((OOC: Konichiwa! This is just a Roleplay the Trinity Blood Group had on MySpace on Wednesday Morning, 28 Febuary 2007. I play Seth Nightroad on MySpace, and this is what happened. Enjoy. My thanks to the rest of the other characters who played their roles and made this possible.))
___________________________________________________________________
Seth Nightroad appeared in front of Father Hugue de Watteau, hands clasped in front of her. It was evening, and the Priest was shadowed, making him seem mysterious. "Father Hugue de Watteau." Seth looked at him seriously. "If it's not too bothersome, I wish to be informed on my brother Abel's condition. I... As his sister, I feel that I have to interfere with whatever he's trying to do to Contra Mundi, or help. Will you lend me your aid?"
Hugue's emerald eyes narrowed only slightly, shadowed by his hooded cloak. He had heard about Seth... he knew that she was truely the younger sister of Father Abel Nightroad..... and Cain. "... Why ask me then... Your Highness." Sword Dancer hardly tried to sound... proper. It was bad enough that she was the all time leader of those damned vampires.
Seth knew what crossed his mind just then, but this was no time to fight about Methuselah rights. "Because I cannot contact Tres, and if this goes on, I might join the Duchess Kiev." She rubbed her temples tiredly. "You're the only one I can trust..."
Meanwhile, Astharoshe Asran stood on top of a roof, lost in her thoughts, and noticed Seth appear to the priest. A smile graced her lips and she whispered quietly, "Good evening, Empress..." and cringed when Hugue shifted. "Sword Dancer..."
Seth noticed her but didn't turn. Don't worry about Hugue. I'm trying to convince him to give us information, She sent mentally to the Duchess.
"What exactly do you want to know, Your Highness?" Hugue asked mantaining that same old monotone voice with little or not emotion present. Many things were on his mind at the moment...
"I need to know the fastest way to Albion, and on Abel's status right now." Seth waited, holding her breath."
"It's critical from what I understand. However my communicator is broken, thus I cannot contact anyone nor recieve information." Hugue was speaking the truth... he himself was sick worrying about Abel. It wasn't often that he worried about someone other than himself.
Astharoshe looked at Seth and forced a smile. Alright, then..... All of a sudden, pain wracked her boday, making it freeze, and she lost her footing on the roof and fell to the ground.
Seth, biting her lip and still engaged in her conversation, didn't notice Astha's plight. "Would you allow me to come with you, then? I have to go to Albion. Abel..." Her voice trailed off as she saw movement and saw Astha falling. "Duchess!" Seth ran forwards to catch her. "Astha! Astha-san! Talk to me! Are you alright?! What happened?!"
Astharoshe opened her eyes and said weakly, "It hurts..... my back..... its bleeding where my wings are." She coughed up a bit of blood.
Seth hurriedly turned her over. "Oh, sweet Lord.... Who did this to you?!"
Hugue only narrowed his eyes slightly as Seth ran to catch the other woman. Honestly, he didn't have any concern of the other at all.... Abel... The Vatican... They were the only things that mattered to him. "I cannot stand around and pity an injured vampire. I'm leaving now."
Seth glared at him, Crusnik red flashing in her eyes for a second. "Go if you must, Hugue. Just... leave..."
Of course like always, hugue showed no sign of fear when she did this. "Fine," he replied before turning his back to head towards the city train station.
Seth continued to glower at him, but then looked away. "Abel was right..." she muttered to herself. "He's not a friendly one..."
True. Abel was right. But after Hugue's past, who could blame him. As a kid he got to watch his family be torn apart in front of his eyes, pieces to pieces. On top of that he had a sister he would search for until his last breath..... Betrayed and damn right unlucky.... That's who Hugue was. "..."
Seth bent over her fallen servant. "You're not the only one... You forget... Cain is my brother as well.... I'm as unlucky as you are...."
___________________________________________________________________
There was a moment of silenece as Hugue departed silently, then Seth quickly turned her attentionback to a stricken Astha, tears welling up in her eyes. "This is all Cain's fault! Stay put, Astha! If only Gunslinger was here to help us..." A steady stream of static came over Astha's earpiece, and Seth activated hers, searching for the android's signal. "Gunslinger! Astharoshe is injured! I'd been planning to go to Albion, but under the circumstances.... What is your status?"
Tres's surprised voice came over the earpiece. "Empress, is that you?" Static. "Cur...tly... i... Al...n...."
"Gunslinger! Gunslinger! You're breaking up!" Seth cried as more static came on. "Tres! Is Abel there?"
Astha stirred at that instant and struggled to speak. "My.... clone... was.... hit. When they are attacked, I take a bit of damage...." She began to cry. "I'm so worried about Abel..... I'm willing to hurt myself to look for him."
Seth just bent over her, a little shocked at seeing the normally fiery Duchess lose control of her emotions. "Cain is planning to take Abel in Albion..." Her voice beacame soft. "And I've managed to contact Gunslinger at last...."
"Empress!" Tres managed to get a better signal. "Empress... Father Nightroad..." He broke off due to the riots going on in Albion.
"Tres!" Seth tried again. "Astharoshe is injured! We need help!" The mention of her brother's name hit her like an impact just then and a cold shiver gripped her. "What's going on with Abel?"
"Cain.... I can't believe I..." Astha smiled weakly, making the young Crusnik's attention to snap back to her. "Don't shed tears for me, Empress. I am not dead yet..." She coughed again and tried to sit up. "I won't die... not while Abel is not by my side..."
"You're too weak!" Seth tried to stop her, her voice dropping. "Wait... Tres has replied. He says that..... Abel......."
"Empress, what has happened to Lady Astharoshe?" Tres moved to a safer place and resumed the connection, tightening his grip on a suitcase. "Why is Lady Astharoshe injured?"
Seth touched her earpiece. "Her clone was hit during a riot. The Duchess is currently injured badly. Requesting medical assisstance."
"I apologize, Empress, but I can not comply. I am currently in Albion. I was sent by Lady Catherina to.... save Abel." His voice trailed off at the end of his sentence.
Seth's eyes widened and her voice trailed off. "Abel..... Abel..... Wh-What has happened to him...? Is he...."
Astha heard the panic in Seth's voice and said weakly, "I have to get another one to Albion. I have to get Abel before Cain gets him."
Seth wasn't listening, what she heard from Tres stopped her heart for a second. "... Positive. He was killed in the Ghetto while on his rescue mission." Tres picked up his suitcase and started to head for the cathedral. "When my mission is complete, I shall return."
___________________________________________________________________
There was stunned silence for a while and Tres could literally feel the pain and shock behind it. "NOOOO! THIS CAN'T BE!!!!" Seth's cry was full of sadness. A few shaky breaths and silence reigned again, then a question was suddenly sprung on him. "Tres, what is the fastest way to Albion? I'm coming to face Cain."
___________________________________________________________________
Astha saw Seth's face drain of all colour before she threw her head back and cried out. She looked at her beloved Empress with wide eyes. "Abel what?" Her voice broke. "What happened to him?" Again, the Asran heir tried to stand, but arched in pain and placed a hand over her heart, grasping it to ease the pain. "Abel....."
Seth bowed her head, tears falling. Abel-nii-san is dead..... Abel... is dead. Cain killed him in the ghetto.... And I will face Cain-nii-san. She looked up with resolution. "I'm going to Albion, Astha. I have to face my brother for this."
"Negative, Empress." Tres's voice said suddenly. In her grief, Seth forgot that Gunslinger could hear her conversation with Astha. "It is too dangerous. We cannot risk your life, you must survive to ensure peace between Methuselahs and Terrans." Tres kept a steady pace to the cathedral. "Father Nightroad will be alright...." His voice trailed off.
Seth sighed. "I'm sorry, Gunslinger, but I've made up my mind. Even the Duchess... She wants to go, injured or not, and I can't leave her. I'm coming to Albion."
Astha was shocked. "That can't be.... Abel isn't gone." She started crying. "Don't tell me that. I didn't even tell him how I felt. I have to go to Albion. Don't try to stop me. I don't care how weak I am, I need to be near him right now....."
Seth nodded. "Take it easy, Astha.... We shall go together then..."
Tres stopped in his tracks when he heard this. "Negative. Lady Astharoshe and the Empress must remain in the Empire."
Seth gritted her teeth. Tres, this is my BROTHER we're talking about! If Cain shows up, I'm the only one who can stop him!" She controlled her tears, trying hard not to cry. "Astha is badly injured, but she's already moving there..."
Astha regained her strength, as Seth raged at Tres, all the while thinking, You're such a jerk, Abel. I discover I love you and then you die... She pushed herself up and looked at Seth. "We need a plan before we go. Tres will be very upset with us..." She tried to spread her wings, but the pain made her freeze again and fall to her knees. "I can't even spread my wings.... yet."
"He is upset. He's insisting that we stay in the Empire." Seth sighed. "Take it easy.... You're still injured. Let me spread my own wings." She shifted into her Crusnik form st 20% and spread the fairy like wings that she owned as Crusnik 03.
"I can not allow you to come to Albion. All is under control. As I have said before, Father Nightroad will be fine." Tres started showing a little anger in his voice.
Seth closed her eyes for a bit. "Tres.... there is no way you can stop me once I've made up my mind. Abel may be fine like you said, but I'm sorry." With that, she promptly cut off her connection with him.
Astha coughed, supported by Seth. "So, where will we go?"
Seth winced. "Tres isn't so happy that we're coming to Albion. We have to go, but quietly. I'm cutting all contact with him now. Show me the way, Duchess."
Astha's coughs became a bit more violent. "No... Don't cut contact. As much as I don't like it, we will stay here. I think I can manage another clone, but this time, I will make so that it isn't easily detected. I do not want to make Tres angry... No matter how upset we feel right now. Nor do I wish to be dead weight. We will not move, Empress.... not yet."
Seth sighed heavily. "As you wish... An angry Tres isn't what we need now anyway. I will re-establish contact with him and inform him that we will dispatch two clones in our stead instead." She re-established contact, sounding defeated. "Empress to Gunslinger. We sill stay in the Empire for now, and dispatch two clones to Albion as our scouts. Forgive my earlier outburst."
Tres's voice had a hint of regret and pity in it. "All is forgiven, Empress. I can understand what must be going through your head right now."
Astha smiled. "Thank you, Empress..." She closed her eyes and raised her hand as Seth returned to her normal form. Two images of them appeared. "There...." She opened her eyes and tried to sit up.
Seth nodded. "Thank you, Astha. Try not to move.... At least stay until your wings regenerate..."
Astha nodded gratefully. "Of course."
___________________________________________________________________
((OOC: That was it for today. We all got a little headachy and tired form staring at the screen, so we stopped for now. Till the next roleplay.... and OH MY GOD!!!! TODAY'S THE LAST EPISODE OF TRINITY BLOOD!!!! THAT MEANS.... THAT MEANS..... ABEL AND CAIN'S GONNA BE FIGHTING TODAY!!! AHHHHHH!!!! *cries and cries*))
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
To Be Human (A hint of Matureness!)
((OOC: Damn! I'm really out of ideas for "Tres's Choice", sorry! Anyway, here's just another something that popped into my head......))
___________________________________________________________________
(Morning 8:00 a.m.)
Solene ran about, running errands for Catherina as the flustered Cardinal tried to get herself organized for the day. Kate couldn't help as much as Solene did, so she did her part by reminding Catherina about the day's schedule. Tres, of course, sttod silently in a corner as Havel straightened out the messy paperwork. Same old morning panic before things settled down.
___________________________________________________________________
(Mid-morning 10:30 a.m.)
"I'm telling you, Abel, you can't have anymore food! You've eaten a perfectly good breakfast half an hour ago!" Solene said exasperatedly. "Honestly, you have a bottomless pit for a stomach!"
"But Soleneeeee!" Abel whined. "I'll be back fast! I just need to make another trip to the kitchens...."
"No means no! Now come on, we have a mission to settle...." Solene dragged the whining Crusnik by his collar out.
___________________________________________________________________
(Lunch 12:00 p.m)
Astharoshe Asran watched with a half-disgusted, half-exasperated look on her face as Abel scarfed his lunch down as if there was no tomorrow. Solene had a frustrated expression. "Forgive me, Lady. I wouldn't have invited you out to lunch if I knew Abel was being posted with me."
"It's alright, really." Astharoshe waved a hand and picked up her glass of wine. "I'm used to his actions. Though I think Father Nightroad here has to learn a bit of table manners."
Solene grimanced and sipped at her tea, her appitite taken away as she watched Abel eat. Her stomach grumbled, but she didn't want to eat. "So then, Lady Astharoshe, Catherina-sama informed me that we were to escort you around Rome while you check on the Methuselah population."
"That is correct, Sister D'Cruz." Astharoshe nodded, relieved to have something else to take Abel off her mind. "The Empress wishes to know how the Methuselah of Rome are faring, and if given the chance, would they accept an invitation to live in the Byzantium Empire."
Solene hummed thoughtfully, touching the tip of her nose with a finger. "The Empress is wise indeed. I'm sure the entire Empire is faring well under her just rule."
Astharoshe gave her a rare smile. "Indeed. I shall inform her Highness of your kind words."
Abel looked up, his mouth bulging full of food as the two females smiled at each other. "Ashcha-san... Yoshre schmiling...."
"Just swallow or you'll eat Gae Bolg next!" Astharoshe growled and pointed her weapon at him as Solene turned green.
___________________________________________________________________
(Afternoon 3:00 p.m)
"Solene-chan!" A familliar rough voice rang out as the trio made their way down a side street.
"Leon?" Said priestess turned to see Dandelion coming up. "Whatever is the matter? You look hassled."
"I..uh..." Leon glanced uneasily at Astha and Abel before pulling Solene aside. "I need your help, kid. You won't mind, right? I really, really need your help. I'll give you all of my next paycheck if you say yes."
Solene put her hands on her hips. "I'm on a mission, de Asturias. I can't help you right now. Besides, bribery is against the Commandments."
"Go help your friend, Sister D'Cruz," Astha said unexpectedly. "I think Father Nightroad and I will do fine on our own. Anyway, no one knows if no one tells."
Solene raised an eyebrow as Astha dragged Abel off. "Fine. I'll help you. Just this once."
___________________________________________________________________
(Evening 6:00 p.m)
"Leon, what exactly is this?!" Solene shrieked as she surfaced after falling into the sewer. Said priest scratched his head sheepishly with a hand, the other clutching a huge orange tom cat.
"Ah, gomen ne... Stephanie lost her cat and got pretty worried. So... I kinda... offered to help search for it."
"This is the last time I'm helping you find your girlfriend's cat." Solene stormed out of the murky water. "You owe two month's pay to me!"
___________________________________________________________________
(Mid- evening 7:00 p.m)
Catherina's eyes widened slightly as Solene returned to the Vatican. "Sister D'Cruz! Did you..."
"I can explain..." Solene began, but the Cardinal cut her off with a smile and wave of her hand.
"Sister Kate informed me of what happened. Rest assured that Father Garcia de Asturias's next paychecks will go to you. In the meantime, hurry and freshen up, get a change of uniform. Cardinal Francessco has called for a confrence."
Solene inwardly groaned.
___________________________________________________________________
It was 1:00 a.m when Solene finally trudged back to her room, weary, half-deaf and hungry. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Pope Alessandro as the teen cowered in the middle of his screaming brother and sister. But Queen of Heart was feeling rather irritable and tired at the moment, so she wasted no time pitying him, but immedieately changed and fell on her bed in a heap.
Later that night, there was a quiet but firm knock at the door, and waking up with a grumble, Solene crossed the room and opened the door, ready to yell at whoever had the gall to disturb her rest. Oh, yes, Sister D'Cruz wasn't one who woke with a good mood.
Right now, she just mumbled every curse that was in the book as she swung the door open and saw... Tres. The android sensed her hostility and carefully looked her over.
"Tres. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Lady Catherina would like me to stay with you for the night, Solene."
Solene gave a sigh. "I'm not going to run off from the Vatican. You can guard me outside, okay? Oyasumi nasai." She closed the door, but the android stopped her. "It would be better if I was inside, Solene."
Solene growled and swore under her breath, irritated. "Fine then! Whatever you want! It's not like we've never shared a room before...." She opened the door wider and let him in before stomping back to her bed and pulling the covers over her head. Once under the blanket, Solene allowed a small smile to grace her lips. You're somewhat irritating at times, Tres Iques....
___________________________________________________________________
Tres watched Solene for over three hours, thought racing through his head. He had lied, he knew, but he had done it because he suddenly missed her, and she had been acting cold towards him for the past two days. Quietly walking over to where she lay, he knelt on the carpet and observed the sleeping girl's expressionless face. He somehow loved her..... loved her so much that it hurt at times, and he just......
A strand of hair fell down her forehead and Tres gently brushed it away with a finger. She looked so beautiful asleep... So why was he feeling this strange pain? Why? Why was a finger of sadness and pain winding it's way into his heart appratus?
He moved closer to her, so close that he felt her warm breath flutter on his cheek.... and Solene blearily opened her eyes. Emerald eyes locked with his, and she sat up abruptly with a little scream. "Ahhh!!! Tres! What are you doing?! You almost gave me a heart attack!"
"Just checking your status," Tres answered in a monotone. "Your body tempreature seemed to be lower than standard, and you were fidgeting in your sleep."
Solene frowned. "Are you sure?"
"Affirmative...."
Queen of Heart hummed a little thoughtfully and relaxed, her gaze on Gunslinger, assessing him. He moved closer, one gloved hand cupping her cheek and he suddenly nuzzled her ear.
"Explain this feeling to me..... why does it hurt and yet not when I look at you.....?"
Solene sucked in a sharp breath. "Because..... it's human to feel those things.... human to love... even you're not...."
Tres faced her, touching noses. "Then show me what it's like...... show me what it's like to be human.... Show me how to feel, how to love.... show me...."
Solene satred in shock at him. Tres was actually acting human. He looked so unsure, so..... A hint of warmth shone from his eyes, capturing her. His face moved closer and their lips touched.
Tres gently pressed his lips to hers, surprising the already startled and shocked girl. Her eyes fluttered shut and she relaxed against him, parting her lips slightly, allowing him to go further, running her tounge lightly over his lips. Tres did the same before he slipped his tounge into her mouth, earning a whimper of pleasure from her. He pulled away then, leaving Solene breathless.
Tres slid his hand around her waist, feeling the shudder that ran through her , feeling the heat and the shape of her slender waist under her nightgown. Solene wrapped her arms around his neck, his muscles tensing then relaxing under her touch. Their gazes locked as they touched foreheads, staring deep into each other's eyes, drinking in the passion that raged like a strong fire there.
Tres removed his hands and undid his cassock, tossing it aside onto the bedside table before taking the gold rings off. Solene swallowed and was about to say something, but the android stopped her by kissing her neck, running his fingers down the sides of her body, making her flush red. Nibbling her neck, her teased her straps down, breathing on her shoulders.
Solene's eyes were glazed and she made no protest, looking flushed and dreamy from what he was doing. It goaded Tres on and he felt a fierce satisfaction to see her in this state. Gunslinger slowly began undoing his uniform, exposing his chest.
Solene lost all other thoughts as he leaned forwards and kissed her, sliding his tounge into her mouth, twining it aroung hers. She pressed close to him and begged for more.
She just loved it.
Tres pulled back to give her air and saw that her eyes were half closed, lips slightly parted, lust clearly written all over her face.
He simply wanted more.
It was human.... and he was acting human... he was feeling human.
Solene caught his gaze. "Is that enough, or do you want more?" Her whisper tickled his ear.
Wordlessly, Tres shrugged off the rest of his uniform and did the same with her nightgown as he climbed atop her.....
"Tres!"
___________________________________________________________________
((OOC: Okay, that's it.... I'll leave it to your imagination to figure out what Tres and Solene were doing... (grins) But I guess that's pretty obvious, ne?))
___________________________________________________________________
(Morning 8:00 a.m.)
Solene ran about, running errands for Catherina as the flustered Cardinal tried to get herself organized for the day. Kate couldn't help as much as Solene did, so she did her part by reminding Catherina about the day's schedule. Tres, of course, sttod silently in a corner as Havel straightened out the messy paperwork. Same old morning panic before things settled down.
___________________________________________________________________
(Mid-morning 10:30 a.m.)
"I'm telling you, Abel, you can't have anymore food! You've eaten a perfectly good breakfast half an hour ago!" Solene said exasperatedly. "Honestly, you have a bottomless pit for a stomach!"
"But Soleneeeee!" Abel whined. "I'll be back fast! I just need to make another trip to the kitchens...."
"No means no! Now come on, we have a mission to settle...." Solene dragged the whining Crusnik by his collar out.
___________________________________________________________________
(Lunch 12:00 p.m)
Astharoshe Asran watched with a half-disgusted, half-exasperated look on her face as Abel scarfed his lunch down as if there was no tomorrow. Solene had a frustrated expression. "Forgive me, Lady. I wouldn't have invited you out to lunch if I knew Abel was being posted with me."
"It's alright, really." Astharoshe waved a hand and picked up her glass of wine. "I'm used to his actions. Though I think Father Nightroad here has to learn a bit of table manners."
Solene grimanced and sipped at her tea, her appitite taken away as she watched Abel eat. Her stomach grumbled, but she didn't want to eat. "So then, Lady Astharoshe, Catherina-sama informed me that we were to escort you around Rome while you check on the Methuselah population."
"That is correct, Sister D'Cruz." Astharoshe nodded, relieved to have something else to take Abel off her mind. "The Empress wishes to know how the Methuselah of Rome are faring, and if given the chance, would they accept an invitation to live in the Byzantium Empire."
Solene hummed thoughtfully, touching the tip of her nose with a finger. "The Empress is wise indeed. I'm sure the entire Empire is faring well under her just rule."
Astharoshe gave her a rare smile. "Indeed. I shall inform her Highness of your kind words."
Abel looked up, his mouth bulging full of food as the two females smiled at each other. "Ashcha-san... Yoshre schmiling...."
"Just swallow or you'll eat Gae Bolg next!" Astharoshe growled and pointed her weapon at him as Solene turned green.
___________________________________________________________________
(Afternoon 3:00 p.m)
"Solene-chan!" A familliar rough voice rang out as the trio made their way down a side street.
"Leon?" Said priestess turned to see Dandelion coming up. "Whatever is the matter? You look hassled."
"I..uh..." Leon glanced uneasily at Astha and Abel before pulling Solene aside. "I need your help, kid. You won't mind, right? I really, really need your help. I'll give you all of my next paycheck if you say yes."
Solene put her hands on her hips. "I'm on a mission, de Asturias. I can't help you right now. Besides, bribery is against the Commandments."
"Go help your friend, Sister D'Cruz," Astha said unexpectedly. "I think Father Nightroad and I will do fine on our own. Anyway, no one knows if no one tells."
Solene raised an eyebrow as Astha dragged Abel off. "Fine. I'll help you. Just this once."
___________________________________________________________________
(Evening 6:00 p.m)
"Leon, what exactly is this?!" Solene shrieked as she surfaced after falling into the sewer. Said priest scratched his head sheepishly with a hand, the other clutching a huge orange tom cat.
"Ah, gomen ne... Stephanie lost her cat and got pretty worried. So... I kinda... offered to help search for it."
"This is the last time I'm helping you find your girlfriend's cat." Solene stormed out of the murky water. "You owe two month's pay to me!"
___________________________________________________________________
(Mid- evening 7:00 p.m)
Catherina's eyes widened slightly as Solene returned to the Vatican. "Sister D'Cruz! Did you..."
"I can explain..." Solene began, but the Cardinal cut her off with a smile and wave of her hand.
"Sister Kate informed me of what happened. Rest assured that Father Garcia de Asturias's next paychecks will go to you. In the meantime, hurry and freshen up, get a change of uniform. Cardinal Francessco has called for a confrence."
Solene inwardly groaned.
___________________________________________________________________
It was 1:00 a.m when Solene finally trudged back to her room, weary, half-deaf and hungry. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Pope Alessandro as the teen cowered in the middle of his screaming brother and sister. But Queen of Heart was feeling rather irritable and tired at the moment, so she wasted no time pitying him, but immedieately changed and fell on her bed in a heap.
Later that night, there was a quiet but firm knock at the door, and waking up with a grumble, Solene crossed the room and opened the door, ready to yell at whoever had the gall to disturb her rest. Oh, yes, Sister D'Cruz wasn't one who woke with a good mood.
Right now, she just mumbled every curse that was in the book as she swung the door open and saw... Tres. The android sensed her hostility and carefully looked her over.
"Tres. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Lady Catherina would like me to stay with you for the night, Solene."
Solene gave a sigh. "I'm not going to run off from the Vatican. You can guard me outside, okay? Oyasumi nasai." She closed the door, but the android stopped her. "It would be better if I was inside, Solene."
Solene growled and swore under her breath, irritated. "Fine then! Whatever you want! It's not like we've never shared a room before...." She opened the door wider and let him in before stomping back to her bed and pulling the covers over her head. Once under the blanket, Solene allowed a small smile to grace her lips. You're somewhat irritating at times, Tres Iques....
___________________________________________________________________
Tres watched Solene for over three hours, thought racing through his head. He had lied, he knew, but he had done it because he suddenly missed her, and she had been acting cold towards him for the past two days. Quietly walking over to where she lay, he knelt on the carpet and observed the sleeping girl's expressionless face. He somehow loved her..... loved her so much that it hurt at times, and he just......
A strand of hair fell down her forehead and Tres gently brushed it away with a finger. She looked so beautiful asleep... So why was he feeling this strange pain? Why? Why was a finger of sadness and pain winding it's way into his heart appratus?
He moved closer to her, so close that he felt her warm breath flutter on his cheek.... and Solene blearily opened her eyes. Emerald eyes locked with his, and she sat up abruptly with a little scream. "Ahhh!!! Tres! What are you doing?! You almost gave me a heart attack!"
"Just checking your status," Tres answered in a monotone. "Your body tempreature seemed to be lower than standard, and you were fidgeting in your sleep."
Solene frowned. "Are you sure?"
"Affirmative...."
Queen of Heart hummed a little thoughtfully and relaxed, her gaze on Gunslinger, assessing him. He moved closer, one gloved hand cupping her cheek and he suddenly nuzzled her ear.
"Explain this feeling to me..... why does it hurt and yet not when I look at you.....?"
Solene sucked in a sharp breath. "Because..... it's human to feel those things.... human to love... even you're not...."
Tres faced her, touching noses. "Then show me what it's like...... show me what it's like to be human.... Show me how to feel, how to love.... show me...."
Solene satred in shock at him. Tres was actually acting human. He looked so unsure, so..... A hint of warmth shone from his eyes, capturing her. His face moved closer and their lips touched.
Tres gently pressed his lips to hers, surprising the already startled and shocked girl. Her eyes fluttered shut and she relaxed against him, parting her lips slightly, allowing him to go further, running her tounge lightly over his lips. Tres did the same before he slipped his tounge into her mouth, earning a whimper of pleasure from her. He pulled away then, leaving Solene breathless.
Tres slid his hand around her waist, feeling the shudder that ran through her , feeling the heat and the shape of her slender waist under her nightgown. Solene wrapped her arms around his neck, his muscles tensing then relaxing under her touch. Their gazes locked as they touched foreheads, staring deep into each other's eyes, drinking in the passion that raged like a strong fire there.
Tres removed his hands and undid his cassock, tossing it aside onto the bedside table before taking the gold rings off. Solene swallowed and was about to say something, but the android stopped her by kissing her neck, running his fingers down the sides of her body, making her flush red. Nibbling her neck, her teased her straps down, breathing on her shoulders.
Solene's eyes were glazed and she made no protest, looking flushed and dreamy from what he was doing. It goaded Tres on and he felt a fierce satisfaction to see her in this state. Gunslinger slowly began undoing his uniform, exposing his chest.
Solene lost all other thoughts as he leaned forwards and kissed her, sliding his tounge into her mouth, twining it aroung hers. She pressed close to him and begged for more.
She just loved it.
Tres pulled back to give her air and saw that her eyes were half closed, lips slightly parted, lust clearly written all over her face.
He simply wanted more.
It was human.... and he was acting human... he was feeling human.
Solene caught his gaze. "Is that enough, or do you want more?" Her whisper tickled his ear.
Wordlessly, Tres shrugged off the rest of his uniform and did the same with her nightgown as he climbed atop her.....
"Tres!"
___________________________________________________________________
((OOC: Okay, that's it.... I'll leave it to your imagination to figure out what Tres and Solene were doing... (grins) But I guess that's pretty obvious, ne?))
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Tres's Choice (Part two)
___________________________________________________________________
From left to right:
Abel Nightroad aka Crusnik (02)
William Walter Wordsworth aka Professor
Tres Iques aka Gunslinger
Leon Garcia de Asturias aka Dandelion
___________________________________________________________________
William met up with Leon at the appointed place, looking around warily. "Did you find him?"
"With all this damned Auto Jager around, it's a miracle if we get to the Orden's member in time." Leon scratched his head, grumbling. "They have to be gone by now. I think they're weren't expecting a surprise attack."
"That would seem so," Abel's voice rang out as he walked towards them, Tres in tow. "I went into the control room, but I didn't see anyone. They must've left in a hurry, and besides, this whole place looks fishy to me. It's so old and untouched, I wonder what the Rosenkruez Orden want here."
"Abel. Tres." William looked them over and frowned. "Where's Solene?"
Tres immedieately stopped. "We had assumed that Sister D'Cruz was with you. We were seperated from her while fighting, and she hasn't contacted us since."
"What?!" Leon sounded shocked. "Dammit! Solene could be injured or-"
"I'm fine, Leon-san. Bruised, but fine." Solene startled them all when she walked out of a corridor, panting and holding her neck.
"Solene!" Abel ran forwards and took her by her shoulders gently. "Are you alright?"
Solene gave him a tired smile. "I guess I am. I got knocked out so now my neck's a little sprained, though."
Abel sighed in relief. "That's good to hear. Come on, let's go back. Tres will patch you up nicely." He joined the other three AX members, Solene following behind.
No one saw her lips twist into a smile.
___________________________________________________________________
The four male members of the AX discussed the mission as they walked, with he exception of Tres, who remained as silent as always. Suddenly, a rumble filled the air and the roof caved in as their heads jerked up in shock. "The roof's caving in!" Leon yelled.
"Leap aside!" Abel shouted back as he moved.
Solene lost her balance and fell hard on her back. "Ahhh!" She screamed as the rocks rained around her. William leapt back to protect her, but to his shock, he felt her hand press against the small of his back, pushing him forwards. The light shove was enough to change his momentum and sent him propelling towards the worst of the crumbling rocks, sure to meet his doom....
Tres's Choice (Part one)
((OOC: Request from my darling cousin! A fight scene between the Rosenkruez and the AX!))
(Dietrich von Lohengrin aka marrionettespeiler/puppet master)
__________________________________________________________________
Solene faced Dietrich, a bit of uncertainty showing in her eyes. "Dietrich von Lohengrin. Please stop. I don't really want to fight you."
Dietrich smiled lightly. "Solene D'Cruz. It's been a while since we last met, hasn't it?"
Solene tensed as the puppet master flexed his fingers, and her wrists began to glow.
"Tsk." Dietrich tilted his head. "Using mana really isn't a good choice. It'll wear out your energy soon enough. Unless.... I make the first move in this game."
"This isn't a game, Dietrich!" Solene threw a mana chakram at him. "Stop this! You don't know what you're getting into!"
"I don't think so." Dietrich moved to the side, calmly evading her attack, and threw out his hands at her. "I work only for Lord Cain, and I believe in him."
"Ah!" A look of shock registered on Solene's face before she was whisked into the air by invisible strings and slammed into a pillar, hitting it hard. As she fell to the ground, Dietrich walked up to her, a little evil smile playing on his lips. "Well, how does it feel now, Solene? You never did learn your lesson." He moved his fingers, controlling her body, making her stand up on her feet before tilting up her face. "But you were unlike Esther... She put all her trust and faith in me. You knew what I was beforehand and moved away."
Solene bit her lip, trembling, trying to regain control of her movements. "You're... you're evil... Dietrich..."
"Am I?" Dietrich chuckled. "But then again, you know me all too well." He brought down his hand on the back of her neck and stars flashed in front of her eyes before she blacked out.
(Dietrich von Lohengrin aka marrionettespeiler/puppet master)
__________________________________________________________________
Solene faced Dietrich, a bit of uncertainty showing in her eyes. "Dietrich von Lohengrin. Please stop. I don't really want to fight you."
Dietrich smiled lightly. "Solene D'Cruz. It's been a while since we last met, hasn't it?"
Solene tensed as the puppet master flexed his fingers, and her wrists began to glow.
"Tsk." Dietrich tilted his head. "Using mana really isn't a good choice. It'll wear out your energy soon enough. Unless.... I make the first move in this game."
"This isn't a game, Dietrich!" Solene threw a mana chakram at him. "Stop this! You don't know what you're getting into!"
"I don't think so." Dietrich moved to the side, calmly evading her attack, and threw out his hands at her. "I work only for Lord Cain, and I believe in him."
"Ah!" A look of shock registered on Solene's face before she was whisked into the air by invisible strings and slammed into a pillar, hitting it hard. As she fell to the ground, Dietrich walked up to her, a little evil smile playing on his lips. "Well, how does it feel now, Solene? You never did learn your lesson." He moved his fingers, controlling her body, making her stand up on her feet before tilting up her face. "But you were unlike Esther... She put all her trust and faith in me. You knew what I was beforehand and moved away."
Solene bit her lip, trembling, trying to regain control of her movements. "You're... you're evil... Dietrich..."
"Am I?" Dietrich chuckled. "But then again, you know me all too well." He brought down his hand on the back of her neck and stars flashed in front of her eyes before she blacked out.
A Night With Tres
"Solene, I would advise you not to keep trying to hack into the Vatican's database." The voice of Tres Iques rang out through the hotel room, startling the mischievous priestess. "All information are kept under extreme security, and defenses has been put up to barricade and defend everything."
Solene D'Cruz pouted, her hands leaving the small computer's keyboard and whined, "Just give me the password to get into the AX files and it'll be easier, Tres! Please? I really want to access your profile! Kate-san said that she managed to get most of your fighting actions on it!"
Tres frowned. "Negative, Solene. My orders from Lady Catherina are to keep the password safe, and not to reveal it under any circumstances."
Solene began giving him her puppy eyes that she had learned from Abel. "Please, Tres? You know how much I wanna see you in action!"
"Negative." The android sat on the bed with a firm note to his voice. No amount of begging was going to break him. "You have seen me fight many times before. All my fight scenes should have been stored in your memory database by now."
Solene joined him, wailing. "But Tres! I'm not an android and you know that very well! I enjoy seeing you in action! I really do!"
If Tres had been programmed to act like a normal human, he would've rolled his eyes to the high heavens and given an exasperated sigh, but now he just turned down his audio hearing and allowed himself to be shaken back and forth by Solene. Queen of Heart was acting really childish now, and Gunslinger partially blamed it on the sweets Abel had shared with her during the day before they were dispatched for their mission in Venice. Solene plus sweets equals sugar rush.
And sugar rush priestesses were not good news.
"Onegai shimasu?! Onegai?! Tres-kunnnn!!!!!"
Solene was practically whining into his ear right now, letting Tres come to the conclusion that no, she wasn't sober at all at the moment. So the android did what he had once seen in a movie with Abel.
He planted his lips on hers to shut her up and kissed her.
Solene's eyes widened and she abruptly sat down on her butt. "Ano... Tres...." But Tres simply followed her and pressed his lips against hers again, wrapping his arm around her waist this time to stop her from moving away. Solene's eyes fluttered shut and a blush wound it's way up her face as she linked her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.
Tres soon pulled away, breathless, his heart apparatus beating at twice it's normal rate. Solene's face was flushed and she was gasping for air. "Status... Status report, Solene?" Tres's voice came out low and ragged.
Solene, much more sober and very much surprised, regained her breath and smiled. "You know how I feel, Tres Iques... I love you..." She leaned forwards and this time, it was Tres who deepened the kiss, not her.
It was so wrong, yet it felt so right. They had a mission to accomplish the next day, but it was still night, and all missions could wait for now.
___________________________________________________________________
The Iron Maiden hovered above the clouds and out of sight from the city below. If it could laugh, it would and it did, a feminine chuckle resounding through the loudspeakers, and Sister Kate Scott's hologram materialized, a smug grin on her face. "I was right in coming here. Oh, this is going to be PRICELESS!"
Solene D'Cruz pouted, her hands leaving the small computer's keyboard and whined, "Just give me the password to get into the AX files and it'll be easier, Tres! Please? I really want to access your profile! Kate-san said that she managed to get most of your fighting actions on it!"
Tres frowned. "Negative, Solene. My orders from Lady Catherina are to keep the password safe, and not to reveal it under any circumstances."
Solene began giving him her puppy eyes that she had learned from Abel. "Please, Tres? You know how much I wanna see you in action!"
"Negative." The android sat on the bed with a firm note to his voice. No amount of begging was going to break him. "You have seen me fight many times before. All my fight scenes should have been stored in your memory database by now."
Solene joined him, wailing. "But Tres! I'm not an android and you know that very well! I enjoy seeing you in action! I really do!"
If Tres had been programmed to act like a normal human, he would've rolled his eyes to the high heavens and given an exasperated sigh, but now he just turned down his audio hearing and allowed himself to be shaken back and forth by Solene. Queen of Heart was acting really childish now, and Gunslinger partially blamed it on the sweets Abel had shared with her during the day before they were dispatched for their mission in Venice. Solene plus sweets equals sugar rush.
And sugar rush priestesses were not good news.
"Onegai shimasu?! Onegai?! Tres-kunnnn!!!!!"
Solene was practically whining into his ear right now, letting Tres come to the conclusion that no, she wasn't sober at all at the moment. So the android did what he had once seen in a movie with Abel.
He planted his lips on hers to shut her up and kissed her.
Solene's eyes widened and she abruptly sat down on her butt. "Ano... Tres...." But Tres simply followed her and pressed his lips against hers again, wrapping his arm around her waist this time to stop her from moving away. Solene's eyes fluttered shut and a blush wound it's way up her face as she linked her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.
Tres soon pulled away, breathless, his heart apparatus beating at twice it's normal rate. Solene's face was flushed and she was gasping for air. "Status... Status report, Solene?" Tres's voice came out low and ragged.
Solene, much more sober and very much surprised, regained her breath and smiled. "You know how I feel, Tres Iques... I love you..." She leaned forwards and this time, it was Tres who deepened the kiss, not her.
It was so wrong, yet it felt so right. They had a mission to accomplish the next day, but it was still night, and all missions could wait for now.
___________________________________________________________________
The Iron Maiden hovered above the clouds and out of sight from the city below. If it could laugh, it would and it did, a feminine chuckle resounding through the loudspeakers, and Sister Kate Scott's hologram materialized, a smug grin on her face. "I was right in coming here. Oh, this is going to be PRICELESS!"
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Jewel
((OOC: Alright... I'm in love with Leon Garcia de Asturias. We are now a definite COUPLE on MySpace, and we both love each other very much. *giggle*))___________________________________________________________________
Stephanie Summers looked up at the cloudy sky, smiling faintly at it as she bustled around the bazaar doing her shopping, a basket on her arm. Her dark brown locks flew out behind her as she made her way on, wind blowing in her face, dark blue skirt billowing out behind her. It's a beautiful day, she decided cheerfully. And one of the best things about today is that I'm meeting Leon later.....
___________________________________________________________________
Leon was waiting, leaning on a tree, wind blowing his unbound hair around his face. Dandelion had a thoughtful look, and it seemed that he was tired as well, seeing that he had dark circles around his eyes. Touching the pendant he always wore around his neck, Leon closed his eyes and prayed silently. Thank you, Lord, for giving me a second chance in life. My 1,000 year jail sentence has been reduced to 10 years with all I've been doing for Lady Catherina. My baby girl Carmen still loves me. And the most beautiful woman I've ever known has entered my life. Thank you for giving me another chance at love and at life.....
"Leon-san!"
I am extremely grateful, Lord... Amen. Leon finished his prayer and opened his eyes to see Stephanie making her way up the hill to his tree, a basket on her arm. She stopped, out of breath, and waved happily. "Leon-san!" A smile appeared on Leon's features, and a warm glow enveloped him as he fondly watched her coming towards him. "Hello, sweetheart. How are you today?"
Stephanie dropped her basket and hugged him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "I'm fine. And you?"
"Doing just great when you're around." Leon swept her up in his arms, turning her lightly. "Have you had dinner?"
Stephanie grinned and knelt, uncovering her basket. "I brought dinner for both of us. And don't tell me you've eaten. I cooked for once."
Leon laughed, joining her on the grass. "You wouldn't believe this, but Abel finished the food all again. So no, I haven't eaten, and I'm happy that I'm getting to taste your cooking today. What did you cook?"
"Salad.... chicken... and tarts." Stephanie brought out the food sheepishly. "I know it's an odd combination, but salad is the only thing I'm good at, the chicken was my first go, and I made the tarts yesterday. Um... yeah, tea as well."
Leon gazed at the food she spread out, then burst out laughing again. "You know what love, I don't even care if you brought a burnt ham and cheese sandwich. I'll just finish the lot."
Stephanie blushed slightly. "Thanks a lot, Leon. So, what happned all this time you were gone?"
And so, dinner went on with stories on how Abel got into trouble, how William's latest invention caused the Vatican's security to go ballistic, and how Solene was making Tres act more and more like a human. They watched the sun set together in perfect peace and content, Leon's head in Stephanie's lap. "You haven't been sleeping much, huh?"
"No, not really." Leon pressed her hand to his lips. "I've been getting night duty rather recently, and I just came back from Paris with Hugue. Maybe..." he grinned teasingly. "If my sweet angel sings, I might be able to take a nap...."
A gentle smile spread across Stephanie's face. "You asked for it."
___________________________________________________________________
(Japanese= bold
English translations= Itallic)
Haiiro no shikakui Sora no shita wo kyou mo (Again today, all of my dreams)
Arayuru yokubou ga Ume tsukusu (Bury everything under the square, grey sky)
Sono naka de hikari wo Mi ushinawazu mae wo (The reason I can face forward and walk among them without losing sight of the light)
Muite arukeru no wa Itsumo kimi ga (Is that you always tell me)
Kono machi no katasumi ni mo Kegare no mai (That in some corner of this city)
Mono ga no kotte iru koto Oshiete kureru kara (There are still things left that aren't smudged)
Stephanie felt the rapidly cooling wind on her cheeks as she softly sang to the setting sun, gently runing her fingers through Leon's hair. The man's eyes were closed and his breathing was slow and steady, showing that he had been lulled to sleep by her singing. One hand still grasped hers, but the grip was not as tight as it was. It was then that Stepahnie realized that he had came straight to see her after his mission to Paris, and hadn't rested at all yet.
Tsukare hateta karada de Nemuri ni tsuita kimi wo (I held my breath as I watched you)
Boku wa iki wo hisomete Mite ita (Fall asleep completely exhausted)
Sekaijuu de tada hitori Boku dake ga shitte iru (I am the only one in the whole world)
Muboubi de itoshii Yokogao (Who knows this vunerably precious profile)
Her fingertips gently brushed against his face, tracing the outline of his strong jaw, gazing closely at his serene face while he slept. You're completely exhausted, aren't you, Leon? I've never seen you fall asleep so fast.... She smiled. And I'm the only one who can see how peaceful you look while you're asleep.....
Atarime no you ni Hizashi ga furi sosogi (One normal day, with sunlight pouring in)
Yasashii kaze Yureta Aru hi no koto (And the gentle breeze swaying)
Boku no naka de nani ka ga Sotto tsuyoku (I felt on my own that something was certainly changing)
Tashika ni kawatte yuku no wa Hitori Kanjite ita (Softly, but strongly, inside of me...)
Eversince that night when Leon saved her from the vampire, Stephanie had felt something inside her change. For a long time, she had lived only to secure her own goal, but he had shown her that there was more to life than just working in a shop to earn her keep and dreaming about her future. Leon had brought her out into the world and shown her the better part of the sun, and how a breeze could drive away all the heat she hated so much. He had changed her slowly, from the inside, and it was begining to show.
Kanashiku nanka nai no ni Namida ga koboreta no wa (I wasn't sad at all, but the reason I brimmed with tears)
Kimi no omi ga itai kurai ni (Was that you had seeped through the scar in my heart)
Boku no mune no oku no Kizuato no shimi konde (And turned it into such a tenderness)
Yasashisa ni Kaete kureta kara (That it hurt to think of you)
How many times had it been that a smile would creep upon her lips at a mere thought of him, and stay there the whole day, cheering her up? Stephanie had been betrayed and played by another man before, and she still held a scar in her heart. But Leon's presence had changed all that, and he managed to heal her, to allow her to give him a chance to love her. Stephanie smiled as tears touched the corner of her eyes.
Hoshi no kimi ga fukai Kanashimi ni deattara (If you should happen to come across a deep sadness)
Boku ni mo Wakete kureru to ii na (I wish that you would share it with me)
Sono egao no tame nara Nan datte dekiru darou (I think I could do anything for your smile)
Boku no taisetsu na takaramono (My precious treasure)
I don't know why I'm crying, but I just feel like crying everytime you smile, Stephanie laughed silently, wiping away her tears with the back of her palm. Yes... your smile is what helps me through life.... Thank you, Leon... I love you....
Boku no tasisetsu na takaramono (My precious treasure)
___________________________________________________________________
Leon woke up to the silent sounds of the night, and stirred. "Stephanie...?" There was no answer, and when he looked up, he saw her bowed over him, head drooped and eyes closed. Leon smiled and softly got up to not startle her, and lowered her into a lying position on the ground. There they both curled up around each other and slept peacefully on through the night.....
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Sad and Lonely...
The early dawn shone on a pair standing at the Vatican gates. Solene D'Cruz stood there, a sad look on her face as she held the hand of her ten year old cousin, Natalie D'Cruz. She small girl pushed light brown locks out of her eyes with her hand and turned to stare at Solene, who kept her eyes on the rapidly brightening sky. "Nee-san...(big sister)?"
"Huh? Oh...yes?" Natalie's voice shook Solene out of her stupor and she looked down. "What is it, imouto (small sister)?"
Natalie shrugged and looked back at the sky. "Hey, have you eaten yet?"
Solene made a face at her. "What kind of question is that? Yes, I've eaten. Earlier than you because I woke up rather early today."
"You're mean." Natalie stuck out her tongue and curled it at her. "Blah."
Solene scowled and tried to do the same, but couldn't. "Ah, stop it, Nat! You know I can't do that!!"
"Hehehe....." Natalie grinned, happy at being able to beat Solene at something. "Ne, Nee-san, when I grow up, do you think I can be in the AX as well?"
"Who knows?" Solene smiled, but shuddered slightly. I don't want you risking your life and limb like me, Natalie.... it's not what I want for you.....
"Solene-chan."
They turned to see Abel and Tres coming behind them. "Tres-san! Abel-san!" Natalie greeted, running into Abel's arms and hugging him tight.
"Hey, Natalie-chan." Abel smiled cheerfully, supporting her. To Solene, he whispered in a low voice, "You okay?"
Solene tilted her head and gave him a reassuring look. "I guess so...." But her hand trembled a little, and she subconsciously reached out to hold Tres's. The android tightened his grip a little, comforting her. "Professor Wordsworth will be bringing her back to the monastery," he stated. "You have nothing to fear, Sister D'Cruz."
"I know, Tres.... Thanks, but..." Solene watched as Abel swung Natalie around. "I still miss her. We practically grew up together, and I regret having to leave her on her own now. You know... I used to take care of her since she was a baby......"
Tres's face was emotionless, but feelings ran through him, feelings that made his heart apparatus ache for some reason. A little worried, he ran a scan through his database, but found everything in order. "What is this...."
"Hm?" Solene looked up at him, then placed a hand on his face. "What is what, Tres"
"A... A feeling...." Tres stumbled over the words, sounding rather human and unsure. "When I saw you just now.... and.... you had a sad expression.... I..."
Solene dropped her hand, and gave Tres a kiss on his cheek. "Concern and worry, that's what you're feeling. You can identify more emotions now.... Almost like a human.... I thank you, Tres... I really appreciate what you feel for me..."
"Solene-nee-san!" Natalie called out from atop Abel's shoulders. "This is fun! Do you want to try it?"
"Natalie!" Solene cried and scowled. "Abel, don't you dare drop her! Don't you dare, or I'll have your head on a silver platter tomorrow!"
"I won't drop her!" Abel pouted. "And you can't kill! Murder is against the commandments! Whee!"
Solene rolled her eyes and muttered a soft prayer to the high heavens, but a fond yet sad expression crossed her face.
"Solene!" William and Leon had arrived. Abel set Natalie down so she could greet them. "Hey, kid." Leon patted her head. "Thought I'll let you go without a present, huh? Here." He brought out a lion plushie from behind his back. "A going away gift."
"Thanks, oji-san!" Natalie hugged him. Leon's eyebrow twitched but he didn't scold her for fear of facing Solene's wrath. Walter tapped his stick against the sidewalk and checked his watch. "We must leave now if we want to reach the monastery in time for lunch."
Alarmed, Leon glanced at Solene and saw that her bangs were shadowing her eyes, head bowed. "Ah, hey, professor. I think we can wait for a while, right?"
William followed his gaze and concern filled his eyes. "Yes... but not for too long. We must leave soon."
Leon nodded and pushed Natalie into Solene's arms. "I hope she won't take it too hard..."
___________________________________________________________________
(Flashback)
Leon was taking a midnight stroll through the garden, but stopped when he heard someone sobbing quietly. Following the sound, he came upon one of the gazebos and found a female figure inside, sitting on the stone floor, her head in her arms. Jet black hair contrasted against the white of her priestess uniform, which looked almost blue in the dark. "Solene...?"
The woman's head jerked up. "Leon.... I...."
"Hey, is something wrong? Why are you crying?" Leon entered the gazebo and sat on the floor beside her, leaning against the bench for support. "Are you alright?"
"Yes... No." Solene sniffled. "Natalie's leaving tomorrow morning. I miss her. If it's possible, I want her to stay a while more... keep me company...." Fresh tears welled up in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. "She's the closest thing I ever had to a sister... I really wish she could stay..."
"There, there.... it isn't the end of the world...." Leon reached out and cupped her face, wiping her tears away with his thumbs. "You'll get to see her again, trust me. You still have us, after all."
Solene gazed into his calm face, and bowed her head. ".........."
"Aw... come here, kid." Leon hugged her. "You can cry all you want tonight, and no one's going to see it, except this old lion here. Just let it all out. I promise I'll be here for you."
Solene's shoulders began to shake. "Thank you, Leon...." she whispered. "Thank you...."
And he held her throughout the night, stroking her hair and whispering comforting words as she cried out her loneliness and sadness till she fell asleep.
(End of Flashback)
___________________________________________________________________
Leon sighed as Solene and Natalie hugged each other tightly. She had fallen asleep against him the night before, and he had to carry her back to her room. But even then, Solene had not wanted him to let her go, so he had no choice but to spend the night there, sleeping next to her. The Priestess had woken up even before dawn, though, and crept out quietly to go to her cousin's room.
"Ne, I'm going to miss you....." Natalie said. "Do you want to come with me? You can sneak back, right?"
"I wish I could...." Solene whispered. "But I have a duty here, Nat... I have to protect Rome and the Cardinal from vampires. I can't come with you."
Natalie's lower chin trembled for a moment, then she lifted her head bravely. "Zenbu wakarimasu..... (I understand.....). I hope I can see you later during the year, Solene-nee-san..."
"Me too...." Solene gave her one final squeeze before releasing her. "You're getting big, Natalie. Keep in touch, okay?"
The girl grinned, and without warning, launched a turning kick at Solene's butt. Everyone winced. Over the four days that the small girl had stayed with them, they had been witness to Solene being the victim of her vicious and strong leg.
"Ow!" Solene yelled, then growled. "That does it!" She caught Natalie in a stronghold and squeezed her arms together.
"I can't breathe!" Natalie gasped out. "Let me go!"
"Heh." Solene released her and turned. "Get out of here, princess."
With a wave, Natalie took William's hand and allowed herself to be led away down the road. Solene watched till she was gone, then sank down on her knees to the sidewalk and buried her face in her hands.
"Solene-chan...." Abel walked forwards and held her close to him, pressing her to his chest as he stroked her head. "It's alright.... it's alright....."
Solene made no noise, but everyone felt her loneliness. Tres and Leon came over as well, and added their comforting words to his. Abel tilted her chin up and gently touched her eyes. "Sleep, Solene.... It's still early for you to wake up.... Go back to sleep and you'll feel better...."
The priestess just leaned her head against Abel's chest and allowed his warmth to comfort her. Gradually, her posture relaxed. Abel stood and looked at Tres, expression serious. "Tres... will you stay with her today?"
"Affirmative," the android said softly. "Sister D'Cruz is under my care.... I will stay with her and keep her company...."
Leon's hand subconsciously strayed to his locket where there was a picture of his daughter hidden inside. "Poor kid... She didn't get much sleep last night as well."
Abel sighed, suddenly looking extremely old and weary. "It's for the best, then. Come, Tres. Let's get her back to her room..."
___________________________________________________________________
Cardinal Catherina Sforza watched the little scene unfold with a heavy heart. She understood how Solene felt, and no doubt she needed the day to recover. "Solene D'Cruz.... the pain you go through now is only temporary.... There are others who have this pain all their lives.... You will recover soon enough........."
"Huh? Oh...yes?" Natalie's voice shook Solene out of her stupor and she looked down. "What is it, imouto (small sister)?"
Natalie shrugged and looked back at the sky. "Hey, have you eaten yet?"
Solene made a face at her. "What kind of question is that? Yes, I've eaten. Earlier than you because I woke up rather early today."
"You're mean." Natalie stuck out her tongue and curled it at her. "Blah."
Solene scowled and tried to do the same, but couldn't. "Ah, stop it, Nat! You know I can't do that!!"
"Hehehe....." Natalie grinned, happy at being able to beat Solene at something. "Ne, Nee-san, when I grow up, do you think I can be in the AX as well?"
"Who knows?" Solene smiled, but shuddered slightly. I don't want you risking your life and limb like me, Natalie.... it's not what I want for you.....
"Solene-chan."
They turned to see Abel and Tres coming behind them. "Tres-san! Abel-san!" Natalie greeted, running into Abel's arms and hugging him tight.
"Hey, Natalie-chan." Abel smiled cheerfully, supporting her. To Solene, he whispered in a low voice, "You okay?"
Solene tilted her head and gave him a reassuring look. "I guess so...." But her hand trembled a little, and she subconsciously reached out to hold Tres's. The android tightened his grip a little, comforting her. "Professor Wordsworth will be bringing her back to the monastery," he stated. "You have nothing to fear, Sister D'Cruz."
"I know, Tres.... Thanks, but..." Solene watched as Abel swung Natalie around. "I still miss her. We practically grew up together, and I regret having to leave her on her own now. You know... I used to take care of her since she was a baby......"
Tres's face was emotionless, but feelings ran through him, feelings that made his heart apparatus ache for some reason. A little worried, he ran a scan through his database, but found everything in order. "What is this...."
"Hm?" Solene looked up at him, then placed a hand on his face. "What is what, Tres"
"A... A feeling...." Tres stumbled over the words, sounding rather human and unsure. "When I saw you just now.... and.... you had a sad expression.... I..."
Solene dropped her hand, and gave Tres a kiss on his cheek. "Concern and worry, that's what you're feeling. You can identify more emotions now.... Almost like a human.... I thank you, Tres... I really appreciate what you feel for me..."
"Solene-nee-san!" Natalie called out from atop Abel's shoulders. "This is fun! Do you want to try it?"
"Natalie!" Solene cried and scowled. "Abel, don't you dare drop her! Don't you dare, or I'll have your head on a silver platter tomorrow!"
"I won't drop her!" Abel pouted. "And you can't kill! Murder is against the commandments! Whee!"
Solene rolled her eyes and muttered a soft prayer to the high heavens, but a fond yet sad expression crossed her face.
"Solene!" William and Leon had arrived. Abel set Natalie down so she could greet them. "Hey, kid." Leon patted her head. "Thought I'll let you go without a present, huh? Here." He brought out a lion plushie from behind his back. "A going away gift."
"Thanks, oji-san!" Natalie hugged him. Leon's eyebrow twitched but he didn't scold her for fear of facing Solene's wrath. Walter tapped his stick against the sidewalk and checked his watch. "We must leave now if we want to reach the monastery in time for lunch."
Alarmed, Leon glanced at Solene and saw that her bangs were shadowing her eyes, head bowed. "Ah, hey, professor. I think we can wait for a while, right?"
William followed his gaze and concern filled his eyes. "Yes... but not for too long. We must leave soon."
Leon nodded and pushed Natalie into Solene's arms. "I hope she won't take it too hard..."
___________________________________________________________________
(Flashback)
Leon was taking a midnight stroll through the garden, but stopped when he heard someone sobbing quietly. Following the sound, he came upon one of the gazebos and found a female figure inside, sitting on the stone floor, her head in her arms. Jet black hair contrasted against the white of her priestess uniform, which looked almost blue in the dark. "Solene...?"
The woman's head jerked up. "Leon.... I...."
"Hey, is something wrong? Why are you crying?" Leon entered the gazebo and sat on the floor beside her, leaning against the bench for support. "Are you alright?"
"Yes... No." Solene sniffled. "Natalie's leaving tomorrow morning. I miss her. If it's possible, I want her to stay a while more... keep me company...." Fresh tears welled up in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. "She's the closest thing I ever had to a sister... I really wish she could stay..."
"There, there.... it isn't the end of the world...." Leon reached out and cupped her face, wiping her tears away with his thumbs. "You'll get to see her again, trust me. You still have us, after all."
Solene gazed into his calm face, and bowed her head. ".........."
"Aw... come here, kid." Leon hugged her. "You can cry all you want tonight, and no one's going to see it, except this old lion here. Just let it all out. I promise I'll be here for you."
Solene's shoulders began to shake. "Thank you, Leon...." she whispered. "Thank you...."
And he held her throughout the night, stroking her hair and whispering comforting words as she cried out her loneliness and sadness till she fell asleep.
(End of Flashback)
___________________________________________________________________
Leon sighed as Solene and Natalie hugged each other tightly. She had fallen asleep against him the night before, and he had to carry her back to her room. But even then, Solene had not wanted him to let her go, so he had no choice but to spend the night there, sleeping next to her. The Priestess had woken up even before dawn, though, and crept out quietly to go to her cousin's room.
"Ne, I'm going to miss you....." Natalie said. "Do you want to come with me? You can sneak back, right?"
"I wish I could...." Solene whispered. "But I have a duty here, Nat... I have to protect Rome and the Cardinal from vampires. I can't come with you."
Natalie's lower chin trembled for a moment, then she lifted her head bravely. "Zenbu wakarimasu..... (I understand.....). I hope I can see you later during the year, Solene-nee-san..."
"Me too...." Solene gave her one final squeeze before releasing her. "You're getting big, Natalie. Keep in touch, okay?"
The girl grinned, and without warning, launched a turning kick at Solene's butt. Everyone winced. Over the four days that the small girl had stayed with them, they had been witness to Solene being the victim of her vicious and strong leg.
"Ow!" Solene yelled, then growled. "That does it!" She caught Natalie in a stronghold and squeezed her arms together.
"I can't breathe!" Natalie gasped out. "Let me go!"
"Heh." Solene released her and turned. "Get out of here, princess."
With a wave, Natalie took William's hand and allowed herself to be led away down the road. Solene watched till she was gone, then sank down on her knees to the sidewalk and buried her face in her hands.
"Solene-chan...." Abel walked forwards and held her close to him, pressing her to his chest as he stroked her head. "It's alright.... it's alright....."
Solene made no noise, but everyone felt her loneliness. Tres and Leon came over as well, and added their comforting words to his. Abel tilted her chin up and gently touched her eyes. "Sleep, Solene.... It's still early for you to wake up.... Go back to sleep and you'll feel better...."
The priestess just leaned her head against Abel's chest and allowed his warmth to comfort her. Gradually, her posture relaxed. Abel stood and looked at Tres, expression serious. "Tres... will you stay with her today?"
"Affirmative," the android said softly. "Sister D'Cruz is under my care.... I will stay with her and keep her company...."
Leon's hand subconsciously strayed to his locket where there was a picture of his daughter hidden inside. "Poor kid... She didn't get much sleep last night as well."
Abel sighed, suddenly looking extremely old and weary. "It's for the best, then. Come, Tres. Let's get her back to her room..."
___________________________________________________________________
Cardinal Catherina Sforza watched the little scene unfold with a heavy heart. She understood how Solene felt, and no doubt she needed the day to recover. "Solene D'Cruz.... the pain you go through now is only temporary.... There are others who have this pain all their lives.... You will recover soon enough........."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)