jAckie143: I planned to just stop writing this story but then it kept bugging me in the back of my mind and I kept coming up with new ideas. So now here I am again, hopefully I'll finish it or get half way D

On one of the coldest days in Airyglyph, Albel stood against the castle walls observing the new recruits that had signed for the army. Albel had been charged to assign the soldiers to one of the Brigades depending on their fighting skill and style. Though Albel is supposed to be watching each solider carefully, he was deep within his own thoughts. Thinking, wondering….

"Six months...half a year already"

"Sir Albel!"

Irritated by the solider that had interrupted his thoughts; Albel gave the solider his infamous death glare.

"I didn't give any order to stop did I?" Albel said in his usual demanding voice.

"Uh y-yes Sir Albel, b-but I request that we rest for awhile, we've been training since dawn, non-stop and it's already late afternoon, don't you think you're over doing it sir?

Unfortunately for the poor solider, Albel was not the person who was fond of such "weak" talk and with that, Albel swiftly took his katana and pointed at the soldier's throat, who was now on the cold ground.

"Considering that you signed up for the army I half expected that you'd know what to do in a fight. Tell me, do you actually think you could just stop in the middle of a battle so you can catch you breath?"

"Sir, but I-I was only sugges-"

"What were you trying to suggest? Hmph how pathetic. If you cannot take this kind of training then I suggests you leave now, I don't tolerate weak maggots."

"Sir, why are we training under such harsh conditions? There is no war and we are at peace with the other countries."

"Pathetic"

With that, Albel withdrew his katana. Once his katana was sheathed all the way Albel gave a hard kick the soldier's stomach that caused him to cough up blood.

"I should've expected something like this from some one like you." Albel bent down and grabbed the solider by the neck to bring him inches away from Albel's menacing face. "I'm only going to say this once so listen carefully. You must be prepared for anything, whether it's a war or a simple ambush, you are to prepare yourself for battle at all time even if we are at peace."

"Albel!"

Albel turned around to see Woltar standing behind him near the door to the castle.

"The solider is right we are at peace. You men there, take this solider to the infirmary. As for the rest of the men, today's session is over but be sure to be back at the next sunrise understood?"

"Yes sir!"

As the soldiers left the training ground, Albel glared at Woltar and slowly walked towards him.

"What are you doing here old man? Was I not given this task to see which soldier is best suited for each Brigade?"

"Yes I know, but it seems as though you don't. We are trying to replace the fallen soldiers from the war, not to train them until they can no longer breathe; they do not posses the same unique skills as you do Albel."

Albel didn't respond, but it wasn't because he had nothing to say. Oh he had a lot to say to Woltar, but Albel was in no mood to be arguing over weak soldiers who could not stand simple training, according to Albel of course.

"Bah, fine let Airyglyph's army be filled with unfit soldiers. But don't blame me when war breaks out and we are unprepared.

Albel began to head for the door.

"Where are you going?

"Well since you so rudely interrupted my training session that I had planned for the rest of the day I have nothing to do, so I'm going back to Arias."

"On your way there you should stop by Aquaria. It's been a while since you've been there. Maybe it's time you should pay her a visit."

Albel stopped for a moment but then continued walking not bothering to look back.

Aquios, the country that Airyglyph had once fought, was completely different place compared to his country. Aquios was a beautiful country filled with life opposed to Airyglyph that was cold and dead city filled with people with sadness and despair in their eyes. Without realizing it, Albel found himself walking through the gates of Aquios, passing the busy plaza, and to an empty spot that was covered in grass. Albel scanned the area looking for something. He was so deep into his own thought he didn't even realize the footsteps behind him.

"Are you looking for Nel?"

Albel turned around to see Claire. It's been six months since he last saw Claire or Aquaria. Ever since the incident he never wanted to set foot into the god forsaken place, ever. Yet, here he was staring at Claire. He analyzed the gray-haired woman. She looks different since the last time he saw her. Last time, her eyes weren't so dark. She looked like she hadn't slept in months. He didn't say anything, he didn't want to. But his eyes gave away exactly what he wanted to say. Claire gave a half smile and pointed to the direction of what looked to be a small white house. Only the small white house was in the middle of a cemetery.

"She's in the new shrine. We built it five months ago, right next to where Lord Nevelle is buried."

Albel nodded signifying a thank you and began walking in the direction to where Claire had told him.

"Albel I was wondering if you could do me a favor."

Albel stopped and looked at Claire.

"I was wondering if you could apologize to Nel for me. I haven't had the time to stop by and say hello. I've been very busy."

Albel looked away and proceeded walking. Claire knew that Albel would tell her so she had nothing to worry about. She took a deep breath, wiped her eyes and continued her duties.

Albel looked at the newly built shrine, hesitating a bit, but quickly shook that off and walked in. Inside the shrine, there were flowers everywhere; the floor was made of white marble like the one where the queen's throne was. As he walked, there were small waterfalls pouring from the foot of each statue of all the gods and goddesses. Albel had to admit that the shrine was breathtaking. He walked forward, towards the statue of Apris, where in front of Apris was a glass coffin. Albel looked at the person inside the coffin.

"It's been awhile...Nel."