When the Sun Rises Red
By Eerie
Halfhearted Warning: spoilers, yaoi, angst, naked Albel, everything you know you love.
A/N: Just to let you know early on, I pretty much rewrote the ending to the game, just because I didn't think the game's ending was all that interesting. Actually, it sucked in my opinion. Besides, this is yaoi. There's got to be some twists and turns somewhere. Comments, naturally, are more than appreciated. Thanks for reading!
One
The day was already promising to be a bleak one, as the clouds lingered thinly across a morning sky above the western mountains all but shining under a slowly rising sun. Faint streaks of carmine trailed between the shredded veils of dust that arose from the recent activity in the mines just north of Kirlsa.
Fayt propped his elbows on the windowsill and deeply breathed in the cold morning air flowing down from the Traum Mountains, unconcerned for the heat that was quickly slipping from the room through the cracked window. He closed his eyes. It felt good to just sit and relax while watching the sun rise. Sure, he had seen sunrises plenty of times while traveling endlessly from town to town, but he hadn't done it for its own sake in so long. And now that he knew his days might very well be numbered, well, he didn't need an excuse. The mountain air was always fresh, but he never truly noticed until this morning.
Fayt was tired. Tired of making detrimental decisions on which the lives his friends and those of other planets' inhabitants depended. Tired feeling that he was currently accomplishing more in his young life than the accumulated experiences of his adult life could possibly add up to. Tired of the constant race against time.
A group of children ran screeching and laughing along the dusty street beneath his window. Fayt watched them chase each other until they disappeared into a narrow alley between two rustic buildings. Though initially he found the primitive qualities of this planet difficult to adjust to, he was beginning to develop a liking for their simple ways of living. There was just something nice about it. But even still, he sorely missed the ability to take a hot shower while he was there.
Movement from around the corner caught his eye and Fayt looked to see Albel walking leisurely from the direction of Count Woltar's manor. That's right, he had stayed at the old man's place last night. Fayt studied the blond tips of Albel's hair shining like molten gold in the rays of the young sun, perhaps the most recognizable feature of the captain of the Black Brigade. That along with the unusual outfit the young man chose to wear into battle. Fayt shook his head. What was with that anyway? That tight top which screamed for the onlooker to stare at its owner's perfectly built midriff. Those leggings that stopped above his knees to reveal the curves of his upper thighs. Even the gorgeous women of Earth rarely wore such provocative clothing. Why in the world would a seasoned warrior like Albel Nox choose such attire? It couldn't possibly be comfortable to fight in… And then there was the young man's steel-armored limb. Of course, Fayt could never muster the nerve to ask Albel why he chose to wear the claw, though he'd always wanted to know.
Fayt hadn't realized that he was staring at his teammate as he was contemplating until Albel had disappeared at the entrance to the inn. The abrupt knock on the door made him bolt upright, quickly closing the window. Without waiting for his summons, the door opened.
"Hey, buddy, glad you're up. Got a present from Maria if you wanna to share it with me." Cliff shut the door behind him with his foot and set the steaming apple pie on the floor next to Fayt's bunk. "Damn, why's it so cold in here?"
Fayt scratched at the back of his head. "Oh, yeah, I was just getting some fresh air."
Cliff shrugged and slumped heavily onto the hardwood floor. "Can't say I blame you. I swear they never dust this place. You'd think they'd be a little more attentive, being a mining town and all." The blonde handed a fork to Fayt and pushed the dessert closer to his companion.
"Thanks," Fayt said and accepted the utensil before also seating himself.
Cliff chewed his first bite, his eyes fixed on Fayt's pale face. He swallowed and knit his eyebrows. "You sleep okay? You look pretty worn out."
Fayt shrugged and stabbed a cinnamon-coated apple chunk. "Yeah, I just feel a little bit tired still." It was close enough to the truth. Not that he doubted Cliff's ability to understand his weary state of mind, he just didn't feel like talking about it.
Fayt continued his breakfast in silence, listening to Cliff's ranting about having to go back into that damp maze under Aquaria in order to acquire the Sacred Orb.
"Who'd have thought that we had it once already? Too bad we couldn't have just taken it then so we wouldn't have to go back. I can hardly make heads or tails out of that place," Cliff said once finished and leaned back onto his elbows.
"That's because you're a fool."
Both men turned at the biting voice and saw Albel leaning unnoticed in the frame of the doorway. A slight smirk hugged a corner of his lips.
"When the hell did you sneak in here?" Cliff spat.
Albel crossed his arms. "Well, I wouldn't expect you to hear even the rusty hinges of an old door over the sound of your own voice."
Cliff openly ground his teeth. "So then what do you want? Is everyone ready to go?"
Albel shrugged a shoulder and glanced at each of them.
Fayt flinched slightly when cold crimson eyes briefly lingered on his. He quickly found something interesting in the opposite wall.
"I don't know what all of those worms are doing. But I'm ready, so let's get going," Albel snapped and strode from the room.
Cliff sighed in exasperation. "Geez. I'm never gonna get used to that guy, Fayt. Honestly, what a rotten attitude."
Fayt just looked at the empty space where Albel had stood. Cliff obviously could not see the subtext in the things Albel said and did, but Fayt considered himself a bit more adept. Something was bothering the swordsman. He wasn't sure he'd have the willpower to tempt Albel into revealing anything. He might very well get himself slashed for trying.
Though he was skeptical about letting Albel join their party at first, he quickly got the impression that placing his trust in the strange swordsman was not an unwise decision. There was something in Albel that was reliable and faithful, despite his occasional unpredictability, his threats and morbid tendencies. Not only that, but the Elicoorian could fight like a madman. Cliff would never have wanted to hear it, but Albel was an important asset to their team.
"He's probably just stressed out after all he's been through," Fayt offered.
Cliff raised an eyebrow. "I don't know how you even try to figure out what's going in that head."
But Fayt was almost certain that he was right. In all actuality, he was surprised Albel hadn't had a nervous breakdown yet. To go from a simple planet whose only problem revolved around a feud between countries to an interstellar war based on mind boggling technology could not possibly leave a normal person unchanged. Not that Albel was normal. But he was still human. Even Fayt was confused and scared over the discovery of another dimension's control over his galaxy. But Albel kept firm hold of his stubborn fearlessness.
And that worried Fayt.
"Well, I suppose we should move out. No time to lose, as they say." Cliff stood and slammed his fist into a cupped palm.
Fayt nodded and together they made their way to the first floor of the inn. Peppita, Maria, and Adray sat around a table in the corner of the lobby, speaking quietly. Albel stood with his arms crossed and back to the wall, ignoring the group. Mirage and Sophia were the only ones missing. Fayt and Cliff exchanged glances.
"I'll go check out the shops," Fayt volunteered and made his way out the door.
The town was relatively quiet that morning, and only a few early workers and restless children populated the streets. As he drew up close to the grocer, he could hear women's voices issuing softly from beyond the door. One of them sounded like Sophia's.
Fayt stopped and pressed his ear gently to the thick wood and heard Mirage's voice next. He couldn't understand what they were talking about, but it was apparent that Sophia was upset about something. He sighed, wanting to let them resolve whatever it was, but they didn't have time for such things.
Fayt pushed the door open and sized up the scene before him, slightly uncomfortable for even being there. Sophia was drying her eyes hurriedly on her sleeve upon seeing him. "Is something the matter? Sophia, are you alright?"
The girl offered a weak smile. "Yeah, it's nothing. I just wanted to talk with someone. Sorry, Fayt."
"There's no reason to be sorry, but if something's up I want you to tell me, no matter what it is." Fayt watched confused as Mirage and Sophia stood to follow him out of the shop.
"Okay, Fayt. Thank you." Sophia smiled more genuinely, though Fayt could tell there was something they would not reveal to him no matter how much prying he could suffer himself through. He decided it best to let it be for now.
"Right, well, everyone's ready to go if you are." Fayt wondered what was going on today. Everyone seemed to be acting a bit off.
"Right behind you," Mirage said and waited for the blue-haired boy to lead the way.
Once every individual in the group was unified, they left Kirlsa toward Arias. From there it was on to Peterny and then to the Sacred City of Aquios.
They each fought hard all day long, resting very briefly before pressing on again. By the time the sun was setting they had reached Peterny, exhausted and starved. While Cliff signed their names in the registry at the reception desk of the inn, Fayt noticed with some apprehension that Albel was pacing restlessly about the room. Eyeing the others and seeing no one was currently watching either of them, Fayt approached the ruffled swordsman, bracing himself in case he was about to have his head bitten off. Well, better him than some poor inn maid.
"Albel," he said softly near the entrance, hoping only the addressed would hear him. Albel stopped and glared at him, but didn't spit a word. Thank goodness. The last thing Fayt wanted was any sort of scene to put everyone else more on edge. But Albel looked as though he would positively explode at any second.
Fayt motioned with his head for Albel to follow him outside, and to his relief the older man did so. Stars were beginning to emerge from the deep indigo of the unrolling night high to the east as the last rays of orange and gold slipped beyond the western horizon. The dusky blue glow surrounding everything made Albel's face appear like that of a demon's, the stains of blood on his clothes from the monsters deepen nearly to black. Fayt recoiled, regretting his bravery already.
"Well? Do you have something to say to me?" Albel snarled and gripped the hilt of his katana.
Fayt lifted his hands in a defensive gesture. "Easy. It just looked like you had something on your mind."
Albel sneered but did not relax his stance. "So what if I do? What, you thought that you and I could have a heart to heart? You're an even bigger fool than I thought."
"Actually, I was going to see if you wanted to spar for a while." The words spilled from Fayt's lips before he had time to think about them. Though it was probably a good thing to recover with, he really was too tired to actually go through with it if the Elicoorian agreed.
Albel weighed the offer for a moment before standing straight and releasing the handle of his sword. "Pointless. You're dead on your feet as it is."
Fayt sighed inwardly in relief. "Then, maybe we can get something to eat."
"Hmph."
Fayt watched as Albel turned abruptly and reentered the inn. He rubbed his forehead in confusion. Well if Albel didn't want to say anything, so be it. But Fayt was still too hungry to turn in just yet. He decided to search out the market instead.
By the time he returned, night had completely conquered the sky. The moon was shining like a jester's smile above the quiet buildings. No one was stirring this night. Until any sort of peace was restored to the continent, he doubted anyone would.
The front desk clerk glanced up briefly when the Earthborn boy entered, but quickly resumed her scribbling in a journal. Fayt approached the desk and politely asked what his room number was.
The girl looked up with a slight expression of irritation. "What was your name again?"
"Fayt. Fayt Leingod."
The girl flipped through the registry and ran a finger down the page. "We're pretty full tonight, so in case you didn't know, your friends had to room with one another." She paused. "Mister Leingod. You're in room three, just down the hall there." After gesturing the direction and offering a bland smile she resumed her writing.
Fayt turned and walked wearily down the hallway. When he came to the room, he twisted the knob and found it locked. Strange, he thought, normally Cliff never locked the door. Fayt knocked loudly, hoping the blonde wasn't already asleep. To his surprise, the door was thrown open by a sour-faced Albel. Fayt checked the number on the door again.
"Uh, I thought I would be rooming with Cliff," Fayt said rather dumbly.
"Sorry to disappoint you," Albel said sarcastically, "but there's always the hallway if this arrangement is a problem."
Seeing that the man was about to shut the door in his face, Fayt stammered, "No! I mean, I was just expecting it. There's no problem."
"Hmph." Albel left the door ajar and stomped to his bed. He stretched himself out on the rumpled thing facing the wall away from Fayt.
The blue-haired boy closed the door and sat down in front of the fireplace. He opened his sack and extracted the steamed buns that he had bought from the market. Immersing himself in the winding dance of the flames and his own scattered thoughts, Fayt began on his first bun.
"Must you chew so loudly?" Albel growled softly from the bed after a moment of quiet.
Fayt snapped back into reality. "Sorry. I didn't realize I was."
Albel didn't reply. Fayt glanced at the older man's back, suddenly feeling uncomfortable in that room. Though he was lying very still, it was clear that Albel was far from sleepy; Fayt could practically see the dark red aura surrounding the swordsman's body. Though he was reluctant to say anything out of fear of how Albel would react, Fayt couldn't toss away his habitual manners. "I bought enough for two."
"So save them," the reclining man bit.
"Honestly, Albel. You haven't eaten since yesterday. How long do you expect to be able to keep up your strength?" Fayt realized that he sounded just like his mother, but he didn't care.
Albel suddenly jerked his body to lie on his side facing Fayt. "Did it ever occur to you that perhaps I'm not hungry? That your incessant prattling is driving me crazy?"
"What's with you lately? You're not acting like yourself." Fayt was gradually losing his apprehension in favor of annoyance.
Albel took on a falsely surprised face. "Really. And how am I meant to act?"
"I don't know, more sarcastic in a less angry way."
"Nobody asked for your opinion."
"You just did!" Fayt felt his face growing hotter, though it had little to do with the proximity of the fire.
Albel was glaring at him so hard his gaze could crack stone. "What the hell do you want, Fayt?"
Fayt glared back as best he could, which wasn't very convincing at all. In fact, he was more surprised at hearing his name spoken by the warrior. It was a rare occurrence to be called something that didn't represent a crawling insect. "Just eat something." He tossed a bun at the older man and turned back to the fire after seeing it cruelly caught.
Albel snorted in irritation before beginning to devour the thing. The two ate in silence until their hands were empty.
When Fayt turned away from the fire, the sight of Albel staring directly at him took him aback. "W-what?" he asked defensively.
Albel sneered. "Never mind." Tossing his head to fling the two wrapped strands of hair out of his path, Albel laid down facing the wall again.
Fayt just looked at the curve joining the older man's back and hipbone, trying to understand what in the world had just transpired between the two of them.
The next afternoon found them in Aquios. The sky was clear and blue without a trace of cloud to be found. Peppita was skipping along, the bells on her shoes adding a touch of music to the soft warm breezes that blew over the Moonlit Bridge.
"Oh! It's so big and beautiful!" she cried and performed a twirl. "I wish the Rossetti Troupe could perform here, Fayt!"
Fayt smiled at her. "Maybe some day you will."
From behind him, Fayt heard a soft snort of doubt from Albel. Deciding to ignore it, he pressed on to meet up to Sophia, who was leaning at the railing of the bridge's edge.
"Hey. Feeling alright today?" he asked as he stepped up to her side.
Sophia turned to him and beamed. "Yeah. I'm fine. It's just that I've been so tired lately. It's hard to adjust to this sort of pace. I don't know how you did it, Fayt."
Fayt grinned. "Guess all those video games paid off after all."
Sophia rolled her eyes and gazed back down into the river. "It really is pretty here."
"Yeah." Fayt rested his hand on top of hers in an assuring manner.
Sophia looked back up at him, her eyes shining. "If we, I mean, when we beat this Owner, I want to come back here. Maybe just the two of us." Her smile was meaningful.
"Sure," Fayt agreed obliviously. "I'd love to see this place again."
Cliff suddenly stepped up behind them and rested two heavy hands on each of their shoulders. "Okay, kiddies, enough mooning already. We've got a job to do."
"Right," Fayt agreed, not bothering to defend himself as acting with innocence due to his good mood that day. He was doing his best to not think about the unpleasant evening with Albel the night before. That swordsman was currently striding purposefully ahead of the group toward the castle. "Let's get going."
The queen watched them with eyes that never ceased to disturb Fayt with their close resemblance to Albel's. He looked at the floor instead. She would soon agree that it was for the best that they take their sacred ancient artifact; that, he already knew. The Lady of Aquaria wasn't exactly difficult to win over when it came to the security of her country, though her decisions were decidedly wise for the age of her planet. She was a good and just queen, of that there was no question, but her eyes positively bothered him. Eyes the color of shed blood just seemed out of place on such a pure and holy woman. But for one such as Albel, it seemed they were solely created.
I shouldn't be thinking about things like this right now, Fayt chided himself and shut his eyes altogether. Sure enough, the queen offered her permission for the group to take the Sacred Orb and they were immediately on their way toward the chapel.
'Ugh, I'm really not looking forward to this," Cliff groaned as they descended the stairway in the center of the floor.
"I don't think any of us are," Maria answered.
Bruised and bleeding, the group emerged from the dark pits of Aquaria, the Sacred Orb clutched in Sophia's arms. Night had already fallen, and the queen looked tired as they filed into the throne room.
"I am relieved you are all safe," she said. "Please take rest. May the light of Apris shine on your upcoming journeys and your fate." With that, she offered a low bow and retired to her room.
With weary glances exchanged, Fayt and the group made their way in silence to the rooms they were promised in the castle. No one seemed in the mood for much talk that night. They were very nearly killed trying to get the orb from the winding hallways of Kaddan Shrine.
Due to recent unfortunate events and the fleeing of several other runologists, they each had their own personal room. Because of this fact, Fayt was quite surprised to hear a determined knock at his door ten minutes after having finally fallen asleep. Blinking hard and trying to remember just where he was, the blue-haired boy slowly stood and moved toward the door. Whatever it is, he thought, it had better be important.
When he saw Albel standing on the other side, Fayt squinted his eyes. "Albel? Geez, what time is it? What are you doing here?"
"Shut up and come with me," the dark-haired warrior growled and snagged Fayt by the shirt to all but drag him forcefully down the hallway.
"What! What are you doing?" Fayt cried, now fully awake.
Albel did not answer, but pushed Fayt into his own room and shut the door firmly behind. Fayt stumbled before regaining his composure, glaring angrily at the man that was currently standing and staring at him with a stern expression from the entryway.
"Why did you act so irrationally today?" Albel asked straightaway.
Fayt shook his head. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't play stupid. I know you were hurt far worse than I when you cast those healing spells on me. Why did you do that?" The dark-haired man remained still, unwavering.
Fayt knitted his eyebrows. "Albel, why in the world are you asking me this? I couldn't watch you, or anyone, just die in front of my eyes. Anyway, not everyone knows that spell. It was tough today for all of us."
"Stop lying. You were vomiting up blood at one point. What good is the healer when he himself is dead?" Albel began to approach Fayt slowly.
Fayt looked upon the taller swordsman with some alarm. "Y-you saw that?"
Albel stopped, cocking his head to the side and waiting for his answer.
Fayt looked away, shrugging. "Even still, you're a better fighter than I am," he said quietly.
Albel sneered. "What a worthless maggot you truly are. Go back to bed."
Fayt stared with wide eyes as Albel brushed past him on his way toward the bed. "That's it?" he couldn't help but blurting.
Albel whirled around and glared at Fayt. "Were you expecting something else?"
Of course, he didn't know what to expect. But for some reason, this strange confrontation seemed to lack any sort of resolve or even climax. Fayt shook his head. "N-no."
"Then get out."
Fayt obeyed. The hallway was cold that night as he made his way back to his room. What had gotten into Albel? Fayt almost felt bad for leaving the swordsman without discovering the reason for such a strange late night inquiry. Well, no point in dwelling on the useless, Fayt assured himself. Albel was always going to be a bit odd. Best just to try to ignore it.
The next morning Fayt was craving a bath like mad. And since he was currently in Aquaria, the request for such an activity was not looked upon with irritation from the servants of the castle. In fact, there was a large bathhouse for each gender within the castle, a fact he had stumbled on very fortunately his first day there while roaming about the halls with Cliff and Nell.
Nell. Maybe he'd go and visit her again before they left. He might not ever get the chance to see her again. Fayt smiled wearily. If Sophia had heard him voice such a thought, she would probably smack him for not being optimistic. But he wished that Nell could have joined them on their journey, if she hadn't had her own things to attend to. The most important of which seemed to be with Claire. Even if she wouldn't let on, it was obvious to Fayt that the woman was in love with her captain. Secretly, Fayt wished for their success with one another.
After the servant standing at the door of the men's baths lent him a thick white towel, Fayt emptily thanked him. He was too absorbed in his thoughts. As he walked toward the tubs, he wondered at what made Nell continue as she did. She knew very well that something bigger than she could possibly imagine was going on in realms outside her own, more powerful than she could fully comprehend. But she chose to stay. For the freedom to live. And ultimately, the freedom to pursue her love. Even if he were to reveal the details of everything he had learned about another dimension controlling his galaxy and theirs, she would still probably choose to stay.
And for that, in a way, Fayt couldn't help but envy her. If only things were so simple for himself. If only he could decide his own fate.
The steam from the tubs fogged his vision as he neared, and Fayt focused his attention on the feasible world before him. He slowly stripped out of his clothing and laid the pieces aside before sinking gratefully into the warm water. He immediately sank his head beneath the surface, staying under as long as he could before the burning in his lungs was too much to bear. Such was his ritual ever since childhood: to see how much longer he could stay under than the time before. Back then his goal was to eventually learn how to breathe underwater. Fayt smiled to himself at the memory. Now it was about seeing how much endurance he had gained.
After a moment he reemerged and sucked in a great breath of air.
"Hn. I wondered if you would come back up."
Fayt jumped, startled at the other voice which he immediately recognized. "Damnit, Albel! Why didn't you say something to me when I came in?"
Albel shrugged from the tub parallel to Fayt. "Maybe because you seemed more intent on drowning yourself. I was intrigued."
Fayt snorted. "Well, you scared me." He tried unsuccessfully to cast a spiteful glare at the other soaking opposite of him, but Albel's eyes were closed anyway, a satisfied smile on the man's lips. Fayt relaxed his countenance and quickly fell into a blank spell, his eyes fixed on Albel.
The latter's skin was glistening in the humid room, streams of condensed steam flowing down the sides of his face. The two long strands of cloth-bound hair were brushing against the floor from the tall edge of the clawed bathtub, the shorter strands framing the older man's face pushed back to allow Fayt full view of his features.
Fayt couldn't help but stare. Albel really was beautiful. His fine features were even more so now that his jaggedly cut hair was no longer obscuring them. Fayt had never imagined such a ruthless warrior could possibly look that way. And in all honesty, the things he was noticing as of late confused him. Was he really attracted to this man? Even in the hovering mist he could swear he made out the older swordsman's pulse beating lightly against the pale skin of his slender throat.
When Albel opened his eyes, he didn't need to glance at Fayt to know that the younger man's gaze was on him. "It's not polite to stare, worm." His tone was mocking.
Fayt tore his eyes away and blinked rapidly for a moment in embarrassment. He hadn't even realized he was doing it. In fact, he hadn't been aware of many things he was doing lately.
There was a long series of silent moments between them before Albel spoke. "It was the old man."
Fayt jerked his head to look in surprise at his companion. "What?"
Albel cast a sharp reproachful glance at the other before explaining. "The other night, in Kirlsa."
Fayt suddenly remembered Albel's altered mood since that particular morning at the Kirlsa inn after spending the night at Waltor's manor. "What did he do?"
"It's not what he did." Albel growled. "It's what he said."
Fayt waited quietly in anticipation, allowing his companion to find whatever words would come next.
The dark-haired man sighed in annoyance. "When I told him what was going on, outside of this dimension, that I was playing a part in literally saving the universe, he laughed. He told me that I could never do something like that. That I could never contribute to any kind of positive force. I am destined to be labeled 'Albel the Wicked' forever. My past being proof." He lifted his burned arm from the water and gave it a spiteful look. "A natural villain."
Fayt had never seen Albel without his claw. The sight of the deep angry scars made his mind go blank for a moment. When his mouth opened, he forcefully stopped himself from inquiring about the warrior's injury. Not yet. Albel was actually opening up to him right now. Such things could be asked later. "Er, but he was the one that brought us all together in the first place."
"That means nothing. He simply didn't want my boring death in the cellar of that stagnant pit of a castle to weigh on his conscious. He didn't care what happened otherwise."
Fayt thought. The man had obviously played a large part in Albel's upbringing, and from what Fayt could tell about their meeting, Woltar was not the cold and calculating man he had first imagined. He couldn't just turn against Albel without a shred of emotion. "I'm sure there was a reason why he said something like that. I think he just wants to keep you strong; to keep you convinced that you can prove him wrong."
Albel was silent for a moment. Suddenly he stood from the water and seized his towel. As he pressed the cloth against his face, Fayt couldn't help but linger his gaze on the older man's naked body. Not that Albel's attire left much to the imagination, but now that he was seeing it, it was difficult to tear his eyes from. The Elicoorian wasn't beautiful. He was gorgeous. Wait, he didn't just think that, did he?
Albel violently yanked the towel around his hips and tucked one end beneath the formed waistband. "You spout nothing but garbage," he declared and cast a final stony glare at Fayt before tromping away to retrieve his clothes.
Fayt blinked. What in the world just happened? One minute he was feeling sympathy for the orphan and attempting a serious conversation, and next he was hard just looking at the man. Fayt rubbed fiercely at his eyes. Maybe he was just fatigued. Whatever it was, he adamantly refused to do anything about the sudden prominent swelling between his legs.
Once his groin finally gave up and he was positive that Albel was no longer in the bath room, Fayt rose and prepared for another day of running.
To be continued...