I am sure some people won't recognize this fic because it's about a very old game titled Romancing Saga, a free-roaming role-playing game that happened to be my favorite game of all times. I read some old fic about this game just recently and I can't help but find some ideas, and voila!This is my result of reminiscing. It takes place just before the last battle. Please enjoy and don't forget to review :)

o0o

ALBERT

The young lad is contemplating himself, now that he is standing on the outskirt of Isthmus. Never did he imagine himself being the one who has to decide the fate of the world. He hasn't been fifteen, O Elore, but the Father of The God has chosen him to be the one heading to his, former, home. His heart is shrinking as he stares at the ruin of Isthmus Keep, where both of his parents met their end tragically. Tears flowing, as he remembers about his sister. His one and only sister he ever has, the one who fought bravely to protect him from Red Dragon.

Never had I met her again. I have been all over Mardias, exploring every side to every dungeon of the world, searching through the sea, underground pits, sewers, plains, deserts, volcanoes, jungles, and she's nowhere to be found. Now that the scene of Isthmus Keep is strecthed in front of me, I feel so lonely.

A single tap awakes me. It is Jamil. "Yo, buddy, don't make that kind of face. I'm sure we'll destroy this Saruin guy, so relaaax!"

I give him a-not-so convincing smile. The infamous thief of Estamir grins and gives me another tap on my shoulder. Man, regardless that Jamil's older than me, he's always so loud and insensitive, not to mention, a bit reckless, but he has already been a good friend of mine. I have to admit, I won't be able to reach this far without his help.

"It's been a while since I was here," a man with deeper voice steps beside me. I look at his face, finding hurt and loneliness emanate from his gaze. "Diana…"

The whispered name from Prince Neidhart… My fists tighten. I hate to find myself unable to find my sister, the one Prince Neidhart falls in love with. Prince Neidhart has decided to follow me since I brought Rosalia's Aquamarine back to Crystal Palace. The Prince never blames me even once for the tragedy of Red Dragon. We also have defeated Red Dragon together, but Diana's trace was never to be found. This guilt is just so neverending…

"You two! Stop making those faces! We're about to face Saruin, we have to be positive! Come on, come oooonn! Smile a bit!" a cheery voice is heard as Aisha grabs my hand and Prince Neidhart's. She moves our hands, making me shaken, contrary to Prince Neidhard who doesn't bulge a bit. Aisha is just the same as Jamil, so loud. So cheerful. Sure she and Jamil fight a lot, because Jamil loves to tease and Aisha is definitely whiny.

I chuckle at the sight of pouting Aisha because Prince Neidhart doesn't seem to mind her annoying behavior. Well, the Prince is a stoic man, never did I see his smile unless Diana was with him.

I have to… end this soon…

"So Albert, if you're ready we can enter Isthmus Cave anytime," a deep voice of a female was heard. I turn myself to see Sif, holding her Chaosbringer in confidence. This woman is the one I owe my life to, as she's the one who came to my aid when I ended up in Shiverland. She's the one who traveled with me the longest, and never ask anything in return.

"Yeah! I'm so ready! Anytime you wish, leader!" Jamil pulls out his Espada Ropera and grins at me. "Let's finish this then I'll treat you a feast in South Estamir!"

"Feast in the city of thieves?! You're not giving us good motivation here!" Aisha swings her Mage Staff to the thief, only to find the man easily dodges. I smile, Jamil and his agility are unbeatable.

"Whoa whoa, it's dangerous, kiddo!" Jamil retorts.

"I am NOT a kid!" Aisha screeches, Jamil pulls out his tongue and Aisha's veins are popping out.

"Please, guys, we need to be serious here," Sif stern voice is heard. "We all need to finish this, and please, no fighting against each other,"

I laugh a little. It's true that I'm alone without my family, but I guess, I'm not that lonely. Even in the brink of destruction of the world, my party is still as lively as ever. Jamil and Aisha fight each other, and Sif tries to stop them. I turn to Prince Neidhart who also stares at the trio, and for the first time after a very long time, I see a smile tugging his face. I'm sure that deep inside his heart, the Prince does care about all of us a lot that we can imagine. He turns at me and nods.

I turn to the trio and start speaking, "Guys…"

The trio stop rambling and focus on me at the split second. I smile to them, "I'd like to… thank you for everything you have done since the first time we met. I believe this journey is never easy to each one of us, and I feel honored to have you all here by my side,

"Whatever the end will be, we all have decided this together. We don't have anything to regret. But please keep in mind that we have things waiting for us after all. Sif, has Gato's Village waiting for her to return. Aisha, has Taralian waiting for her too. Jamil, also has Estamir people waiting. And, Prince Neidhart, Your Majesty, all Rosalian people are waiting too. As for me, I have a sister to search, and I will not back off till I find her,

I let back a heave, "That's why, no matter how strong Saruin will be, we have to stay alive,"

Both Sif and Aisha smile at me, Jamil gives me a thumb-up, and Prince Neidhard nods. We're all ready. I nod, and turn my gaze on to the land of Isthmus. My Mirsa's Armor shines in the moonlight. I pull out my Steelrend, "Let's go,"

I lead the way to the Isthmus Cave. I lead the way to Saruin's Chamber. I lead the way to final battle. All I can do is doing my best. I will create the world where destruction is nowhere to be found. For everyone's sake, for Sif, for Aisha, for Jamil, for Prince Neidhart, and… for me...

-o0o-

a.n Albert is a difficult character to describe, being a young teenager with a very big sense of duty. Most of the time, he looks strangely mature despite his very young age, the youngest between the protagonist, isn't it? I remember that during Albert playthrough, he wouldn't find Diana, though actually she was still alive. Kind of tragic ending between siblings :(

Anyway, I also remember that the game has eight protagonists with their own life issues as they proceed to defeat the God of Destruction, Saruin. Personally, I like a free-roaming game because it lets me explore all possibility within my playthrough. I replayed the game before I wrote, and all memories about each character popped up inside my head. I wish I caught the characterization well. I make this story as a chain of one-shots, because it's too hard to pull it together as one big story. Why? Well because my only base of writing is my memory about this story. Once I recollect enough memories about a character, I will write.

Thanks for reading :)