(AN) AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hiho everyone. Finally! After a long wait chapter 29 has arrived. This was finished for me last minute on June 22nd but my good old draognwriter24 she going to be a brides maids for her cousins wedding and got this done time before hand. The party starts for her this Saturday but there are a lot of things she had to get ready for so she tool a whole week of vacation off for that and getting this chapter to me on time.
Thankies for all the awesome reviews, support and critiques everyone made and to even more newbies whom just added me recently to their alert hope your all watching and will enjoy this chapter more is to come we only have eleven that's right eleven chapters left before that's it.
(*) As always many special thanks to my editor and co-partner in helping finally get this story off the ground and back burner dragonwriter24cmf. So far we have been getting by with this fan fiction by bit by bit with story and with you guy the fans that love reading each new chapter that comes out. Thanks to everyone, I appreciate your support through this 100% everyone. Keep the constructive criticisms, outgoing comments and reviews coming in.
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.
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 Twenty Nine – Twin Fury
"Shit." As the door slammed closed behind Dietrich, Leon cursed. "That bastard sure had us all figured out. So then...what the hell do we do now?"
"We will wait, as Her Majesty wished." Mary's face was pale, but her eyes were resolute. She turned. "Lady Walsh, can you contact the Underground, without a computer console? I'll need the sensors to determine if there is in fact a ship in the area."
"You think he was bluffing?" Leon snarled. "Then why the hell didn't you call him on it?"
"Because, if he was serious, Lord Walsh and the rest of us would be killed. At the moment, Her Majesty's life is safe. If that is assured, then my duty is to ensure the safety of Albion and its citizens." Mary turned. "Lady Vanessa?"
"I've got contact with a lieutenant underground." Vanessa had one hand to an earpiece. "We're checking for energy signatures and visuals now."
"Priest?" Astha's quiet question cut through the conversation.
Abel was standing where Esther had left him. He was trembling violently, but the expression that twisted his face was more anger than pain.
Leon stepped forward. "Hey Four Eyes..." He reached out, and bit back curse as static energy arced from Abel's body to his hand. "Hey, calm down. Damn it, this is not the time for you to go all crazy on us." Abel didn't reply. Instead, he raised his head and took a step toward the door.
Mary stepped in front of him. "Father Nightroad, where are you going? What is your intention?"
"I'm going after Esther." Abel's voice was low and harsh. "I'm taking her back from that man, and if I can, I'm going to kill him."
Mary took a step back, falling into a defensive stance. "I apologize Father, but I cannot allow you to proceed until we have verified the safety of her Majesty, Lord Walsh, and the citizens of Albion."
"Please Colonel, get out of my way. I will not ask twice." Abel's voice was low and threatening. "I'm sorry, but I'm a little out of temper at the moment."
"I understand, however, please at least wait until Lady Vanessa has verified the situation. You should not rush in blindly." Mary's words were calm, but her hand was already on her sword hilt. Abel didn't even appear to notice.
"Damn it!" Vanessa's snarl cut through whatever Abel might have said next. "Colonel, I'm reading an energy signature that might be a ship out on the mid-gardens. However, there's something bigger just above the Palace. It's too high up to determine what it is, but my men say the readings are similar to the thing that attacked us almost a year ago. It's not on the same scale, but if the readings are correct, then it has a hell of a lot more firepower than we want to deal with."
"Fine. I'll deal with it." Abel shifted, and the hard blue eyes came back to Colonel Spencer. "We've heard the report. Now move."
"No. I have heard the report, and it is imperative that we remain." Mary's face was resolute, though anger and pain shimmered in her eyes. "That force is no doubt controlled by Rosenkreutz."
Leon made a disgusted noise. "So that bastard wasn't bluffing after all."
"No. And one false move on our part, and the ship will fire. It might even be that they have a signal pre-set to attack if their agents are injured, as well as a command code. In that case, we cannot guarantee that any approach is safe." Mary's stance settled. "I am sorry Father, but we must wait for now."
"No." Abel's fists clenched. "I will not send Esther to him again. I will not abandon her."
"I do not ask you to, only to wait until it is safe. We have tracking devices installed in all of Her Majesty's clothing. You yourself placed one in the necklace you gave her after she was rescued previously. As soon as we can, we'll activate them. But we must get the citizens of Albion out of harms way, and Lord Walsh if possible. It is my duty, and Her Majesty's wish."
Abel stiffened. "I told you, I will deal with this." He took another step forward, the air around him crackling dangerously.
"You idiot!" Astha moved forward, her hand catching his shoulder. She grimaced as the air between them sparked, but she didn't let go. "Think about what the hell you're doing. Even you can't handle two targets at once like that." She stepped in front of him. "If you unleash enough power to stop that ship, how the hell will you keep Esther and Lord Walsh out of the line of fire?"
"She's right." Leon came up on his other side, taking the other shoulder. "Besides, they've still got that guy. You move, they're gonna kill him, if he's lucky. If you're okay with that, you should have just put a bullet in his head a minute ago."
Abel flinched at that, his eyes coming up to his comrades. "Leon..."
"I don't like this either. Believe me, if I thought you had a chance in hell of successfully handling both targets at once, I'd be restraining the Colonel, not you." The dark eyes met his. "But you can't do that, not without backup, and I get the feeling that you're not going to wait for the rest of us if we let go."
Abel shuddered under their hands. "I can't just...let them take her, Leon. I..."
"You must wait, priest. Exactly as you once asked me to do." Astha's hand clamped tighter on his shoulder. "I know how you feel. I felt the same way about Enderle, and I'm sure you remember that. But...do you intend to tell me that you'll sacrifice the citizens of Albion? You, who once stepped in front of my sword to protect others?"
Abel flinched at the words. "Astha..." His voice was still harsh, but the crackling electricity abated a little.
"I know. But this is just like the Empire. Sometimes, we must wait, for the greater good. Even if it means placing those we most love and revere in greater danger than we wish. You understood then. I'm asking you, if you won't listen to the Colonel, tovarish...listen to me." Astha's voice was firm, strong, but also calming.
"Father Nightroad." Vanessa stepped forward to face the priest, still held by his companions. She held the blue eyes for a moment, then bowed her head. "I know you wish to protect Her Majesty, but I...ask you, please...spare my brother!" Her eyes came up to his again, pain and anger in them. "Don't sacrifice Virgil needlessly. We might not always agree, but...he is still my brother, and I care about him. And we of the Albion Underground need him." She made a face. "I might have been raised in the same family, but it's Virgil who took up the burden of protecting my people, all these years. He's the one who served the court, who struggled and endured all this time. Even when I rebelled against him...he still fought to protect us, even when I held him at gunpoint. We need him. So..." She stopped, her frame tense with fear and anger and pain.
Abel shuddered again. His fists clenched, but slowly, he relaxed in Leon and Astha's grip. "I...understand." His voice was still low and hoarse, containing the violence of his other self, but the static in the air died, and the electricity sparking around him faded to nothing. With a start, Astha saw the faint outline of the cross upon his brow, but it faded even as she watched. Then Abel's hands slowly unclenched. "Very well. I will...wait." His voice cracked on the last word, but he didn't make any move toward the door.
Mary straightened, her hand coming off her sword hilt. "Thank you, Father." Her eyes met his. "As soon as it's safe, I'll authorize you to take command of our forces. Once we're ready, you'll have my full support."
"Thank you." The words were just above a whisper. He hesitated, then spoke again. "Is there a communications panel in here?"
"No. however...Lady Vanessa, can you tell if the enemy vessels are capable of monitoring communications?" Mary turned.
"I'm not sure. We're reading wide electromagnetic signatures, but that could be from weapons, defenses, or sensors. It's too hard to tell." Vanessa gritted her teeth. "That second ship is just too far up for us to get a proper lock on its capabilities."
Mary nodded. "They haven't seemed to take notice of your connection. Inform your men to begin preparations for multiple communications. As soon as we can, I want to contact our air force. Send a coded message to the Vatican and the Empire, informing them of an emergency, and that we'll contact them as soon as the immediate threat is ended. We'll need Her Imperial Majesty, Cardinal Sforza and either Cardinal di Medici or Chief Inquisitor Petros online as soon as we give the signal."
"Right." Vanessa tapped the earpiece, then looked at Abel. "Any additional orders, Father?"
"I...tell Caterina, and Seth...and Petros, if you can..." He swallowed. "It's just...just a feeling, but I think we'll need to be in combat readiness. Amassing troops will take time, so they may need to begin now. Even an hours delay..." He stopped, almost choking on the words, fear spasming across his face.
"Understood. I'll relay your message." Vanessa turned.
Mary spoke again. "Keep a watch on that ship. If it appears they're beginning to take action...disengage communications at once."
"Yes ma'am." Vanessa reached up and activated the earpiece, then began issuing orders in a low intense voice, stopping periodically to register the responses of her team. Her face twisted in annoyance. "This is definitely Virgil's area more than mine. I hate to say it, but we're gonna need some of his codes to get through the system security."
"You can use some of mine, for at least a part of it. Neither one of us can fully unlock the systems, not remotely at least, but..." Abel spoke softly. "Tell me what you need."
"I will." She nodded tensely, then turned her attention back to her radio.
Leon studied the pale face for a moment. "Hey Four Eyes, if I let go, can you keep a grip on yourself? Or do you think you're gonna go nuts again?"
"I...I'm fine." Abel shuddered.
"You don't look fine, priest." Astha hadn't even made a move to relax her grip. "You look like you're barely holding it together."
"It's...it's all right. I can control it. I'm...I'm still...angry but...I will control this. I promise. You...you don't need to restrain me any longer." Abel's trembling had stilled, though fury and pain still darkened his eyes. He stood still a moment, then raised his head to meet Mary's gaze. "Colonel Spencer...I'm sorry."
"It's fine." A grim smile twisted one corner of her mouth. "If you care so much for Her Majesty, then I'm absolutely certain we'll be able to rescue her, no matter what. And despite my duty to stand against you this once, I fully understand your logic, Father Nightroad." Her own gaze was determined as she met his. "As soon as possible, we'll mobilize."
Abel nodded, then lapsed into silence. He responded when Vanessa asked him for information, but he didn't speak to the rest of them. His eyes were dark with raging emotion, but even Astha didn't dare to disturb his thoughts.
Finally, Vanessa clicked her earpiece. "I've sent the messages I can send. For the rest, we need Virgil. But the Vatican and the Empire should both be standing by waiting for our call, and the first two parts of the tracking activation signals are online. We just need Virgil's code." She listened a moment. "The smaller ship appears to be leaving, but that bigger one is still stationary."
Abel's fist clenched again. "Esther..." He shuddered again, his head bowing. Leon and Astha both tensed, but he didn't move.
Mary's jaw clenched. "Very well, we'll await further developments."
The minutes ticked by with agonizing slowness. Leon shifted restlessly, and Astha was fidgeting with the hilt of her weapon. Mary remained still, her face lost in thought, and Vanessa's hand was glued to her earpiece, monitoring things. Abel remained where he was, darkness raging in his eyes as he fought to keep control of his temper and the terrible power that welled up from within him.
A little over an hour had passed when a knock on the door startled all of them. Mary tensed, her hand going to her sword, even as Astha's tightened on her spear. Then the door clicked open, and Virgil staggered into the room.
He looked terrible. His face was pale, sweat beading on his brow and trickling down his jaw. His face and clothing were streaked with dirt, his hair disheveled. His right arm was cradled close to his side, and the pain of his recent suffering was evident in his eyes, though he was obviously struggling to keep his expression calm. He stepped into the room, and shut the door behind him. "Colonel Spencer..."
"Virgil!" Vanessa moved across the room, catching her brother as he staggered once more, lines of pain crossing his expression as the movement jarred his shoulder. "Virgil... you need to rest."
"There is no time. They have taken Her Majesty. I regret...I do not know how long it has been." His words were calm, but under the quiet tone was pain and shame. "I was...von Lohengrin knocked me unconscious, when he released me. I do not know how long I have been incapacitated."
"Understood. Was Her Majesty well when you last saw her?" Mary's gaze was compassionate, but her tone was quick and business-like.
"Yes. She was bound, and they took her weapons, but she was in no further danger. In fact, von Lohengrin specifically cautioned his partner against harming Her Majesty in any way." Virgil took a deep, shaky breath. Then his gaze shifted, to fall on the silver-haired man standing in near the middle of the room. Renewed anguish touched his expression. Without a word, he straightened away from his sister's support, and moved forward until he stood before Abel. His gaze held Abel's a moment in shared anger and grief, then he dropped to his knees before the priest. "Father...you have my apology. I failed to heed your warnings and now...it is my fault that the Order has once again taken Lady Esther."
"Virgil!" Vanessa started forward, but the blond man shook his head, looking straight forward as if he expected some form of punishment.
"No." Abel shuddered once, but then compassion touched the icy blue gaze, mingling with sorrow. "You need not apologize to me. This...this was my fault as well. I should have found a way to free you before Esther was taken. I must share the blame for this." He touched Virgil's unwounded shoulder. "You must not kneel to me. Besides, I need your assistance now. I have a promise to keep."
"As you wish. I will do whatever I can." Virgil rose from the ground, staggering slightly.
Abel caught him. "Your wounds need to be tended."
Virgil shook his head. "There is no time. We must pursue Her Majesty's captors as soon as possible. As you say, you have a promise to Lady Esther." He drew away from the priest, managing to support himself. "I will be fine."
Abel shifted, coming up beside him. "That shoulder...I can set it. It will heal faster that way." The sorrow in his eyes sharpened. "That much, at least, I can do for you. The sooner you heal, the more you'll be able to assist me."
Virgil nodded. "As you will. I do not wish to waste time in the medical wing, however...I will not deny that use of my arm would speed our work." He straightened. "If you would, Father."
Abel stepped forward, then his gaze slipped to the others. "Colonel Spencer?" The soft question hung in the air.
Mary bowed. "I await your commands, Father."
Abel nodded. "You and Lady Walsh take Father Leon and Lady Astha to the office and power up the communications mainframe. If you think it's safe, contact the Empire and the Vatican and bring them up to date, if not, wait for Lord Walsh and I to arrive. We'll be there in a moment." Mary nodded and turned toward the door. The other three followed. Vanessa left last, giving her brother one last look of concern before she followed the other three.
After the door shut behind them, Abel stepped behind Virgil. "I'm afraid this is going to hurt. I'll have to figure out exactly what he did before I reset it." Virgil nodded, his jaw set. Abel's fingers carefully probed the joint, stopping when Virgil hissed in pain. "Here?" His fingers worked around the area. "Ah. Does it hurt when I do this?" His fingers pressed a certain spot, and Virgil winced. "I see. He didn't tear anything, I don't think. Not seriously at any rate. But the joint is separated, and the main nerve is pinched a little."
Abel shifted his stance, so that he was partially bracing the other man. Both hands wrapped around the shoulder, and his jaw tensed. "Brace yourself. I'm going to reset it now." Virgil nodded, his good hand coming up to hold onto Abel's shoulder. He met the blue eyes and nodded once more, setting his teeth. Abel's hand shifted, then he pushed, giving a slight twist as he did so. Virgil gasped, the sound of his harsh breath almost masking the dull snap as the shoulder relocated, settling back into place. Abel steadied him for a moment, then his free hand reached up to remove the stole from around his neck. He folded it carefully, then stepped backward and used the length of cloth to form a rough sling. "There. Don't move it much beyond this. It should heal in a few days."
"Thank you, Father. Your help is appreciated." Virgil straightened away from his support. "I believe the others are waiting for us."
"Let's go." Abel turned and strode to the door, Virgil only a step behind.
Mary and the others were waiting in Esther's office, and the communications were already up. Seth was on one screen, Caterina on another, and Petros on a third. Everyone turned as the two men entered the room. Vanessa's gaze went straight to her brother. "Virgil..."
"I am all right." He shifted the sling.
Seth snorted. "You're as bad as Abel. You don't look all right. And we already heard from Colonel Spencer." Her gaze shifted to the silver-haired priest who had moved forward. "They took Esther again, huh?"
"Yes. But I'm taking her back." Abel's normally gentle gaze was hard, his jaw tense. "Colonel Spencer, what's the situation? How free are our communications?"
"As of a few moments ago, we should have no problems. The Underground just reported that the secondary ship has departed, heading east." Colonel Spencer turned. "I was considering having one of our fighters or small craft follow. Your recommendations, Father?"
"Leave it. That ship will go to the Contra Mundi, to Cain, as will Esther." His gaze switched to Vanessa. "Are the tracking devices online yet?"
"We've confirmed power and operation, but we haven't yet switched on the monitoring and active signal. That would require an input code from you or Virgil." Vanessa tapped the console, bringing up a blank command line.
"Understood." Virgil stepped forward. "I will handle this, Father. Please begin debriefing with our allies."
Abel nodded and turned back to the projections. "How much do you know?"
Seth made a face. "Colonel Spencer said that that bratty kid, Marionettespieler, or whatever, came and used the Count of Manchester as a hostage to take Esther. And I guessed, from that little exchange, that he must have had back-up in the air."
Caterina nodded. "I'm surprised though, that you would trade. After all, as much as I dislike saying this, there is a viable replacement for the Count."
"Esther chose to surrender. Von Lohengrin didn't give us much choice." Abel bit his lip, then met his sister's eyes. "You recall the matter involving the Baron of Luxor, during that incident in the Empire? And his condition when you confronted him?"
"I do. So that was his game huh? And I understand the Count took some heavy damage." Seth's eyes cut to the slender, bandaged figure. She smiled, a little ironically. "Esther really is just like you, Abel, and...just like her, too. I guess she reasoned that if she went, she'd be safe, and it would guarantee the safety of her people too."
"Yes." Abel swallowed. "If Dietrich is to be believed, then the current orders are for Esther to be brought to the Contra Mundi alive and in good condition."
"At the moment, all indications show that to be the case. In which case, we have a little time. Whatever the Contra Mundi wants with her, presumably we have some breathing space." Caterina folded her hands in front of her.
Abel shook his head. "I'm not so sure about that."
Seth's expression sharpened. "Hey Abel, what are you thinking? You've got a pretty dangerous look on your face."
"It's...too open. The demands, the feints, the attack. Even Dietrich's infiltration this evening. The Order is usually much more subtle than this. And this is the first time since the attack on Londinium that Cain has taken direct involvement, even if it was just delivering an ultimatum." Abel's jaw tensed.
"What are you thinking, Four Eyes?" Leon stepped up. "What's he planning?"
"I don't know. But...he wouldn't have told us his intentions so straightforwardly, nor authorized the kind of force he did, unless..." Abel swallowed.
"Unless he intended to put us on guard, and to distract us from something else." Caterina nodded, her cool gray eyes thoughtful. "By threatening Esther, he guarantees our focus there, and immobilizes you. By making the threat real, he keeps our focus away from other things."
"Then why take her now?" Petros growled the question out. "Surely if his purpose is accomplished he has no need of her. And if not..."
Seth snorted. "Just because she's a good distraction, doesn't mean Cain didn't want Esther. Even in his current state, he's not above killing two birds with one stone."
Abel stiffened. "He does want Esther. He wants to possess her." The blue eyes went hard as steel again, and his body was so rigid he was nearly trembling with the tension. "But I...I don't know what else he wants. All I can say for certain is...he's planning something terrible. And I fear..." he hesitated. "It shouldn't be possible, but..."
"What is it, Abel?" Seth shifted.
"The rocket from America was missing. If he can use it...the defensive weapons on that thing are still quite dangerous. Worse...with a vehicle like that, his range is significantly expanded. He can even get to the outer atmosphere. If he gets that far...the Vatican ships won't touch him." Abel shifted. Then his eyes came up to Caterina's. "Lady Caterina...I have Colonel Spencer's authorization to deploy troops from Albion. But...they may not be enough. I'll need your help as well." his eyes shifted. "Brother Petros..."
"I know." Petros snarled, his shoulder shifting as if he'd struck something in the background. "I know almost nothing of this enemy. I cannot predict his strength or his movements. Therefore, I will place myself and my men under you command as well."
Caterina nodded. "As of this moment, you have the full resources of the AX. And I'll speak to His Holiness and see what other assistance I can get for you."
Seth grinned. "You don't even have to ask, Abel. After all, it might not be totally valid anymore, but you still outrank me, you know?" Astha's eyes widened, and Seth chuckled. "Don't worry, Astharoshe, I'm not giving up my throne to him just yet. But let's just say that, in military matters, Abel knows quite a bit more than I do." She turned back to her brother. "So then, Abel, what will we do?"
"Do you have access to the Aegis shield technology?" Abel's voice was sharp, his eyes distant, though they could all see the thoughts racing behind them.
"I do, but not on any great scale." Seth frowned. "Why?"
"The Aegis technology isn't useful for full combat situations, but for defending a non-military ground structure, it's perfect. Caterina..." Abel shifted. "You should have information on that as well."
"We do. The Professor's been working on a system for utilizing it, but it's still incomplete." Caterina nodded.
"Albion is in the process of developing it as well." Vanessa frowned. "We're having trouble fine-tuning the calibration."
"It doesn't matter. Get whatever you have as operational as you can make it. At the very minimum, we may need the Imperial Star Palace, Buckingham Palace, and the Vatican Holy Church to be defended. If the worst comes to pass, we'll need those shields in place, even if they are only partial." Abel stepped over to a console and began typing, his hands moving furiously. "In the meantime...have any of you begun defensive preparations?"
Seth grimaced. "The Yenceri are moving as we speak."
"We need every available ship standing by. At the moment, I suggest utilizing at least one third of each force for potential evacuation maneuvers. The rest need to be on combat alert, standby, for the moment. Colonel Spencer, I need the fastest light weight craft you have, for travel. Wherever they're taking Esther, I need to be able to follow, quickly." His gaze slipped back to his superior. "Caterina..."
"I'll have the Iron Maiden standing by, and Tres will be at the weapons helm. As soon as we have a plan, we'll be able to lift off." Caterina nodded.
Abel returned the nod, then turned to Seth. "Do you have any ships capable of orbital flight?"
"Aside from my personal craft?" Seth nodded. "I've got one or two, left over and maintained from back then. They aren't in the best of shape, but they'll probably take you where you need to go. And...doesn't yours still fly?"
Abel shook his head. "I crashed it. I could get it operational again, but I'm not sure we have the time." He sighed. "Just in case, can you have your orbital craft standing by? And one or two of your fast combat ships, in case we need to pursue him on a ground chase. He may be headed to somewhere in the Dark Lands."
"Got it. We'll be waiting for you." Seth grinned. "Anything else?"
"We need to hard-wire contact between all of us. Things are going to move fast." Abel's fingers skimmed the panel.
Seth grinned. "Mirka's on it for me, and as soon as we're done here, I'll be assisting."
Caterina nodded. "I'll have Havel get started at once, and tell him to set up another channel straight to Sister Kate."
"Good. Lord Walsh and his sister can handle this end." Abel straightened and turned to Mary. "Colonel Spencer, how long before military and flight preparations are complete?"
"A few hours. We're mobilizing as fast as we can." The Colonel had one hand on her earpiece, listening to her own workers.
Abel nodded. "Lord Walsh, status of the trackers?"
"Fully functional. I've been monitoring for the past few minutes, Father. Lady Esther is being taken east and slightly south at the moment." Virgil moved. "Shall I continue monitoring?"
"Actually, I need you to assist your sister with the communications and sensors. If you can let me take over, I can link the system to a device the Professor gave me some time ago for tracking." Abel shifted.
"As you wish." Virgil stepped aside.
Astha stepped forward. "What about us, tovarish?"
"Assist Colonel Spencer and Lord Walsh for the moment. And I need both of you to be ready to move as soon as the word is given. I want to launch as soon as the first ship is ready to go. I...have a promise to keep." He straightened, pain and fury in the dark eyes.
"Oh? And what promise was that? To kill this guy?" Leon's eyebrow arched.
"No." Abel's voice was soft, and one hand came up to clench his robes. He turned to meet Leon's eyes. "I promised Esther I would come to her rescue, and be by her side. And I intend to fulfill that promise, even if I must pursue them with my own two wings."
"In that case, Abel, you'd better rest and eat something." Seth grinned, though there was no humor in the expression. "Once this gets started, you aren't likely to get much of either, so take this break while you can, dear brother."
Virgil nodded. "I will keep you informed."
"As will I." Mary offered him a nod.
Abel gazed at them all a moment, then nodded. There was a painful darkness in his eyes. "I will...wait." His voice was soft, but vibrating with tension. "Call me if anything happens." He looked at them a moment longer, then turned and left the room.
Esther remained at the view-port, even after Buckingham Palace disappeared into the night. She didn't want to go any further into the ship, or any nearer to Dietrich or the Ice Witch. Besides, even as dark as it was, she hoped to be able to see where she was was going. She didn't want to be as helpless as she'd been the last time, unaware even of where she was.
"You might as well come away from there. It's not as if you'll be able to see anything. And you can't escape from here, either." Dietrich's cold voice made her turn. He was standing in the doorway of the inner hatch. "It's also going to get a little cold in here, once we reach the higher altitude. I'd recommend coming in where the climate control works, if I were you."
Esther stiffened, her whole body going tight with anger. "Why should I do anything you say?"
Dietrich shrugged. "Well, normally I wouldn't care one way or the other. After all, it would make things simpler just to lock you out here until you pass out from cold. Unfortunately, Mien Herr has other plans, and the trip to our rendezvous point will take a few hours. So I can't do that." He held out his hand, a cold glitter in his eyes. "This is your last chance. Come quietly, or I'll be forced to use my own particular methods of persuasion." He lifted his other hand. "I only have to touch you for the sensory control strings, you know. These I can use at a distance."
Esther gritted her teeth, but she didn't want Dietrich to touch her with any for of strings. "Don't you dare."
"Well, if you don't want me to use these, then you'd better come here quietly, like a good little lady." Dietrich smirked.
Esther felt her jaw clench, but she moved away from the portal. Dietrich remained partially in the doorway, and even pressed as far as she could against the opposite side, she couldn't avoid brushing shoulders with him. "There."
"You know, you needn't be so cold. After all, I did say that Mien Herr ordered me not to do anything untoward." Dietrich shrugged, then a cold, cruel smile lit his face. "Or could it be that that's your problem?" One hand reached up, to take her chin. "Maybe you want me to do something to you? If that's the case, I don't mind." He moved forward, until only an inch of air separated them, then leaned down to whisper in her ear. "You know, we never did get to finish what we started. I'm really rather busy, but...if that's what you want, we can do it right here in the corridor. Would you like that? It's a little crude, but I don't mind. If you want to do it like this..."
Esther shuddered as something brushed across the front of her, across her chest and then down to the junction of her legs. She couldn't tell if it was a sensation caused by Dietrich's strings, or his free hand. But there was no question seconds later, when he shifted his hips forward, pressing her back against the wall and letting her feel the slight bulge in his uniform.
Esther jerked away, stumbling slightly as she pulled free of his grip and took a few quick steps backward down the corridor. "Don't you touch me." Her heart was pounding with adrenalin.
"Well if you say so." Dietrich shrugged once more. "Although...I wonder, what's this, Esther?" He stepped forward again, faster than she could evade with her hands tied. One finger looped though something at her neck.
With a start, she realized that the locket chain had come loose from underneath her clothing. She didn't know if it had happened during her struggle with Dietrich, or when Helga had frisked her. "Let go of that."
He smiled coldly. "You should know by now, Esther. The more someone tells me 'don't touch' the more I want to. So then, what is this?" he pulled the locket and the ring free. "Hmmm, interesting little ring. I don't think I've ever seen one quiet like it. But then...something crude like this, well whoever gave it to you really ought to have better taste. So tell me, Esther, who gave it to you?"
She bit her lip. "Father Nightroad. He said it was an apology for something he said earlier."
"Well, if that's the best he can do...it's a wonder you bother with him. And this..." He tapped the locket, and it clicked open. "Well, something like this...still holding onto feelings for that Father of yours?"
"Lady Caterina had it made. She said it was because Father Nightroad and I used to work together, and we were friends." She was glad she didn't have to lie much. "It's just a good luck charm from Lady Caterina, that's all."
"I see. But still...you are aware of what that precious Father of yours did, aren't you?" Dietrich smirked. "You do know, right? After all that effort you went through to defend him, he drank your blood. Right there on the battlefield, and in front of your advisers. Did you know that, Esther?" Dietrich shrugged. "I didn't get a good view, but it certainly seemed that he enjoyed it a little too much. I wonder, is it because he cares for you, or is it just that he really is a blood-drinking monster at heart?" The smirk widened. "I guess he is just like Mien Herr after all."
The memory of Abel's anguished expression, and his ordeal afterward, knifed through Esther's mind. "You know nothing about it. Don't you dare speak of Father Nightroad that way!"
"Hmph. Well you can deny it all you like. But still, that precious Father of yours...he's never going to give you what you want from him. And given his reaction to your capture, I wonder...Do you think he'll maintain his sanity this time? It should be rather entertaining, either way. But if I were you, Esther, I'd rethink my choice."
"I will never accept you, or the Contra Mundi!" Esther took another step backward. "If you touch me again..."
"You'll report me to Mien Herr again, is that it?" Dietrich looked at her coldly. Then a cruel sneer touched his face. "Well, I suppose he is a bit like that priest after all. But you know, he's not always around, and I don't mind taking seconds. In fact, playing with someone else's toy can be amusing in it's own way. And making it your own...well, it's quite a challenge sometimes, but rather enjoyable. It does relieve the boredom a bit."
"I will not let that happen!" Esther bit her lip. "I won't let either of you take me!"
"Well, if you say so. Although, to be honest, I don't think Mien Herr intends to give you much choice about that. If you'd been a little more cooperative, I might have tried to protect you, but since you want to put up a fight...well, I guess you'll see for yourself." Dietrich shrugged. "I've got to go help Eisehexe with the navigating for now. You'll find a door to a room, just down the corridor. It'll be a few hours until we reach the transfer point. You might as well make yourself comfortable." He gestured, then stepped past her, whispering as he did. "Have fun, Esther. I do love you, you know." Then he was gone, around the corner of the narrow hallway.
Esther remained where she was a few moments, trying to control her breathing. She thought about remaining in the corridor, but...here she had no defense from Dietrich and at least in a room, whatever size, she could put a door between herself and him. It probably wasn't enough to stop him if he was really determined, but...it would at least give her some time. She pushed herself upright, and moved toward the room.
The door was ajar when she reached it, which was something of a relief, given the way her hands were tied. She slipped inside, further relieved when the lights came up automatically. It was a small room, and spare, with only a low couch and a small extension clearly designed as a table. A much smaller door led to a bathroom, hardly more than a closet with a toilet inside. Esther sighed, then returned to shut the door to the corridor. She'd half-hoped to find something she could use as a weapon, or at least to free her hands, but there was nothing. She sighed again, then settled on the couch, shifting until her arms were as comfortable as they could be.
She wasn't sure how much time passed. Shut in the dimly lit room, there was simply no way to tell. Esther tried to relax and conserve her energy as much as she could. She kept her eyes closed, listening to the faint vibrations of the ship. She thought they'd been going east, but she wasn't certain. Still, changes in vibration might signal a significant course change right or left. And at least she'd know if they stopped. But the stress of the day was catching up to her, in spite of everything, and eventually, she dozed.
She woke abruptly to the awareness that the engine vibration had ceased, but there was a feeling in the air that she couldn't quite identify. She had just enough time to sit up when the door opened, framing the figure of the Ice Witch.
Helga didn't waste any time. With three strides, she was across the room, hauling Esther to her feet. "Come. Mien Herr has ordered us to bring you to him as soon as possible." She drew Esther upright, then abruptly reached behind her and slashed through the rough cords. "Von Kampfer has ordered us to leave you unbound, however, if you attempt anything..."
"I understand." Esther swallowed. She had no idea where she was, but she didn't need any further warning. Once again, she was surrounded by the Order. And this time, they weren't going to let her get away with tricking Dietrich and escaping. "I won't try to run."
"As if you could. Now that we have joined Mien Herr's ship, any attempt to run would result in a very long fall." Helga sniffed. "Come along, Terran."
Esther gritted her teeth at the insulting tone, but she didn't dare say anything. Instead, she followed the other woman out into the corridor, her mind racing. Joined...the Contra Mundi's ship? But I thought his major ship was destroyed above Albion. Did he build another one, or was this just something we weren't aware of? She remembered Abel's fear that Cain intended to start something, and a cold feeling swept over her.
She didn't have time to dwell on that, because Dietrich was waiting for them. He looked up as the two of them approached, then stepped forward to take her chin. "Well, I see you've decided to come along quietly. I don't suppose you've changed your mind?"
"Of course not!" Esther shoved his hand aside. She might have said more, but Helga interrupted her.
"We do not have time for your little amusements, Puppet Master." The Ice Witch sniffed. "Besides, have you forgotten Mien Herr's orders?" She cast a critical eye over Esther. "I do not care what you do with the Terran wench, but Mien Herr has ordered otherwise." She sniffed again. "Have we completed docking procedures?"
"We have." Dietrich consulted a small panel. "The ship has safely settled into the bay. Wizard is probably waiting for us on the other side of the doors. He said he'd take us to our lord."
"Then we should not keep Mien Herr waiting." Helga stepped forward and pressed her hand against the opening panel.
The airlock opened. Helga stepped through, and Dietrich smiled. "After you, Esther."
Esther swallowed, but stepped forward. She didn't trust Dietrich behind her, but she hoped that the presence of the others would deter him, and that the Contra Mundi's orders were enough to prevent whatever perverted games he had in mind.
Helga opened the outer door and stepped through, Esther only a step behind her. The small ship was settled into a large, empty room, almost three times its size. The sight filled Esther with dread. She knew about transport ships. If this was only the loading bay, then the ship they were on had to be immense. The thought of the weaponry and people it might be carrying made her go cold inside.
"Lady Esther, if you'd come this way." The familiar tones brought her attention back to her surroundings with a snap.
Kampfer stood at the doorway exiting the bay, a cool, amused smile on his expression. As her gaze came to him, he bowed. "Lady Esther. It's very good to see you again. If you'd care to step this way, my lord is waiting for you."
She didn't want to, but she didn't think she had any choice. She understood well enough that if she didn't go with him, she'd be forced. The thought of him or either of the others touching her made her skin crawl. She strode forward, trying to look confident and relaxed.
Just before she stepped through the door, Isaac stepped in front of her. "I hope you'll forgive my rudeness, lady Esther, however, I'll need to make sure you're unarmed before I take you before Mien Herr."
"Dietrich and Lady Helga already searched me for weapons." Esther tried to sound commanding and regal, but Kampfer didn't appear to notice.
"I don't doubt. However, considering their recent clumsiness, I'd prefer to make sure myself. After all, we can't have you pulling another little escape like the one a few months prior, now can we?" He bowed a little lower. "If you'll cooperate, this will only take a moment. However, if you insist on making it difficult..." He let the sentence trail off.
Esther bit her lip, but she knew he wasn't above forcing her, no matter what the Contra Mundi said. She held up her hands. "All right."
"Thank you, Lady Esther." Isaac straightened and stepped forward.
He was much more subtle than Helga had been, and his touch was strictly professional. He was also much more thorough. Esther tensed as his hand found the locket chain and lifted it. "What's this?"
"It's a gift Father Nightroad and Lady Caterina gave me." Esther swallowed. "Lady Caterina said it was a good luck charm, because the Father and I used to work together, and she hadn't given me anything to commemorate my term with the AX. Father Nightroad gave me the ring as an apology for an argument we had."
"I see. Well, I suppose it's unfair to take it from you, though I should warn you, I doubt Mien Herr will approve of the choice of jewelry." He straightened. "Well, it seems Marionettespieler and Eisehexe did their jobs after all."
"You doubt my capabilities?" Helga's tone was cold as the ice she wielded.
Isaac chuckled. "After the past few months display, certainly. It took you almost three months just to secure one simple hostage. Not to mention, you lost almost all the auxiliary force you were placed in charge of. That was quite a blunder, charging into battle like that. And given the reports we've heard of the rumor that the Queen of Albion was injured...Mien Herr is not pleased. I'd hate to be you if the rumors are true." His smile was colder and crueler than even Dietrich's.
Helga flinched, but she didn't back down. "It was the Terran wench's fault, for getting involved in a battle she should have remained clear from." She tossed her head. "Even her own advisers told her to stay away from the fighting. I am not responsible for such foolishness."
"You must know Mien Herr doesn't take excuses." Isaac smirked. "He ordered you to bring the Queen of Albion, Lady Esther, to him as quickly as possible and in good condition. Not only that, but I believe he specifically ordered you to avoid confrontations with Father Nightroad. After all, it would be a shame if my lord's plans were stopped at this stage. And yet, you've managed to fail every single order you were given, and our plans nearly suffered a major setback."
Dietrich stiffened. "That was the choice Esther made too, you know." His eyes glittered sullenly. "And you did specifically tell me not to use my strings on her. Otherwise, this would all have been much easier."
"You think that excuses you?" Kampfer shrugged. "Well, if that's the line you're going to take, I suppose you'd better hope Mien Herr is feeling more tolerant than he seems to be." He gestured, turning his focus back to Esther. "My lady, if you'd care to step this way, Mien Herr is waiting for you." He bowed, then turned and began to walk down the ship's corridor.
This corridor was wider than the other, and it seemed far too long for Esther. By the size of it, this ship had to be at least as large as the Tristan or the Iron Maiden. Her heart was pounding. She didn't want to face the Contra Mundi, and yet, she knew there was no way to prevent it. Then Kampfer's words about the necklace came back to her. She reached up and carefully tucked the locket and ring under her shirt. She bit her lip, feeling another wave of concern wash over her. Isaac and Dietrich had no reason to know of the ring's significance, but Cain had been there. He had known of his brother's relationship to Lilith. And there was no way to know if he'd remember the ring without showing it to him. And if he knew...She swallowed hard, remembering the still form lying in the suspension pod underneath the Vatican.
"Right this way, Lady Esther." Isaac's smooth voice broke into her thoughts. He opened a door, and bowed, gesturing for her to enter. "Mien Herr awaits you." Esther swallowed hard, then straightened her back and stepped through the doorway; the three Order members close behind.
The room beyond was mostly taken up with a large pool. Esther shivered, recognizing it as a tank like the one she'd seen in Cain's quarters at the Order's previous headquarters. There was a small door leading off to the side, no doubt connecting to a more private room. The panels on the tank hummed, and for a moment, she wondered if Cain were in his rejuvenation cycle again. Then her gaze slipped past the tank, to the wall beyond.
Cain stood there, facing one of the windows. He was dressed in his usual attire, black pants and a white shirt with a red border. This outfit looked more like a military uniform than most. The boots were utilitarian, the pants form-fitting but not tight. The jacket went past his hips, with short sleeves and a high collar. The longer sleeves of his black undershirt covered his arms to the wrist. The blond hair tumbled loosely down his back. While she was relieved to see he wasn't naked, or in his other form, something about the uniform unnerved her. He resembled a soldier, about to go on duty. The thought of what he was planning sent a chill across her spine.
Isaac stepped forward, to kneel a few feet in front of her. "My lord. I've brought the individuals you requested."
"Very good." Cain turned slowly and smiled. "Lady Esther. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
He moved so fast she didn't even register it, suddenly slipping around the tank and past Isaac to stand before her. "You know, that was rather rude of you, to go wandering off like that. And to make me wait so long, after I sent you an invitation to return. Were you with 02 again?"
Esther flinched. "It doesn't matter. You had no right to hold me prisoner like that!"
"Come now, my dear, you can't say it was that bad. Still I suppose I can understand wanting to join 02. After all, even I sometimes seek his company." The lazy, empty smile widened a fraction. "Still, to leave after the effort we made to be certain you were comfortable, it was rather rude." He touched her jaw lightly. "Is 02 doing well?"
"How can you ask that? After what your people did..." Esther felt her hands clench. She knew she didn't want to reveal the change in her relationship to Abel if she could avoid it. She also didn't want to let slip the torment he had undergone.
"Well, my dear, I did ask that my subordinates not engage him. Still..." There was a flicker of amusement in his gaze. "Abel is a bit violent, and Puppet Master is such a clumsy boy, I suppose it's hard to avoid a fight. But that reminds me...I heard a rumor that you were injured, my dear."
His hand trailed to her shoulder, then tightened suddenly. Esther flinched. Even with the wound mostly healed, it was still a little tender and sore. Cain's hard fingers dug into the area around the scar, sending a wave of pain through her. Esther bit her lip on a gasp. "Let go of me."
"Isaac...explain." Cain looked over his shoulder.
"Of course, my lord." Von Kampfer rose from where he'd remained kneeling, and moved to stand beside Esther. One hand, glowing with dark light, rested on her shoulder. "There appears to be a mostly healed injury, in the shoulder. Correct me if I'm wrong, Lady Esther, but I'd say something went through your shoulder. It's been well tended, and I doubt there's any permanent damage, other than the scarring, but this could have been quite serious."
"So then, what happened?" Cain's hand forced her chin up. "Did Ice Witch or Puppet Master do that?"
"Mien Herr..." Helga stepped forward, her voice tinged with urgency. "She stepped in front of my spear. I swear, I did not aim at the girl. I was trying to disable the priest, and..."
Cain moved again, another of those unbelievably fast shifts. "Eisehexe..." There was something in the tone of his voice that made Esther's blood run cold. "I think I told you not to engage in a confrontation with Abel, didn't I?"
Helga swallowed. "Mien Herr...I did not mean to disobey. I was simply trying to follow your orders and bring back the Terran wench..."
Cain's hand moved in a blur, backhanding the woman across the face with enough force to send her flying. She crashed into a wall several feet away. Her expression was dazed as she staggered to her feet. "Mien Herr..."
Cain moved in front of her again. More frightening than the violence around him was the cold, empty smile on his face. "I told you not to harm lady Esther, and not to fight with 02. You should know the consequences of not doing what I ask, and getting between me and what I want. Even 02 isn't allowed to forget that."
Power crackled around him, not as visible as Abel's but no less threatening. The aura of violence that surrounded him was enough to match Abel in the worst of moods. Esther flinched as he struck Helga again, this time in the stomach, driving her backward into the bulkhead with a gasp that was half scream. Another blow to the face knocked her stumbling sideways.
Cain's calm viciousness was terrifying to Esther. Worse, neither Dietrich nor Isaac seemed to care. They were both simply standing there, watching.
The next blow sent Helga flying backward again. Her uniform was torn, her face and body bruised and her lip bleeding. She seemed barely conscious. Cain stood over her a moment, then tilted his head. "I'll finish with you in a moment." He turned, that cold, empty smile still on his face. "Puppet Master..."
Dietrich's eyes widened in alarm. "Mien Herr...I..."
Cain was in front of him before he finished, his hand catching Dietrich's face. "I did tell you not to attack 02. I need him for the next phase of my plan. But you went and fought with him anyway."
Dietrich's face twisted with fear. "I was only trying to get Esther to come with us."
"Still...that was very clumsy of you. And you know...I can smell your scent on her. Did you touch Esther?" There was a glitter of playfulness in his eyes, but underneath it was a shine of madness, and of cruelty that made Kampfer seem like the gentleman he pretended to be. "Did you do what I told you not to, after all?" His hand clasped Dietrich's chin in an iron grip. "That was very foolish of you."
"Master Cain...I didn't..." Dietrich's eyes widened.
The other man didn't give him time to finish. On hand struck Dietrich hard in the ribs, and then Cain backhanded him as he had with Helga. The young man went stumbling backward, his eyes dark with fear. "Master..."
"You know...I don't like being disobeyed. And you've been a bit clumsier than usual, lately. Attacking 02, and laying hands on Esther...well, I wonder what sort of punishment I should give you."
Dietrich staggered backward. "I didn't...Master Cain..."
"You know, I think that's quite enough excuses from both you and Ice Witch. After all, I can't afford to have you causing any more trouble. I suppose I'll have to deal with both of you now." Cain stepped forward once more.
Another blow sent Dietrich staggering backward until he crashed into the wall next to Helga. The Methuselah woman looked dazed, shaken, but Dietrich looked worse.
Neither of them had a chance to move before Cain stepped in front of them. Both his hands were shining faintly with a red light, and the aura of danger and violence surrounding him was obvious, even from where Esther stood several feet away. "Now then, what shall I do with the two of you?"
It was too much. The memory of watching him stand before Abel, of Abel's body falling as Cain's power blew away his chest and crushed his heart, hit Esther like a hammer blow. She was moving before she even thought about it. It didn't matter that Dietrich and Helga were her enemies. It didn't matter that Dietrich had threatened to rape her only a few hours ago, or that Helga had almost killed her. She couldn't stand by and watch him kill again.
Esther stepped forward, almost running the few steps across the chamber, and seized Cain's hand. "That's enough! You don't have to go this far!"
The gaze that turned and met hers was completely the Contra Mundi, empty of everything but a chilled, cruel amusement. "Esther..."
He turned, and placed one finger beneath her chin. "Tell me, my dear, do you really want them to live that much?" His smile twisted a little. "Perhaps you like Dietrich after all?"
"It's nothing like that!" Esther jerked back, but forced herself to meet the cold gaze. "It's just...you shouldn't attack people like that for no reason."
"Well, I did tell them not to fight 02, and not to injure you. I can't have them disobeying my orders." Cain tipped his head to one side, a faint flicker of amused consideration in his eyes.
"That's not their fault!" Esther's hand rose to her shoulder. "I chose to get between Lady von Vogelwiede and Father Nightroad. She was telling the truth when she said I injured myself stepping between them. And Father Nightroad chose to fight them to protect me. They were simply defending themselves." Esther bit her lip.
"Hmmm...02 was fighting to protect you?" There was a little more thoughtfulness in his gaze. "I suppose I can't fault them if he starts it. Abel always was such a violent person. But...there's still the matter of Dietrich. I did tell him not to touch you."
"He didn't use his skills on me. He just captured me from the Palace." Esther clenched her jaw. "He used his strings to take one of my people hostage, then escorted us out. That's all. He didn't touch me." That last wasn't strictly true, but still... "I won't let you simply kill them like this. Even if they are my enemies, I won't accept this from you."
The Contra Mundi studied her a moment, amusement and danger sparkling in the blueish-red eyes. Then he slowly straightened and took his finger away from her face. The dangerous aura receded a fraction. "Isaac."
"My lord?" Kampfer came forward, his posture respectful.
"You can take these two out for me. I'll speak to Esther alone." He gestured carelessly to Dietrich and Helga, slumped against the wall. It looked as if Dietrich had completely lost consciousness.
Helga stirred feebly. "Mien Herr..."
"That's quite enough, Eisehexe." Kampfer moved forward and took her arm. "Come." He slung Deitrich's body over his shoulder with a disconcerting lack of effort, then lifted the dazed woman from the floor roughly. Helga seemed too battered and shocked to do anything more than follow his prompting as he shoved her toward the door. At the threshold, he paused and turned. "My lord...how is it holding up?"
"It's fine. I'm sure I'll be able to manage a while yet." Cain shrugged.
"As you wish, Mien Herr. Lady Esther...I bid you a pleasant evening." Kampfer bowed once more, then disappeared through the door, letting it shut behind him.
Esther watched as the door shut, then turned to face her captor. Cain had calmed somewhat. He stood watching her, his head tilted, his posture similar to the one he'd had in Albion, when he'd been behaving like a normal person. A small smile quirked his lips. "You know, it was foolish of you to let them go, my dear. After all, they'll only cause you trouble in the end. However, if that's what you want..."
"I just won't stand by and watch you murder someone in cold blood."
"Hmmm...well, enough of that." He shrugged, then the smile widened. "Tell me, how is 02 doing? Has he recovered from his fight with Dietrich? Not that I'd expect Puppet Master to be capable of doing Abel any serious harm. Still, it would be rather inconvenient if Abel were hurt just now."
"You...what do you want with Father Nightroad?" Esther swallowed.
"I want Abel to join me, of course." Cain smiled. "Just as I want you to do, my dear." He stepped forward, bringing his hand up to touch her face. "So tell me...have you reconsidered? After all...it is only fair."
"No. I told you..." She stopped, uncertain what to say. Uncertain what tone she could take that wouldn't reveal her relationship with Abel.
Cain studied her, and something dark flitted across his features. "02's aura...it lingers on you." His hand cupped her face. "So then, have you been with Abel?"
Esther felt her stomach clench. "It's not...Father Nightroad has been guarding me." Without thought, her hand went to the locket under her dress.
Cain saw the motion. "So, what's this?" His hand touched hers, then traced the length of the chain. "Did 02 give you a gift then?"
"It's just a gift from Cardinal Sforza, and a trinket Father Nightroad gave me. He said it was an apology." She tried to keep her voice level, and as disinterested as possible, hoping against hope that he'd lose interest.
"An apology?" Amusement sparked in the empty blue depths. "02 used to do that for 04 as well. Give her a gift as an apology. But then...he always was very fond of that woman." Consideration and another flash of darkness flickered through his gaze. "Tell me, has Abel become fond of you as well, my dear?"
She didn't have time to pull away before his lean fingers threaded under the chain and drew it upward, exposing the locket and the ring.
Cain's fingers caressed the ring. "I see. The ring Abel gave that woman when they were lovers. So then, I take it Abel's declared his intentions?" Cold eyes came up to her face, dark with danger and a possessive lust that chilled Esther's heart. "But you know, I think 02's already had his chance. And I staked a claim to you, my dear, long before he did."
Esther flinched, then jerked away, pulling the chain from his fingers. "That's not something you get to decide!"
"Hmmm? So you've chosen 02 then? Well, I suppose it's understandable. After all, Abel does have a complete body. However, you don't really think I'm going to release you that easily. After all, with a little help from you, I can have the same strength 02 has. And unlike Abel, I won't hesitate."
"I told you, I won't accept that!" Esther stepped backward again.
Cain moved again with that blurring speed. "You know, my dear, you've seen the consequences of getting in the way of what I want." Madness glittered in his gaze, and a faint red light was once more shining in his eyes. "Besides, you really needn't be so defensive. After all, I'm still planning on taking 02's body. Then you can have the best of both of us, you know. I'll get what I need, and you can stand beside me, and together, we'll make this world a place where Abel doesn't have to worry anymore."
"That's not what I want!" Esther jerked away, but this time, Cain kept his grip. "Even if you do that, that isn't want Father Nightroad wants. I won't help you do that to him!"
"Hmm...but then Abel and I will become one being."
"Father Nightroad will never let that happen!" Esther felt her fists clenching. She knew she should be afraid of him, and there was a part of her that wanted desperately to run. But there was nowhere to run to, and the anger was safer than the fear.
"You really are attracted to 02, aren't you." Cain's hands gripped her shoulders. "So tell me, has my brother been with you yet? Has he showed you how to please a man?" The cold smile widened, and whatever there had been of Cain's gaze was being submerged in the madness of the Contra Mundi.
"That's none of your business." Esther knew his grip was far too strong to break free of, still, she fought, trying to twist away.
An amused smile touched his lips. "Well, I suppose Isaac can always tell me later. Still, you should consider my offer my dear. After all...02 may have a complete body, but he's not very good at expressing such things. And if you're going to come to my side anyway, when the world has been cleansed..."
"I will never do that! I will never abandon Father Nightroad." Esther twisted. Then the memory of combat training with Abel and Mary came to mind. She relaxed in his grip, then drove forward, striking him hard in the chest, then snapping her hands up, one to strike his face in a follow-up, the other to try and break his grip.
Her strength was no match for hers but the maneuver apparently caught him off guard. Cain stumbled, loosing her as he faltered. Esther took the opportunity to jerk backward out of easy reach. She wished she had a knife with her, but Helga and Kampfer had been far too thorough for that. Instead, she stood with her back against the wall, breathing hard.
Cain straightened. When he looked up at her, his eyes were once again cold, emotionless except for the faint amusement. "Well my dear, that wasn't very polite." There was danger in his gaze. "And I've already warned you."
"I don't care! I won't let you destroy Father Nightroad, and I refuse to join you. No matter what you do to me...I won't accept this." Esther met his gaze.
Even though she was watching for it, she didn't see him move. There was a blur as Cain seemed to disappear from sight, then he was standing before her. She had just enough time to register his presence before something hit her, hard, on the left cheekbone. The blow was hard, stunning her and knocking her backward into the wall before she could even think about catching her balance. Esther fought to remain conscious, but the shock of the blow, coming on top of a long day and the stress of her capture was too much. Darkness crashed over her vision, sending her into oblivion.
Cain studied the limp form at his feet, faint surprise in the empty blue gaze. The he shrugged. "Well I did tell you my dear." He bent down lazily, pulling Esther into his arms.
A brush confirmed the young woman was still breathing, and a small smile touched his face. "You know, I had hoped to use your compliance to force 02, but I suppose this will do just as well. And despite your protests, my dear, you will be mine eventually."
He turned, and the ring on it's chain slipped, brushing against his arm as it fell to dangle from her throat. Cain regarded it with amused interest. "Well, I suppose if 02 has already claimed her, I'll just have to make my claim stronger, at least until the two of us have been joined." His eyes went distant. "Until then, you will remain with me. Perhaps I'll even get some assistance without your willing support."
He tapped a console. "Isaac, it appears I'll need you after all." Then he turned and carried Esther back into the other room, the cold empty smile still on his lips. "Sleep well, my dear. Don't worry, even like this...you will help me draw 02 to me."