Wow… of all the fics I've written, this one has had the most review threats! XD oh you guys are great!

I'm sorry this chapter took so long. School is a bitch. So is homework.

Well Here's your gift from me, Alnel Lubbers! I hope you enjoy it.

Theres a little more romance in this one than I was hoping for.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Chapter 7: Return

"I can't believe it… today's the day…"

Albel gazed at Nel with an unreadable expression. "Nel…" His hand reached out to touch her, but recoiled when she cringed.

"I had this all planned out…" She whispered, fidgeting with her hands. "I was going to come with a happy face and wish you the best of luck and say that I hope you survive… but…" she soon broke down in tears.

"Nel, I will survive." He reassured her. He placed a hand on each shoulder to remind her that he was still there with her. The hole had been chipped to a larger size so that they could get a better view of one another and was now quite large. It still wasn't large enough to crawl through. Nel had tried once but got stuck halfway through. The only way out was back and that took a while.

"Nel, I promise you." He said sternly, his hands clasping her shoulders tightly. "I'm not going to leave you behind!"

"Even so…" She murmured, her eyes veiled by her red bangs. "We'll end up killing each other in the end… if someone else doesn't kill us first."

Albel hesitated before replying. "That's not going to happen." He told her firmly. "I'll find you and we'll escape together and find somewhere to stay." Nel looked up at him. "If not, I'll just capture you and make you mine."

Nel blushed and felt the butterflies in her stomach go berserk. She had thought that Albel was joking, but the look on his face along with the small determined smile told her otherwise.

"Albel… do you…"

"Of course." He replied with a smirk. Nel could only gape at him. His childish features had vanished and he seemed almost… older. Maybe it was because he could die in a day or so… but it didn't seem like him at all.

"I want us to still be friends…" He said gently. "Father told me once that he had rescued several prisoners of war by claiming them as 'his own' before helping them escape." He smiled. "He told me that some of those girls were not much older than us… and they would have been tortured or even killed if he hadn't done anything."

Nel thought this over in her head. "So… you would help me escape?"

"No… I want to keep you." He told her flatly. His eyes widened when he realized what he had said. "I didn't mean it like that! I mean… I just want you to stay with me… then we wouldn't have to talk through this hole anymore…"

Nel thought about this for a while. "Maybe…" The plan seemed so foolproof… but something didn't seem right.

"Albel… what happened to the girls that were claimed by other men?" she asked. Albel thought for a bit.

"I don't know…" he admitted. "My father never told me…"

Nel frowned. "Well when you get back from the dragon ceremony, tell me okay?" Albel nodded.

A horn sounded in the distance. Albel turned his head and let out a shuddering sigh. He turned back to Nel and clasped her hand tightly.

"Nel… I…" He had been gathering up the courage so long to do what he wanted to do today… and now it seemed to be gone. "Wait for me." He whispered to her. He felt his hand slip away from hers as he turned and ran towards his home again. As he ran, he heard two words that made a smile grace his lips and a warm feeling spread through him.

"BE CAREFUL!"


A few hours passed and surprisingly, Peppita and Roger managed to get Adray into the water. The rest of the group had moved to a different part of the beach to play some odd earth games together.

Nel sighed and handed Albel the five Fol she owed him. The Glyphian chuckled and quickly pocketed it. As he did so, Nel soon found interest in Albel's gauntlet.

"Albel… did anyone else lose limbs in the dragon ceremony?"

"Of course, fool." He replied. "The tamers lost limbs all the time."

"No… I mean… did anyone taking the test lose limbs?"

Albel paused. "I'm sure someone did at least once." He replied. "What brought this up?"

"Nothing…" She replied, looking away. Albel scowled.

"You don't need to remind me that I failed the goddamn test you know!" he snapped. Nel glanced over at him, wide eyed.

"No I didn't mean it-"

Albel stood up. "Quit pestering me about it. I don't need it."

"Who said I was?" She snapped, standing up as well. "I had a friend that lost his arm in there!" Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth. Albel froze on the spot. He turned to see her speeding off down the other side of the beach.

"Maggot wait up!" He called, soon starting the chase. Nel had taken off her shoes earlier to dry off and now was careening barefoot across the sandy shores. She avoided rocks and other sharp objects, which slowed her down greatly. Albel soon caught up and caught her from behind.

"What the hell did you say!" he said harshly. Nel struggled to escape but Albel kept his hold on her firm, his gauntlet cutting into her shoulder. "You knew someone that failed the test for the dragon brigade?"

Nel soon stopped struggling, but kept her mouth shut.

"Answer me, Nel!"

"It doesn't matter now!" She cried as she pushed away from him. "He's long dead!"

Albel froze. His blood red eyes were wide in shock. "Nel… I…"

"Just forget it!" She snapped. "As you said, its worthless to remember those who died in the past… they mean nothing now."

Albel could only stand there speechless. There was nothing he could say now. He watched as Nel walked past him, but did nothing.

Now wasn't the time.


Albel walked alongside his father as they made their way to the caves. He looked up at Glou and asked.

"Father… what happened to the prisoners of war that other men claimed?" He asked. Glou glanced down at his son in surprise.

"They were usually raped." He replied quietly. "If the men liked what they got, they would keep the women for a while longer."

Albel stared at his father in shock. "Is that what Vox does?" He asked, astonished at what he had learned. Glou nodded.

"Sadly yes." He replied. He looked down at Albel and soon asked, "Did you want to claim that little Aquarian friend of yours?"

Albel's eyes widened. "How did you find out about her?" he asked in a harsh whisper. Glou crouched down and patted his son's head. Despite Albel being naturally tall, he only reached up to his father's chest when it came to height.

"Albel, I'm proud of you." He said. "You ignored the harsh words said about the Aquarians and saw them as people. You befriended a young girl that lived there." Albel frowned at his father. "I want you and your friend to be happy together. You truly deserve it. Together you two could end this war."

Albel clenched his teeth. "Then why am I taking this test!" he cried. "I'll have to fight her! KILL her!" his hands balled into fists at his sides. Glou smiled.

"Not if you fight the war your way."

Glou stood up and began walking again, Albel caught up with his father and walked beside him.

"Dad… when this is all over… can you make me some chocolate bananas?"

Glou laughed. "Of course, son."


"So he's gone again?"

Luther sat beside Nel out in the gardens, leaning over slightly in interest. Nel nodded sadly.

"He's taking… a test…" She replied. Her emerald gaze turned to the blonde boy who seemed thoroughly concerned for her. "It's a test that could cost him a whole lot…"

"Sort of like a test of manhood?" he suggested. Nel nodded.

"Sort of like that…"

"I see…"

Nel pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. "I'm scared for him, Luther…"

The blonde boy gazed at her solemnly before placing a hand on her shoulder. Nel couldn't help but notice the difference between the two of their hands. Luther's was gentle and almost elegant, while Albel had a stronger hand that held her own hand tightly. It was strange to compare them.

Luther smiled. "Well remember this…" He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I'm always here for you, okay?"

Nel felt her cheeks redden and her heart flutter. She had to admit that Luther was charming, but she never would have thought that he would kiss her! Even the cheek was enough to make her nervous.

Albel wouldn't be too happy when he found out…

Nel smiled and nodded to him. "I'll be sure to remember that…"

Luther chuckled. "I can see that your crimson blade uniform is really growing on you…"

Nel nodded. "Yeah. I was tired of wearing dresses. The maid always forced me to.

Luther blinked. "And your mother?"

"She passed on when I was born." Nel replied. Luther froze.

"I'm sorry…" He told her. Nel smiled and stood up.

"Its fine…"she replied. "I think I'm going to go take a nap now. I'm really tired." Luther nodded as she ran off.

Nel ran up the stairs to her room and looked out the window towards Airyglyph. She bit her lip as she gazed at the kingdom.

"Please be okay, Albel…"


On the other side of the wall, Albel was far from okay. He was trying to keep himself calm by doing anything… whether it be fidgeting, biting his lip or anything else that wouldn't look odd.

He could die.

He shook his head. No! He had to prove himself. He had to be there for his parents!

And for Nel…

He sighed. It would be okay… he just had to keep calm… take deep breaths…

And answer the questions right.

It seemed like hours passed as he waited with his father. Glou, usually a calm man, was also tense. Albel wasn't sure why. His father was always calm on the battlefield and in front of his angry wife…

Just then, his father turned and squatted down. "Albel… my son… are you sure you're ready for this?"

Albel paused. "Who would ever be ready for this?" He asked. Glou chuckled.

"A wise answer, son. You're honest, and I'm proud of that." Albel smiled slightly as his hair was ruffled again. "Just stay calm during the ceremony. Don't show fear to those dragons, because you can't show fear on the battlefield either."

Albel nodded. "Dad… if I don't…" Glou shook his head.

"No death requests." He said quietly. "You must stay positive. You must stay alive."

Albel nodded. "I understand…" Glou smiled.

"That's my boy…"


Albel frowned as he scanned the sleeping group. Nel still hadn't come back. He hadn't seen her since they had argued and she jumped out at him. He had wanted to look, but something inside told him not to look for her now.

But right now that stupid inside of him wanted to look.

"Stupid woman…" he growled as he stood up. He walked away from the campsite and into the darkness to try and find the Aquarian. With every step he took, he remembered their conversations.

"Do you exactly… remember how the battle of flames began?"

"The one that taught me everything I know… was the one that killed your father."

"No… its your attitude that I hate."

"That song… were you the one playing it"

"Never remember… because it'll simply hold you back."

"I had a friend that lost his arm in there!"

"It doesn't matter! He's long dead now!"

Those last four words rang through his head. "Dead…" he sighed.

"Zelpher… you fool…"

He continued to wander around the beach. Nel wouldn't stray too far from the camp… but this was the furthest she had gone in a long time…

He tried to think back for any clues on where she might have gone. He paused.

"This was her first time going to the beach…" He whispered to himself. He glanced down the length of the shore and noticed a place where a rock jutted out far into the water and sloped up like a cliff. He looked again and noticed a lone person standing on it. The moonlight accented her red hair as she gazed almost upwards into the distance.

"Nel…" His eyes widened. "NEL!"

With speed that he hadn't felt in a long time, he sprinted down the beach toward the rock. He didn't know why he ran, but once again, the stupid voice inside him told him that he should.

Albel reached the slope of the rock and nearly fell as he skidded to a halt. He regained his balance quickly and began to run up to the Aquarian at the peak. She did not seem to register that he was there and continued to stare forward. Her right foot began to move forward, away from the rocks and towards nothingness.

"Damnit, woman!" He cried as he caught her from behind. He pulled her backwards and away from the ledge, not letting go until he got a response from her.

"Nel…" He breathed. "What were you…"

"He came…"

He froze. "Nel?" he glanced over her shoulder to catch a glimpse of her face. "Who did you see?"

"Him…" Her eyes stayed ahead, but they shone with something… sadness…? "He wanted me to come to him… he wanted to be with me again…"

She turned to face him, fresh tears flowing down her face. "Albel!" She turned and hugged him, letting herself cry. The captain could only stand there in shock as she cried into his chest.

He closed his eyes and opened them to look at the area where she had been watching. Nel had been through horrible times… she shared his pain…

He sighed. He had thought it was possible… he had thought that she was the girl he had known so long ago…

But her friend had died…

"I'm sorry…" he whispered. He wasn't sure who he was saying it to… whether it be her… or the one she spoke to…

Maybe he was saying it to… her...

He sighed. He couldn't even remember her name now… ten long years had passed…

"Nel…" He whispered into her hair. He realized soon after that his hands had moved to her back and wrapped themselves around her. Nel's crying had ceased and she seemed to have found solace in him. Her ragged breathing became slow again and evened out.

"C'mon…" He told her quietly as he released his hold. "We need to get you back to the others."

"No."

Albel froze and glanced down at her. "What?" Nel looked down at her feet.

"I just want to stay here… just for a little longer."

Albel stayed silent. "Fine." He finally said. "But I'm staying in case you lose it again and try to kill yourself"

"I didn't lose it!" She cried. "He came…. He was here… I…" She sighed. "All I know is that he was here…" She said. He noticed her gaze at her hand almost thoughtfully. Albel soon realized it.

She could touch him…

He frowned. Something was seriously wrong here. He sighed and soon moved the thought aside as he watched Nel sit down on the ledge. He took his place beside her and gazed out at the dark waters. The moon gave it a mystifying glow as the waves rippled like silk with the wind.

Albel glanced down at the water below. "So… you still planning to go on that swim?" Nel's eyes widened.

"Nox, don't you dare…" She said in her harsh, warning voice. The Glyphian grinned and placed a firm hand on her back, pushing her forward slightly. She stifled a cry and grabbed onto his arm.

"If I go, you're going with me." She hissed. Albel laughed.

"Very good, Zelpher… you're catching on quickly." He smirked. Nel glared and shoved his hand away.

"Idiot!"

"Says the fool who talks to nothing."


Luther gazed down at the two Elicoorians from the stars, a frown etched on his face.

"That was pure luck, Nox…" He said in a calm tone. "You won't be so lucky next time."

TBC…


I gots Luther in further ooh this is getting good.

And see? Albel was suspicious for a while! MUAHAHA! But Luther helped out with that.

Problem with Nel is that she's too distraught to even CONSIDER Albel being her old friend. Luther's planned it out perfectly. MUAHAHAHA!

As for his age… you'll see what I'm up to soon. Its GENIUS! GENIUS I SAY!

… And the Sed's had too many toblerones… -eats another piece- (just so ya know, my real name is Sedona. Not the funnest name to have.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS! TOBLERONES FOR EVERYONE! MUAHAHA!