Chapter 13: Family Intervention Part 1 (Cain then Seth's POV)

I looked up from my journal entry at the slightest sound I heard. I turned around in my seat and noticed Abel was tossing and turning in his sleep. Tears streamed down his closed eyes and he was talking.

"No…Cain why….what has she done to you?" I heard him say. I remembered the incident he was dreaming of. It was the day I was sent down to Earth. I sat down next to Abel, making sure I didn't touch him. I blinked when I saw his claws come forth and I knew I had to snap him out of it….

"Cain….must you do this? She was good to us….why…."

"Abel, please wake up." I said, shaking his shoulders gently. I looked into glowing red eyes but I was ready for anything. I went to 80%, holding my beloved gently, making sure the children were not harmed…

"Abel, forgive me." I whispered, kissing his cheeks. "You must snap out of this or you'll harm our younglings." His eyes widened in fear and lay back down. Holding him down gently with one hand, I 'examined him'. To my relief, the children were fine and growing well. It troubled me that Abel was having these nightmares. I knew that it was my fault that day. I had been crazed; for I had just obtained 100% and it brought forth my darkest desire…I knew that Abel was to be mine but Lilith wanted him. I wasn't having that so I took her out, believing that Abel would go for me.

What I didn't expect was for Abel to rise against me, which he did for over 900 years. Still under the influence of my insanity, I had taken from Abel again…this time it was the handsome terran swordsman. Somehow he wasn't as broken in the news of his death as he was with Lilith. Lilith's death and decapitation really hit home in Abel's heart…

"Cain…" I heard Abel call out to me, reaching for me. I went to him and snuggled close to him. "I had…"

"I know." I whispered as I smoothed his hair down. "That's something I could never take away, as much as I want to…It was my fault. I have put you through so much and yet, you never gave up on me."

"I love you too much." came the soft reply. "I knew that you would come around eventually." I smiled softly at that and held him close. I knew I had a lot of ground to make up for with the remaining of my family, mankind and the world. If my serving for the Vatican would do it, then so be it.

Lilith, I have wronged you and our family. I thought. But I swear that I will do right by Abel, Seth and my children. If it takes me all eternity to amend my sins then so be it…

I made sure Abel was fast asleep before stepping out of the room and walking to the main hall and stood in the terrace, looked up at the moon.

"I see even the Contra Mundi has his pensive moments." A child-like voice said from behind me. I turned to face my sister and allowed her to approach me. "I thought I would never see the day where you would actually care for others."

"Seth," I began. "I've wronged you, Abel and Lilith. I know that I can't bring her back but I have learned from my mistake. And I know my saying it is different from actually proving it, which is why I have decided to do the right thing for once."

"You're going with the Vatican, to serve as a priest?"

"Abel will need me, you have an entire Empire."

"I told Niisan that he and the children are welcome here. It will take me time to adjust to the idea of having you around."

"I understand." I said. "With all that I have done, I can't stop and wonder why I'm being given a second chance?" Seth looked at me and shrugged her shoulders.

"Why question it, just accept it, even though I think you don't deserve it." I looked at my sister and winced. I knew she was right but things happened for a reason. "Look, just do right by Abel and these children. He's lost so much already."

"I know," I said as I plucked a blossom from a nearby vine and played with it in my hands. "I…"

"Cain, there you are." A tired voice said from behind me. I turned to face Abel, still in his sleepwear and barefoot, hair flowing free. I went to him and held him, dropping the blossom I held. Abel held me tight. "I thought….you left again. I was scared."

"There now," I whispered. "I just went out here; I wouldn't abandon you and the children. Now, let's get you back into bed, you being out here dressed like that is a sure way to get yourself sick." I picked him up and after giving my sister a nod, I walked to our room, reassuring Abel that I would never leave.

(Seth's POV)

When I saw Cain on the terrace, my heart dropped to my stomach, for I had believed that he was about to leave. Like Ion, I wasn't too sure of Cain's intentions, although he had saved many by destroying his Orden and protected Abel and the little ones more than once.

But what if it was all a show? Abel was vulnerable now, especially more so in his condition. But I've noticed a developing dependency. Abel was becoming dependent on Cain and I wasn't thrilled with the idea. This could lead to another form of trouble. I thought. I better talk to those two. With that, I made my way to their room and knocked on the door. Cain was the one who answered the door. I looked up at him, unafraid of him and determined to set things right.

"We need to talk."

Will all be resolved between the Nightroad/Nightlord family or will new problems arise? Stay tuned to find out!