.Cherish the Day.
Une rencontre remorse - A remorseful encounter
Disclaimer: I own nothing, dangit. Though I would like to own Albel, rar kinky.
Albel: O.O;
Uh... anyway, lol, I couldn't think of anything at this point, I just have the future plans. Sad, huh? Hope this is alright, I really can't write Albel if my life depended on it, especially in this chapter.
This starts out in someone else's point of view and switches on and off with Sophia. (I don't think it will be too confusing, but it's faster pace for the events, and I liked the feel to it.) The first sentence tells all who the second point of view is XD Beware, there's some "sexual" stuff in here. Oh laa laa! Have fun!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Il n'est que les premieres amours -The first love is the faithfullest; no love's like to the first
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I fiddled uneasily with my hair as I glanced at the two men. It was
about midnight, and they were sleeping soundly in the guest bedroom at
headquarters. Should I go against my duties and leave for a second
time? It was just carelessness, but I wanted Fayt to be happy. Seeing
him smile so sincerely at that girl... they really depended on each
other, and I... who did I have?
No one. Well, not now. The one I loved would never be the same person
he has been. I had become jealous of the mysterious blue-haired boy and
his modest sweetheart.
I was thinking all the while about going to the Royal City of Airyglyph
and recovering his precious one. It would be a dangerous deed. I could
breathe my last breath and soar away from this world if they found me.
Doing these meager "side jobs" aside from my duty has been an old
habit, and it will never decline.
With a heavy heart, I bowed like the last time and never looked back.
How could I abandon them after they risked their lives to save mine?
I'm not that important. My main purpose had always been to serve my
country with my runological power. But something deep inside me tells
me that I had to go salvage this girl.
"So... I see you are leaving after all."
That voice - so soft and gentle, but full of the vigor of command.
Clair Lasbard stood in her doorway in her night clothes. Her hair, free
from its bindings, flowed down to her hips.
I clenched my hands with anxiety. The commander knew what I was up to.
She was no fool, and I never dared to take her too lightly.
"Yes... I am."
"I knew you would. You always put aside your duties if someone's
life is at stake."
I didn't respond. What could I say? I knew it was wrong of me to forget
my directed missions, but as Fayt would say, life is precious. Too
precious to be thrown away, and I knew that. I could never change the
way I felt inside, and I humbly accepted that.
Only a selective few knew my true qualities, my true essence. Those
individuals were Tynave, Farleen, Clair, and... just thinking his name
frustrated me, pulling me down into the chains of regret.
"Clair, I-"
"Don't speak. I know exactly what you are going to say. How did I know?
It's plain as the look on your face as soon as you arrived at
headquarters. That look of disappointment, as if you could do nothing
at all. ...The same expression as when Tynave and Farleen were captured
by Airyglyph."
Clair gave me no right to be heard. She reversed herself from me,
heading back into her private quarters. She chuckled softly,
"Nel, you don't expect to go there in your present attire, do you?"
"And why shouldn't I?"
"Do you want to head into the dungeon of Airyglyph as well? With both
of you trapped, how could you possibly rescue the Esteed girl? You need
a concealing outfit. It is quite obvious, no?"
How could I forget? My current clothing was my Aquarian army uniform,
showing off my runes and the daggers at my hips. I'd be caught within a
blink of an eye. And, most importantly, how could I let him see me? I
shook my head to get the aimless deliberation out.
"You're right, Clair. But I'm afraid we have nothing that would mask my
identity."
"Don't be silly. You could snatch something fitting on your way. You have the reflex skills to do so. Just... don't be too rash."
I blinked at her dully, "... Rash? Clair, you saying something like this is harsh enough. But I understand, and I will try to get something more suiting."
"Right," she confirmed, picking at her hair and looking in a different direction than the one where I stood.
maid and skulk my way into the dungeon."
"My thoughts exactly, Nel."
"I can't decide the outcome, but if I succeed, I'm sure it'd be quite a
shock to Fayt." I exclaimed, the smirk on my face told Clair I was poking fun out of this.
Clair nodded with enthusiasm and bowed deeply.
"Nel... May the grace of Apris be with you."
"Yes. I'm off."
If only I had the high hope left in me when I moved quietly into the
night.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"With you on our side, I highly doubt there will be much trouble with
those Aquarian fools."
Albel the Wicked spoke smoothly, staring at the wall under his shaggy
dark bangs. I shifted on the dusty bed, in hopes that he'd take a look at me
instead.
"But... I've never been in any type of combat before, other than the
combat simul- never mind! The fact is... I'm just an average teenage
girl!"
"Ah, but that is were you are wrong. You are a teenage girl with great
powers that are not at all possible in our lands."
"I still don't understand what I can help you with..."
He shrugged and began to walk lazily towards me.
"It seems dubious to me. I'd like to find out if you really have this
power - personally."
He started working at my lock, and soon had the cell door open.
"Come."
He tilted his head, motioning for me to follow him. I crept out
quietly, like a mouse on the lookout for cats.
Following quite a ways behind him, I was determined to find out what he
was up to, since it seemed we were heading into a deeper area of the
dungeon.
"Where are we going?"
I got no answer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If only Tynave and Farleen could see me now, I could get a couple of
laughs from those two. I must have been the most awkward-looking runologist
in the entire continent of Gaitt. Now being in the locale I was headed
for, I was near freezing to death in my uniform as my teeth chattered endlessly.
The weather was much colder than it ever had been. I estimated around below zero degrees.
Winter in Airyglyph has always been so harsh; it makes Aquaria's
winters feel like an early, misted spring.
I hadn't given it much thought earlier, but now I was wondering how I
was going to get inside the palace without causing a commotion and
becoming an all around peace breaker. I stalled for a bit, taking a
moment to duck into the local inn.
"Looking for a room? That will be 100 Fol, please," the receptionist
said kindly at my sudden presence.
"Oh no, I'm not staying. Thank you."
"Very well," she answered sadly. I could have guessed why; Airyglyph wasn't
exactly rich in these times of war.
I sat down at an empty table; the crackling hearth warmed me to my
bones as I rested, thinking of nothing in particular except about
whether I'd ever see him again. I really wished I wouldn't have to, but
things don't always go as they are planned.
"Wow, Arlee, that's wonderful news!"
"An invitation from the King of Airyglyph himself! I hope I do a good job...
I'm a little nervous, to tell you the truth."
Two female voices came from my left. I looked through the corner of my
eye, seeing two young girls who were giddy about something. I was about
to leave the conversation unchecked until something grabbed my
attention right away.
"Yeah, you're a pretty good maid-for-hire. Put that skill to fine use!"
The other girl sucked in her breath, heading for the exit. As I looked
out the window, I saw that she was taking the wrong road, leading to a
dead end.
Now was my chance.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The once rich Viscount was in shackles, dangling. His head was lowered
as if trying to rest.
"Th-that voice... Lady Sophia?" He said weakly, not moving a muscle.
"Yes, it's me, Ferdinand!" I dashed over to the one cruel enough to
order his men to do such a thing.
"Why have you brought me here? What are you planning on doing..?" I was
infuriated and a bit scared as well.
The dark young man unsheathed his katana, looking at Ferdinand without
any emotion.
"Who are you to do this?!"
He actually took the time to answer this one.
"This prisoner was one you befriended, did you not? A slice to the
throat with my dear blade would bring this fellow to his death... but if
your powers truly act, then-"
"That's disgusting!" I cried, glaring with hate at the cold-hearted
Glyphian.
"Call it what you will. I merely asked to see your so-called powers at
work." He looked back over to the Viscount with a mischievous smirk.
"This is what I would call a perfect example."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"What business does the king with ye?" grumbled the soldier at the
castle gate.
I, having exchanged my former attire for a more apposite outfit,
answered.
"The king needed new maids at his disposal. I was sent here from Kirlsa
to speak with him about... employment," I lied, speaking just pitch higher
than normal, just as a precaution.
"What be your title?" He asked, looking at me up and down. What was
that girl's name again? Oh, yes. "Arlee."
"Hmm... His Excellency did mention an Arlee. You be Arlee Laurel?"
It was worth a try. "Yes. That's me."
"Right. The invitation please."
With a phony smile plastered on my face, I reached in the pocket above
my right breast and handed it to him. The guard squinted at it intently.
I hoped the real Arlee was all right. I did give her quite a good
smack to steal these clothes away...
"This is definitely the king's seal. You don't seem the least bit
suspicious... all right, you may enter. Make yourself at home."
I sighed with joy, "Gee, thanks, Mister!"
Stepping beyond the thick iron gates, I became less confident. My
stomach took a sudden drop as I started to feel quite ill. This place
seemed nothing like it was two years ago... It was more - how shall it
I put it - ignoble. It seemed dingy and stale.
Hearing steps coming
down the spiral staircase, I looked up. It was a young girl, dressed in
similar clothes as I.
"You must be the new maid, right? Arlee, is it? I'm Christine. My
pleasure!"
"Likewise, Christine. And I'm Arlee, the one and only!"
Her smile widened as a few locks of her unkempt blonde hair fell across
her face.
"Aha! You will be cleaning the quarters of the Storm Brigade and the
Black Brigade. Is that all right with you, miss?"
The Black Brigade!? That meant...
Christine must have seen the worried look about my face; she tapped my
shoulder gently.
"...Arlee?"
"Huh!?"
"I am- I'm fine."
Her cheerful smile glowed once more as she directed me to the rooms.
Please... I hope you're not here at the moment.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"N-no... Ferdinand..." I whispered with heartache. It had all happened
too quickly. The Wicked One slashed at Christoire's throat and the
blood had poured out like an ominous fountain, spilling onto the stone
floor in thick spurts. Ferdinand gurgled in an attempt to speak, but it
was too gushy to understand.
"Well? Aren't you going to work your wonders, worm?" He grinned like a
madman, aware that Ferdinand's death was near.
My pulse skyrocketed. My chest became tight.
"I can't do it! I can't!"
My voice echoed over the walls of the prison. I fell to my knees,
watching the blood travel across the floor to soak my jeans in crimson.
"Hmph. I should have known... It seems I have wasted my time down here.
Very well, I hope you enjoy the show." He added sarcastically with a
small laugh as he made his way to the stairs above.
Ferdinand twitched and sloshed me an apparent farewell.
"No, Ferdinand! Hang on! Healing!!" I called upon my power, hoping my
Symbology would work. Nothing came of it. I must have been too scared
to cast it. Casting it many times more, I decided to take a look at
Ferdinand. Very still, pale, no signs of movement, or breathing for
that matter. He was already long gone from this world.
No wonder it didn't work...
A loud sob escaped from my mouth, leaving bitter tears to follow it.
"Ferdinand Christoire ... you'll finally get to see your loved one... just
as you wished."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I aimlessly started to clean the rooms in the fortress. The last one I
came upon seemed to need no concentrated effort, so I was about to take
my leave of it. My main focus wasn't cleaning some irrelevant rooms. I
had to go find Sophia, and quick. My instincts told me that she was in
the dungeon, and I needed to make haste before I saw someone I didn't
want to set my eyes upon.
"Hmmm. I'm quite positive that I told the guards to let no maids in
here."
That voice. It was him. I was in his room of all places. Becoming edgy,
I picked up my duster gently and swallowed, my body twitching with the
rate of my beating heart. Speaking would give it all away; I had no
choice but keep my back to him.
"Well? Aren't you going to leave, or am I going to have to make you?" He threatened under his breath, as if trying to scare me off.
Panting slowly, I faced the other direction, keeping my head low and
letting my hair fall in my face, disguising it the best I could. Of all
the damn times and places, it seemed providence had had its way with
me. I felt his scarlet eyes following me as I took little steps,
approaching the doorway.
"Wait. That hair looks familiar to me..." He exclaimed in a tone that
suggested he was giving great thought to it.
Damn it, he found me out.
I forgot all about his keen sense, playing
him out as a fool. I should've dyed my tresses a different color, one
that would not give out my true uniqueness. I felt his hand touch my
hair, feeling its suppleness between his long fingers.
"Those crimson locks... Agent Zelpher?"
The only thing I was glad about at that moment was him not saying my
name, but in defeat I lifted my head to show him my face.
"So, it is you..." He said in utter amazement, letting my hair fall
back into its rightful place.
"You found me out. Good for you. Now, let me pass. I'm on a mission and
I don't intend to leave until I fulfill it." I said in the coldest tone
possible.
It seemed he knew why I was here; he didn't even ask about my
objective, but gazed at me harshly, a look of hurt in his eyes.
"You think I'd let you go after all these years?"
I crossed my arms in sternness, "That was two years ago."
"It matters not to me."
Cocking my head, I looked up at him angrily.
"We went our separate ways ever since this conflict started, and you're
saying it means nothing to you? Telling me you're glad to see me here,
when you wanted to take my life away so many times? Don't let your old
feelings catch up to you. We..." I heaved a small sigh, my voice starting
to stutter with apprehension.
"We are not in love anymore. It was shattered right when the war began."
I placed my hands on my hips and stared at him. His face grew harsher.
"So, what you are saying is that you don't feel anything - not even a
flicker - as I stand right before you?"
I turned my back to him. Did I still have those feelings? I had not
spoken with this man for two years, and our last conversation had not
been a pleasant one. He wasn't the Albel I use to know; the war has
changed the both of us in the worst way possible.
I felt him wrap his arms around me from behind, placing his chin on my
shoulder. This made me go stiff as a board, but I didn't dare move in
his embrace - it was somewhat comforting. Yes, it was so very much like
old times.
"Don't tell me you feel nothing. The war means little to me compared to
you. It looks like I let my old emotions get the best of me. I still
feel affection for you, Nel." He whispered with certainty in his voice.
"Please," I begged, "Don't call me that."
"It would be quite discourteous of me to not call the woman I love by
her given name."
He drew me closer, and that was all I could take. He seemed just as he
was those two years past, his looks hadn't changed the least bit, and
even as I hated to admit it, I enjoyed it.
Leaning back into him, I brought my hand up to his disheveled hair and
played it with, loving the soft, well-known feeling all over again. My
former lover seemed to like this action, because he started to kiss my
neck tenderly and caress of my hips.
"Albel... I really don't think we should be doing this." I stated
quietly, closing my eyes with tranquility.
"Why worry now, when we can make love and not war?" He murmured against
my skin.
"I-I don't know about that..."
"Come on. I need to feel alive again."
Did I really want him to touch me? Feel me all over my body this way?
This... Monster? Something deep within me made me sigh with satisfaction
as he slid one of his hands beneath my skirt, entering somewhere long
forgotten.
"Mmm... Albel..." I abruptly grabbed his hair, tangling it in my
fingers. My logic simply vanished into thin air. It was nowhere seen
within those few moments of enjoyment I had forgotten.
But the reason came back, and I felt a little frightened of what the
outcome would be. I've missed him so much, but should I really be doing
this? Get hurt all over again... or was this just a one time thing? For old time's sake.
"Should we really be doing this...?" I questioned again in a shaking
voice.
"I haven't seen your beauty in such a long time. I felt so alone... I
seemed to have lost it. So please, Nel." I felt his other hand travel
its way to my breast, making my body shudder in response. He must have
really missed me... and... probably hadn't gotten laid since then.
"A-alright. I-I-I still love you..." I added, even shakier than
before, pressing myself against him further.
Did I still love him, or was it just an instinct for lust?
Many had died at his hands since then. I wondered - was it my fault?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ooooh, Nel and Albel are gonna get their freak on!! XD!
I just had to make them former lovers because I really like to seem them together, even though this is an AlbelxSophia. Poor Nel! ;.;
I betcha wanna know what happens next, just how is Sophia gonna break these two apart?
This was pretty fun writing, so I hope I get some good feedback on it. I'd also like to take the time for Ame no Uta, who helped me out with my spelling and grammer. Thanks a lot!
Now, a word for my dear reviewers,
Event – Updaaaate your ficcy, you freak. I knnneeww this would be a good chapter to start the plot with, so you have my gratitude. Ahaha, I'm such a nerd. YOUSE A CRABLILLY, SON! lmao.
Raven Usher – You likey? I seriously think this will be the only good chapter with Albel speech, it's so hard for me to write him. falls over
Kaparzen – I don't know why, but Cliff is really easy for me to write. It's so strange, it just flows and it really creeps me out cuz I don't like Cliff that much. Yeah, I thought the pretty hair thing would be something ol' Cliffy would say. Lol Sorry there was no Cliff action in this chapter.
Youko Mitsutama – Yeeess, go Albel. I love' em so much huggles da Albie I hope I don't make him and Sophia too mushy later.. cringes that'd be like, the weirdest thing ever. "I shall put my forever painstaking love into thee, my lovely little worm." Okay, so he's not gonna say that .... lol that's just not cool. falls over I had a fun time chatting with you too! hugs
Suzuno Oosugi – Thanks for the review again. Do keep on reading!
Chakaska - Poor Sophia. Helping the bad guys. AGAINST HER WILL! Mwhahahahaha! But yeah, I thought people would like that idea.
Fushi Megumi Cocoa – Emi, I'm glad you read it, and yes make an account! Nadeska umisae!? I'm glad you like it so far. Us Japs gotta stick together. lol!