Chapter 11

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hey guys! in this one, (quite possibly the most boring chapter yet) he finds the orb!

"Hey, buddy, you sure you wanna go? I mean, you ain't even got a water can for Apris' sakes! You'll die!"

Albel paid him no attention. Instead, he carried on walking, judging the distance to the nearest spring. He could just make it, at a sprint.

"Ya idiot. You'll kick the bucket as soon as yeh step out."

Albel replies to this by grabbing the man by the throat and throwing him to the floor. He had had another nightmare, and nightmares made him cranky. Well, crankier than usual.

His eyes fell on the small oasis. Thankfully, there were no monsters about. He picked up a water can from the 'unconscious' man, checking to make sure it was full.

He ran.

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Albel collapsed inside the Ruins. He had made it. Just. Damn those monsters. Wincing, he stood up, every muscle screaming in protest. He healed what he could, remembering all the while how Nel would mock him, and how the mighty captain had fallen, before tending to his wounds with as much gentleness as being eaten by Crosell.

The memory caused a small smile to appear, but it was replaced by a determined scowl when he remembered why he was there.

Fool. You haven't a hope of bringing her back.

Albel snarled. I Bound with Crosell. I will not fail.

Hmph. You were lucky. You have neither the strength nor mental capability to perform such a complex spell.

I will do it!

What if she doesn't want to be brought back? What if she wants to be left behind?

It's just for one day.

So? You will sacrifice her happiness for your own? How very noble of you.

Albel's answer was a growl. Pushing the voice away, he began to make his way to the main hall, where the entrance to the Gate was.

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Yet what was this? Just outside the huge doors to the hall, Albel crouched, listening. Voices...but whose? Wait...he knew that voice! He knew it! And opening the door a crack, his suspisions were confirmed. He growled softly, claw tightening round the Crimson Scourge. It glowed briefly, crimson, sensing his anger, eager for blood-spill. How dare he...

Flinging the doors open, he burst in roaring, "Lassell you bastard! What do you think you're doing here!"

Magistrate Lassell spun round guiltily, hiding his hands behind his back. "A-Albel! What are you doing here?" The soldiers behind him sniggered, and in a braver voice he said in that oh-so-high-and-mighty voice; "Acess to the Orb is strictly forbidden!"

"Oh? And you're here because..."

Lasselldrew himself up to his full-and-not-very-impressive height. "I am here to stop murderous feinds like you attacking our presious Orb!"

Albel's eyes narrowed dangerous. Albel hated Lassell more than anything. He had tried to be civillised - well, not that hard - but he had made an effort, and the pompous Magistrate had pointedly ignored him! Well, at least now he had an excuse.

Unfortunatly, Lassell noticed the movement and quickly shuffled out of the way. As he did so, one of the soldiers saw what was behind his back,. and grinned. As Albel swept on to the Gate, he heard a shout of outrage.

"No fair! You saw my cards! Cheater, cheater!"

Albel shook his head. Honestly...

The orb was just where they had left it. It glowed slightly as it hung in the air. Reverently, he reached out. Even he could feel the energy that radiated from it. Perfect.

He reached out and touched it, flinching slightly as it flared briefly, before holding it properly. It felt cold, very cold. So cold that it was burning. Quickly he put it into his pack. Almost there, Nel. Now I just need to starve myself and you'll be back. Can you wait a little longer?

As if sensing his thoughts, the orb emitted a warm glow from inside his pack, illuminating it with a soft red. Although he couldn't see it, Albel felt strength flow through his limbs.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He would succeed. He knew he would, no matter what the voice said.

Fool. She will hate you for tearing her away from her peace.

No!

In death she is happy. She has no fears, no worries, no pains. She is with her family. Why can't you just leave her in peace?

I have to tell her. I have to, or she'll never know how I feel.

Hmph.

well, there you have it. it's bad. i know. complain if you want, i promise (sniffle sniffle) i won't cry. (in tiny pathetic voice designed to make you feel bad) promise!

oh, i've decided on your posts, my loyal gummie warriors! here we go!

captain of the crimson gummies - Blue Persuasion

captain of the gummie brigade - Angel of Atonement

captain of the gummie storms - IceBlueWings! i know you weren't fussed, so i gave you this position. is it okay?

captain of the wyrm brigade - The Mist and the Black-Rose Achemist and Breaeden Swordwind! that's right! not one, but two leaders! now play nice, ya hear! and Breaeden Swordwind, please stop Gumby from eating the nice army, please...

captain of the secret gummies - Destiny

captain of gummie vengance - Anarchy Sky! i didn't want to leave you out, so you can kill anyone who doesn't obey you! all you have to do is give the orders, and they shall be dipped in a vat of boiling gummie juice, and be fed to the gummie dragons!

second in command of the gummie empire - Blue Trillium! that's right! you get to boss everyone about if i die a horrible and sticky death involving...poisonous gummies! the gasp! the shock! the gummieness! (looks nervously at Blue Trillium, realising what she's just done) uhh...don't get any mutinous ideas...you know you don't want to...

reviews reviews reviews! that's the best bit about posting a story! so guess what i want you to do! that's right! HELP ME TAKE OVER SQUARE-ENIX! oh, and review, of course...