"Albel, when you're done with Vox, return here. I have something of great importance to discuss with you," King Airyglyph XIII watched as Albel Nox nodded silently and left his room, looking like a man headed to the gallows. After the death of Glou Nox, it had been decided that to compensate for his father's death, Albel would become the "plaything" of the military leaders of Airyglyph, though it was mainly just Vox that sexually abused the younger man and kept him all to himself.

That bastard must have some sort of sick complex... Arzei thought with disgust.

The King had objected to the idea of such warmongers using Albel in that way, but Vox had made his life a living Hell until he gave in.

For nine long years now, that poor boy has let those vile men do with him as they please. I don't understand how he can submit to that, even if he does feel he is to blame for his father's death... This has to end...

After a while, Arzei's thoughts on how to help Albel escape were interrupted by the sound of his bedroom door opening. He watched with great sadness as the young man dragged himself across the threshold enough to close the door, and the collapsed onto the floor.

"Oh, Albel..." the King sighed sadly as he examined the younger man's cut and bleeding body, raw wrists, bitten neck, slightly crusted with dried blood, horribly disheveled hair, clothes torn – as if Vox couldn't get to Albel fast enough and ripped them in the process of stripping him. Arzei noticed the drops of blood on the floor where Albel had been previously standing, and the darker stain on the seat of his deep purple skirt.

As Arzei cleaned and dressed Albel's wounds, he told the younger man of his plan to help him escape. "I'm sending Vox away on a mission first thing tomorrow morning, and he won't be back for six weeks. You will leave tomorrow night, so be sure to get plenty of rest during the day. Go to Kirlsa; Woltar will be there waiting for you. I will send a messenger shortly to let him know of your arrival. He will house you in his mansion until you have regained your strength, and then you must travel to Aquios. I know they are our enemy... but you will not be recognized, and you will be safest there. I'll have a bag packed with traveling supplies and plenty of fol to get you by for some time. I'd offer to lend you a dragon, but... Would you like to travel by lum?"

Albel nodded slightly and let Arzei continue speaking.

"Okay, then. It's settled. Albel... I'm sorry this has gone on for so long... I can't even begin to ask for your forgiveness... You don't deserve any of the awful things you've had to endure these past nine years-"

"I need to get some rest. If you'd excuse me..." Albel quietly interrupted Arzei's apology.

"Ah, yes... Until tomorrow, then." King Airyglyph watched as Albel trod slowly out of his room, limping a little as he went.

XxX

The next day, Albel slept until sundown, when Arzei awakened him with a small feast and helped him get on his way. As the broken man hauled himself on the back of the lum, the King apologized again for not being able to do anything sooner.

"Give Woltar my regards," Arzei said, only to be answered by a slight nod and the sound of hooves disappearing into the distance.

XxX

Albel rode through the Traum Mountains all night and arrived at the entrance to Kirlsa just as the sun was beginning to peek over the horizon. He slowly dismounted the horse-like creature and led it to a stable nearby. When he reached the doors to Woltar's mansion, the old man was there waiting for him like Arzei said.

"Albel... Welcome," Woltar said forlornly as he ushered the young man into his home. "Let me show you to your room, then you can roam around as you please. Or, if you would like, just go ahead and get some rest. I'm sure you need it."

Albel quietly followed Woltar up the grand staircase before him, and came to a halt when the old man stopped in front of the rightmost of three doors on the upper floor.

"This will be your room during your refuge here. I'm sure you will find it suitable. If there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask. You can find me in my study," Woltar gestured to the door just to the left and excused himself, returning to his room to continue his work.

XxX

"Hmph," Albel grunted in approval of his new room. I might as well sleep...

After sleeping two full days, Albel was brought back to the conscious world by Woltar telling him of his upcoming training.

"King Airyglyph wishes for you to have some battle experience for your impending journey. As soon as you eat, meet me in the courtyard. I'm sure you noticed it on your way in. I will be giving you your lessons. I may be old, but I am still a very capable warrior. I've had a gauntlet made for your... infirmity. A nice katana is awaiting its new master. I will see you shortly." With that said, Woltar left the room, leaving Albel to his own thoughts.

Katana... Just like Father… Will my past never cease to haunt me...?

Notes:

Hey everybody~! Sorry I've been gone for such a long time!! Gahhh, it's been years, seriously!! This fic was actually completely a couple years ago, I've just been too lazy and wayyy too busy to sit down and separate it into chapters D: So yes, beware, this is poorly written, and out of character lol. Thanks for sticking around, you guys~

Love y'all~!

~Falbet