After the confrontation between Hugue and Leon, things were quiet in the small cabin. It has been tight before, but with the arrival of Hugue it was down right crowded. Sasha felt guilty for taking the bed again that night, but Abel and Leon insisted and wouldn't let her argue. Hugue didn't say a word to her- in fact he hadn't said anything to anyone ever since Leon and Sasha had returned. He just either stood in the corner opposite Tres, his bladed staff in his hands or he sat in the same corner, still and silent. It was late. Sasha had just dozed off on the bed and Abel was asleep in his normal position at the desk. Tres was in standby mode, needing to recharge his already depleted system. Leon took the watch, assuming everyone was asleep, including Hugue who had not moved for the last hour, and sat still and quiet In the corner, his eyes closed. Leon paced the small open space in the room slowly, his mind wandering. Yes, it was time to move on... they had been here long enough without getting any closer to finding Cain. And now they had Sasha with them and needed to rethink their strategy and plan. Hugue also complicated things... Leon stopped as he faced the bed and looked at Sasha, and leaned over and pulled the thin blanket around her and took off his leather coat and laid it over her as well. He didn't know that a pair of cold eyes was watching him from the corner. Hugue was angry, but he dared not to show it. It would be three against one and he didn't think he could take them all on at once. He shifted into a more comfortable position on the floor. The noise caught Leon's attention. Not looking up from Sasha, he spoke to Hugue.
"You're pissed that Abel didn't have to kill her, aren't you?"
Hugue didn't answer. Leon turned around to look at the blonde man.
"Must really tick you off that you didn't get to watch Abel slice off her head. Or were you hoping to be the one to do it?"
Hugue's eyes burned with rage. Leon knew just what to say to irritate him. They never had any missions together in the past and that was probably a good thing. One of them wouldn't have come back alive.
"She's a damn Methuselah, Leon," Hugue stated quietly, his smooth voice tense with anger.
"Really? I must have missed that...when I was holding her for hours while she died and was reborn in my arms!" Leon stalked over to Hugue, towering over him. Huge smoothly stood up and faced Leon.
Sasha lay trembling under the covers. She woke up when Leon yelled at Hugue. She wanted to say something to Leon but she was afraid of Hugue and what his reaction would be to her.
Hugue and Leon stood, almost toe to toe, eye to eye- both men were almost the same height. Leon was taller and stronger, but Hugue had unnatural strength and speed on his side in a fight. Sasha lay still and silent on the bed and listened to the men.
"I cannot believe you, of all people Leon, could be so weak! How many of her kind have you killed with those hands? Did you tell her about the Methuselah's who have died at your bidding? Does she know how you chocked the life out of some with those same hands that evidently held her so carefully. Does she know Leon!?"
Hugue's eyes were blazing and he was fighting to keep his voice down as much as he could. Leon's hands were clenched into fists at his sides as he resisted the urge to lay into Hugue.
"Shut up Hugue…" he said bitterly through clenched teeth. "Shut... up."
Leon's big hands clenched and unclenched, as if they were unsure whether or not to grab Hugue's neck and choke the life out of him. Leon was always a bit jealous of Hugue. Hugue was a noble by birth and carried himself as if he was better than everyone else. Leon was a gruff, decorated soldier. They had both been searching for loved ones- Hugue for his sister and Leon for his daughter. The two men were a lot alike in many ways and maybe that was why they didn't get along.
"I haven't told Sasha about my past and it's none of your business if I choose to or not!"
Leon's jaw was beginning to ache from keeping it clenched. He forced himself to relax. Hugue wouldn't dare try to hurt Sasha with all of them here. He glared at the man and turned to walk away. Stopping, he turned back and faced Hugue.
"I promise you Hugue... you do anything to hurt Sasha.. anything at all... and I will make you suffer like you never have before."
Leon turned and walked back to the bed and took his spot along the wall and took his watch. He breathed a silent sigh of relief, Hugue was out of his life of vision- at least they wouldn't be staring at each other all night. He glanced at Sasha- she still seemed to be asleep.
The hours passed slowly, Leon's mind was racing. Hugue had a point, he couldn't deny it. He had told Sasha very little about himself and his past... she deserved to know, Leon just didn't know if he could bring himself to tell her the horrors of what he had done. Leon was snapped out of his semi trace by a hand on his shoulder. It was heavy and cold and he knew who it was before the low monotone voice spoke.
"Leon Garcia de Asturias- it is my time to take watch now."
Leon turned his head and looked at Tres then looked past the android to where Hugue was.
"Father Hugue has been at rest for the last 3.4 hours" Tres said simply. Leon nodded as he stepped away from the wall and made his way over to the bed. Sitting on the edge he leaned back against the wall, his head against the cold plaster.
I had awakened at the sound of Tres's voice. I knew it wasn't my turn to take watch but I couldn't sleep any more. I stared across the dark room at the faces of Leon and Hugue. Hugue's looked the same, cold and emotionless. Leon's face looked tense. I had to wondered what had happened while I was asleep to make Leon look like that. Taking off his glasses, I wiped the sleep from his eyes. Morning was still far off.
"I'm going to the river to wash up, Tres."
"Acknowledged, Father Nightroad. Please be careful not to fall in the river."
I felt my face grow red, as I remembered what Tres was talking about.
"It was one time, Tres!" I whispered loudly, so not to wake the others. "Are you ever going to let me forget about it?"
Tres raised an eyebrow at me. Even though Tres was functioning at only 70, it was obvious he was still learning and processing new information… and picking up bad habits. Like how Leon always raised his right eyebrow when he didn't believe something I said.
"I'll be back in a bit. Don't worry about me", I said before Tres could say anything else.
"If I run into anything, I'll just turn into Crusnik form!"
I gave Tres a big smile and left the hideout before he could give me a lecture about the proper time to use the Crusnik form.
Slowly Abel made his way down to the river. Taking great care not to fall in, he splashed the icy cold water on his face and back of his neck. His long silver hair dropped down from his shoulders, ends soaking up the cold water as well. Slinging his hair back he stood, now quite awake. Abel took this time to look around- they needed to head out as soon as possible. He wanted to head back to Rome- back to Vatican. It was by no means the safe haven it had once been, but it was still safer for them than being in the middle of the wilds like this. They were open easy targets here. In Rome they could hide- each of them knew every inch of that city- and they still had some who supported them and believed in peace there. Yes, they had to get back to Rome. Abel pondered over different plans and scenarios in his mind as he walked down stream some, enjoying the cool night air. Judging by the stars and the almost unnoticeable tinge of light to the east, he figured it was a little after 4am. He hoped to be on the move within the next three hours- they had to make good time if they hoped to avoid any confrontations. Abel thought to himself that it was odd- there had been no direct attacks from the vampires in weeks... He would have found that thought very Ironic if he had seen the shadowy figure watching him from the darkness on the opposite bank and if he had known that Tres had just been alerted by his sensors that there was another Methuselah besides Sasha in the area.
She watched Abel from the shadows. She was hungry… she hadn't tasted blood for a long time and he looked like a stupid Terran to her. Her clothes were torn and she wore nothing on her feet. Her hair was long and unclean with snarls in it. Her hands shook as she moved from tree to tree, her bare feet making no noise as she snuck up on Abel. Abel hummed a tune he had heard long ago, his mind drifting to Sasha. She was a beauty and Abel blushed at that thought. His feet shuffled though fallen leaves and his hands were in his pockets. Sasha's haunted eyes swam before his face. There was just something about her… He hadn't had these kind of thoughts about a woman in a long, long time, not since Lilith had died. He didn't deny he had been a bit attracted to Esther when he'd first met her, but their paths went different ways after the final battle. She was in hiding and he hadn't seen her in years.
Abel stopped and leaned against one of the trees slightly as he thought about Sasha. So pure and so gentle- a rare gem in the dark wicked world they all found themselves in now. He knew how she felt- to be different, to be called a monster, to be judged on appearance and race alone... and he sighed softly. Father Abel was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't hear the soft crunch of bare feet on frosted grass as the vampire crept closer still, stalking up behind him. It wasn't until he heard the soft laugh that he spun around, just in time to get hit in the chest and sent sailing through the air, crashing into a nearby oak tree. Pushing himself up, in a daze, he looked at the woman before him. She was tall and thin and he could clearly see the fangs as she smiled wickedly.
"Stupid Terran- you should have known better than to wander alone at night in a place like this" she said as she glided over to Abel, grabbed a handful of his hair, and slung him hard, sending him skidding across the ground and, into the icy water of the river.
Abel let out a loud gasp as he went in the freezing water. He was glad he didn't have his old AX uniform on. It was heavy and he would have sunk right to the bottom. Abel clawed his way up on the bank of the river, pushing his long silver hair out of his face.
"W...who are you?" he asked the woman through chattering teeth.
She ran towards him, teeth bared as she laughed. Abel couldn't move his legs properly. They were so damn cold! He felt sluggish and stupid; he couldn't think properly so he did the first thing that came to his mind. He lowered his head and slammed his body into hers. He knocked them both to the ground and Abel lay on top of her, trying to catch his breath. A weird thought went through his mind of how warm she was and maybe they could continue the fight when he was a little warmer. She hissed at him and he guessed she wouldn't be agreeing to it if he suggested it.
"Get off me you filthy Terran scum!" she shouted as she kicked him off and sprang to her feet.
She stood there sneering at him as her nails turned into long razor sharp claws. She licked her lips as she looked at Abel, like a cat staring down a cornered mouse before striking.
"I haven't tasted Terran blood in a long time... you will be quite the feats! My name is Linara by he way."
She lunged at him, yet somehow Abel managed to dodge as five razor sharp claws flashed inches from his face. Abel backed up, his legs still not wanting to cooperate with him fully. He staggered until his back hit one of the trees. Linara took that moment at hurled herself at Abel, the claws of her right hand sinking into the trunk of the tree as Abel tried to dodge, but her left hand hit home, driving into his shoulder, partially pinning him to the tree. Abel gasped hard as he cried out in pain.
"Weak Terran!" she spat at him. "You are a pathetic race... you are like cattle, just waiting to be slaughtered!"
Abel forced his eyes opened against the pain and looked at Linara. He was about to say something but stopped - there, on her chest, was the familiar red dot of a laser.
"Remove your hand from Father Abel. Step back and I will not have to shoot you."
Linara growled at Tres and sank her claws deeper into Abel's shoulder. Her head moved towards Abel's neck and Tres shifted his aim from her chest, to her head. A blur went by Tres, making Abel jump. He had heard about how fast Hugue was but he had never seen it. Linara only had enough to barely turn her head before it left her body. Hugue had sliced it clean off, not even getting a scratch on Abel, even though Linara was only inches from his body. Abel's mouth dropped open as he looked down his bloody' clothes to the decapitated body before him- the blood soaking into the ground. His eyes rolled back in his head as he fainted. Tres lowered his gun and picked up Abel, as if he weighed nothing and the three of them made their way back to the cabin.
Leon of course had stayed behind with Sasha when Tres alerted them of the other vampire's presence. When Tres had started off towards the river after Abel, Hugue was right there with him, ignoring Leon's words about staying and letting Tres handle it. Leon sprang to his feet as the door opened and he saw Tres walk in, carrying the limp Abel. Sasha scrambled off the bed as they walked over and laid Abel down, as gently as they could. Leon took quick assessment of the situation- Abel wasn't dead just injured. He relaxed a little- Abel had survived worst. As Sasha, who was after all a semi gifted healer started tending to Abel, Leon turned and looked at Hugue. The man's hands were covered in blood and he had that look on his face. Leon turned his head away, unable to look at Leon.
"Tres, what happened?"
"Father Abel was ambushed by a Methuselah. I was about to terminate her when Father Hugue intervened," Tres said simply as he stood at the foot of the bed.
Sasha looked up at Tres. "Why is he wet?"
"I got pushed into the water." Abel's voice was faint as he forced his eyes open and looked at Tres."I didn't fall in, if that's what you're thinking."
Abel closed his eyes again and Sasha let out a little giggle. She didn't think it was possible, but Tres had a look of total surprise on his face. Leon let out a snort of laughter and even Hugue had a slight smile on his face. Hugue watched Sasha as she tended to Abel. She was very gentle and seemed to genuinely care for the man. He was confused about Sasha.
Leon took a step closer to Hugue and said simply "Shes not a bad as you think Hugue, give her a chance."
Hugue and Leon looked at each other a minute. Hugue was about to say something when Sasha called out for Leon's help. Hugue watched from a distance as Sasha badgered Abel's shoulder with Leon's help.
"Departure has been delayed 24 hours," Tres said simply from his position at the wall.
"No.." Abel groaned as she tried to sit up. "We have to get going... we can't... we can't wait any long. It's getting too dangerous here."
Hugue remained silent, his mouth pressed into a thin line. Glancing down at his blood stained hands he went outside and back to the river. They had already disposed of the body so that was done. Kneeling at the edge of the river he washed his hands, scrubbing away the red stains. As he stood he stared at his hands and thought bitterly "I will never trust a Methuselah."
Abel fought against the hands that were holding him down. Leon bonked Abel on the head with his large fist, just hard enough to get his attention.
"Watch it, Abel! Sasha is trying to get you healed so we can get out of this place. The more you fight her, the longer it takes and the longer we have to stay here."
Abel fell back on the bed, resigned. Sasha finally finished cleaning and dressing his wound and Abel rolled off the bed.
"We have to get out of here. Where's there is one Methuselah, there's probably more."
Abel buttoned his shirt and went to get his cloak. He started throwing the others their cloaks in a kind of a frenzy. Sasha went up to Abel. She laid a hand on his shoulder and he turned around to face her. He had a haunted look in his eyes. Sasha looked into those blue-grey eyes and stared in wonder. There was such a mix of emotions visible in those eyes. She couldn't believe it but it was as if Abel, the Crusnik himself, was actually afraid. Gently she faced him and put both hands on his shoulders and looked at him,. her eyes looking into his.
"Father" she said softly "What are you afraid of?"
Abel was silent a moment and then he spoke, his voice and low and soft.
"I.. I'm afraid for you Sasha. I couldn't... bear it if anything... happened to you now."
The two looked at each other for a long moment.
"I cant stay here... I cant just sit here and wait for whatever is going to happen... I cant. Sasha please, you have to understand."
Sasha didn't know what drew her to this gentle man but she gave in to her feelings. She put her arms around him and hugged him, her head nestled into his chest. Abel didn't know if it was the experiences they shared that made him feel this way towards her, but he surprised himself by hugging her back. They stayed that way for a bit, just giving comfort to each other. Leon watched from the corner of the room, a small smile on his face. Tres's internal computer filed away new data on the couple. Leon pushed his body away from the wall and put his hand on Abel's shoulder.
"You two just can't stand here hugging all day. Let's get moving while we have daylight."
He patted Abel's shoulder and went to the bed, getting his leather jacket and shrugging it on. He went out to find Hugue to tell him they were leaving.
As Sasha and Abel gathered and packed up the few things they had to take with them, Leon headed down to the river, looking for Hugue. He smiled as he thought of Abel and Sasha. "lucky girl to have two guys looking out for her" he thought to himself. As Leon reached the river he saw Hugue standing by the edge just staring across the banks.
"Aye, Hugue! We are heading out. Abel and Tres are taking us back to Rome, back to the Vatican. We are heading out now."
Hugue didn't make any sign that he heard Leon.
"Hey Hugue, did you hear me?"
Leon walked closer and stood a few feet away. Hugue took a breath, still not looking at Leon.
"I suppose she is coming with us?" he spat out.
"If by she you mean Sasha then yes. Sasha is coming. She is the main reason Abel wants us to get to the safety of Rome as soon as we can."
"She is the reason..." Hugue turned and faced Leon, his eyes dark.
Leon's face darkened in anger. "She is the reason, what? Spill it, Hugue!" Leon grabbed the front of Hugue's cloak, bringing the blonde man closer to him. "I'm sick and tired of hearing you spout this shit about Sasha being a Methuselah!"
"She is the reason for your daughter's death."
Hugue spoke low, so low that at first, Leon thought he didn't hear him right. Sasha, responsible for Missa's death? That was impossible. Missa died over a year ago. But, no one knew where Sasha was a year ago, or how she felt about humans at that time. Leon dropped his grip on Hugue's cloak in shock. He stumbled backwards, away from Hugue and then turned and ran back to the cabin. Hugue almost hated himself as he watched Leon run… but if a little lie saved his life, it would be worth it.
Leon's vision was blurred as he ran up the small embankment and towards the cabin. He slowed to a walk as he got close. He saw Tres standing a little ways out, scanning the area before them as Abel was pulling on the cloak, Sasha helping him get his injured arm through the sleeve. Sasha... Leon stared at her as Hugue's voice echoed in his ears. "She is the reason for your daughter's death." Leon shook his head. Abel and Sasha looked up just then and saw him.
"Leon did you find Hugue?" "Yeah Abel... he's coming..."
Leon forced his feet to continue up the hill. He heard Hugue coming up behind him. He wouldn't let his eyes meet Sasha's as they started on their way. Tres took the lead of course, followed by Abel and Sasha, then Hugue and Leon brought up the rear. His mind was in turmoil he felt sick, dizzy, and confused. Sasha couldn't have been the one that killed Missa... there was no proof that Sasha hated Terrans- she was nice enough to them. And the letter had never said Missa was killed by vampires, just that she died in one of the attacks on the city she was in... "It wasn't Missa..." he thought as he bore holes into Hugue's back as they walked. Yet at the same time his mind kept asking him how he could be sure it wasnt Sasha.