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"Remember you're here to guard his majesty and the leader of military affairs," Barack's voice carried through the open door to where the other eight guards and himself were assembled. Abel could hear Barack's heavy boots clicks as he paced before his officers including the two newest members in Baybars and Astharoshe. The only guard who was missing would be Alexander given he was on the bridge.

The soft click of stone against stone drew Abel's attention from the open door and back to table beside him.

Solomon had moved his knight.

Abel moved his rook in a counter he had planned. "It sounds as if Barack is giving them another lecture."

"Unsurprising." Solomon moved another piece.

Abel managed to move a piece which place Solomon on the defensive this time. "With the uncovering Myles's treachery, the Vatican might have problems in choosing their guard."

"Gregory has always been more trusting than yourself."

A small breath escaped Abel. "This is true. Still, Lilith would see to it he didn't trust too much. Especially those close to Myles."

"Assuming Lilith has power within the Vatican, more than just on the battlefield."

The game continued at a fast pace while they spoke. "You never read what humans have their history books regarding this war and Lilith," Abel pointed out.

"Of course not." Despite future knowledge, there was still a thirteen-year difference between the Lilith from the end of the human-methuselah war and her in this time. This Lilith would see Abel in a light which was between good and bad. She had never been happy at how he had avoided talks about peace during their one brief meeting since she had helped in his escape from the Vatican over a year ago.

This wasn't the Lilith Abel had proposed to. She could have already been seeing him in the light of a man who had no human heart remaining or a conscious despite the fact Abel had yet to go on the rampage which would see the end to seven million humans.

"Checkmate." Abel ended the game. "We should both try to get some rest. We have much to do right before the sunrises." After all they would be arriving just after sunrise. All of the methuselah in the group would be dressed in full protective gear. Only guards would have weapons and even then, only the guards outside of the meeting room proper would.

"Very well." Solomon stood. "We'll speak before sunrise then." Solomon bowed his head to Abel. "Sleep well, Majesty."

Abel soon found himself in his bed aboard the airship. Nightmares raced through his mind, twisting and distorting all reality into a blur of agony and mental anguish. His mind played over the last message from Lilith from the future. The moments as the Iblis had raged across the desert towards Carthage. Her words echoed through, haunting.

Blood poured over the ground. It ran as a waterfall from Lilith's severed neck.

Abel bolted awake. His breathing harsh and ragged. His hands shook as he sat up. Sweat covered his face. Abel's hands shook as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"She's alive," his voice shook with the remanence of the dream. His eyes narrowed. "She's alive." The words didn't sink in. The images of Cain holding Lilith's severed head were burned into Abel's memory.

Abel drew in a long, shaking breath. There was no point in returning to sleep. The only dreams permitted him were nightmares. Now, they were nightmares of events which had yet to occur and which might never occur. Perhaps it was silly of him; yet, his mind couldn't just forget the pain of the eight centuries starting with Lilith's death and coming to the hope there might be peace between the Vatican and Empire without him and sister there to enforce it.

He stood and grabbed his discarded shirt. Abel didn't bother attempting to get fully dressed. A shirt and pants would have to do. After all, he had no desire to summon Alain. In all likelihood, Abel would be dressed in his formal wear rather than the normal armored clothing he generally wore.

All he wanted was to find a place where none would describe him. He needed time to think. To just be alone.

Abel glanced at the clock. It was a little passed one in the morning or, he supposed by Methuselah time, in the afternoon. He had been attempting to sleep on a human schedule for the purpose of the peace meeting. He had agreed to holding them during the day given both Albion and the Vatican were human nations. It only followed their time would hold more weight than his own. They had, in turn, permitted it so Abel's people could wear the protective armor.

Abel set out through the hall. He avoided the guard with a practiced ease. Soon, Abel found himself in the now dark conference room. It was where he had met with Alexander and a few others countless times before to discuss the next stage of the war.

Still, no matter the exceptions being made, there were bound to be tensions between the three nations.

Abel sank into one of the chairs.

Eight years of war didn't just vanish overnight. There were going to be grievances on all three sides. Yet, eight years would be easier to deal with over twenty. The twenty years had seen a near unrepairable gape between the human nations and the empire.

Abel leaned back in the chair, his gaze locked, unseeing on the table.

Then, there was Lilith.

An ache pierced deep into his heart. It spread through his body to every limb.

Lilith. The one woman he had loved. The woman he would love for all eternity and beyond. Her thoughts and opinions of him had changed so much over the past eighty years alone. They had been lovers, almost parents. She had hated him over the matter of the war. Not trusted him over the loss of their children as she could only see Cain when looking at Abel. Then, they were forbidden lovers for the past eight years.

No matter the way he looked at it now, he had changed from even the man she loved a few months ago. With a memory spanning over eight more centuries than her, there was no telling how she would react to him. If she could even stand the man he was now. His memory, after all, came from his nine hundred seventy-five-year-old self. It was worse than just being eight centuries of memory, it was eight hundred fifty-five-year difference between them.

Abel drew air in, feeling his lungs expand. His heart eased in the racing fear which pulsed through him.

It wasn't about Lilith. None of this should be no matter how much he wanted to see her again, to feel the warmth of her skin and see her kind, gentle, loving smile. No, this needed to be about the future his nation and people. A future of peace he could give to his sons.

Yet, peace had been the dream he had lived for. The one matter he had clung to the hardest for the memory of his love.

The door opened. A familiar scent came to Abel. "Afternoon, Astharoshe."

"The guard think you're in your room," Astharoshe voiced as she crossed over to the table. "I didn't get any word on the fact you're wandering the halls."

"This is far from wandering," Abel pointed out. He watched her take the seat next to him at the table. "Barack can attest to the fact I have a habit of slipping past the guard."

The smallest of smiles flashed across Astharoshe's face. "He did brief us on the fact you tend to do so." Astharoshe scowled. "Tch, it's rather reckless for you to ditch your guard. They can't do their job if you're slipping away from them all the time."

Abel gave her a small smile. "There comes a point everyone needs a moment to be completely alone."

"You could be alone but your guard still needs to know where you're at." Astharoshe frowned. "You're not acting like your normal self." She grimaced. "At least the you I've come to know since arriving in this time. You're defiantly not acting like the foolish man I called my tovarish. You even dropped calling me 'Asthe.'"

"Yes, well, you never did like the nickname."

"Then why give it to me, idiot!"

"I promised Athy I would give the descendants of hers I met a nickname," Abel stated. His gaze moved to the window in the room. The darkness of the space allowed for him to see the sky beyond. The only light beyond the window came from the cities in the distance and the light of the stars. The darkness was caused by the fact there was a new moon today. "Besides, the order Pope Gregorio gave me was to act as a fool and idiot so none could guess my true age or what I was. Thus, giving you the nickname also made sense at the time."

"What is your true age? By the time I met you?"

Abel closed his eyes. "Too old," Abel whispered. He had met Astharoshe three years before Esther. He wished those three years had made a difference in his age; yet, this was something couldn't happen to one as old as himself. The only times in life age made a difference was when he had been a child and even into adulthood. It had stopped mattering to Abel after they had learned none of them would continue to age back on Mars.

"That's not an answer," Astharoshe pointed out.

"No, I suppose it's not."

"All right, fine."

Silence fell between them. Abel looked back towards the window. He would have to return to his quarters before sunrise to get ready. The first meeting would be held a little after he arrived. He hoped this one wouldn't end as a trap as the last one had or the one with Lilith ending in her death.

Lilith wasn't alone. She would be with the entire Vatican group. He didn't had just a handful of people with him this time around. Ten guards, four servants, and Solomon. Alain was far from a pushover in a fight as well. All the servants had been trained in hand-to-hand combat. It was a matter Barack had pressed given they traveled with Abel before the war. They needed to know how to defend themselves as well as themselves.

"Are you worried?" Astharoshe's question cut through Abel's thoughts.

A small breath escaped Abel. "My track record isn't very good when it comes to peace meetings. The first was a trap set by the traitors within the empire and Vatican. The second was meant to be between Lilith and myself and ended up with—" Blood filled his vision. Red hair dripped with it as Cain, grinning, held up Lilith's severed head.

Abel closed his eyes, trying to push the image from his mind. It hadn't happened yet. She was alive.

"Our history tells that you, the traitor, and Lilith lost their lives that day," Astharoshe stated.

"No matter what happened then," – Abel stood and moved to the window – "this time will be different. I've taken precautions to make certain all three sides are even. A neutral country places more risk on three nations to not attempt fighting." Abel turned to Astharoshe. "Thank you for the talk, Astharoshe."

Astharoshe's eyes narrowed. "Call me Asthe. It's just creepy to keep hearing you call 'Astharoshe' all the time."

Abel laughed. "Very well, Asthe." Some of the doubt had eased from him. Still, there was no telling Lilith's opinions over how Abel would have changed from the man she knew to who he was now.

It was time to get ready for the meeting.

When Abel returned to his room, it was to find Alain was already there. The man had pulled out Abel's formal wear and was going over it, smoothing way few wrinkles there were in the coat and cape. The hat was placed on the nightstand. The boots appeared to have just been polished.

"Ready, Majesty?" Alain asked.

Abel nodded to the man.

Alain helped Abel into the finery. He brushed Abel's hair until the silvery strands gleamed in the light of the room. Alain moved with a practiced ease from years spent as Abel's servant. He slipped Abel's gloves over his hands before finishing off the attire with the hat and heavy cape. The weight of the cape and the hat always forced Abel stand straight backed, drawing himself to his full height.

The only ones who stood taller than Abel when he exited his room were Barack and Baybars. The two fell in line behind Abel along with the other seven guards. Abel glimpsed Asthe's ivory hair among the group.

Alexander joined him near the ramp out of the airship. "My co-pilot is going to fly her back over our boarder and wait for the signal to pick us up," Alexander informed Abel. "Man, I do wish we had the tech to make my girl invisible. Then she could stay as a layer of defense."

"Barvon."

"I know, not a good idea. We're trying not to anger France as well."

"The Kingdom of Franc," Abel corrected.

"Whatever, same thing." Alexander flicked his wrist. "Someone needs to keep the mood a little light." Alexander smiled before he fell back to walk beside Baybars in the line. Barack had pulled ahead so he was on level with Solomon.

Each group was permitted to have four in the meeting room at any given time. This had been by the queen's wishes: two guards each, the advisor, and one servant. Of course, the leaders. This didn't mean Abel was going to enter the room with thinking it wasn't a trap. Solomon, Alexander, and Barack wore the clothing to guard against both sunlight and silver. Alain's own clothing was of the same special weave which could stop bullets and fire as the clothing Abel wore as a shirt under the finery.

The sun had yet to rise as their group exited the airship though he could see the gray of dawn on the horizon. The other leaders would be waiting by now. All three had agreed to start the talks around sunrise.

x – Caterina – x

The light of dawn crept into the room set up for the meeting. Caterina was seated the right of Pope Gregory. The queen was beside him with her advisor on the other side, seated more in the darkness of the room. The only sign of the light came in from the little cracks in the drapes and the one window left open such that it wouldn't hit anyone there no matter the time of day.

Tres and Lilith stood behind Gregory and Caterina. Esther was off to the side where the servant from Albion also stood. A third was set up near to Esther for the imperial servant.

Tension crackled through the room apparent in the slightest shifting from the queen and the rigid way Gregory was seated. The only ones at the table who appeared relaxed were Caterina and the man beside the queen. His name was Wilson Walsh, a vampire who lived within Albion. He was a good friend and advisor to the queen.

The doors opened. Two people stepped into the room. The first was dressed from head to toe in red armor and cloth, the mark of one of the palace guard. The rankings, as Lilith had informed Caterina, pointed to this man being the head of the yeniçeri, Barack. He moved through room as if to make certain the space was secure without actually being imposing which was a feat in and of itself considering how tall and board the man was.

The second man was dressed in clothing which reminded Caterina of the civilian clothing Abel and Esther had to wear when in the empire. His brown hair was long in the style of the empire, pulled back from his face by a ribbon. He moved, not to check the room, but right to the open window. He drew the drape closed before checking each of the drapes in turn.

Barack nodded to the servant.

The servant strode to the doors and held them open with one hand. He bowed low.

The final three from the empire strode into the room. Abel stood between the other two. Caterina recognized him by his familiar narrow features alone. A long cape whipped out behind him, light armor on both shoulders. The cape was trimmed in a light blue and blue diamonds glittered around the claps which attached to his coat. The coat was just as white as his cape, designed with far more wealth than the white coat he wore in the future. The blue trimming was elegant. It fell just as far as his other coat. The wealth came in the design and the weaving of the fabric.

The two flanking Abel were dressed in military formal wear. The first to draw her attention from Abel was the leader of military affairs: Solomon. The other man was dressed as the head of the airship fleet which made him to be Alexander Barvon.

Abel stopped before the table. "My senserist apologies for being a little late, Holiness and your majesty." Abel gave them the slightest bows of his head. He joined them at the table. Solomon on a step behind. It seemed Lilith had been right in assuming Solomon would be picked as Abel's advisor.

The two of them sat across from the queen and Gregory.

Movement caught Caterina's attention. The imperial servant had moved to his position beside Esther.

Caterina returned her attention to the table.

The queen was the first to speak, "It is my understanding, you, Emperor Nightlord, wish to end the war on peaceful terms with both Albion and the Vatican. However," her voice was light was a hint of venom, "the loses within the war can not just be forgotten." She folded her hand before her on the table, the motion elegant. "The truth of matter is, before Saint Sahl joined the war, your forces had caused massive casualties on for both Vatican Territory, Hungarian Marquisate, and Macedonia Dukedom."

"And as the war broke out, many territories and nations beyond imperial slaughtered my own people," Abel stated in smooth tones. "If we focus only on past grievances there is no hope of moving forward into peace."

The queen drew breath, preparing to speak.

"This, however," Abel stopped the queen from speaking, "doesn't mean the past should forgotten in the attempt for progress towards peace. Even before the war, there was an alliance between our three nations."

The queen's lip twitched.

Caterina made the slightest signal for Gregory to speak.

"The Vatican is interested in a return to peace. Enough blood has been spilled over a misunderstanding," the pope stated with a glance at the queen. "All three nations have suffered heavy if not near equal loses during this war."

"It doesn't bring back the prisoners the empire has taken," the queen's voice was level.

"Barvon," Abel stated.

The pilot stepped forward. "My fleet is taking the war prisoners to the front as we speak. They will be escorted to the border with both your forces by this evening."

"None of my men will cross the border," Abel added. "You will find none of them have been treated poorly." Abel looked at the queen. "What of my own people?" he asked, tone close to purr.

Wilson leaned over to the queen. The two bowed heads and spoke in hushed tones Caterina knew Abel would be able to hear.

Caterina had been informed they had no prisoners from the war. The Vatican had only managed to take one, but it had been Brother Myles's policy to kill all "vampires" they managed to catch. The only one the Vatican had gotten, had managed to escape.

"We will release the prisoners we held of yours," the queen agreed.

Abel turned his gaze on Caterina and Gregory. "As the Vatican is the most wounded party from the war with us, we will see the release of your people as a show of the empire's desire for peace."

"Do you think it's a trap for later in the negotiations?" Gregory whispered to her.

"He might have something more planned or it is an earnest move to show he wants peace," Caterina replied. She looked out of the corner of her eye at Abel. He didn't give anything away on if he had heard them or not.

Gregory straightened. "Thank you, Emperor Nightlord."

The rest of the day passed in negations on settlements between the three nations. Caterina advised Gregory as best she could within this situation. The empire made no demands and she kept Gregory from doing the same. It was clear by Solomon's laxed position he trusted his leader to make the right decisions for the empire going forward.

The queen was kept from making demands by Wilson. The man had touched her on the wrist several times when it was clear the queen was about to overstep what the talks were about. No side had lost the war. In this very moment, Abel had set the front up to a point it had locked all their forces into a forced stalemate.

Lilith had stated it would expend great effort on three of their nations sides to unlock the stalemate. She had pointed out this was most likely the reason the queen had come at all.

The day drew to a close with little being decided. The queen excused herself first from the group, departing with her adviser, guards, and servant.

Abel stood. "A pleasure." He bowed his head to Gregory and gave Caterina a small smile. His gaze flickered to a point over Caterina's shoulder. Pain flashed over his features for a heartbeat before it vanished.

This was enough for Caterina to know he had looked at Lilith.

Abel turned and strode from the room. He didn't give any sign of the pain he must have been in at seeing Lilith alive. Caterina watched him go, remembering all too well he spent centuries in mourning for Lilith.

In the same moment, it was good to see the man Caterina had only glimpsed in moments where he tutored. The briefest moments when they were alone and none could overhear what Abel said or see how he was suddenly acting far too serious to be the oddball priest of the Vatican.

Barack rushed after Abel.

Solomon stood as well. "Good evening." The Admiral nodded to them before he left with Alexander and the servant.

The pope relaxed in his seat. Gregory let out a long breath. "It felt as if we were walking on glass." He turned to Caterina. "We should discuss what might come up tomorrow over dinner."

"Of course, Holiness." Tomorrow. Caterina only hoped no one started making demands or had something to use against the other. This first day had gone smoothly enough.

x – Lilith – x

Lilith left Thomas with a few other guards in the hall and several apartments given to the pope and Caterina. She had rotated off shift after seeing them to their rooms. Gregory had told her to get some rest. Yet – Lilith stopped partway down the hall. All she could see was the look Abel had given her before he had left the room.

Sheer agony had spread across his face and glittered in his wintry blue eyes. It was more than she had ever imagined to see from him. He broke with each new death. She had helped him through Sonya's death, seen him shatter with rage and pain after Arthur's, Tabitha's, and Kayson's. None of it was even close to the look he had when he'd looked her in the eye.

Sure, they had been repairing the broken shards of their relationship ever so slowly since after she had joined the Vatican and both almost been killed by the sun. This didn't explain his expression. Something more must have happened between now and whenever she had been killed by 01. It was a reminder the man she loved had been forced to change because of her death.

Lilith turned away from the room she was to share with Esther and Kaya. She set off towards the kitchens. Perhaps there was something there which would pull her mind from these troubles.

"—someone else?" Esther's irritated voice sounded from the kitchen.

"I wasn't aware I was bugging you, Esther."

Lilith froze. That sounded like Abel. What was he doing in the kitchens? Lilith glanced up and down the hall. There was no sign of his guards which pointed the fact he had slipped away from them. He did realize, despite this being a peace meeting, it could still end poorly for him if he was caught without his guards, right?

"In that case, should I go?"

"W-what?" Esther stammered.

Abel chuckled.

"Majesty, is there a reason you're in the kitchens?" it sounded like Alain, though his voice had changed from the last time Lilith had heard him speak. "You are aware, you're not supposed to eat anything until we've tested it?"

"I'm aware, Alain."

"But, you're always hungry," Esther stated. "How are you not trying eat to everything right now, Father?"

Abel coughed. "So, Caterina has you working hard as always, I see," Abel dodged her question, his voice light, almost teasing.

"Just because you always shirk your duty and avoid working doesn't mean do," Esther retorted.

A young woman laughed. "She has a point."

"Double teaming me, Asthe? Now, that is unfair."

"Idiot," Asthe muttered.

Abel gave a soft laugh. "That is far better."

"Me calling you an idiot?"

"Yes. I rather missed it."

Lilith moved towards the room. A familiar scent caught her. Blood. Not just any blood but the blood of the returners. It smelled sweeter than normal.

A soft tap of glass against wood sounded from the kitchen. "Majesty."

"Thank you, Alain."

"Is that?" Esther seemed to swallow the words.

"Blood?" Abel finished for her. "Unfortunately." There was a short pause. "Have you been well, Esther? I hope you're eating right."

"Father Nightroad, why are you always thinking about food?! You should focus more on work," Esther scolded.

Lilith fought against a small laugh. His tone sounded almost fatherly to Esther. So, he did view her in some ways as a daughter.

"She's right," Asthe stated, "the other leaders will be meeting with their advisor over tomorrow. You should be as well."

"Hmm. Perhaps, but Solomon retired for the mourning, err, evening to you, Esther."

"Really?" Asthe didn't sound as if she believed Abel. "He doesn't seem like the type to take sleeping over planning."

No matter how light the conversation was, it sounded as if Esther was alone with three from the empire. Even if this was a peace meeting, it didn't mean Esther was out of harm's way. Lilith moved towards the door. Her heart flickered. She didn't want to see the same pained expression Abel had made at the end of today's meeting.

Lilith took a deep breath and paused in the door, her hand resting on the frame. "Your guard is right, Abel, you shouldn't work when supposed to be sleeping and sleep when you're supposed to work."

Abel's back stiffened. There was no telling what his expression was given his back was to her. He was seated at the only table in the kitchen. Fresh fruits and vegtables were spread across the space except for around him. There were only two chairs, one of which Abel had taken. A glass was before him.

Esther stood at one of the counters with Alain near to her, but far enough away neither of could easily slip poison into the meals the other preparing. Esther looked to be further behind in making the meal than Alain.

The only other one in the room was a young woman who looked a little like Athina. Her hair was ivory white with a stripe of red through her bangs. She wore the basic armor of a yeniçeri. Her yellow eyes were locked on Lilith.

Abel's shoulders relaxed. He turned in his seat, sharp, wintery gaze locking on her. His expression was guarded. Pain lingered in his gaze. "Unfortunately that no longer holds true, Lilith." His tone was different. The words held to a linger note of sorrow.

A shiver raced through Lilith. Lilith smiled, the smile felt forced as the pain in his gaze lingered in her. She crossed over to the table and took the seat across from him.

She made her smile playful. "For that remark," – Lilith snagged his glass of blood out from under him – "you lose your drink."

"Saint Sahl," Esther warned.

Lilith took a sip of the blood. Overpowering sweetness washed over her tongue, mixed with the familiar taste of blood. She forced herself swallow. "Allows with the sugar, Abel." She pushed the glass back over to Abel.

A soft laugh came from Abel. "Of course it's going to have sugar in it, Lilith." Abel's gaze moved to Esther.

Lilith followed Abel's gaze.

Esther was shock white with fear.

"Don't worry, Sister Blanchett," Lilith started in soft tones, "I'm also a crusnik."

A soft tap of a glass against wood filled the air. Alain had placed a glass before her. "It's not poisoned, Lady Sahl."

"Thank you, Alain." Lilith gave the young man a small smile."

Alain nodded to her and returned to his work.

Silence lapsed between herself and Abel. Abel was watching Alain and Esther work. It was clear something was very wrong here. It was true right then they were part of enemy nations attempting to form a lasting peace; yet, the last time she had seen him… Just what was she missing outside of her death?

"All right," Lilith broke the silence, "what's wrong?"

"Hmm?" Abel looked at her, frowning in question. "Nothing." He gave her a small smile. It was strange to see such a goofy smile on his face. His eyes told another story. The pain lingered within them.

"You honestly believe I couldn't tell you're upset. I've only known you your entire life." Lilith reached across the table and placed her hand over his. "What's wrong?"

He slipped his hand from under hers, the motion soft, almost fearful.

"Abel," – Lilith met his gaze – "I know I'm killed in the timeline your memory comes from."

Abel paled, all color melting from his features.

(Author's Note: So, Abel is a year younger than it says on the wiki because this is just after the Istavan arc right after the empire arc. He hasn't yet turned 976.

I had a lot of fun writing the scene between Esther, Abel, Asthe, and Alain. Also, on the part where Esther tries to stop Lilith from drinking the blood, Esther is proven to be a little scattered brained herself when it comes too much shocking information all at once. Lilith did tell all of them she was a crusnik early on, but a lot has happened between then and now to the group.

Also, aiming to update EM (Emperor's Mask) next. I just wanted to give people time to vote on the poll before the next chapter. About a week seemed fair.

But after this cliffy, I want to continue on with chapter 10. Oh, well, both myself and the readers will have to wait. I need to get the next chapter of EM done.)