A/N: Good readers of FF, your forgiveness I implore for not updating faster than I had wished, but still, it took me a while to come up with this. However, thanks to Manga volume IV and Sith Lady Darth Stitch-sama's Fanfic "Beautiful Disaster," I figured it out. This chapter presents a certain blonde Cardinal form Milan, a Holographic Maiden and a Genius with which we are all too well acquainted. So please give a warm welcome to Cardinal Caterina Sforza, Sister Kate and the Professor! (Sorry, I just can't stop doing that. (Facepalms))

Chapter V: Politics and Memories
Some holy angel
Fly to the court of England and unfold
His message ere he come, that of a swift blessing
May soon return to this hour of our suffering country
Under a hand accursed!
-William Shakespeare, Macbeth Act III, Scene IV

Darkness descended upon the city like a velvet blanket. The major source of light emanated from the sky, from far off stars and lurid haze of the Vampire's Moon. However, the most prominent light emanated from the lights of God's Most High Church, the Vatican, proving to the world that even though vampires haunt the darkness, the Light of God will outshine them and prove victorious.

In a simply furnished office of beige alabaster, where floor to ceiling windows were adorned with silk curtains, upon a velveted chair behind a desk of hand carved mahogany sat a woman garbed in the highest Cardinal robes of Vatican Office. One sky blue eye was hidden behind a golden-rimmed monocle while her hair, a curled golden waterfall that fell down to her waist, framed her beautiful face.

Cardinal Caterina Sforza, the Duchess of Milan, Chief Minister of the Vatican's Holy Ministry of State and head of the Arcanum Cella ex Dono Dei (1), in short the AX, was currently sipping at a chamomile, lemon grass and peppermint tea, held in a cup of crystalline glass and gold upon a saucer of the whitest porcelain. Just a few minutes ago, she had just returned from a rather taxing meeting in which her elder brother -Cardinal Francesco di Medici, the Duke of Florence, Chief Minister of Doctrine and General Commander of the Department of the Inquisition- had engaged in yet another verbal war, with the topic being, as always, the now public peace treaty between the Vatican and the Empire, known now as the Accords. Fortunately, the College of Cardinals sided with Cardinal Sforza in the rather boisterous argument, leaving Cardinal di Medici scowling as the heated debate ended.

Caterina herself had dreamed of the day when her work for diplomacy and peace could be made openly. She was not only grateful to God for giving her younger brother, His Holiness Pope Alessandro XVIII, the strength to stand up to Francesco -which was no easy feat- but also for Queen Esther Blanchett of Albion, one of her former colleagues and friends. Caterina would be eternally grateful to Esther, not only in terms of politics, but in a far more personal matter concerning a certain silver haired man that had been with her since childhood. It wasn't uncommon for Caterina and Francesco to butt heads, not only in the Vatican's meeting hall -the Room of the Archangel (2)-, but also in the relations between the Vatican's own departments, namely the Inquisition and the AX, especially when it concerned not only domestic policy with fellow human states, but also in the diplomatic relations with the Empire in the East, the Tzara Methuselute, where vampires dwelt and reigned supreme.

"Lady Caterina!"

Suddenly, before the Cardinal was a woman with azure eyes which complimented her wheat blonde hair. A black beauty mark decorated the corner of her left eye. Her pure white nun's habit, with a cyan lining, was slightly puffed out in the skirt and sleeves. However, an unusual fact about this nun was that she hovered slightly above the floor and her body was nearly see-through.

Sister Kate Scott, Captain of the Vatican battleship Iron Maiden II, was not only one of Cardinal Sforza's personal secretaries, but also one of Caterina's closest friends. Even though her body was currently in a coma, through the holographic system that was hooked up to her mind, she was still an amazing asset. However, her communication wasn't only limited to the holographic system. Through special earpieces, a lost technology that was of incredible use, Sister Kate could not only speak to Cardinal Caterina, but to the rest of the AX as well and they to her. Just recently, Sister Kate had heard a voice that she thought she would never hear again.

"Yes, Sister Kate, what's the matter?" asked Caterina.

"It's him. Former AX Agent, Crusnik, Father Abel Nightroad."

"What?" There was an edge of surprise in her voice; however, due to years of experience; she managed to control herself, thus her alias of the "Woman of Steel."

"He has asked to make contact with you," Sister Kate stated

Caterina was shocked. Abel? He was back? Was he returning to the AX? Yet one question rose up out the river that flowed in her mind, why? Why would he return?

"Very well. Bring him up."

†

"You wanted to see me? Your Eminence?" a priest asked while sucking the tip of a sea foam colored pipe, a gift from the Cardinal in question.

"I thank you, William, I hope my summons wasn't an inconvenience for you," replied Caterina.

"Relax. This saves me a whole hour of grading university papers. I'm not too sure whether or not I'll be able to tolerate another go of 'how to' recipes. Really, students nowadays," the priest stated while shaking his head.

"That's fine, Professor."

Father William Walter Wordsworth, commonly known as the Professor, was also one of Caterina's closest comrades, having known her for over ten, no... fifteen years now. Father Wordsworth not only worked in the AX, but also had teaching credentials at the University of Rome. However, he preferred working in the AX over teaching "bothersome" students. His short brown hair was parted just over his sea green eyes and his black cassock would have resembled more of a seminarian uniform, if it weren't for the cloak that decorated his shoulders. In his hand, he held a silver cane, one of William's spectacular inventions. The wrinkles on his visage disguised a sharp mind. Just because he was brilliant; however, it didn't necessarily mean he was smart in a practical sense.

"Is it true what Sister Kate told me, that an old friend of ours is now back in the AX?" William asked.

"Indeed, I just spoke with him. He has asked to renew his AX membership after these two long years."

"I still can't believe how two years could feel like two lifetimes, Your Grace," he sighed. "I guess without Abel… everything feels as if time just slowed down until he returns," he then took a drag from his pipe.

For over the past few months after the Accords were signed by the Empire representative, Astharoshe Asran the Duchess of Kiev and Viscountess of Odessa, Cardinal Sforza, Pope Alessandro XVIII and Queen Esther I, things have been in complete disarray mostly because of Cardinal Francesco and a certain few of the Inquisition. Fortunately for Caterina, Brother Petros's- the Chief Bureau Director of the Inquisitorial Department- loyalty to the Pope far exceeded his loyalties to her half-brother. When the Pope had made known that his desire was to make peace with the Empire, the Head Inquisitor dared not question his authority and silenced all those who would. Now that the tide had turned in favor of Caterina, it was Francesco's turn to hide his ambitions in the shadows.

Every so often the Chief Minister of Doctrine would try to stage a conflict with vampires, using those who were loyal to him in the Inquisitorial Department -Sister Paula, Brother Matthias, and Brother Philippo, to name a few- in an effort to prove to the Holy See that the Accords should be demolished. His desire was to start their crusades against the "inhuman monsters" again to prove to the world that the Vatican was indeed a mighty force stronger than a whole nation of non humans. If the peace treaty failed, not only would the world suffer under another Terran-Methuselah conflict of Post-Armageddon days, Caterina would not only loose her political power as a Cardinal, but also her life. Fortunately, the AX often thwarted these attempts and peace resumed. Unfortunately, Francesco was beginning to get desperate and his endeavors were getting out of hand.

"If Abel Nightroad, one of the strongest agents in the AX, returned at this time, it would be a great benefit to the agency," he observed.

"I suppose it will," she sighed, "when he actually gets here."

It seemed the only way to stop the Duke of Florence was present solid proof to the College of Cardinals of his illegal political abuses and the crimes of sedition for going against the doctrine of the Pope. As Minister of Doctrine, Francesco was supposed to be upholding the doctrines of the church when in truth he only believed that when people went against his doctrines, and not those of the Pope, they were committing the heinous crime of "heresy" and he had acted accordingly.

William cocked an eyebrow, watching the smoke trail lazily, upward from his pipe. "He's not actually back yet?"

"He said he had unfinished business in Albion."

"Albion?" William smirked. "Shall I speculate on the nature of this unfinished business? I cannot tell you outright without violating the seal of the confessional."

"I'm not requiring you break any vows, William. It's not hard to guess the source of his unfinished business, just the exact nature of it."

In spite of herself, Caterina's mind drifted towards speculation of whether Abel's reasons were political, personal or both. She frequently found herself in the same position. Even now, with the Accords signed and sealed, Caterina had expected her rash, violent and militaristic half-brother to start an outright rebellion, or to split with the Church, but strangely enough, he hadn't done any such thing. Maybe it was because of a certain Cardinal (3), who had been recently accepted into the Holy See, due the resigning of the former Minister of Public Relations.

"It would be a good time for him to return. I suspect that new cardinal will not keep your brother at bay indefinitely," William stated after taking another lengthy draw of his pipe.

"You never cease to surprise me with your seeming ability to read my mind," Caterina remarked mildly.

Ever since he arrived, this Cardinal had changed everything within the Vatican. The Cardinal had a strange charisma that seemed to have put fear into the hearts of those around him, including Francesco. It was the Cardinal who had accepted Caterina's ideas for peace between the Empire and the Vatican and even suggested to Caterina that she make her negotiations public and to call upon Albion for the signing of the Accords. The moment the Duke of Florence was about express his outrage over the idea of humans making peace with those "hell-spawned demons" -as Cardinal di Medici colorfully phrased it- the Cardinal just walked to him and told him; "There are worse things the Vatican should fear…more than 'vampires,'" and Francesco had stopped mid-rant. Whatever power the Cardinal had employed to silence the Chief Minister of Doctrine was indeed bewildering.

"What do you think about our new Cardinal?" William queried. "He certainly made quite the impression with Cardinal Francesco..." the Professor finished with a chuckle.

"Yes, indeed," Caterina laughed softly as well. "He also seems to have made quite the impression on Alec as well."

The Cardinal was indeed rather popular with the young Pope. His Holiness Alessandro XVIII looked up to him for his self-confidence, a quality the young Pope lacked and surely needed to acquire.

"He has been our ally, for the moment," William observed.

"For the moment," she agreed.

However, the subject of the Cardinal being an idol to His Holiness or their current ally wasn't Caterina's top priority at the moment. Right now, the subject concerned a man she viewed in every aspect as a brother to her, except in blood. When she first met him, at the age of fourteen, she saw him weeping over what appeared to be a casket made of metal and crystal, within she saw what appeared to be a woman with exotic skin and vivid strands of red hair. Though she was on the run from vampire assassins, Caterina couldn't help but stop and stare. She had asked him for his help and then they appeared. He told her to run and suddenly great black wings unfurled from his back. At the time, Caterina thought he was the black angel the Nia Sancta would send to those who prayed for her protection. In many ways, Caterina still felt that way.

"You seem unusually distracted this evening," Father Wordsworth concluded, "for one with such a sharp mind."

"I guess I am tired," the Cardinal admitted. "Not that it changes anything."

The death of her mother, the late Duchess of Milan, Lucrezia Sforza, was still weighed heavily upon her. The grief she felt left a hole in her heart that was still present, both emotionally and physically -the result of chronic heart disease- but she managed to keep these weaknesses hidden as much as possible. Fortunately for her, Father Václav Havel, AX agent Know Faith, protected her secrets and protected the only means of expressing her pain that she permitted herself.

"Of course, Your Grace. However, there are some issues I am currently facing because of your elder brother. Just before Abel called, Cardinal di Medici called me out of the blue for a private meeting."

Caterina raised her eyebrows as she asked: "What did he want?"

"He wanted to know certain information regarding the events in Albion two years ago, concerning a certain agent who went MIA for the longest period of time."

There was a hint of urgency in Caterina's voice. "What did you tell him?"

"Well…" He took another slow drag and exhaled the smoke. "I only told him what was in the official reports. After all for some reason when Abel... left this world for a period of time, Brother Petros informed Francesco Abel was MIA, even though he saw first hand that he was... gone. Whatever prompted him to tell this white lie... I can only thank God that it spared us the future trouble of trying to fabricate a way in which we could convince the College of Cardinals Abel was well... resurrected. However, the way he looked at me... He knew I was hiding something…" he trailed off; for once the Professor was out of words, not from dumbfoundedness, but from nervousness.

This in turn caused Caterina to be spooked. The only one who could intimidate William that badly was Sister Kate. However, that was only when she was mad at him when his inventions failed and nearly caused damage to the Iron Maiden II's radar systems. "Did you tell him...?" She feared of what he would say next.

The Professor finally recovered his wits, "No. Fortunately, I held my ground. But Caterina, if this keeps up, eventually information is going to leak, and if worse come to worst, and the clergy find out about Abel's abilites, we could be put to trial for, not only for heresy, but witchcraft. Should this happen... After all... it will mean your end as well," William concluded.

"I know. But we must make sure that the knowledge of his power is limited only to members of the AX and to Her Majesty, the Albian Queen. After all, she was one of us and, in some ways, she still is."

"Wait... has Her Majesty met the new Cardinal? I can't really remember."

"Yes. She has. I could tell he left an impression on her on that day. She wasn't afraid of him like the rest of them were, though she was slightly intimidated."

Like I was when I first met him, Caterina thought to herself, saving that comment for Father Havel later.

"May I ask, Your Grace. Has Her Majesty... ever gotten over... ?" William asked, concerned. He knew what kind of feelings were forming between the silver haired priest and the former nun, while they were still in the AX. However the both of them were blinded to the point they didn't recognize their feelings for each other, though the redhead seemed to have slightly noticed. Then that day happened when Abel, Leon, Petros, Paula and himself had descended into the Ghetto in an attempt to rescue Esther and the Pope. The Professor had seen her as she was caught in the snare of grief when Abel was killed and he also saw her mourning day and night for him, until called to duty to defend the city of Londinium from that ancient warship.

"No. I can tell she still hasn't fully recovered after that happened, two years ago." Caterina replied, casting her eyes down to the wood grains. "Now mind she has been a wonderful ruler in my eyes, but every time I see her, there is a hint of grief and guilt in her eyes, and her smile is empty... I know."

"Yes. I saw it too, when she came here for the Accords." He waited until Caterina was looking him in the face again. "Have you ever told her that Abel is still alive?" he asked.

"No."

William eyes turned as wide as saucers, as he rounded on the Milanese woman. "Caterina, why didn't you tell the poor girl-"

Before Father Wordsworth could chide her for that, Cardinal Sforza cut him off.

"Right before Abel resigned, he ordered me specifically to not let her know. He said, he didn't want her involved the fight between him and the Contra Mundi."

"Then why is he returning to Albion if he doesn't want-?" William gasped. "Unless…"

"Unless what, William?" Caterina asked.

"I should have seen this... this was too obvious…"

"Unless what, William?" Caterina repeated with a little more force.

"Unless... the Contra Mundi has now targeted, Her Majesty the Queen."

"What?" Caterina nearly lost it.

"Think of it. Abel doesn't want Her Majesty involved in this, but if somehow the Contra Mundi found out about his feelings for her... then... she could be the perfect bait... My Lady, do you understand?"

Caterina took a, sharp, indrawn breath. "So Abel is trying to get to Her Majesty before he makes his move. But why now? Why didn't he attack when the Accords were being signed?"

"Your Grace, what is two days from now?" William asked.

"November the Fifth (5)." Caterina's eyes then went wide. "The Queen is supposed to attend Parliament that day. Not only that, the House of Lords and the House of Commons would be present. It would be a perfect day to strike."

"But there's more. That day has historical meaning to the Albian people. Your Grace, have you ever heard the rhyme; 'Remember, remember/ The Fifth of November/ The gunpowder treason and plot/ I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason/ Should ever be forgot?'"

Cardinal Sforza understood immediately what that meant. One thousand, four hundred and sixty years ago, a man by the name of Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up Parliament to stop the continuation of Protestantism in the name of the Church -during that time the Vatican was nothing more than a group of corrupt old men vying for power. Fortunately, the Crown Authority caught him and executed him the following year. He failed, but the Contra Mundi might not.

"If that is the reason he is returning, he is going to need backup," William concluded..

"Yes. Fortunately, the Count of Memphis is with him as well. However, I am sending Sword Dancer to him."

"Sword Dancer? Wouldn't Gunslinger be the more appropriate candidate? After all, what if he puts his own personal vendetta over the assigned mission?"

"Gunslinger is still currently on a mission. If I call him away now, Marie de Guise will become suspicious. And if Sword Dancer abandons his post, then I will bring in Gunslinger."

"Marie de Guise, the President of the Francian Rebublic? Why are you having Father Tres spy on her?"

"That isn't a concern at the moment, William. Right now, our priority is the safety of the Queen," Caterina declared.

"Hmm. I see, Your Grace. However, if circumstances warrant it, then... for them... he will probably activate the Crusnik, regardless of the secondary consequences. But from what I've observed... That's the kind of man he is."

Caterina could help but flash back to that day.

Sitting at the base of a dead oak, in a star-filled night when the Vampire's Moon was glowing its dark, lurid shade, the young Caterina had finally allowed herself to cry her unshed tears for her lost family. Suddenly, the Angel had appeared before her. Blood had stained his pure, white robe, his handsome face and the silver strands of his hair.

"Who- Who are you?" she had asked.

The Angel smiled, his winter-like eyes glowing with compassion for the young girl. "Someone who has come to save the lives of humans. I am here to help you." He stretched out his hand, palm up, before her.

Caterina had hesitated, only for a minute, then placed her small hand in his own.

Caterina smiled at the memory. "That's true. Abel will... protect humans." She then raised her head and addressed the Professor. "You are dismissed, Father Wordsworth."

William bowed and said "Thank you, your Grace," and left.

Caterina looked at her empty teacup. She then recalled her meeting with Abel, long before she asked for William's presence.

†

After Sister Kate relayed her message and signed off, a blue-tinged, see-through version of Caterina's closest friend appeared before her; however, no smile adorned his face, the visage before her was grim and sorrowful, and it showed intensely in his glacier-blue eyes.

"Good evening, Your Eminence." he said in a tone that matched his mood.

"It's wonderful to see you again Father Nightroad. What happened? Are you hurt? Do you have-" Before Caterina could ask her questions, Abel cut her off.

"I cannot reveal anything at this time, Your Eminence, forgive me… but I have pressing issues at the moment. I made contact with you so I can humbly ask for my AX reinstatement."

"You wish to return to the AX? Why? Did you find-" he cut the Cardinal off again.

"I wish I could tell you everything Caterina, but at this present time, I must get to Albion."

"Albion? Why are you-"

"I have no time Caterina, please, I'm begging you, as your friend. Please, there is so much at stake, it could mean the final conflict between the Terrans and the Methuselah, the Humans and Vampires. I humbly ask you, Your Eminence, Cardinal Sforza, to please reinstate my AX membership."

The Chief Minister of State sighed, then looked him in the eye, "Very well. I, Cardinal Caterina Sforza, Duchess of Milan, Chief Minister of the Holy Ministry of State and head of the Arcanum Cella ex Dono Dei grant formal reinstatement to Father Abel Nightroad, Codename: Crusnik."

"Thank you, Caterina, I'll contact you the moment I get my matters settled in Albion." and he vanished as the projector turned off with a small beep.

†

Caterina set down the teacup, stood up slowly, then turned and walked to face the floor-to-ceiling windows. The Cardinal looked up at the Vampire's Moon, as the silver cresset moon darkened. The lurid shade reminded her of a certain redheaded girl who was one of her best subordinates. That the former nun, now a Queen, was one of Cardinal Sforza's closest comrades.

Caterina recalled when she first met her, when Abel had brought her to Rome from István, Hungaria. Right when she saw the novice and the priest together in this very office during Esther's formal instatement in to the AX, Caterina saw the bond between the two, before they even realized it themselves. She placed her gloved hand upon the windowpane and whispered to herself;

"I knew… even then… how precious she was to him…"

She remembered the words of the Professor and Abel's urgent request.

"Abel… in your absence… did you finally realize your feelings…?"

As soon as the thought entered into her mind, Caterina recalled exactly who was targeting Her Majesty, the Queen. If they recognize their feelings for each other, so much greater would be the danger they were in.

"Personal affection is a luxury you can have until after all your enemies are eliminated. Until then, everyone you love is a hostage, sapping your courage and corrupting your judgment. (6)"

Those words of one of her favorite authors of pre-Armageddon literature came back to Caterina's memory. If Abel lost Esther, no doubt he would go insane with guilt and grief, and if Esther lost Abel, once more, the hole in her empty heart would never be healed.

"My God… Please don't let anything happen to them… Please." Caterina's hand then tightened into a fist as a small bit of moisture began to creep from the corner of her closed eyes and spill over her cheek.

Next Chapter: The Streets of Old Londinium
Avert not, thine eyes.

(1) The Manga stated the translation of this Latin phrase was the "Vatican Special Services Annex," and the Novels stated it was "Papal State Affairs Special Operations Section," but the actual phrase means "Secret Chamber in Virtue of the Gift of God."

(2) Room of the Archangel, commonly known as the Vatican's meeting hall, as seen in episodes I, III-IV, and IX-X. I got this little bit of info from the booklets that came with the TB box set and a bit of my own research, as well.

(3) This certain Cardinal plays an important role in Book IV, keep your eyes open, for all those who are fans of a beautiful poison or fans of his unrevealed name, you would know who he is. ;)

(4) November the Fifth, Guy Fawkes/ Bonfire Night. As stated in the text. However, the people of Britain/ U.K. would celebrate by means of lighting bonfires, fireworks, dressing up in costumes and stuffed straw life-size dolls of Guy Fawkes that they would hang or put on display with a sign "Penny for the Guy." In short, that night is the U.K. version of America's Halloween. I looked up all this info from many resources and from one of my favorite movies: V for Vendetta, which inspired the very first chapter of this Fanfiction. ;)

(5) Quoted from Orson Scott Card's Empire.

A/N: A/N: Sorry this took me so long to update, but I had my hands full. Darth Tyronnius Shoelaces was in Tampa for a test and I just joined an Animation Club project at C.A.R.D. and OMG the guys there were SO nice. (Squee.) I thank all of you guys for your witty remarks and for inspiration; I'll have to find a way to fit all of you in my dedication. Oy vey!

Originally I adored the Caterina of the Anime, and I practically looked up to her strong will and her beliefs… However, all that changed when I began to read the Manga… She still held her iron will but her Machiavellian ways really irked my chain. Then in the Lady Saint Arc when she prevented Abel from saving Esther and then going behind Abel's back, lying to his face and ordering Esther to be killed and then still lying to Abel's face after the debacle was over… I lost all respect for that adaptation of her and I even called her a b-. (Which is VERY VERY rare for me.) After that I talked with Jedi Skysinger about which version to use… she said to stick with Anime Caterina, even she didn't like that other version her. So I stuck with Anime Caterina, and if many don't like this idea feel free to complain, but DO NOT flame.

Well... I couldn't find any quotes in my resources about memories except in songs, then I decided to stick to the quote I had planned out for this FF chapter. I thought it was unprofessional if my opening quote was a song lyric. Can someone please tell me otherwise, I'd greatly appreciate that.

Note: The day I uploaded this chapter was on November the Fifth aka Bonfire/ Guy Fawkes Night. ;)

Mysteriously yours,

ObsidianEmpress