Massive re-write. Told you I didn't forget about this story.

Chapter 1: Inception

Year 1990

Ethereal sun beams bathed upon the dramatic Baroque dome as the sky morphed into a stark vermillion, scattering the light that filtered in through the lilac, sapphire, amber and emerald stained glass. Unfortunately, despite the kaleidoscope of colours that cascaded into the soft yellow aisles, crossing and alter, the silver haired man that kneeled before the shadowy figure throned in the middle of the grand apse paid little admiration to the show.

The kneeling man's mind was far from the grandeur that surrounded him in the Vatican City and lay instead in complete subservience or at least that was what he would have those that mingled with him believe. Indeed, his mind was only as pure as his black heart and was intent on one thing only: power. If that meant having to lick the boots of the ancient Pope, he would do so without hesitation.

"Maxwell", the seated Pope raised a wrinkled hand in good gesture. "Do you know why I have called you here, my son?"

Maxwell bowed deeply, his right hand on his heart, "I can only presume, your Holiness, that it would be concerning the business to the East." His plum eyes remained passive but ever alert.

The snowy peak of mitre peeked into the pillar of light as the Pope nodded, "Yes, you are right. As horrible as this business is, Maxwell, I would not have entrusted such a strenuous task to anyone but you, for you are ever diligent in upholding the work of God."

Maxwell bowed again and calmly responded in an unwavering tone, "I deserve no such praise, your Holiness. I am but a servant of God."

"Oh, but you do, Maxwell! That is why I believe it is time I should remove this final veil between you and the truth so that you may use these truths to aid you in your work." Though the Pope's voice did not raise a single octave, the joy in him was as clear as the jewels that were sown into his mitre. "This nasty business has gone far enough I believe and now we are paying for our sins. Pray, we will not lose any more than we have."

Maxwell quickly retorted, "I do not know what sins you speak of, your Holiness, but I know that any action taken by the Vatican were righteous and for the greater good."

A charged silence befell the Church for a long moment. Maxwell remained patient and was rewarded when the Pope began slowly, "Do you recall the last Great War? In which those heretical Hebrews were punished?"

"Yes, your Grace."

"And do you recall our involvement in our conspiracy with those barbarians of the West?"

Maxwell raked his brain for any clue as to what the Pope was referring to, his brows furrowing as he came with a blank, until his gaze wandered onto the crimson velvet curtains of the apse. A great flash of crimson, jet and white spun in his mind, "Millennium."

"Indeed." The mitre appeared again and remained in the column of fading light as the Pope bowed his head, "However, what was withheld from you was that we were not their only allies. There was a third party."

Maxwell dared to raise his head to stare at the Pope, "A third party, your Holiness?"

"Yes, their allies to the East. There was one powerful family in particular which is of great concern: the Ryuuichirou. Even their name means to inspire great fear. The Dragon's Son."

Shame coloured Maxwell's voice, "I do not understand, your Grace."

"Millennium, the Ryuuichirou family, they may have lost fifty years ago but these snakes have been hiding and biding their time. They will return and when they do they will do so with an army. An army of their own heathen handed creation."

Maxwell's face smoothed as the dots finally connected, "The business to the East…"

"Yes, my son, it is the Ryuuichirou who are behind the whole fiasco and if we do not act quickly… it will reach us in the West. We cannot abide by that, do you understand?" his tone was grave as he connected his hands in his lap.

"Yes, I understand, your Holiness!" Maxwell inclined his head.

The Pope raised his head enabling his mitre to reveal itself completely in its full glory without revealing his face to the light, "And do you know now what you must do?"

Maxwell's head rose and his eyes were tinged with madness as he resoundingly answered, "Yes. I understand, your Holiness!"

To be continued…