(AN) AUTHOR'S NOTES:Hi everyone! ^^, finally one of my own WIP [Work IN Progress] stories is finally in production of being typed and here is proof of my hard work along with some help from one of my two co-partners (^.^) dragonwriter24cmf. Both dragonwriter24cmf & KinReynard whom their own have accounts respectably are helping me simultaneously with this TB story. I'm looking forward to when we reach the finale of this story to continue on with it sequel which is still a long ways offfrom being done and typed right now. I'm just very happy go lucky with getting the fist chapter typed and done by my cyber pal dragonwriter24cmf. Thanks a bunch girlfriend (^.^) many cyber hugs to you for sending and helping me with this (^.^)

I hope you all enjoy this fan fiction since it's my first adult rated one, as the chapters will be uploaded and updated regularly twice weekly if we can manage due to mine and dragonwriter24cmf's hectic schedules.

DISCLAIMER:All rights to Trinity Blood was created and © by late Yoshida Sunao, the anime directed by Tomohiro Hirata and produced by the studio GONZO, as well as a manga drawn by Yoshida Sunao's friend Kiyo Kyoujou. All © rights revered by their respective owners. I own nothing except © to this story, it's plot and it's OC's that will eventually show within later chapters.

Special thanks to one of my editors and co-partners in helping finally get this story off the ground and back burner dragonwriter24cmf check her own TB stories on which are awesome. Additional thanks to my second co-partner for also participating in helping with this story KinReynard check out her own TB story 'Devil His Due' whom I'm her beta for when possible. When one of my co-partners/editors are unable to continue the other will take over both are involved with this fan fiction as time goes on with it's updates. Currently right now dragonwriter24cmf is helping with the current chapters and drafts for the stories plot and outline.

Warning:This fan fiction is rated (M) AKA Lemon. This story is ABSOULTLY NOT suitable for children or teens below the age of 16 [So if you're under the age limit turn back now, come back when you old enough to read this. I'd rather not get flamed nor sued by parents whom are just looking for trouble in places their underage children should not be looking nor reading for that matter. This story contains strong explicit adult themes and sexual ones such slight foreplay - as in hand sex, one-sided yuri, bisexuality, Attempted Rape, Explicit Sex or anything else mild to hard core kinky for that matter!, references to violence, and strong coarse language. If this disturbs you, do not read any further.

Notice:Trinity Blood War Continuum takes place one month after the events from the anime's finale episode 24 along with some elements, characters and things that will be used and taken from both manga's Rage Against the Moons (RAM), Reborn on the Mars (ROM). In adttion 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 shapeof or on imagination then do not read this story.

Trinity Blood: War Continuum - Chapter One: Ruler of Albion

One month. Esther Blanchett, the newly crowned Queen of Albion, looked at the date on the paperwork she was signing and sighed. It had been one month since she had been crowned. One month since she had taken the position as the head of the Albion government. One month since she had stood by her throne, the Pope at her side, and sworn to create a new world for her people. She remembered that moment well, the feeling of standing beside His Holiness, as they looked into each other's eyes and promised each other that things would be different. Not just for Albion, but for the world. Esther sighed again, then stood and stretched. Feeling restless, she walked to the window of her office and looked outside. In some ways, it felt like it had been an eternity since that day. The endless audiences, the paperwork, and the day to day concerns made some days pass in a crawl. And yet, at other times it felt as if no time had passed at all. When she considered that, a little over a month ago, she'd been the youngest novice of Cardinal Caterina's AX division, it still made her dizzy. When she thought of all that needed to be done, then time flashed past like lightning.

Esther shook the thoughts free and opened the window curtains. Across the formal courtyard, she could see the front wing of the Palace. Looking, she smiled in appreciation. The repairs had been going on from the minute she'd set foot in the Palace, and they were well underway. Most of the outside and structural damage was repaired, the broken supports mended, the damaged stonework repaired and replaced. Normally, a month wouldn't have been enough time to truly make a dent in the problem. But she and Virgil Walsh, one of her closest advisors, had decided to implement a new strategy. They had hired, not one, but two construction crews. The first one, the day shift that was currently working, came from Londiniums finest workers and builders. The other shift, the night crew, came from the Ghetto. Virgil Walsh and his sister Vanessa had carefully selected a group of skilled builders from the underground facility they called the Ghetto and asked them to aid in the palace reconstruction. Once they'd agreed, both crews had met to discuss the repairs. With the designs already laid out in front of them, and the similarities in thinking, it had taken almost no time for them to split the jobs and begin work. And so the work went twice as fast. Better still, to Esther's way of thinking, the cooperation between the two groups had spawned friendships as well as mutual admiration. It was the first of many such projects she and Virgil had in mind, and she was glad it was going so well.

Esther looked across at the damaged wing of the palace again. The smile slipped from her face. She would be glad when the repairs were complete, when the marks of damage were erased. Every time she saw them, she was reminded of the events surrounding the damage of the palace. Remembering again, Esther shivered. In her minds eye, she could see again the tall blond man who had invaded the palace. She had only seen the damage left in his wake but Colonel Mary Spencer, her other advisor, had told her how the man had simply walked up to the Palace. A lift of one hand and a smile had stopped every bullet the guards could throw at him. And then, without even a pause for breath, he'd thrown the guards aside and destroyed the front wing of the building. Esther remembered him, blond, dressed in white robes, with a white cloak and shoulder guards that seemed like a cruel mockery of Vatican war gear. What had frightened her most though, had been the odd emptiness of his eyes, the quietness of his voice. As if everything he had done, everything he was doing, was no more to him than a walk in the Vatican gardens would be to her. And then…Esther felt her breath hitch in her throat. What had happened after he'd gone to the Ghetto was something she'd relived in nightmares many times. She closed her eyes, seeing the man lift his hand again, to rest it against the heart of the one man she'd cherished more than any other. She saw it again as Father Nightroad, her friend and protector and guide, hesitated a split second, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw her there, in the corridor. And then the blond man had smiled, and released that awesome destructive power…and Father Nightroad had died.

Esther shook herself free of the memories and turned back to her desk. There was still a great deal of work to be done, and she had no time to remembering the events that had occurred. She had a responsibility to oversee the future of her country. But still, as she sat down and tried to return to work, her mind went back to the man she'd seen fall a month and a half ago. Father Nightroad. He'd been her mentor and her friend since the day she'd first met him at Saint Mathias church. And yet…now she knew nothing of him, his condition or his whereabouts. She had seen him rise again, resurrected in a chapel by Father Tres. She remembered that clearly as well, his body and even his hair the black of midnight, save where strange blue markings crossed his chest and face. Black triple wings spread, and his eyes glowing red and feral. She'd seen him rise from a storm of black clouds, only to launch himself out of the chapel in a flair of darkness, followed by the man in white. She'd rushed outside, seen lightning and black, a midnight form marked with blue fire and a white one haloed in red. She'd seen them fight, and known then that this was a battle older than time. And then, she'd seen them fall. And since then, nothing. Esther bit her lip. The AX agents within the city had gone to look for him, and she had sent her own people to assist. However, Virgil had reported that they'd found nothing, only scorched earth. And if anyone in the AX had found anything, they hadn't told her. Esther sighed in frustration. Her heart told her he'd survived, that the miracle of his resurrection, however it had come about, would not have permitted him to die so easily. She knew he was out there somewhere, probably still fighting. But she'd heard nothing. Not from him, not from anyone else. The silence was a knife to her heart, driving her crazy with concern and worry. The creak of the office door yanked her from her thoughts. She looked up to see Virgil Walsh, her primary advisor, standing in the doorway of the office. Though she still didn't know him that well, she could detect the concern written across the pale, aristocratic features.

"Lord Walsh." "Your Majesty." He stepped further into the room, and shut the door behind him, then bowed.

"I hope I'm not intruding." "Of course not. You should know by now your presence is never an intrusion." Esther smiled, gesturing him to a seat across from her. "I'm sorry. I was working, but I got a little sidetracked."

Virgil hesitated, then settled himself into the chair. Though Esther had heard from Mary Spencer that he had maintained a close friendship with the previous queen, and a very informal one, he was still a little uncomfortable sitting in her presence. But he sat down, and regarded her for a few moments. "If it isn't too much of an intrusion, you seemed unhappy, Your Majesty." "Oh no, it's all right." Esther shook her head.

"It's just, I was watching the reconstruction work from the window for a moment, and then I remembered…" her voice trailed off. "The events surrounding its destruction."

Virgil looked at the window, now covered by curtains. "The memories trouble me as well, sometimes. However, the repairs are going swiftly and soon there will be no signs of the damage. Perhaps we will both sleep a bit easier then."

"Yes. That reminds me. How are the repairs to the Ghetto going? I know the attack from Rosenkreutz did a lot of damage." Virgil sighed. "We have buried the dead, and their family and friends mourn them, but they are coping. As for the damage to the buildings, to the homes, most of it has been repaired. There are one or two places where we're still checking machinery and replacing wall panels, but on the whole, we are recovering well."

He paused. "There is one room we haven't ventured into yet…" She knew which one he meant.

"Well, it was completely destroyed, wasn't it? Was there anything important stored in there?" Virgil sighed. "I'm not entirely sure. Everything in that room involved data for some old technology. Lost technology, from before Armageddon. I believed, until recently that it was mostly obsolete, more a matter for scientific curiosity. But in light of Rosenkreutz's interest in the facility…I'm not so sure any more."

"That is a great concern. But I trust you will decide how to handle the matter appropriately." Even hearing about that place, Esther felt her body tense. She didn't want to think about that room right now. She changed the subject. "How are things down there?" She hesitated a moment, then added. "And if you don't mind my asking, how is your sister?."

Virgil smiled. "Vanessa is well. Both she and I are extremely glad you pardoned her. She's been directing repair crews, and she's organizing the rebels into a mobile security force. She's furious at the Order for invading the Ghetto, so she's taken it upon herself to defend the civilian areas for the time being." "I see." Esther smiled too. "Perhaps I ought to make it official then. An official appointment. The Royal Underground Guards, perhaps, like the Palace Guards here. She could take a position similar to Mary, if they both agreed to it."

"It is a good idea. And I believe, if it is properly presented, that Colonel Spencer will have no objections. I, for one, would not mind having the addition help. And of course, Vanessa would appreciate the recognition of her efforts." He smiled, then added softly.

"They do appreciate it, you know, how hard you are trying. Vanessa gets impatient sometimes, but she has a good heart." He paused. "That reminds me. I have an official request from Vanessa, which she asked me to relay to you. We've been doing some research, and it appears that there are some houses in Londinium, and on the outskirts, that connect to the Ghetto, or could be made to. She's requested permission to rebuild some of them, to allow members of the Ghetto above ground."

"I see. Well, it sounds like a very good idea, but…that could also be very dangerous, couldn't it?" Esther pursed her lips in thought. "I mean, if someone sneaks in the way they did last time…"

"That is my concern as well. However, Vanessa assures me the houses would be under guard. Also, she has stated that if we agree to her request, she is willing to implement the full measure of our new security systems." Walsh's voice was quick and business-like, but Esther sensed the mingled concern and hope in his words. He wanted desperately to give his sister the freedom she had asked of them.

"Speaking of that…have you found anything? Have you figured out how they got in, and what to do about it?" "Indeed. They apparently hacked the system using some very old codes." Virgil's eyes darkened. "It's strange…they used codes so old they pre-dated Armageddon. I've only seen one other such access in my lifetime."

Esther blinked. Though he looked no older than twenty-five or thirty, he'd told her himself that he'd lived to serve four Albion rulers. Though she'd never asked his actual age, that alone told her he was nearly a hundred years old. "Only once? Who was it? Perhaps they can help us." Virgil shook his head. "I'm afraid I can not ask them." He saw her puzzled gaze.

"The only other access I've seen using codes that old was by the AX members who entered and helped counter the attack. I asked, but all of them told me that their entrance was made possible by the man they called Father Nightroad." Esther felt her stomach clench. To distract herself, she spoke up quickly. "Can you counter the access codes?"

"I can. It's a matter of removing the codes from the software. It's taking some time, because they were embedded in the core of most of our systems. Either that, or I'm finding codes and software that were based off the original guidelines. Even if the codes are expunged, anything that has similar data could be hacked. My engineers and software programmers and I are working hard at it, but it will take more time. I estimate at least another month before we can be even reasonably certain we've removed most of the access coding. Another two or so before I can be sure the systems are completely clean and the new protections are in place." Esther winced. She didn't understand much about technology, but three months without protection was bad.

"Is there anything else you can do?"

"Of course, Your Majesty." Virgil bowed his head slightly. "Forgive me, I did not mean to cause you undue concern. Even though preventing another such invasion will take some time, I have already implemented security measures that will alert me if those codes are re-used, or anything like them. Also, it will warn me if any computer using a signature like that which originally hacked our system is used. Even if I cannot prevent it, I will know the instant such an incursion occurs." There was silence between then for a moment, and then Virgil looked away. "Regarding that matter, there was one question I had for Your Majesty."

"What is that?"

"The codes your comrade Father Nightroad used. At this time I've not tried to remove them, nor have I placed a special alert on them. However, I have noted they are even more dangerous than those which Rosenkreutz used. The codes and recognition sequence he used will access and activate any part of the Ghetto. I can block them as well, if you wish. But I thought it would be polite to ask you first."

Esther considered the matter. On one hand, it would be better to remove the danger entirely. The ghetto would certainly be better off if the access was blocked. But…they were Abel's access. She had no idea why he'd had such a thing, why he knew when and how to enter the facility, but he must have had his reasons. Finally she sighed.

"If you would, Lord Walsh, leave those in place. But for the safety of the people, I'd like you to put them under alert, with the others. And…let me know immediately if anyone uses them." "As you wish. And Vanessa's request?"

"I'll have to think about it." Esther sighed. "I'd like to simply tell them yes, but it's so risky. We should probably inspect the sites, to see if it's possible to mount an effective guard, and then decide which ones are useful, and what security would need to be used." She looked at him regretfully. "Please tell her I'm sorry we can't simply grant her request, but we'll do the best we can."

"I will. Shall I relay your suggestion for a formal Guard position and royal sponsorship as well?"

"Please do. I'd like to hear how she reacts to the idea." Esther smiled. "Is there anything else? If not, I should probably get back to my paperwork." She looked ruefully at the neat piles of papers on her desk. "These reports and petitions won't read and sign themselves."

"That is true." Virgil rose, then looked at the clock. "However, might I suggest you join me in Mary's office? It is almost time for the conference call you requested with Cardinal Sforza."

"Oh. Already?" Esther glanced at the clock on the wall, then leapt to her feet. "You're right. We'd better go then." Virgil smiled and held the door, bowing her through. "After you Your Majesty." He followed her through, then shut the door. Together they walked down the long hallway to another door, which led to the office of the head of the Albion Military, a position currently held by Mary Spencer, Esther's other primary advisor. Virgil knocked twice, then opened the door and held it for Esther.

"Colonel Spencer, Her Majesty is here." Mary was sitting at the desk, working on her own paperwork, but she rose with a smile as they entered. "Your Majesty. I was just expecting you." She glanced at the clock on the wall.

"The call should be coming through in just a few minutes. Please be seated."

"Thank you." Esther smiled. "I keep telling you both, you don't have to be so formal when we're simply talking." She blushed. "I'm still not used to being treated like a queen. It would be easier if you'd call me by my name. And please, both of you be seated as well."

"Well, it's a little inappropriate, but if that is your wish, I will do my best to abide by it." Mary settled back into her chair. "If I may ask, how are you settling in? Is everything all right?" She smiled warmly. "If you're struggling with anything, Virgil and I will be happy to assist you."

"Thank you." Esther looked at the desk. "I think I'm doing all right. It's just…I was working on paperwork just now, and I got a little distracted. I really can't afford that, or I'll get behind, won't I?" Mary chuckled "I wouldn't worry about it too much, Your Majesty. I think everyone has trouble keeping up with their paperwork at times. I know I do." She turned an amused gaze to her peer. "For that matter, so does Virgil. But when he gets distracted, it takes forever to get him back to it, and then he stays up for three days straight sorting it all out. How he manages it without ever losing that calm expression of his is a mystery to me."

Virgil shrugged gracefully. "I simply have a constitution that can handle the stress."

Esther blinked. "That's right…you're a Methuselah, aren't you?" She blushed and looked at the floor. "I've wondered about that, but I hadn't managed to ask you about it…and I wasn't sure how that could be possible. I mean, it's day out, and you were looking through the windows…"

Virgil bowed his head slightly. "I am a Methuselah, majesty. However, there is a special mix of silver nitrate and other chemicals that will allow someone like me to walk in the sunlight, while still retaining some of my strength. I take it every morning." He hesitated a moment, then spoke more softly.

"Does it bother you?"

"No. not at all. I was just curious. Forgive me if I upset you." Esther looked at him again. "But…it doesn't hurt you, does it? I don't want you to be causing yourself harm simply to be in my service." A smile touched the corner of his stern mouth.

"Your predecessor once said that to me as well. Rest assured, Majesty, that I am coming to no harm. The silver solution was created to have minimum negative effects, and by now, my body is quite used to it." He turned his head for a moment to look at the windows, open in Mary's office to admit the light of the sun. Then he looked back at Esther. "The joy I have in serving, and in being able to stand by your side, here in this sunlight, far outweigh any considerations of the drugs effects."

Esther blushed, uncertain what to say. Mary saved her the trouble. "That may be, but when on Earth do you sleep?"

"When I need to." Virgil looked totally serious, but Esther caught the glint of humor in his eyes.

"Naturally. I suppose that is true of all of us." Mary Spencer snorted, a mild sound of appreciation. A light blinked on her desk console. "Ah. Your majesty, the call from the Vatican is coming in. Shall I connect it?"

"Please do." Esther straightened, running one hand nervously through her hair. Lord Walsh shifted, and made a motion to rise.

"Shall we leave you in peace, Your Majesty?"

"No, please, I'd appreciate it if you'd stay. There are some things I want to talk about that you need to be aware of." She motioned to him, and he settled back into his seat, just as the display in the communications center lit up. The face of an older woman, about Mary's age and framed in the red robes of a cardinal of the Vatican, appeared. Blond hair framed a slender, beautiful face with sharp grey eyes. Esther smiled. "Good afternoon, Duchess of Milan."

Caterina Sforza, Duchess of Milan, head of the Vatican's Department of Foreign Affairs, and of the less official AX division, smiled back.

"Good afternoon, Your Majesty." Esther blushed.

"Please, call me Esther. After all, only two months ago, you were my superior. It feels to strange for you to address me like that."

Caterina's smile widened. "Very well then. May I ask how things are going, Esther?"

"Well, they seem to be going all right. That's why I wanted to speak with you." Esther took a deep breath, straightening her back. "My predecessor very much wanted to have an Alliance with the Vatican, and my advisors have agreed. We believe that such an alliance would be beneficial for both sides, especially in light of recent events."

"You're referring to the attack by Rosenkreutz on the city of Londinium?" Caterina's eyes were sharp.

"Yes. We will need to stand strong to meet this threat. It was only because we all worked together that we defeated them. I believe we should aid each other in future events as well."

"You're quite correct about that." Caterina smiled warmly. "I'd be happy to propose a formal alliance agreement to the Vatican council. I'm certain it will be approved. After all, His Holiness is very fond of you, and many of our staff are aware of how you saved him in the Albion Underground." Esther flushed.

"I really didn't do all that much. I mean, I lost him in the tunnels, and allowed him to be taken." "But you did your best. And His Holiness remembers it. He told me, that you and he had promised to try and make the world better. And that he truly wants to keep that promise."

"I'm glad His Holiness thinks so well of me. Please, give him my regards when you see him."

"I will." Caterina frowned thoughtfully. "We'll need to set a time and place for a formal meeting. In the mean time, is there anything I can do for you?"

"Actually, yes." Esther sat up straight. "I have a few questions. And…I would like to ask a few favors of you, Lady Caterina." "If it's within my power to answer you, I'll be happy to." Esther nodded, then spoke hesitantly.

"About my previous position in the AX…I would like to know my current status. If possible, I would like to remain in the AX, to offer my support if nothing else."

"I see." Caterina appeared to consult something off screen for a moment. "I hadn't changed your status yet. However, I'd like to list you as retired reserves for the moment. You need to concentrate on your kingdom, and give your strength to Albion. After all, you've only recently weathered a terrible assault, and you've only been queen a month. Your first responsibility lies there."

Esther swallowed. "I understand. But still…I would like to be able to help you as well."

Caterina nodded. "I appreciate that. We'll leave you as a retired reserve. Rest assured, if there's anything I feel I need assistance with, I will call upon you immediately."

"Of course. In that case, I'd appreciate it if you could give me any information you have on Rosenkreutz. I'm afraid we know almost nothing about them. It would be a great help if you could pass whatever you know on to me. Or, if you prefer, to my advisors, Lord Virgil Walsh of the Albion Underground, or Colonel Mary Spencer."

"Yes. The two who contacted us about a possible alliance after the passing of Queen Brigitte." Caterina considered a moment, then wrote something down. "Very well, I'll send you what we have. I'm afraid it isn't much. We have a few names, most of which you already know, and a few hints here and there. Unfortunately, they're very good at hiding their tracks. Even when we get a lead, it's often useless by the time we follow up on it."

"I'm sure it will still be a great help." Esther swallowed. She hadn't even told her two strongest supporters what else she'd intended to ask about. "Also…I was wondering if you still had contacts within the Methuselah Empire, Your Grace." Esther felt the two behind her stiffen, but Caterina only looked thoughtful.

"I do. Duchess Astharoshe Asran has proved a useful ally." She sighed. "The Earl of Memphis is currently unavailable, however, he did put me in touch with his grandmother, the Duchess of Moldova, whom I believe has the ear of the Empress."

"I was wondering if you could help me get in contact with them. I would like to speak to the Empire, but…I have no means of contacting the Imperial Court myself." Esther sighed, then looked at the woman before her. "If it's possible, I'd like to do as you've done, and forge an alliance with the Empress. I believe that we may need her assistance."

"That's a very wise idea. I'll send you the information I have regarding my contacts within the Methuselah Empire." Caterina smiled. "I'm sure you'll have no trouble. Both the Duchess of Moldova and the Duchess of Kiev spoke very highly of you." Esther blushed. "Thank you." She hesitated. "Do you really think an alliance can hold up? I mean, His Excellency, Cardinal di Medici…" Caterina chuckled.

"Francesco is furious about even the tentative agreement we've reached. But after the blatant attack on Londinium, even he can't ignore the greater threat Rosenkreutz poses. I think that by the time he gets around to trying to break it, the Alliance will have proven itself. Besides, His Holiness has shown a tentative support of the truce. It's a great help."

"That's very good to know. Thank you." Esther bowed her head politely. "If you can send me that information as soon as possible, I would greatly appreciate it."

"Of course. I'll have it to you within the week. Is there anything else?"

"Well, we do need to set that date for a meeting. However, I'd like it if we could meet after I've had a chance to get in contact with the Empire. Perhaps we could arrange a triple meeting, and work everything out at once."

"It's a fine idea. In the meantime, I would suggest that you and your advisors work out a basic idea of things you'd like to cover in the alliance, trade and so forth. That way, you'll be ready. I intend to do the same."

"Yes, of course." Esther could feel the tension radiating from the two behind her. No doubt she had a lot of explaining to do, since she hadn't told either of them what she intended. She only hoped they wouldn't be too upset with her. She thought Virgil would be all right with the suggestion, but she wasn't as sure about Mary. After all, Colonel Spencer had weathered a number of combats with Methuselah. She forced her mind back to the conversation.

"I'll certainly take your suggestion. Thank you."

"It's a pleasure." Caterina looked off screen at something. "If we're going to make this work, then we both have a great deal to do."

"Yes. I should get back to my work as well." Esther reached for the button, that would terminate the call, then hesitated. "Lady Caterina, I did have one more question. I was wondering…have you by chance heard anything…from or about Father Abel?" Caterina's face settled into stillness.

"Father Abel?" She sighed. "No, I'm afraid I haven't heard from him. My agents all have instructions to be on the lookout for him, but I'm afraid I've had no word."

"I see. Well, it was just a thought on my part. Thank you again for your assistance." Esther forced a smile. "I look forward to working with you."

"And I with you. Until we speak again, Your Majesty." Caterina nodded, and both of them reached forward to break the connection. Esther sighed, then turned around to begin explaining things to her advisors.

After the transmission ended, Caterina Sforza sat back in her chair and sighed. Esther was becoming a good queen. Caterina could see it in her face, the way she was adapting to the challenge, and growing into the responsibilities she'd abruptly inherited. She had no doubt Esther would become a strong monarch, and a good one, well able to care for her people and her kingdom. Though Caterina hadn't had any idea that the young sister was the heir to the Albion throne, she had to admit she knew of few better candidates. Esther had a good head on her shoulders, and she learned quickly. In the short time she'd served with Caterina, she'd picked up a good grasp of politics, and it was obvious that even her short time on the throne had caused her to expand her knowledge rapidly. And there was no doubt in Caterina's mind that the young woman would do what was best for Albion, and for her allies. Caterina sighed again, looking out her window. She really did admire Esther, and wanted to support the girl. Perhaps that was why she felt so guilty about lying to her. But it couldn't be helped. She'd given her word to Abel that she'd reveal him status to no one, and particularly not to Esther. Caterina grimaced, remembering the conversation, held in Lilith's tomb three days after Abel's resurrection.

She had received a message, very blunt and short, asking her to meet him in the old crypt. It hadn't been signed, but she had known the handwriting, and which crypt he meant. She'd arrived, late in the evening, to find Abel already there, standing beside the coffin that housed the body of his lover. He didn't turn as she entered, but he spoke.

"Caterina."

"Abel."

She started to step forward, to touch his shoulder, but he stepped away from her, turned his face away. She saw where he looked, at the empty housing for the tube of nano-machines.

"I'm sorry. I had no choice."

"You had a choice. You chose this." Abel's voice was rough, and she couldn't tell whether it was anger or grief or pain. Perhaps all three.

"We still need you. Surely you don't think…Abel, I believe she would have given her blessings."

She didn't understand why he was so upset. But she remembered the difficult road he had travelled, the hardship he had endured. She sighed.

"I'm sorry, if I've forced you to do something you didn't want. Perhaps it would have been better to leave you. But I felt, and still feel, that we

need you. Please, Abel…don't be angry with me. I did what I felt I had to."

"Pray it doesn't destroy us all." Abel turned, and she saw then the terrible desolation, anger and fear, mixing in his blue eyes.

"What you've done to me…the only other person to survive this went insane. He is now the Enemy of the World."

Caterina gasped. "You're saying…this process created the Contra Mundi? But if you know that…" She reached out, took hold of his sleeve before he could evade her. "Abel, what is it? Please, tell me."

He stared at her for a long time, anger and anguish warring in his eyes. Then his head bowed.

"Long ago, I used the nano-machine fusion to save the life of someone. The power drove them insane."

"Who was it, Abel?" She didn't let go. When he didn't answer, she tried something else.

"The effects for each individual are different. You've said it yourself. There's no reason for it to be the same…"

"There's a good reason. He and I…we have the same genetic code." Blue eyes rose to meet hers. "The Contra Mundi, the Enemy of the World…he is my twin brother, Cain." Shock made her release him.

"Abel…"

"I thought he was dead. But he isn't. I'm going to destroy him." "Abel, wait." She caught him again, noticing this time the shudder that passed through him.

"I'll help you. The professor can check you…and we'll gather resources…"

"No." Abel cut her off. "You can't. I've died, remember? Even if the AX knows the truth, how will you explain my presence to the church? Brother Petros and Sister Paula saw my body. We'll both be tried as heretics and destroyed."

"At least let Professor Wordsworth examine you…"

"No. It's not safe. It was a risk even coming here." One hand rose to clutch the front of his robes, and she saw him wince suddenly.

"It's not…they are much harder to control now…it isn't safe. My powers are changing, and I don't know if I can handle it. I only came to say goodbye." He straightened, and turned to leave her.

"Abel, wait." She didn't want him to leave like this, but she couldn't think how to stop him.

"Please, don't try to fight alone." She sought something else to say. "At least let me send Tres with you. He can't get in your way, and he already knows.

You can rely on his discretion. And if something happens…" Abel paused a moment.

"Tres…he might be able to stop me. Very well. I'll accept Tres. But no one else." He didn't turn around, but Caterina heard the pleading in his voice. "Please Caterina, don't tell anyone." She knew Professor Wordsworth knew, and probably a few others. But she understood, especially in light of what he'd just told her. However, there was one matter.

"What of Esther? Tres said she was there, and she was upset over your death. Shouldn't you tell her?"

"No!" The word seemed almost to rip itself from him. He stopped, then spoke again, quieter but no less intense. "I don't want Esther to know…it's bad enough she saw me, and Cain. Promise me you will not tell her. Not even that I came here."

The shame in his voice stopped whatever argument she might have made on Esther's behalf.

"Very well." She saw him relax slightly.

"May God be with you, Abel." He didn't reply, and her last sight of him was his back as he walked into the darkness.

Caterina withdrew from her memories with a grimace. Since then she hadn't seen Abel. He relayed periodic messages to her through Tres, and that was it. She knew he was somewhere in the Germanic kingdoms, hunting Rosenkreutz and their partners, Fleur du Mal, but she only knew that because Kate was tracking them in the Iron Maiden. Abel had been upset about that, when he'd discovered Kate was also covering him, but Caterina had sent a message reminding him that air back up was a useful thing to have, and that he and Tres needed a quiet way to get supplies. She'd also pointed out that both Kate and Professor Wordsworth had already found out he was alive before she assigned them, and that with their help, she could safely divert attention to other areas and leave him to work in peace. He'd finally agreed to it, but only on the condition that the Professor remained in Rome. Caterina rubbed her forehead with one hand. She knew where Abel was, or at least where Tres was. She knew, based on Tres's reports, that he had been joined by the young Count of Memphis, Ion Fortuna. She knew he was hunting.

But she didn't know anything more than that. All Tres had been able to tell her of his condition was that he appeared to be performing satisfactorily. She supposed that meant he was well, but she worried. What had she done to him, forcing the fusion? What was it doing to him? She'd seen it in his eyes, that night, how frightened he was. And from the brief reports she'd had of the Londinium fight, she knew his powers had changed. But what had happened, and what would happen, she had no idea, and she was afraid for him. Caterina sighed, then rose and walked to the window, concern on her face. She feared, though she could not say it, that her actions had doomed one of her dearest friends to torment and madness. But there was no way to undo it. She raised one hand, pressed it against the glass, then made the sign of the cross.

"May God be with you, Abel."

She bowed her head in silent prayer for a moment, then turned back to her desk. The only thing she could do for Abel now was pray for him. In the meantime, there was work to be done.