A/N: My head is in a jam. DX It's hard to really think straight for the moment being. I honestly need to lay off the video games, too much is making me dizzy. And worst of all since I'm back on my computer—I am honestly gonna get a fawkin' laptop soon—after playing. XD I am so deranged. Any who, why not we include a NICE Woltar? ;D
Summary: What are the odds of a noble swordsman with a self-absorbed egoism to be swayed by such a frail boy in the cold streets of Airyglyph? .:Albel/Fayt:.
Extra Notes: 'Thoughts' are gonna be written in italics. The "lyrics" are gonna be like this: "Lyrics." I'm so accomplished moving people to tears or at least tried. xD I got my best friend reading this (I was at her house) and she used a quarter of the tissue box. ...Yay. :D
Dedication: Maiyoko Iwagashi. Seriously, go on and read her fics!
Disclaimer: Do not own Star Ocean and I do not own the song (How did you know – Chiqui Pineda) and SOME of the lyrics is gonna be used.
Song of choice/Playlist: I have two in store for each chapter, one 'instrumental/classical', and one that is 'normal'. Go ahead; you're free to choose which one~! Just in case you have different preferences! Artist first, song next. Got it? Good.
~.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.~
Chiqui Pineda – How did you know
30 seconds to mars – The kill (instrumental)
~.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.~

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Serendipity

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Outlook

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The night felt unsettled in Airyglyph with the winds rushing at an incredible speed, the chips of frozen snow grew bigger than the evening - more or so by a few inches bigger. At the Traum Mountains a certain petite redhead wandered the area for herbs and any other hidden valuables, her—actually male in gender—small nails dug into the frozen soil near the carcass of a demonic tree although the roots got in the way of any findings so they were cut out of the way from the pocketknife located in the redhead's little white apron. More branches were brushed away and broken. Her amber orbs shined in radiance to find exactly the treasure the small one needed encased in protection of a dusty wooden crate.

Wondering what a certain god could be doing?

Apris scratched further like a feline at the frozen soil, fingers turning bright red with a gush a red fluids drenching the white apron. The whole 'little girl' disguise rubbed off on him despite having more ease getting the crate open if she turned into the original he. The small nimble fingers cracked open the crate with a firm kick and at last a light clout. The wooden materials flew around Apris' body which he manages to quickly avoid with a rapid duck. The contents of the crate have three items—not including the covering—but the main objectives are pretty secured. Wrapped around navy blue velvet uncovered a large diamond—just around the size of a human's fist—propped on a bulky block of pure gold. As for the last item(s) were smaller diamonds scattered around like prickly thorns against the casing.

With a snap of his fingers the crate vanished from the frozen soil and mounded the empty area with white snow followed by hailstones. The redhead smirked in accomplishment by coiling his finger around the long red locks. On another note, Apris' hearing could be described as remarkable for listening in to the break of a branch at far-off cavern with two individuals sneaking inside. Amber orbs squinted at the pair: Fayt and a strange female. Another snap and the disguise of a little girl for cover transformed with a clichéd shroud of clouds - or a 'poof.'

For a new disguise Apris went with a noble-suited wear of burgundy breeches with a white stripe on each side—one for each leg—accompanied by dark red stockings and black heeled shoes and an added rose. For a god, he had a thin body with a thinner influence with the white waistcoat; over that article is a matching burgundy justaucorps. Apris growled with his long ebony hair getting stuck between the ruffled jabot, at last he decided to tie back his long locks with a silk red ribbon leaving only several strands falling on his forehead.

A thought crossed his train of contemplation.

Would an additional cane with a ruby on top be too much?

With an indecisive shrug, Apris hurriedly followed the pair to the cave. He walked along the path, quickly keeping up to the giant Hauler beast. The magic of it all is that he cannot be seen as he took the edge of the Hauler's shell for a seating, unknowingly feeling the shaking rumble of a new wall collapsing. And then came forth the sounds of weeping, loud cries that lead Apris with a twitch.

"Al-Albel…Albel…"

Amber eyes averted to the tear-welled blue haired teen and then getting a quick glance at the redheaded woman with her head propped on her hand, he even picked up when she quietly expressed after Fayt grew silent, "I just don't understand him."

Apris sighed heavily, 'So much for using my findings as a new bedpost.'

---

A clatter of broken glass from a clumsy maid outside of Albel's door stirred the man of his sleep, amber orbs slowly opening and actually hoping he could see Fayt's morning face. The swordsman already has sense something was wrong in this predicament, he pictured Fayt as the cuddle-lover figure that would be embracing him now or Albel being restrained from waking up early and reside with the teen. There was no grip and Albel slouched on the bed with the support of his gauntlet arm as he then rubs his eyes with his other bandaged hand, he blinked rapidly and noticed it was only him on this large comfort, the swordsman felt a shred of disappointment. Then again, Fayt could just have woken up earlier and left to cease that outlandish appetite of his.

Albel kicked away the sheets, stretching his legs to get out of bed. Red eyes boredly looked around the room; dully he scratched his head in confusion to the rack of papers on his table. The first order of business is to eat the delicious apple for breakfast, his hand picked up the apple and he took a large bite of it. From then on being half-done with the fruit, Albel fetched a chair to balance himself halfway whilst rocking his body back and fourth on said chair. His eyes broadened to the first image on the cover of Fayt smiling happily with a blond man—that much was remembered due to the indecent in Kirlsa—and the redheaded woman that Vox dragged during the King's celebration.

The first page is the prologue to the findings of Fayt Leingod along with the blond, Cliff Fittir, at Duggus forest. The first page has stopped mid-struck due to lack of knowledge necessary from memory loss on the pair. Albel took another bite of his apple, flipping the pages with dread. The next few pages labeled 'FAYT'S SENTIMENT' followed by chalky photographs with a small note indicated at the bottom page of an interview or questioning of the sort:

'Cliff: What did you do this time? Monopolize him to your liking?

Fayt: Please, Cliff, that would take too much of my precious time. All it really takes is to bed the guy and get whatever is needed with sleeping drugs. Simple, easy, and quick.

Cliff: You don't mind? Umm, your virginity was at stake just to get an adequate amount of information to prove he was just a conspirator.

Fayt: Not really. A mission is a mission and should be completed at all cost. It's not like it was important to being with, I was careful and I already played with so many.

Cliff: Don't go overboard…at least promise me that much?

Fayt: Can't guarantee you that, but I guess I can take a try at it.

I knew I should have never eavesdropped…Albeit for this is his charm to everything, this is Fayt's way to success.'

The apple rolled from his drooping arm falling to his side, the red fruit swayed away further as he deeply eyed the photographs of Fayt about to bed someone or rather already some of them depicted his achievements with that sly manipulative grin of his or the friendly outlook of all the women and men he was around with. His heart felt like it shattered in two when reading one of Fayt's hand-written notes: 'Anyone I 'like' is just for a benefit.' This made Albel's hands tremble with the documents he held, his claws scissoring at the papers harshly as some began to tear. The swordsman chuckled depressingly when he flipped to the next set of half-torn pages, it dishearten him further as Albel kept the chair now on the floor balanced instead of letting it rock around.

At the farthest end detailed Fayt's current mission to infiltrate Airyglyph's castle to steal any information that can be found helpful to Aquios with more than enough to add of today's date to leave – to depart Airyglyph and return to Aquios. The back of the page has a large box to check off the progress and it was indeed checked 'complete.' The swordsman finally reached the end and this one single memo was instantly the final blow:

'I don't love you.'

Something in Albel completely snapped out of proportions, all the documents were thrown in the air with rage as Albel vented his anger through his belongings. A recently placed flower vase on the table has been shattered with a swift swing of Albel's gauntlet arm, his katana has been sheathed out of its scabbard and repeatedly attempted to cut the pure metal bed post with strong swings - like a man trying to chop a tree with an axe in same motion of swinging it back and forth. The impact only made scratches on the post, so his enraged snarls lead him to seize the steeled Earth in back of the cabinets thus attempting to use the sword to cut down the post.

He triumphed cutting down the post, the picture of Fayt rested on his foot after being settled from the throw. Albel glared deeply at the photograph, he held the sword high in ready for the tip to deeply cut into the photo, "I…"

"Without fail, without hesitation, no matter which side wins…kill me with that sword I gave you. I don't want to die in anybody's hand but yours."

Albel positioned his foot elsewhere, the sword failed on him and slid from his hand to the lumpy floor, "…can't…" He emphasized with his legs falling to the floor. His tone felt drained, upset, lost, and desolate.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. How the mighty has fallen."

Luther.
Out of all people.

"Seeing you in such a pitiful state…how beautifully described, Nox! It suits you because you're all alone now." Luther stepped inside the mess of a room, his gloved hand strokes Albel's brunette hair when slowly it slid down to the more bi-colored locks, "Can you feel it? You were Fayt's prey, Nox. You were his toy. So much for thinking you were actually lov--"

Luther's eyes averted to Count Woltar at the door, he stepped back a bit from the stern frown he received from the elderly senior and covered up his slight fright with a nervous and egotistical laughter. Woltar took another step forward and shook his head in disappointment, "Childish, Luther…simply childish. That's enough from you, now go." He said, taking a step away from the door to let the blond pass in order to quickly depart Albel's room. Luther clicked his tongue, glaring harshly at Albel and striding away with an impish laughter capable of echoing the halls with the sounds of self-concernment from the maids that followed him.

Woltar left the door open; his frown came deeper with a wordless Albel Nox truly and pitifully on his knees through an awkward quietness than the regular demand that anyone who entered the swordsman room would be followed by a death threat. But this figure of despair reminded him so much of the glory days with a mischievous Albel roaming the castle with a devious smirk to plot against the maids or attempted caretakers only until the same agonizing appearance is similar from the time Albel lost his father: Glou Nox.

Woltar noticed Albel clamp one hand on his face as it followed with uncontrollable trembling, this led the senior to falter his expression further. If he knew one thing about Albel trying to bottle up his feelings, Albel would usually cover his face when he wanted to cry. The senior noted this much from the beginning stages of Glou's tragedy, Albel tended to lock himself away in his room.

The senior picked up Fayt's picture with his weary hand, examining closely before taking a sharp breath to sigh. "I know how much you do not want to listen to this old coot," Woltar smiled warmly, "This is my fault and I would like to apologize. Listen to me--"

Then came the footsteps of the other captain. Albel heard the sound of papers held together and gathered around, when his eyes dared to look forward his room was almost spotless from all the paper picked up. The tears have dried up thus far; Albel picked up his body to follow Woltar who is the individual that picked the scraps from the lumpy flooring. Both went down the stairs to the main entrance—Albel picked up the steeled Earth without realizing—as a strong gust of wind surge through the main entrance.

Woltar took a step outside as did the swordsman, the senior's arm held up the large heap of documents, "It's not over." He said with that optimistic smile of his, his hand let go of the documents as they fluttered into the gust of wind in scattered directions.

---

On his way through Airyglyph, Albel found himself more than quieter for his own good. His eyes dejectedly stayed on the snow-bound ground with the speck of hope coming back after what Woltar said. He's right in a way, but the swordsman took a step inside the shop known as Tiamat. Inside held customized weapons around the room that held no interest towards the bi-colored haired, most of them appeared stale and not very useful at any rate. No one was around and only voices can be heard from behind the curtains, whilst waiting Albel propped his head on his hand and strummed his fingers on the glass table in tensing patience.

"I can hear you. I already mentioned that the inventory is--" The man abruptly froze his chattering, "I'm truly sorry! W-what can I g-get for y-you Sir Wicked - I mean! Umm…"

"Quit your senseless jabbering and tell me how much I can get this." Albel drew out the steeled Earth, slamming it on the glass table confining all the other weapons. The loud noise made the man jump with a break from any heart attack of facing the Wicked One.

The shopkeeper carefully inspected the piece in detail as Albel just sustained watching. He felt a pang in his chest from the constant calling of his name as he deeply reminisced of the blunette without reason. Albel could no longer bear the pain so he yanked back the sword—it was inside the scabbard to prevent any harm—and left with a fierce fume.

"Damn that Leingod…damn him…"

On the path of the castle there was a brunette who stood on a weakened mound of bricks and a basket sat in front of her with the lid open for tips. Walking closer to the gathering crowd, Albel did not expect to see that female being Sophia. Her viridian eyes were enlightened to see the swarm arriving and even more delighted to see Albel who was in a safe distance away from the crowd – and not because Albel is away from everyone else, rather he was here. She closed her eyes and clasped her hands together—like reciting a prayer—and was the first to shush the rowdy people, "Thank you all for coming. For today's song…I wish to dedicate it to a certain someone." She beamed brighter with one eye opening to stare directly at Albel and then closed it back.

"My reason? I found several papers around here. No need to worry, I disposed them."

Even without looking Sophia could already sense how relieved she made the swordsman at the moment.

"What I found may have caused some…hurt. Just remember that everything can piece back together. There is an explanation to everything – it's not over."

Albel kicked the snow to hide away his angered expression. Twice today someone has mentioned those three words. His eyebrows furrowed in frustration and had a difficult understanding if they could actually mean something. Is it truly not over?

Sophia: "I remember so well the day that you came into my life."

The crowd that muttered has absolutely grown to silence with warming eyes watching the angelic-voiced Sophia. Despite her actions last time due to compulsion, she had a wonderful attribute with locals.

"My life started to change. I'd wake up each day feeling alright with you right by my side."

Albel took a quick glance at the basket as some individuals of the crowd threw Fol inside.

"Makes me feel things will work out just fine."

He grunted. What has been working fine over these past few hours?

"How did you know I needed someone like you in my life? That there's an empty space in my heart, you came at the right time in my life."

"I'll never forget how you brought the sun to shine in my life and took all the worries and fears that I had."

"I guess what I'm really trying to say it's not everyday that someone like you comes my way. No words can express how much I love you."

Sophia eyes opened with her glowing smile and bow to those her clapped for her. Some of them shuffled around to compliment her and others just placed a decent amount of Fol inside the basket. The crowd soon departed with lingering compliments and the brunette waved them off. Her hands took a strong grip at the handles – she felt satisfied with her performance. Albel completely wanted everyone to head off so he can pick a small bag of payment.

He slowly stepped forward and awkwardly let the bag plummet to the basket with a thump; probably the sound could be heard from all who donated. Sophia eyes went from the bag to Albel; her stunned expression quickly grew perky, "Thank you."

He just nodded and slowly drifted away from the scene, but gently tapped on the shoulder with a feeling of warm breath on his non-artificial arm.

Sophia rapidly regained her breath and saluted him in a forthcoming manner, "Everything will be okay."

He took a sharp breath, sighing. He'll suck up his pride once and only once to a total stranger. Albel felt a sort of release from sticking until the end of Sophia song, she deserved this much.

With a fractional friendly of a smirk he responded in such: "…Thank you…"

This time he wouldn't stick around to see her reaction and there was soon a churn of repulsion from actually muttering appreciation.

He shuddered and made his way to the castle until a thought crossed his mind, 'Bloody damn that impudent Leingod…'

---

Fayt woke up with a light sneeze, his dreary vision picked up the light to a cavern meaning only one thing: they have finally reach Peterney. His sleepy eyes gazed back at the cart to at least be aware that Nel was still asleep. He squinted at a strange sight of a person in the back, only catching a glimpse of black and red as Peanut shook its body to wake up the redheaded woman. When the blunette let his leg slide off the Hauler beast, Peanut then tugged the cloth of Fayt's pants.

'So much for hiding food,' Fayt thought jokingly. Taking out the peanuts for the large turtle, he gave a prolonged embrace to the Hauler for lengthy period of time. "See you soon, Peanut."

Nel stirred from the low whisper, she saw a peak of light when she gracefully jumped off the gelid metal cart and dusted off her attire from the excess of dust in the meek corners of the cart. Nel would not grasp if it was her imagination or not if the large Hauler beast was glaring at her with its piercing ebony eyes, regardless she shrugged and secretly amazed by the secret entrance with much safety than her own plan. The pair departed the cavern to walk a period time of time underground until they finally met brighter lights and flashes of smiling faces all around.

The latch of one the surface was covered for next time—Apris shuffled behind quickly, finally making his appearance visible and smirking at the two who chattered about the direction—that they would go underground. In the meanwhile, the two made a quick reservation at an inn to later rest and search for food; Apris strolled over to a one of the house-like structures.

The ebony haired man awaited patiently for Welch to appear, but it seems she was taking her time in other meaningless task. A head of light brunette popped up, she scratched the back of her hair in nervousness from the noble wear of a customer.

"Sorry to keep you waiting! May I help you?"

His amber eyes already grown exasperated how much she dragged his time, "Yes, I would like to make a request."

"Ah! For any inventor's need, right across from here--"

"Who said I wanted to make it?" He chuckled venomously, even gods lacked patience from time to time. "I am willing to pay in diamonds for it to be done." Apris snapped his fingers to bring up the velvet covering wrapped around the items. Unraveling the folds, Welch's eyes grew as wide as saucers, "Keep all the smaller fragments."

The brunette giggled manically to all her findings, her fingers picked all the smaller diamond around the largest. "What's the request, sir?" Her eyes didn't even look at him; they were greedily eyeing her new source of compensation.

Apris beamed a grin, "Use these components--" his index finger points to the gold and large diamond, "--to make a collar."

---

The training area has no one around that particularly mattered to Albel; it was just soldiers training to the very end. It was odd; they never really paid attention to training until now of all times. A few murmuring whispers were audible for the swordsman to hear, and they all included keywords of 'the King, the war,' and probably the result of a 'rumor.' He swayed away from the soldiers to approach a corner of the wooden figurines. His lip curved to a small smirk on his pale lips when bringing the memory of a certain blunette, especially how Fayt fought back in their insignificant affair over Vox situation.

His trip down memory lane was cut short by a maid bowing in respect; she mentioned being ordered to call upon Albel's presence in the dining room. As the man inquired further, she shrugged off his question with a single sentence: 'I don't know.' As she left, Albel followed suit much later and pondered the three words. If only things could be as simple as she said it and not having to deprive himself from this emotional misery over Fayt.

The hall had no one else but Woltar eating a plate of vegetables and bits of meat, the table had a different array of food scattered in large platters. Albel awkwardly took his seat in the far end as he always did; he pushed his seat further and eyed the food abnormally. Woltar swallowed the lump of meat, wiping away his mouth with the provided handkerchief and rested down his utensils, "The King will be here shortly. As you may already know, the prisoner has escape and he has arrangements in plan. Vox will also be arriving."

Albel's hard-boiled egg slipped out of his mouth when he groaned to Vox's name being spoken, no less soon coming. That was one thing Albel at least admit to anyone, only Woltar could see the childish side from time to time or when it's appropriate.

"Now, now. Forget I mentioned it, just eat your meal. The chef and I are personally in worriment that this…incident…might affect your health." He said concerned enough for Albel to just scoff as a rejoinder.

Albel re-picked his egg and sliced it in half, the center so thick and yellow it was making him lose his appetite once again. When he decided to just eat the steak instead, his knife was planted to cut it in half instead of--

"Excuse my tardiness!"

--stabbing it down like the dead piece it is when the sound of Vox's voice strummed the air into a deepening silence. His scarlet eyes slowly peered at the entrance with the King resuming shortly inside the vast room. Albel mentally noted to avoid all eye contact with the fellow captain throughout this sudden meeting and more importantly fixed upon the King rubbing his temples, no less added stress after coming back from the prison cells. Another moment of silence has passed whilst the King trying to recover from the frustration to a much calmer disposition.

"The prisoner has just escape with the blueprints on our plans to victory, to add on that note with a collaborator in hand. One our recovering guards informed me it was that boy…Fayt Leingod."

"And if I may include, m'Lord, it was Nox who was his caretaker! Therefore he could be a traitor as well!" Vox pointed his finger at the swordsman nibbling on the large leaf of lettuce, and yet Albel was still unfazed and pretended to look more offended at the accusing finger.

The King nodded in agreement, "Well, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Albel tore the lettuce away from his mouth to swallow what he already munched on. Taking a long gulp at the icy water in the goblet he finally spoke, "I knew nothing of it, I found him as a lowly peasant. How would I able to predict this much? In any case," Albel took a pause before resuming, "I'll take full responsibility."

"I see. Then--"

The old senior cut the King short, "He is not at fault, Sire. If anything, it's mine."

Vox and Albel both widened their eyes.

"I suggest a deal in this battle…engage an attack early and there will be no problem. With any blueprints they stole from us there can be no telling how long it will take to complete our designs. And in the meantime, I'll bring back Fayt. Dead or alive?" Woltar inquired.

The King: "Very well then, the sooner the better. We attack in a week at dawn! I want that boy alive, do you hear me?"

Albel slammed his fist on the table, he had no trouble with a very sudden arrangement and how ludicrous it sounded but, "If anyone will be bringing Leingod back, it's me! In spite of everything that happened…as a minimum allow me that much…!"

The Duke's eye twitched, "Nox, shut your mouth."

Woltar sighed and quickly reflected, 'Here comes the verge of a petty argument.'

The fire in their eyes glared each other down, Albel smiled unfriendly and demonic and gritted his teeth all the while, "Your face, Vox. Must I remind that this commotion is your fault?"

"How is this my fault? Go on, humor me, I dare you."

"The designs were in your room and your responsibility. You let those prints get into the hands of the enemy!" Albel smirked victoriously, he placed one hand on his hip and the other was went on his chest in an egotistical manner, "If they were given to me to hold--" his scarlet eyes grew half-lidded, "--I have a better chance of dependability than you. You merely prey on weaklings with meek hesitation."

It just cannot be helped; it was Albel's nature to think highly of him alone.

"Ah yes, you are so full of yourself, Nox. Yet you let the boy escape."

"Hmph, you are too simple, Vox. It was that Aquarian scum you dragged strictly at fault. If she wouldn't answer, you just kill her. Torture her until she talks, if not…" Albel casually shrugged, "Kill her anyway. There are plenty to keep as prisoners. From the time you've been roaming the castle, I have not once see you question the wretch."

Vox clenched his fist as he shot right up from his chair, "You…!"

Albel laughed the Duke's chance to retort, but nothing came out his mouth. Albel resumed eating his food, not minding any manners to talk with his mouth open, "I what? Are you at loss at words?" The swordsman swallowed, "What a pity."

The King coughed loudly before such a trivial fight can rage on. Albel grunted and took a bite of his meat again with a couple of brutal stabs in the centerfold.

"I will allow the task to be passed onto you, Albel. Do not disappoint me."

The bi-colored haired nodded.

The King: "This session is done for today. I suggest that you may all revise your units for the battlefront or achieve as much training as possible."

---

Albel threw the pillow on top of his head whilst his body collapsing on the surviving bed falling victim of his light tantrum this morning. It is an understatement but it'll work for the time being, and speaking of time – the day has fallen into night. He threw the pillow across the room and shuffled on one side, eyes glued blankly on the mound of gravel that Fayt would reluctantly sleep on with discomfort. The visualizations of his suffering and constant groaning made Albel silently laugh to himself, no less at Fayt's effort at comforting the swordsman with his fever when the blunette really just needed the herbal medicine all along.

The man drew out the steeled Earth from under the scabbard of his katana; the blade brightly reflected any lighting in the room. 'This is what Leingod meant by killing…' Angrily he thrust the sword within the bolster on the corner of his bedside. With reassurance from Sophia made him feel that there can be forgiveness, much alike with Woltar…however very peculiar enough since the senior can also be a cruel one – who knew there was still enough kindness to exist? Although thinking back to documents, just why would Fayt leave such a thing?

He has every right to assume Fayt right away, neither of them were aware that Nel carried that bag around or the belongings.

Albel rolled over with frown of indifference and always considered that maybe the whole thing is a set-up – for the most part the middle to be more of a rack of lies.

"Albel, I love you."

The man laughed yet again, "Everything is always too good to be true."

And thinking back to this morning when Luther suddenly came into his room--

"You have someone, Albel. You have me, always…"

--made him believe he was more alone than ever.

What can he feel now? The battle is in a week and he will surely see Fayt there—if not, just hunt him down—and what will be done? Should he allow all this bitterness to pass and just forgive the blunette because the influence of Sophia and Woltar? Rather that or lash out and deceive the King and kill Fayt for all the sense of betrayal Albel felt. If not killing him…just unleash his anger to prove how much Albel fell victim because of Luther and hold the grudge on Fayt even when he'll be a captive?

He grits his teeth from all suggestions that can only lead to one conclusion. With so many piled up, it was too complex to decide.

'What the hell should I do…?'

---

Ever since the afternoon Fayt felt uneasy with the strain and thoughts at the King's reaction, so he dragged Nel to make the trip to Aquios and arrive by nightfall so by the next day Dion can work on the blueprints. Through the rigorous journey to Aquios, the pair barely made it to the castle without caving to exhaustion from all the monsters and bandits that lurked around the path. Fayt quickly made it to a guest room and tried his hardest to avoid any contact so he can rest on a bed. He wrapped himself in his blankets and expected for his body to completely shut down to the provided comfort. Although something felt…out of place and he did not find the bed suitable to his taste.

Fayt scrambled out of bed, bringing the sheets and pillows with him and threw them in the corner. As his body laid itself on the solid floor, he felt calmer and more relaxed on the base than the bed – must've been from getting use to it. When he pictured Albel, it brought up the absolute disapproval on actually any source of comfort for the blunette. Then again…remembering the man only brought Fayt closer to unhappiness and hugged one of his pillows tightly. It cannot compare but it can be a substitute to his recent cuddle sessions with Albel.

Overall, this night felt utterly lonesome in a room by himself and never ceased to worry him more what will happen in the war. Without a doubt, Fayt will have to partake and appear as excited as Cliff, the last thing he wants to do is worry his blond friend. The biggest worriment of all is dealing with Albel. Just what could Fayt do? Fayt said he loved Albel and now he leaves and becomes a traitor right off the bat? How could he ever be in 'friendly' terms again? Fayt took a deep moment of quietness to hear the loud outburst outside his door.

From what he can pick up, Cliff seems to be arguing with Nel about who knows what. Fayt could likely guess that Nel has already blurted the lengthy reasoning of staying in Airyglyph, but at least the redhead wouldn't go as far to mention the relationship between him and Albel. Snuggling into his blankets, Fayt sighed.

He can be assured one thing without despair:

Fayt will be seeing Albel sooner than he thinks.

.:●●●●●●x●●●●●●:.

A/N: Excuse the mistakes, I got lazy. And the OOC-ness! XD I was actually planning for the King to say the battle is "Tomorrow at dawn!" But then it feels rushed. Then I thought about the stolen prints for weaponry. W/e. ;D Next update will be…next week or earlier? Hmm. Maybe earlier.