Howdy y'all! Z.A.G. here. Well, I've finally decided to try my luck at a SO3 fic. I've been playing for quite sometime, getting a feel for the characters and their personality. I have to say, Albel is one of my favorites. 'Maggots...' Ha ha! Who could hate such a bastard? Anyways! I had a SO3 fic in the works for awhile, then I looked back at it, decided to scrap the idea, it's been done before I think. So I think I'll try something fresh! Well, enough with my introduction. I'll start with a summary of this fic.

Summary- Seeking a place to ease his troubling thoughts, Fayt decides to stay on Elicoor, which only raises questions. The Savior of the Universe's return to the planet isn't on the top of the list for both the kingdoms of Airyglyph and Aquaria to worry about. The captain of the Black Brigade, Albel Nox, is presumed dead. Despite Nel's wishes, Fayt takes it upon himself to investigate. Knowing he's only walking into danger, the Crimson Blade accompanies him. While they seek out the truth, back in the Peterny workshop, someone is beginning to get new orders from an outside source, Greeton.

Disclaimer- I don't own SO3

Disturbing News

When the universe was at its darkest hour, clinging on the faintest hope that all that they knew wouldn't be erased by 'The Creator', a group a fighters defeated the sadistic Luther and saved the universe. Details from the battle remained scarce, according to the eight fighters who defeated 'The Creator' the battle had been long and harsh.

The three Earthlings, Fayt Leingod, Sofia Esteed, Maria Traydor; the two Klausians, Cliff Fittir, Mirage Koas, and the three fighters from Elicoor, Roger S. Huxley, Adray Lasbard, and Albel Nox, were looked to as heroes. However, no one knew the truth of their existence except these eight fighters. They made sure to keep the fact that everyone and everything around them is all just a program created by 4D being named Luther.

The only details anyone knows is that these fighters stood up against 'God', who had the power to destroy everything, and defeated him. No one questioned more than that, as far as they know, it's the truth and they didn't need to know anything else. After the final battle had finally been fought, everyone went back to where they belong. All but one.

The Earthling, Fayt Leingod arrived back on Elicoor three weeks after he left with his long time friend Sophia Esteed. For many, his arrival was a day to celebrate. For one Crimson Blade however, his presence only upset her.

Nel Zelpher, the top ranking spy in the Crimson Blade, had asked to join Fayt in his travels to go up against the Creator. At first, when he refused, she accepted his answer. After all, what help could someone from Elicoor, a planet with such a low technology level, be in a battle against the creator of all things? The technology would only leave her lost and behind everyone.

However, her feelings on his answer changed drastically when she caught wind that he had taken Adray, Albel, and even the little menidox Roger, along with the group. She didn't know why, but the thought of Fayt accepting Albel in his group and not her, put a needle in her side.

It came as no surprise when Nel didn't feel the same excitement as everyone else when the rumors of Fayt Leingod's return to Elicoor reached the Kingdom of Aquaria. Nel chose to ignore the rumors and continue to go on with her day-to-day assignments. After all, rumors are only rumors, why would he want to return to Elicoor?

Nel's hopes were destroyed when she saw him walking towards the audience chamber in the castle, being followed by several knights. That had been three weeks ago, and Fayt had still not left the planet. What Nel thought would be a short visit has turned into the most irritating three weeks of her life. To make matters worse, Fayt would occasionally seek her out and speak with her. 'Catching up' is what he insisted on doing.

Luckily for the Crimson Blade, she didn't have to see him often for he doesn't live in the castle, or in the Royal City of Aquaria for that matter. Adray Lasard, Clair's father, was so eccentric about Fayt's return that he insisted that Fayt should stay with him and Clair back at Arias. Much to Nel's relief, Fayt had accepted Adray's proposal after much convincing on Clair's father's part.

It has been two weeks since Fayt left the Royal City of Aquaria to stay in Arias, and Nel had finally readjusted to her working habit, without the interruption of the Universe's Savior bothering her. After all. she had much work to do, her subordinates are in desperate need of training. If Tynave and Farleen are her top subordinates, she's in a whole lot of trouble.

Nel resisted the urge to let out an aggravated breath as she stared down at her two subordinates sprawled across the ground trying to catch her breath. "Both of you need more training." She said, her voice void of emotion.

"Yes ma'am/ Lady Nel" The two replied in union.

Nel shook her head before dismissing them, telling them to take the rest of the day off. The Crimson Blade felt on edge today, feeling that something is about to happen. It might be the fact that she's expecting some news from one of her subordinates in Peterny.

"You really shouldn't push them so hard."

Nel turned spun around at the familiar voice. Her brows raise in question at the sight of Clair standing before her. Nel rests her hands on her hips, a scowl crossing her lips, "I don't need a lecture on how to train my subordinates Clair."

Clair gave a soft smile, "Of course you don't, Nel."

"What are you doing in the Royal City? Shouldn't you be in Arias?"

Clair looked over her shoulder a moment to look back at the castle, "I've come to help Master Fayt settle in the castle."

Nel did a double take, not believing what she heard at first. 'Fayt, living here?' Nel could already tell how much of an inconvenience that will be to her. She could picture herself rerouting her patrol around the castle just so she won't have a chance to run into him, or better yet, she'll assign one of her subordinates for patrol.

Nel rubbed her temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache, "I thought he was staying with you and Adray."

A scowl crossed Clair's features at the mention of her father's name, "Yes he was. That is until father began asking him if he'd like to marry me."

Amusement flashed through Nel's expression, "What happened?"

----

Clair walked into the dining room, carrying a tray with two cups of tea in her hands. Adray sent her a look which told her that he wished to speak with Fayt alone. Feeling a bit uneasy about it, Clair stepped out but remained behind the door to eavesdrop on the conversation.

The two remained silent for a moment as they drank their own tea. Adray finally broke the silence, "So, how are you Master Fayt? Have you settled into living here?"

Fayt gave a short nod, "Yes, I'm quite comfortable."

Adray rest the brim of his cup on his lips as he studied Fayt, "By the way. Are you seeing Nevell's daughter, Nel?"

Fayt who had been drinking his tea at the time had immediately coughed it out, having been choking on it. His face turned a few shades red from embarrassment, "What? No. Why would you ask that?"

"Well. I've been trying to think of a reason to why you would stay here. So I thought you were courting her." Adray explained.

Fayt shook his head and placed his cup on the tray, "It's nothing like that. She and I went on a few adventures together. I consider her a comrade."

A smile slowly formed across Adray's lips, his eyes seeming to glow as an idea suddenly flashed across his mind, "So does that mean you are currently single?"

Fayt's brows furrowed in question, "Yes, why?"

"Wanna marry my daughter?"

"What? Clair?" Fayt exclaimed in surprise.

"What is there something wrong with my daughter?" Adray questioned.

"No there's nothing wrong with her. It's just... Well. Isn't it her decision as to who she marries? I mean, you don't even know if she likes me."

Adray gave a hearty laugh, "No one knows my daughter better than I. She'll accept."

Fayt scratched the back of his head, "Yeah but..."

"So it's settled then." Adray said before taking another drink of his tea. The two turned their head towards the door as they heard a knock. The old member from the Shield Legion stood up and walked over towards the door. He found Clair standing there upon opening it, "Ah Clair. Perfect timing. What? You wanted to speak to me in private?" The two exited the room.

Fayt remained in his seat, upon hearing the sound of a few slaps, he picked up his cup and took another drink. "It's not that I don't like Clair or anything. It's just that if I were to marry her, it would mean Adray would be my father-in-law. And I don't think I'd be able to handle that."

----

"Father keeps trying to make me get married. It doesn't matter who it is as long as they can last throughout his workout exercise. Fayt was just bonus." Clair shook her head in annoyance.

Nel pitied her friend. Having Adray as a father most be rough. "Maybe you should just get married then, that way he won't have a reason to interfere in your life." Nel suggested a hint of humor in her voice.

Clair evidently didn't find the joke funny. She glared at the Crimson Blade, "I will choose my own husband. But only when I am ready. You are one to talk to me about getting married. You are worse than I, Nel."

Nel crossed her arms and lowered her head a bit until most of her face is hidden behind her blue scarf. A trait she does when she becomes annoyed or frustrated. "I have too much work to do to get into any sort of relationship."

Clair raised her brows at her friend, "Really? What work has the Queen given you? There's nothing of great importance that needs to be done. And the last I checked, you are suppose to be on leave."

"The queen only suggested I take a break. It does not mean that I will take it. I have to train my subordinates daily. I lost most of my more experienced ones in the last war."

"Really Nel, you are going to work yourself into an early grave." Clair shook her head before turning away, "Well I most be heading back to Arias. Father has no doubt took it upon himself to train my subordinates without notifying me."

Nel watched her friend back to the royal palace before turning around and heading towards the gardens. She stopped under the shade of a large tree and leaned against it, her mind cloud with thoughts. "Lady Nel, there you are!" Nel snapped to attention as one of her newer subordinates ran towards her. "The queen has called for your appearance. She has a task she wishes to give you."

Nel nodded her head once, "Thank you. You are dismissed."

"Yes Ma'am!"

Nel immediately made her way towards the castle. 'A new mission? What could the queen need me to do?' To say that Nel wasn't thrilled would be a lie. She was relieved for the new task. She had really exaggerated about having too much work to do. In all honesty, she doesn't really have any. With Airyglyph and Aquaria at a peace now, she had no missions to spy on an enemy. And now that she'll be getting a new mission, she won't have to worry about Fayt for a few days.

----

"Are you alright?" The queen of Aquaria asked Fayt.

Fayt just stood in his spot in silence, his head bowed to the ground as he let the news sink in. "I'm here your majesty." Nel's voice filled the chamber. Fayt heard the pause in her stride, having no doubt that she noticed him standing in the chamber as well. However, she continued on until she stood a few feet off to his side. Kneeling down on the ground and bowing her head in honor, "What is it your majesty has summoned me for?"

The queen turned her gaze towards her loyal servant, "Ah, Lady Nel. Yes.. I have a favor to ask of you."

"A favor your majesty?" Nel questioned.

"I would like you to escort Fayt to Airyglyph."

"But I.." Nel immediately began to object before she was caught off by Laselle.

"Is there a problem?"

Nel remained silent for a moment as she tried to think of a plausible excuse, "It's just that I was going to ask her majesty for a leave."

The queen gave a faint smile at the comment, no doubt relieved to hear the news, "And you shall have it." The queen accepted, giving Nel a moment's relief, "But you will still be going to Airyglyph."

"Your majesty?"

Laselle stepped forward to better explain the situation, "He and you have wished to attend to a burial in Airyglyph. Since you will be heading in the same direction, we will have you escort this outsider to Airyglyph."

'A burial?' Nel questioned to herself, 'Has the king of Airyglyph died?' She couldn't think of anyone else who's burial they would be summoned to attend. "If I may ask your majesty. Who has passed?"

Fayt answered before the queen could even open her mouth. His voice was just above a whisper at first, but it grew louder as he got the message out, "Albel... Albel is dead."

Well... This is the first chapter. I hope you like it. Oh and just to let you know. The pairings in this shall remain unannounced, just to keep y'all guessing. It's hard to guess the pairing for this, isn't it? lol. Review and let me know what you think of this.