Full Summary: A spoiled boy and a tormented warrior; Two very different people, but something between them will not let one ignore the other. Within the truths and lies they share, a relationship exists that neither one of them can read. [Parallel story to Essence of Innocence. Fayt PoV. AlbelFayt.]
Rating: To remain Teen.
Disclaimer: Star Ocean 3 and its characters belong to Tri-Ace.
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Prologue
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I once heard of him as the strongest warrior in all of Airyglyph and the commander of the Black Brigade; just the breath of his name either struck fear, hatred, or anger in his enemies and common people alike. It was difficult to tell if all of those traits really existed anymore when I first spotted Albel Nox chained away from freedom.
At first, the thought occurred to me that perhaps Woltar or King Airyglyph were just playing some sort of joke, or maybe my eyes had deceived me. Either way, I had to swallow my surprise and pay close attention to the conversation about to brew up in front of me.
Albel did not realize our arrival at that moment. Woltar had to loudly snap him out of his musings before he finally decided to glance up, but as he did, I quickly wished that we wouldn't have— through his disheveled, blonde bangs, I could gaze into his glowing orbs of blood. It was the first time I had actually made eye contact with the man, and it truly sent a jittery feeling through out my limbs, paralyzing my thoughts on the way.
With a first glance, his glare seemed to be filled with hatred, but when I call back on it, glares seem to be his only way of communicating most of his emotions, including surprise. Just as I had, though, the rest of the group became slightly tense upon being examined by Albel, and after a few more moments of glaring (or deep thought), his mouth eventually opened with shock.
Before he could pose any questions, Woltar began to explain, "I know you're dumbfounded, Albel, but the King has a proposition to make of you-,"
Interrupting, Albel questioned with, "What are they doing here?" His eyes became cat-like slits and scanned our faces back and forth, scowling when his gaze fell upon the Aquarian, Nel. Nel took it in her pleasure to return the scowl before looking away. I knew she couldn't help it, but I didn't want any of us to get on his bad side, and returning a scowl was probably one of the ways to do just that.
Sighing, Woltar closed his eyes as he continued, expecting the reaction, "Albel, the war is over, but we have a bigger threat now."
"The war… over?" His question was understandable; while in prison, he could have no communication with the outside world. He may have even conversed with the mice running about out of boredom.
"Yes, we have no time for war now," The Count replied.
"What about Vox?" The name only forced me to remember an image of a haughty man with an ego to match.
Hesitating, Woltar informed him, "Well… these people here defeated him."
"What?! You mean to tell me these Aquarian scum defeated Vox?" he exclaimed in reply. I assumed that he had probably tried to defeat Vox numerous times. His reaction made me curious to what might have occurred between him and Vox, but I sure as hell did not want to ask.
"Indeed they did. Now, before you interrupt again, may I bring up the King's command?" Albel grunted as he looked to the side. Whether this was a "yes" or "no", or maybe even an "I don't care", Woltar still continued. "A new enemy has arrived from a different world, one that threatens this whole planet. If we don't stop it, we'll all be killed." I thought to myself what Albel's reply would be to that statement.
"A different world?! Do you take me for some sort of fool, old man? You must be going senile," the prisoner snapped back with ferocity as his glare become more noticeable. Well, my guess was pretty close.
Woltar sighed as he shook his head. He must be used to Albel's feisty attitude, or how else would he have the patience to explain everything? I have never actually met someone who could have so much to say after being held in conditions like these. I did not know if I should admire that spirit or fear it. "Fine, don't believe me," Woltar simply carried on, "but that does not change the fact that you will be accommodating them to subdue the Marquis."
Coincidentally, there might have just been a hole in the stone walls, but when Albel's expression became stiff and rigid, a chilly breeze twirled past my ear. Freaky.
"…The Marquis…?" he repeated steadily, more so that he could absorb the question rather than Woltar. This reaction also tormented my curiosity, but I had to pinion any and all questions until they mattered, if ever. My gaze fell upon him the whole time he stared down at the floor with furrowed eyebrows. Maybe that was his thinking face.
"Yes… you do not mind, do you? It is an order, after all."
Losing interest in Albel's silence, I turned to see the rest of the group. Maria seemed to be just as intrigued as I was, although Cliff did not even bother mustering up an ounce of curiosity in Albel. The Airyglyph soldier insulted Cliff's strength, so he was automatically on his "List of Bastards Who Need a Beating" (as he once referred to it). When Maria shifted slightly, I took it as my cue to turn back around and face Albel.
The warrior now stood up tall and laid his full gaze on Woltar and us. Had he come to a decision?
"Fine. If the King commands it." What a relief!
Woltar smiled in response to my feeling of calmness. "Well answered, Albel." He received another glare as a response, but he still trotted over to Albel to unshackle him. The cuffs slid off of Albel's abnormally thin wrists almost gracefully, not even making a small sound. As Woltar got to the other cuff, though, I froze as a scenario occurred to me:
Woltar pulled off the last cuff and backed away from Albel. A tiny glint flickered in his eye as he stretched out his claw and dashed towards the rest of us, raising the hunk of metal and slamming its sharp edges into the closest people (like me), splattering hundreds of air born, scarlet droplets in all directions, smirking sardonically the whole time.
Okay, okay, calm down, Fayt. That will not really happen. Remember, he's just a normal person like the rest of us (but I still found it hard trying to take my own advice).
In reality, Albel just stood there quietly as he studied the party, rubbing his gaunt wrist with his claw, which it seemed more painful to do that. His steps echoed through out the small dungeon cell as he made his way for us. Once again, that damned scenario flashed through my head and I had to block it out before I ran out of the cell screaming.
"Let's not waste any time," was his only sentence before his departure through the rickety, old door. Woltar followed, so I decided to lead the rest of the party after them. We all remained silent as we traveled back to the upper floor. It already felt strange having a former enemy on the party, but I could tell that the situation would become a hassle later on, and if not a hassle, then at least very intriguing.
End Prologue
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I'm glad to have finally gotten this up. Any and all reviews are always appreciated.
