The events in this story occur before the story of Star Ocean: Til The End of Time. Albel has not met Fayt, and Vox is still alive. Roughly, it could be assumed that this takes place months before the game's storyline. Albel is still in his mid-twenties. While I have considered writing a story about the events involving the Ascension of the Flame ceremony, I am saving that for later. This story will evolve into a romance...

However, this story, as you will see, may not flow logically into Star Ocean: Til The End of Time's storyline.

The Irony of Pretentiousness

Chapter 1

Fools! Insignificant, bottom-feeding, impudent, impotent fools! Lick at the heels of your master, then bite him in the ass. It is typical of you peasant-minded whelps. Such is politics... Establishing these systems of governance, to serve all -only to end up serving the ignorant, and saving themselves. Which is why I try my hand neither in peasantry or governance.

I loft among the elite, maintaining a militant status, without external corruption. Should this manufactured world crumble, I am strong enough to support my existence! I have no need for petty indulgences, friendships, or faith in any aspect.

It is truly laughable to ponder that these peasants and monarchs rely on us, out of vain paranoia. I, along with two incompetent men, front a military force. We train our men strenuously, while their wenches take solace in kitchen-work. Why do we train rigorously? It is all due to King Airyglyph's inherent "need" to protect his Kingdom. It has never been about people, people are expendable! Protect the Kingdom, protect your power...

Naturally, Vox and Woltar conform to these customs, believing that there is a moralistic drive behind it all. Woltar, a man of good character, gullible and with good intention; Vox, an arrogant blow-hard, seeking glory and the King's favour. I, on the other hand, seek to serve myself. What Arzei Bohnleid -sorry, I practically choke on vomit when I call him the King- will never realize is that I have no allegiances! Not to him, not to his Kingdom, not to my fellow military leaders -no one. I pledge allegiance to the promise of a stable income! Arzei, his Kingdom, his people, and his military forces are nothing more than a pay check.

Though, I must profess an honest, undying loathing of the Aquarian scum. I know that Queen has sent her spies here on reconnaissance missions, those incompetent palace guards have claimed enthusiastically that they have. I wouldn't expect anything less from a country of low-lives! I think I might disobey Arzei, and take the job of watchman myself! Threaten the guards, send them packing, and work alone -I'll catch those Aquarian spies, especially if Arzei's guards are incompetent enough to allow them to slip away. What a joke! The guards allow the scum to escape, and I'll probably be charged for threatening such useless bloodhounds! Who has committed treason, Arzei?

Albel sat up, unable to sleep -pondering the insulting thoughts that clouded his consciousness. He is disgusted by everyone, they are all too weak and unwilling to strengthen themselves. Broken cogs in an already ill-functioning system. It was all a mockery to him, a parody of a once great idea. A nihilist understands the limits of an idea.

Yet, what was he to do? Was he to sit aimlessly, awaiting Arzei's command to actually implement military force -still receiving pay regardless? Or was Albel going to risk the charge of treason for the sake of maintaining secrecy against the Aquarians?

"Committing treason as a patriotic act? What delicious irony." He chuckled to himself.

Albel toyed with the idea, flattering himself with perpetuating images of defeating the Aquarian spies -leaving them locked, to rot in the dungeon. Albel didn't care about what Arzei ordered, Albel was still serving his purpose. After all, there is no fun in being payed for nothing.

"This isn't a service to you, or your country, Arzei... This is out of sheer detest for the Aquarians, your servants, and your hypocrisy." Albel laughed silently to himself.

Why would Kings command armies to protect the Kingdom, if he didn't expect them to do their jobs? The guards certainly aren't doing their jobs, so why not chip away at decaying structure? It would definitely warrant great pleasure to see the faces of the Aquarians once they were caught on castle grounds -to hear there cries as he forced them into submission, locking them up, whipping them until they fell unconscious.

"This is a war Arzei, all hatred between countries has been instigated. We should be furthering our own cause. If you are hoping that the Aquarians are forgiving, then you are a fool! As patrons of war, it is our goal to be indignant."

How he would love to say such truths to Arzei, instead he laughed to himself maniacally. How could Arzei be so ignorant to what was before him? Was it not obvious that Aquaria was aware that they were risking their lives to infiltrate enemy territory? What has become of attempts to win this war? Had everyone gone mad? Albel is not going to be bested by inferior spies, especially not for the sake of Arzei's dillusions. The Aquarians will pay dearly, whether it be with their limbs or lives.

Albel sighed, a grin stretching lazily across his moon-lit face. He allowed himself to fall backward, into his pillow. His breathing grew silent over the span of minutes, and the only indicator of life was the rise and fall of his naked chest with every breath.

"So this is Albel The Wicked..." She whispered to herself, watching Albel sleep.

She may not have heard the thoughts within his head, though her demeanor would suggest otherwise. She could infer that he was planning something. However, it was not within her morality to kill an unaware victim. Though she was shocked that he didn't notice her as she peered into the window next to his bunk, she wrote it off as a dazed stupor and a lack of sleep.

Queen Aquaria had sent word to Clair that information needed to be gathered -information regarding King Airyglyph's military leaders. Clair had dispatched her as the most reliable spy.

She could not believe her luck. She was merely searching for the base, when she had discovered both base and Captain. However, she was aware that luck would not get her far involving Albel. He possessed an undeniable disgust for the Aquarians, so she must watch her step. Perhaps covering her markings, and changing her clothes during daylight hours would be a good idea. Her red hair was prominent enough.