Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean.


Crippled Clock Work

VIII

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The clock returns more detailed, smelling of cotton balls dipped in sour milk.

The tips of the hands are shaped in crescent moons. The numbers on the cream colored face are rusted.

The glass plate is still broken, the clock still caked in dust. His fingers switch the hands back to twelve instead of one.

He doesn't know what part of the day it is. He wants to still time, wants the nightmare to last forever.

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~o~

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"Nel Zelpher." The Queen of Aquaria approaches said agent in the hallway, her two knights saluting in greeting.

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"Your majesty." Nel quickly bows in surprise. "To what do I owe the honor of your presence at this hour?"

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"You may rise." The queen motions and Nel stands expectantly.

"I know you have an upcoming engagement to attend with our guests but I must speak with you now."

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"Is something the matter?" Nel's hands reflexively rest on the sheaths of her blades.

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"This must be discussed in private." The queen states and beckons Nel to follow her.

.

~o~

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"We're hereee!" Peppita bursts through the doors to the main dining area. Servants carrying trays of food halt their movement to observe her.

A boy has his arm linked in Peppita's as he tries to place a fallen suspender strap back on his shoulder.

.

Maria smiles, her chin in her hand as she waves to the pair. "Roger, you made it."

A lopsided grin appears on his face, hiding how unmanly he feels with Peppita beside him.

She had threatened to beat him with his own axe if he had let go of her arm! What nerve.

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"You guys gonna stand there all day or move?" A baritone voice booms from the entrance.

In walks Adray, having returned from overseas, his skin darker and his eyes alight with amusement.

Peppita squeaks, hauling Roger towards the table to sit together.

Adray pats Sophia's head and pounds fists with Cliff. Maria gives a polite nod towards Adray.

He then surveys the room while scratching his beard, nodding approvingly at the pig roast sitting at the table.

"How have you guys been holding up?" Adray asks.

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"We're all good." Cliff smirks. "Now the whole crew's here!"

.

"Nooo!" Peppita pouts, sitting down. "Where's Fayt and Albel?"

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"I sent someone to their rooms to get them." Nel replies, entering the dining hall.

She and Adray bow respectfully to one other. "Is Clair accompanying you?"

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"Not today. I'll be meeting with her at the dock tomorrow. You're more than welcome to see me off with her.

I have another assignment across the sea." Adray smiles brightly.

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"I'd be glad to." Nel hides her smile in her scarf. It has been some time since she last saw Clair.

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Maria gazes at Roger peering at his empty plate, eyes gloomy while everyone converses. She hides her frown behind her hands.

.

~o~

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He stares at the body on the wooden floor, cold like a rag doll, the skin stretched too thinly across the little girl's face.

She lies on her stomach, her cheek resting on her crossed arms, her copper hair neatly braided down her back.

Her brown dress spreads about her like a puddle of spilt chocolate milk.

He knows she doesn't sleep, even though there is an absence of blood.

.

Fayt finds himself irritated by his recent restlessness.

Parts of his body sometimes ache as if he ran too far, breathless and heavy.

He thinks to open the curtains but is sure Albel will grunt at the pointlessness of it, seeing as it is dark outside.

Fayt twists his head, gazing at Albel's closed eyes as they lie on his bed.

Fayt knows he is awake and probably not in the mood for small talk.

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Knock, knock, knock.

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Fayt involuntarily yawns, sitting up to stare at the door. He ruffles his hair and rubs his eyes.

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"Sir Albel Nox?" A woman's muffled voice speaks behind the door. It's probably a servant.

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"What?" Albel bites out loudly, unmoving.

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"You and Mister Fayt Leingod are requested for dinner in the main dining area. I am to escort you there." The woman replies.

Fayt turns at the sound of raspy chuckling. Albel quickly gets up to sit behind him. His hands sink into the mattress, eyeing the door cockily.

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"Sir?" Albel questions, his breath on Fayt's ear. He shivers involuntarily. "What a joke."

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"Shut up." Fayt whispers.

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"Do you know where Mister Leingod is? He does not seem to be in his room." The woman adds, somewhat distressed.

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"He's probably participating in lewd acts at the bars in town, he seems to fancy himself drunk."

Fayt rolls his eyes. Apparently Albel is back to his usual antics. "Go. I can find my own way around."

.

"Are you sure sir?"

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"Leave before my sword greets your throat." Albel barks wickedly. The woman gasps and her footfalls fade.

.

Fayt can't help the smirk tugging at his lips while stretching, his white shirt and brown slacks rumbled.

He's been sleeping too much lately, he needs some exercise. Fayt makes his way to the washroom,

gathering medical supplies and cleaning up his earlier mess, ignoring the added presence at the door.

.

Albel allows himself to openly stare. Fayt's hair is a bit longer than usual, the tips just at the base of his neck.

His arms are more defined, having put himself through extra training. In that moment,

Albel realizes how pristine and innocent Fayt appeared that first time he laid eyes on him.

In a sense, Fayt is still innocent but tainted with a wildness that comes from roaming the world,

digging a deeper hole of darkness into his heart. Albel wonders how deep that hole goes.

.

Fayt pushes the drawer closed and from his kneeling position, stares at Albel, red wine eyes smooth to drink in.

.

"Here." Fayt says, offering him a piece of cloth. "You might want to cover it." It is Albel's arm glove. "Shouldn't you bandage it first?"

.

"I don't like the accursed things." Albel answers, snatching the fabric from Fayt's hand. "They itch."

.

"Oh." Fayt answers, watching Albel pull the glove slowly up his charred arm, hiding away his feelings, his identity, and a part of himself.

Unconsciously, Fayt's fingers follow Albel's until they brush.

The Elicoorian stills, watching those fingers grip the fabric and pull the glove all the way to cover burned skin.

"Hopefully the bandages on your hands won't be too annoying to deal with."

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"Hmph." Albel mumbles as Fayt retrieves his fingerless glove.

Albel is unable to ignore the thunderstorm of emotions building inside him, unused to feeling so intensely for someone not related to his father.

Is it so horrible to show Fayt that he can be normal like everyone else? Being with Fayt is making him soft. When has he started feeling this way anyway?

"I don't like it." He snatches the glove from his companion and tugs it on his hand, careful not to open the wounds.

Fayt fits a thick metal cuff over Albel's wrist. He notices a white scar on the side of Fayt's right hand, roughly an inch long;

starting at the pinky's base, unsure of where it comes from. This interaction is unusually natural, isn't it?

He doesn't like it. He doesn't. His hand drawing to Fayt's face says otherwise.

.

Fayt freezes as Albel's fingers trace the scar on his hand, his cheek, his jaw.

His hand cups Fayt's chin lightly, his thumb caressing his bottom lip,

soft like a ripened mango, the skin ready to be peeled off, the flesh ready to be chewed.

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Fayt is unsure of how to handle Albel's mood swings. However, he closes his eyes and leans into the touch,

savoring the moment. He isn't sure if the gesture is curious or something more.

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Albel moves closer, leaning in to meet his eyes. "Let's go." He says and pulls away.

.

Fayt reacts; snatching Albel's hand in his and drawing those fingers back to his lips. He closes his eyes and swallows.

"What am I doing?" Fayt thinks, his lips remembering the roughness of Albel's fingers. "He doesn't need this right now.

This will be another problem atop all the other things going on. I can't do that to him."

Albel gazes at him strangely before pulling away, unable to process the moment in his brain.

Fayt tries to keep his intake of breath quiet as Albel walks out of the washroom.

Fayt bites his lips, wanting them to feel bruised with imaginary kisses.

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~O~

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Tension and laughter mix in the dining room. Cliff sits next to Maria, eyeing Fayt curiously,

seeing as how he and Albel entered the room together, somber than usual.

Fayt has changed into a sleeveless shirt, the collar open while keeping his pants and boots from earlier.

Fayt forced Albel to leave the Crimson Scourge in the bedroom,

thinking it unnecessary to hack at his food. Albel had defended himself, stating the blade wasn't for the food,

but for the fools who cooked it. If he sees potatoes on his plate again, he will have a fit.

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Roger and Adray had chased the servants out of the room after they kept putting food in their plates; they wanted to decide what to eat for themselves.

Adray sits at the head of the table, discussing business with Nel to his right as Fayt sits to his left beside Sophia.

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Sophia watches Fayt laugh and misses his smile. She had been uncomfortable at seeing him and Albel walk in together.

She can't take Cliff's words out of her mind. She doesn't want to assume anything.

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~O~

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"Hmm?" He turns to face the brunette, who tugs at his sleeve to get his attention. They stand on the balcony outside the dining area.

She wears the green hoodie he bought her years ago and is surprised she still has it.

"Oh, Sophia. Something wrong?"

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"Are you still mad at me?" Sophia whispers, her hands clasped behind her back. Fayt sighs,

shaking his head.

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"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have gotten so angry." His fingers tap on the rail. "I was tired. I don't want to ruin this vacation for you."

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"You haven't." Sophia replies, tone hopeful, adding a smile to ease the tension.

"You just don't really talk to me like old times. I know things change, people change, but I miss when you were more open with me.

Sometimes I don't know what to do about it, what to make of you these days. I worry." She explains, pulling at her sleeves.

"I'm just glad you're talking to me, it feels like all everyone's been doing is fighting with each other. I don't like it."

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"Me either." Fayt feels guilty. He doesn't want to treat his best friend this way, ignoring her and making the problem worse. "I'm not ready to say what's wrong-"

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"So something is wrong." Sophia interrupts.

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"I can't say yet." Fayt combs his hair with his fingers. "I'm not sure if I should."

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"Don't shut me out." He is surprised to find Sophia's arms wrapped around his waist, her cheek on his chest.

She inhales the scent of earth, sword polish, and soap on his clothes. He used to smell like apples and cologne.

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"I can't make promises." Fayt sighs, hugging her back. He remembers loving how secure and safe her hugs were.

They used to mean so much more but now, that spark inside him simmers, ready to be snuffed out.

His inner demons want to rip the smile off her face. "Let's have fun, ok? I think we all need it."

.

"Yeah." Sophia agrees, taking Fayt's hand and squeezing it. A nervous chuckle emits from his lips.

She lets go when Peppita calls for her and they walk back inside.

He spots Albel taking a long swig, probably wine, from a silver cup, eyeing him.

Fayt can't decipher the emotion reflected in those irises. Albel puts the cup down and tugs at his glove. Fayt frowns, hoping the itching isn't too bad.

What would it be like if they were together? He is scared of letting himself go, afraid of hurting someone if he becomes out of control.

Then again, would Albel even let him in that way? He contemplates the possibility of a-

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Fayt raises an eyebrow, unable to finish the thought, seeing as it sounds ridiculous.

How will he know if he's never given the thought life and hasn't told Albel anything of what he feels?

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~O~

.

Flowers and plants blush in the glow of the torches lighting the garden.

The moons of Elicoor hang over head, casting pale light on the stone paths.

Peppita, Fayt, and Sophia are gathered around Adray, who apparently has a talent for guitar.

They clap along to his upbeat tune. Cliff, Maria and Nel watch while talking to each other, drinks in their hands.

Albel rolls his eyes at the sight while sitting cross legged by the pond, staring at his reflection.

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Maria lifts her gaze, eyebrows knitted, and she excuses herself. She walks over to Roger, who sits on the ground,

hands propping his body up. His eyes are glazed like glass hardening in the light of the fire.

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"You've been quiet." Maria observes, lowering to sit beside him. She watches Adray drag Fayt over to him, placing the guitar in his hands.

Sophia eggs them on, encouraging Fayt to try and play.

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"So?" Roger pouts, trying to sound in more hold of his emotions than he really is. Maria shrugs her shoulders, examining her boots.

.

"You're never quiet." Maria points out, smiling. "Something's bothering you. Is it because…"

She trails off, knowing she treads on sensitive ground. Roger may want people to believe he's a man, able to take on anything,

able to have the strength to protect people, but he still is a 13-year-old boy, chasing dreams and building forts.

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Roger fiddles with the suspenders of his pants. He doesn't want to appear weak.

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"It's ok to talk about it." Maria offers. "Talking is always good."

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"I don't know what to say." Roger is crestfallen. "Should I say anything?"

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"It's ok not knowing what to do." Maria replies. "When we block out something, when we try to forget,

we usually lose the words we want to say when we try to remember again." Maria draws in her knees and wraps her arms around her legs.

She has tried to block out her feelings and her life. How long can she run until she explodes? She gazes at Roger and doesn't like to see him sad, he is just a kid.

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"Will you come with me?" Roger asks tentatively, wiggling his nose as if about to sneeze. "You know, what I mentioned when I talked to you before."

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"Oh, are you sure? Do you want the others to come?"

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"I didn't want to do it with my tribe but its tradition." He bites his lip.

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"I'll come." Maria soothes. "You don't have to be alone when you do it. We're all here to support you."

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"Ok." Roger says, feeling somewhat better. "I'll think about the others coming."

He glances at Peppita, who has stolen the guitar. Cliff covers his ears, mocking horror at her playing.

The girl sticks her tongue out and strums the strings harder. Adray snatches the instrument away, afraid of it being damaged.

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~O~

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"What's up with him?" Adray asks Fayt gruffly, pointing at Albel brooding by the pond.

He shrugs, feigning ignorance. "He needs to get drunk, loosen up a little."

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Fayt sputters at the thought of Albel drunk, comical and scary at the same time, his speech slurred and his feet uncoordinated.

Adray laughs, the same absurd idea forming in his mind.

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"So Fayt, how have you been settling in?" The bulky man asks.

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"It's beautiful here." Fayt answers, staring at Peppita falling asleep on Cliff's shoulder as they sit on the bench.

He has an arm wrapped protectively around her. Roger is tempted to pull a prank to wake the girl but Cliff gazes at him wearily.

Sophia talks to Maria and Nel. "And very different from where I'm from."

.

"How so?"

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"Everything moves fast." Fayt clarifies. "We give ourselves a lot of standards, a lot of goals to reach.

It's nice that things are slower here. I got so busy with work back on Earth; I forgot how it's like to just enjoy life."

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"We all have our obligations but we should never lose touch with life." Adray adds, nodding his head sagely.

Fayt nods in agreement. "So go to him, make him remember what it's like to have fun."

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"Huh?" Fayt is caught off guard by the random comment. Adray shifts his head towards Albel.

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"You keep looking at him, so go to him. He's too uptight anyway." Adray smirks at Fayt's wide eyes.

"You think I didn't notice during dinner? I am an observant man, my friend. I do not judge your preferences either."

Fayt's eyes widen further, feeling uncomfortable with the topic. "You know your silence is proving me right?"

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"What am I supposed to say to that?" Fayt asks, flustered.

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"The truth." Adray replies, looking at Fayt as if he is crazy. "What else should there be?"

The swordsman thinks on this, not realizing the older man creeps away.

.

"Hey!" Fayt pouts. "Come back here!"

.

"I wanted you to marry my daughter." Adray admits, an evil smirk on his lips. Fayt isn't sure how much wider his eyes can get.

"But it seems your feelings lie elsewhere. The idea was in my mind ever since our past travels together. Clair is of marrying age you know."

Adray crosses his arms. "You're kind but firm. Strong when you need to be, you don't put on airs. You are yourself." He says thoughtfully.

"I didn't know if you had someone waiting for you back home or if you had something going on already."

He sneaks a knowing glance towards Sophia. "I love my daughter and want her to find the right man.

Thinking of Clair reminds me of my wife. Bless her soul." Adray makes the sign of the Holy Mother, looking towards the sky.

"She was gentle, a good mother, and a great warrior. We married for love." He looks at Fayt.

"I may not seem like it but I hold such ideals to a high standard.

A commitment to the one you cherish most is very important, builds a strong foundation."

He claps Fayt on the back. "Look at me, an old man gone sentimental. I miss my wife but I'm happy with the life I live now.

Clair is all I have as well as my honor to the queen. Having a person to protect makes me strong."

He pulls away. "What do you fight for Fayt? Is there anyone you want to protect?"

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Fayt is at a loss for words. Feelings bubble and burst in his heart, unable to take shape.

He looks at his friends, his hands, and his eyes shift towards Albel, who plays with the fabric of his glove.

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"Right." Adray nods, breaking the silence between them. "Go run along now, I'll make sure the kids are put to bed."

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"Um, wait a minute." Fayt replies meekly.

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"Good night." Adray says offhandedly, walking towards Sophia and Cliff, shooing Roger inside the castle.

Fayt's shoulders slump. He turns to stare at his companion. They have been alone before, plenty of times for most of the year but this feels different.

.

Albel notices a shadow cast on him and bends his head back to stare at Fayt upside down.

He tsks and places metal digits on his knee. Fayt sits beside him, facing the others while Albel faces the darkness of the garden.

.

With all that has happened, Fayt thinks he understands Albel a little better.

.

"I meant what I said earlier." Fayt says, his arms crossed in front of his knees.

Albel tilts his head away, his finger idly playing with one of his hair tails, mouth parted as if to sigh. "I do want to help. I want to understand."

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Albel does not make the effort to answer, too tired by the whole thing all together. He doesn't want to talk about it.

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"I won't bug you." Fayt laughs quietly. "But I'll be waiting when you're ready." He is fine with silence.

Fayt thinks they have exhausted too many words today anyway. His back starts too itch and he rubs his shoulders.

.

"It's bothering you again, isn't it?" Albel questions, his voice edgy. Fayt does not confirm but rolls his shoulders instead.

"I can just look at you and know you are too tense. Stay that way and it will get worse."

.

"I don't like dealing with it." Fayt admits, unzipping his shirt a bit as if getting too hot.

.

"Don't answer me like a child." Albel whispers darkly. "Seeing it once is enough to know you are caging a monster."

Fayt bites his bottom lip, too tired by the whole thing all together. He doesn't want to talk about it.

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"What do you think I should do?" Fayt questions. "I don't want this power. I don't know what to do with it."

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"Don't be a coward."

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"I didn't ask for this." Fayt snaps in frustration, letting the cool breeze simmer his anxiety.

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"I didn't ask for this." Albel holds up his claw, a sharp contrast against the hazy blackness of night.

"I didn't ask to live." He mutters, standing up and flexing his metal digits. "Make your excuses and cry in your corner.

You have an untrained animal inside you. Leave the lock undone and that beast will rip everything you are, everything you have apart."

Fayt doesn't like the knowing tone in his friend's voice as if he has experienced it himself. Nel and Cliff give Albel weary looks as he heads inside the castle.

.

"Everything ok man?" Cliff approaches while cracking his knuckles, Nel behind him. Fayt smiles, arms lax at his sides.

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"Yeah, just Albel being Albel. No big deal." Fayt responds. "I'm going to bed."

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"Good night Fayt." Nel says, watching him walk back into the castle, staring worriedly after him. "Do you think he's alright?"

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"No." Cliff replies. "I need to get to the bottom of this."

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"What do you mean?" Nel prods.

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"Something doesn't seem right." Cliff keeps the entirety of his thoughts to himself. "Just a hunch."

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"You and your hunches." Nel sighs exasperatingly. "I'll look after him as well if that will ease your worries."

.

"Thanks." Cliff smiles, rubbing his head. "I guess we should call it a night."

.

"Yes." Nel agrees, watching him wave Sophia over, asking if she wants to walk to their rooms together.

Nel takes one of her daggers in her hand, examining the design etched into the hilt.

Her thin eyebrows crease and she thinks of the queen, troubled by their earlier conversation. She hopes the queen is wrong.

.