, nor did Petro let one open, he blocked every attack with ease.
"Do wish to stay or not Brother Terry!?" Petro yelled at him, when the solider paused for a breather. "You must earn it! Come! Attack!"
Michael came running down the hill, his clothing hastily thrown on his shirt unbuttoned in the cool morning, he could hear the clash of metal on metal as the Knight and solider fought.
Terry's blows became faster, harder, Petro gritted his teeth. 'That's better.' He took a step back to give himself more room as he began his attack. He over powered the solider quickly, driving him backwards. "Come fight back you deserter!" Petro yelled out, trying to get the man to fight back, to do anything but submit.

Brother Terry panted; he was tiring, his sword arm was sore from blocking the heavy blows from his Chief. He raised his sword to block another attack, he held his ground, as Petro tried to push him into the ground. His legs trembled, his arms straining to fight to keep upright. But Petro had more strength then he did, Terry's resolve wavered. He can't do this anymore. Petro seemed to sense the defeat this solider, he huffed, still bearing down on him with the shaft of the Screamer. He snarled. "Coward, you will die!"
Anne-Marie fought to try and get past the barrier of armored men, "No stop please don't kill him!"
The Vatican Knight pushed all his weight spending the solider stumbling backwards, he swung the heavy lance, knocking the sword from his hands. The same swing made Terry back on his back. Petro drove his weapon downwards to finish him off…
"TERRY!!" Anne-Marie's scream filled the air.

The tip of screamer was embedded into ground beside Terry's head. Brother Petro never meant to kill him.

The Head Inquisitor pulled his weapon free and pulled his helmet off. "Brother Terry is dead; I have killed him in battle as punishment for deserting." He announced. There where murmurs among the villagers and other soldiers. Anne-Marie pushed past and ran to her beloved. "Terry!"
The solider sat up, his eyes wide behind his visor. Petro pointed to him with his Screamer as if issuing a judgment. "You will earn an angel's name in the village. I won't accept any less of one who was part of the Department of Inquisition."

Terry nodded mutely. His eyes where still wide. His fiancé hugged him relived. "Thank you sir."

Petro turned away to hide his red face. He was slightly embarrassed by the happy smile they both gave him. He fought to keep from returning the smile; he had an image to maintain after all.
"Alright men, if you done standing around let's get moving!"

Michael was chuckling to himself. Petro was very clever to use the fight to settle this little problem of the solider and the nurse. He had watched the fight and Petro's movement were not meant to kill but as a test, a test to measure how much the couple wanted to be together.
The knight watched as the caravan of soldiers marched away from them Brother Petro standing at the front. Ready to pass thought the veil. Michael quickly climbed to the top of the windmill; he called out, "Return safely! Brother Peter!!"
In the distance Petro turned and raised his Screamer as a salute in response.

***

To be continued

A/N: Another chapter up and ready, I had another few pages but I thought it would be better to end the chapter there. Not too many to go now. This chapters short as the last one.

Translation notes:

Mei Deus =My God.