For all the Wrong reasons

"You okay, kid?"

Nel opened her eyes and straightened her back, moving away from the post, being sure not to look at her friend. They had only known each other a short time, but she couldn't lie to him. Not to his face

"I'm fine, Cliff" she answered, looking back towards the royal city of Aquios, capital of Aquaria "But I'm concerned about Fayt"

The two stood by the exit to the grand city, waiting for the last member of their party, Fayt. He was the youngest, and probably hadn't dealt much with loss before…although Nel knew his father had been kidnapped before she had rescued them from Airyglyph's clutches.

Even so, he had grown strangely close to Ameena, and had seemed broken up when he had learned the truth of her disease.

…And not it's war time

"The kid's got guts" Cliff promised "If she died right now his resolve wouldn't waver- he swore to fight for your country, and he'll do that"

Nel blushed, her eyes meeting the ground, still being careful not to look at Cliff "I…feel bad. I know you both must miss Greeton"

Cliff stepped forwards, placing his hands on his hips, and staring back into the city besides her. Nel chanced a glance at his animated face, and she didn't see the fire she expected to in his eyes. More of a liquidy amusement. As though what she had said was funny

"I don't miss home" Cliff said, clearly having trouble keeping a straight face "I think Fayt does….but he's more worried about his father than his home"

Nel looked up "I AM sorry, Cliff"

The Blonde grinned and looked down at her from the tall ground a man his height was used too "Seriously- I don't mind. It's something to do, after all"

"SOMETHING TO DO?" Nel asked, disbelievingly "This is war…."

Cliff nodded enthusiastically "Yeah, don't you find fighting strangely enjoyable?"

Nel smiled "Only sparring with friends. When I fight a war, it's to protect someone, or…whatever the reason, I feel it has to be done" she shook her head "But a war? Fun? I thank you for helping us Cliff….even if it's for all the wrong reasons"

Cliff laughed, and he didn't stop. Nel looked at him pleadingly, unable to see the humour in what she had said. Eventually, it progressed to a quiet chuckle even the wind was masking at its slow pace

"And you fight for the right reasons, honey?" He smiled a handsome smile at her, confident as always "You think theres such a thing as good and evil during a war?"

Nel opened her mouth to argue but Cliff cut her off

"Save it, Beautiful" he grinned "Fact is you're no different from children bickering over who gets to play with a new toy, or who gets what bunk"

Despite what he was saying. There was no anger, no aggression in Cliff's words. He seemed to find the whole thing funny, and spoke in the tone of an exasperated Father, certain that one day his child would learn.

"I do not agree with you" Nel spoke, calmly, despite the wild fury Cliff's words had sparked "But even assuming you were right, and neither country is better than the other, is SURVIVAL not a good enough reason to fight?"

Cliff didn't answer, but kept watching her

She turned her gaze back to the city, waiting for Fayt "Remember- we're on our way to DEFEND Arias. They're attacking us"

"Fine" Cliff waved it away "You win this round"

There was a long silence. Nel would NOT apologise for being sharp until he apologised for comparing her country to a child. The tension must have been visible, because when they caught sight of Fayt he sped up, breaking into a run, before panting in front of them

"Am I late?" he stammered, clearly concerned

"Not at all" Nel smiled at him "We'll leave when you are ready"

Fayt nodded and sat on a small wall besides them, catching his breath "Can I ask about the attack?"

Nel nodded "All three of Airyglyph's Brigades are participating, led by Duke Vox….." she fell silent

"That's ALL we know?" Cliff threw up his arms in disbelief

"We lost a good spy to get that" Nel told him, angrily, turning her back on the violent man "I'll thank you not to speak of her in Vain!"

She felt a hand pat her back and turned. Fayt stood, looking concerned for her "Do we know ANYTHING else?"

"Only one thing" she answered, hesitantly, pushing his hand from her back "Albel the wicked is not participating in this operation"

Cliff's eyes went wide "Isn't he a commander?"

Nel nodded, closing her eyes once more

"Well fine. I don't care whose ass I have to kick" Cliff laughed

Nel opened her eyes, and shot a furious gaze at that cocky grin on Cliff's face "You could do to be less full of yourself! I doubt even one as skilled as you or Fayt could defeat him. The man is a LEGEND. He did not earn the title 'Albel the wicked' for picking flowers"

Everyone fell silent. The wind seemed to pick up, but maybe it was just the tension that made it more noticeable. Finally, Fayt started walking towards the gate

"Come on…it's a long way to Arias" Fayt told them, jogging ahead

Cliff and Nel followed close behind

"You like your swordsman, don'cha kid?" Cliff asked with his usual measure of tact

"What do you mean?" the redheaded beauty asked through gritted teeth

"You seem to get along with Fayt…and you can't tell me theres nothing about that Albel fella"

It took all the restraint in Nel Zelphyrs body to stop her punching him