dragonwriter24cmfAuthor's Note: Okay, so first of all, really sorry about the delay on this one. It was a tough chapter, helped not at all by being sick for a while, and the general holiday confusion. However, I hope the length and content makes it worth the wait. And yes, I can hear some of you going...'What the heck...time travel?' Yes, yes, I know. But we wanted Esther to really see what kind of life Abel had. In the original cannon and spoilers, there's this hiatus that is never explained, and we wanted to fill the void. In my defense, we made it as believable as possible. Or so I think. Hope this doesn't drive you too crazy. We'll get the regular Abel back...eventually. Until then...please stick with us. And as always, reviews are welcome.
smcandy Author's Note: Most of you figured out from chapter 32 that Esther wasn't really dead. This was the best we could come up with from the spoiler's cannon and flash back s seen about the RMP (Red Mars Project) from the anime and manga. Temp. Time travel was the best option for Esther to get a small glimpse at what their past was like. Some idea's we got from RAW manga chapters that have yet to be translated yet in English. We got as much inspiration as we could and I think we did quite well in this area for the youngster crunisks. Also for those whom are and have just subscribed to my stories I have a Deviantart under the same user name I use here. Go to my main page and you'll find the link there to my galleries and see what arts I made for all the outfits Ester, Abel, Seth and Lilith wear and will wear in TBWC along with some commissioned arts that were done for me on my fave galley look under for the folder that is titled CDFM (commissions Done For me) if you wanna see the ones that I pad or not done for me for free by some sweet artists. Also before for those whom have not bothered yet to add your vote to my poll on either my or Da main page to see what you'll wanna see me and my editor do next for out next story project once TBWC reaches chapter 40.
(*) 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 love, 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 Thirty-Three: Part two – Children of the Past
The room proved to be a twelve foot by twelve foot space. It was small compared to the Palace rooms Esther had become used to, but she remembered her room in Saint Matthias had been about half the space, and suited her well indeed. There was a bed, a chest of drawers for clothing, and small adjoining room that served as the bathroom. Together, the two of them settled the frame and began assembling it. It only took a few moments, and it was ready. Lilith spread out the soft, inflatable mattress and aired it, then Esther took over to put the sheets and pillow on. Once they were done, she settled back. To her surprise, it was wonderfully comfortable. "Thank you."
"It's not a problem." Lilith smiled and settled gracefully back on her own bed. "I've never had a roommate before, so I think it will be fun. But...I think you had another reason for wanting to stay with me." She tilted her head. "You don't want any risk that the others will find out your secret, right?"
"Yes." Esther blushed. "I...I'm sorry if you feel I'm taking advantage of you..."
"It's fine. I did agree that it was a good idea to keep it quiet." Lilith smiled. "You know, I wanted to thank you, for speaking so kindly of Abel. I know he can't have made a good impression, but really, he's not so bad. But then...I think you know that." Her eyes went to the necklace Esther had tucked carefully under her borrowed uniform.
"Yes. I do." Esther smiled.
Lilith spent the next few hours telling her all about the station, and the personnel. She gave Esther a computerized map of the structure, and explained where various areas were, and who they were run by. She also highlighted key locations, like their rooms, and the lab where the scientists would be working to determine how Esther had arrived, and how to repeat the procedure. Her explanations included the storage facilities, where Esther would be taken after dinner to receive more clothing, and the basic gathering areas, like the dining hall, where most of the personnel and colonists gathered. For enjoyment, she recommended a small greenhouse located on one of the lower levels of the ship, and a computer room and library.
At Esther's request, Lilith promised to requisition a personal computer, so she could research the station and times more on her own, without asking too many questions. Fortunately, a quick demonstration on Lilith's machine revealed the computer system was very similar to some of the technology Virgil used. Esther breathed a quick sigh of relief, grateful for all the lessons she'd had in the AX, and Virgil's continuing instruction.
They were discussing various routes through the station when a low chime sounded. Lilith looked up. "That's the dinner chime." She rose from her seat. "Come with me."
The other three were already in the main area when they emerged. Cain and Seth looked exactly as they had. Abel was standing to one side, his uniform shirt open to reveal the black beneath, and a sullen expression on his face. He had one hand stuffed into a pocket. Cain turned as they stepped out. "Hey, you're joining us for dinner as well?"
"I am." Esther smiled. "I hope it's not too much trouble."
"Honestly, I don't know why they bother." Abel's soft response cut the air like a knife. "I don't care what they want now, having someone else here isn't going to make things any different."
Esther swallowed. She felt confused. Her head knew that this boy hadn't grown into the man she knew, but...she hadn't expected the difference to be so sharp. Even though he'd told her, even though Cain had told her...she still wasn't expecting it. Her first reaction was the same as she'd had with Ion on their first meeting. To meet fire with fire. But...it wasn't going to work with this young man. She already knew that. Besides, despite the lack of provocation she'd given him, she recognized that anger. She'd seen it so many times, when she'd seen him pushed too far. She just didn't know why he was expressing it now.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Seth stumbled over to the silver-haired youth and took his jacket. "Abel...you don't need to be so mad at her yet. She seems really nice. She said it was okay, if you were having a bad day."
"Whatever. Just don't bother me." Abel's sullen blue gaze caught hers.
"Ummm...well, I really won't bother you if you don't want to speak to me, but I was hoping we could be friends." Esther swallowed nervously.
"That's exactly what the last scientist said. And all he cared about was making sure I was 'socially adjusted'." He glared at her a moment longer, then turned away roughly. "Just leave me alone." With that, he stalked to the door, threw it open, and vanished into the corridor.
Lilith sighed. "Oh dear. I suppose that means he intends to skip dinner again. I'll have to see if I can save something for him this time."
Esther nodded. "I'll help you." Lilith met her eyes with a smile of appreciation, and led them to the dining area.
The dining room for the GeM department proved to be a small room with a long table. Meals were delivered by means of a hatch to one side. When they arrived, a man and a woman were already removing plates from the opening. The man looked up as they entered. "Lilith. Is this our temporary guest?"
Esther stepped forward. She appreciated that Lilith was so willing to be her spokesperson, but she was used to speaking for her herself. "My name is Esther Blanchett. I'll be staying with you for a while."
"Phillip. And that's Karen." The man gestured to the woman, who greeted her with a friendly smile. "We're the observational team for our special kids here." His eyes drifted over the group, and a frown settled across his features. "Abel skipping meals again?"
Cain stepped forward with a smile and took a plate. "He had a bad day in training today."
"I see." Phillip nodded. "Why don't you tell me about it, since he's not here." The two of them settled down at the table, and began a discussion. Moments later, Lilith handed Esther a plate, and she found herself seated near the other end of the table with the other girls, with Seth and Karen talking.
She tried to stay involved in the discussion, but it was all about day-to-day activities she wasn't part of. It was clearly some sort of daily ritual they all went through, one she wasn't used to. For the most part, she remained silent, listening, learning, and putting together her own story in her head. She'd escaped having questions thrown at her for today, but she suspected it wouldn't last. She needed to have a credible story put together, one that didn't reveal her involvement with the brothers.
The thought reminded her of her other concern. That half-familiarity she felt with all of them. She wasn't supposed to know them, and in some ways, she didn't. Everything felt off-kilter. She wanted to reach for Abel, soothe his anger as she had when they were partners, and when they'd become close. But the defiant sullen boy she'd met was almost nothing like the gentle, kind man she was used to dealing with. And he certainly seemed to have no intention of letting her get close to him. And Cain...her eyes slipped to the blond boy at the other end of the table, chatting amiably with the older man. He was quiet, courteous, and she sensed nothing of the madness, or suppressed violence that had made such moods particularly dangerous in the man she'd known as the Contra Mundi.
Of course. Everything that happened to make them that way...it hasn't happened yet. I have to remember, these aren't the people I thought I knew. I'll have to treat them like complete strangers. She had a feeling it would be harder than it seemed, but...well, she'd worked undercover before. Perhaps she could consider this another undercover assignment.
Finally, the meal ended. Esther hadn't eaten everything on her plate. She and Lilith shared a look, and she wrapped some of it in a napkin to take back. If the two scientists noticed, they didn't give any indication. The short trip back to the sleeping area was quiet. Cain seemed to be thinking about something, Seth was sleepy-eyed, the way young children usually got right after a meal. Lilith was preoccupied keeping an eye on the youngster. Esther focused on going over her story in her mind, putting it together and repeating the essentials in her mind, so they would come easily to memory when she actually had to answer questions.
When they got back to the rooms, Cain went straight through one of the doors and closed it behind him. Esther turned to Lilith. "So...what do we do now?"
Lilith smiled. "It's usually free time. We have studies, and recreational material. Of course, for Seth, it's time for bed. And the general signal for day's end will sound in an hour and a half. So, we can do whatever we like until then." Their gazes met for a moment, then Lilith nodded toward another doorway. "Why don't I put Seth to bed, and we can talk some more. In the meantime...do you have that food?"
Esther held up the hastily wrapped packet. Lilith tilted her head toward one of the desks. "Leave it there. Abel will see it when he comes in." She sighed. "I hope he doesn't break curfew again, and get dragged back. It will only make his mood worse tomorrow." She shook her head, then spoke in a softer voice. "I can't promise he'll eat it, but...thank you."
"It's no problem at all." Actually, it reminded her of the first night she'd met Abel, in Saint Matthias Church. The way he'd complained of starving, and how she'd brought him food. The memory brought a fond smile to her lips.
Lilith returned her smile, then ushered Seth into her own room. The toddler voiced a sleepy complaint, but it was obvious that she was falling asleep fast. Esther watched them disappear, then moved to the desk and laid the parcel of food on the table. Her fingers skimmed the surface. I hope he's all right. And Father Nightroad as well. She swallowed, a lump forming in her throat. She knew Abel and the others would be frantic with worry for her. She also knew there was no certainty that she could make it home. Not from this time. It occurred to her then that, given the fact that she'd been transported from the ARK, there was a very real chance she'd be unable to return until the Mars Colonists discovered the original ship. That was at least three years away, possibly more before she'd even have a chance of using it. The thought of being separated from her friends and surrogate family, and of the devastation it would cause to those who loved her, made tears burn in her eyes. She set the food down quickly, and retired to Lilith's room. As she settled into the bed, the stress of her emotions, and the upheavals of the day came crashing over her. She was asleep before Lilith came in.
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The next few days were confusing for Esther, and busy. With Lilith's help, she was able to refine her story of events to reveal as little information as possible, while still being helpful. Her own account, as she reported it to the station commanders and the head of the science division the next day, was that she was from 3066 AD. She'd been raised in Europe as an orphan, by the church, then gone to work for the Vatican, until she had been recommended, and chosen to accept, training and a diplomatic and political posting in Albion. She left the details vague, reporting only that she had been working in Buckingham Palace for a year. Of her appearance in the station, she explained that she had been working with the Albion Science Team, looking into some older technology, and that they had encountered a rogue group of trouble makers, and an accident had occurred, causing one of the machines they were working with to activate.
Remembering the specifics of the device was harder. More so because she wasn't very familiar with technology. But the scientists were patient, going over basic details with her, discussing theories with, or around her, until pieces clicked into place. Esther didn't understand much of what was going on, but they were clearly excited, and she was content to know that, at least, progress was being made in an attempt to send her home. In a way though, it was also frustrating. She didn't know enough to help, not really, which left her nothing to do but wait and occasionally answer questions. After the first two days, the commanders of the station left her alone, issuing her a temporary ID, a low level access card to the station, and permission to continue rooming with Lilith in the GeM quarters.
Lilith saw to it that she got basic supplies. Clothing, a computer, basic utilities. She was patient, showing Esther how everything worked, and what to do in case of an emergency, such as a station breach, loss of gravity, or a collision. But after the first week, she knew everything she needed to know about basic survival, and the young woman reluctantly left her to attend to her own duties and training.
Esther assigned herself the mission of gathering as much information as she could. Even though Abel had told her of his past, he hadn't given any of them much in details. She'd been too concerned with his mental and emotional well-being to ask. Nor had she looked through the journals and records Professor Wordsworth and Lord Walsh had gathered. But, even with the change in demeanor, and the sudden role reversal of which of them was the eldest, she recognized her dearest friend, her lover and her protector. She approached it as she had the AX mission to the Empire, a search for both information and connection.
All four of the GeM children, as they were referred to, were undergoing training for the colonization. From Lilith, she learned that the Nightroads were in general training, with Abel and Cain competing, unofficially, for command of the colony. Seth was still too young to have a position chosen, though she was smart, and expressed an interest in science, and medicine. Lilith herself was training in Science, and had already requested posting to the medical field.
Seth was frequently in and out of the living area they shared, escorted by Lilith or one of the scientists. After the first week, Esther offered to be her escort, and watch over her. The youngster was initially wary of her, but by the end of the third week, the ice had thawed, and the two of them were firm friends.
Cain was there mostly in the evenings. He was usually studying, or relaxing. He was polite, courteous and gentle. He was always willing to give her a helping hand if she needed it, he held the door for her if they were leaving or entering at the same time, and was willing to show her around or answer any questions she had. But he did so with the air of someone doing a duty and a courtesy, rather than with Lilith's friendliness, or Seth's innocent excitement. She knew that it was partly her fault. She couldn't help being nervous around him, and unwilling to be alone with him. But...she couldn't help remembering her last vision of the adult Cain, with Abel and Seth's blood staining his hands, and that cool, disinterested smile on his face. The same smile he wore so frequently when she encountered him on the station. Even knowing from Abel's stories that he had been a considerate person as a young man didn't keep the cold chills from crawling up her spine when she saw that smile.
Lilith was a relief. Esther quickly found common ground and interests with her roommate. The young woman had a lively sense of curiosity and gentle humor. She was intelligent and, unlike the others, shared Esther's deep religious convictions, and many of her moral ones as well. She was also far easier to be with. With no prior associations to avoid, Esther found herself relaxing in the other woman's presence more than she did with even Seth. And, as the days wore on, she had to admit she could see why Abel had fallen in love with the vibrant, yet gentle individual she was getting to know.
Abel, she saw hardly at all. He appeared only for evenings and for meals. At his best, he was closed off, distant, a sullen fire raging in his eyes when he looked at her. Usually, their encounters were limited to a brief exchange of glances before he turned his back on her and stormed away, usually behind his closed bedroom door. It was frustrating, and saddening that she couldn't seem to get him to open up to her. In fact, he barely spoke to her.
The days quickly fell into a sort of routine for her. She spent her mornings speaking to the scientists, discussing what little she knew, and asking questions to help expand her own knowledge. The late mornings and afternoons she spent in personal research, looking up any information she thought might help her if she ever returned home to her own time. Things she'd seen used, or discarded in her own time. She asked for, and received, pen and a journal, and made as many notes as she could. Carbon fiber strings, like Dietrich's. Technology she'd seen or heard Kampfer using. Automatons, or androids, as they were called. And, of course, everything she could access about the genetic manipulations experiments.
Late afternoons and evenings were spent with the others. She watched Seth while the older children worked on their assignments, and answered the youngsters questions about herself, and her home. She'd never thought it helpful, that she had no knowledge of her own parents, but it gave her an unexpected bond to all four of them. And Seth, she knew, enjoyed her stories of Bishop Laura. After the others returned, and later in the evening, she would talk quietly with Lilith, and transcribe her notes into her computer.
She came in one afternoon in the third week to find Seth sitting on a chair, curled up in misery, the child's face stamped with unhappiness. She set her computer and notebook on a nearby desk, and moved forward so she could kneel in front of the girl. "Seth...did something happen?"
Seth sniffled, curling tighter into a ball, the green eyes wet with tears. Esther reached out and put a gentle hand on the girl's arm, trying to soothe her. "It's all right. You can tell me, if you want to. Or, I can just get you something to drink, and we can wait for Lilith to come." She smiled gently, the way she once had for the injured Earl of Memphis. "Come on, I'm sure you'd at least like some water, or maybe some juice or how about some tea?"
Seth sniffled and nodded, just the tiniest bit. Esther wrapped an arm around her encouragingly. "I'll be right back."
It only took a few minutes to run to the dining room and call for tea, then return to the youngster. By the time she returned, Seth had uncurled a little, and was attempting to wipe her face on her sleeve. Esther smiled again, set the teacup down, and went into her room for a damp cloth. She wiped the child's face gently, then set the rag aside and handed her the teacup. "Here. I'm sure that's much better."
The child nodded again, and took a small sip of the tea. After a few swallows, she seemed to calm, her shoulders relaxing as she sank back into the chair. Esther smiled. "There. That looks much better." She studied the young face, the green eyes still dark with unhappiness. "Now, why don't you tell me what happened?"
Seth swallowed again, her eyes damp, and her lip trembling slightly. "I don't understand! Why do people say things like that?"
Esther swallowed. She'd heard those kinds of words before. "Did someone say something mean to you?"
Seth sniffled again. "They said I wasn't trying. But I did...I did try. I just don't understand everything yet." Another sniff. "And then..they began saying mean things about Abel. How he was a trouble maker. They talk like he's a bad person. But he's just not happy! He's not a trouble maker!" The green eyes were glittering with both defiance and hurt. "And they said I was being a trouble maker like Abel. They said he was a bad influence. But...but he's not!"
"Shhh..." Esther reached up to stroke her hair, soothing her. "I know. I'm sure they didn't mean it. I know. I'm sure Abel really is a good person. Sometimes, it can just be hard for other people to see."
Seth sniffled again, fresh tears streaking her face. Esther rescued the teacup just before it spilled, as the little girl curled closer to her. "Everyone always treats us like we're different. Like we're...wrong. I don't know why. Why does everyone have to be so mean?"
Esther swallowed. She had no doubt Seth was fully old enough to understand what was happening, but she didn't know how to put words to it. It was the same thing that had torn her home apart. Her world apart. People were afraid of others who were different. She didn't know how to explain it to this young, frightened and confused child. She swallowed, looking for the right words.
"I don't know. Sometimes, I think people can be really foolish. Back at home, where I lived..." She just barely avoided saying when "...I knew some people like you, a little bit." She felt the little girl move, looking at her through watery eyes. "A lot of people were nervous, because they were stronger, and faster, and smarter. But...they really were good people." Her mind went to Astha, and Ion . All the Methuselah she'd come to know. Father Tres, an android and equally strong and difficult to be around. Virgil, with his strength, and the shadowy secrets of the Underground surrounding him. And, of course, Abel. Abel, who hid his strength behind a mask of foolishness, to keep people from being afraid. "When I left home, I wanted to find out why people were so afraid, so I could find out how to fix it. But...I haven't quite found the answer yet. A very kind man was helping me with that."
"He was?"
"He was. So maybe...maybe someday, we'll understand each other, and people won't be so afraid." She stroked the youngster's hair.
Seth nodded. "And Abel...will they understand him too." Her hands clutched Esther's sleeve tighter. "He...why can't he just ignore them? Why is he always so angry?"
Esther shook her head. "I don't know. But...I tell you what. I promise, I'll try to help Abel too. I'll look out for him. All right?" She looked down into the green eyes and smiled. "Only, you probably shouldn't tell him I said that. After all, he doesn't seem to like supervision much."
That brought a watery smile to Seth's face. "Okay."
Esther held her hands a moment longer, letting her calm down. Finally, Seth sat up, scrubbing at her face to wipe the fresh tear stains away. Esther held out the cloth. "Here."
She was helping gently rub the last spots away when the door whisked open, and Abel strode in. His face was set in a scowl, and to Esther's surprise, there was a red splotch on one cheek, as if he'd been struck. His hands were stuffed into his pockets as usual. He saw both of them, and anger flared in the blue eyes. "What did you do to her?"
Esther swallowed. Abel's anger was as hard to bear in his teenage form as it had been facing him as an adult. "I didn't do anything. But she was upset, and I thought I could help her calm down."
"It's true." Seth obviously saw or knew something about Abel's mood that Esther didn't, because she jumped out of the chair and ran toward her brother, gripping the hem of his tunic. "The scientists in the lab just said something today. Esther was just giving me tea and making me feel better. She was going to help me." She looked up into Abel's gaze. "Abel...you can't get mad again. They said they'd put you in jail next time."
For a long moment, green eyes stared into blue. Then Abel shrugged. "Fine. I won't get angry." He drew away gently, turned away from the girl. "Lilith will be back in a while. You can get her or Cain to help you with your work." Then he strode to his room and shut the door, just missing slamming it.
Seth stood staring after her brother, her eyes wide and sad. She turned to Esther, still kneeling by the couch. "Abel..."
"I know." Esther smiled. "He probably just had a rough day, just like you." She held out her hand. "Why don't you show me what you had trouble with. I can't promise I'll be able to help much, but at least I can listen, and maybe that will help you work it out."
"Okay." Seth moved over to her computer station. Lilith found them there fifteen minutes later, with the youngster trying to explain where her problem was, and Esther trying to understand. Despite her interest, Esther was relieved when Lilith took over, leaving her to her own thoughts.
That night found her restless, unable to sleep. The memory of Seth's tear-stained face, Abel's anger, the knowledge that misunderstanding and human fear drove both of them, kept flickering in and out of her mind. But she didn't know what to do. As much as she wanted to fix it, she wasn't sure how. Even more, she remembered Lilith's words. Even if she could help them, it was possible that doing so would change her future. She felt as if she were walking through a field of pitfalls, most of which she couldn't see.
Finally, Esther rose from the bed. She couldn't sleep, but there was a drink dispenser in the main room. Hopefully, a cup of water would calm her down, and let her relax. The regulation nightwear was comfortable enough, and Lilith had given her a robe. She slipped it on and stepped out into the main room.
To her surprise, there was a faint light shining under the door of Seth's room, and the door was slightly cracked. She stopped, and heard a soft voice.
...But I'll be there for you
When the world falls down
Esther froze in surprise. She recognized the words. Part of the song Abel had sung for her, the one he'd told her was Seth's favorite lullaby. With that realization came recognition of the voice. It was higher than she remembered and somewhat rougher, but the singer was definitely Abel.
She moved away from the door quickly, determined not to eavesdrop on what was clearly a private moment between siblings. But as she quietly lifted a glass from the sink cabinet and filled it, the song came to an end. There was silence for a moment, then a young male voice spoke. "There. You should sleep now." The tone was short, almost brusque, but beneath the harshness was a clear note of both concern and affection. "Do you need anything else?"
"No." That was Seth. She heard a rustle as someone moved, then the sleepy child's voice came again. "You know, Abel...you could be nicer to Esther. She isn't like the others. She's just trying to help."
"That's what everyone says." There was a harsher note in the voice. Then a barely audible sigh. "Fine. Don't worry. I'll try to be a little better. All right? At least, I'll try not to yell at her, next time she's with you." Another pause. "Go to sleep."
There was a drowsy, half-heard affirmative. Moments later, the light clicked out, and a slender form slipped through the door and into the common room, shutting the door noiselessly. The faint emergency night lighting showed silver hair. Then Abel turned, and saw Esther standing there. Even in the relative dimness, she saw him stiffen. "What do you want?" His head flicked toward the door he'd exited. "You were listening?"
"No. Not at all. At least, I wasn't trying to." Esther spoke softly. "I was just a little thirsty, and came to get some water from the tap. I was having trouble sleeping."
Abel stared at her for a long moment, then made a soft noise, like a huff of exasperation, and started to the door to his room.
Esther watched him move. She wanted to say something, but she wasn't sure what. He was just about to vanish into his room when she found the words. "She's really very worried about you, you know."
Abel paused. "That isn't any of your concern." He lingered for a moment, then the door shut behind him. Esther stood staring at the door for a moment, then finished her water and returned to her bed.
She didn't see any of the siblings the next morning when she woke. She reported in to the Science Department, where they informed her that they'd made headway. They were fairly certain they'd identified the particles and radiation combination that had sent her, they just had to fine tune it, run some more tests, and develop an apparatus to generate the energy and confine it properly. To Esther's surprise, Seth was there, listening carefully, with an intent look on her young face. One of the scientists was working with her, but she was too far across the lab to hear what passed between the youngster and the woman who appeared to be her mentor. She stayed for about an hour, then left.
After that, she stopped by the library, chose a few references, then went to the shipboard gym. It seemed odd, to have such a place, but as Lilith had explained, maintaining proper exercise was even more important in space than on the earth's surface. More than that, Esther was used to regular exercise, but she could hardly go for a walk in the gardens here. She was stretching and warming up when the door opened, and a familiar silver-haired form entered.
Abel stopped in the doorway, expression going dark and guarded as he spotted her. She had a feeling, looking at his expression, that he'd come here expecting, and hoping to be alone. Before he could turn away, Esther spoke. "It's all right. You're perfectly welcome to join me."
"I don't feel like having people around." Abel seemed to be trying to contain himself, and she wondered why.
"It's perfectly fine. There's more than enough room for both of us here. I'm sure we can manage not to disturb each other." She held his gaze, willing him to stay. "Surely we can manage at least that."
After a moment, he stepped into the room and let the door shut. He moved immediately to the far side of the room, and began going through his own warm-up routine. Esther returned to hers, watching him carefully out of the corner of her eye, or in the mirrors of the room. She didn't want to disturb him, but she'd never seen Abel exercise, not as an adult or as a youth. She knew the other AX members took regular exercise, as well as combat training and practice, but he'd never needed it.
She finished her stretching, then moved to one of the machines Lilith had shown her, something she'd called a 'treadmill'. It let her walk in place. It wasn't as good as walking a garden would be, but it was better than nothing. She set it at a moderate pace, and began walking. She saw Abel dropping down to do push-ups on the far side of the room, and quickly averted her gaze. She knew that if he thought she was watching him, he'd leave.
She finished three miles on the machine, then picked up a set of light weights and did some toning and strengthening exercises, trying to remember the specific ones Seth and the Professor had given her for rehab on her shoulder. She went through each set three times, then began the basic drills Mary had taught her. She worked carefully, not wanting to strain anything, but the exercise felt good, relaxing.
She was halfway through one of the slightly more complicated drills when she noticed that Abel was engaged in similar exercise. The moves he was going through were different, but still familiar. She watched, noticing the fluid easy grace with which he moved. Remembering his training, briefly, on the fields, and watching him in combat.
Abel noticed her stare and froze. Esther bit her lip, aware of the mistake she'd made. "I'm sorry."
"What?" Abel's eyes met hers challenging, but she didn't know what he was thinking.
Esther swallowed. "It's just...I saw you, out of the corner of my eye. And what you were doing, well, it's a lot like the training I received. I was wondering, if it isn't too much trouble, I could use a partner. It's been a while."
Abel turned sharply away. "You don't want me as a partner."
"Why not? It looks like you've had good training."
Abel spun back around. "You already know what we are, don't you?"
Esther swallowed. "Well, I've heard that you were special. Lilith said something about being...genetic manipulations children, I think was the term she'd used."
"I'm not like you. Everyone else is afraid of that. You probably are too." Abel turned his face away, rage and hurt dancing in the winter-blue eyes.
"That's not true. I'm not afraid of you at all. It's true, it's a little disconcerting that you seem so angry all the time, but that doesn't make me afraid of you. I'm just a little concerned."
"I don't need your concern." The words snapped out, reminding her of Ion, the first time she'd tried to clean his wounds.
"Well, in that case, you don't need to be concerned about scaring me." She hesitated. "You know, you might feel better, if you worked out with a partner, instead of being alone all the time. Let me show you."
For a long moment, she thought he was going to leave, to storm away and vanish back to his duties or his room. Then he shrugged, stiff and tense. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you if you get hurt."
"I'm not worried about it." Esther nodded.
They moved to the open area of the gym, to the area designated for sparring practice. Esther looked at the gear stored in the boxes. "Do you need to get anything?"
"No. Do you?"
She knew the dangers of sparring without guards, but...she wanted to show she trusted him, that she believed in him. "I'm all right."
Abel didn't say anything, just moved to stand across from her. They both stood loosening up, then Esther shifted sideways.
Abel remained still, face dark and tense, hands loose by his sides. It was clear that he had no intention of making the first move.
Esther decided to try a basic attack. She moved forward, striking out with a high strike to bring his guard up, and a quick succession of blows lower down. Textbook, and something he'd probably learned to counter ages ago, but it would give her an idea of his response times.
Abel moved almost blindingly fast, his hand countering her feint with effortless grace, even as he spun around to block her second shot. His own counter was accurate, precise, and far faster than her own. She felt the impact; the jarring brush that she knew would leave a bruise even as she dodged. She also felt, in that micro-second contact, the shift as he adjusted and just pulled the shot.
The micro-second hesitation allowed her to react, blocking the second strike and disengaging enough for another plan of attack. But then there was no time for any more thought, or serious planning. The match was on.
Abel was stronger than she was, and faster. He'd had far more training than she had, and from a much younger age. Her advantages were that he seemed to be trying to control himself, and that she'd seen him fight. She knew his combat style. He'd taught her some of what she knew, in conjunction with other AX members, and Mary and Virgil. And she'd seen real battles, life-or-death fighting, whereas the boy in front of her had only been well trained. But even so, he was a good fighter.
She ducked another attack, moving in to grapple slightly with him, to block his hands. Abel countered the movement, sidestepping. Esther followed, swung around, and by sheer accident, her hand slipped his guard and came across to backhand him across the jaw, fairly hard.
Abel's jaw tensed, and real anger flared in the blue eyes. His hand moved so quickly she barely saw it, and certainly had no time to counter. He struck her with stunning force, knocking her backward to the mat a good two feet away. She crashed to the ground, stunned, her own cheek aching from the blow. She felt dazed, though even then, she knew he hadn't hit her hard enough to break bones. It would bruise, and probably look ugly, but she'd had as bad and worse. It was nowhere near as hard as Cain had hit her, when he'd knocked her unconscious on board his ship.
Abel stood there, blue eyes dark with conflicting emotions, cheek red where she'd struck him. She saw fury, shock, apology, and an odd sort of relief in his gaze.
She was just sitting up when the door whirred open again, and two men entered. Their gazes took in the silver-haired boy, standing in the ring, and Esther sitting on the ground, and the bruises. Esther saw both men's expressions change, going dark and ugly. She started to get to her feet and explain, but one of them moved forward and grabbed Abel's arm in a bruising grip. "What the hell did you do?"
"I didn't do anything. We were just working out." Abel's voice sharpened with anger and tension.
"Huh. Why don't I believe that, with all the fights you get into, Nightroad." The second man moved forward, offering Esther a hand up from the ground. His gaze slipped over her cheekbone, where she suspected a bruise was already forming. His gaze flicked back to the young man his partner was still restraining. "Let me guess. You came in, spouted some of your mouth, and the young lady gave you what you deserved. And that was all the excuse you needed to hit back, right?" His gaze flicked over Esther's clothing. "She's not even military. You were fighting a civilian?" A flicker of both anger and disgust went through his eyes. "What, tired of fighting with people who can fight back?"
Abel wrenched free. "It's not like that at all! I didn't attack her!"
Esther pulled free of the gentle grip and moved to stand between the silver-haired youth and his accusers. She knew very well how it had to have looked, walking in on them like that, but the fact that they accused him so readily made her feel strangely angry. And oddly ashamed. It reminded her of how she'd assumed Ion was a villain in their first encounters. "Excuse me."
Both men blinked. Esther met the nearer one's eyes steadily. "I'm sorry if it looked wrong, but he's telling the truth. I asked him to help me work some on my self-defense. I was afraid I might be losing my skills. Things just got a little out of hand, that's all. And really, he didn't hit me very hard. I know it looks bad, but it's only a very minor bruise."
Both men blinked. The one who had seized Abel shook his head. "You don't have to defend him, Miss. Military aren't supposed to fight the colony personnel. Too risky. Abel here knows that." He shot a dark glance at the sullen boy behind her.
"Well, he didn't really want to. I asked him to. I probably should have picked another partner, but he seemed to be well trained, and I thought it would be helpful to fight someone with more training."
"Hmph." The older of the two men sighed. "All right, Miss. Since you vouch for him, we won't report it to security. Although..." The look he shot Abel was almost venomous in its intensity. "Military brat like you ought to have better control." He snorted again. "Honestly. All that training and 'special' conditions and you can't do any better than that? Or is it just that you didn't want to?" The glare he gave Abel was challenging.
Abel said nothing, but Esther turned to see his jaw clench in anger. Without a word, he stalked out.
The men watched him go. The older of the two sighed. "Brat's nothing but trouble." He turned, and took a look at Esther's face. "You should go to the medical wing and have that looked at, Miss. And if you want my advice..." He gestured to the door. "Stay away from that silver-haired lad. He's got a bit of a temper. You want a sparring partner, I can give you a few names of people without the issues that guy has."
"Thank you, but I really don't think that's necessary." Esther looked both men in the eyes. "To be honest, if someone came in and accused me the way you two did, I'd probably be very angry myself. And everyone can have a bad day, especially if people treat them with suspicion and hostility." She didn't give either man a chance to respond, just bowed slightly. "If you'll excuse me." She turned and left.
Her cheek was throbbing, and a quick glance in the mirrored walls revealed it was swollen and red, and beginning to turn an ugly color. Esther sighed, then sought the medical wing. To her relief, Lilith was there, wearing her work uniform. She was hard at work when Esther arrived; gloved and wearing her simple white uniform, undecorated save for the UN badge on her chest. She looked up as Esther entered, then hurried to set aside the clipboard she was holding. "Esther, what happened?"
"It wasn't anything serious. I'm sorry if I disturbed you." Esther sighed.
"No. It's fine. This is just bacteria and vaccination checks." Lilith moved to a cabinet, stripping off her gloves as she went, and removed a first aid kit. "Here. Sit down." She guided Esther to a seat, and pulled out a piece of gauze to dab at the injury with cooling liquid. "What happened? It looks like you've been fighting."
"I wasn't really fighting. I was just sparring a bit with Abel."
"With Abel?" Lilith blinked.
"Yes. He came in while I was exercising. He looked a little stressed, and I thought it might help." She told Lilith the rest of the story while the young woman dabbed a soothing medicine over her face to reduce the swelling and ease the ache. When she finished, she sighed. "I was trying to help, but I'm afraid I made things worse for him."
Lilith sighed. "It probably wasn't the best idea to spar him. Still, you were trying to help, and you stood up for him. That was...that was very good of you. It's not something Abel's used to, having someone speak for him. Maybe...maybe he'll remember."
"I hope so." Esther swallowed.
Lilith finished her treatment, and Esther headed back to her rooms. She wasn't surprised to find Abel wasn't there, and Seth and Cain were still gone as well. She looked around the room, then sighed and settled down with her books. A part of her wanted to seek Abel out and apologize for getting him into trouble, but a part of her knew she'd have to wait.
Abel didn't show up for dinner, either. In fact, he didn't appear until just before the lights out tone sounded. Esther wanted to speak to him, unfortunately, Cain spoke first. As his twin entered the room, the gold-haired the boy turned. "So, Abel...I hear you got into a fight with Esther today."
Abel stiffened in anger. His eyes met his twin's. "It wasn't like that."
"I'm simply telling you what I heard." Cain shrugged. "Really, Abel, you have to be more careful. Even if it isn't your fault...you know what people will say. Unfortunately, you do have a bit of a reputation."
"Shut up!" Abel exploded suddenly. "I didn't do anything." His eyes burned with anger. "I never attacked anyone. They just assumed I did. And you probably believed them. They didn't even give me a chance to explain." His fists clenched. "It wasn't any of their business. They just barged in and accused me."
"Abel..." Cain sighed. "You know what the commander said about any more fighting."
"Shut up. It's none of your business." A short bark of laughter, or a choked sob, emerged from his throat, anger twisting it. "Just leave me alone." His eyes came to Esther for a brief moment, shimmering with hurt and anger, then he whirled to his door and all but ran through it.
Esther swallowed hard. She hadn't meant to cause him pain. But she knew enough to know that he wouldn't hear her apology then. She turned to Cain. "It really wasn't his fault, you know. It was just an accident."
Cain shrugged. "I know. But Abel is already in a lot of trouble for fighting. Even an accident is a bit problematic for him." Then the gold-haired youth turned away, leaving Esther to her thoughts.
She spent another restless night, tossing in the bed. Remembering Abel's pale face, the way the men had assumed he had hurt her, without even asking. Finally, she rose and moved into the common area. All the other doors were still closed, and she saw on the clock that it was only 4 am. The waking call wouldn't sound for another two hours, the breakfast call for three. She sighed, then moved to the door to Abel's room. She didn't press the button asking for admittance. He wasn't likely to grant it even if he was awake. Instead, she simply rested her head against the steel panels, wishing she could make things right for him.
She didn't mean to speak, but somehow, she found the words emerging from her mouth. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause you trouble. The truth is...I was simply trying to help. I just...I wanted to be your friend, to support you. You seemed so angry and so lonely, I wanted to help you. But...I'm afraid I made things worse for you. I'm sorry. I hope you'll be able to forgive me, for putting you in a bad position today. And I know...you probably don't believe me, but I hope, someday, you'll believe I only meant to be your friend."
She stood a moment more, then turned away quietly, to seek her own bed. Hopefully, she'd be able to get a little rest.
Abel was there, when they rose for breakfast. His face was set in a sullen scowl, and his eyes were dark, smudged with shadows. He looked slightly disheveled as well, his shirt partially unbuttoned. He looked up as Esther entered, and something she couldn't quite name slid across his gaze. Then he looked away.
Esther studied his back. She couldn't tell if he was angry, or simply tired. She thought about apologizing again, but she didn't know if he'd heard her the night before, or if he cared. Not to mention, Cain was already there, standing by the door, and she was strangely reluctant to speak in front of him. She settled for a more neutral remark. "Good morning."
Cain smiled. "Good morning." Abel said nothing, and Esther let the silence lie. A few minutes later, they were called for breakfast, and her concerns were forced to take a back seat to daily routine.