To all those who read and reviewed my fanfic: Thank you for all your support. You serve as my inspirations to continue writing this fic! Thank you very much!

To Cliff's Girl: Don't worry I wouldn't let Sophia die just like that!

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean and any of its characters.

Albel searched Sophia. When he saw her, he rushed to her side. He checked if she was still alive. Thank god she was still breathing!

"Hey Sophia, wake up." Albel's voice was gentler this time.

The place was all white. Sophia couldn't see anything. Her eyes were closed.

"Am I dead? I guess it is okay for me to die because Albel said… Albel said… he said… I'm weak. Might as well accept the fact that I am dead. I wonder if I'll go to heaven?"

Sophia heard something. It wasn't clear but she listened to it.

"Heeey, So….phi…a, wake…..up…."

"Me? Wake up? But I, I thought I was dead?. Must… open… my eyes!"

Sophia opened her eyes. She saw Albel with a worried look on his face.

"Al…bel…? She tried to speak.

"Shh…it's okay, Sophia. You shouldn't try to speak. You're badly injured, you know." Albel said

(Albel talking to himself)

" Why am I saying this stuff?"

" Why am I so worried about her?"

" Why was I so afraid of the thought of her dead?"

" Could it be, I'm…? No way! Not in a million years!"

"Then, what is it then?"

(Sophia talking to herself)

"Why is Albel getting weird?"

"Did he just call me with my name?"

"Why wasn't I called stupid, foolish, worm and maggot?"

"Wow… it sounds really nice."

"Oh, my heart is beating so fast."

Snow began to fall. They had to find a place to rest because it is dangerous to venture in to the darkness and it would be really cold at night. Of course, they wouldn't make it back to Airyglyph with Sophia's current condition.

Luckily, there was a cave few feet near them. Albel carried Sophia bridal-style and went towards it. Sophia blushed.

"Wha..What are you doing?" Sophia was surprised and embarrassed.

"You're right leg is sprained and it seems you don't have energy to walk." Albel said in a as-a-matter-of-fact-tone.

"Oh…" Sophia had nothing to say. She just blushed.

As they got neare the cave, Albel noticed that Sophia was already sleeping. He looked at her peaceful state. A smile. A smile was formed from her lips.

"Good thing she is okay." Albel said to himself.

Inside the cave, Albel made fire and placed Sophia in a comfortable position so she can continue sleeping. He then left the cave but paused for a moment near its mouth to take another glance of Sophia.