Darkness now covers the lands in a thick shroud which seems to choke out all light and life. The warmth of the sun is something that has almost been forgotten. For years, humans have lived in hiding- taking refuge in underground cities-places that had once been the final strong hold of the Methuselah's. Tomorrow marks ten years since they had finally grown tired of man's oppression and led the revolt against humanity. Despite the best efforts of his Holiness, Pope Alessandro XVIII, the Methuselah's revolted and the humans refused to give co-existence a try. His Holiness was killed three years ago in the last real stand between the humans and vampires, as he begged them to end the mindless killings and bloodshed. It is still not known to this day by whose hands he died- though there are some who blame both terran and vampire for the death of that young man, who might have just been our last chance for peace.
Cardinals Caterina and Francesco are both sad tales to recount as well. Caterina, one who believed that peaceful co-existence was still possible, disappeared from the Vatican shortly after the death of her brother the Pope. It has been rumored that the leader of the human rebellion was the cause for her disappearance. The real tragedy of this is the fact that the head of the rebellion is her brother Francesco. Having grown tired of talks of peace between human and vampire, he left the Vatican and turned against the Methuselah's and anyone who got in his way- even family. Esther Blanchett… dear Esther, the Queen of Albion has been in hiding these last few years at our urging in order to ensure her safety. She protested of course – and quite loudly at that- but eventually saw that there was no other way if our dream of a united world was going to have a chance to survive and live on.
Out of the remaining members of the AX team, sadly only four od us remain to continue on the work we have fought and bled for.
Hugue de Watteau- Codename Sword Dancer. He has not changed all that much, despite the ten years that have passed. He still has a strong dislike for the vampires and feels that true peace and co-existence is not likely. However, he still lends his support when we are in need. He has been a valuable ally to us and as always a dear friend. He still searches for the murders of his family and clings to hope that his sister Anais is still alive somewhere.
Tres Iqus- Codename Gunslinger. He is still with us, though the long years of war have started to take their toll on the android. His optimal operating capacity is now reduced to 70. It is obvious he is finally starting to wear down as his auto-repair system is finally stretched beyond repair. Despite this, Tres remains a loyal and valuable member of our team and is still a powerful opposition to the enemy-whomever they may be.
Leon Garcia de Asturias- Codename Dandelion. He has one through the greatest changed over the years I think. Due to events over the past ten years and his devout service to the cause, Leon's remaining sentence of 800 years has now been officially removed- on the condition that he would never hold the title of Father. Now a free man, he has been by my side every step of the way and for that I have been grateful. Leon received word, a year ago today actually, of his daughter's death. I am not sure he has really come to grips with it yet.
That leaves me as the final member of the remnant of the AX Organization. Abel Nightroad- Codename Crusnik 02. Yes, I am still alive, though I have honestly wondered at times if everyone else would not be better off without me. I am the head of the underground AX team- the core of those who still believe in peace and want to see an end come to the fighting and bloodshed. As much as I hate to admit it, I must be honest to myself and God – I am losing my faith.
These are the players…. That is the stage…. Those are the lives… This is our story.