Trinity Blood: War Continuum

by smcandy

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

53. Thirty four Pt 05: For the Future

(AN) AUTHOR'S NOTES: Yep it's the final part of chapter 34 in this Esther goes home back in her time where the rest of the story will take place in the present of the remaining five chapters indefinitely. Thsi means only five chapters left to go now.

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(*) 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.

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Trinity Blood: War Continuum - ChapterThirty-Four: Four:FortheFuture

Lilith returned to the city three hours later. They'd all felt some rumbling beneath the ground, but Esther's warning and the officer's reassurances set the minds of the soldiers and remaining townsfolk at ease. When she emerged, she reported that all the tunnels had been sealed, and the tomb was safe. The Bishop thanked her, and assured the remaining soldiers that he would petition a fitting commemoration for her, starting with the renaming of the cathedral. Elissa's Cathedral.

Slowly, the town returned to normal. Two days after the final battle, the citizen approached the new commander with a proposition, naming Elissa as the honorary ruler of the city, and declaring themselves to be the 'Free City' in honor of her memory. The commander was uncertain, but Lilith promised to relay their request to the Vatican.

Esther smiled. She'd wondered how First Lieutenant dar Cheraiet had become Queen of Carthage. But that was as it should be. And it gave her a small measure of peace, knowing that things were going the way they should. Her heart still ached, for the deaths of so many, and how she hadn't been able to prevent it, but it was at least a small measure of calm.

Three days after that, a fresh command of troops arrived from the Vatican, with orders to take care of the wounded, confirm the new commander of the city, and escort critical soldiers and Esther and Lilith back to Rome. They were also supported by a squad of Inquisition soldiers. They were highly efficient, and Esther and Lilith both sensed an air of urgency about them. Within half a day, the confirmation had been formally made and announced, including a promotion to Commander. The wounded were loaded onto the ships, taking the place of the soldiers who disembarked. Supplies were unloaded and distributed. Esther and Lilith barely had time to say their farewells and handle last minute details before they were escorted onto the ship, and the transport vessel took off.

On board, the captain and crew were nothing but courteous, but Esther could sense the same urgency in them that had been present among the soldiers, and the Inquisition. Half of the Inquisitors had gone with the troops, to help stabilize things. Half of them remained on the ship, serving as an honor guard to Esther and Lilith. It was an unusual action, especially since the ship had it's own guards, and the oddity of it made Esther uneasy.

They disembarked less than a week later, at twilight. An hour before their arrival, they received word that the Pope was holding Council, and requested their presence as soon as they landed. Esther was grateful to have enough warning to shower and change, but it only deepened her concerns. Usually, the Council, even if it was already in session, would wait until after they'd landed and cleaned up to summon them. As much as she tried not to think about it, she couldn't help fearing it was some kind of censure for the events of Carthage. Or worse, related to the events she knew were coming. Worst of all, was the awareness that, either way, she really couldn't say anything to Lilith about it. She'd gotten almost used to talking to the other woman, when the memories or feelings became too much. But this...it was entirely different. She couldn't find the words to explain what bothered her without telling Lilith the truth. The truth that soon, according to Esther's history, she was going to die.

The ship docked and released them into the quiet evening. Esther was used to seeing an escort waiting for them when they arrived. However, her unease deepened to alarm when she realized that the man waiting for them wasn't the usual Bishop, or even Arch-bishop. The man who waited at the end of the platform was dressed in the scarlet robes of a Cardinal. More than that, Esther recognized him as a member of the Cardinal's Council.

The Cardinal bowed as they exited. "His Holiness is waiting for you, Nia Sancta. If you'll accompany me, I'll have someone take your things to your quarters."

Lilith gave him a regal nod in return. "Of course. I am always willing to answer the summons of His Holiness."

The Cardinal acknowledged her words, then turned and led them into the main building. Esther followed, staying in pace a step behind and beside Lilith. She swallowed hard and took a deep breath as they neared the Council chamber, trying to still her uneasiness.

The full Council, including the Minister of Holy Affairs and the Minster of Internal Affairs, Head of the Inquisition Department, were arrayed within the room. All of them rose, save for the Pope, and bowed to Lilith. She returned the salutation with a slight curtsy, and they subsided into their seats once more. The Pope gestured for her to come forward. "Lady Nia Sancta." There was a smile on his face. "I've heard excellent reports of your battle in Carthage."

Lilith nodded gravely. "I regret, however, the death of First Lieutenant Elissa dar Cheraiet." She bowed her head to the Chief of the Inquisition. "She was a truly remarkable warrior, and in the end, she defeated the Destroyer by her own strength and faith. I am sorry, to have been unable to save her."

The man nodded brusquely. "She was a true and faithful knight of God. We will remember her with utmost honor and respect."

The Pope smiled again. "That is true. We will honor First Lieutenant Cheraiet" His gaze came to rest on Lilith. "I have already decided to honor the townspeople's wish, to crown her the Queen of the Free City of Carthage. The church shall, of course, retain it's holdings. However, I've given orders for the main cathedral to be renovated, and renamed the Queen's Cathedral. The council has also heard your nomination of sainthood for our brave soldier, and agreed to grant it. Tomorrow, we will hold the official ceremony to announce and record the name of Saint Elissa, Warrior Queen of Carthage."

Lilith swept him a curtsy, bowing her head respectfully. "Thank you. That is truly a noble honor, well deserved for a noble warrior." She rose. "I thank you for informing me of all this Holiness. However, I was under the impression you had urgent business to speak to me about?"

The smile fell away from Pope Grigori's face. "We do. A message arrived, the day we sent the ship for you. A message from the Contra Mundi, addressed to the Nia Sancta, and members of the Vatican ruling council." He gestured to a guard, standing near a computer console. "Play it."

The guard nodded, and twisted a switch, bringing up a holographic projection. Esther felt her mood plummet, a chill of raw fear sweeping over her as Cain's image appeared on the screen. "Hello, Lilith."

Esther heard a murmur sweep through the room, and it made her concerned. After all, they'd all seen the recording of the message before.

On the screen, Cain smiled. It was almost hard to believe, the madness and destructiveness that existed behind that smile. "Ah, well, I suppose I ought to call you the Nia Sancta, now right? Abel did say that's the name the Vatican has given you."

He cocked his head, and the view pulled back, to reveal him settled in his command chair, the white wings spread around him. Esther winced. She knew now why the Council members were so uneasy. He looked like an angel, sitting there. An angel on a throne of judgment. If there was an image that could shake the Vatican more, she couldn't think of it.

After a moment, the recording continued. "You've been rather busy these past few months, haven't you?You've really made a rather large dent in my plans. I'm rather annoyed with you, forgetting between me and what Iwant. Not to mention, inciting those rebellions." He shrugged. "And now you've gone and upset Abel." He sighed. "Abel actually withdrew from a battlefield, you know. The mighty Crusnik 02, fell by a Terran. And you, of course." He smirked. "Ah, but you know, you really did up set him this time. He's not even listening to me. And 03 isn't particularly helpful either. So then... you always were rather good at patching up fights between dear brother Abel and me."

Lilith stiffened. "Cain..."

As if he'd heard her, the smile on his face widened, and he held up a hand. "I know what you're thinking. Butreally, if Abel's this reluctant, and Seth's also unwilling,there's not much point in patching things up just between he and I. And I know your views on the matter. So then... how about a truce between us,for a day at least. We can talk about things, maybe even end this little battle of wills between us. Then Abel will be happy again, and we can take care of any remaining negative elements, and handle everything the way it needs to be taken care of."

There was a long pause, then he spoke again. "I had hoped to contact you, but of course, you're in Carthage. So, I'll leave this message with the Vatican. You know how to reach me, my dear.I do hope you'll reply promptly, for Abel's sake." His smile widened, and suddenly Esther saw the teenager he'd been before. "You can even bringt hat little assistant who's been with you, who started this whole thing. Esther, isn't it?" He stood, wings flaring about him in a casual display of grace and power. Esther shivered, as the brief flash of Cain vanished into the Contra Mundi. "Well then, I'll look forward to hearing from you, my dear Nia Sancta. Lilith." Then the wings folded, and the image went blank.

The soldier turned off the projector. "That is the entirety of the message, Lady."

Lilith stood a long moment, then turned and bowed her head to the Pope. "Holiness...what do you wish to do?"

"This message. Was that truly the Contra Mundi?"

Lilith nodded. "He is. That is Cain, eldest of the three, the one who is the Enemy of the World."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke up. "Is it possible the message was serious? He truly intends a truce, for at least 24 hours?"

Lilith paused, her eyes dark and thoughtful. "I think it likely. Cain does nothing without purpose. And his use of his brother's name...there is a possibility that he is entirely serious."

"Then we should seize this opportunity!" The Head of the Inquisitorial Department rose to his feet. "Holiness, if the Nia Sancta arranges a meeting, we can bring the full might of the Vatican down upon him. Destroy the leader, and they will falter. And if we are fortunate, we may very well take the Destroyer and the girl with him! This is a perfect opportunity to win this war!"

Lilith's eyes snapped with temper. "That, Excellency, is precisely how the Contra Mundi works, how he thinks. Do you really wish to follow in his footsteps? Perhaps they follow him blindly, but even the Destroyer and the girl Seth have more honor."

"Even so, to pass up this chance..." The man's face was nearly purple with temper and energy.

"No." Lilith shook her head. "It is no chance." She turned to face the Pope. "He may be serious, but even now, there is every possibility that he is insane. Simply a promise of truce for a day and discussion does not swear you safety. After all, as your Inquisitor reminds us, there is more than one path to 'peace'."

"That is why we should take precautions, be prepared to use our full strength." Esther saw several heads nodding in agreement, and her heart sank.

Lilith waited until quiet settled over the chamber, then spoke to the Inquisitor. "Tell me, Excellency, what will you do, when they take the appearance of your armies as provocation? When the incident that began this war repeats itself? For that is what will happen. And you will find your fleet facing the strength of all three of those that are now called the Night Lords. The Contra Mundi, the Destroyer, and the child. Not simply their power, but their wrath. What then will you do, my lord Inquisitor?" Her voice was quiet, calm, but challenging.

Esther heard murmurs of unease circulating the room. Lilith let them for a moment, then continued. "The Contra Mundi is insane, but he is no fool. And there is every possibility that he will think as you do, Inquisitor. What will you do if you attempt to betray him by sending your fleet, and discover that he has had the same thought?"

The Minister of Foreign Affairs frowned. "The three commanders, these...Night Lords. There's a possibility of victory, if we pit our entire army against the three of them. But if we must face the vampire fleet as well..." He shook his head. "It is not my department, but I do not think much of those odds, Holiness."

The Chief of the Inquisition stood for a moment, then turned and barked an order to one of his subordinates. "Calculate how many enemy ships remain, based on the numbers the Nia Sancta gave us."

The priest typed a moment. "Based on reports, there are an estimated 26 personal fighter vessels still operational, though several of the damaged ones were rescued and may have been repaired. If we consider all those that might have been repaired, the number goes up to...42. As for official combat vessels, including transports for soldiers...the exact number is unknown, but believed to be over a hundred. Possibly up to 120." He tapped a few more keys. "There is no way to estimate the number of combatants that remain within their forces."

The Chief Inquisitor went from red to pale. "Impossible. Surely the Vatican has made a better accounting than that." He stiffened. "How many of our ships remain, particularly those with the Albion technology modifications?"

"Multiple lightweight craft, and at least two fleets worth of heavy duty combat ships, all with Albion modifications."

"Even numbers of ships." One of the older Cardinals spoke from the sidelines, his voice slow and thoughtful. "If it were just ships we faced, or even normal human troops, I would say your plan has merit, Inquisitor. However..."

"It is not." Pope Grigori spoke heavily. "And we have all learned better than to discount the destructive strength of even one Night Lord, much less all three. Therefore, we must seek an alternative response to this message."

Lilith bowed. "Holiness, I believe we...or perhaps I should say I, should accept his offer." She raised her head to look the Pope in the eyes. "Allow me to meet him. We lose nothing from agreeing to the meeting. The worst scenario is that it is a trap, and I may take some injury. But I have sufficient powers to defend myself, and I do not think that the Destroyer, nor the girl will interfere, except to part us. And surely, one aggressive Night Lord is better than three."

"And if it is a trap?" Grigori frowned.

"Then better to sacrifice one individual, as opposed to a fleet, or even an honor guard. If the Contra Mundi's plan is indeed betrayal, then it would be wise to have the Vatican fleet here, to protect Rome."

There were mutters all around the room. One of the other men stood up. "Holiness, if the Nia Sancta is correct about our chances in open combat, then I say we refuse this meeting. If we are not going to take the opportunity for a strategic attack, then I say we also avoid the danger of a trap. Let us send them a refusal, or keep our silence and let them wait and wonder as to our reply. In fact, if we hold our silence, we may gain several days to plan and maneuver our forces to our advantage."

Grigori nodded. "A wise point."

Lilith considered. "The suggestion has merit. However, I am not sure that the Contra Mundi will let us remain silent. He may, should we ignore him, choose to visit us in person. He did such things when he was younger."

There was a collective shudder around the room. Esther didn't blame them. She took a deep breath, fighting back memories of Cain's 'visit' to Buckingham Palace.

Grigori nodded. "And a refusal?"

"May result in nothing. Or it may result in an attack." She shook her head. "I do not know, Holiness. However..." Her eyes scanned the room, held the Chief Inquisitor's for a brief moment, then came back to the Pope. "We do know that there have been two concrete incidents of rebellion by the Methuselah, those who settled in Albion and Amsterdam. Furthermore, in my last confrontations with them, both the Destroyer and the younger commander expressed a clear reluctance to fight. Their resolve is weakening, Holiness."

She swept the room with that solemn golden glare again, then faced the dais with her back straight, tall and regal. "Holiness, I ask you to permit me to speak with them. If we can demonstrate a clear indication of peaceful intentions, there is a possibility that we may convince one or more of the Night Lords to withdraw. It will certainly cause more dissent, and may even encourage another faction to break away. At this point, would it not be wise to seek every possible advantage we may?"

Esther bit her lip to stop from crying out as the discussion circulated the room. She really had no voice here, but still, she wanted to run forward and shout a denial. She wanted to confront Lilith and tell her she couldn't accept Cain's invitation. But she couldn't.

Lilith was right. Strategically, agreeing to the meeting was the best solution. She was right that Abel and Seth's resolve to fight was weakening. She was right, that there was a chance to end the fighting, or at least reduce the enemy forces. But...

Esther swallowed, feeling her eyes blur with tears at the knowledge of the truth. This meeting would end the combat, the Terran-Methuselah war. But the cost...Lilith's life, Cain's destruction, Abel's madness and grief, Seth's isolation...

Her life, her entire future, hinged on this meeting. If it didn't happen, her world might be completely changed. And yet...her eyes focused on the woman standing before her, arguing quietly with the Vatican Council. Lilith would die. The girl who'd been her friend on the station, the woman who'd guarded her, guided her, been a shield, confidante and friend, would be destroyed. She felt torn, caught between what had to be for her own time's sake, and the price she knew would be paid. She thought she'd understood it, been prepared for it, but the truth was...there wasn't any way to be prepared for this decision.

"Very well." The Pope's deep voice shook Esther out of her thoughts. The discussion had quieted. He waited until the Cardinals had settled, then offered Lilith a grave nod. "You have our permission to contact the vampires, and arrange a meeting between yourself and the Contra Mundi. However...we will not permit them here."

Lilith returned the nod with one of respect. "I shall not ask, Holiness." She glanced around the Council chamber. "Is there a secure communications console I may use?"

The Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke. "The one in my office is often used for secure communications, Nia Sancta. Please, feel free to make use of it."

Lilith inclined her head. "Thank you, Excellency. Holiness, is there any further business you need to discuss with me?"

Grigori shook his head. "None. When will you arrange your contact with the Contra Mundi?"

Lilith considered, her gaze turning to the clock on the wall. "If it is agreeable to the Council, then I will contact them tomorrow evening." She sighed. "We should not delay more than necessary, however, I would prefer to be rested before making such a confrontation."

"Understood. You have our permission." Grigori held up a hand in benediction. "God's blessing upon you, Nia Sancta."

"Thank you Holiness. You as well." Lilith swept the assembled council a respectful curtsy, then left, Esther following numbly in her wake.

They walked to their rooms in silence, escorted by one of the novices currently residing in the Vatican. Lilith seemed tired, and contemplative. Esther felt frozen, her mind caught between the future and the present, unable to decide what to do. Her head knew that she had to let things happen as they were meant to, but her heart was screaming that it was wrong.

Lilith waited until the doors of their shared suite shut the door, then released a deep sigh. "So then. Cain has made his move."

Esther swallowed. Much as she knew what needed to happen, she couldn't stand by and remain silent. She just couldn't. "Do you...do you really intend to try and meet with him?"

Lilith frowned. "It's a risk, but one I think we must take. If I can convince him to set reasonable terms, then yes, I will meet with him."

Esther bit her lip. "You know this could be a trap. He could just try to eliminate you. If he's angry about your influence over the others, if he sees you as a rival, surely he'll try to harm you."

Lilith exhaled again, weariness in her eyes. "I know. Even so, it's a chance to end this conflict. Even if Cain cannot be brought to reason, Abel and Seth might be. And it's possible...without his troops, Cain's abilities to cause destruction would be diminished. We might even force him to back down." A sad smile touched her face. "I doubt we will manage that, but...anything we can do."

Esther swallowed hard, a lump in her throat. "Even if that's true...you shouldn't do such reckless things, like trying to persuade them by yourself."

Lilith's smiled widened just a fraction, with a touch of fondness. "Don't worry, Esther. I can take care of myself." She laid one warm, gentle hand on Esther's shoulder. "You needn't worry so much. Try to get some rest, and we'll see what tomorrow brings us." She stretched lazily, unwrapping the top layer of the sari. "I confess, even I could use some sleep, after the past few weeks."

Esther nodded. She wanted so much to say something, but she couldn't seem to get the words out. Finally, she retired to her rooms. Despite her exhaustion, sleep was a long time in coming.

She slept late the next day, and spent most of the day restless, unable to settle. Her thoughts were as restless as the rest of her. She found herself hoping that Cain wouldn't agree to a meeting after all, or that there would be something to prove it wasn't this meeting that was the fated one. She went over everything Abel had ever told her, everything she thought Seth might have mentioned, over the details of that fatal fight. She knew it would be between Cain and Lilith, and she thought it might be on the ARK.

Evening came all too soon. As the clock chimed five, Lilith laid aside the book she'd been reading. "It's time." She rose, gave Esther a quick glance. "Will you come?"

Esther set aside her own work quickly. "Yes, of course." Her mind was still spinning, hoping to find a way to prevent the fatal outcome. She knew it was foolish, knew it risked her entire future, but...she couldn't simply sit by and watch Lilith die.

Lilith led her to the office that Caterina occupied in her own time. The Minister of Foreign Affairs met them, opened the doors for them, then quietly took his leave. Lilith settled at the console, powered it up, and typed in a connection.

It seemed to take forever, and Esther found herself hoping they would be unable to connect to the ARK. Then the screen cleared, and a youthful looking face appeared. "Hello, Lilith. We've been expecting you."

Lilith smiled. "Hello Seth."

Seth returned the smile with a weak one of her own. "You know, Brother Abel really was upset when he came home this time. Even I was surprised. And he told Cain he didn't wish to fly combat any more. They had a bit of a fight about it, even. Well, as much as Cain and Abel ever fight, these days. But it was almost like old times." There was a hint of wistful sadness in her green eyes.

Lilith sighed. "I am sorry that I hurt Abel, Seth. Believe me, I did not do it by choice."

Seth nodded. "I know." Her green eyes unfocused a moment. "Abel won't talk much about what happened out there, but he did say that...well, it was rather strange. I found him standing at the view-port again, and when I asked what was wrong, he asked how he could hate someone who protected what he loved, and fought as hard as he did. It wasn't...quite like Abel at all."

Lilith shook her head. "No. But...you remember when you came to me in Amsterdam, and why. Perhaps Abel understands that too."

"Maybe." Seth shook her head abruptly, as if clearing away unwanted thoughts. "Well, anyway, you're calling because Cain sent for you, aren't you?" Lilith nodded. "So then, what should I tell him?"

Lilith smiled. "Tell him that we agree to the meeting. However, we've decided it's in the best interest of the Vatican to hold it on neutral ground."

Seth frowned in thought. "I think Cain would rather like you to come to the ARK, if it isn't too much trouble. He doesn't like traveling much these days. And Abel...I'm not sure Abel wants to go to Earth either, right at the moment. And really, I'd rather like you to come to the Ark as well. I've nearly finished that project you asked me for."

"You have?" Lilith's gaze sharpened. "How long?"

"Not more than a day or two, I don't think." Seth blinked, and Esther could almost see the calculations she was going over in her head. "Of course, it's hard to be sure, since we're not certain how much power it needs, but I've gotten Abel's permission to route it through the ARK's main power supply, so it shouldn't be too much trouble."

Lilith considered. "Finishing that project...yes, that would be worth coming to the ARK for. And if Cain wants to meet me there, then I suppose it can't be helped. At the very least, it will prevent any more battle zones, should things go ill between us." Then she sighed. "However, I'm not sure the council here will agree."

Seth nodded. "That is true." She tapped a finger to her lips, rocking slightly in thought. Then her expression brightened. "Tell you what. Why don't you ask if you can meet a ship in a neutral area, like France? Then, tell them if initial negotiations go well, you'll visit the ARK to finalize things." Seth grinned, like the teenager she would forever be. "I'll meet you in the ship, so then..."

Lilith chuckled. "You're getting rather devious, youngster. Still, it's a good plan. I'll relay it to the Vatican Council." Her fingers shifted toward the 'end transmission' button. "I'll have to call you again, to arrange everything."

Seth nodded. "I look forward to hearing from you. Just let me know when and where. Oh, and if we're going to finish that," she smirked. "Then you'd better make sure Esther's coming as well."

Lilith nodded. "I'll speak to you soon." She gave Seth a soft, gentle smile, then cut the transmission.

Esther swallowed hard. "The project you and Seth were discussing...is it what you spoke to her about in Amsterdam?"

"Yes." Lilith stood. "She's been working to rebuild the quantum-temporal dislocation device for you. So that we can send you home, to your own time."

Esther felt as if she'd been slammed in the stomach. Conflicting thoughts and emotions raced through her. She'd been so long in the past, she'd more or less forgotten about going home, except for odd flashes of thought. The fact that it might actually be possible, especially that it might be now, when everything else was happening, made her dizzy.

Lilith caught her as she staggered. "Esther? Are you all right?"

Esther took a deep breath, and the dizziness receded. "Yes, of course. I'm sorry, I was just a little surprised. After all these months, I think I'd almost gotten used to being here."

Lilith smiled. "I know. I feel almost the same way. After all these months working with the Terrans, I'm a bit apprehensive of returning to the ARK. But..." She laid a hand on Esther's shoulder, and the tips of her fingers just touched the necklace hidden under Esther's dress. "You have someone special waiting for you, don't you?"

Esther swallowed back a sudden lump in her throat as homesickness washed over her. She hadn't felt it for months, but the thought of going back, of seeing everyone...tears stung her eyes as images flashed in her mind. Father Wordsworth, Father Tres. Ion. Virgil and Vanessa. Mary. And...Father Abel Nightroad. Her hand curled over the ring and locket, underneath the fabric. "Yes."

Lilith's hand tightened, ever so slightly. "Then you'll accompany me?"

Esther nodded. "Of course." The longing to return to her own place was almost a physical ache. But she also remembered, neither Seth nor Abel had mentioned another person being with Lilith, in the meeting with Cain. She took a deep breath. Perhaps, with her presence, it wouldn't be a fatal meeting. Or, at least, this wouldn't be the fatal meeting. She felt slightly ashamed, looking for such an easy way out, and she didn't really believe it, but...she shook her head, and followed Lilith out of the office.

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The arrangements took three more days to make. The Council had to be apprised of Lilith's plans, and a suitable place found for the meeting. After discussion, they agreed on Paris, in the Franc Kingdom, as the best location. Seth accepted the choice of location on Cain's behalf with barely a thought, and promised to send a ship for them, as soon as the time was agreed on.

The Council wanted to present a list of demands, for the ending of hostilities, but Lilith refused. It was a rather intense argument, but finally, she convinced them that trying to make demands would only anger the opposing leaders, and compromised by promising she would bring them up as requests, if the opportunity presented itself.

Esther listened to all the preparations, feeling as if she was surrounded in a sort of haze. She hoped that her presence would mean that this meeting wasn't the one where Lilith died, but...Abel had only ever mentioned one meeting where Cain had summoned Lilith to discuss peace. Seth hadn't mentioned anything either. All of her instincts, honed as a member of the AX, were screaming at her to stop the meeting, for Lilith's sake. For the Vatican's sake. But...knowing what would come of it...she hadn't been so unsure what to do since her own time, when she'd first heard about Abel's past.

The night before their departure for France, she couldn't sleep. She was too restless, too caught between the her future and Lilith's. Her heart felt heavy, and she could barely eat, she was so nervous and wound up. She and Lilith both retired early, and she found herself in her own rooms, pacing, staring through the windows to the second moon. The Vampires Moon. The ARK.

A knock sounded on her door, and Lilith pushed it open a moment later. "Esther? Are you well?" She moved into the room, wrapped in a simple dressing gown, though her hair was still pulled back. Her golden eyes were full of concern. "I noticed, you didn't eat much, and I've heard you moving around in here for hours. It's well past midnight."

Esther bit her lip, hard. She wanted so much to return to her time, to the people she knew. The people who had been her friends and her support. To the Abel of her time. But...she looked up at Lilith, standing in the doorway, watching her with that almost maternal expression on her face. "I... it's just...I don't think you should go, to meet Cain."

Lilith sighed. "I understand if you're worried." A small smile touched her mouth. "In truth, I'm concerned as well."

"It isn't simply concern." Esther locked her fingers together to prevent her hands from shaking. She knew she was risking everything in her own time, but she couldn't stay silent. "If you go...Cain could...no, he will kill you. Please, you have to stop. Cancel the meeting."

Lilith frowned. "Esther, this is the best hope we have. Besides...it's our best opportunity to get you home." She laid a hand on Esther's shoulder. "It's all right. I promise, I'll be very careful."

Esther shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "You don't understand! Cain is...Cain is...he'll kill you. Because of Abel...he'll..."

"Cain is mad, I will admit. And I do not trust his intentions. However, there is no..." Lilith paused. Then she exhaled. "Ah. This isn't just fear on your part, is it? This is...something you know. As you knew in Carthage."

Esther swallowed hard, but her throat seemed locked tight.

Lilith stood silent a moment, then sighed again. "I see. Well, I had wondered, when it would come."

Esther's head snapped up, shock burning away the tears. "You...I don't understand. I...you know?" She stared at the other woman. "But I...I didn't tell you..."

Lilith shook her head, a sad smile on her face. "You didn't have to. I guessed. I've guessed for some time, really." She turned to look out the same window Esther had looked out of. "When you first came to the station, when we were children, you were surprised to see me. You mentioned seeing me underground, but...I'd never met you. And..." Her hand brushed the windowsill. "Cain, Abel, Seth...you did not recognize me the way you did them. And your interaction...you were wary, almost frightened of Cain. But you saw and accepted Abel's true spirit under all his hostility and you were kind, friendly, with Seth. It wasn't the same between the two of us. When I thought about it, after you left, I realized that you didn't show any signs of knowing me. I wondered then. And when you reappeared, and I saw that locket and ring again..."

Her voice trailed into silence for a moment. Then she half-turned, and the moonlight illuminated a the sad, sweet expression on her face. "Abel's greatest curse, and his greatest gift, is his loyalty and ability to love. He isn't the type to have a fickle heart. Even now, with everything that has happened between us, he still looks at me with those eyes. But...he wouldn't have given you something like that unless he truly meant it. Which meant, in your time, something must have separated us. And with Abel...it would take death, would it not? Perhaps not even that would do it."

Esther swallowed hard. "No." She shook her head. "If you know...you can't really consider going through with this?"

Lilith stood, slender and tall in moonlight. "In your time...I am not there."

Esther shook her head. "No." She didn't mention the crystal sarcophagus under the Vatican.

Lilith paused, spoke again. "Abel...you love him, and he cares for you."

"Yes." Her voice was quavering, and Esther struggled to steady it.

"Abel is at peace with the Terrans? And Seth? Our people?"

Esther nodded. "Yes. Father...he has a great number of people who care for him. And Seth...she also has a great many friends, people who would fight to protect her." She shoved away the mental image of the last time she'd seen the Empress, broken and bloody on the ground. "I won't say there's perfect peace, but there are Terrans who work with Methuselah, and willingly, and Methuselah who find joy in working with Terrans." She remembered Ion's smile, and Astha teasing Abel in the gardens. Virgil's warm quiet presence.

"This meeting, this event in time...will it help create that future? Your future?"

Esther swallowed hard. "Yes. But...if it costs your life..."

"Then it will be all right." Lilith turned fully to face her, then came forward to envelope her in a warm, gentle embrace. "It's all right Esther. Thank you for worrying, for trying to protect me. It means a great deal. But...what I wish for is your future, with Abel and Seth smiling, and laughing, and loved. Where there is peace between Terran and Methuselah. Even if it is an uneasy peace." She tightened her grip. "I will not say, do not mourn. But don't feel guilty." A hint of her smile entered her voice. "Now that you've warned me...I cannot promise not to fulfill your future, but I will promise this. I will not make myself easy for Cain to destroy. I will fight. If I perish, so be it. But I promise...I will not let him simply kill me, all right?"

Esther felt a lump still in her throat, but she managed a tenuous nod. Lilith released her. Esther moved to take her place back at the window. "I...well, I know that keeping the future safe is important, but please...you mustn't be reckless. If you die...Father...Abel and Seth...they will suffer."

Lilith joined her. "I know. That's why, even if this is destiny, I will fight it, to my last breath."

Esther nodded. "I'll go with you." She knew she couldn't do anything to stop Cain, but...

"Of course. Seth should be ready to send you home. After the meeting, however it ends." They stood by the window, basking in the moonlight, for a few minutes longer, as the tension slowly drained out of Esther's body. Then Lilith placed a gentle hand on her shoulder once more, and turned her toward the bed. "Rest."

Esther didn't bother to resist. She simply staggered forward, and dropped into the clean white sheets. She was asleep before Lilith even closed the door behind her.

They boarded a ship the next evening for the Franc kingdom. Esther spent most of the trip trying not to pace. Lilith remained as serene as always, dressed in simple sari, a black undershirt and white wrap, with golden earrings, bracelets, and a necklace. Neither of them felt much like talking. Despite Lilith's reassurances, Esther's stomach felt tied up in knots. She wasn't sure whether it was anticipation that she might be going home to her own time, or dread, for what she feared awaited them.

Evening had fallen by the time they reached Paris. Esther stood at the window, watching the city pass by. Even with all the lights of the city, she could see the Methuselah ship, standing out like a beacon. From the size, it was one of the smaller, lightweight transports. The sight of it made Esther tense up, and she took a deep breath, reminding herself that this ship wasn't being flown by an enemy. She closed her eyes, remembering Seth's ships in the Empire. They all looked rather like this one, and the memory helped settle her nerves.

By agreement, both ships came to a halt in the vicinity of a landmark that had been known as the Eiffel Tower. The Vatican ship came to rest at the southwestern side, and the Methuselah ship landed by the northeastern corner.

Esther and Lilith disembarked, and Esther had to fight to keep from looking back. She knew there were a dozen members of the Inquisitorial department waiting at the hatch, for a signal if things went wrong. It was part of the arrangements, that neither party would bring guards, but could have troops waiting. Esther tucked her hands in front of her, fighting the urge to turn and signal them, to ask them to take Lilith away.

Seth met them midway across the plaza, her eyes shining. "Well, I'm glad you came." She was rocking on her heels, in that excited, enthusiastic way she had, and the sight of it settled Esther's stomach and cooled her fears. Seth's moods were always so infectious, she couldn't keep from smiling, just a little.

Seth grinned at her and waved. "Hey there, Esther. So, did Lilith tell you?" She smirked. "I've been working pretty hard, and we think it's possible to send you home."

Esther nodded. "I know. Thank you. Thank you very much."

Seth grinned. "It isn't really that much. After all, Brother Abel doesn't really like me to fight, so I've had plenty of time on my hands." She shifted. "I did try to get Brother Abel or Cain to come down with me, since they asked to meet you. But Cain said he'll wait for you on the ARK, and I think he might have given Abel an assignment or something. Well, at least, Abel said he had something he needed to do. But he did promise to come and meet you while you're there." She glanced back at Lilith, her green eyes imploring. "You are still planning to come, right?"

Lilith nodded. "Of course." She touched the earpiece she'd been given by the Vatican. "Captain. It appears the situation is satisfactory. Please inform His Holiness and the Cardinals that I will be proceeding with the next stage of negotiations."

There was a crackle of static, and of voices speaking. Lilith listened, then tapped it again. "Please remain here. I will attempt to contact you, or return to Rome when it is possible."

Another crackle, and then Lilith lowered her hand. "The ship will wait here for forty-eight hours. After that, they will mount a search-and-rescue."

Seth grinned. "They really are cautious with you, aren't they? Well, I'll just have to get you back here within forty-eight hours then. So we'd better hurry." She gave the Vatican ship a quick wave, then turned and strode back into the waiting Methuselah vessel, Esther and Lilith right behind her.

The trip to the ARK was far shorter than the journey Esther had made with the Order of Rosenkreutz. Within six hours, the ARK was in their sights. Esther bit her lip as they landed, trying hard not to think of the last time she'd seen the familiar crater. Involuntarily, she found her eyes going to the spot where, nine hundred years later, Seth would fall. Then she clenched her fists, and brought her gaze back to where the younger Crusnik was leading them into the ship. In this time, the doors opened easily, and the lights glowed in a welcoming fashion.

Seth led them through the maze of corridors to an observation deck, overlooking the glowing sphere that was Earth. She gestured them inside. "Cain said for you to wait here for them." She shared a conspiratorial look with Esther. "It's Abel's favorite place, you know. Rooms like this. I think Cain's rather fond of them as well." She rocked on her heels. "I'm afraid I have to leave you here. There are some things I need to take care of, especially if we're going to give Esther her best chance. But I'll be back for the meeting, okay? It should be in a little while."

Lilith smiled. "Of course. There's no problem. We'll be waiting here." She grasped Seth's shoulder briefly in a gesture of affection, and watched as the girl raced from the room, a fond smile on her face.

There was silence between them for a few moments, then Lilith spoke softly. "This observation deck also has a side chamber." She indicated a door on the left hand wall. "Esther, you should wait there."

Esther swallowed hard. "But I..."

Lilith shook her head. "This meeting with Cain...you were afraid of it. Because of something you knew. I think it's best if you stay somewhere marginally safer. Besides, we do know that Cain blames my defection, and some of Abel's mood, on you. Even if he's planning to be reasonable, it's best not to remind him of that. Otherwise, it may trigger his insanity, even if this whole meeting isn't some plan of his."

She wanted to refuse, but put that way...she remembered how some things could turn out to be self-fulfilling. She remembered, how her own fear for Abel had driven her to seek him, even though he'd told her not to, and resulted in his death. She didn't want her presence to be the trigger that caused the same for Lilith. "All right."

The side chamber was much smaller, though still comfortable, but Esther couldn't sit still. She fidgeted, checked and re-checked her weapons, and paced, trying to think of ways they might avoid the inevitable confrontation. She even considered going to look for Seth. But she didn't know her way around the ARK, and she had no idea where Seth would be. Likewise, she couldn't seek out Abel, and other than a face-to-face meeting, she had no way to warn them. And even if she had...she was an outsider, and Cain was their brother. No matter what doubts they had about him, there was no reason for either sibling to take her word over his.

In the other room, the door hissed open, and Esther's entire body tensed. She froze, then forced herself to take a deep breath, and slipped over to ease the door to her hiding place open, just enough to see.

Lilith stood by the windows. Cain stood by the doors, clad in his simple, casual uniform. Black leggings, boots, and a floor length white jacket, trimmed in red. There was a smile on his face, and Esther felt a chill go through her. It was the same smile he'd worn in Londinium, when he'd blown Abel's heart out of his chest. Empty, uncaring, a smile of heedless madness. "Hello Lilith. 04."

"Cain." Lilith's voice was soft, neutral, but the passing months had taught Esther to recognize the tension in that slender frame. "You look well."

"Hmmm...I suppose. Though, really, I thought this whole war would have been over and done with by now. It's really making everyone rather restless. Even me." The smile widened, just a fraction, his head tilting in the slight cant that made Esther's heart sink. "But you...you've been doing very well, haven't you, 04?"

Esther's stomach clenched tighter. 04. The Crusnik identification. Not Cain's. She'd hoped that he might be wavering a little. Both versions of Cain could wear that odd, empty smile. But...the reference to Lilith by her Crusnik name...Esther bit her lip to stop herself from crying out.

"I've done what I had to do Cain." Lilith met his eyes. "I warned you, I would not support such senseless violence and bloodshed. I warned you I would not permit you to destroy this world."

Cain smiled again, a brief flare of genuine amusement in his eyes. "Ah well, it isn't like I really minded, you know." His gaze slipped from Lilith to the Earth, glowing beneath them. "After all...it did provide a bit of an outlet for everyone's aggression. And Abel...well, he really does thrive on confrontation, you know." He shrugged. "But now...well, you've gone and upset 02. And I can't really have that. After all...this is all for Abel."

Lilith paled slightly at the words. "All...for Abel? Cain, you cannot mean...the words Abel spoke that day?" She shook her head. "Abel was angry, and he was a child then. You know that."

"Hmm...that may be true, but I did promise to give Abel the future he wished for. And since he wished for it..." Cain's smile widened, madness gentled by affection, and somehow all the more terrifying.

"If you do this for his wishes, then should you not respect his wishes now, and cease fighting?" Lilith's voice was soft, but Esther saw the tension in her, and knew Lilith saw the same madness that she did, and didn't trust it.

"Of course, my dear. That's why I called you." Cain shook his head. "After all, if you return to the ARK, Abel won't have to be so upset anymore. He'll get the world he dreamed of, and he won't have to fight you. And I'll regain the services of my chief medical officer. Honestly, the trainees you left behind really aren't up to standards." He flexed one hand, looking at it idly.

"Did you harm them?" Lilith's voice sharpened.

"Hmm...well, not much. After all, Seth took over from them, and she's quite competent, isn't she?"

The words hung in the air between them for a few moments, in the gathering tension. Then Lilith spoke again, her voice soft. "And if I return? Will you still wage war upon the humans, the Terrans?"

Cain smiled. "Of course. After all, they only upset 02. That Terran in Carthage...Abel was rather shaken up. He's refused to go into combat since then. I even offered to let him have another try at Albion, but he said he couldn't. Something about a promise to you. But of course, if you return, you'd be able to release him from that, wouldn't you, my dear?" Something cold and cruel sharpened the tone. "Then the last of Abel's unhappy memories would be erased, and he'd be much happier."

"You would also kill over a hundred of your own people." Lilith's voice sharpened as well, though hers was anger.

"There is that. But then, they did turn against us." Cain shrugged. "Perhaps you could persuade them to return, 04, since they followed you the first time."

"I will not." Lilith's voice was stern. "You say you are doing this for Abel. If that is true, why isn't he here? Surely it would be best to hear his feelings on the matter, if you are doing this for him." Her eyes moved to a timepiece set in one wall. "We are past the time when you requested our arrival."

"Hmmm...well, I did tell 02 to come a bit later. Abel always gets so confused and upset, when he has to argue with you." Cain smiled. "I thought I'd spare him the trouble. So 02 won't be coming for another hour or so." There was a hint of a laugh on his face. "Really, he was so nervous, I had to send him on a small mission just to get him to settle." He shrugged. "Really, it's better for Abel if everything's resolved before he comes back. That way, he won't have to worry or be troubled by anything."

Lilith stiffened, then spoke slowly. "In your message, you spoke of wanting to resolve matters, to 'remove the negative element' and 'handle things as they needed to be handled'. Is this what you meant?"

"Of course. The only thing that's really holding 02 back is his concern and feelings for you. If matters are resolved between you and I, then he won't have any more problems."

Lilith shook her head. "Do you not understand, Cain? Abel does not wish to fight. Not me, not the Terrans."

"Hmmm...well, he said that, but then, you and I both know how changeable Abel is. Besides...02 is strong. He won't be able to sit idle forever, you know." Cain smiled. "And honestly, he only seems to dislike fighting because you told him to seek peace, my dear. You always have been the one to persuade Abel away from violence, haven't you?"

"Yes." Lilith nodded. "And I will still tell him to seek peace, every chance I get." She drew herself up regally, taking on the air of authority she had in the Vatican, and on the battlefield. "If you wish me to return, only to persuade Abel to return to battle, only to betray and murder the Terrans I have sworn to protect, then no. I shall not return. I will not help you slaughter them. I will not tell Abel that I support the violence of war."

"Hmmm...well, if you aren't willing to return, that does present a bit of a problem. After all, I can't have you continuing to oppose me, and trying to turn Abel from my side." His head tilted to one side. "I suppose I'll simply have to deal with you now."

Almost idly, he extended his left hand, palm outward. Esther gasped as power, compressed air stronger than a battering ram, exploded forth. Lilith dodged, but Esther saw her stagger slightly as the edge of the blast clipped one arm. The wall behind her shuddered with the force of the blow, but didn't crack.

Lilith regained her balance. "You would attack and kill me? One of your own?"

"Well, you've already fought with 02, haven't you?" Cain's smile had gone cold, madness and cruelty staining it. His eyes began to shine a faint red, his hand flexing as the nails elongated into claws. "It's really just another battle. And anyway, I can't have you getting in the way of what I want, and upsetting 02. I'd hate to be forced to punish Abel for defying me, after all, but...since it's your fault..."

Esther barely saw him move, but suddenly he was across the room. Lilith dodged, and Esther saw her wings unfurl, the triple wingspan of her eighty percent activation. Lilith sidestepped, then caught the next blow on one of her swords. The other blade whipped around, catching Cain hard in the shoulder and chest, drawing blood. Then Cain's hand came up again, and Lilith disengaged, leaping back and sideways to avoid another burst of power.

Esther watched in horror as the bloody wound sealed itself, returning Cain's body to perfect condition. Cain's smile widened, blood-lust mixing with the already present madness. "Well, you have learned something from 02, haven't you, 04?" His hand flexed, and Esther saw his spear appear in his grip. "It's a bit of a pity. If you'd rejoin me, you could use all that strength at Abel's side."

"No. I will not support your genocide." Lilith shook her head.

"Well, then..." Cain's wings unfurled. There was a heartbeat of stillness, then both of them attacked. There was a blur of movement, and then they were locked together, Cain's spear and Lilith's swords, their movements a whirl of motion. The energy gathered in the room sparked, reverberating off the walls.

Esther bit her lip. She had both hands wrapped around her gun, white-knuckled with tension, but she couldn't get a clear shot. Cain and Lilith were both moving too fast, and she didn't dare shoot and hit Lilith. She wanted to reach for her knives, but there was too much energy, too much violence in that chamber. And she already knew her skills were no match for either one of the combatants when they were fighting as humans, let alone like this.

Something happened. She couldn't see it clearly because Lilith's back was turned to her, but there was a terrible clanging of weapons, then Lilith staggered sideways, bleeding heavily. Cain struck again. Lilith dodged, but Esther bit back a gasp of horror as the blow tore through the wings on Lilith's left side, obliterating them. Lilith staggered with a gasp of pain, stumbling sideways with her back to the clear glass wall.

Esther's heart sank, fear knifing through her. Cain wasn't unmarked, his arms and torso bleeding. There was even a slash across one side of his face. But Lilith...

Lilith's breathing was rough, harsh, and her formerly white sari was nearly completely crimson and black, rent in several places. Her wings should have regenerated almost instantly at the activation she held, but they weren't, which meant there were far greater wounds her powers were tending to.

Cain was still smiling. "Well, you've made me use quite a bit of power. Still...02 will return soon. And he'll only be upset if he finds us fighting."

Lilith didn't say anything. She seemed to be waiting for Cain's next move. Esther saw the grim resolve in her eyes, and felt ice pour through her. She'd seen that look in Abel's eyes, just before his combat with Cain Underground, and in Elissa's eyes, before she'd gone on her suicide mission against Abel. No.

She didn't even really have time to think about it. She just stood, dropping her gun, her hand reaching for the door to fling it open, to shout a denial, to run between them, anything. But...

Cain exploded into movement, the aura of power flaring brightly. Esther saw his spear come up to strike, saw Lilith bringing her own weapons up to bear, stepping forward to meet the charge...

Everything seemed to happen in snapshots of time, and yet, far too fast for Esther to move. She saw Lilith meet Cain's charge, the swords blocking the spear. Saw her stagger, just the tiniest bit off balance, as Cain's spear was reabsorbed, and her strike went wide. Saw Cain's hand slam forward, blasting a concentrated bolt of power into her chest, as he'd done to Abel in Esther's time, but with far more violence behind it. Lilith's body jerked, convulsed, her power vanishing under the onslaught. The swords shattered and disappeared, and the razor sharp nails of Cain's other hand slashed through her throat.

Utter silence fell. Esther felt herself freeze. She wanted to race into the room, but horror and shock held her still. No.

Lilith crumpled slowly to her knees, falling, her hands at her throat as if to stop the blood pouring forth. Her eyes moved, going to the door Esther hid behind. For one brief second, their eyes met, and Esther saw just the faintest smile in Lilith's gaze, an unspoken forgiveness and benediction.

Then she turned back to Cain, moving as in an abortive attack. Cain's hand slashed out again, and Lilith's body crumpled, blood pouring from the severed neck.

Esther froze in absolute horror. Nausea slammed through her, grief and shock warring with complete terror. She clapped both hands over her mouth to stifle her scream, but the rest of her body felt paralyzed.

Cain stood a moment, staring at Lilith's body, her head dangling from the hair that had gotten tangled over his fingers. A small, distant smile touched his face. "Ah...this really is quite a mess. 02 won't be happy to see that." He shrugged, the smile replaced by careless indifference. "Oh well. You really should have known better than to get between me and what I want, or between me and Abel, my dear." He glanced down. "I suppose I'll have to go and change uniforms, before 02 gets back." With that he turned and walked calmly away, shutting the door behind him.

Esther remained frozen for a long moment, her heart pounding and tears pouring down her face. No.Ohno...

Finally, she managed to force herself to move. Her legs were trembling, her entire body shaking as she staggered out of the side room. Her stomach heaved as she saw the ruins of Lilith's neck, and she dropped to her knees, gagging. She'd seen plenty of violence and battles, wounds and death, but this...the casual, uncaring brutality of what Cain had done was as horrifying as the first time she'd seen it. She hunched forward, choking on the sobs, struggling to control her emotions. She knew she had to do something, but she was too shocked to think what.

The door hissed open, and Seth came running in. "Hey, I thought I heard..." The youngest Crusnik stopped abruptly, eyes widening in shock and pain. "No. Lilith..."

Seth staggered forward, as Esther had done, collapsing to her knees beside Lilith's body, heedless of the blood. Her eyes were wide, haunted, tears falling across an expression of utter shock. "Lilith..."

One child-like hand reached out, feeling for a heartbeat amid the red ruin of gore and wounds. Then Seth's hand clenched, her whole body curling inward. "No. Lilith..."

The grief of her words, the sound of her heartbroken sobs, shocked Esther out of her own impending hysteria. She stared at the small form before her, feeling utterly helpless. She wanted to comfort the other, but she didn't have any words to say before such desolation, any more than she'd known what to say to Abel in front of the tomb. She was too shocked even to voice something as simple as 'I'm sorry'. Grief and pain froze her tongue, and all she could do was add her own silent tears to Seth's, watching the younger woman mourn the lady she had loved as both mother and sister.

"Cain did this, didn't he." The words came out of nowhere, almost a physical shock. Then Seth looked up, her face hard and grim, even with the tears still tracking over it. "Cain...he's the one."

Esther swallowed against the lump in her throat. "Yes. He..."

Seth shook her head, grief, pain and guilt aging a child's countenance into a young woman's. "I knew he'd been getting more unstable lately, more violent. Even Brother Abel noticed it. But I...I never thought...something like this..." A sob hitched in her breathing. "I didn't think, even though he blamed Lilith for Abel and me, I didn't think that even he'd be capable of something like this."

Seth rose to her feet suddenly, grim resolve and smoldering anger hardening her features further. "I can't let brother Abel see this. Not like this. Besides...if we can just..." Her gaze traveled over the blood-smeared floor. "Esther...Lilith's head..."

"Cain took it." Esther swallowed back another surge of bile, remembering the callous way it had dangled from his fingers. Remembering what Abel had told her, the night he'd revealed his past. Cain...he took Lilith's head. He's going to...to give it to Abel. As a trophy. She felt nausea threatening to overwhelm her.

"Esther." Seth's voice broke her thoughts before hysteria could set in. She looked up. Seth was looking at the body. "We have to clean this up before Abel gets here. If he sees this...if Abel sees this, even I don't know what he might do. Besides..." One hand clenched into a fist. "I don't know if even the Crusnik could heal this, but we have to try. There's a stasis chamber in the medical wing a few levels down. We'll use it to preserve her for now, until we can...get everything together." Seth's voice cracked on the last word. Then she knelt again, and laid her hand on Lilith's wound. "Nanomachine, Crusnik 03."

Her eyes began to shine red, power gathering around her. Esther stifled a gasp, watching as the blood pooled around Lilith began to move, ripple, then to flow into the wound under Seth's hand. Even the stains on her clothing followed the movement, leaving the fabric nearly pristine. When the deck and Lilith's robes were spotless, Seth's power faded. "That's the best I can do for now. Without her head..." Seth's voice stuttered to a halt.

Esther nodded. "I understand." She looked at the clock. "When will...when will Abel be back?"

Seth glanced up. "Soon. We'd better hurry." She glanced down. "I hate to ask you, but...I can't move her by myself. She's so much taller than I am..."

"I understand." Esther looked at the body lying before them. "How..."

"If you'll support her legs and keep her feet off the ground, I'll take her upper body." Seth moved into position, gently sliding her hands under Lilith's shoulders and waist. Esther swallowed back nausea, then moved to the opposite side, placing one hand next to Seth's and the other at Lilith's knees.

Seth waited until she had a good grip, then met her eyes. "Ready?" Esther nodded. "All right. One, two...three." Both of them Straightened at the same time. It was an uneven load, with Esther's slightly greater height, but Seth's strength compensated. It was awkward, getting their limp burden through the door, but with a bit of careful maneuvering, they managed, and stumbled over to the elevator.

The ride down was silent, and filled with tension. The grimness of their task prevented casual conversation. Esther felt tense, terrified that at any minute, Abel would appear, stopping the elevator, or around a corner. Or worse, Cain. She could tell, from the set of Seth's shoulders, and her expression, that her young companion felt much the same.

Somehow, they managed to make it to the Infirmary without incident. Esther's heart was pounding as Seth shifted her grip and tapped the code to enter the emergency care area. "This way. The stasis chambers are in the intensive care ward, in the very back."

Esther followed Seth's lead as they gently carried Lilith's body past the examination tables in the front room, then the surgical tables in the second room. Then Seth opened the final door, labeled 'Stasis Ward' and Esther felt her stomach lurch. The room was full of half a dozen familiar-looking pods, nearly identical to the one she'd seen under the Vatican in her own time.

Seth directed her to help lift Lilith's body into the first of the chambers. They took a few moments to arrange her body, moving gently, then Esther stepped back while Seth shut the lid and tapped a few buttons. Seth's hands flashed quickly over the panels, flipping switches and activating machinery, then she stepped back with a sigh. "There. That's the best I can do, for right now. I'll have to wait to fully activate the chamber, but that ought to at least stabilize her condition, for now at least." Her expression was grave. "We have to get the rest of her, as soon as possible. The longer she's like this, the more difficult it's going to be. If she remains in this condition for too long..." Seth's voice cracked and trailed off.

Esther nodded. "So, what should we do now?" It felt cruel, forcing the burden on Seth's shoulders, but she felt lost without the guide and mentor she'd relied on. Either of them.

Seth sighed. "We need to take care of Lilith, but we'd better try to find Abel, and warn him something's wrong. If he stumbles onto things in this state..." She shook her head, then glanced pensively at the ceiling. "I think we also need to send you home as soon as possible. Thing's aren't quite as ready as I'd like them to be, and it's a bit earlier than scheduled, but..." She bit her lip. "Cain blames you for Lilith's defection. If he was willing to do this to her, then there's no telling how he'll react to you."

Esther felt a cold chill run up her spine. "I know."

Seth sighed. "You know, it's not really fair to ask you, considering how dangerous it is, but...could you go back and wait for Abel for me, in the observation area. It's risky, but you should try to speak with him if you can. Abel might listen to you, as Lilith's friend."

Esther nodded. Seth un-clipped a device from her belt. "This is an emergency signal device. I use them to communicate with troops, or between ships. When you find Abel, press this button here." She gestured to one on the right hand side. "And if you see Cain...try not to let him see you. And press this one." She touched a button on the left hand side. "I'll keep an eye out for your signal." She clasped Esther's hand. "Be careful, okay, Esther?"

Esther nodded. "I understand. I'll do my best." She tucked the device into a pocket where she could easily reach it. "Is there anything else?"

Seth shook her head. "I've got to go tend to final preparations, and I'll see if I can find Abel first. But we'd both better hurry. He's due back any minute." Her face was pale with strain, and fear, concern and grief written together in that too-young countenance. Esther suspect she looked much the same. But there was nothing more to say. She offered the other girl one quick, gentle squeeze on the shoulder, of encouragement and support. Seth returned it, with a weak smile that couldn't touch her eyes, then turned and darted out the door. Esther took a moment to brush a hand across the coffin in farewell, and followed her.

The trip back to the observation room was easily twice as difficult on Esther's nerves as the the trip down. Her heart was hammering in dread at the thought of encountering Cain alone. And as for Abel...

She knew Seth was right, about how cruel it would be for him to find out too suddenly, too harshly. And she knew it was dangerous. But she also remembered that Abel had told her this part of the story, and how he'd heard of Lilith's death. She wasn't sure if changing the manner of his discovery would change any of his reactions, but her heart ached with Lilith's death, and the suffering that was about to befall him. She wanted to soften the blow, but she wasn't sure it was possible, and after having come so far, it seemed a cruel mockery to try and change fate now.

The observation room was empty when she arrived. She looked in, then hesitated. She considered the idea of sneaking back into the side room, but...there was no way out of that room, other than through the observation dome, and she was terrified of being trapped. Besides, she knew she might need to move, to meet Seth. She didn't want to get caught, seeming to spy on Abel. Whether she warned him or not, she knew it would only upset him, provoke his temper. And if Cain came back first...

Her ear caught the faint click, a sound suspiciously like boot heels on steel floors. The last thought decided her, and she turned and ducked into a room across the hall. It was actually a storage closet, but there was enough spare room for her to duck inside and pull the door nearly closed.

Moments later, Abel came striding through the corridor. He was wearing his UNASF uniform, with a knee-length jacket, his silver hair falling loose down his back. His expression was pensive. He stopped at the door, straightened his shoulders, then stepped inside, leaving the door open behind him.

Esther tapped the button to alert Seth, then stepped forward to peer through the cracked door into the observation room. Abel stopped, and in the reflection of the glass, she could see the faint frown on his face. Then he moved forward to stand next to the windows, staring out at the panorama of Earth, his expression shifting subtly between thoughtful, tired, and somewhat nervous.

Esther bit her lip. She wanted to step forward. She knew she should. But at the same time. Knowledge of events to come and fear of Cain held her frozen in place, unable to move. She was just screwing up her courage to step out when the elevator chimed, and Cain emerged into the hallway.

His uniform was clean, the mirror of Abel's except for the red trim, and his face was settled into his usual empty smile. He saw the open door, and his smile widened. Esther shifted, edging unconsciously back into her hiding place as he passed. Then she saw his left hand, what he was carrying, and clapped her left hand over her mouth in horror. Her other hand clasped the device Seth had given her, tightening her fingers down over both buttons until she felt she'd crack or bend the metal, or break her own hand. Bile rose in her throat, and she bit her lip hard enough to make it bleed. But there was nothing she could do to stop what was about to come.

Cain stepped into the room, his movements relaxed, easy. "Hello Abel. You're late, you know."

Abel turned. "I...yes. It took a little longer than I thought." He glanced out the doorway. "But Lilith...I didn't think she'd come and go so soon. Unless...is she with Seth? I can't have...I didn't miss her visit, did I?"

"Hmmm...well, I suppose you could say that." Esther saw the reflection of Cain smile just a bit more. "But really, there's no need to be so distressed. Everything's been taken care of, Abel. You don't need to worry any more."

Abel tensed, and Esther saw the concern that touched his features. "Cain."

Cain smiled, stepping forward. "Take heart, Abel. I've removed all of the negative elements, so there's no more need for concern." He raised his right hand in front of him, Lilith's severed head dangling from his fist. "See?"

Abel staggered, and Esther saw the shock and grief hit him like a shot from a cannon. His already pale face went completely white, as if he'd taken a mortal blow. "Cain...what...have you..."

"I told you. I've removed all the negative elements. I did tell her you'd be a bit unhappy with the way things turned out, but now you don't have to worry about 04 interfering any more. You won't have to fight her anymore." Cain shrugged carelessly, letting Lilith's head fall from his fingers to thud against the deck. Abel made a choked sound, as if he'd been struck, his body stiffening. Even from her hiding spot, Esther saw his body begin to tremble.

Cain studied his face with an air of detachment. "Ah, well, I had hoped for a better reaction, but I suppose it will take you a bit of time to get used to it." He shrugged. "I suppose I'd better go see what to do with the ship, since she won't need it." He looked at his brother, the distant smile on his face. "I'll be waiting, Abel." Then he turned and exited. Seconds later, the elevator chimed once more.

At the sound of the elevator, Abel shuddered, then stumbled two steps forward and collapsed to his knees, desolation in his gaze. "Lilith..." Esther felt tears spring into her eyes at the sound of his voice, broken with pain and shock and terrible grief. Abel's trembling hands reached forward, touched the crimson hair, the cross upon the brow. "Lilith...I..." His voice broke, and he gathered her head into his arms, eyes closed and utter agony on his face, grief combining with the shock of Cain's callousness for a pain that went beyond tears. His head bowed, his shoulders shaking as wrenching, incoherent groans tore from his throat.

Esther stepped slowly from her hiding place, her heart breaking as she watched him curl around Lilith's head, folding himself over it as if he were protecting a child, or trying to staunch a fatal injury. Tears streamed over her face. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry, Father." She knew he wasn't a priest yet, but she doubted he even heard her.

The elevator chimed and Seth came dashing out. "Esther. I got your signal. Where..." She saw Abel kneeling on the floor and froze. "Abel? What happened?"

"I didn't...I didn't reach him in time. Cain...told him. And gave him Lilith's head." Esther swallowed hard, fighting to get the words out around the knot of grief and pain in her throat.

"Oh no. Abel..." Tears filled Seth's green eyes, to track once more across her face. "How could Cain...even Cain, how could he do something like that, to Brother Abel? He knew...he had to know..." Seth's voice cracked again, anguish filling her expression as she watched her brother's suffering. "Oh, Abel...I am so, so sorry, my dear brother."

The two of them stood in the doorway a long moment, then Seth moved forward, and laid a gentle, tentative hand on Abel's shoulder. "Abel...will you give her to me?"

Abel shuddered, and raised his head. "Seth?" His voice was a rough, broken rasp of sound, painful to hear. There were no tears on his face, but the tortured confusion and grief, the sheer anguish in it, made Esther flinch back.

"I'm sorry Abel. So, so sorry. I knew Cain was angry, but even I didn't think he'd do something like this." She touched her brother's shoulders, a light embrace, offering comfort. "Esther and I took her body down to a stasis chamber. We need to get her head there too. There isn't much chance, but even so..."

Something shifted, darkened in Abel's gaze. Esther saw the darkness, the shine of madness, terrible rage overtaking grief in him. The air was suddenly charged with electricity. Seth's words broke off. "Abel?"

Abel rose to his feet, energy snapping about him. His face was tight, and Esther saw the violence emerging. Violence born of grief and pain and the shock of betrayal. Madness. Then Abel spoke, his voice gone flat as a lake's surface on a still day. "Take care of her." He gently deposited Lilith's head in Seth's arms.

Seth's eyes widened. She shifted her burden, caught her brother's sleeve. "Abel...where are you going? What are you going to do?"

"I'm going after Cain." Darkness and madness resonated through his words, all the more terrible for the fact that he hadn't transformed. His face was still human, but the tone was a dark and menacing as his Crusnik form's had ever been. Esther shuddered at the promise of violence in those words. "He will...pay for this." With a quick jerk of his hand, he broke Seth's grip and vanished through the door.

"Abel..." Seth's voice shook with distress.

Esther swallowed, and forced herself to take a deep breath. She knew what was going to happen, and there was no way to prevent it. She reached out and touched Seth's shoulder. The green eyes turned to her, shock and pain similar to Abel's in them. "I'm sorry. But we really ought to put...well, we should put this with the rest of her, and seal the stasis tube, right?" She touched Seth's hand, brushed Lilith's hair. It was odd, that the crimson strands felt as they always had, other times she'd happened to brush it.

Seth took a deep, shaky breath, forced herself under control. "You're right. And the power exchange sequence for the quantum-temporal dislocation device has already begun. You need to get up there." She shook herself, and Esther saw her visibly pulling herself together. "Come on, we've got to hurry." She shifted Lilith's head gently into the cradle of her arms, then drew Esther out the door at a run.

They made the trip to the infirmary in record time. Seth opened the lid, laid Lilith's head gently inside, aligned with the neck, then shut the lid and tapped a few more controls. The remaining panels hissed to life, the tube glowing a gentle blue radiance as it was activated. "There. That should do it."

Seth sighed, then shook herself. "Come. We've got to get you to the transport chamber, before the cycle finishes."

"No." Esther shook her head, remembering what Abel had told her, about the end. "Just tell me where to go. I think you might be needed more at Abel's side."

Seth swallowed, a stricken look crossing her features. "Abel...I don't know what he'll do now. When he's like that...I don't know, but I'm worried for him. But I promised Lilith..."

Somewhere, Esther found a weak smile to offer her. "I know. But it's all right. I think it's more important that you go to Abel's side. He and Cain..." She shook her head, remembering Abel's story, and the battles she'd witnessed. "He can't fight Cain. If he does, it will only end badly." She put a hand gently on Seth's shoulder. "Trust me, you need to prevent Abel from fighting Cain." It was a heavy burden to lay on Seth's shoulders, but...

Seth nodded. "All right. I don't know how much I can do, but I'll do my best. Take the elevator to the top dome, and go left, to the command deck. You'll know it. It's the one you showed up in, and the doors are open." She looked at the clock. "You won't have time to get the suit on, but there's a small, portable oxygen mask and mini-tank set up. Be sure you take that."

Esther nodded. "All right."

She started to turn away, but Seth's hand caught her, and she turned back. Seth gazed at her with solemn green eyes. "Say Esther...Lilith, she told me where you come from. And when." Esther nodded, waiting for her next words. Seth hesitated a moment, then spoke. "In your time...is brother Abel happy? Will he...ever be okay?"

She thought of Seth's broken form, the battles, Abel's death. Then she thought of their love, hours in the gardens, Abel sleeping beside her. "Yes. It's still a bit hard, but...there are plenty of times of happiness."

"Then I hope you get back there." Seth offered her a pale ghost of a grin. "You'd better get going. Best of luck, Esther." Her voice softened. "Take care of him, okay?" She shifted her grip to a quick one-armed hug, then let go. Esther swallowed back a fresh wave of tears, then turned and all but ran from the room, before the tears could overtake her once more.

The ride up to the command deck was the longest she'd ever had to bear, worse even than the flight from the chapel, after Virgil had named her the Crown Princess of Albion. She was torn between grief at leaving, being unable to comfort the two siblings suffering through such unbearable sorrow, and fear that she'd miss her one chance to return to her own time.

The door to the lift opened, and Esther stumbled through it, almost at a run. The hallway was familiar, and she turned left as directed. The door to the command deck was open, and a familiar glass tube standing in the corner. Esther raced over to it, seeing the lights dancing on the panel, though the charging panel showed mostly inactive. She turned, found the breaking mask and tank that Seth had mentioned, and slipped them on. Then she climbed into the tube and pulled the door shut with shaking fingers.

It seemed like every second crawled by in an eternity of time. Then, suddenly, she felt something shudder through the ship. The remaining, inactive panels flashed to life. 'Atomic QuantumTemporal and Physical Dislocation Device now activating. Charge at 30 percent required for long range usage.' Light began to gather around her.

Esther's hands clenched into fists. Dear Lord,please protect me,and let me see everyone again. Guide me safely home.

Another shudder passed through the ship. Esther saw, out of the very bottom of the view-screen, something falling. Her stomach lurched, knowing that, somewhere below her, Seth had just thrown Cain out an airlock to burn in the atmosphere. And Abel...

Another shudder rocked through the ship, and a warning sounded. 'Power overload. Danger of hull breach. Power rerouting and safety measures activating.' Seconds later, another alarm sounded. 'Now activating long range function of Dislocation Device'.

Below her, a ball of red-gold fire exploded into existence. Esther felt her stomach clench. I am...so sorry. Then everything disappeared, and she fell once more into the light.

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* FACT - Lilith went by many names throughout her time as the defender of human kind. Such names where her most well-known the Nia Sancta meaning black saint in Latin, the Holy Woman, Black Madonna, the Dark Saint, 04, Minus Element, Abel's "Lost Lover", "That woman".

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[*]- Seeing from different flash backs in the anime and manga at how Lilith was killed and from what we read in the side note spoilers from the late Yoshida Sunao's note. We took once again what we could use along with last newest manga RAWS to come up with a good idea at how Lilith was decapitated even though we have yet to see if there is more detail on her killing in future manga chapters to come or if there any in the novels to show it.

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smcandy (AN): I had quite a few readers asking me from the beginning when they read Esther going back to the past just how much of her presence and actions will affect the ongoing present. We'll you see in chapter 35. But I can guarantee but it' does not gonna be enough interference to alter the present cannon timeline.