(AN) smcandy & dragonwriter24cmf AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hi again everyone. We apologize for the agonizing delay.
smcandy AUTHOR'S NOTES: Sadly dragonwriter24cmf's hard drive crashed from just a few weeks ago back in July. Chapter 11 would have and should have been uploaded sooner but it seems some sort of fate power above human existence is preventing us from getting this story updated to you more frequently. Trust me both me and dragonwriter24cmf were in frustration semi tears when her hard drive decided to RIP on her forever she got a new from what I am told but still it's something that are gonan try an prevent from happening in delaying us again next time. Having my editor to re-type the chapter while in the middle of moving was also a pain the ass for my editor to accomplish somewhat she finds her editing job more relaxing then what other more realistic actives sometimes she has to do in way as her get away from her all for a little while.
Can't say blame her, I feel the same. Anyway chapter eleven here so no more stressing out or wondering WTH happened. I also wanna thank and acknowledge all the latest reviews and comments from TBW fans new and old that have subscribed to this story or are still having fun reading it. Thanks guys it means a lot to me and my editor for all your awesome comments. So without much more chatter read and enjoy everyone until next time.
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 Eleven - Taken Captive
Abel remained where he was after Esther fled, staring at the roses but not seeing them. His jaw ached, but he made no move to tend to his bruised face. His thoughts were on his argument with Esther. A glitter of light made him turn his head, and he spotted her mask lying on the path only a few feet away. He reached down, picked it up, and carefully brushed the dirt away from it, a sad smile on his face.
He hadn't meant to hurt her. Her declaration had startled him so much that he'd simply said what he felt. Abel bit his lip, bowing his head at the surge of sorrow. Everything he'd said was correct, and he knew in his heart that what he'd told Esther was right. She couldn't love him, for all those reasons and more. But even so…
It was the same as it had been with Noelle. He'd known, when Noelle confessed, that they could never be more than friends. He'd tried so hard to say it gently, but even so…he'd hurt her terribly and he knew it. And the situation with Esther was worse in some ways. Noelle hadn't known of his terrible other half, of the monster he transformed into when he fought. Esther did know, at least part of the truth, and had said she wasn't afraid of him. That she loved him even with that. But it didn't change things. Abel swallowed hard, remembering her last words to him. Remembering how she'd rejected his words and run from him crying. "I'm sorry, Miss Esther…truly sorry."
"Father Nightroad?" A youthful voice, one he recognized, interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see a slender figure standing at the entrance to the rose garden.
"Ah. Earl of Memphis. What brings you out?" He tried to muster his usual tones, and failed, but managed something that sounded polite at least.
"The Count of Manchester asked me to locate you and Esther, when we realized you weren't inside." Ion moved forward, and his voice was surprisingly serious.
"Ah…well, that might be…" Abel winced, hoping Ion wouldn't notice it. "I'm afraid Esther and I split up, and I don't know precisely where she went. We had a bit of a disagreement, and…."
"I know." Ions voice cut through his words, low and intense. "I saw Esther, just a few minutes ago." With shocking speed, the young man lunged forward and seized Abel by the collar, jerking him downward. "What did you say to her?"
"Eh?" Abel blinked at the hard anger in Ion's eyes.
"What did you say to Esther?" Ion glared at him, eyes hot and fangs grinding together. "What did you say to upset her so much?" He shoved Abel backward, the force of his push sending the older man tumbling to the ground, then stood over him, his fists clenched. "You…I thought you were her friend."
"Well…I…" Abel couldn't figure out what to say to the youth, and Ion gave him no time.
"Esther…Esther was really hurt by you, Father. She was crying. She wouldn't even let me comfort her. She was so upset she ran away from me, and she couldn't stop weeping. You really hurt her feelings."
Abel flinched. "I…well…" He bit his lip. "I know…but I…what she wants of me…I couldn't."
"How dare you?" Ion's voice was tight. "After all Esther's been through with you, after all she's done for you…how dare you treat her so callously? All this time, she's been by your side. She was there for you, even when you died. She even came to find you, and risked herself to help you. How can you just shove her away like that?"
Abel sighed, looking away from his angry companion. "I…it's not that simple. It's not that I meant to shove her away, though…" A sad smile touched his face. "I understand why she probably feels that way right now. But I…"
"Apologize." Ion moved forward and caught his jacket. "Apologize to her for what you said." He dropped Abel back into the dirt.
Abel sighed. "I…well, I suppose I do owe her that but…I don't think she wants to hear an apology from me just now."
"Don't you dare try to brush it off like that!" Ion grabbed him, jerked him upright so hard his jaw clicked shut. "After how bad you hurt her, the least you can do is apologize. Say you're sorry, and mean it, and say it until it helps." His glare could have blistered paint at a yard. "I don't care if you have to grovel and beg for forgiveness. For the way you upset her, you deserve it. Apologize to her."
Abel stared at the nobleman in surprise. He knew Ion cared deeply for Esther, and was extremely protective of her, but he'd never imagined this kind of fury. He looked away from Ion's anger, suddenly ashamed of his actions. "I…was it that bad?"
Ion turned away from him. "She wouldn't stop crying. I couldn't…I couldn't even comfort her. She was so devastated that everything I said only hurt her worse. Because of what you said to her. She just kept crying, and then she ran away from me." Blazing eyes met Abel's. "All she'd tell me was that you pushed her away. That she cared for you, and all you did was shove her away…after all she's done for you…"
Abel winced, and another wave of sorrow and shame scorched through him. "I…I didn't mean to make her feel that way, honestly. I just…" He bowed his head. "I can't give her what she asked of me." Ion made no move, and Abel sighed again, then carefully picked himself up off the ground. He winced at the pain of new bruises, and a bitter smile crossed his lips for a moment. "I…am truly sorry I hurt her."
"I'm not the one you should say that to." Ion's voice was hard.
"Yes. You're right." Abel sighed, looking up at the small second moon hanging in the sky. "Even if she doesn't want to hear it from me…even if I've earned her anger and her hatred…you're right. I owe her an apology. Even a bit of groveling." The sardonic smile touched his face again. "Earl of Memphis, I do realize you're rather angry with me, but if you could kindly point me in the direction Lady Esther went…I doubt she went back to the ball in that state, but…"
"She didn't." Ion's shoulders relaxed, just a fraction. Though there was still anger in his tones, it was masked with civility. "When she left…I think she ran further into the gardens."
"Further into the gardens?" Abel blinked, feeling his stomach clench in a gut reaction of unease that had nothing to do with confronting Esther again. He blinked, trying to understand what had disturbed him. As he considered the quiet garden, the answer came and he stiffened. "Earl of Memphis…did you see any guards on your way here?"
Ion blinked. "No. There are all guarding the perimeter, and the area around the ballroom. That was part of why Lord Walsh sent me to look for you and Esther." Abel winced. "Why?"
Abel's voice was soft, but intense with sudden concern. "If Esther ran into the gardens…and if the guards are near the ballroom and we're here, then…"
"She's alone. And she's unprotected." Ion caught Abel's urgency, and the reason for it. "Then…Esther's vulnerable right now."
"Yes." Abel's gaze flickered through the moonlit expanse. "Ion…make a quick sweep through the area and see if you can locate her. I'll return to the ball and inform the others, to search for her. If you find her…"
"I won't leave her side." Ion nodded. He looked over the gardens. "You should hurry Father." Then he was gone, with the faint shimmer that marked a Methuselah moving into haste mode.
Abel bit his lip, then turned and began to run towards the Palace, and the glowing lights that marked the celebration. He stopped at the terrace, to brush dust from his clothing and catch his breath. Despite the hour, there were plenty of guests still in attendance, and he didn't want to alarm anyone unnecessarily. He was just about to enter when a voice spoke from the shadows. "You seem to be in something of a hurry, Abel."
Abel winced as Seth came forward into the light, her eyes glittering with suppressed amusement. "I know you took Esther out to the gardens, and the Earl of Memphis went after you, but still…"
"Seth, please." Abel interrupted her teasing. "I…now is not the time. I need you to help me find Miss Astha, and Leon, as well as Lord Walsh and Colonel Spencer."
Seth blinked, and her smile died. "Abel…did something happen?"
"Yes." Abel felt himself flush. "I…Esther and I had a disagreement, and parted company. And I'm not entirely sure where she went. But there aren't any guards on the grounds."
"That's a problem." Seth made a face.
"Yes. I've sent the Earl of Memphis to look for her, but…it's a big area to search. We need to get the others."
"You're right." Seth moved away from the wall. "I'll go find Astha and her escort. You take care of the Count of Manchester and Colonel Spencer." She grinned briefly. "It'll be much less suspicious if you go and talk to them. After all, you already work with them both."
Abel nodded, and the two of them entered the hall. Abel spotted Mary, leaning against the wall by the doors, her eyes scanning the crowd. A moment later, he spotted Virgil, standing close to the dais. He took a deep breath, then began to thread his way through the crowd towards the other man.
Virgil was talking to one of the other Albion lords when Abel approached. He didn't end his conversation, but a quick flick of his eyes registered Abel's presence, and a moment later, he carefully disengaged himself from his peer. "Father Nightroad?"
"Lord Walsh." Abel inclined his head. "I was wondering if I might impose on you for a moment. I'm afraid I have a request to make of you, regarding Her Majesty." He hesitated, looking through the crowd. "I'd be very much obliged if you'd meet me out on the terrace in about ten minutes."
The words were variations on ones Virgil had probably heard at least a hundred times tonight, but the man's eyes said he knew that it wasn't the same. He nodded. "Very well." Then he turned and walked away.
Abel sighed, then made his way over to the tall uniformed figure by the wall. "Colonel Spencer."
She gave him a nod of the head in reply, but didn't look away from her task. "Father Nightroad."
He hated to tell her that he'd lost her monarch, but there was no help for it. "Colonel, I was hoping you'd join me out on the terrace for a moment."
Now her eyes flicked towards him. "I'm honored, but I trust you are aware that I'm on duty at the moment."
"I am. However, this concerns the safety of Her Majesty." He sighed.
"I see." Mary pushed off from the wall and straightened her uniform. "Have you informed Lord Walsh?"
"Yes. He's agreed to meet us there." Abel looked back through the crowd of dancers, but didn't see Virgil's black and gold form anywhere. Mary nodded, and the two of them made their way to the open garden doors.
True to Abel's request, Virgil was already waiting, along with Astha, Leon and Seth. As Abel stepped through the doors, Leon fixed him with a sharp look. "Hey, mind telling me what this is all about?"
Abel sighed. "Well, I…I brought Esther outside from some fresh air, but I'm afraid we had an argument, and she left my side. And now I'm not sure where she is. It may be of no concern, but if she happened to go somewhere were the guards are unavailable to watch over her…"
"You're saying you left Sister Red unprotected?" Leon glare was dagger sharp.
Abel flushed. "It wasn't intentional. I've already sent the Earl of Memphis to look for her, with order to stay with her if he finds her. Hopefully, he'll have located Esther by now."
"Unfortunately, I'm afraid I haven't." Ion appeared out of the night, stepping out of haste mode with his hair in disarray and concern on his youthful features. "I looked through the gardens, but I didn't see or hear her anywhere."
"Then we must assume that Her Majesty is at risk, and make an attempt to locate her." Virgil's face was troubled. He glanced inside. "It would be best if we could accomplish this without disturbing those who are gathered here."
Mary nodded. "I'll call a couple of the more discreet guards and servants to assist with the search. In the meantime, we should inform Lady Caterina and Her Imperial Majesty."
"I've thought of that, actually." Seth moved forward. "I told Mirka, and she agreed to pass the word to Cardinal Sforza." She and Mary exchanged glances, with a slight nod of appreciation for the mutual caution.
"Very well." Virgil's eyes slipped over the group. "Colonel Spencer and I will begin a search of the Castle, in hopes that Her Majesty has simply retired for the night. I would appreciate it if the rest of you would begin searching the grounds." He gestured. "Father Leon, Lady Astha, if you would, begin searching in the paths that lead to the main gate and the courtyard. Lord Fortuna, Lady Seth, if you could, please direct your search back towards the Royal gardens. And Father Nightroad…" His gaze caught Abel's. Abel flushed, hot with shame, but there was no condemnation in the lord's gaze, only consideration. "Father Nightroad, I'd like you to retrace your steps, see if you can find any trace of Her Majesty, or any likely place she might have gone."
Everyone nodded. Virgil considered the darkness, then pulled a watch from a pocket. "If we have not located Her Majesty within that time, then I recommend meeting here in three hours. It will take at least that long to search the Palace."
"Roger." Leon flicked the man a salute, then turned to Astha. "Well then, senora, shall we get going?" The two of them disappeared into the night.
Virgil turned and went back into the castle, Colonel Spencer at his side. Ion shot Abel one last dagger-sharp glare, then hurried off into the night, with Seth at his side.
Abel sighed, looking out over the moonlit gardens. He hoped Esther was all right, that one of the others would find her. He bit his lip, sorrow and concern filling him at the thought of the young woman alone and unprotected. Miss Esther…. He shook his head, then hurried out into the dark forest of hedges, seeking information as to where she'd gone.
They'd been searching for about half an hour, moving through the bushes. Seth took one look back, but Abel was well out of view. Hopefully, out of earshot as well. She turned back to her companion. "That was quite a glare you gave my brother back there."
Ion stiffened, but didn't turn to face her. "This is all his fault. He…he said something to hurt Esther's feelings, and upset her. Because of him, Esther may be in danger." His tone was rough with anger. "After everything…how could he say something careless and upset her like this?"
"Hmmm." Seth bit her lip, considering. "Well, I won't deny Abel might have done something stupid. He's like that sometimes." An ironic smile twitched across her lips for a moment. "And sometimes, he is fairly careless. But…you know he'd never deliberately hurt anyone, Esther least of all."
"That may be true. However, it doesn't excuse what he did." Ion's tone was unyielding, and Seth sighed.
"That may be true, but…Earl of Memphis…there are other things to consider." Startled by the use of his title, Ion turned to face her. Seth fixed him with a stern look, to make sure she had his attention, then looked back over the gardens. "My brother may be an idiot sometimes but…that's because he's human too. And things have been rather hard for Abel lately, you know?" She met his eyes, saw the reluctant acknowledgement of that truth. "No matter what he did, I'm pretty sure he feels bad about it. But…with everything that's happened to him lately, even brother Abel's going to make some mistakes. And there's no point in making it harder on him."
"But…he hurt her, and now he's put Esther in danger."
"We don't know that yet." Seth looked over the gardens. "She might simply have gone back to her rooms, you know. But either way, there's no point in being angry now. You should save that for when we find something wrong, if we do. Besides…" She moved forward, to tap him lightly on the chest. "If you show Esther an angry face when you see her, that'll only upset her more, now won't it?"
Ion swallowed. "You are correct, my lady." He bowed his head. "I apologize for my temper."
"Good." Seth stepped away. "Now let's see if we can find Esther."
They passed another hour in searching, with no sign of the red-haired young woman. Seth knew time was growing short, that they'd have to return to the rendezvous point soon, but she kept moving forward. She was just about to call Ion when a dark shape loomed up out of the night.
Seth stopped. A few yards away, a small building stood. It wasn't much bigger than a modest cottage, of sorts, but here in the gardens, it offered shelter and privacy. An ideal place to go if you were feeling out of sorts. She called out. "Ion!"
The young noble joined her within a moment. "My lady."
She gestured to the building, and both of them moved toward it. Close up, she could see the thin line of the connecting hallway to the Palace, the Royal wing. She stepped forward and tried the door. "Hmmm…It's locked."
Ion shifted. "Do you think Esther might be in there?"
Seth sighed. "I'm not sure. The door is shut though...I don't suppose you can pick the lock?"
Ion flushed. "No. Father Nightroad could, but…"
"Abel isn't here. And I suppose it's not so much a question of whether or not we could break in. It's a question of whether or not Esther could enter." She bit her lip, then drew the young noble forward. "Here. Go ahead and call out to her."
Ion laid one hand on the door knob, then tapped lightly on the frame. "Esther? Esther, are you in there?" He tapped a little harder, spoke a little louder. "Esther?"
There was no response from within. Ion frowned, and laid his ear against the door for a moment. Then he shook his head. "I can't hear anything inside."
Seth sighed. "Then she's probably not in there. But it was a good try." She looked back over the gardens. "Come on, we still have a few more minutes to search before we have to head back." Ion nodded, and the two of them moved further into the moonlit hedges.
An hour later, the search crews reconvened. Virgil and Mary were last to arrive, the concern on their faces showing their lack of success. Virgil's gaze swept the assembled group. "Have you found any trace of her?"
Leon shook his head. "Nah. We went as far as we could, back that way…" He gestured with one thumb. "But there wasn't a sign of her."
Virgil sighed. "We've looked in every room of the Palace we can access, and it appears that Her Majesty has not re-entered the building. We even checked the Queens, Sanctuary, which connects to the gardens, with no success."
"Is that the small building, the one that's barely connected to the Royal Wing?" Seth blinked. "We looked there as well, but it was locked, and we didn't get any response when we tried the door."
"I see." Virgil's gaze came to rest on the silver-haired man standing quietly to one side. "Father Nightroad?"
Abel shook his head. "I'm sorry." He didn't lift his eyes far enough to meet the lords. "I haven't found a trace of Esther, I'm afraid."
"Very well." Walsh stared out into the darkening landscape. "I've spoken with Father Tres, and he reports he's seen no one go out of the grounds, and found no traces of anyone leaving. Therefore, our next option is to search the Palace grounds, starting with the main gardens here." His gaze touched the assembled group. "In light of the hour, and the approach of dawn, I will not further impose upon you."
Astha shrugged. "I don't mind searching a little longer. Esther's a good woman." Seth and Ion nodded their agreement.
Leon grinned. "Hey, Red's a part of my team again, after all. I can't just go to bed wondering what happened, now can I?"
Virgil bowed. "Thank you." He paused for thought, his eyes dark and serious. "Father Nightroad, please join Lord Fortuna and Lady Seth. Return in the direction previously searched and expand outward. Lady Astha, Father Leon, please do the same. Colonel Spencer and I will take the center section of the gardens."
"Understood." Abel flinched slightly, but when he met Ion's gaze, the young Methuselah simply caught his eyes with a level stare, then turned. "Father Nightroad, are you coming?"
"Oh. Yes, of course." Abel hurried after his companions, surprised and relieved that the young man had regained his composure. Hopefully, Esther had also regained her calm.
Abel bit his lip, feeling his stomach clench. He wasn't sure what he'd say to Esther if they did find her. Then he sighed, and put the thought from his mind. Hopefully, she'd be calm enough to hear his apology, but there would be time enough to worry about that when she was safe.
Esther lay curled up on the seat, her eyes closed. She'd finally stopped crying, but she didn't really want to get up. She buried her face in the cushion of the arm, trying to blot out the world around her, but it was no good. She knew she needed to be getting back. After a moment more, she sighed and sat up.
There wasn't a mirror, not that she could see, but she didn't need one to know she looked…unwell. Her eyes were red and irritated from crying, her face felt sticky with tears, and perspiration from her run through the gardens. She ran a hand through her hair, trying to straighten it, and her fingers encountered the tiara. She pulled it off, the weight of it simply too much for her to handle right now. She stared down at the golden circle, trying to control a fresh wave of tears. Though a part of her wanted to weep some more, to sob until she could no longer breathe, she knew that she needed to return, to let someone know where she was.
They were looking for her. She'd heard Virgil, at the door to the room, calling for her, and Ion, at the door she'd come through. She really needed to go and let them know she was all right. But still, she didn't want to face them. She ran a hand over her face, wincing at the puffy, swollen feel of her eyes. She didn't want Virgil to see her in this state, he'd only be worried. And as for Ion…she remembered the young lord's soft voice calling at the door, but all she'd been able to do was curl up tighter and refuse to answer him. She couldn't answer him right then, didn't want to see him.
Esther's fist clenched, and she bit her lip hard to stave off the sobs trying to explode from her aching chest. She couldn't imagine facing Ion again, not after she'd run from him. She didn't know how to deal with the feelings he'd expressed for her, especially not in light of what she'd said to Abel.
Abel…he was probably searching with the others, but even if he wasn't, she'd have to see him the next time he took a shift at guarding her. Despite her best intentions, Esther felt a sob break free, and a fresh set of tears trickled down her cheek. The mere thought of Abel made her chest hurt, and her head pound. She choked back the tears, staring at her fisted hands with watery eyes.
She didn't know what to say to him. His rejection still hurt her, but she was also aware of a sense of shame at her own reactions. Even though he'd hurt her feelings, to say that she hated him had been cruel. And even though she was devastated by his shutting her out, that had been no reason to strike him. She felt herself flush with shame at the memory of her hand striking his jaw, the way he'd made no move to counter her, or even block the blow. Angry and hurt as she felt, she didn't have the right to do that to him. She bit her lip, feeling simultaneous anger and shame and hurt, uncertain how to deal with it, or Abel. She knew she should apologize to him, for what she'd done, but she was too hurt to even try.
Finally, she sighed, and gently brushed the tears away. Her head hurt, her chest hurt, and she only wanted this night to end. She glanced through the dim room to the door on the far side. She could go to her rooms, and plead a headache. One of the maids could seek out Virgil, and tell him where she was, and that she felt unwell and had decided to retire for the night. She knew he'd leave her alone. Hopefully, in the morning she'd feel better, and better able to cope with the situation. Perhaps she could persuade him, or Lady Caterina and Seth, to find something to occupy Abel for a few days, until she had more of a chance to regain her equilibrium.
Esther brushed her hand across her face one more time, then stood and moved towards the doors. She was halfway there when something seized her from behind. A powerful grip seized her waist, pinning her arms in place, while another hand reached around to cover her mouth and nose with a pad of cloth.
Shock made her freeze for a second, but then she gasped, nearly gagging as a sickly sweet smell hit her nose. She struggled, but the grip holding her was far too strong for her to break. She fought, trying to kick, trying to hit, trying to jerk her head back away from the cloth over her face, but it didn't help. Her assailant only pinned her tighter. Worse, her frantic struggles made her inhale more deeply, and the sickening scent began to overwhelm her. She felt suddenly dizzy, sick, and unable to keep her eyes open. She jerked her head back, but whoever it was only tightened their grip once more. She held her breath, her head swimming as she tried to find a way out, but it was no use. Her lungs burned, and she inhaled again in desperation. Another wave of scent crashed over her, leaving her weak. She dimly felt herself go slack, her muscles no longer responding to her command, and then her vision went black.
Esther regained consciousness slowly. The first thing she was aware of was the pounding in her head, and the weakness she felt. Then her mind began to clear, a little, and she began to take stock of her surroundings.
She was lying on something slightly yielding, but mostly hard. And there was a vibration to the floor, to the space around her that felt…like a ship. Like an airship in motion. The realization sent a bolt of adrenalin through her system, and she jerked upright, eyes wide open.
The movement sent a wave of pain through her head. She blinked, startled, and put a hand to her temple, wincing as she looked around. She was in a small room, dimly lit, and perhaps seven feet across. There were no furnishings, nothing except the door, the grate for air, and the thing she was lying on, which turned out to be a rough pile of blankets, heaped together.
The pain was fading. Esther took the opportunity to push herself to her feet, and reach around to the small of her back for the lightweight knife she usually kept with her.
It wasn't there. Where a small, silver, two-inch blade should have rested along her spine, there was nothing there. Esther bit her lip, feeling fear go through her. Bad enough that she'd apparently been taken, but if they'd taken her weapons…she turned, irrationally hoping it had simply fallen into the blankets or something like that. At the same time, her hand drifted to her hip, to where she normally concealed a small belt knife.
A low chuckle sounded from behind her. "I'm afraid you're not going to find those weapons. I have them safely with me."
Esther spun around. A man stood behind her, smiling sardonically. She hadn't heard the door open, hadn't seen him enter. He was just suddenly there. Esther stared at him, eyes taking in the long black hair, which swept almost to his knees, and the dark, cold eyes. He was wearing a black uniform, with white trim, that she recognized all too well. "Rosenkreutz."
He chuckled again. "Very good, Your Majesty."
She bit her lip, and blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "You…how did you get inside the Palace grounds? We drove you away."
He laughed. "Oh, certainly. But then, that was the point." A dangerous gleam lit his eyes. "After all, after such a major assault, particularly one that ended in failure, who would suspect we'd pull such a minor operation as this?" He shrugged. "It's really rather simple."
There was something familiar about him. Something about the sardonic smile, the way he spoke. Almost unconsciously, Esther found herself taking a step backward. "Who are you?"
"Of course. Allow me to introduce myself." The man swept her a mocking half bow. "Isaac Fernando von Kampfer, Order of Rosenkreutz. Court rank: magus. My title: Panzer Magio. Commonly known as Wizard, or Magician." Esther flinched. She knew that name by hearsay, from reports on incidents others had been involved with. His smile widened, cold cruelty drifting over his features.
"I'd say it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, but then…we've already met, haven't we?" A cold chuckle parted his lips. "One might even say we were friends, in a manner of speaking."
Esther bit her lip. "I would never be friends with someone like you!"
"Is that so? But I understand you befriended Dietrich, didn't you?" The curve of his lips turned mocking. "However, I assure you, it's not a lie. But perhaps you'll understand better like this.
His entire body seemed to blur, as if a cloud had come between them. When his features cleared, Esther felt herself reel with shock. Standing before her was a short haired man with neat spectacles and a patient expression, wearing a neat suit. It was the face of a man she'd met a handful of times, and considered an invaluable ally. "You're…."
A ghost of the dark grin crossed his features. "Isaac Butler, at your service." The smile widened, and the features shifted back to the ones she'd just seen. "I take that appearance when I'm serving My Lord in public. Such a useful disguise. Though I never imagined it would come in quite so handy." He stepped forward, until he seized her chin. "Who could have guessed? Thanks to that little disguise, I managed to catch the Queen of Albion herself."
"You bastard!" Esther could feel herself shaking, combined shock and anger.
"Oh, do settle down." An expression that was almost boredom crossed his face. "Really, it doesn't suit you. Besides…" That cruel smirk touched his mouth again. "It really is your fault. If you'd told someone…like Lord Walsh or that fool Wordsworth, you might have realized who I was."
Anger surged again, stiffening her spine. "Let go of me!" Esther jerked back, slapping his hand aside in a reflex reaction. He laughed, but released her. "What do you want with me?"
"Nothing, really." He shrugged. "But My Lord requested your presence, therefore, I intend to bring you to him."
Esther felt ice in her stomach. "Your Lord…"
"Of course. You've already guessed, haven't you?" Dark laughter in his eyes. "The Contra Mundi, Enemy of the World."
Esther tensed. Her eyes drifted to the door, almost of their own volition. She looked back at the man before her. She didn't know whether he was human or Methuselah, or how strong he was. She didn't know what kind of powers he wielded, though the things she'd heard indicated he was a formidable opponent.
He chuckled again. "I wouldn't try it." Esther flinched, looked back at him, and saw the dark laughter in his eyes. "You were thinking you might try to escape, weren't you?" He moved forward, that dark liquid grace she didn't see until it was too late, and then he'd stopped only inches away. "Trust me, you don't have a chance. And even if you did manage to pass me…" Something cold touched his face. "You'd have to deal with my compatriot. He's currently steering this ship, but I'm sure Dietrich would be happy to come take care of you."
Esther felt herself freeze. "Dietrich…"
"Of course." Isaac's smile, mocking and cool, came back to his face. "You know, you really ought to have made a more thorough search for him. It might have saved you this predicament. But then again…" He shrugged. "Well, one can't really predict everything." He bowed once more. "I do apologize for the rough quarters, Majesty. However, I can assure you, there should be a more suitable chamber for you when we arrive. Until then, I suggest you simply sit and enjoy the ride."
Esther's jaw clenched. "You won't get away with this."
"Well, we'll see about that. But if you're counting on being able to save yourself, I wouldn't waste your time. And if you're hoping that those friends of yours from the AX will rescue you…" A smirk widened that perpetual smile. "Well, that really is a futile hope. After all, they've been searching for us for ten years, and they've still not managed to find our quarters. It's slightly embarrassing. Especially that Father of yours." He shrugged again. "As I've said, you might as well sit back and enjoy the ride." His head cocked, listening to or sensing something she didn't. "It seems my presence is required. Until we see each other again."
He bowed one last time, then was out the door so quickly Esther barely registered the movement. In fact, she hadn't even had time to react when she heard the lock click into place.
For a long moment, Esther sat stunned, her mind whirling with emotions and thoughts. The fact that Isaac Butler, a man she'd trusted her life and well being to numerous times, was a member of Rosenkreutz shook her to her core. In many ways, it was the same as Dietrich's betrayal. Worse still, she was a prisoner. There were no windows, and there was no way for her to tell anything beyond the fact she was still moving. She had no weapons, and no means of contacting any of her comrades.
The Contra Mundi wanted her. The thought sent a shiver up her spine. Why? He'd been behind previous attempts on her life. She shivered again, remembering the scene of a few months ago, at the hands of the Fleur du Mal. They'd said then that the Contra Mundi wanted her dead. So had Dietrich. So why, why was she a captive now? She bit her lip, fear creeping into her mind. Father…
The word hit her like a bolt of lightning, and left almost as sharp a pain. She bit her lip, remembering again the words she'd spoken, and what she'd done to the man she was now hoping would rescue her. She'd said she hated him. She'd even hit him. Even though he'd always come for her in the past, she'd well and truly hurt him this time. There was no reason for her to come to her rescue again, not after what she'd done.
A man she thought a friend was her enemy, and had betrayed her. And she had hurt and betrayed the one man who'd truly been her friend and stood beside her through everything. The thoughts brought a lump to her throat, made her chest hurt with anger and sorrow. She blinked back the tears and clenched her fists, determined not to give in to her emotions, not here where her enemies held her captive. To distract herself, she began looking around the small room, looking for opportunities or things she could use. Kampfer was right, she couldn't depend on anyone to save her.
She was so pre-occupied with her plans and her emotions that she didn't see the curl of white mist begin drifting from the overhead vent. Then a whiff of sweet scent, too sweet, drifted past her nose. Esther gasped, recognizing the smell, and slapped a hand over her mouth and nose, trying to hold her breath. She lunged for the door, jerking at the handle.
It was locked. Esther heaved at it, but the handle didn't budge an inch, and the door was far too solid for her to do anything. Half angry, half terrified, she began pounding at the door, her eyes desperately darting over her cell, looking for a means of escape. Between the danger of confronting Dietrich and Kampfer, and the risk of being drugged unconscious again, she'd take her chances with Dietrich. She shoved at the door again, cursing in her mind that the hinges were on the outside.
Her lungs were burning from the lack of air. As hard as she tried to avoid it, she found herself taking deep gasping breaths, and even the cloth of her skirt couldn't filter out that sickening sweet smell. She tried to keep her breathing shallow, to hold it back, but it didn't help. She began to feel light-headed, dizzy. She bit her lip, clenched her fists until her nails cut into her palms, trying desperately to maintain consciousness. It was no use. She felt herself slide down the door, too weak and uncoordinated to remain upright. Her vision began to go grey, and she felt the hem of her dress slip from fingers too numb to hold on any longer.
She made one last desperate effort, reaching up weakly for the handle, but her fingers fell short. She collapsed, helpless to prevent it as her mind slid slowly into darkness. As she passed out, one last thought flittered across her drug confused thoughts. Father…Nightroad….
Abel sighed, and rubbed one hand across his eyes. Dawn had begun to lighten the sky several minutes ago, and they were still searching for Esther. Ion and Seth had returned inside some time ago to avoid exposure, and both Virgil and Mary had duties to attend to. He stood at the edge of the formal gardens and took a deep breath, trying to let the cool morning air soothe his concerns.
They'd still found no sign of Esther. Abel bit his lip. He didn't think Esther was the type to avoid them, but still…His hand clenched into a fist as he remembered their last conversation, wondering if she was avoiding him. But deep in his mind, he felt a nagging sense of unease.
"Hey! Four Eyes!" Leon's shout interrupted his thoughts. Abel looked up to see the tall, muscular form, still in its matador's costume, coming up the graveled path. "You all done?"
"I…yes. There was no sign of her the way we went." Abel sighed.
"Hmmph. We didn't see any tracks either. And since it's dawn, I guess that just leaves you and me to search the private royal gardens, huh?" Leon sighed and rubbed his forehead, looking as tired as Abel felt. "Damn, Four Eyes, what'd you say to her anyway?"
Abel winced. "I really don't think it matters." He looked towards the royal wings. "We should probably get busy searching."
"Yeah. Still…if you did something stupid, I swear I'm gonna knock you into next week."
Abel grinned weakly. "Well, at this point, I probably deserve it but…I think you ought to wait until we've located Miss Esther."
"Yeah." Leon snorted again. "Well, let's get going." Together the two men moved off.
As they approached the gardens, Abel spotted the Queens Sanctuary, marking the dividing path between the Royal Gardens and the Palace Gardens. As he moved past it, something, a feel of something not quite right, touched his senses. He stopped. "Leon."
The other man turned. "Yeah?"
Abel shook his head, then moved forward toward the small building. "I know the others said they checked the Sanctuary already, but…" He paused. Then he moved forward, and touched the door handle.
The door swung open a fraction of an inch under his gentle touch, and Abel felt his sense of foreboding sharpen. Behind him, Leon made a soft noise. "Hey, I thought those kids said the door was locked."
"They did. We should probably check inside." Abel pushed the door open further. "Hmm...It doesn't appear to have been much disturbed, but…" He moved further in.
Leon followed him, then moved to a chair. "Well, someone's been sitting here recently, look at the dent in these cushions."
Abel nodded. He started to turn, and a glint of gold caught his eyes, lying on the ground near the second door. He moved forward and scooped the object up with one free hand. "Leon."
The other man came over. "Hey, isn't that Red's tiara?"
"It is." Abel turned it over in his hands. "But if she was here…"
"Hah…she probably just didn't hear the searchers earlier." Leon looked around. "This is a pretty decent way to run, and if she was upset and tired, she probably just didn't answer."
Abel nodded. "True…" His gaze slipped around the small enclosure. "But she's obviously not here now…"
Leon snorted. "She probably got up and went to the gardens for a stroll. One thing about Esther, she's kinda fond of gardens. She's probably sitting on a bench out there…" He jerked his head towards the open door. "Just relaxing."
A small smile touched Abel's face. "Well, that is true. She does like gardens." He smiled wanly at the other man. "Shall we see if we can find her then?"
"Yeah." The two of them moved out into the gardens again, and Abel shut the door behind him. "So, how are we gonna do this?"
"Well, we should probably check the area close to the Palace first, then move outward." Abel frowned. "She might be in one of the nearer arbors."
"Right." Leon considered, then jerked a thumb down one path. "Tell you what, I'll go this way, down the main path. You start tracing the further paths, and call me if you spot anything." He tapped the communications link Virgil had supplied them with earlier.
"Right." Abel nodded, and started down the paths. Out of sight of Leon, he let the faint smile drop from his face. One hand lifted, to stare at the tiara he still held loosely in his fingers.
It was possible Leon was right, that Esther had simply fallen asleep and then decided to go for a walk to clear her mind. It was something she'd done in the AX, when she was troubled. And after their conversation…Abel bit his lip. Though he didn't want to admit it to the others, he feared that he'd hurt her so badly she was avoiding him. That she was ignoring the searchers in order to avoid seeing him again. It wasn't the way Esther usually handled things, but he'd seen her avoid him before, when he'd truly upset her. He sighed, remembering that their last argument had been similar, and had also revolved around the darkness of his past. He considered. Perhaps it would be better, if he found her, to simply call Leon and have the other man come get her.
The next few hours of searching brought them no luck. There was no sign of the red-haired queen in any of the nearby gardens. Abel and Leon met again, then moved out, searching the outermost gardens.
The outer gardens were more like a series of meadows, or small glades, each made slightly differently. They were places for where the monarch could go for amusement, a picnic lunch, or a game of some sort. Or even simply to sit in the grass and think. Abel took the path to the furthest of the clearings, while Leon started with the one closest to the public gardens.
The first two glades were perfectly normal, shining with morning dew. And unfortunately, with no sign of Esther. Abel sighed, then moved onward. But as he neared the edge of the third such garden, shock made him stop and stare.
The glade in question was meant to be a moderately sized meadow, but it looked as if a fire had caught it. The trees were untouched, save for a little scorching on the ones closest in, but the grass looked as if it had been caught in a brushfire, a fire so intense that the center areas had been scorched to bare rock, and nearly fused to glass. Abel stared at it. Something about the burn pattern felt familiar, and that sense of familiarity sent a warning tingle of unease through him. He touched his communicator. "Leon. I've found something." He gave the other man his location, then turned back to stare at the devastated landscape.
After a moment, Abel moved into the clearing, circling slowly around the burned earth. The nagging sense of unease, of awareness grew stronger in his mind. He let his eyes sweep over the charred area, fixing the configuration in his mind. Two charred circles, close enough together that the outer edges had burned into each other. The centers of the circles were the worst, the part that looked almost glassy, as if the very rock had nearly been fused.
Leon came stalking into the clearing a moment later. He stopped, and released a whistle of surprise. "Damn. What the hell happened here? Someone light a bonfire?"
Abel shook his head absently. "There shouldn't be any fires here. This is part of the Royal gardens. And no one from the Palace would be so reckless. Besides…the heat was too strong. Look at this."
Leon nodded. "I hear you." He moved forward, staring at the burn patterns with the absent-minded professionalism of the soldier he'd once been. "Actually, if I didn't know better, I'd almost say there was s ship launched from here."
Abel started, a sudden bolt of fear crashing through him as he snapped his head around. "What…what did you just say?"
Leon cocked an eyebrow at him. "I said it looks like a ship launching site." He shook his head. "But it'd have to be pretty small, and I don't recognize the pattern." He shook his head. "Not military, and I can't think of anything else…Hey, Four Eyes, what are you doing?"
Abel ignored him. He spun back to the burned areas and strode forward, to fall to his knees near the circles Leon's words were pounding in his head. Something small…not immediately recognizable as a military craft, but with thruster capability. His gaze swept over the burned circles again. He ripped the glove off one hand, and laid his palm against the charred soil. Still warm. His eyes took in the configuration once more, and fear froze his gut. No. Dear Lord, please…not this. It can't be…
Abel stood slowly, then moved towards the edge of the burned spot, no longer noticing his companion. There was one type of aircraft…but…three of those are accounted for, and the fourth…dear Lord…please…. He circled the scorched ground, eyes looking over it frantically. There used to be…on the landing support, there was always that one spot….
A mark in the grass caught his eyes. He fell to his knees, running a hand over the indentation in the ground, and his heart turned to ice within him. No…Esther…Dear Lord…no. He doubled over, under a force of anguish so great it was a knife to the heart. "Esther…"
"Hey, Four Eyes! Snap out of it!" Leon knelt beside him and seized his shoulders. "Come on, talk to me." Underneath the warrior's usual exasperation, there was real concern and fear. "You look like you've seen a ghost. What the hell's gotten into you."
"They have her." Abel raised agonized eyes to Leon's face. "The ship…"
"Hey. We don't know for sure it is a ship."
"It is." Abel's voice was far away, shock temporarily distancing him. "I…I recognize it, but it's not surprising you wouldn't. There were only four of that design made, and one was lost beneath the ocean near Italy. But this one…it belongs to him." Abel's eyes met Leon's and his hands clenched in the dirt. "Leon…they have Esther! The order of Rosenkreutz…the Contra Mundi…they've taken her." He bit his lip, and Leon saw a bead of blood appear at the corner of his mouth. "Esther…."
Leon flinched at the anguish in that voice. He seized the thin shoulders and shook Abel roughly. "Hey, Four Eyes, now's not the time to go all crazy on me." Abel looked up at him. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." Abel's voice was soft, full of pain, and Leon felt a crackle of static across the sleeves.
He shook the other man once more. "Hey, keep it together." He waited until Abel's eyes met his again. "If you're really sure about this, then we've gotta let everyone know, immediately. After that we can figure out what to do. But it's not gonna help anyone if you lose it right now. Got that?"
Abel nodded. "All right." He stood, breaking free of Leon's grasp, and walked out of the clearing, towards the Palace without a backwards glance.
Leon winced. He could see the lines of Abel's back, the deep pain in the way the man moved. He'd only once seen Abel like this. "Damn." Then he rose, brushed the dirt from his outfit, and followed his compatriot.
It took almost two hours to notify everyone and arrange a meeting. For convenience for the Methuselah, the meeting was held in Seth's room. By the time Virgil and Mary arrived, everyone else had gathered. Abel moved to the back of the room, a silent shadow with a stricken look on his face.
Virgil and Mary entered a few moments after Caterina. Both of them had worried expressions. As soon as the door shut behind her Mary turned to Leon. "You have news?"
Leon turned to look at Abel, but the silver-haired priest remained as he was, silent. Leon sighed. "Yeah. Unfortunately, it's not good. We found a burned out clearing in one of the further royal enclosures. Father Nightroad believes it was a ship, operated by the Order of Rosenkreutz." He scowled. "Specifically, he identified it as a ship that may belong to the Contra Mundi."
Caterina spun to face her subordinate. "Abel…are you sure of this?"
"Yes." The word was barely above a whisper. "I…it's the same ship, the same as the one you saw… that night…" He trailed off.
Seth made a face. "Then…the Contra Mundi has Esther."
"We must assume so." Mary frowned, and Virgil went white. "Damn…how could this have happened?"
Leon shrugged. "This was pretty well planned. I had a little talk with Gunslinger while we were waiting, and he says he saw no signs of a ship, at any time."
"Then they were watching us somehow. They coordinated everything."
"Exactly. This wasn't a haphazard mission." Leon folded his arms. "We have to assume they've taken her somewhere."
Silence fell, as everyone considered the implications. Then without warning, Ion whirled and rounded on Abel. Before anyone could stop him, the young Methuselah lord moved forward, and the back of his hand struck Abel hard, across the mouth, drawing blood from a split lip. "This is your fault."
Abel didn't respond. He didn't even reach up to wipe the blood from his face. He simply looked at the younger man, standing in silence as Ion spoke.
"You…because of you, Esther is in danger. She'd never have been placed at risk if you hadn't been so careless. And now…" Ion's fist clenched. "Now the Order has her. She could be…" He broke off, then seized Abel's jacket. "Well? What have you got to say for yourself?"
Abel refused to look at him. "I'm sorry." Anguish filled his eyes. "You're right, it is my fault. I'm sorry."
"Is that the best you can do?" Ion's face was nearly scarlet with rage. "Esther…Esther's been taken, and you're the man responsible for endangering her! How can you simply stand there like this! Don't you even care, or are you too cold-hearted? You…" Ion raised a hand again, but a sharp voice cut across his tirade.
"Earl of Memphis, that is enough." The voice of the Empress cut through Ion's anger. "Such a display is unseemly. Control yourself."
Ion's fist clenched, but he slowly lowered his hand. After a moment, he turned away from the silent figure, back to the others, and bowed stiffly. "You're right. I apologize for my outburst."
Seth sighed. "Well, I guess we have to assume the worst at this point. Do we have any idea where they might have gone?"
Leon shrugged. "I've no idea."
Seth frowned. "Well then, it looks like we're going to have to search the hard way. At this point, we should probably return to the Empire and begin searching from there. I doubt they'll have taken her into that area but…" She turned to the veiled figure nearby.
"I believe you are correct." Mirka nodded. "Count of Manchester, Colonel Spencer, can you see that the arrangements are made for our return to the Empire?"
Virgil nodded. "Of course. I'll see to them as soon as the meetings over."
"Very well." Mirka turned her head. "Earl of Memphis, Duchess of Kiev...begin packing our belongings for the return journey. We will leave as soon as preparations are made."
Both nobles bowed. Astha cast one concerned look across the room at her partner, but she said nothing. She simply left. The look Ion gave Abel was pure venom. He started to speak, then closed his mouth and made his exit.
Caterina sighed. "Your Majesty has an excellent point." She turned. "Professor, Leon….please inform Sister Kate, and begin preparations for our departure as well."
Leon gave her a mock salute. The Professor nodded. "As you wish." He turned, moved to the silent figure in the corner. "We'll get her back, Abel." Abel didn't reply. After a moment the Professor sighed and left.
After the Ax members left, Caterina sighed again, then turned to Virgil and Mary. "Do you have a definite plan here?"
Mary made an exasperated noise. "Unfortunately, there are no solutions to contain this problem. Sooner or later, the Council at least will realize the truth. Our best option at the moment is for Virgil and me to take authority and initiate damage control. We'll put it out that an unexpected event has occurred, and called Her Majesty away from the country for a time. That should minimize panic and confusion."
"And the fact that both Her Imperial Majesty and I are leaving right away will help support that theory." Caterina nodded. "Very well, I'll send a similar message. In the meantime, we must form a plan to locate Esther." She frowned. "Unfortunately, if they've taken her to their base, it will be difficult. In ten years, I've never located even one major base of operations, let alone the main headquarters."
Seth made a face. "I uncovered one major base a few years ago. But it was taken down before I could mount any serious action." She sighed. "And I've certainly never discovered the headquarters."
"Indeed." Mary scowled. "I'd appreciate any support or suggestions you may have." She pursed her lips in thought. "I'll have some of my better undercover officers search around Londinium and Albion, in hopes they've remained in the country. Virgil, if you could ask Vanessa to do the same in the Underground."
The blond man nodded. "I will also begin searching our satellite footage for and sign of the ship that took Her Majesty." He sighed. "If they avoided the sentries, they may have avoided the satellite cameras as well."
Mary frowned again. "Do we have any parameters we can use for the search? It would be helpful if we knew what we were looking for."
"I can give you that." Abel spoke softly. He hadn't moved from his position, and he refused to look up. "I…Lord Walsh, in the files I had placed under encryption, there was a file on flight vehicles. Enter that folder, and look for the section about the RMOC command long distance scout craft. The information is there."
Virgil nodded. "The RMOC command long distance scout? You're sure, Father?"
"Yes." Abel's head bowed again. "I'll give you the codes for entering the system."
"As you wish, my lord." Virgil bowed his head once more.
"That sounds like a good idea." Seth shifted. "I think I have a similar file in the Empire. When I return, we can contact you and see if we have the same information." She glanced at the woman masquerading as the Empress. "I think it's best from there if we send out the envoys, and some of the Yenceri to initiate a search on the ground."
"I agree." Mirka spoke softly. "We can contact Baibars while en-route, and begin preparations."
Caterina nodded. "I'll do the same with the AX agents. Sister Kate can notify my agents in the field to make this the top priority. For a matter this important, we may even be able to enlist the help of the Department of Inquisition." She turned. "Abel…"
"I will return to Rome with you." Abel's voice was soft. Blue eyes, anguished and dark with emotion, rose to meet hers. "I have to speak to Brother Petros, and you'll need the information I have."
"Abel…" Caterina hesitated. "I'm sure they can use your assistance in Albion as well…"
"Lord Walsh can access the information he needs off of the sealed files in the Underground." Abel's face was almost emotionless, but there was a world of torment raging in his eyes, and an expression that resembled madness. He turned to face Virgil. "I can give you those passwords now, if you need them."
Virgil bowed his head. "I believe I have other concerns to see to at the moment. However, if you provide me with the information before your departure, my lord, that will be sufficient."
Mary nodded. "We need to start taking care of the situation, now." She bowed. "I will meet with you before your departure, Your Majesty, Your Excellency. Please let me know if there is anything you require."
Virgil nodded. "I too must go attend to my duties." He turned to Abel. "Father Nightroad, I will descend into the Ghetto this afternoon. If you will give me your information then, I will begin search proceedings."
"I understand." Abel's eyes met the Albion lord's for a moment. "I'm sorry."
Virgil sighed. "I believe we must share the blame equally, Father Nightroad. If you will excuse me."
Both Albion nobles left, and Mirka also excused herself. No sooner had she left the apartment, then Seth whirled to her brother. "Abel, are you serious about this?"
Caterina nodded. "If it's the support of the Inquisition your after, I can relay your request myself…"
"No." Abel's voice was soft, but firm. "The Vatican doesn't have all the information that is stored here or in the Empire. You'll need my assistance."
"If it's information, Abel, I can handle that." Seth moved forward and took her brother's arm. "Abel…if you go there…you're supposed to be dead, remember?"
"She's right." Caterina took a step forward as well. "Abel…you know what my brother will do. There's no need to risk yourself. If Francesco gets a hold of you…"
"It's fine." Abel's blue eyes caught hers once more, and the anguish in them was enough to render her nearly breathless. She was suddenly reminded of when he'd almost quit the AX, after the incident in Barcelona. "I need Brother Petros to assist me. He has the best information networks. After that, I don't really care what Cardinal di Medici does with me." The lines of pain deepened in his face, and his voice dropped to a near whisper. "It's my fault. Esther…the fact that she was taken….Ion is right. All of this is because of what I said to her…and now…Cain has her."
Seth caught his arm again. "Abel, it's not all your fault. Even if you said something careless, it's obvious they were planning this. Who knows what they would have done if this hadn't happened. But you know Cain…if they were planning this…if he gave them that ship to use…then it can't be all your fault. You don't have to…"
"I still hurt her." Abel looked down at his sister. "I still…I caused her pain, and placed her in danger. I swore to protect her, and now…" He stopped, and Seth saw him swallow hard. "I…" The silver head bowed. Then he broke free of her grasp and moved toward the door. "I'll see you when you're ready to leave." He was gone before either woman could stop him.
Caterina and Seth shared a look of concern, then Seth turned to the door. "This could be a problem." She took a deep breath, shaken by Abel's bleak mood. "I haven't seen Abel like that in a long time. Not since Lilith."
"I know what you mean." Caterina's eyes were dark with concern. "I've only seen him like this once, when the Order leveled Barcelona and killed Sister Noelle." She sighed. "Sister Noelle and Abel were very fond of each other…he was devastated by her death."
Seth's eyes met hers. "You think there's something else going on?"
Caterina shook her head. "I don't know. I only know that this behavior…it's dangerous. For Abel himself more than any other."
Seth nodded. "I know. But we're not going to be able to stop him. When he's like this…there's really nothing we can do except watch over him." She sighed. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave him to you for now. With things like this, I need to be in the Empire, to handle the search."
"I understand. I'll do my best." Caterina nodded once, just as a sharp crackle sounded from her earpiece. She listened a moment. "It seems Sister Kate has been informed of our departure plans. I'm afraid I need to go."
"I need to get ready as well." Seth sighed. "Take care of him, please. I don't know what happened between him and Esther, but…"
"I'll watch over him as well as I can." Caterina bowed once more to the slender figure of the Empress, then exited. As she shut the door, however, confidence gave way to concern. Abel…did Esther tell you the same thing Noelle did? Is that why…. She knew Abel's fears of his condition, of the ongoing struggle between himself and his brother would make him reluctant to admit to any feelings beyond friendship. Have you once again…lost someone, only to realize how precious they are to you? She bit her lip. I pray then, that we find Esther quickly, and unharmed, for your sake as well as hers. Abel…
(AN) smcandy: I'm also gonna be attending for my fifth year in row the annual OTAKUTHON anime convention that will happen in another day. So hopefully when I get back and all chapter 12 will be ready by the end of the month of not soon. Until then take care until chapter 12 everyone ^^