Trinity Blood: War Continuum

by smcandy

Taking place one month after the anime's finale from Ep. 24 with additional materials from the manga. A/E main pairing to semi major love triangle or more with one-sided love.

9. Nine: Abel's Return

(AN) AUTHOR'S NOTES: OK here's chapter nine is here ^^ one chapter away from my eighteen special chapters with the scenarios that will start after this one. Meaning we are coming very close to favourite parts within TBWC thus far and it all happens within the next update. I also want to say thanks to the many readers and reviewers whom gave helpful and constructive advice for improving my wordings. I'll see to it at a later time to improve but as I said before about this form the beginning of TBWC I cannot please everything with every minor detail or mistake I make or it would take even longer to get the chapters uploaded and sent to me. Thanks guys for all of your support I very happy to always hear from your comments and emails about this story only thirty-one chapters left to go. So without further delay I bring you chapter nine enjoy and watch for chapter ten to be posted ASAP.

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. 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 addition 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 shape of or on imagination then do not read this story.

Trinity Blood: War Continuum - Chapter Nine: Abel's Return

Half an hour later, a knock sounded on the door. Mary tightened her grip on her sword, then opened it a crack. A second later she stepped back, allowing Virgil, Paula and Leon to enter the room. All three of them were smudged with ash, and stained with gore. Virgil had a long shallow cut on one cheek, and his jacket was missing. Leon had some slashes across the midriff, but none of them seemed too much the worse for wear. Paula wasn't scratched at all, but that wasn't really surprising.

Virgil made his way straight to her. "Your Majesty. The Ghetto has been secured, and appears not to have been infiltrated at this time. Between our new security measures and Vanessa's patrols, I believe it to be fairly safe. As to the Palace…" He sighed. "There is, of course, some damage to the interior. It will probably take several days for all of the walls to be patched up and the furnishings replaced. However, it appears the structure itself took no damage. The Palace is perfectly sound."

"I see. And what of our plans for the formalization of our treaty?"

Virgil frowned. "We may need an extra day to make sure the area is cleaned up. And rather than the main reception room, we may need to find an alternate location within the Palace. However, we will not need more than one day's delay, Your Majesty."

"Well, that's fine." Seth grinned. "I don't have a problem with a delay of one day. I'll make sure to call the Empire and let my subordinates know."

"Indeed. I'll let the Vatican know when I make my report later, tomorrow or this evening." Caterina sighed. "And now, if you don't mind, I'd like to go clean up and relax for the remainder of the evening."

"Of course." Esther could understand the feeling, in fact, she seconded it. She could feel the grime on her face and clothing, and the first thing she wanted was a hot bath, and a soothing cup of tea. She was just turning to ask Virgil if he could send for a maid when movement distracted her.

Father Leon was staring at Abel. The silver-haired priest was leaning against the wall, on the far side of the room from Astha. Since his transformation, he hadn't approached the blond Methuselah, nor had she approached him. He hadn't even looked in her direction. The marks upon his hands and face were fading, but still visible. As Caterina turned to leave the room, Leon broke away from the doorway.

"Hey, Father Four-Eyes, that really you?"

Abel started and jerked his eyes guiltily up to Leon's. "Hello, Father Leon."

"Hey, now what kind of greeting is that?" Leon stopped in front of him, a wolfish smirk on his face. He held out a hand.

Abel stared at him for a moment, then reached out to take it. Leon clasped his hand, then suddenly, he jerked the other man forward and punched him. Abel gasped and doubled over. Leon jerked him upright. "What the hell is going on? You're supposed to be dead." His eyes were hard, and a little angry. "I saw your body in that underground room myself, damn it. For the last six months, I've been busting my ass, trying to take care of things in your place, and now you just show up? What the hell is going on?" He released Abel's collar again, then stood over him as the silver-haired priest staggered backward to lean against the wall. "Exactly how long have you been running around?"

"I…well…actually…" Abel pushed himself slowly upright, one arm wrapped around his stomach. "Actually, I…Caterina revived me two days after I fell. It's rather a long story, but…"

Leon seized him again. "You've been okay all this time? Why didn't I hear about that?" The anger that had been slowly fading out of the dark eyes returned, in full force.

"Well…I…I asked Caterina not to tell anyone. I didn't…I couldn't…I'm sorry Leon. I just couldn't tell you." Abel's eyes were apologetic.

"You bastard. All this time I was…you son of a…" Leon cursed, then abruptly threw Abel backward across the room. He staggered backward, then crashed to the floor with a gasp. There was a dull thud as his head hit the floor, and he winced.

Astha pushed away from her wall and walked over to the man lying on the floor. Her eyes were opaque, but something in the way she was walking made Esther tense inside. She stopped, standing over Abel's prone form.

"Hello, tovarish."

Abel blinked hazily up at her. "Miss Astha…good evening." He looked away from her eyes. "I well…I suppose it's a little late…but…" He stammered to a halt as she extended a hand to him. "Thank you."

Astha hauled him up from the floor. Then, quick as lightning, she turned and slammed him into the wall, pinning him by his collar. Abel gasped, as the air left his lungs. His head cracked against the wall, and he winced again, involuntary tears in his eyes. He blinked at the woman holding him. "Astha?"

Her voice was low and rough when she spoke, her eyes dark with anger, and with hurt. "Mind telling me what the hell is going on? What happened? I heard that you were dead in Londinium six months ago. And then…what the hell did you do? I saw you…your appearance earlier. What the hell were you doing, Nightroad?"

"Ah well, that's really a rather long story. Lady Caterina had me revived but…well, I'm afraid a lot of things happened. I'd rather not go into them all at the moment." Abel shrugged, a sheepish look on his face. "And as for what you saw earlier…well…" The faint smile died.

"Enough." Astha cut him off impatiently, tightening her grip on his collar. Her eyes bored into his, and when she spoke again, the anger in her voice was overlaid with hurt. "For the past six months I mourned you. I thought…I thought I had lost my second tovarish. I grieved for your passing. I don't know if you can even comprehend how I felt. And now…I find you were alive the whole time. And you never bothered to contact me." Her grip tightened again. Abel made a strangled noise as the twisting collar cut off his airway.

"I thought we were partners. I thought you trusted me." She stared at him a moment more, then dropped him to the floor. Abel collapsed, gasping.

Leon moved over to her. He'd been watching the whole scene from his position across the room. Now he stopped by her side. "You know this guy?"

"I thought I did, once." Astha turned away.

"Hmmph. Well, it sounds like you're as pissed at him as I am." Leon jerked a thumb at Abel, who was struggling to stand up, one hand still pressed to his throat. "You know, whenever I get irritated at this bastard, I just punch him." He grinned, then caught Abel by one shoulder. "Normally, Four Eyes, I'd even consider giving you a fighting chance. But you've gone and upset a pretty lady, and I just can't have that." His grin widened dangerously as he cocked a fist.

"What?" Abel's eyes widened. "Leon, wait a moment!" He ducked as the other man took a swing at him. "Wait a moment! It's not what you think! Really!"

"Isn't it?" Astha caught him by the collar. "Then how would you explain it?" Her eyes were hot with temper. "You left us in the dark. Even though we were partners, even though you know what that meant to me…I think he's got the right idea." She threw him backward, a step, then backhanded him, hard. Abel staggered backward, his eyes watering. "I'd say you deserve whatever you get, priest. And I'm rather inclined to help him give it to you." Abel crashed into the wall, with Astha and Leon shoulder to shoulder in front of him.

Caterina had stopped and turned to watch. Esther moved with Seth to stand beside her, watching with wide eyes. "Shouldn't we stop them?"

Caterina raised one eyebrow. "And exactly how would we do that?" She sighed. "The truth is, those two have every right to be upset with him. It's probably better if we simply let them work it out themselves."

Seth stretched. "Personally, I'm inclined to simply watch." She turned her face to Esther. "You don't have to worry. It's not like either of them will really hurt him. Besides, I rather think it will do Abel some good." She sighed. "He's a good man, but Abel needs to learn that there are people who worry about him. He's much too inclined to sacrifice himself, or to disappear when he thinks he's in trouble. He needs to learn that there are people who worry for him, who don't want to be left behind." Her voice was melancholy. "Really, I suppose it's too much to hope he'll figure it out just from this but…maybe he'll learn a little something."

Caterina nodded. "A wise point."

"Oh. I see." Esther considered. When it was put like that, she could understand why neither of the others felt like doing anything. She found herself recalling all the times when Abel had left her behind, the anger and helplessness she'd felt. "You're right."

Caterina sighed. "If he survives this, we'll have to decide what to do with him tomorrow. It's obvious he can't continue working the way he has, especially not if he's protecting you. But I vote we save that discussion for later, when we're all a little clearer headed."

"Yes of course." Esther nodded.

Abel ducked as Leon threw another punch at him. "Really! Both of you…it's not…really, this isn't necessary. I can explain…" His words were muffled by the hand over his face, trying to staunch the blood trickling from a split lip and a bloody nose. His other hand was pressed to the back of his head, which hurt. Abel blinked, trying to remember how many times he'd encountered a wall or the floor in the past five minutes.

"Nah. You're wrong about that." Leon caught one shoulder and gave him a wolf's grin. "It really is necessary. See, this makes me feel a whole lot better." Abel tried to break away, but he wasn't fast enough. Leon's punch hit him in the gut, doubling him over and knocking him to the floor. He looked up to see Astha's face, bearing an identical grin.

Astha hauled him up by the collar. "He's right, priest. I do feel better." She clenched both fists into his collar and jerked him closer. "And don't think I'm letting you off the hook this lightly." The grin dropped into a glare. "You should be glad I don't want to mess up Her Majesty's Palace, or I might consider going after you with my spear."

"Astha, wait a moment. I really can explain…" Abel held up his hands.

"I already gave you that chance." Astha hit him upside the head again, sending him staggering right into Leon's grip.

Abel gasped, shaking his head, then ducked sideways, just in time. Leon took another swing at him. He dodged. "Really, you two…it isn't…"

"It isn't what?" Astha seized him and shoved him backward into a wall once again, tangling his collar in a choke-hold as she pinned him. "You keep saying that, but I don't think I've heard one convincing explanation yet."

"Astha. Please, let me go." Abel gasped. With her grip as tight as it was, he couldn't breathe. "Astha…" Something changed in his eyes, concern and fear suddenly replacing the befuddled, dazed look he had. "Astha…"

Leon moved up beside her. "Hey, if you choke him unconscious, it's not gonna be as much fun. Besides, he keeps babbling all this nonsense. Maybe we oughta let him talk for a minute…" He grinned and cracked his knuckles. "I'm actually kinda curious to see what kind of lame excuse he can come up with. Usually, he just gives me another reason to smack him for being an idiot."

Astha considered, then dropped Abel. The silver-haired man fell to the ground, coughing. "Start talking."

Abel gasped. He clenched one hand over his mouth, his other hand tightened into a fist. Slowly, he pushed himself upward, and staggered dizzily sideways, until his shoulders could lean against the wall. He stood there, his head down, breathing heavily.

"Hey. I thought you were going to explain, priest." Astha reached out to grab his shoulder, but Abel knocked her hand aside, then jerked away. He stumbled sideways, until he crashed into a corner. He stood there with his back to them, still breathing hard. Astha blinked. This wasn't Abel's normal behavior at all. "Hey…"

"Both of you stop. Please, just stop it." Abel spoke quietly, but there was a hint of desperation in his tone. "Please…I just…I need a minute."

"What the hell's going on?" Leon blinked at Abel's back. "Come on Four Eyes, you can't tell me you're out already."

"It's…I'll be all right." Abel sighed, then turned, leaning his back against the wall. "I'm sorry. I just…I was afraid I was going to lose control for a minute." He sighed again. Then his eyes opened and met Astha's. He offered her a tired and rather hazy smile. "I'm sorry."

"Whatever. I'm still waiting for an explanation. Why the hell didn't you contact me?" Astha folded her arms.

"Because I…well I simply couldn't face you." Abel sighed. "You said to me earlier, that you thought I trusted you. And I do."

"Obviously not." The pain was back Astha's voice. She started to turn away.

"That's not true. Astha…" Abel reached forward, caught her sleeve in one hand. She stopped, but didn't face him. "Please, hear me out. I…it's not that I don't trust you. It's…it's me I don't trust."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I…you said, you saw me earlier. That form…what you saw…that power allowed me to be revived." Abel's voice was quiet. He released her, and his head bowed. "But it's not…it's not fully stable, yet. I can't…I can't be sure of my control. And I can't…I can't always control it. That's why…that's why I couldn't contact you. I was afraid. I didn't want you to see…I didn't want to risk having you see me, not like that."

"Why? Were you afraid I'd run?" Astha jerked him upright.

"No." Abel looked into her eyes, and his own were filled with regret and pain. "I was afraid you wouldn't…and that I would unintentionally hurt you." He looked away. "I'm…Astha, I'm sorry I hurt you so badly. But I couldn't take a chance…not with that." A sad smile touched his face. "I suppose it seems like a hollow excuse but…it's the truth. Please, believe me, I didn't want to hurt you. And I…regret this. But I…" He sighed again. "You may not believe me, and I don't blame you, but I…I truly did want to remain as your partner. That's why I didn't want to risk exposing you to that."

Astha stared at him for a moment. Then she released him. Abel sank against the wall. One hand absently blotted the blood from his mouth and chin, then rubbed the back of his head. His eyes though, remained fixed on hers, and there was sorrow and shame in them.

Leon blinked. "Okay, back up. What the hell are you talking about, Four Eyes?"

Abel gave him a confused stare. Then a wistful smile appeared on his face. "That's right. You didn't know. You've never…you've never seen it before, have you?" He met Leon's eyes. "Haven't you ever wondered? About my codename?"

"Yeah. Crusnik. What about it?"

"Well, that was what you saw, this evening. I joined you in the hall, actually."

Leon's eyes widened. "Wait a second…that fanged guy with the lightning was you?"

"Well, yes. I'm afraid it was." Abel offered him a sheepish grin.

"What the…" Leon grabbed him. "When the hell did you develop that?" He glared. "Is this something that happened when Caterina saved you?"

"Well, yes and no. I've…that power is one I gained long before I met you. However…Caterina used it to save me and since then…I'm afraid it's gotten rather more problematic."

"If you've had it all this time, then why the hell haven't I ever seen it?" Leon glared.

"Well, it's because…well, I never went on a mission with you that required me to use those powers. And…" Abel's head bowed. "I didn't want…I don't want people to see that side of me. If possible, I would like to avoid using that. I didn't want to expose you…to that monstrous side of me."

Leon glared at him. "You idiot!" he sighed. "Damn…you really are a hopeless pain in the ass, Four Eyes." His gripped tightened. "I guess you would frighten the ladies away, so I'll let it slide this one time…but if I find you've been keeping any more secrets like that I'll tack your skinny ass to the nearest wall. Got it?" Without waiting for an answer, he shoved Abel into the wall, hard enough for his head to crack against it, then dropped him and turned away.

Abel took a deep breath, and rubbed the back of his head. "Ouch. Really…" He started as a hand came to rest on his shoulder. He looked up into Astha's dark eyes. "Miss Astha?"

She sighed. "You really did mean it, didn't you? Damn it, priest…." She sighed again. "I suppose I can forgive you this time. However, tovarish…." She pinned him with a hard stare. "If you ever do anything like that again…" A sudden dangerous smile touched her face, and her grip tightened. "I'll chase you down and hammer you into the ground myself, and give whatever's left of you to my cat to play with." The smile widened. "Do I make myself perfectly clear, Father Abel Nightroad?"

"Yes perfectly." Abel held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I'll be sure to remember this conversation."

"Idiot. You'd better make sure you do." Astha sighed again, then let go of his shoulder. "I'm going to escort my Empress to wherever she wants to go. And then I'm going to go to bed. You'd better still be around when I wake up." She turned and walked away towards the waiting Empress.

Esther let out a relieved sigh as Astha strode up to them and bowed. "My apologies, Your Highness. I'm afraid I got involved in a personal matter. I'm sorry if I inconvenienced you."

Seth laughed. "It's quite all right. Father Nightroad is a rather exasperating individual. I understand. However, I think it's time to retire for the evening. It's getting close to dawn, and I for one have had quite enough excitement."

"Yes of course." Astha straightened.

Seth turned. "I'll see you later. Esther. Be sure to get some rest."

"Indeed." Caterina sighed. "I believe I'll retire as well."

At her words, Sister Paula stepped forward. "We'll be happy to escort you, Cardinal Sforza. However, I would ask your permission to report in, and give my formal report as soon as possible."

"Of course. Brother will be anxious to hear what's been going on." Caterina sighed. "Very well. You and Brother Petros make your report. Father Leon can escort me, I'm sure."

Esther blinked. "If it's not too much trouble…" She turned to Mary. "Colonel Spencer, if you could escort the Cardinal as well. Father Nightroad and Lord Walsh can take me to my rooms."

"As you wish, Majesty." Mary turned, and bowed to Caterina. "If you will come with me, Excellency?" Caterina nodded, and the two of them disappeared through the door after Seth, with Leon only a few steps behind.

Esther turned to look at Virgil. "Lord Walsh, if there's nothing that needs to be taken care of, I believe I'd like a hot bath, some tea and then…I think I'd like to retire for the night."

"Of course." Virgil bowed. "I'll call one of the staff right away." He stepped through the door, and returned a few minutes later. "Your maids are taking care of the bath and your rooms. And the kitchen staff is putting something together for you. It should be ready shortly. Shall we escort you to your chambers?"

"Yes." Esther turned. Abel was still leaning against the wall. "Father Nightroad, are you all right?"

"What?" Abel blinked at her, then straightened. "Oh yes, I'm fine. I was just lost in thought for a minute there. Were you ready to go?"

"Yes." Virgil nodded to him. "I would appreciate it if you would assist me with escorting her Majesty to her chambers." He looked at the two Inquisitors, still standing in the room, then addressed Petros. "My lord, there is a communications panel on the desk there, if you wish to use it to contact Rome. If you'll excuse me, I'll return, or send someone to lead you to your own rooms when you are ready." With that he bowed, and held the door open for Esther.

"Good night." Esther gave the Inquisitors both a nod of farewell, then headed for her own rooms, Abel and Virgil right behind her.

Petros watched as Abel followed Esther out the door. He turned, and saw Paula staring at the door with a deeper than usual frown on her face. "Something concerns you?"

"That man…Father Nightroad." She turned to look at him. "One of us should be monitoring him."

Petros scowled and leaned against the wall. "I see no reason to concern ourselves with Father Nightroad. Nor do I see any reason to trouble the Cardinal di Medici over him."

"Petros!" Paula stared at him. "Surely you cannot believe that. That man was pronounced dead in this very building six and a half months ago. You verified his death yourself. Therefore, for him to be here…" Her head turned, to look at the door. "It must either have been a devious trick, or witchcraft. Either way it must be reported."

Petros let his scowl deepen. "The duty of the Inquisitorial department is to report heretics who act against the benefit of His Holiness, or the Sacred Church. At present I have no evidence that Father Nightroad has done anything of the kind. However this has come about, it appears as though he is currently under the control of the Queen of Albion, and of the Duchess of Milan. Therefore, I see no reason to report him at this time."

Paula turned to face him. "Petros…" Her expression hardened. "Even if what you say is true…that man is presumed dead by the Church. If he is truly alive, then he has lied to the Vatican. For a priest sworn to it's service, that is heresy. And if he lives because of some foul witchcraft…" Her hand tightened on her weapons. "It is our duty to bring him before the Inquisition for questioning."

"I disagree." Petros sighed irritably. "In truth, I met with Father Nightroad over a month ago, and was informed both of his condition, and of the exact circumstances surrounding his death and revival. It was my decision at that time to leave him alone to pursue his current path." His eyes went to the door. "That man is on a mission given by God. Only a miracle of the Lord's will could have brought him back. Therefore, I choose to respect what is God's will."

"You cannot be sure of that." Paula bowed. "With all respect, Petros, you and I both know of the powers that man possesses. We even witnessed their use this evening. And it has long been rumored that if he bears the form of an angel in that other guise, he is one of the fallen."

Petros looked away. "Perhaps. But the truth of God's angels, fallen or not, is not a matter for mere mortals to decide." He turned his head to meet her eyes once more. "However, I do know this. That man gave his last ten years to the service of the Sacred Church, in duties far more dangerous than even I have committed to. More, I know that six and a half months ago, he gave his life in the defense of his faith, and in an attempt to save His Holiness from the Order of Rosenkreutz. And I know that even now, after his return, he has continued to serve against the enemies of God."

Paula made no reply, but after a moment she looked away. Petros sighed and continued. "If we report him now, he will be taken before the Inquisition. And he will face the full force of the Cardinal di Medici's interrogation. To bring him to that, after all he has done and suffered on behalf of our Holy Order…I find it dishonorable." His shoulders tensed, thinking of what Abel would endure in a trial at the Cardinal's hands.

Cardinal di Medici's dislike of his sister and her subordinates was well known, and his dislike of Abel was greater than most. At best, the other man would be imprisoned for weeks, while the Order worked their will. More likely though, he would be bound and tortured. He would be subjected to truth serum, and suffer severe physical and mental abuse while Francesco sought information from him. Though Abel Nightroad was a strong man, there was no guarantee that even he could survive such treatment, much less with his mind intact. And Petros did not want to know what would happen, if such torment were inflicted upon him, especially after what he had confessed at the tomb the night they had first faced each other. He sought for the words to explain it to his subordinate.

"It is possible such a course of action could cause him to release his powers within the Vatican. I have no wish to clean up such a mess. Nor do I see any point in making the man a martyr a second time."

"I see." Paula sighed, and relaxed, just a fraction. "And what do you propose we do? Surely you do not recommend we simply leave him unobserved. The Department should keep an eye on him."

"I wish to wait, to see what will happen now. It may be, having come so openly into the light, that he will return to Cardinal Sforza. If so, he will be her responsibility, but he will also be a part of the church again, and subject to the rules of our order. He may also decide to remain with the Albion Queen, in which case he is their concern, and none of ours, unless he specifically does something the Church deems a grave offense."

Paula nodded. "And what will you do, if your falsehood is discovered, Petros? Or if he turns out to be a heretic after all?"

Petros growled. "If he is truly a heretic, then when I discover proof, I will hunt him and destroy him myself. As for what will happen when His Excellency discovers Nightroad's presence…I will deal with that when the situation arises. I am fully prepared to make my apologies to both his Holiness and His Excellency when the time comes, and to face the consequences of my actions."

Paula considered him a moment. "Very well, my lord." She bowed. "With your permission, now that we've cleared this up, I will report in." Petros nodded, and she went to the panel that Virgil had indicated. Moments later, it came to life, revealing the Cardinal di Medici's scowling face.

"Well?" Francesco's tone was hard, but no more so than usual.

"My lord, there has been an incident." Paula bowed, then snapped into attention. "This evening, Buckingham Palace was attacked by the Order of Rosenkreutz."

"And Caterina?" Francesco's scowl deepened. He had little love for his sister, as both Inquisitors knew, but this was also a matter of honor. With two of his best warriors at the scene, it would be a huge embarrassment if the Duchess of Milan had taken harm.

"She is safe. We were assisted by the AX, along with special guards from both Albion and the Empire. Aside from damage to the Palace itself and some civilian casualties, everyone emerged unharmed."

Francesco scowled. "A pity the Empress could not be disposed of in the fray. However, no matter. This Alliance will show its weakness soon enough. In the meantime, remain on guard at all times. The honor of the Vatican must be preserved."

"Yes, my lord." Paula gave a few more details of the report. Though she mentioned Lord Walsh's powers, and commented on Colonel Spencer's blade, she made no more mention of Abel in her report.

Finally, the report was concluded. Paula waited until Francesco signed off, then turned off the console. She turned to regard her superior. "I hope you know what you're doing, Brother Petros."

"I as well." He growled. "However, now is not the time to be concerned with such matters. We must attend to Her Grace."

"Indeed. I will see if Lord Walsh has returned yet." She opened the door, to find a young man in a guards uniform standing outside.

The young man bowed immediately. "Lord Walsh sent me to escort you to your quarters."

"Very well." Petros stepped forward, his war spear in his hand. "You will lead us to the Cardinal Sforza, that we may ascertain that she is safe. Then you may escort us to our rooms."

"Yes sir." The soldier bowed once more, then turned and strode down the hall, the two Inquisitors right behind.

Esther woke the next morning, feeling almost like her usual self. She had a new assortment of bruises and cuts, but she had to admit that the hot bath and the deep nights sleep had gone a long way to restoring her. Not to mention a note had arrived from Sister Kate about the time she'd been preparing for bed. It had been accompanied by one of her special tea blends. Virgil had mixed it for her, and the soothing blend of herbs and honey had soothed her tired mind and body even more than the hot bath had. She smiled. Maybe she could convince Kate to leave her some recipes for her tea, or some pre-made packets of some of the more relaxing blends.

Esther sighed, then stretched and maneuvered herself out of bed. She had work to do. There were repairs to authorize, plans to make, and issues to deal with. She had no doubt that her Court would be in a flurry of panic over last night's incident. Though Mary and Virgil had probably already spent hours attempting to calm people, she needed to get out there and ease their fears. She sighed, then selected one of her nicer outfits from her wardrobe.

She was just finished dressing, and letting the maid help with her hair when a knock startled her. The young woman attending her opened it to find Virgil standing on the threshold. The Count bowed, then stepped forward. "Good morning, Your Majesty. Did you rest well?"

"I did, thank you." Esther smiled. "The tea you made for me was a great help."

"I am glad to hear that. I fear you have a trying day ahead of you."

"Yes. I suspected as much." She sighed. "How bad is it?"

Virgil frowned slightly. "The damage to Buckingham Palace is not severe. It can be repaired by skilled masons. I hope you'll forgive our liberties, but the Palace steward and I have already ordered renovations to begin. As for the status of the Palace inhabitants…" He sighed. "We have over two dozen members of the Palace staff and guard under custody, on suspicion of being controlled by this mysterious Puppet Master. And regrettably, there have been a few casualties. I would estimate about a dozen. Colonel Spencer has the list. The rest of the people are frightened, and on edge."

"I see. Well then, it's my job to put them at ease, isn't it?" She stood up, resolutely pulling her dress straight. "I'll get started right away."

"As you wish, Majesty." He paused. "On another note, your guests have requested to share the evening meal with you. They have also requested the presence of Father Nightroad at dinner as well. I believe they have some things they would like to discuss with both of you."

"I see. Tell them I'd be honored to have supper with them. And if you could, have someone inform Father Nightroad. He…do you know where he is?" She remembered her last fight standing beside Abel, how he'd gone off on his own.

"As a matter of fact, I believe he's in his room across the hall, resting." Virgil's face was solemn, and his voice was softer when he spoke. "From what I saw, he must have used a great deal of energy. I thought to let him rest for the day."

"It's all right. If you'll give him the message…" She smiled, remembering other times she'd been with Abel. "I'm sure he'll be hungry when he wakes, so the invitation to dinner will probably do him good."

"As you wish." Virgil bowed once more, and the two of them went to begin their work for the day.

The Palace was in sad shape. As Esther walked through the halls to the main meeting room, she saw the signs of conflict everywhere. There were cracks in the walls, places where decorations had been destroyed or ripped free. As they passed the offices, she saw scorched places, where Abel's lightning had passed. Stains that looked like dried blood splattered the walls and floor, arcing up several feet in some places. The castle maids and cleaners were already hard at work, but still the damage showed. Esther winced at the damage.

Then a young maid looked up and spotted her. To her surprise, the young woman offered her a proud smile, then saluted her, one hand still holding a dirty rag. Others noticed the gesture, and all along the length of the hall, Esther saw people coming into attention, saluting her with grim smiles and determined looks on their faces. Esther smiled and returned the gesture, then set her shoulders, determined not to let her people down. The day passed in a flurry of meetings and paperwork. First she had to reassure all the nobles and members of the Council that she was perfectly all right, and that her guards had done an excellent job of shielding her.

Then she had to reassure them that their guests were also all right, and had not taken offense, and that the ceremonies would go forward. Finally, she got them all calmed. Then she took time to roam the halls of the Palace, speaking to the servants. She reassured them as well, and thanked them for their hard work and their courage. She snatched a quick lunch after that, then returned to her office to deal with the paperwork that the entire mess had generated. Mary came by with a casualty list later that afternoon. She also gave a report on the prisoners, all of whom were injured. Most of them were sporting physical wounds from one of the weapons.

However some had no mark on them. What they did have was massively aching bodies, and remarkably clear heads. It appeared that all of those had one thing in common. They were the ones who'd been struck by Abel's lightning, and knocked out. Esther made note of the information, and promised she'd think about it. Then she turned back to her work, setting the casualty list in front of her, with a note to write condolence letters to the families, and to make sure a fitting memorial was held. Even if some of them had been taken by Dietrich and turned against her, they all deserved proper recognition. Evening was falling when a knock on the door broke her concentration. She set aside her pen, and massaged her aching fingers, then spoke.

"Enter."

Abel came through the door. He looked much better than he had when she'd last seen him the night before. The cuts on his lip were entirely healed, as was his nose, and the bruises were gone. The ease with which he moved into the room indicated that the damage to his ribs from Leon's punches was also gone. He came forward to the middle of the room, then stopped with a faint smile on his face. "Good evening, Miss Esther."

"Good evening, Father." Esther returned the smile. "Did you rest well?"

"I did, actually." His smile turned sheepish. "In fact, I'm afraid I slept most of the day away. Lord Walsh came and woke me just a little while ago. He asked me to escort you to dinner…"

"Oh, yes." Esther rose from her seat. Her stomach chose that moment to growl. Abel smiled with mild amusement, and Esther blushed. "It would seem it's time for dinner. However Father, I was hoping you'd join us. Lady Caterina and Seth will be there as well. We were hoping you'd eat with us."

Abel twitched. "Well, I suppose…I suppose I may as well." He smiled lightly and offered her his arm and bowed, like a court gentleman would. "Shall we go, Your Majesty?"

"Thank you Father." Esther smiled and took his hand.

Caterina and Seth were already there when she and Abel arrived. Both looked better than they had the night before. Seth was still wearing her veil. But she'd dressed in clean garments, as had Caterina. The lady Cardinal was wearing another set of her casual robes, with her hair pulled back. There was a faint bruise on the back of one hand, but otherwise she seemed fine. Both of them turned when she and Abel entered.

"Good evening."

"Good evening. I hope both of you managed to get some rest and relaxation." Esther smiled at her two guests as the four of them settled around the small dining table she'd decided to use this evening. Seth sat at her right, and Caterina at her left. Abel sat across from her, his eyes downcast. He seemed ill at ease. She wondered if it was simply eating in the presence of so many officials, though they were all people he knew well, or if was because he'd guessed why they wanted him here.

"I slept very well, thank you." Caterina smiled, and took a sip of the wine that the servants brought in, sitting back slightly as the staff began to set plates on the table and serve the food from the dishes. Though Esther had decreed this would be an informal supper, the servants were still required to make sure the guest had all they wanted. There was a roast, as well as potatoes, carrots and a green salad. Wine and water were both poured, and a small slice of chocolate cheesecake was set out as dessert by each plate.

"Same here. I was out like a light. Although, Cardinal you're going to have to tell me what that Sister of yours puts in her tea. It was simply amazing." Seth reached out and took a drink of water under her veil.

"Ah yes. You both received the gift I asked Sister Kate to send you? Her teas are very relaxing." Caterina smiled. "I believe that one was lemongrass and honey, with some chamomile, and perhaps a little peppermint. But you'll have to ask Kate. Those recipes are her precious secret."

"Well, it was wonderful. I was hoping to ask her to give me some of her recipes or some tea packets before you return to the Vatican. And thank you for sending them to us. It was really very helpful." Esther smiled.

Caterina's lips quirked. "You're quite welcome."

The last servant finished with his duties, then bowed and slipped out the door. Esther caught sight of the guards outside the door, but then it shut, leaving them to eat in peace.

Seth heaved a sigh, and reached up to remove her veil, revealing the fourteen year old face framed with short black hair. "Ah, that's a relief." She set it aside, and gave Esther and Caterina a quirky grin. "It's kind of necessary sometimes but still, wearing that thing all the time is troublesome. And even though I can eat around it, I'd rather not have to. Mirka does it so much more gracefully."

She sighed and stretched, then turned to look at Abel. A grin touched the corner of her mouth. "Well Abel, I see that recent events haven't curtailed your appetite any."

Abel flushed. He had easily twice as much food on his plate as the rest of them, including five slices of roast. "Well, that's just the way things are, I suppose."

"Indeed." Caterina took a bite of roast, chewed daintily and then swallowed. "Speaking of the way things are, Abel, exactly what do you intend to do now?"

Abel looked up from his plate and swallowed the bite of salad in his mouth rather quickly. "I beg your pardon?"

Seth snorted. "Really Abel, you can't be that dense." The Empress sighed. "You're in a bit of a mess now, you know."

"Exactly. It was bad enough when one or two common soldiers saw you. But now you've been seen by two high-ranking Inquisitors, as well as Father Leon and Lady Astharoshe. And who knows how many other servants in Albion." Caterina sighed. "Face it Abel. You can no longer hide in the shadows. Something has to be done."

Abel sighed. He had been eating, but now he stopped and nudged a piece of roast with his fork. "I'm not sure…"

"Hmm. Well you'd better think of something." Caterina took a sip of wine. "That you were seen poses a problem. But that you were seen while using your powers is far more alarming." She sighed again. "It's only fortunate that you waited until we were behind closed doors before you returned to normal. Otherwise I suspect the Palace would be in a panic."

Abel winced. "Well yes, I did think of that. But really, there wasn't time to do anything else."

"That's not the point, Abel." Seth set her fork down. "The point is…what are we going to do with you? Even if you simply go wandering off again, they'll know to look for you."

"She's right. And without someone to back you, you're no better than a vigilante. No matter how good your work is, we'll still have a responsibility to curtail your activities." Caterina considered the wine in her cup for a moment, then looked Abel square in the eyes. "I spoke with Petros this afternoon. At the moment, he's convinced Paula to hold off reporting you. But it was a very near thing. Brother almost found out about you last night." Abel flinched, and his lips compressed in a frown.

Caterina saw it. She held the winter blue eyes with her own. "Brother Petros also informs me that how long he can protect you depends largely on what you do next. Without formal protection, the Inquisition will hunt you down as a potential menace."

Abel sighed and took a drink of water. "I realize your concerns but…" His eyes met those of his former superior, then looked away. "I still…"

"Agh!" Seth growled, then abruptly pushed back her chair and stalked around the table to stand next to her brother. Abel blinked as she caught his collar and jerked his face around. "You know, Abel, I'm very fond of you. But seriously, you are far too thick headed and stubborn for your own good." She poked him in the forehead. "Think about it. I'm going to go finish my dinner now, and you'd better not be making all these lame excuses when I get done."

She let go. Abel stared at her. "Seth…"

"I said we'll deal with you after dinner." Seth stalked back around to her chair. Just before she settled into her seat, her emerald eyes caught her brothers. "But you know…if you insist on being alone…do you really think you can protect us, if you never give us time to know if anything is wrong?" She settled down into her chair, and picked up her fork again.

Esther and Caterina shared a look of bemusement, then bent to their own plates. The rest of dinner was a silent affair. When Esther looked at Abel he was eating again, but his face was still and tense, and he didn't eat with his normal enthusiasm. In fact, he looked as if he was trying to prolong the meal as long as possible.

Finally, the last bite of food was cleared away. Esther summoned servants to clean way the plates, and the four of them moved to the adjourning sitting room, still carrying glasses. Esther had water, the others had wine. As they settled into the chairs, Seth fixed her brother with a steely look. "Well, Abel?"

Abel sighed. "I really don't know. I…I have to follow him. You know that." His gaze came up to lock with his sister's. "You knew, when you told me, that I would."

"I did." Seth sighed. "I won't deny you that Abel, and it's not like I can really stop you, especially not now. But still…" She smiled sadly at him. "I just wish you'd let people help you."

"Indeed." Caterina set her glass on the small low table by her chair. "At this point, it will cause far more trouble for you to be without sanction than it will for you to be seen again. So…that leaves us with three choices."

"And what did you think those were?" Abel blinked at her.

"One: Return to the AX." Abel opened his mouth to protest, and Caterina pinned him with a glare. "I didn't ask you to return to Rome. You of all people know that I have agents who are almost never in the Vatican. Father Hugue only returns twice a year at most, unless there's an emergency. And Father Leon is more often in jail. Only the Professor and Vaclav are consistently in Rome. It would be little trouble to declare that I hired a new AX agent and asked him to remain in Albion. Especially given the situation here."

Seth nodded. "And your other suggestions, Lady Caterina?"

"That he return to the Empire with you, as a guard and envoy from the Methuselah population here in Albion. Or that he remain here, officially serving as Esther's guard. He could possibly even be granted a small title in either case, to enable him to move within the court."

Abel sighed, looking at the glass held between his fingers. "I can't."

Seth bit her lip. "Abel…"

"It's not what you think." Abel looked at her with a tired smile. "But…entering the court of either the Empire or Albion would be…troublesome at best." His fingers fiddled with the glass, but his eyes were lost in the distance. "I've been an envoy to both courts as a member of the Vatican. It's not unusual for the Vatican to employ nobility, I suppose, but it rare for that nobility to be a simple priest, unless one has a troubled past. And beyond my connection to the Vatican…I am an unknown. Completely. What story would you tell the nobles of either court?"

Esther considered. "You've been a very close friend to me. And you've certainly earned a place, with as much as you've helped us." She looked at her own glass. "I imagine Lord Walsh and Colonel Spencer would be very happy to sponsor you…"

"Which would raise the question of why. I have no family ties to either of them." Abel swallowed. "Either way there would be far too many people asking questions about my past. And if anyone were to discover the truth…or even part of the truth…" He abruptly stopped, then drained his glass.

"Hmm. You do have a point there." Seth sighed. "Really Abel…you are far too much trouble."

"Well, you can still be assigned as a special guard." Caterina frowned at the figure before her.

"But then I will have no freedom to move. And I must…" Abel's eyes met hers. "I have to be able to fight. If I find word of him…I will leave. I cannot do that if I am bound in one place."

"Then return to the AX. I'll post you on duty as my representative in Albion, on special assignment, with orders to deal with the problem of Rosenkreutz as best you can. Caterina frowned at him. "Really, Abel, you need the support."

Abel sighed again. "I know…"

"Hmmph. I for one will feel much better if you're at least with the Vatican." Seth hopped off her chair and moved to Abel's side. One hand touched his face, and Seth smiled grimly at his expression. "You know Abel, your face is really transparent. You were thinking about what would happen if something goes wrong with you, weren't you?"

"Eh?" Abel blinked, then a slow blush stained his cheeks "Well yes." He turned his eyes away from them. "It still…last night, when Astha and Leon confronted me, there was a moment when I wasn't sure…"

"Well you were still running on adrenalin. Besides…" there was a faint note of glee in Seth's voice. "You were getting pretty thoroughly thrashed there. But seriously Abel…" She hesitated, and her voice was softer and entirely serious when she spoke. "You know, you may be trying to protect us, but we're actually safer if you're with us. If something goes wrong, I'd like to know in time to be able to do something about it. Isn't it better if we have some warning?"

"That didn't help the last time." Abel's jaw was tight, his face pale.

"We didn't know it could happen, then. And neither of us wanted to believe it. But it doesn't matter." Seth's voice went sharp. "Abel…you aren't him. You never were." Her hand tightened on his jacket collar, and her head bowed. "You idiot…do you honestly think I wouldn't know? I've known ever since the beginning what you were thinking and feeling. Everyone did. Even when you try to hide it, you…Abel…"

Genuine distress touched Abel's face, and then he smiled ruefully. One hand came up, and wrapped lightly around Seth's shoulders. "I'm sorry."

"Idiot." Seth's free hand balled into a fist and she looked into his eyes. "Don't apologize. Just say you'll stay this time."

"Hmmph." Abel smiled slightly. "You know, I think I've had this conversation before." His eyes shifted, met Esther's, sharing a memory of a time when she had scolded him just like this. Then they shifted to Caterina's. "I suppose you're both going to agree with her."

"Of course." Caterina looked at the Empress still held loosely in Abel's grip, then rubbed her forehead. "Someday, you're going to have to explain to me what I just witnessed. For now though…do I take it you will finally be sensible and agree to stay? With one of us?"

"Yes. I…" He gently released his sister, and freed himself from her grip, then rose and moved to the chair where Caterina was reclining. Then he knelt, bending his long frame so that his bowed head was at the height of her knee. "Lady Caterina, I humbly request that you permit me to return to the AX, to serve once again in your campaign against the Order of Rosenkreutz. I also request that you allow me to serve as your envoy here in Albion."

Caterina smiled at him. "There's no need to go that far." She reached out and touched his shoulder. "I'll need to reinstate you, of course, but you should know by now Abel…" The steely eyes softened. "You are always welcome, old friend."

Abel lifted his head. "Yes, yes, I know." He sighed, but the slight smile still touched his face. "You've been very persistent this time, Lady Caterina." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I…thank you."

"Excuse me, Lady Caterina?" Esther spoke up hesitantly from her seat as Abel rose from his knees. "I…I actually have a favor to request."

"Of course. Please." Caterina turned her gaze to meet Esther's.

"I'd like to be reinstated, along with Father Nightroad, if I may. I know you asked for me to stay in the inactive reserves but…" Esther blushed. "Well, with everything that's been happening here…"

"Well it'd give you the backing of the Vatican, that's for sure." Seth had stolen Abel's chair, and was perched in it with her feet tucked under her, looking very comfortable. "It could be rather handy."

"Indeed, and it would give Father Nightroad a partner here, within the area." Caterina considered. "However, I do have some concerns about bringing you back into the active roster. After all, you have a country to run."

"I know, but if my assignment is to monitor things here…well I'll be doing that anyway, so…" Esther tucked her hair back behind her ears. Her voice dropped some when she spoke again. "We're already in danger, it appears. This might make us a little safer."

"I see." Caterina considered for a moment. "I'd like to speak to your advisors beforehand. However, if Colonel Spencer and Lord Walsh agree to it, I'm willing to reactivate you. In fact, it will provide cover for Abel as well. I can simply tell Brother I enlisted one of your more talented guards."

Seth gave an amused chuckle. "Well then, assuming we can get their permission, what is it that you'd need to do?"

"Not much." Caterina folded her hands in front of her. "I'd need a small chapel or church, which I assume are on the grounds."

"Of course. We have a chapel in one wing. It isn't very big, because it was meant for the private use of the monarch, but…" Esther stopped.

"That would be fine. Beyond that…" Caterina considered. "Well actually it's not really needed, but I'd like to have the Inquisitors and my own AX members as witnesses. That way if something does go wrong, there will be someone who can vouch for both of you."

"Sounds good." Seth stretched. "Then there's no reason why Abel can't come back tonight, is there? After all, the sooner the better."

"Tonight?" Abel blinked. "Don't you think that's rushing a bit?"

"No. I don't. The rest of us have duties to attend to after tonight. And really, you do as well." Seth grinned and stood. "Besides, my dear brother, I learned a long time ago that it's better not to give you a chance to go wandering off. You are entirely too inclined to disappear when something bothers you."

"That is true, Abel." Caterina stared at him, then transferred her gaze to the Empress. "I beg your pardon, but I did hear you correctly just now?" The grey eyes returned to Abel. "I believe you called Father Nightroad 'brother'."

"Umm…well, actually…." Abel flushed. "You did hear her correctly." Caterina raised one eyebrow and gave him a cool look, and his flush deepened. "It's not like I meant to keep it a secret, but really…"

"Abel…" Caterina sighed, and put her head in her hands. "Honestly…the things you do…you were planning to tell me at some point, weren't you?" She raised her eyes to meet his and there was exasperation in her gaze. "When I think of all the trouble I had arranging an audience with the Empire…"

"Well, you can't fault Abel too much for that." Seth grinned. "I don't think he actually knew I was on the throne at the time. He wandered off just before that happened." She shot her brother a look. "And after that I didn't talk to him, so he probably wasn't sure. But…you can thank him anyway. After you and he helped Astharoshe on the matter of Enderle, I knew I was going to have to contact you, if only to make sure he wasn't doing anything foolish."

"You knew then?" Abel's voice was soft. "That Astha…"

"That Astharoshe found you and became your partner? I did. But I couldn't risk blowing my cover too early by contacting you, and I wasn't sure on what terms you were with the Vatican." Seth tapped a finger to her lips. "You're not allowed to be cross with me on this one, Abel. After all, you were the one who didn't keep in contact."

Abel blinked. "Really…now how can you…I mean…" He spluttered to a stop, looking back and forth between the two women. Seth was staring at him solemnly. Caterina was still giving him that quizzical look, one eyebrow raised. Esther hid a grin behind her hand. This was so typical of the Father Nightroad she knew.

"Enough, Abel." Caterina finally put a halt to his attempts to rationalize the situation. She rose from her seat. "If we're going to reinstate you and Esther, then we need to begin arrangements now. I'm going to go speak to Brother Petros and the rest of the AX team. I'll need to make sure that we have all our stories straight before we return to the Vatican. Lady Esther if you would please speak with your advisors."

"Of course." Esther rose as well.

"As for you, Father Nightroad…" Caterina turned a cool gaze back to the silver-haired man still standing in the center of the room. "I'm sure you and the Empress must have a great deal to discuss. Perhaps you should stay here and speak with her while Esther and I go arrange things."

"Umm, yes. Of course." Abel looked at the youthful figure at his side, and the puzzled, harassed look on his face softened. "We haven't really had that much time to catch up yet, have we?"

"Nope." Seth smiled at him, then turned to look at Caterina. "Thank you for loaning him to me. I promise…" A mischievous grin touched her face. "I won't upset him too much before you come back for him."

Abel stared at her. "Seth…" Caterina and Esther left before they heard any more.

Virgil and Mary were both in Mary's office when Esther opened the door. Both of them looked up with identical expression of surprise. Virgil rose from his chair. "Your Majesty…"

Esther smiled sheepishly. "I apologize. I know I should have called you before I just started wandering the castle, especially after what happened…" She drew the door closed behind her. "I did have the guards escort me."

Virgil relaxed with a small sigh, but his eyes drifted over the air behind her. "I am rather surprised to see that Father Nightroad isn't with you."

"Yes, well…he was detained. The Empress wished to speak with him, and so…" She stopped. "Actually, there's something I need to talk to both of you about, right now."

"I see." Virgil pulled out the chair he'd been sitting in and bowed. Esther took a seat. "May I ask what this concerns, Your Majesty?"

"Well, it concerns myself and Father Nightroad. He decided to return to the AX after all. Lady Caterina would like to reinstate him this evening, if it's possible. But also…I asked to be reinstated as well." She outlined the basics of the conversation for her two advisors, giving her reasons and the others, as well as what she and Caterina had planned.

When she stopped, Mary nodded thoughtfully. "It is a sound idea. I do not tend to favor alliances however, in times like this…" Her eyes came up to Esther's. "I trust that Cardinal Sforza will remember that you are still queen of Albion."

"Yes, of course. She's already said as much."

"Well then. I see no problems with the arrangement. Lord Walsh?" Virgil shook his head.

"Your Majesty, you said Cardinal Sforza wished to take care of these arrangements tonight?"

"Yes. She's asked if she could use the Monarch's Chapel for this evening."

Virgil nodded. "I will go make the preparations. The chapel should be useable within the hour." He bowed once and then went out the door.

Esther watched him go, then stood herself. "Colonel Spencer, if it's not too much trouble, would you be willing to escort me back to the dining area? Father Nightroad is still there, but I told Lady Caterina we would meet there when arrangements were made."

Mary stood at once. "Of course, Highness." She held the door for Esther, than strode down the halls a pace behind her. They were halfway there when Mary spoke. "You Majesty, subject to the Cardinal's agreement, would you mind if Lord Walsh and I were present for your reinstatement? Though I don't think Cardinal Sforza will do anything incorrect, we'd both feel better if we knew what that entailed."

"Well, we can certainly ask her. But I don't think she'll mind."

As they neared the door, Esther heard the sound of voices. To her surprise, she could clearly hear Caterina's voice. "It sounds like she's already back from speaking with her people."

They entered to find Caterina settled on one chair, Seth on another, and Abel perched on a stool. Abel looked flushed, and Caterina looked amused. Seth had replaced her veil, but when she spoke there was suppressed laughter. "Welcome back, Lady Esther. And Colonel Spencer, good evening."

Mary bowed. "Good evening to you, Your Highness. And to you, Your Excellency." She turned to fully face Caterina. "Her Majesty informed us that you requested permission to reinstate both her and Father Nightroad?"

"I did. I am aware of her duties as a monarch. Should they conflict in any way with her duties as an AX operative, Abel can take over her responsibilities. Despite his appearance, I assure you he's well able for the task."

"Now really, you act as if I'm unreliable, but you know…" Abel stuttered to a halt as she shot him another look.

Mary's lips twitched. "I believe you. Lord Walsh has gone to make preparations in the Monarch's Chapel. He'll come inform us when it's ready. In the meantime, is there anything you need?"

Caterina shook her head. "Not at this time. However, I do ask that the members of my party be escorted to the chapel when it's ready. I've asked them to stand as witnesses. And I'd appreciate it if you and Lord Walsh would also witness for us."

Now a real smile curved Mary's mouth. "Of course. I'd be honored."

Seth rose from her seat. "I think I'll catch up on some business I need to attend to." She turned her veiled face to the man who sat beside her. "I'll talk to you later Abel." Her head turned slightly toward Caterina. "Shall I send Astharoshe by after you've finished with him?"

"That seems like a fine idea." Caterina rose gracefully, and offered the Empress a bow. "I wish you a good evening, Your Highness." Seth returned the bow with a nod of her head, then exited the room, with a guard escorting her.

Half an hour later, Virgil appeared to tell them the chapel was ready, and that Caterina's assistants and companions were awaiting them. Esther nodded, and the five of them walked through the quiet, night-darkened halls to the Monarchs Chapel.

It was a small room, with an altar and a chancel rail, and a few seats. A large ornate cross was mounted just behind the altar, and an open Bible had been laid reverently on top. The room was only about twelve feet to a side, and had never been meant to hold more than a dozen people. With six people inside it looked a bit crowded. Esther sighed, but there was nothing to be done about it.

Caterina went forward first, to kneel at the altar in prayer and to sanctify the work. Esther and Abel both moved to stand behind her, about three feet back, while Virgil and Mary joined the small group standing along the walls. Esther noticed that all the AX members were wearing dress uniforms. Petros and Paula however, were not. They also weren't wearing visible weapons, which made her feel a little better.

After a moment, Caterina rose and turned to face them. "Lady Esther."

Esther moved forward to kneel before the Cardinal. She bowed her head as Caterina made the sign of the cross. The actual ceremony took almost no time, much to Esther's relief. She'd already taken the vows necessary for service to the church, and she'd already had them modified for her assumption to the throne. Caterina simply acknowledged that she was returned to the active roster, said a quick blessing, and bid her rise. Esther bowed her head once more in acknowledgement, then stood and moved to take her place with the others.

Abel's ceremony took a little longer. Though he'd taken most of his vows in service to the church, he'd also been taken out of the ranks. More than that, as he and Caterina spoke, Esther became aware that the Cardinal was being very careful. She swore him in with his name, but she placed much more emphasis on his position than his name. She swore him as a servant to the church, then as a guard for the Church interest in Albion, and their shield against Rosenkreutz. She noticed Petros and Paula both listening intently to the words. Esther had a feeling the Inquisitors were storing everything in memory for later. She bit her lip. Hopefully, they meant it to help Abel.

Finally, Abel's ceremony was over. He rose. Esther looked up at a small clock on the wall. She was a little surprised to find that less than an hour had passed. She was startled out of her thoughts by Leon's voice in her ear.

"Hey Red, welcome back." She looked up into the dusky face. Leon grinned and gave her a thumbs up. "Listen, me and the others got together and planned a little reception for you and Four Eyes. Just a little welcome back thing, no big deal. You up for it?" He grinned at Virgil and Mary. "I mean, if your chaperones will let you."

Mary smiled at her. "I see no harm in it. At least you'll be well guarded. Lord Walsh and I can take care of the business for the evening."

"Are you sure?" Esther smiled uncertainly. "I mean, I don't wish to make you feel I'm shirking my duties…"

"Your Majesty has done admirable work today. Besides…" Virgil pulled a watch from the pocket of his jacket. "It is about the time you usually retire for the evening. Therefore I see now reason for anyone to expect more work from you this evening. And what remains to be done is related only to the ceremonies tomorrow and the plans afterward. Those things can be handled by the staff. However, the forging of good relations away from the negotiations table is something only Your Majesty can do." He bowed. "I too recommend you join your guests."

Esther smiled. "Thank you." She turned her face back to the dark-haired man at her side. "It appears I'm free this evening."

"Great." Leon grinned. "Well, I'll go ahead with you, and the Professor can collect Four Eyes from Her Excellency there." Esther almost protested, but he grinned and put a finger on her lips, speaking softly. "We haven't told Four Eyes, about this yet, but it's kind of a celebration that he survived. I may be pissed that he hid out so long, but it isn't often we get one back, ya know?"

"Of course." Esther nodded and allowed Leon to lead her from the room.

Caterina held Abel back as Esther left the room. "Father Wordsworth?" The Professor turned. "I'd like to speak with you and Father Nightroad privately for a moment, if you don't mind."

"Certainly." William stepped forward.

Abel blinked at both of them. "You know…you just appointed me as Esther's guard, and I can't really watch her like this."

"Father Leon has her well taken care of. In the meantime…" Caterina fixed him with a stern gaze. "I want you to go with the Professor, Abel, and let him look you over."

Abel's face paled. "Caterina…"

"Let him check you. You've been worried all this time about the changes in your body, have you not?" Abel shut his mouth, still pale. "You know the Professor can help you. And if you've managed to control yourself thus far, then you ought to be able to handle a simple physical."

"You just said that I was doing fine." Abel's voice was tense. "Do you really think this is necessary, Caterina?"

"Yes. Because whether you like the idea or not, it will ease your fears, will it not? After all, the Professor can tell you for certain what may or may not be happening. And if there is something to be concerned about, he may have some idea what to do." She reached up and brushed her hand across one side of his jaw. "I confess, it will ease my fears as well."

Her hand reached up a little further, to brush lightly across his forehead. Abel flinched slightly. "Did you think I didn't see them, Abel?"

He sighed. "You know what they are." He took his glasses off with an absent-minded gesture, then looked in her eyes. "Those marks…"

"I know very well how you must think of them. But the fact they appear on your body troubles me, as does the fact that they do not fade as easily as your other form. Please Abel…allow this." Caterina's face was solemn, but there was a hint of pain in her eyes.

Abel sighed again. "Very well. I trust my rooms here in this wing will suffice?"

"Well, they'll certainly do all right, I suppose, but I'd be happier if I had access to some machines to really look at you. I understand the Underground facilities are quite good."

"No." Abel's frame tensed, and there was something almost like anger, or fear in his voice. His winter blue eyes shifted to the Professors, and his gaze was hard as stone.

"No. I will not…I'm not going down there to have you run tests on me. If you must, we can consider it at some future date, on board the Iron Maiden. But not…not in the Underground labs." His voice dropped to a whisper, the tension in it knife-sharp.

"Not if God himself were to ask that of me."

"As you wish, old friend." The Professor reached out, and laid a careful hand on Abel's shoulder. The muscles under the cloth were hard as rocks. William sighed.

"I'm only trying to help you, my friend. You know that. If this is truly against your will, then I won't force you to it."

Some of the tension went out of Abel's frame. "I know." He sighed and when he spoke again, his voice was a little lighter, with a hint of self-mockery in it. "I suppose you both must think me rather foolish, but…"

"I'll confess I don't understand your reasons, however, I'm not sure I think you're behaving foolishly." The Professor offered him a smile. "After all, you've had a lot happen to you. It's only natural you'd have some rather drastic reactions at times." Abel relaxed a little more and gave him a wan smile. "That's the spirit. Now then, the sooner we get started, the sooner we can have this over with."

Caterina smiled. "You two go ahead. I believe I'd like to see if I can speak with the Empress some more this evening. She seems to be quite a remarkable individual." Without waiting for a reply, she left the two of them. Petros and Paula went with her.

Abel was silent as he led the Professor to his rooms. William, for his part, took no notice. He simply took in his surroundings with a calm, casual air. As Abel stopped by his door, William made a thoughtful sound.

"Right across from the Queen's room? It's a bit unusual, but I suppose it's very practical."

Abel nodded, but he waited until they were in the room before he spoke. "Lord Walsh and Colonel Spencer thought it would be easier for me to keep watch over Miss Esther if I were here. And Esther…" A small smile touched his face. "She was trying to help me. She knew I didn't want to deal with too many people…"

"So she gave you rooms in the private wing of the Palace. That's very like her." William puffed his pipe thoughtfully, then knocked it out on an ashtray. "Well then, shall we get down to business?"

Abel nodded and, after a moment's hesitation, stripped off the upper half of his cassock, to reveal the smooth, pale skin of his chest and shoulders. William rolled up his sleeves and looked him over with a critical eye.

"Hmm…well it appears you've not lost any of your muscle tone recently." He ran careful hands over the muscles of the biceps, tapped knuckles on the solid abdomen muscles.

"Solid as ever…though how you do it with the amount of food you put away…" He offered Abel a brief smile. One side of Abel's mouth quirked upward, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

Working quickly, the Professor took his temperature, his pulse and his blood pressure, then ran him through a quick battery of tests on his reaction times, eyesight, and general health. He also ran through a quick series of mental health tests, gauging memory and thought processes. Finally, he settled Abel back on the bed. "Now then, I'll just need to measure your heartbeat and lungs. Sit still now." He touched the other man's chest gently with a stethoscope.

Abel jerked rigid, and his hands suddenly tensed into fists. "Professor…" He was starting to hyperventilate and both men felt the surge of static energy in the air.

William immediately backed away. "All right. Just relax a moment."

Abel took several deep breaths. "I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize." William sighed. "Actually, it's more my fault than yours. After seeing that wound…I ought to have guessed you'd react like this if someone touched you there." He moved nearer. "Why don't I start around your back instead? Perhaps it will go a little easier if you have time to feel what I'm doing."

Abel nodded, a tense short jerk of his head. His shoulders relaxed just a fraction. "All right." After a second, he felt the cold metal of the stethoscope pressed firmly against his upper back. The Professor's strong voice spoke from his shoulder.

"All right, breathe deep." He inhaled, exhaled. The cold spot moved. "Again."

They went through several repetitions. Then one hand came to rest lightly on his shoulder. "I'd like to try taking your heartbeat again. Do you think you can handle it?"

"I…yes. Perhaps." Abel felt his shoulders stiffen a little.

"Well, you can take my other hand if you need to." William smiled. "That way you'll know I can't do anything to you."

"I…I'm all right." Abel took a deep breath as the metal settled against his chest. He shuddered once, then forced himself to relax.

"That's good. That's very good." The Professor frowned, then studied a pocket watch. "The rate's a little fast, even for you, but I suppose that's to be expected." He drew the metal away.

"It seems you're in very good condition over all. Physically, you're in as good a health as I've ever known you to be. Mentally…well, there are some rather obvious signs of trauma, but your memory seems unimpaired, and you're actually doing somewhat better than I'd expect under the circumstances." A faint grin quirked his mouth.

"To be honest I thought you might take my arm off when I checked your heart rate."

Abel nodded. "I was worried for a second there as well." He sighed. "Are we done?"

"Well, I do have one more thing." William held up a thin needle, and a vial. "I need to take a blood sample. Actually, I'd like to get one with the nano-machines active…however…"

Abel blanched again. "They're always active now."

"Well then. It should be fairly simple." He stepped forward. The other man jerked away from him.

"Professor, you know…I really don't like needles."

"Well yes." He sighed. "You can't tell me you're going to make a fuss this time? Honestly Abel, we've been through this a hundred times. I know you don't like them, but still…if you want me to have an accurate idea of what's going on in your blood, I need to take a sample."

"I know. But I…" Abel shivered.

"You don't have to watch me take the sample. And I promise you, you'll barely feel a thing. It's just a slight pinch." He stepped forward again.

"Professor, please…" Abel stepped back again. Then he held out a hand. "Give me the vial."

William sighed. "You know you're being entirely unreasonable about this." He waved the equipment in Abel's direction. "Seriously, my friend, you know I'll respect your wishes about how to deal with it."

"That isn't the point." Abel's tall frame shivered again and it wasn't from cold, though he was still stripped to the waist. The silver head bowed. "I understand the necessity of the request but…please. I'm asking you to respect my wishes in this. I just…I can't let that needle near me."

William sighed. "Well then, exactly how do you propose we handle the situation? I can't fully analyze your condition without a sample, and you insist on being stubborn about the matter." He sighed again. "Will you at least tell me why?"

"I have some…some bad memories. They've been worse than usual lately." Abel managed a ghost of a smile. "And when I consider what the Inquisition would do to me if Petros didn't cover for me…"

His friend grinned. "Well, that is a rather troubling thought, I'll grant you. Still…how shall we deal with this?"

"Just give me the vial, and I'll give you your sample." Abel held out one hand. After a moment of hesitation, the Professor leaned forward and dropped the small tubes into his palm.

Abel closed his eyes, and something went through him. William tensed, feeling a sudden surge of static in the air. Then he watched as the man before him unscrewed the top of the container, and carefully drew one suddenly sharp nail across his wrist. Blood welled out, dripping into the small glass tubes in his hand. When both were four fifths full, the bleeding stopped. The Crusnik priest's hands capped the vials, and the feeling of electricity in the air faded away. Abel held out the now filled containers.

"I trust that will be sufficient."

"Indeed it will." The Professor's face was troubled. "That's not a comforting thing to watch, my friend. To see you so casually hurt yourself…" He looked at the now-healed wrist.

"I apologize." Abel's eyes were sheepish, and ashamed. "But I…I simply…"

William shook his head. "We'll say no more about it. It's all right. You did what you felt you had to." He stowed the cylinders away, and picked up his pipe again. "Well then, since we got that out of the way, you'd better be getting dressed."

"Eh?" Abel blinked. He had one arm already partially threaded through his cassock sleeve. His friend gave him a sideways smile.

"There's somewhere I need to take you. After all, isn't it your responsibility to take care of Lady Esther?" A mischievous glint entered his eyes. "She left with that reprobate Leon quite some time ago."

Abel flinched. "Good Lord. You're right." He shrugged into his jacket, then winced. "I have no idea where they could be."

"Well, as it just so happens, I believe I overheard Leon mentioning a destination." He struck a match to his pipe. "Shall we go see if we can apprehend them?" Abel nodded.

The halls were quiet when the two of them left the rooms. The Professor stopped one guard and asked a quick low question that Abel didn't quite hear. Then he turned and began striding down the halls.

"I believe we need to go this way." The two men wandered out through the halls, until they came to a small set of double doors. "Ah, this should be the place."

Abel blinked. "One of the reading rooms? Now why on Earth would Leon…?"

"Never mind all that. Shall we go in?" William grinned and turned the door handle, then grabbed Abel's arm and pulled him forward. "Come on, Abel."

"HOORAY!" The sound wasn't loud, but it was certainly enthusiastic. Abel stumbled to a stop, blinking at the small group of faces before him.

"Ummm…Professor, what is going on here?" He looked back at the man behind him, who calmly walked forward and took a glass from Leon.

"What? Oh, you mean this?" The Professor turned, then saluted the startled priest with his glass. "This, my friend, is what is commonly known as a 'welcome home' party." His smile gentled a little at Abel's obvious confusion. "It's rare to get one of our own back, so we thought a little celebration was in order."

"Ummm, well…thank you." Abel swallowed. He blinked again. "Miss Astha? And Ion…"

Astha snorted. "We aren't AX, but we have an interest in your life, priest. Lady Caterina suggested we attend. And I, for one, am not going to pass up a good drink."

Ion simply smiled. "Welcome back, Father Nightroad. It's good to see you finally returning to be amongst friends."

"Positive." Abel started as Tres spoke. The android priest didn't say anything further, and he wasn't drinking, but somehow his presence made Abel relax a little.

Leon sighed, then marched forward and threw an arm around Abel's shoulders. "Quit stalling, Four Eyes. Get over here and have a drink." He tilted his own glass back and swallowed the contents, then picked up a bottle and filled the cup again. "Here ya go."

Abel flushed. "Well, um, Leon…"

"Ah, come on. Sister Red's already had hers." One hand gestured.

Abel turned his head to see Esther smiling at him. "Miss Esther…"

"Welcome back, Father." She raised her glass slightly. "It's good to see you've returned."

Abel smiled, then carefully took a glass as well. "And you too, Miss Esther. I'm glad to be working with you again." He raised his cup in a toast. "To both our returns, then?" The rest of the company followed suit, saluting the two of them.

Though it wasn't a loud party, the company didn't seem to want to break up. There wasn't much conversation going on, but it didn't really matter. The companionship was enough. After a few minutes talking to the Professor, Esther moved to join Abel standing by the table and watching the small group of people with distant eyes. "Father, are you all right?"

"What…oh yes, of course." Abel shook himself back to reality. "It's simply…well to be honest I didn't think I'd ever be standing here again. I thought…I thought I might have lost this. It's a very strange feeling, to step back into my life like this." He lifted one hand, and stared at it thoughtfully. "But Lady Caterina wanted me to return, and the Professor says it's all right, so…"

"Was that why she held you back after the ceremony?"

"Yes. She wanted the Professor to make sure I was all right. There's still a few things we need to check…but it appears everything is fine for the moment." He smiled at her.

"I'm glad." Esther returned the smile with one of her own.

"Hey, hey…don't go hoggin all Red's attention, Four Eyes." Leon strolled up and wrapped a friendly arm across Esther's shoulders. He'd been drinking fairly steadily over the evening, and though he wasn't visibly drunk, there was a wicked gleam is his eyes. "I don't care if she does like that bad-boy other image of yours."

Abel stared at him, his frame suddenly tense. "Leon…it's not like that." His voice was soft.

"Yeah? Maybe not. What I wanna know is…how come you never mentioned it, and who all knows about this." Leon took another swallow from his glass, then turned his head. "Hey, Professor, I got a question for you."

Abel flinched. "Leon…"

William had already turned around. "Yes?"

"Did you know about Four Eyes here?" Leon jerked a thumb in Abel's direction. "I mean, did you know he could transform into something like whatever he was last night?" Abel grimaced and put a hand to his face.

"Of course." The Professor took a sip of his wine. "I'm somewhat responsible for him after all. Caterina explained his condition to me early on, the same day she assigned me to make sure he stayed stable and healthy."

"Seriously?" Leon turned to Tres. "What about you, Gunslinger?"

"Positive. Father Nightroad's condition is known to me. It is part of standing orders to ensure that his powers remain within acceptable parameters on given missions and to ensure that the Crusnik function properly. 6.5 months ago, primary mission orders included the restart of the Crusnik, in an attempt to repair the damage to Father Nightroad during the altercation in the Londinium Underground."

"What the hell?" Leon turned to frown at Abel. Then he looked down at Esther. "Don't tell me, you know about this joker as well."

Esther blushed. "I did. But Father Nightroad…he did ask me not to bring it up."

"Dammit." Leon snarled in frustration. "Am I the only one in the entire AX who didn't know about you?" He shot a glare in Abel's direction.

"Um, well no." Abel flushed. "I don't think Gypsy Queen or Black Widow have ever been informed…and I'd like to keep it that way, thank you."

"Noelle didn't know either. And I'm not sure Sword Dancer does." William frowned in consideration. "Hugue is observant enough in battle to have seen you, but the two of you work so rarely together that I'm not sure he would have ever been around."

"Well, if you don't mind my saying so, there's something I'd like to know." Astha stepped forward to join the group. Her fierce gaze pinned Abel where he stood. "Tell me, partner…what exactly was that?" She held his gaze. "I saw you transform, and I've seen some of the things that you can do. But I don't understand what you became, or why you feel the need to keep it a secret. What is it that you have to hide?" Her gaze slipped to the Professor, and to Tres in the corner.

"Why do both of them say they were assigned to make sure you were stable? And last night…you said you were afraid you'd hurt me. Why?"

"Miss Astha…" Abel's face went pale.

"Hey, you owe the lady some answers. Come to think of it, I'd like some as well." Leon frowned at the silver-haired priest before him.

"Yes, well…about that…" Abel sighed, and looked at the glass he'd set on the table. Absently, he lifted it, then drained the contents with a single drink. "Professor, if you'd be so kind…" A small, sad smile touched his face. "They're right. I do owe them a few explanations. But I think I'm going to need a little help." The other man said nothing, but silently refilled the glass.

Abel took another drink, then turned to face Astha and Leon. "You wanted to know about the Crusnik. The Crusnik…they're a…well I suppose you could say they are my darker side. They exist within me." Bitterness and pain touched his face. "That form you saw…that other me…that is what happens…" His head bowed. "That is what happens when I must yield control of my body to them. That form…" He stopped, and drained his wine glass again.

Esther felt a surge of sympathy for him. The pain in his voice was no less evident then it had been in Carthage, when he had confessed to her. She laid a hand on his arm.

"It's all right, Father." She smiled into the stricken blue eyes, hoping he'd remember what else she'd said. I'm not afraid of you.

"Thank you." His own response was barely audible to her, but he did look back up into Astha's face. "The Crusnik…when I transform into that…I…I have certain powers. I can generate lightning. I heal…impossibly fast and impossibly well. Even wounds no Methuselah could heal. I can regenerate in almost any circumstance. I can produce the scythe you saw me use…and the wings you saw. And even…even like this, when they are mostly dormant…I will heal. And I am strong, if I choose to be."

Astha considered. "That explains the bridge incident." She sighed. "I wondered how in hell you managed to move around, after that shot hit you. But you…"

"I was already healing. I would have healed faster, but I…I didn't want to let any more of them be active. I couldn't." His eyes left hers.

"Why?" Astha finished her drink, and looked at him. "What is it you're trying to hide from me priest?"

"Well…" He sighed. "Have you ever thought about the food chain?"

"What?" Leon blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"Simply…something like this. Animals eat plants. Humans eat animals. And Methuselah…require human blood, or a reasonable substitute for it. The Aqua Vitae. Isn't that correct?" Astha nodded. "Well then, do you ever consider the possibility that there might be something…something that needs a Methuselah's blood?" His eyes would no longer meet hers.

"I've never heard of anything like that."

"No. It's a very well kept secret. But in Venice, there at the bridge…I…" A bitter smile crossed his face. "I had to suppress them down to nearly zero activity. Otherwise…I would have hurt you." The blue eyes met Astha's, full of pain and self-disgust.

"That…that is the price of a Crusnik. I need…just as Methuselah need blood or the pills they take, I need Methuselah blood. And that…that is what I am. What that is. That's what you wanted to know, that I didn't want to tell you." He looked away, anguish in his face.

Awkward silence fell. Then Ion stepped forward, to look Abel in the eyes. "This thing…what you're talking about…" He held the winter-blue gaze with his own. "That was why you were reluctant to include me in your journey. And why you insisted on battling alone, all these months? You were protecting me from yourself, were you not?"

Abel swallowed hard, nodded once. "I had to try."

"And you went into battle even so." Ion smiled. "I'm rather surprised. I would have thought I would have realized. But all that time, you managed to keep me from realizing, what my presence was doing to you."

"It's not quite as bad as he makes it sound." The Professor spoke up, pipe in hand. The friendly brown eyes met Astha's. "It's true, he does occasionally need blood. However, unless he happens to be in pitched combat, in a circumstance where he's using a great deal of power, there are other ways around it." He caught Abel's eyes. "If you're going to tell them things, you ought to tell the whole truth. There are ways to protect you."

Abel sighed. "I can…stave off the issue, as long as I eat enough. But…it requires a huge amount of food to compensate, and I have a tendency towards low blood sugar." He smiled wanly at Leon. "You asked me once, how I could stand thirteen sugars in my tea. Well, that's also a part of the Crusnik. If I don't want to feed, then I need rather a large amount of sugar and solid food."

"I see. Well that sure as hell explains a lot. So your body's all screwed up cause of that, is it?" Leon gave him a predatory grin, "Well then…that's not a problem. I don't know why you made such a big deal about it."

"He's right, priest. If it's that simple, then why the hell are you so worried?"

"Because I can't always control it. You have to understand…the Crusnik are…they're like the Methuselah Bascillus. But they're much more…aware, and violent. I can't always…" He bit his lip.

"You mean you suffer the Thirst, as we do, and that it is difficult for you." Astha pinned him with a stare.

"Something like that." Abel nodded. "I try, but…"

"Enough." Astha drained her glass, and then caught Abel's collar in a strong, but very careful grip. "I understand well enough, Priest." She locked eyes with him again. "And I understand why you kept this a secret. I'm assuming that your resurrection had something to do with this Crusnik?"

"Yes. Caterina…she asked Tres to give me a second infusion of the Crusnik, and force a fusion." He swallowed. "I can activate them up to a certain percentage. What Caterina did…it forced a one hundred percent activation, and fused the Crusnik to my body, to my blood. And it…revived me. But…it was rather difficult to control." He swallowed again, hi face tense. "I…had to give my body completely to them. There was only the barest fraction of myself. After a while, I regained some semblance of control but…I couldn't be sure. That's why…"

"You were learning to control your powers." Astha sighed. "I understand that. Do you think we Methuselah never have problems when we Awaken?" She glared at him. "You only had to tell me that, partner." Then the glare softened. "But I suppose I understand this time why you didn't." She looked away. "Just promise me, now that I know…that you won't try to hide from me again. We're partners, Abel Nightroad, and I don't want to worry that you aren't telling me things like that."

"Miss Astha…" Abel's eyes widened, surprise replacing the haunted look. "It doesn't…"

"Hell…I agree with the lady." Leon dropped an arm in a loose choke-hold about his neck. "It sure as hell is weird, seeing you with fangs and shit, but in the end, I don't guess it matters much." He grinned his wolf's grin. "You're still gonna be Father Four Eyes in the end. And if that ever changes, it'll just give me an excuse to kick your scrawny ass, now won't it?"

"I…" Abel stared at him, then all the others. Astha was simply watching him. Ion's eyes were bright with determination, and admiration plain as day. Esther and the Professor were smiling at him, support and friendship in their eyes.

Abel could feel the tears of relief stinging his eyes. He broke away from Leon, and turned back to the table to fill his glass, trying to cover his emotion. "Really…it isn't that simple."

"I think you have it wrong, my friend." The Professor spoke from beside him, and Abel found a handkerchief being pressed into his hand, hidden by their stance. "It really is that simple. You're our friend and our comrade. That's really all there is to it."

Abel brushed the tears away, and a tremulous smile took over his face. "I see. As simple as that, is it?" He filled the glass, then turned back to the group. His eyes touched each face, and as they met hers, Esther saw the gratitude and joy reflected clearly in them. Then Abel raised his glass. "Thank you. Thank you all very much." He lifted his glass a little higher. "To partners and friends."

"To partners and friends." Everyone joined the toast. Then Leon walked up to Abel's side. "Welcome back, Four Eyes." He clapped Abel on the back.

Caught off guard, Abel stumbled, and narrowly missed spilling his wine down the front of his cassock and Esther's dress. He turned back to the other man with indignation in his eyes. "Really, Leon! you have to be more careful…I nearly spilled my drink!"

"Yeah?" The bigger man gave him a sharp grin over the rim of his own glass. "I guess that just means you aren't as bad as you thought." He snickered.

"Wha…?" The bemused look on Abel's face was hilarious. Esther bit back a snicker, and saw the Professor trying to hide a smile behind his pipe. Then Abel flushed, and a sheepish look spread over his face. "Well I suppose so, but really…"

It was too much. The entire group broke into laughter, except for Tres. Abel flushed harder, but after a moment, his lips curved upward, and he joined them.