(AN) AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hi again my loyal TBWC fan, another time to celebrate and get out the snakes chapter six is here (^. ^), I hope you all had fun either holiday. Be warned this chapter is a little more longer the last two so I hope you'll like and will enjoy reading. But before I sign off I have to say thanks to all whom have commented and faved this fan fiction, keep bringing in that commitment guys I do appreciate all of your support threw the last five chapters and now the sixth one. So with further or do read on my fellow readers here's chapter six ^^.

DISCLAIMER:All rights to Trinity Blood was created and © by late Yoshida Sunao, the anime directed by Tomohiro Hirata and produced by the studio GONZO, as well as a manga drawn by Yoshida Sunao's friend Kiyo Kyoujou. All © rights revered by their respective owners. I own nothing except © to this story, it's plot and it's OC's that will eventually show within later chapters.

Special thanks to one of my editors and co-partners in helping finally get this story off the ground and back burner dragonwriter24cmf check her own TB stories on which are awesome. Additional thanks to my second co-partner for also participating in helping with this story KinReynard check out her own TB story 'Devil His Due' whom I'm her beta for when possible. When one of my co-partners/editors are unable to continue the other will take over both are involved with this fan fiction as time goes on with it's updates. Currently right now dragonwriter24cmf is helping with the current chapters and drafts for the stories plot and outline.

Warning:This fan fiction is rated (M) AKA Lemon. This story is ABSOULTLY NOT suitable for children or teens below the age of 16 [So if you're under the age limit turn back now, come back when you old enough to read this. I'd rather not get flamed nor sued by parents whom are just looking for trouble in places their underage children should not be looking nor reading for that matter. This story contains strong explicit adult themes and sexual ones such slight foreplay - as in hand sex, one-sided yuri, bisexuality, Attempted Rape, Explicit Sex or anything else mild to hard core kinky for that matter!, references to violence, and strong coarse language. If this disturbs you, do not read any further.

Notice:Trinity Blood War Continuum takes place one month after the events from the anime's finale episode 24 along with some elements, characters and things that will be used and taken from both manga's Rage Against the Moons (RAM), Reborn on the Mars (ROM). In adttion to some spoilers from stories untold notes left by Yoshida Sunao which he intended to finish off the manga series supposedly. Basically 50/50 will be used on both the anime and manga to those whom are more familiar with manga then others will see this implants as the story develops. Trinity Blood is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Roman Catholic Church/the Vatican is portrayed as a military and spiritual power. The series also strongly implies major and controversial changes in the Church of present reality, such as women being bishops, cardinals as well as romantic relationships and marriages between members of the clergy. If this disturbs you of form or shapeof or on imagination then do not read this story.

Trinity Blood: War Continuum - Chapter Six: Midnight Conversations

Ion and Tres met her at the entrance to the house. In the light, Esther could see Ion's face was tense with concern. "Esther! What were you thinking?" He took her arms looking her over. "Are you all right? Father Nightroad…"

Esther shook her head. "It's all right. He's fine, just as you said he would be." She gave Ion a shaky smile. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me for a minute there."

"My Lady's readings suggest a state of possible shock." Tres spoke from the lower steps. His gaze turned to Ion. "It is advised that we escort Lady Esther away from the building, and provide a place for her to recover." Esther shook her head. "Thank you Father Tres, but I'm really feeling much better now." She swallowed back the lump in her throat. "Father Nightroad asked me to tell you he needs your assistance."

"Positive. I will attend Father Nightroad. Earl of Memphis, please maintain guard over Her Majesty."

"Of course I will." Ion nodded, and Tres went up the steps to vanish into the house. They both waited until Tres's footsteps died away, then Esther sighed and settled on the steps. Ion hesitated a moment, then joined her. "Esther?" She turned to look at him. "Father Nightroad…are you really all right?"

"Yes, of course." She smiled sadly. "I just…by the time I got there it was already over." She sighed. "I wish I could have helped him in some way." Ion sighed too. "I understand perfectly." He looked out over the grass. "He's…a very strange man to travel with, these days." They sat in the silence for a few more moments, but the quiet drove Esther to distraction. She kept thinking of the way Abel had turned from her, the odd pain and anger she'd heard in his voice. Her jaw tensed. She was just about to leap up and start pacing, when Ion spoke from beside her. "Esther."

"Yes?" She turned to look at him, and was surprised to find a shy smile on his face.

"Well, I just remembered, I heard that you were crowned Queen of Albion, and that you and Her Majesty Augusta have formed an alliance." He stepped off the stone steps, and bowed his head. "I wanted to offer you my formal congratulations." Despite her worries, Esther smiled. "Thank you." She looked ruefully down at her borrowed jacket and battered clothing. "I'm afraid I don't really look much like a queen right now though."

"Well, I don't know about that." Ion raised his head, his eyes warm and gentle. "I've always thought there was something special about you, you know." He sat back down. "When I heard you became Queen, I really wasn't that surprised at all. You just seem…suited for it." The statement, warm and endearing, tugged a smile onto Esther's face. "Thank you." She sighed, settling her chin on her knees. 'The truth is, I don't really feel like a queen some days. It's a very difficult task. I don't feel like I'm at all worthy of it."

"Don't be silly." Ion leaned forward and met her eyes with his own. "I think you'll be a wonderful Queen."

"Thank you, Your Excellency." Esther smiled, her heart eased by Ion's gentle kindness. They sat in silence for a few more moments, then Esther hesitantly gave voice to her own question. "How did you come to be traveling with Father Nightroad? Did the Empress send you?"

Ion shifted uncomfortably. "Well, no. Actually, I broke an Imperial Command. I'm fortunate that Her Imperial Highness granted me a pardon." He hesitated a moment. "When I heard he'd died…something inside me just couldn't sit still. I had to come here. And then…" He stopped a moment. "I want to find the Contra Mundi. He took Radu from me, assaulted our Empire, and took Father Nightroad's life. I will never forgive him for that. For any of it." His head turned to look into the depths of the house. "I don't know why, but he knows what's going on. So I decided I'd follow him. Till the end of time if I have to."

"I see." Esther wrapped her arms around her ribcage, feeling a cold chill pass through her. She'd heard of the Contra Mundi, the Enemy of the World, but now she had a face to put with the title. She shivered, remembering that too calm face, so like and unlike Abel's. Heavy footsteps sounded inside the house, interrupting her reverie. Seconds later, Tres appeared in the doorway. "Your Majesty. Earl of Memphis. Father Nightroad has ordered we return to the woods." His eyes turned to Ion. "We will reconvene there."

"Of course." Ion stood. "And Father Nightroad?"

"My lord will join us there, when he has finished his current work." Without another word, Tres stepped around Esther and off the stairs, heading straight for the wooded areas. Esther bit her lip and turned back, but Ion took her arm.

"It's best if we just go with Father Tres. He'll come soon. Besides…" Ion gave her an encouraging smile. "You already know he's all right."

"True." Esther felt a pang of regret. She wanted to help Abel, but the cold manner he'd rebuffed her earlier made her feel awkward. She sighed and followed the other two. Tres led them both to a small clearing about a quarter mile from the edge of the woods. He finally stopped and Ion stopped with him. "Father Tres, are we returning Esther to Londinium soon?"

"Negative. It is currently inadvisable. However, that is part of the matter Father Nightroad wishes to discuss."

"I see." Ion subsided. Fifteen minutes later, there was a soft scrape of shoes over leaves, and Abel entered the clearing. Ion stepped forward. "Father Tres said we aren't returning to Londinium."

"That's correct. When we contacted the Albion Royal Government, we were advised to stay away from the Palace for the time being. It appears there may be a spy within the Palace walls, and also the Underground." Abel's voice was impassive, and Esther couldn't see his face in the shadows of the trees. Though his next words addressed her, he didn't turn his face in her direction. "My apologies, Miss Esther, but I fear we won't be able to return you to your home as soon as I thought." His tone was neutral, and gave nothing away. Esther nodded, but her brain had frozen again. "A spy?"

"Positive." Tres's impassive voice answered her. "The Count of Manchester informed me that information was leaked about your disappearance from the Palace to the Underground. Also he and his associates have noticed unauthorized contacts from the computer terminals in the walls of Buckingham Palace, and in the upper levels of the Underground Facility. The Count of Manchester and Colonel Mary Spencer are currently tracking the perpetrator. However, they have requested that you remain in our custody for the time being."

"Then what are we going to do?" Ion shifted his weight in a restless movement. "Are we taking Esther with us?"

"Not precisely. The three of us will escort Her Majesty to Rome. We'll entrust her to the care of Cardinal Sforza. From there, the church will arrange for safe passage for her."

"I see. It sounds like a good plan." Ion turned to face her. "Do you think that will work, Esther?" Esther nodded, her mind still slowed by the weight of too many shocks. "I suppose it will."

"Understood. However, it is advised we acquire some alternative apparel for the lady." Tres spoke again. "Her current gear is insufficient for the journey you propose."

"Ah?" Abel turned his head. "I see. Of course." He considered, turning his head. "Londinium is about an hours march that way. But the shops won't be open at this hour." Esther spoke hesitantly. "If we could delay our journey, I could go and purchase something when the shops open."

"Negative. It was specifically requested that you be kept away." Abel sighed. "It's possible Ion could go. He's capable, and he should be all right."

"I could go." Ion turned. "If you'll tell me what you need Esther, I'll be happy to get something for you." Esther felt herself flush. She didn't mind getting fresh clothing, but the thought of asking Ion to buy her undergarments made her face heat. "Well, the shops won't be open until day. But even not considering that…I need everything, I'm afraid, except for my boots." She looked down. "I suppose my skirt is fine, but everything else is…" She stopped, unable to speak the words past the lump in her throat.

"Everything?" Ion's voice took on a doubtful tone. He sounded suddenly embarrassed. "Father Nightroad. Lady Esther does have a valid point. The shops will not open until morning. While the precautions you have taken will protect His Excellency from normal concerns, it will draw attention to his presence to be seeking clothing for a young woman."

"But then wouldn't both of you arouse the same suspicion?" Ion spoke up.

"Yes. I suppose so." There was another sigh from Abel. Esther saw his head tilt up, looking at the thin line of sky visible between the trees.

"Could we not return to the Underground?" Ion spoke again. "If we were there, then this wouldn't be a problem."

"Negative. Not only is returning to the Underground against Albion government requests, it is also ill-advised. Our last entrance to the facility was detected. Unless my lord wishes to break his decision to avoid notice…"

"No." Abel breathed the word. "I'm not ready for that." He sighed again. "Tres, you and Ion stay with Esther. Backtrack to where we left our supplies, and see if you can get some food for her, if she wants it. I'll return in about three hours." He turned, and began to walk away. Esther winced at the way he spoke as if she wasn't there. She stepped forward. "Father Nightroad, wait!" he stopped. "Please…what do you plan to do?"

"I will go acquire the things we need. You should stay and rest, and eat something to keep up your strength." He didn't turn around. "I'll return soon."

"But…how will you…" She stopped, wondering if she wanted to know, then slowly lowered her hand. "Thank you." He didn't respond, just disappeared into the trees.

"Your Highness." Tres spoke. "I would advise you to remain here with His Excellency. I will return with our supplies within a few minutes."

"Of course. Thank you, Father Tres." Esther settled back to the ground, pulling her knees to her chin. She was aware of Tres leaving, and of Ion standing beside her, but she couldn't muster the energy to do anything. All of a sudden, she felt simply too drained and limp to do anything more than sit there on the ground, listening to the night. Tres returned a few minutes later, carrying two sacks. Ion took them an opened one, and moments later, he knelt in front of her. "Here Esther. It isn't much, but this should help."

"Thank you." Esther took the food he held out for her. It was only travel biscuits, some dried meat and some cheese, but she hadn't eaten for hours. She bit into the food, and Ion handed her a flask of cool water to wash it down. Esther swallowed it with gratitude, only then noticing how sore her throat was. Ion waited patiently until she finished, then handed her a napkin. "So Esther, do you feel a little better now?"

"Yes, I do." She still felt shaky, but with food in her system, she was no longer feeling light-headed, and there was a little more strength in her body. She gave him a tired, rueful smile. "I'm sorry, but…it's been a difficult evening."

"I imagine it has. Being trapped with those brigands." Ion settled beside her. "I'm sorry we didn't arrive sooner, but I'm glad Father Nightroad was able to stop them." His eyes drifted briefly over her. "They didn't hurt you, did they Esther?"

"No. But…" she subsided, the memories crowding into her mind. She didn't want to talk about it just yet. To her relief, Ion didn't press her. He simply sat beside her, offering his quiet companionship. His warm presence eased her fears. The sky was beginning to lighten when they heard the quiet tramp of shoes through the underbrush, and then Abel appeared. He had two packages in his arms. The first, he extended to Ion. "I've replenished our supplies. This should be enough to last us for a little while." Ion nodded, and took the bundle. Abel held out the other, bulkier sack to Esther. "I managed to get you some clothing. I'm afraid they're not the best, and I had to guess at the size, but they should do." His voice was as emotionless as before, and he wasn't quite looking at her, but the generosity of the gesture eased it somewhat. Esther took the bag and looked inside. He'd gotten her a spare skirt, three shirts and a pair of leggings. At the very bottom of the bag she discovered three sets of undergarments. She blushed again, but managed to look back up at him. "Thank you."

He didn't respond for a moment. When he spoke, his voice was soft. "You should change. I'd like to leave this area soon, while there's still a little time before true dawn."

"Oh. Of course." She stood, then looked back at the garments in her arms. "Father, if you don't mind my asking, how did you get these? The stores still aren't open." He sighed. "I left the money on the counter." He turned away, but she understood him well enough. Ion looked up, curiosity in his eyes. "Father Nightroad, you didn't…you didn't do anything illegal, did you?"

Abel sighed again. "I picked the lock on one used clothing store. However, I assure you, I left adequate money both for the clothing and for the inconvenience. And as for the food, there was a late night grocer willing to sell me a few items." He turned away. Ion nodded. Esther bit her lip. She knew she shouldn't condone that sort of thing, not in her capital city, but…he had done it for her. She sighed. "Thank you Father." Then she slipped into the trees on the other side of the clearing to change. The clothing was a bit loose, but it fit well enough, and it was a relief to remove the knotted reminders of her nights ordeal. Ten minutes later, she was dressed in new clean clothing, wearing the pants and shirt. She folded the borrowed jacket from Ion, and then carefully picked up the loose over-jacket Abel had given her. She put everything else into the sack, then walked back to the clearing. She handed Ion his coat. "Thank you for the loan, Your Excellency."

"You're welcome. And Esther…" Ion waited till she looked at him. "Please, call me by my name. I mean, technically, you're higher ranked than I am now. But I…I'd like it if you called me by name."

"Of course. Thank you Ion." She smiled, then turned and strode to the silent figure, standing just within the trees. She held out the garment. 'Thank you Father, for lending this to me." He stood silent for a moment, then reached out and slowly took it from her. "You're welcome." He straightened, and slipped it across his shoulders. "If you're ready, we should be leaving now." Esther nodded. "Yes. I'm ready." Ten minutes later, they were walking away from Londinium. Abel was in the lead, a tall silent presence moving ahead of them. Tres was following behind, and Ion walked beside her. Esther looked at the brightening sky, and then turned a concerned look at the young man walking beside her. "Shouldn't you be finding shelter soon? Dawn is coming."

Ion smiled. "It's all right. When I began journeying with Father Nightroad, I received permission to use this." He held up a small bottle. "The serum inside helps protect me from the sun. And Cardinal Sforza was also kind enough to supply me with some anti-UV gel, so I'm really quite safe." Esther returned his smile with one of relief. "That's good. I was really worried about it." She looked at the tall figure striding ahead of them. "So, when do you stop to rest?"

"Whenever we need to." Ion shrugged. "Sometimes we don't move much at all. Sometimes, we'll walk for two days at a time. It really depends on him." His gaze followed hers.

"I see." Esther frowned. Ion caught her expression. "Esther, is something wrong?"

"Well, it's just…" She hesitated. She wasn't sure if Abel had shared the circumstances of his death. "I'm just afraid he might be angry with me."

"I don't think so." Ion considered Abel's back. "He's always like this right after a fight. Especially if he's found something." He gave her a reassuring look. "You should talk to him again after a few days have passed."

"Thank you. I'll do that." Esther gently squeezed his hand in thanks, and then turned her concentration to her steps. The journey was a relatively smooth one. They stopped every few hours to eat and rest their feet. Abel ate, but he was usually off somewhere, scouting or simply standing on his own. When they stopped to rest, Esther often fell asleep while he was still awake, and woke to find him in the same position. She wanted to ask him how he was, but he was still withdrawn. He spoke to her sometimes, and he was courteous enough, but the warmth and camaraderie he had once extended was missing from his tone, and his expression showed nothing of his feelings. Ion, on the other hand, was often beside her. The two of them spoke of various things, of Esther's life adjusting to her new status, of the Empire, and other things. Ion was still fascinated by sunlight. It had been years since he'd made the transition to a Methuselah state, and the renewed experience was a wonder to him. His gentleness and kindness eased the discomfort of Abel's aloofness.

A day and a half after their meeting, they took a cargo ship from Albion to Rome. It was a smallish affair, but it was quiet, and not heavily populated. Esther stood on deck a while, then went in search of Tres. He was standing at the railing. Though he didn't turn when she approached, he did speak. "Lady Esther."

"Father Tres." She stepped up beside him, and leaned on the railing. "I was wondering…if it's important to get to the Vatican, aren't there easier ways?"

"To what do you refer?"

"Well, there are airships that travel directly between Albion and Rome. Or we could have asked Sister Kate to take us, couldn't we?"

"Negative. The Iron Maiden is currently assigned to the Vatican, as part of the guard for Lady Caterina and His Holiness. As for acquiring tickets for an airship…" The android paused. "At the moment, our highest priority is maintaining a low profile. It is not possible to do so onboard a small enclosed craft. Furthermore, this group does not have the monetary resources necessary to provide such transport."

"I see thank you for explaining it to me." She wanted to ask him about Abel, but recalled his answer last time. He would only tell her to speak to Father Nightroad directly. So she remained silent, staring out at the moonlit ocean as is drifted by. The fifth night of their journey, Esther dropped off to sleep, only to wake hours later from the nightmare of her capture. She sat bolt upright in her blankets, one hand clamped over her mouth to stifle her sobs. After a moment, she got herself under control and looked around her. Ion was sprawled nearby, sound asleep. It seemed strange to see him sleeping during the night hours, but then, they were all resting irregularly these days. She looked around, but Father Tres was nowhere to be seen. He was probably patrolling a wide circle of the camp. She looked around again, and this time spotted the tall, silver-haired figure standing a little ways off. They'd camped this evening in an open area, and Abel's figure showed up easily in the light of the double moons.

Esther studied the moonlit figure, her mind torn by indecision. She wanted to speak to him, she needed to speak to him, but she was afraid of his reaction. As much as his current coldness bothered her, she was more afraid of his open rejection. She looked at her hands, remembering how she'd prayed for just one chance to apologize to him. There wasn't likely to be a better chance than this. After a moment, she rose, gathering a blanket around her against the cool night air. Abel didn't turn at her approach, but as she came to stand beside him, his soft voice reached her ears. "Miss Esther. You should be resting."

"I know." She fumbled awkwardly with the blanket. "It's just…I couldn't sleep, and when I saw you standing here…" She trailed off, the tried again. "Anyway, shouldn't you be resting too, Father? I mean, Father Tres is on patrol so…"

"I'm all right." His voice was quiet, and as usual, gave nothing away. Esther bit her lip. He was still shutting her out. She felt hot tears in her eyes, and blinked them away. After all she couldn't blame him. She looked up at the silent man beside her, and the words slipped out before she could stop them. "I'm sorry."

"Miss Esther?" he turned his face slightly toward her, and she caught the faintest note of surprise in his voice. Esther looked up into his face, trying to draw her dignity around her. This was hard enough, and she didn't want to make it harder by crying in front of him. "I'm sorry for disturbing you, Father, but there was something I felt I needed to tell you."

"Yes?" Abel's voice was mild, but there was an undercurrent to that single word that she couldn't quite identify. He sounded slightly upset. Esther clenched her teeth, feeling near-despair. Though she'd wanted to make it a calm, dignified apology, the words broke forth in a torrent, with all the concern, and sorrow and pain of the past four months compressed into her voice. "I'm so sorry, Father." Her fists clenched, and her head bowed. "I know you hate me for what I've done to you. Because I disobeyed you, because I came back underground…that man killed you. I know…I know you'll probably never forgive me for that, for the terrible thing I've done, but I wanted you to know…I am so sorry, Father." She swallowed back the hot tears, the lump in her throat. "I just wanted to tell you that." She bowed, and turned away. "I'll…leave you alone now."

She turned to leave, but a gentle hand touched her shoulder. "Esther, wait." She turned back to find him looking directly at her. "Yes, Father?"

"Esther…I don't hate you. And I don't blame you for…for my death." He stumbled over the words slightly. "It's wasn't your fault."

"Don't lie to me. I saw…I saw what happened. You hesitated because of me. And that man…" Her voice was shaking, and she tried to steady it. "That man…he killed you." She closed her eyes against the tears that wouldn't stay away. "And then… in that chapel…you rose up, but it looked so…so hard on you." Abel sighed. "It's true…the regeneration was difficult. However, Miss Esther…" He stopped, and reached out again, one gentle finger brushing her cheek. "You shouldn't blame yourself. It truly wasn't your fault. I…that man…" he halted for a moment. "To tell the truth, I'm not sure I could have touched him, even if you hadn't been there. And as for my regeneration…" He stopped again. Then to her surprise, he bowed his head. "Thank you, Miss Esther. For protecting me from him. If you hadn't…I'm not sure what would have happened. Thank you…for protecting my body."

"But Father…" She looked at him, tears falling almost unnoticed. "I couldn't do anything to save you…" She remembered the familiar face, darkened to midnight with the lightning marking his frame. "I couldn't even help you after…"

"It's all right. You did enough. Truly." his voice was gentle now, the comforting voice she knew and remembered. He paused. "You didn't really think I hated you, did you?" There was genuine distress in his voice.

"I thought you were angry with me." She bit her lip, hurt and anger warring in her heart. "Why Father? Why didn't you contact me? You obviously spoke with Caterina, and Seth said you talked to her. And why have you barely spoken to me the last few days, if you weren't angry?"

"Ah." He paused for a moment. His words were soft when he spoke again. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I upset you, Esther. But I am not angry. I simply…" He stopped. "Then why?" Esther looked at him. The silver head bowed and, when he answered, his voice was laced with pain. "Well, I suppose it's because…it's because I am ashamed." That was the last answer she'd expected. In the light of the moon, she could see the tension in his frame, the anguish in the lines of his face. "Father? What could you possibly have to be ashamed of?"

"I am…ashamed…to have you see me like that." His voice was tight, agonized. After a moment, he spoke again, and his tone was the one she remembered following the incident in Carthage, where she had seen him lose control over his powers. "To have placed you in danger, trying to protect me from him…I did not want that. And then…to have you see me like that…to see me so transformed…" He stopped, and looked away from her. She reached out, and laid a gentle hand on his arm. "I've told you before Father, I'm not afraid of you. I was afraid for you but…"

"You don't understand. It wasn't…that wasn't the same. The regeneration required me to…to give my body completely to them." He stopped. "I…when I rose from that coffin…I was barely even there. The transformation stripped me of everything…including my humanity." His voice was low and rough with pain, and in the moonlight, she could see the tension in his body. "That's why…that's why I was ashamed, when I realized you had seen me like that. That's why I didn't want to face you. And then, when you saw me there…in that room, after what I did to those men…" His eyes came up slowly to meet hers, and there was anguish in them.

"It's all right Father." She gave him a small, comforting smile, and tightened her grip gently on his arm. "You did save me after all." She looked away. "If you hadn't come just then…"

"I was tracking a lead on Rosenkreutz." He sighed, but she saw him relax slightly.

"It doesn't matter. I'm just glad you were there." She looked into his eyes. For a moment, something struck her as odd, and then she blinked and glanced down at his hands. He was standing with them both partially underneath his over-cloak, but they were bare, and in the light she could see the back of his right hand, pale and unmarked. "Those marks…they've vanished."

"Yes. They fade after a while." She heard the sudden renewed tension in his voice, and looked back at him. "If you don't mind my asking, Father…what were they? I've never seen them before." She saw his shoulders tighten, but he answered her. "A reminder." He looked at one hand. "Those marks are…the sign of the price that was paid for my return. The reminder of my greatest sin." Esther winced at the pain in his tone, so close to despair. "I'm sorry, Father. I didn't mean to distress you." She wondered what he meant, but she didn't want to press him any further, not just now.

"It's all right." He turned to face her, and she caught the flash of his sad, gentle smile. He stood in silence for a moment. "I'm sorry I gave you the wrong impression, Miss Esther. I hope…I hope you feel better now."

"Yes. I do. Thank you Father." She smiled. To her relief, she saw him relax a little.

"Good. You should go get some rest." He turned back to the star-lit sky. "We'll probably start moving again in a few hours."

"All right, Father. Good night." She smiled at him one more time, then returned to her blankets. She was asleep within minutes. A few days later, the lights of Rome came into sight. Esther gave a smile of relief. "It seems like we're almost there." Ion nodded. "It's a very impressive city." he surveyed it. "It's rather like Byzantium in a lot of ways. The Vatican reminds me a little of the Imperial Palace, with the rest of the capital spread out around it." Esther considered it. "You're right. It does." She turned to look at Abel and Tres, speaking together a little way off. "I wonder what they're discussing."

"Probably the best way to get into the city." Ion looked thoughtful.

"Well, I suppose it wouldn't work too well for us to simply walk up to the Vatican." Esther smiled ruefully. A moment later, Abel came back to stand beside them. To Esther's surprise, Tres turned and headed for Rome. She started to ask what was going on, but he spoke first. "Tres will go tell Caterina we're here. From there we can arrange for a safe way to get you into the city. If all else fails, Tres can escort you into the Vatican."

"Aren't we going into the city, Father?" Esther looked at him in surprise. "No." He shook his head. "It's not safe for me or Ion to do so. The Earl of Memphis is a Methuselah and might arouse suspicion, particularly since he was an envoy, and has been seen before. And I…well, most of the church considers me deceased." He shook his head again. "We'll stay out here. There's a place we can go." He turned and walked away. A few minutes walk led them to a section of tumbled down ruins. Esther watched him, looking around the area. She turned to Ion. "Do you know what he's looking for?"

"No. he mentioned once that he had a place to stay here, but I've never been." On stopped as Abel paused, then gestured both of them to his side. Esther and Ion joined him, standing on a circular design, in the midst of cleared rubble. He gestured them closer. "Stay close, and brace yourselves." Then he knelt and pressed one bare hand against a section of the stone. There was a sudden groan. Then the edges of the design pulled back, to reveal a deep pit below them. There was another rumble, and the entire circle began to descend. Esther gasped, and would have fallen if Ion hadn't caught her hand, his quicker reactions allowing him to catch his balance faster. Abel straightened as the disc fell, his face impassive. They stopped about twenty feet down. Esther looked up at the hole above them, then at the room around her. It was a circular space, with several doors opening into it. Columns supported the ceiling. The whole place carried a feel of dust and age. She turned to look at the silver-haired man standing quietly beside her. "Father Nightroad, where are we?"

"The ancient catacombs." He sighed, then stepped off the platform. "This place pre-dates Armageddon. But there's a place down this way where we can rest, and where Caterina will come to meet us." He stopped and lit an electric light, which he handed to Esther, then continued on. Ion and Esther looked at each other for a moment, then followed behind him. The passageway he led them down was a fairly straight one, and smooth. Looking at the floor, Esther could see where countless footsteps had worn away the stone. Finally, after about ten minutes, Abel paused by a door. He pushed it open with one hand, and studied the interior for a moment, then nodded. "There's still some blankets. You can rest here." Esther stepped forward and shone the light through the door, to see a pile of neatly folded blankets. A sound made her turn to see Abel moving away. She reached out and caught the back of his robe. "Father, where are you going?"

He sighed. "There's something I need to look into."

"May we come with you?" Esther looked up into his face. She could hear the sadness in his voice and it worried her. He looked into her eyes for a moment, then sighed again. "If you must." Without another word, he broke from her and turned away, walking down the passageway. Esther and Ion shared another look, then followed him. The room they entered was similar to the one they'd begun in. By the time Ion and Esther entered the room, Abel was already on the dais. But unlike the other room, this dais wasn't empty. The center of the chamber held a large crystal and metal structure. It looked a little like a ship, but it was far too small, and the design was nothing Esther had ever seen. She hesitated a moment, then walked up to the dais and looked in the opening behind the glass. Her heart caught in her throat.

A beautiful woman lay there. Long red hair coiled back from around her face, down across her shoulders and her arms. Her skin was a dark brown, a vivid yet beautiful contrast to the sunset hair. She was clad simply in flowing robes, with a high golden collar around her neck. Her hands rested on her chest, and her eyes were closed. Her slender frame was relaxed, still. She looked peaceful, like a statue. It reminded Esther of the story she'd once heard, about the princess asleep in the casket until a prince kissed her awake. She let out a soft breath. "Father…who is she?"

"Her name is Lilith." His voice was quiet, but there was so much agony in it that Esther felt as if she would weep just from his words. She turned, and saw that all the pain in his voice could barely convey the anguish on his face. His expression was so tortured it was as if his pain had surpassed even the ability to be expressed in tears. Esther reached out. "Oh Father…" She turned back to look at the woman who lay there. "Was she…is she someone you know?"

"Yes." The word seemed dragged from him.

"I'm sorry." She looked at the odd chamber again. A coffin, she realized. "What happened?" There was no answer. Instead Abel moved past her, and knelt at the side of the casket. His hand brushed a circular opening in one side, and the pain in his face increased. He looked as if someone was ripping his heart from his chest by centimeters. His eyes closed, but the lines of strain didn't disappear. Esther moved forward to lay a hand on his shoulder, and felt the shudder that racked through the thin frame. "Father Nightroad?"

"She was killed by the Contra Mundi. Trying to help me." His hand clenched, and his head bowed. "Oh. I'm sorry Father." She wanted to comfort him, but she didn't know what to say. The grief in his words was far deeper than any she'd ever encountered. She left her hand on his shoulder for a few moments, trying to convey comfort, then moved away to join Ion. The young noble was standing in the doorway still. As Esther joined him, he looked at her, but he didn't speak. They stood together in silence, respecting the obvious mourning of the man before them. Esther had no idea how long they stood there, but finally Abel rose from his knees. There was still pain in his stance, and in his face, but it seemed to have eased a little. He sighed. "I will wait here until Caterina comes. However, if the two of you wish to return to the other rooms to rest, you should do so." His voice was controlled, almost business-like. Esther sensed he was withdrawing from them again, but there was nothing to do about it.

She shook her head. "I think I'd prefer to remain here, Father, if that's all right."

"It's fine." He didn't look at her, didn't say anything more. She wanted to ask him about the woman in the coffin, but somehow, looking into that quiet, haunted gaze, she couldn't bear to. She stood quiet, considering.

This woman, Lilith, she was someone important to him. Someone he holds dear. And that man, the one who…who killed him. He was the Contra Mundi, and yet…Father Nightroad called him by name. Cain. And he called the Father…that man called him Abel. He said they were originally one person. Like they were related. She shuddered, remembering that face, so much like Abel's, save for the blond hair and the oddness of his eyes. He was a Crusnik as well. I don't understand. How…how did they know each other? And this woman…did she know both of them? She looked again at the man standing to the side. Father…what happened to you?

She was startled from her thoughts as Ion straightened. "Someone's coming." Esther straightened. One hand tightened on her gun, just in case. Moments later, she relaxed as a familiar figure emerged from the shadows of the doorway. "Lady Caterina."

"Your Majesty. Esther. I'm glad to see you've been brought here safely." Her gaze flickered over the other members of the party. "Earl of Memphis. I trust you've been doing well. And the precautions we gave you are working satisfactorily?"

Ion nodded. "I'm doing very well, thank you." Caterina's gaze slid to Abel. Something like sadness flashed through her gaze. "And you Abel? Have you been doing well?"

"I'm fine." Abel's voice was low. "Where's Tres? You shouldn't have come here without an escort."

"Tres is on patrol outside. I asked him to wait there. Besides, he and Kate are discussing the best way to return Esther home, and Kate's signals can't reach down here." Caterina sighed, then looked up into her former subordinates face. "I couldn't bring anyone else, you know that. Quite aside from your request, a larger group makes it difficult to leave the Vatican quietly."

"Indeed. And here I was wondering why a Cardinal would be leaving at all, this time of night." All of them whirled at the voice that emerged from the shadowed doorway. As a tall armored figure emerged into the light of the chamber, Abel stiffened.

"Brother Petros." Abel's face was tight.

"Indeed." The man's eyes drifted over the group, his face set in a scowl. "Quite an interesting group. I have one Cardinal, one queen who is meant to be in Albion, one Methuselah and…" His eyes drifted to Abel, and his grip on his staff tightened. "One man who is supposed to be dead." His eyes dark gaze locked with the blue eyes of the man before him. "I think it's high time I received an explanation. Unless of course you'd all like to be dragged into interrogation." Caterina glared at him. "How did you pass Tres?"

Petros smiled, a predatory look. "It's not that hard. I simply left a distraction for him, and slipped in after he left." His gaze transferred back to Abel. "Now then…" There was a sudden shift of movement. Before anyone could react, he was before Abel. He seized the other man's robes. "You owe me an explanation." Abel sighed. "Yes. I suppose I do. Perhaps you'd care to step aside with me?" he saw the scowl on the Inquisitors face. "Please. I'm willing to answer your questions, as much as I can, but I'd rather not…I'd prefer this be a private discussion."

"Very well." Petros scowled, then stomped to the far side of the room and settled on a broken pillar. He still held his staff with one hand. Abel sighed again. "Lady Caterina, if you could please watch Miss Esther. Ion, would you please go make sure we have no more uninvited guests. And Lady Esther…" He transferred his gaze to her. "Please, remain here." They nodded. Abel sighed, then moved across the room. Petros watched impassively as Abel moved to stand before him. The silver-haired priest stopped a foot away. "Well, Brother Petros?"

"This is impossible." Petros scowled. "I carried your body from that room myself. What dark sorcery did you use to be able to stand before me now? Or was your death some sort of trick?"

"No. it was no trick." Abel's hand reached up to grasp the front of his robes above his chest, unconsciously covering the place where, four months prior, Petros had seen the fatal wound. "I…I did die. But as I recall, you…" He stopped, and his voice was a mere whisper when he spoke again. "Brother Petros, you've seen it, have you not? My…other form?"

"I witnessed your transformation in Carthage, yes."

"There was a way to revive me, using the powers I have from that other form." Abel's voice was low, and Petros saw the distress in his face. "Caterina…she used that…she used something from here to restore me." His eyes shifted, to the coffin in the middle of the room. "A friend of mine…Caterina used her last legacy to reawaken my body, in the hopes that I would be able to regain my mind afterward."

"I see." Petros let his eyes roved over Abel's breast, where he still clutched his robes. "In Carthage, you survived far more serious injuries than that."

"I know." Abel's voice was ragged. "But that man…" His eyes came up to meet Petros. "That man…he was the Contra Mundi, the leader of Rosenkreutz. And he…he has powers like mine." His head bowed again. "I can't…I can't tell you all the details, but that man is like me. And I…I let my guard down, for just a moment. Long enough, for him to give me that wound. Wounds from someone else with our powers are different."

"And why did you not return to the Vatican? It is your sacred duty as a priest." Petros scowled at him. "Have you abandoned your oath to God?"

"No. I haven't." Abel straightened. "However…I have to stop him. I must find him and prevent him from doing any more harm. Besides…" A bitter smile crossed his face. "Did you not say that you yourself verified my death? I can't imagine that the Church would take it lightly if I simply returned to life. Likely, Caterina and I would both be interrogated and tried as heretics. The Cardinal di Medici…is not particularly tolerant of such things."

"I see." Petros tilted his head. He sensed Abel hiding something from him. "What is it you aren't telling me?"

"I…" Abel stopped. Then something settled in his eyes. He met Petros's stare. "To be revived like that…is troubling. And I am not sure of my control over myself as of yet. I do not wish to risk anyone, anymore than I must." He hesitated. "That man…I can't explain to you why but…I must go after him. No matter what is demanded of me…even if he kills me again. You have no idea what he's done, what he's capable of. I do. I have to stop him."

"Then you regard this as a personal mission from God? And you intend to fulfill it?" Petros held that solemn blue gaze. "Yes." There was no hesitation in Abel's gaze, "Very well. I understand. I will hold you to that promise, Abel Nightroad." Petros stood, so their eyes were level. "I understand." Abel kept his gaze locked with Petros. "I would like to ask you…please, don't tell anyone else about me. I don't…it's better for the time being if they don't know. Better for all of us."

Petros growled. But he understood. Abel was right. There would be an uproar if a man thought to be four months dead were to reappear. If he reported Abel's presence, there would either be an immediate mission launched to capture the other man, or Petros would find himself locked in a room while they tried to ascertain his sanity. "I will not speak of it." He sighed. "Some of Paula's men spotted you a few weeks ago. I will do my best to misdirect her, but you'd better watch yourself."

"I know. Thank you." Abel bowed. "Don't mistake me Nightroad." Petros' hand shot out and seized the front of his robes, pulling him close. "I'm doing this because I know what it is to have a personal mission from the Lord. And because I agree that it is better for the Church. But…" He gave Abel a dark smile. "You'd better not fail, Nightroad, or you will answer to me." Abel merely met his gaze calmly. Petros flushed and released the other man. "As long as we understand each other." Abel nodded, and a small smile touched his face. "Yes. I think we understand each other fairly well, Brother Petros." He bowed. "Thank you."

Across the room, Esther watched Abel speaking with the Inquisitor. She wanted to defend Father Nightroad, but she had no idea what to say. "Don't worry." Esther started, and looked into Caterina's face. The older woman looked calm. She wasn't relaxed, not by any means, but she didn't look particularly worried. She caught Esther's concerned expression and smiled slightly. "I'm fairly certain that if Petros really wanted to take him in, he'd have already tried. And I assure you, even if Abel does get arrested, I will do everything in my power to protect him."

"I'm aware of that. It's just…he was so adamant about not being discovered…" She stopped. "Lady Caterina…you knew, didn't you?" she bit her lip, sudden hurt rushing to the surface. "When I asked you, you knew where he was. You told me Father Tres was looking for him, but really, Father Tres has been with him all along."

"Yes." Caterina sighed. "I apologize for lying to you. I would have preferred to answer you honestly, but I promised Abel that I wouldn't speak of him to anyone. It was the only way he would allow me to send Tres with him." She sighed again. "It was difficult even to get that much. I was afraid he'd disappear, and never return."

"I see." Put that way, she could see the logic in Caterina's actions. She hesitated then spoke up again. "Lady Caterina…I was wondering if you could tell me something."

"Well, you might as well ask, but I can't promise I'll be able to answer you."

"It's just…about Father Nightroad. That man…I was wondering if you knew anything about him. Or about…about her." Her eyes went to the coffin. "She seems to be very important to him, but I was afraid to ask. I mean, he was in so much pain when he first came here…I was wondering if you knew what had happened, who she was."

"Ah yes." Caterina's eyes followed hers. "Lilith. The Nia Sancta."

"The Dark Holy Woman?" Esther stared at her, eyes wide. "But…she lived during the great wars." She stopped, remembering what Seth had told her. "Then Father Nightroad…"

"Is far older than he appears." Caterina's face was sad. "And she is…was…perhaps the only woman Abel ever truly loved."

"He loved her?"

"Yes." Caterina's voice was quiet. "He's only told me a little, but I know that much. He…" She smiled, a sad, nostalgic smile. "When I first found him, it was here. And he was still mourning her. Still weeping after nine hundred years."

"He's mourned her for that long?" Esther turned to look at the man still speaking to the Inquisitor on the far side of the room. "He loved her that much?" She couldn't imagine it, a love so deep that it could cause him so much pain after that long. "I see." She hesitated a moment, then spoke again. "He told me that the Contra Mundi killed her, but…that man, the one who killed him…."

"That was the Contra Mundi as well." Caterina's face had gone hard.

"I thought so. It's just…he said…he said he and Father Nightroad were…" She stopped. "The way he spoke to him, and about him, it was as if they knew each other."

"Yes. Abel told me about that." Caterina sighed. "His brother."

"I don't understand. How did all of this happen? Especially to someone like Father Nightroad." Esther looked again at the tall figure on the other side of the room. "How could this…"

"You'll have to ask Abel. He's never told me the whole story. And right now…I'm afraid he's not speaking much to me."

"I thought…I thought he seemed a little odd. Is it because he doesn't want to come back?"

Caterina shook her head. "More the other way around. He doesn't want to come back because of the rift between us." She sighed. "Lilith was like Abel. When he died, I took her Crusnik and gave it to him, to revive him. I'm afraid he hasn't forgiven me for that." Esther winced. She understood what Caterina meant, but she had an urge to comfort the other woman. "I think that perhaps Father Nightroad is still shaken up by what happened. But he might not really be angry at all. I mean…I thought he was very angry with me, because I was there when he died. I thought he blamed me for causing his death. But when I spoke to him…he said it wasn't that at all."

"Generous as ever." Caterina smiled. "I suppose I'll simply have to wait and see." Movement made both of them look at the two men, just in time to see Petros jerk Abel roughly forward. Esther gasped, but a second later, the Inquisitor released the other man. Abel bowed, and then both men turned and approached the women. Caterina eyed the two before her. "I trust you two have ironed things out?"

"Yes. For the moment." Abel spoke softly. "I've explained things to Brother Petros, and he's agreed to keep my…condition…a secret for now."

"I see. Then that simply leaves the question of Esther." Caterina frowned. "She needs to return to Albion as soon as possible, but we can't leave her unprotected." She grimaced. "Unfortunately, the AX department is spread a little thin."

"As is the Inquisitorial department. Between investigating Rosenkreutz and protecting his Holiness and various officials, we're short-staffed." Petros frowned, then folded his arms and leaned against a nearby column. "Well then. The first thing is to get her inside the Vatican." Caterina's eyes narrowed. "My original purpose in coming here was to get Her Majesty. I assume, Brother Petros, that you'd be willing to claim you escorted me?"

"Yes."

"And Tres can also claim that. However, that leaves the question of who brought Esther here, and why they didn't just bring her to the Vatican doors." Caterina groaned and put her hand to her forehead. "Brother is sure to ask." She sighed, then looked at Abel, standing quietly nearby. "Are you sure you won't consider returning to the AX, Abel? This would be a great deal easier if you were to claim you rescued her on your way to return to Rome."

"I can't do that, Caterina. You know why." Abel's dark gaze met her own. "Cardinal di Medici would never stand for it. Not after my death was verified in Albion."

"I suppose you're right. But I still hope that one day you will consider returning." Caterina held his gaze. Abel looked away first. "I don't know. I…still don't know. I'm asking you to accept that for now."

"As you wish. I'll simply report that it was an anonymous friend. Francesco will now I'm hiding something, but it's the best we can do. However, Esther, if you don't mind, I'd like too maintain protection of you after we return you to Albion."

"Yes. It would help." Esther sighed. "I know my advisors are trying their best but…I would be relieved, if they had help. I…worry about them." A wry grin quirked Caterina's mouth. "I know what you mean." She considered. "I can send Tres with you. However…" She turned to face Abel. "I'd like it if you would accompany Esther back to Albion as well, and keep watch over her." Abel stared at her. "Caterina…"

"I know what your mission is. However, Esther needs more protection than she has." She stepped forward. "Right now, Esther seems to be the Order's primary target. The chances of your gaining information on them if you remain with her are extremely high." Abel stiffened, and went pale. "I will not use her as bait, for my own ends." Caterina's voice sharpened. "Do you really think so little of me, that you think I'd suggest such a thing? It merely occurred to me that, since she's already a target, your purpose might be better served at her side. Besides, you can protect her better than any other. You know that Abel." Abel's voice was soft. "And if it's me…that she needs to be protected from?"

"I don't believe that. Not of you, Abel. I trust you." Caterina put a hand on his shoulder, and Abel flinched. "You've had four months. Can you not trust yourself, even a little? Can you not trust me, to know you?"

Abel stared at her for a long moment. Then he took a deep breath, and released it slowly. "Perhaps you're right." He shook his head again. "I apologize, Caterina, for what I said a moment ago. I…hope you understand that I didn't…" He stopped. Then he took her hand gently away from him, and stepped forward to face Esther. He bowed. "Your Majesty, if you are willing, I will return with you to Albion, to help protect you."

"Of course. I'll be glad to have you with me." Esther smiled. "But please Father, I'd like it if you would call me by name. It seems strange to hear you call me Majesty."

"Very well, Miss Esther." He bowed his head again. A quick sad smile touched his face. "You should probably go with Lady Caterina and Brother Petros now. I'll see you when we get ready to depart." He bowed to the three of them, and then turned without another word and strode from the room. Esther looked after him for a moment. "Until then, Father Nightroad."