The Other Side of the Coin

Written by: Somnion

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean or Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou.

Hey everyone. This post is way overdue but I hope you guys will take the time to read it; it's a very interesting chapter. I have had almost a year and a half worth of planning into this one so I hope you like it. Nel and Albel are a great couple and I may write more if I have the time (college is a real time eater). I also like to thank all my readers and I hope you will review so I can know what you thought of the story or have any other suggestions for stories that you may like. It has been real fun writing this story and I apologize again for the late update. Now without further ado, the conclusion of "The Other Side of the Coin."

Chapter 9: Memories are forever

"Nel, are you ready yet, dear?" a voice called.

"Just a minute," cried the young girl of three years as she put on her robe with the help of her mother.

"You look as cute as button, dear," said her mother as she finished tying her daughter's sash. Nel smiled with glee at her mother's compliment. Her father entered and smiled at the sight of his darling daughter who ran up to hug him.

"The carriage is ready, princess," said Nevelle. "Lets go, we got a long trip ahead of us."

Nel's face burst into a smile. It was not often that she would be able to travel with her parents. Today they were going to visit the Samnite Republic. Nel heard stories that that was where the fairies lived and was just bursting with excitement to see them.

After traveling in their carriage for what seemed like an eternity, they finally arrived at their destination. Nel was bored during the whole trip, which was probably the reason why the trip to the Samnite Republic seemed so long. Nel was just waiting for a chance to run out and find the fairies but her parents told her that they were expected by some very important people.

They walked into a large hall, and there sat a few people, one which she recognized as her father's friend, Adray Lasbard. She wanted to run up and hug the bearded warrior but the thick atmosphere caused by one of the other guests made her think otherwise. He was a bearded man with sharp eyes which glowed like a hawk and when he glanced at her, she began to shiver.

"You're scaring her, uncle Vox," said a cheerful young teenager. "You're too stiff. Try to relax a little."

"At times like this, Arzei, we have to be. You would do well to remember that."

The other guests were less scary though. There were two men around the age of her father, one with dark hair with gold highlights and another who she heard was called Lord Woltar. But what caught her eye was a little boy standing next to a woman who Nel gathered was the boy's mother. The woman was beautiful and fair of skin, with eyes the color of rose petals. Her son also had the same eyes, but his hair was like that of the man with black and gold hair. Nel figured that the man was the boy's father.

Nel and the boy were then presented to two very regal looking individuals. Nel had never seen such important looking people. What the young Aquarian girl didn't know was that it was the respective King and Queen of Airyglyph and Aquaria. Many words were passed among the two parties. Then, the King of Airyglyph called for the teenage boy, Arzei. He nodded at the boy as if he were telling him something. The youth understood and smiled. He then walked up to the two children.

"Listening to grown-ups talk must be rather boring, let's go outside for a while," he said to them gently.

Nel turned to her parents who nodded their approval and with their agreement, a smile beamed across her face.

The youth led them out into a beautiful garden near a pond. "Now the two of you play as much as you like. Your parents will come for you later."

Now, Nel was alone with the little boy. It was rather awkward now, for the boy didn't speak and avoided eye contact with Nel. A frown was etched into his features.

"Um…" Nel started softly.

When she got no reacting, she called a little louder.

"Um…I…"

Then the boy turned and glared at her and said nothing.

With a surprised gasp Nel looked away, afraid to make eye contact and disappointed that she didn't even get to talk to him. She looked into the pond and saw a school fish that swam close to the pond, their mouths opening near the surface as if asking for food.

"Wow," exclaimed the young girl at the sight of the fish, squatting down near to the pond to see them. Suddenly, a stone fell in the direction of the fish scaring them away.

"Ohh…" she exclaimed in surprise and wondered where it came. The young boy had cruelly kicked the pebble at the fish.

"I heard that Aquarians are cruel and despicable people," he said.

"Despicable…" asked the young girl who was unaware of the meaning of the word.

"I heard that Aquaria is a mean and terrible place," he continued. He then kicked another pebble into the pond.

"That's not true," said the little girl in defense. "That's not true at all. Aquaria is a very nice place."

"Like how?" asked the boy.

"Well," stuttered the girl nervously, "…we have wild rabbits."

"So does Airyglyph."

"Umm…" continued the girl in a nervous defense, "Aquaria's wild rabbits have a lot of colors. Umm…brown…umm…grey…umm…"

"We have white ones in Airyglyph," said the boy.

"Well…umm…" continued Nel nervously. She wanted to convince the boy that Aquaria was a nice place and not a terrible one. She suddenly smiled and then said, "The sun in Aquaria…it's very shiny."

"Shiny…like how?"

The poor girl grinned and started to fidget nervously. She seemed completely unable tot ell him how nice Aquaria was. She said then quietly. "Everyone in Aquaria is really nice to me. Uncle Adray likes to bounce me up on his back all the time. Clair is small but she always sews little dolls for me. And Sister Elena, she likes to tell me stories and…." She then began to wipe her eyes and sob slightly.

"Is that right," the boy said. Nel then looked at him and found him staring back at her. "I would like to go there someday, then."

"Ok," she said with delight as the tears dried from her eyes. She then found herself staring into his eyes. They were red as blood and yet somehow, Nel could feel a strange gentleness in them. Pulling away after some moments, she turned around and walked away, blushes tinting her cheeks. She then spun around and smiled at him with a girlish innocence, causing the young boy to blush in turn. Smiling back slightly, he made his way over to her and they continued to watch the fish.

The young boy got his wish. Not long after, he and his parents went to Aquaria with Nel and her family. It was for a few days but at least he could play some more. Nel had the time of her life with her new friend. She showed him all her favorite play spots and hiding places. Those were the best days that young Nel had ever had.

Then, finally, it came. Nel raced out of her house. She couldn't believe what she had just heard from her father, Nevelle. He was going back today. Why was he going back and why hadn't she known earlier? These questions just raced past the young Aquarian child as she raced through the streets of Aquaria. All that mattered at the moment was meeting him before he left. She then saw him, walking along the moonlight bridge with his parents.

"Wait," she screamed after the little boy who was leaving with his parents.

The family turned and saw the young girl running up to them, tears and sweat were trailing down here cheeks.

"What are you doing here?" the little boy asked.

Sobbing and choking on her tears, Nel answered, "Don't go home to Airyglyph. Please stay here .I don't want you to go…"

The girl stood in front of the young lad sobbing away. The little boy then reached for something in his pocket.

"Here," he said as he passed a small trinket to the little girl. It was a beautiful silver cross adorned with the symbols of angels.

The little girl took it and looked, still unsure as to why she was given such a gift.

"You said this was your most precious treasure, I can't take it," she told the little boy.

"Who said I was giving it to you, stupid," replied the boy. 'I'm only lending it to you, I want it back the next time I'm here. But if you lose that cross, Nel, I'm going to pummel you five days back to Sunday, got it?"

Nel smiled as the boy told her those words. He was always like that, always trying to act tough. She put the cross around her neck and smiled warmly at her friend.

"I'll always wear this cross, until you come back. It's a promise."

Nel and Albel walked in silent through Duggus forest. Neither one had said a single word to each other since the incident at the cave. Uneasiness was stirring within Nel's heart. The night before she had a dream concerning the cross and now all of a sudden, Albel brings up the topic concerning the cross. Somehow, she was able to wiggle her way out from giving him an answer to his question. But now, all things that had happened within the last few days were starting to affect her in a way that was rather foreign to her. Interacting with Albel, teasing him, throwing insults at him, caring for him and his wounds, comforting him in his sorrow, but most of all, seeing Albel for what he truly was, began to spark a realization in Nel's heart. She was ready to come to terms with it. She was in love with Albel of Airyglyph.

Nel wasn't the only one who was feeling uneasy. Albel was finding it difficult to believe that his resolve had crumbled at that time at the springs. He had shown Nel a side he never wanted to show anyone, weakness. Nel was the first person who had actually seen him in this light and it began to cause a strange stirring and uneasiness in his heart. Things were changing so drastically between the two of them in the last few days, that it had come to the point where Albel was beginning to doubt the way how he felt towards her. It wasn't the relationship between two partners on a mission, but it was something more than that. Furthermore, that cross that Nel was carrying with her, Albel recognized it. He had believed her to be long dead but somehow, seeing that cross again began to sprout seeds of hope in his heart where there had once been naught.

"Could it be that she…" he thought to himself. Shaking his head from that possibility, he confirmed it silently to himself. "It's not possible. It's got to be a coincidence. She was long counted amongst the dead."

More minutes of awkward silence passed between them, neither willing nor capable of breaking the thick blanket of ice that seem to be enveloping them like the fog in the forest. Finally, the came to grassy knoll and Albel looked around the area as if surveying the place for danger.

"Five minutes," he said as he sat down. "Then we get back to our trek back to friendly territory."

Nel sat across from him, looking away as not to make eye contact with Glyphian warrior. Still, the events earlier were bothering her and now she was beginning to think that maybe Albel and the young boy she remembered might be one in the same.

"No, although there is a possibility, there is a big risk on bringing it out in the open," she thought to herself. "Perhaps I can drag the truth out of him. But that's going to need some finesse and style."

She looked at Albel and found him looking in her direction. However, he seemed more interested with the cross she wore around her neck. She smiled silently to herself, she had found her chance.

"You seem rather interested in this cross, Albel," she said in an inquiring tone, as if she honestly didn't understand what was going on. "Is there something about it that you recognize or know about?"

"No, it nothing," he said quickly. "But …"

"But, what?" she asked.

"Hey, you still haven't answered my question earlier," Albel asked as he realized he was on the defensive. He figured he could change the tide of the conversation if he put her on the defensive. But Nel was determined to hear from Albel first.

"Ok, let's make a deal," she offered. "I'll tell you where I got this cross, but before that you must tell me its significance to you first."

"Hey, I asked you first, woman, and you should do me the courtesy of at least answering my question first," he retorted.

"Alright, I'll tell you where I got it from, but you must then tell me its significance in full, understand?" she said finally.

"Fine."

"I got it from a childhood friend," she answered bluntly.

'And…" asked Albel.

"That's it. I got it from my childhood friend."

"What, that's it!" he yelled. "What kind of answer is that?"

"First of all, Albel," Nel explained, "you only asked me where I got this cross from. The details of the individual I acquired it from, or its significance to me were not stipulated in our agreement. Now, you will fulfill your end of the deal and tell me the significance of this cross."

Albel grumbled to himself. He was caught off guard. He had now no choice but to reveal what he knew about the cross.

"Fine," he said finally but once I'm done you WILL tell me whom you got the cross from".

"Very well," Nel nodded in response.

"I gave it to a girl in Aquaria. She was the daughter of one of my father's friends and we were visiting her family. The cross itself is the official crest of the Nox family and as heir to the family name, it was given to me. But as we were leaving Aquaria after our stay, the stupid little girl started crying because she didn't want us to leave. So, I gave her the crest and told her I'd come back for it."

He smiled slyly to himself as he said the last part, "I even jokingly threatened to beat her up if she lost it."

Nel's eyes opened wide as she heard Albel's story. Albel turned to her and said, "Well, it was more to get her to shut up and stop crying, but at least it worked. Anyway, now it's your turn to tell me who gave that cross to you?"

But as Albel looked at Nel's face, her face had gone as pale as a sheet and her cheeks began to dye a pink hue when his blood red eyed met her surprised emerald green eyes. Albel was more than surprised, he was confused. She looked as if she saw a ghost.

"Zelpher?" he called.

But as soon as he called her name, she did the most surprising thing. She ran.


Clair was pacing to and fro in her office at Arias; wrought with worry over her friend. Nel's return was now long overdue and despite having so many people looking for them, there were no leads. Under normal circumstances, her superiors would never allow her to have such an extensive search party for a single person, according to the principles of warfare it would be a waste of efforts that could be put to better use. Fortunately for Nel, this was a time of peace and therefore efforts such as this, which would usually be impossible to be allowed, could be given. However, Clair knew better. Officials were begin to debate and question this decision of a search party and despite the combined efforts from both the Queen and Magistrate Laselle, she knew it would only be a matter of time before the search would be called off. Nel and Albel would have to be found as soon as possible or they would be on their own. As she remained engrossed she heard the large, heavy oak door swing open and in entered her underlings, Tynave and Farleen. Despite all the fuss going on, they seemed strangely level-headed and calm. Clair stopped her pacing and turned to face her subordinates.

"Any news from the search teams," she asked hopefully.

"None yet," said Farleen.

Clair sighed as she heard the answer. Although she had expected to hear that answer, there was still a little chance that the news this time would have been different. Her expression must have expressed her worry because Tynave tried to comfort her.

"Don't worry, Lady Clair," she said. 'This is Lady Nel we are talking about. She won't die so easily. And besides Albel is there too. He may be a difficult one but he is a strong fighter. I'm sure they are safe."

Clair looked at the glass tank at the side of her room. Inside the glass tank was her pet pit viper. A beautiful snake as well as rare, an albino; a pure white color and adorned with eyes of pale red. She opened the glass tank and brought her hand towards the snake. The snake in response; slithered on to her hand, as intuitively as a child seeks its mother's breast. It slithered up towards her neck and gently coiled itself around Clair's throat, resting its head near her shoulder. Clair was known by a few nicknames, but among her more sinister ones was the Serpent's Child. Adray Lasbard had taught her how to tame snakes since Clair was a child and Clair was an adept in how to manipulate the instinct of serpents for she knew that it was instincts alone that influenced a snake's actions. It was a mystical yet terrifying sight to see the beautiful young maiden with her slithery companions coiling around her as if she were their mistress. She then looked towards her subordinates.

"Touch it," she said, as she drew closer to the pair.

Tynave and Farleen looked worriedly over the serpent coiled around Clair. It was indeed a bewitching sight to see her so calm while allowing her viper to coil around her. They began to inch backwards in fear.

"What is the matter?" Clair continued. "Are you not larger and stronger than it? Why do you inch away from her in fear?"

Then finally, Clair moved to the glass tank and with a few subtle movements of her fingers on the glass of the tank, the serpent obediently slithered down her arm and into its tank. Closing the lid once again, she turned once again to face her subordinates. She then explained to her subordinates.

"No matter how small a creature may be, be it as small as a bug, one must never underestimate it. That is exactly the reason why you feared my snake for you know that the potency of its venom is capable of killing you a dozen times and at amazing speed as well. You could have well survived if you had touched my snake as I had asked you to do, but you realized that there was the off chance that you might get bitten. That knowledge and fear of that slim chance caused you to waver. It is because of that same knowledge that I fear for the two of them. Strong as they may be, there is always that chance. That is why I can't do as you advice, Tynave. Knowing that there is still that uncertainty and doubt keeps me worried."


Albel raced after Nel. What was running through that woman's mind? What could have influenced her to take flight like that? Questions ran through his mind like fine sand through one's fingers.

""What the hell is wrong with her?" he wondered to himself. "She just took up and ran."

Then suddenly it dawned on him, she was supposed to tell him the significance of that cross to her. He gritted his teeth, for he was now angry and irritated.

"So that's it?" he snarled. "What a cunning little worm. Well, that vixen isn't getting away from this foxhound. The hunt is only beginning."

Increasing the pace of his stride he followed the sound of Nel's hurried footsteps. Nel may have had speed but in terms of speed, Albel was the better runner. He finally caught sight her and sprinted towards her like a cheetah in pursuit of its prey.

Albel wasn't the only one who was in a state of confusion though; Nel was still in shock and disbelief from what she had heard. She had no idea why she reacted in such a way and why her legs would not stop running or why she could do nothing to stop them from running. Nor could she do anything to do for the blushes that now spread across her face, the warmth in her chest, the throbbing of her heart. It seemed that her body had developed its on independent consciousness. But above everything, she still could not believe it. All these years, she thought he had disappeared from her life and now his sudden emergence was far too much for to take in easily.

"Why," she kept asking herself. "Why can't I stop running? Why am I feeling like this? Why is this affecting me so much?"

Being caught in her own thoughts, Nel failed to notice a tree's root sticking from the ground. She lost her balance and fell forward, twisting her ankle in the process. She turned to the sound of pursuing footsteps. She knew who it was and she turned away from him as he emerged from the bushes in order to hide the blush that was flushed all over her face. Albel walked over her and roughly grabbed her wrist. She felt the surge of pain that ran through her wrist as he grabbed her but more than anything a powerful sensation engulfed her as he brought himself over her, pushing her to a tree. Her heartbeats drummed in her ears and she tried to concentrate, to keep her track of her thoughts, yet all she could think about was the closeness between them, the heat his breath, his scent.

"You got a lot of nerve running away like that, worm," he snarled as he pushed her towards the tree. "Here I was thinking that you would be above dirty tricks like this. Now spill it, Zelpher. Where did you get that cross from?"

She was silent, avoiding eye contact at all costs. Finally, she murmured softly.

"I'll always wear this cross, until you come back. It's a promise."

Albel's ruby red eyes grew wide when those words left Nel's mouth. He released her wrist and stepped a few paces back. His arm began to tremble, not of fear but from the shock. His eyes which were glaring fiercely at Nel just a few moments ago were now focused on the ground he stood on. It was apparent that he himself was now unable to look her in the eye.

Nel began to continue her story. Albel lifted his head as she began to speak.

"Many years ago," she began "I met a boy from Airyglyph. We met at the Samnite Republic. He was a rough boy and seemed rather intimidating at first… but he was nice. We became friends very quickly and when we had finished the official business at the Samnite Republic, he and his family came to visit mine at Aquaria. I can still remember all the times the two of us played together. When he had to return home, I remember running through the streets of Aquaria, looking for him frantically. I finally found him on the Moonlight Bridge leading out of Aquaria. I cried, I didn't want him to leave. He gave me his cross, his precious treasure. He told me he'd come back for it. I believed him and it has never left my neck."

Albel looked away. He didn't know what to say or how to react. He was lost. This story, he now knew for sure and it was as clear to him as daylight. Nel was the little girl he remembered from Aquaria.

"He was my first love," Nel finally said almost in a whisper. "And he was also my fiancé."


Tynave and Farleen had left Clair's room for some time. Clair had received summons from the some of Aquaria's ministers a few minutes ago. Although the reason for the summons was not revealed, Clair knew for a fact that it was regarding the search party for Nel and Albel. She beagn to prepare her arguments for the ministers, but the door opened once again. In walked a very familiar face, one wrought with worry as well.

'Hello, Master Astor," greeted Clair. "Congratulations on your recent promotion. I hope your responsibilities aren't too taxing"

"Unfortunately, no, Lady Clair," he answered with a sigh. "Being the second in command to the Crimson Blades is no difficult task, but being the direct superior officer of both Tynave and Farleen tends to be somewhat of a challenge."

"My sympathies," she said with a laugh. "Those two are quite of a handful. However, it is rather queer seeing so many men receiving promotions of late."

"Well, after the war, many of the female runologists resigned their stations so they could spend more time with their families," explained Astor.

"That is true."

"Can you blame them?" he asked. "Many of their colleagues lost their lives in the recent war, leaving many a child without a mother. Those that are still alive now realize just how important it is for a child to have their mother with them. My own mother was always busy. She and my father used to work as runologists. I can remember how I used to wait at the door of our home, waiting for her to come back. Even when my father returned, she would still be at work and remember asking him when she would be back over and over again. She was never around and I remember how lonely it felt. Even with my father around, it never helped fill the emptiness because a father can never take the place of a mother to a child. When it all comes down to it, a child does not want a warrior, a runologist or a fighter; what it really wants, more than anything, is its mother."

"Perhaps, you're right," Clair continued. "It seems that the innocents are always the ones who suffer for our wars."

Suddenly, the door burst open and in entered Tynave and Farleen.

"Lord Lassele is here," Tynave said. "He said he needs to see you in the chapel immediately, Mater Astor,"

Astor sighed as he walked out the door, leaving the three women alone. As he left, Tynave and Farleen smirked slyly at Clair, who obviously was uncomfortable with her subordinate's expressions.

"So," said Farleen, "it looks like we ruined your perfect moment, Lady Clair."

"What are you talking about?" asked Clair, her cheeks going red, in a bewildered tone.

"Oh, come on," continued Tynave, "we know you have it in for Master Astor. You shouldn't be so shy. I think you should just step up to him, tell him you love him and put the moves on him."

"Oh, Tynave," said Farleen teasingly, "don't go wording off at the mouth again. Do you even think before you speak sometimes?"

Clair shook her head. "Look," she said sternly, "there is nothing going on between me and Master Astor.

Tynave and Farleen looked at each other for a moment before suddenly bursting into a slow dance. Playfully dancing around the room, they began to hum ballroom music, as if the reenacting a scene from a play.

"Oh, Astor, I love you so much," said Farleen as she impersonated Clair.

"As do I, Lady Clair," continued Tynave as she impersonated Astor.

Clair looked with disbelieve as her subordinates pranced around the room. Yet, still her cheeks went red, every time she heard say words of love amongst each other, partly believing it was her and Astor. She couldn't deny it, because unlike all the suitors her father would present her, mostly all who were muscle men that were bit lacking in the intellectual department, a jock if you may, Astor was a sensitive, well mannered and intelligent man. Although not nearly as tough as the suitors presented to her, he was able bodied and rather handsome. All of a sudden, the two crashed on the bed and continued their little joke. Clair getting fed up with the two jokers, thinking that their little joke had gone a bit too far, started to make her way out of the room. Suddenly the door flung open.

"Oh, I just remembered, Master Adray was here and…," said Astor as he entered.

His eyes were wide as he saw Tynave who had pinned Farleen down on the bed, teasing each other and acting all lovey-dovey. The two noticing Astor at the door, turned to look at him.

"Umm…," started Farleen. "This is…"

"I…I'm sorry to intrude," yelled Astor as he slammed the door, his cheeks red with embarrassment. Leaving the girls completely surprised.

"He's got the wrong idea, doesn't he?" asked Tynave worryingly.

"Oh no," said Farleen as she got up and ran out the door, "we have to clear this misunderstanding up quick, or else I'll never be a bride!"

With the two Aquarians now chasing a confused Astor, Clair thought she could finally have some peace. However, that was not to be because moments later, Adray Lasbard entered her room.

"What's this I hear about Nel and Glou's son gone missing, Clair?"

"Father," said Clair. "Please calm down."

"With those two out there, I don't think that's possible."

"Father, relax. I'm worried too but Nel is the leader of the Crimson Blades and Albel is the Captain of the Black Brigade. Those two are efficient leaders. I doubt they will take any unnecessary risks."

As Clair said that, Adray looked in her direction, raising his eyebrow. Clair looked at him nervously. His raised eyebrow always went he wasn't happy with what he heard and as a result, would have Clair get on the defensive when he did. A few moments passed and still she couldn't figure out what she said wrong. Finally, Adray breathed a deep sigh. Clair knew that sigh. Whenever he sighed, he was obviously disappointed with something.

Most of the time, those sighs were for her. Regardless of his eccentric behavior, Adray was an exemplary warrior, runologist, strategist, engineer and leader. Clair knew that no matter how hard she tried, she could never fill his shoes, even if other people thought otherwise.

"Effective leaders?" he said sarcastically. "Have you forgotten?" he asked.

"Forgotten?" asked Clair

"The rules of being a leader?" continued Adray.

"Of course not, Father," replied Clair.

"Then say them out, loud and clear," he ordered.

Clair knew better than to disobey. "A leader's ability is judged by his influence, no more, no less. A leader must train himself everyday, must be able to plan and steer his people to the right direction, and when he speaks, his people listen. His leadership is based on trust, respect and they see things based on the bias of their leadership capability. A leader will attract those like him and connects with people because his potential as a leader are determined by them. He empowers and raises up leaders. People buy into his ideas, he sees only victory and strives for it and gives momentum to his followers. He has his priorities, understands sacrifice and knows when to lead."

"So now do you know why that despite they are captains, they are still ineffective leaders?" questioned Adray.

Clair nodded her head.

"Nel and that Albel boy may follow most rules, they break a lot too. Nel, she doesn't empower her subordinates, and though it is not often, she can be rash in her actions and therefore lose her ability to plan and steer her people properly. Albel does not connect with his people at all and just like Nel, is rash in his decisions. On a scale of one to ten, they both score around five."

"I see," whispered Clair.

"That Maria girl is even worse," he continued with a scoff. "She does not understand sacrifice, she doesn't connect nor empower and she too acts very rashly, never thinking things through. I'd say she'd score around three points."

"I understand father," said Clair. "Forgive my ineptitude."

Clair hung her head. She blundered before her father. She always tried to walk in his footsteps. Despite all the respect she got from others, the one she received from her father was the one she treasured the most. Now she had caused him to doubt that respect. Adray being her father knew what she was thinking though. He smiled as he draped his arm on his daughter's shoulder.

"At least you remembered them by heart," he said. "And that you implement them as well. That's the most important thing. No more moping now."

"But I have shown ineptitude towards you and…you probably are upset with me."

"Listen, princess," said Adray, smiling as he laid his hand gently on his daughter's head.

Clair looked up to her father. It had been years since he called her princess. She remembered telling him to stop calling her that because it was embarrassing, but somehow, as he smiled gently and patted her head like a child, it felt so calming and nostalgic. It was as if Clair had gone back in time to her nine year-old self, her childhood days where her father would give her piggyback rides and tickle her at bedtime before she went to bed. It was a wonderful feeling.

"You don't have to earn my respect, you always had it. Furthermore, I could never be more proud of you, seeing that my little princess has grown up into such a fine young woman. Your mother and I could never have been so lucky to have such a wonderful daughter."

Clair smiled and hugged her father tightly, "Thank you, Daddy."

Smiling, Adray said, "Been a long time since you used the term Daddy. You used to only call me that when you were just a little girl"

Clair looked up towards her father. Adray Lasbard had a content smile on his lips, as if the were acknowledging the sincerity of his words. This side of himself, the caring parent, the loving father, the benevolent mentor and supportive teacher, was one side of himself he would only show Clair and Clair alone.

"I may get older, Daddy," she said with a smile, "but I'll always be your little girl,"

"That you will," said Adray as he kissed his daughter on her forehead, causing Clair to giggle slightly when she felt his beard and moustache on her forehead.

Then a knock on the door sounded.

"We've found them," said Red Claw as he entered.


Silence. The same awkward, deathly silence that seemed to always engulf the atmosphere whenever they were alone together loomed once again. It was so bad this time however that one would be able to hear the tell tale rattling of Albel's metallic claw as the Glyphian general shivered in shock. Nel was staring blankly into the ground, unable to lift her gaze. It was almost as if the fire red eyes of Albel would burn her into a charred coal briquette if she so much as made eye contact with him. Everything was out in the open, the cards were on the table, she felt as if she lay completely exposed before him. Hues of pink decorated her cheeks and small trails of sweat trickled down her forehead. Albel too was just as unable to look at her. He tried to think, to say something but nothing would come. It seemed as if he was stuck, chained and rooted to ground, paralyzed. All he could think was how Nel had been that girl who he believed was gone and how she had loyally kept her promise to him. But most of all, was that he had been her first love and that they were once betrothed. Time and time again, he opened his mouth but the words never came, choked in his throat and his voice inaudible and unheard.

"I got to break this accursed silence," Albel thought to himself. "But what the hell can I say at a moment like this."

"Be…betrothed?" he asked, almost indignantly. The immense pressure and tension made him incapable of acting appropriately as how the situation would have required him to. So instead of sounding surprised he seemed upset.

Nel, of course, saw this only at face value and immediately assumed that he was angry.

"Yes," she said finally. "But that was a long time ago… you don't have to marry now if you don't want to. Everyone had probably forgotten about it anyway so they won't hold you to the pledge."

Yet as she said those words, part of her heart pleaded that he would change his mind. Was marrying her that terrible in his eyes? He must truly have a deep seated hatred for her and her people. But he did say he didn't hate her, or words along those lines. He was different now, wasn't he? Or was she just trying to believe and affirm it to herself? Her heart throbbed hard in her chest as she waited for an answer from him that she didn't expect to come.

Albel too was in a dilemma. She had misunderstood him completely. What did she mean didn't have to marry him if he didn't want to? Was it her subtle way of saying she wasn't interested? After all they had gone through, after all she had just revealed to him, now she doesn't want to? Just a moment ago she seemed so affected by the current situation but now she was going to simply brush it off just like that? Was it something he said to make her change her mind so quickly? All these questions flooded into Albel's head. Panic piled upon panic and nervousness begin to engulf him. Now, at this very moment, he more than anything, didn't wan t to lose her again. Then it came. He couldn't think straight. It just happened. It just blurted into conversation. And he was careless.

"No! No, I am not going to lose you a second time!"

Nel's eyes shot open with shock as the words reached her ears. Her mouth, open in a gasp, her emerald eyes wide as they met Albel's blood red eyes. Her lips quivered as she tried to speak, Albel's name a silent whisper on her darling pink lips.

Suddenly she felt her body pressed tight onto a warm, muscular frame. She felt his arms, one strong, warm and real, the other metal and cold. Both the cold and the warmth fought a battle of supremacy within her body, neither one overwhelming the other. Then her arms moved. She didn't know why, they just did. Albel noticed it and his eyes met hers once again. For a moment, it seemed as though time had stopped around them. Finally her lips moved, words forming on them.

"I fell in love with you once and it happened again. I can't help it anymore, I need to say it," she said softly as she pressed her face onto the nape of his neck, her words almost a whisper in the wind. "I love you, Albel Nox."

Albel had by now, slowly settled into the flow and looked at Nel as she tried to hide her face onto his neck. Slowly moving he right arm, he unlatched the metal gauntlet on his left arm. Nel heard the familiar clang of metal as it tumbled to the ground. Suddenly, the bandaged arm began to descend and lay itself on her waist, the other hand touching her chin, tilting her head, so that her eyes may meet his. Nel knew what was happening and her eyes opened with nervous fright. Was he… was he going to kiss her? She just told him she loved and now she was jumping right into her first kiss? Was he taking advantage of her after she had shown him weakness or was it sincere. Either way, it didn't matter, she couldn't fight it. Her heart began to pound hard in her ears and she began to tremble bodily. She struggled fighting with her emotions desperately trying to find conscious thought that was not yet lost to her overwhelming emotions. This is… He was…

She felt his lips descend onto hers and when their lips touched her legs began to grow weak. Immediately the doubt in her mind disappeared. He was gentle and passionate and she new his intentions and actions were real and sincere. His lips gently messaged hers, coaxing her, enticing her. She felt his arm tighten around her hip, saving her from falling and bringing their bodies closer together. She sucked on his lower lip as she felt his tongue brushing against her lips, seeking entrance into the reaches of her honeycombed mouth. Submitting to his whims, she opened her mouth and felt his tongue slip in. His tongue played with hers, coaxing and stroking one another. She tilted her head back as his kiss got harder, mewing softly at his touch, her hands reaching his tangled tresses, tugging slightly at them as they deepened the kiss, pulling their bodies even closer than before. Finally a minute passed and she broke her away, her head tilting back as she gasped for air.

Albel opened his mouth, as if to say something, but a noise in the woods cut him off. Pushing away from each other, the pair readied their weapons for whatever manner of beast that may emerge from the darkness of the woods. But surprise overtook them when a group of Aquarian and Glyphian soldies emerged.

"Nel," called a familiar voice. "Thank Apris, you're alright."

"I'm fine Clair," replied the Aquarian as she recognized and walked up to hug her worried friend.

Albel looked on as she affirmed to Clair that everything was alright. Secretly somehow, he was a bit displeased with them showing up, although he would never admit it himself.

"You weren't kidding when you said she worries too much," Albel said sarcastically. Clair turned around and glared at Albel. "Looks like she hasn't pulled her hair out yet," he continued with a smug smile.

"Listen Albel," yelled Clair who was obviously displeased at his sudden insult.

"Let it go, Clair," Nel said with a smile. "That's his way of saying thank you."

"How do you know?" asked Clair.

Nel smiled as she looked at Albel. He was looking away, acting as if nothing of interest had happened a couple of minutes before. He would always be like that she thought, acting in the opposite way of his feelings, showing only his true self once in a while. Then she turned back to face her friend and smiled.

"Let's just say I got to see the other side of the coin."


Fin.

Please read and review.

Thank you all again.

Somnion signing off.