So many reviews... I didn't know what to do with them all! -cries- I love you all... So here's what you all wanted- part 1. -smile- Enjoy.
Summary: After surviving from near death, Duke Vox comes back. Finding out that Albel was released, he does anything to get him back to do the task he'd wanted to do- Kill. Cliff/Albel.
Rated M for some language, brutal torturing, and attempted rape. You've been warned.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own any characters used in this story. I don't even own a copy of the game. XP
Reviews will be appriciated and rewarded with a new chapter. All flames will be put in my condo's fireplace.
Yuiitsu Kibo- Part One: Secrets
He sat on the edge of his bed, his face in his hands to hide from the world. The thoughts running through his mind were the same ones that had been haunting him for some time now. He had mulled his feelings over several times, but just wasn't ready to admit to them.
"Cliff?"
Said person looked up to the now open doorway, to see that it had been Nel who had intruded upon his thoughts. "Hey Nel. What's up?"
The Elicoorian woman looked at worridly. "I came to tell you that we're about to leave, but... is there something wrong?"
Cliff got to his feet, not looking at her. "Nope, everything's fine." He turned toward her, who still looked suspicious. "Really, I'm fine," he said with a reassuring smile.
Nel relaxed. "All right. Are you ready to go?"
"Yep, all set."
She begun to walk out, but stopped in the doorway. "Oh, could you go find Albel? I need to go do something before I go, and I don't know where he is."
Cliff almost smiled, but kept it to himself. "Yeah, sure. He's probably hiding out in the church," he said calmly. Nel nodded and went away. Once he was sure she was gone, he sighed.
Why be giddy? I'm just going to go get him...
He walked into the hallway of Castle Aquaria and casually went into the main entrance of the church. The doors were open and welcoming to the public. Going inside, he glanced at the head of the room at the priest, then looked down upon the room over the bannister. There, in the very back and away from the aisle, was Albel.
"Hey Albel!" he called softly, not wanting to disturb the others who were there. Getting no answer or sign that he was heard, Cliff proceeded down the ramp into the chapel.
Albel's eyes were closed, his arms folded and he looked comfortable enough to be sleeping. Cliff noted how peaceful he looked before calling to him again.
"Albel?"
"What is it you want, maggot?" said Albel without opening his eyes or even budging.
"We're leaving soon, and Nel told me to come get you," said Cliff.
"Where're we going?"
"Um, not sure."
"Well then," the Black Brigade captain said smartly, "come inform me when you do know."
Wearing a deep scowl, Cliff turned and went back up. Foul tempered, big headed, unemotional, dirty rotten-
"Cliff!"
He turned when he stepped out of the church, facing the direction that the call came from. Fayt came jogging up to him, looking as if he'd run for miles.
"I've been looking everywhere for you..." he panted. "Anyway, Maria told me to tell you that she and Mirage are going to be hanging out with Quark for a while, and said that you were welcome to go along."
Cliff shook his head. "No, I'll be staying with you guys. If you don't mind, of course," he added.
"No, not at all. Hi Albel."
The blonde turned, to see the rattailed adult come from the chapel. "So where are we going?" he asked, going straight to business.
Fayt answered as Cliff scowled. "Irisa Fields- the queen asked us to go look for something there. Would you like to come, too?"
Albel gave a wide smirk. "Of course. Worms like you are in constant need of my assistance." He then turned to Cliff. "And I told you to come get once you had talked to Fayt. Impudent worm."
Cliff glared at the smirking man before turning and heading outside, leaving him and Fayt alone. Sunlight instantly bathed him, making his hair and skin a shade lighter and made him even more handsome. He went down the flight of stairs, going into the streets.
Ungrateful, wise cracking, rude little-
And once again, his thoughts were interupted. This time, by Mirage steeping out of Aire's Blessing Grocer.
"Hey Cliff," she greeted, walking up to him.
"Hi. I thought you and Maria were going on the Diplo?"
"We are, but I was asked pick up some food before we left. Are you coming with us?" she asked somewhat hopefully.
"Nope. I'm staying here. Gonna run a little errand for the queen."
"Sounds like fun," Mirage said sarcastically. She looked over at him, to see that he was staring at the ground. "Is there something wrong?"
Cliff looked over at her. "What makes you think that?"
"Well, let's see-" She ticked the reasons off on her fingers as she said them. "- you're moping, and two, you're not noticing that." She jabbed her thumb over at a sidestreet, where a group of blushing young girls who were giggling and waving flirtaciously at Cliff.
The Klausian only glanced over at them. "I dunno. I think I just don't care for 'that' very much anymore..."
They both stopped off to the side on the Moonlit Bridge so they could continue talking. "So you've finally grown out of skirtchasing? I'm impressed."
"Yeah, I guess so..."
Mirage bent down to look into his lowered eyes. "So why're you down? I know something's bugging you- it's really evident."
Cliff looked up at her. "Is it that noticable?" She nodded. He turned and looked down into the river passing below them. After a few minutes of silence, he finally spoke. "It's something I have to figure out on my own."
She stared at him, trying to get some understanding by just looking into his eyes. Finding none, she accepted defeat. "All right. Good luck with it then. I'll see you later."
"Bye," he said simply.
Casting him a faint smile, she turned and went through the gate that lad into the Irisa Fields.
Cliff sighed, turning his head to look back at the castle. I need to control myself better. They're asking too many questions...
Halfway up the mainstreet, he noticed Fayt, Nel, and Albel coming toward him. He took a deep breath, calming himself to try and act normal. He watched Fayt wave at him to get his attention, and he waved back to acknowledge it.
"It's rude to walk out when a person is talking to you," Albel sneered as Cliff joined the group.
The blonde shot him a glare. "Why hang around when I know what you're going to say? It gets dull after the tenth time."
Albel's hand went to his prized katana. "I'll show you something that isn't dull, oversize worm..."
"Okay, children," Nel cut in, "if you're going to brawl in the middle of a street, then we're leaving you both behind."
Albel and Cliff glared at each other a moment longer before finally relaxing.
Fayt coughed. "Now that you're done, can we go? People are starting to stare..."
The group walked out of the city without speaking another word. Albel had taken the leaad, distancing himself from the others. Cliff kept little ways behind Fayt and Nel, silent as he was absorbed into thought.
"So how come Adray didn't come?" Fayt asked.
"He wasn't needed," Nel answered. "Also, he was sent to the Sanmite Republic this morning for something. But I notice Sophia isn't with us?"
"She wanted to stay at the castle."
Cliff had long since drowned out the conversation, HIs arms were folded, his sight locked onto Albel's walking feet. His cerulean eyes were glazed over and almost lifeless. His limbs mechanically kept up with Fayt and Nel.
Why do I keep feeling this? And it's only around him! That heartless bastard with no respect... Why him...? And a guy of all people. I could've sworn I was straight...
"What do you think, Cliff?" Fayt asked as they were walking across the bridge to the second part of the fields.
"Huh?" he said stupidly.
Nel sighed. "Man, you're really out of it today. Are you sure you're all right?"
Cliff nodded. "Yes, now stop asking. What'd you ask me about?"
"Never mind..." said Nel.
The blonde noticed that Albel was looking back curiously. Seeing that the conversation was over, and noticing that Cliff was watching, he went back to facing forward.
Before being able to questionthis action in his mind, the group noticed a sand-color haired man approaching. Albel stopped in front of him, the man stopping as well. They waited for the rest of the group before exchanging words.
Cliff looked him over as he came closer. A simple white robe adorned his body- like the ones seen in old angel paintings-, hinting that he worked in a church. Upon coming closer, he noticed that his eyes were a deep, electric blue, and how the robe was slightly see- through. His eyes ran over how nice his arms were built, his torso was lean and strong, a thick sash kept his-
He clamped his eyes shut and turned his head away once he realized what he was doing. Dammit...
"Hello," said the stranger in a dreamy-sort of voice. "My name is Hato. What is your business in these lands, may I ask?"
Fayt took the liberty of answering as Cliff looked over Hato's smooth, tanned cheeks. "We're just passing through as a request for Queen Aquaria."
"I see," said the handsome man, his eyes looking over each of them. Fayt and Nel were attentive, Albel was glaring, and Cliff's expression was blank and pale. "Well, I hope your quest goes well. I bid you good day." With that said, Hato went between Fayt and Nel and swept past Cliff.
All four of them watched him leave. "Who was that guy...?" Albel asked.
"Who knows...?" said Fayt, going back to walking on with Nel.
Albel noticed Cliff wasn't moving, concentrating on staring at the ground. "We're going now, impudent worm."
His voice snapped Cliff's concentration. "Oh, all right." As he went to catch up, Albel stayed put and stared after him.
iii
For three days, Cliff's peculiar behavior continued. It was on the thrid day when he locked himself inside his room in Peterny's inn. Fayt, Nel, and Sophia had taken to asking what was wrong every time they laid eyes on him. He figured he just needed some time alone to think. All three of them had come by and tried to talk to him into coming out, but to no prevail; Sophia even came by with food and was turned away. So he had taken to sitting at the edge of the bed with his fingers running through his hair.
It has to be only a phase... His eyes wondered over to the digital clock he had brought off the Diplo. It read 2:57 in neon green. He sighed and laid back across the bed. A phase, huh? The phase of lying to myself...
Two short knocks came from his door. Cliff immediately glared at it, annoyance already rising. "Who is it?"
"Open the damn door, maggot."
Cliff's insides froze. Albel He went over and opened the door, and then was staring at Albel the Wicked. Only, the stockings and metal collar were missing. "For what do I owe this visit?" he asked calmly.
Albel put his clawed hand on his hip. "Running away from whatever it is you're running away from only tells people how much of a coward you are. And I never thought that you could be a coward."
This stunned Cliff- completely put him off guard. He recovered quickly, though, and cocked an eyebrow. "Is that it? Just to tell me that I'm a coward?"
"Actually, no," said Albel. "Fayt told me to get you to the tavern by any means possible. But he specifically said the he wanted you to come alive, so I'm not allowed to kill you."
"To go drinking, huh?" Cliff questioned. Albel only stared at him. "Well, I guess I'll go. Being cooped up isn't my style." Albel moved aside so he could come out.
Both men went downstairs side by side. "So... why were you keeping to yourself all day?" Albel asked, taking interest at looking at the wall as they went.
They went around the corner and toward the door. "To do some thinking." He looked over at Albel. "Why?"
"... Curiosity."
Cliff waited until they wereunder bright sunlight before speaking again. "But you're right... I am being a coward, since all I've been doing is lying to myself..." He looked over at the Glyphian, and their eyes met for several seconds before Albel turned away. He expected a demand of explanation, but none came. He relaxed.
Both stepped into the tavern, Albel going in first. Even though it was a nice spring day and the door was propped open in a welcoming gesture, Cliff found that they had the place to themselves. Fayt was closest to them, sharing a table with Adray. Behind them sat Sophia, Mirage, and Maria, and Nel sat all alone across from them. An assortment of drinks had already been ordered and mostly drained. Upon seeing Cliff, all of their expressions brightened.
"It's about time you got out of that room!" Fayt said cheerfully. "Come on, have a drink!" Albel had taken the empty seat to the left of Fayt.
Cliff stared at Maria and Mirage. "I thought you two...?"
Maria shrugged. "We decided to come back. Maybe it was a good idea, hearing of how you've been..."
The Klausian took an empty chair at the table across from Fayt's and sat in it backwards. "Well, I'm fine now, so you can stop worrying about me. And I'll take whatever you've got that's strong," he said to the bartender.
"Just thinking about somrthing makes you okay?" asked Sophia.
Cliff accepted a glass with a red liquid over ice and downed half of it before speaking. "Yeah. And I've finally come to a conclusion that I'm now okay with."
"And what would that be..." asked Mirage.
Cerulean eyes fell on Albel Nox, who was just finishing his own liquor. Once that glass was down, their eyes met once again. As an excuse to look away, Cliff took a sip from his glass and looked at the floor. "... I'm gay."
A stunned silence filled the room; all surprised stares were directly on Cliff. He waited a moment to let it sink in before looking up to see their afces. Albel's was the only one he couldn't read.
"So that's what you've been contemplating..." Sophia said to break the silence.
Cliff looked to Mirage, the one who had known him the longest and best, and was surprised to see she looked more hurt than anything. He gave a faint smile. "Sorry..." he said quietly, more to everyone than her.
"There's nothing to be sorry about," said Adray. "So it happens, oh well. It couldn't be helped."
All attention then went to Albel, who had risen from his seat. He walked between Maria and Adray to be standing in front of Cliff. He glared down at the blonde. "It makes you a freak," he said in a 'I've lost all respect for you' sort of voice. He walked out of the tavern.
Cliff continued staring at where Albel had been. He'd had hope, a great hope, Albel would at least accept the news- he wanted him to more than anyone. He'd hoped it'd break some barrier between them and let them be closer. The moment Albel walked out, those hopes were shattered.
iii
The clouds that had rolled in over the Palmira Plains didn't come close to mirroring what Cliff felt. He had left the company of his friends as soon as he could, wanting to be alone once more. He hadn't seen Albel since he had called him a freak. His attention went to the sky and wished it would rain.
I had to open my big mouth... he thought bitterly. Me and my damn hunches... Why can't it just rain already!
Something caught his eye ahead of him, bringing his sight back down. He saw that it was a person from the outline, but couldn't make out who it was. It finally began to drizzle.
"Hey over there!" Cliff called. "You should get some shelter, a storm's coming in!"
The figure came up to him, slowly going through the rain. It wasn't until he was only a few feet away when Cliff finally recognized him. A smirk went on his lips as Cliff's eyes widened in horror.
"I'll do just that, engineer of Greeton," Duke Vox said with a cold voice, "only if you'll come with me."
Four Dragon Brigade soldiers came from seemingly nowhere to hold Cliff in place. He tried despirately to fling them off, but to surprisingly no prevail. He instead glared at Vox.
"You died. The Vendeeni got you, I watched."
Vox's evil smirk widened. "I'm alive and well... and you're the one called Cliff? Well." He came closer and glared into his eyes. "Where's Albel Nox?" he asked slowly.
The four soldiers only had at least half of Cliff's strength, maybe less than that, but combined it made it impossible to get them off. "Why? Imprison him for treason again?"
Vox punched his eye, making his head whip to the side. "Answer me, or I shall imprison you for one reason or another!"
Cliff continued glaring as the grips on his arms and torso tightened. "I don't know. I haven't seen him for hours," he said truthfully.
"I see." His attention went to his soldiers. "Bring him."
Cliff renewed his fruitless struggle. "Why me? I answered your damn question!"
Vox had already turned and began to head back to Arias when Cliff was done. He stopped. "Albel's honor won't let you die. I know him well enough to know that much."
Another soldier appeared as the four struggled to keep Cliff in their grasp and landed a hard vlow to his stomach. Cliff's knees almost buckled from the pain, his eyes watering. It was then that he realized- Palmira Plains was teeming with Vox's soldiers.
"Hey bastard," Cliff called, "hate to burst your bubble, but Albel won't come for me. He hates me, so I'm sure he'd gladly see me die."
They approached a large mustard-yellow dragon stationed at the entrance of Arias. Vox gave no signal that he heard Cliff, but rather ignored him. He looked on from the side as Cliff was forced on the dragon, getting a seat behind the rider that was already on it.
iii
Albel stepped into Petery's central square, coming from the Sanmite Steppe. He took a quick glance around, until his sight landed on a table nearby. Fayt and Mirage were sitting there; Fayt had looked up from his conversation and waved at him. He took the opportunity and went over to them.
"Any clues?" Mirage asked hopefully as he took a seat.
"Nothing," Albel replied as he folded his arms, staring down at the table.
Fayt ate the last bite of a steamed bun. "We just got back from Aquios, and there's no sign of him there, either. And Maria and that Black Brigade soldier you sent with her haven't returned from Airyglyph, so no news from there yet."
"Nel and Adray said that Arias and the Kirlsa/ Aire hills are clean," said Mirage.
Fayt looked down at the second steamed bun he had bought, and found that he couldn't eat it. He pushed it toward Albel. "Here. You can have it."
The Glyphian obliged by picking it up and taking a bite. "I still think this search is ridiculous-" He had barely chewed before swallowing hard and taking another bite. "- He's ashamed that he came out of the closet, and being the coward he is, he's probably in hiding until he comes to terms with himself." His eyes fell on Fayt. "At least that's my opinion..." He took another bite from the bun.
"But he's also been gone since he left the tavern two days ago!" Mirage retorted. "When ever he goes off to think, we at least know where he is..."
"You also have to think about how strong the guy is," Fayt said thoughtfully, "It's take a whole lot of strong guys to hold him down, let alone kidnap him..."
Albel stood up, leaving the only half eaten bun on the table. "Has anyone checked the Mountains of Barr or the Urssa Lave Caves?"
Mirage shook her head. "No, not yet."
"Then I'm going."
"Albel, wait." Mirage grabbed his wrist to make him turn toward her again. She looked carefully at his eyes, and noticed the red puffiness under them that indicated a complete lack of sleep. "Fayt and I will. You go to the inn and get some rest."
He jerked his arm away from her grasp. "Don't worry about my well being, woman. I thought you were so worried about that oversize worm?"
Mirage was now on her feet, already angry. "But you have to admit you're as worried as I am about him, you damn hypocrite!"
Passerby were beginning to stare at them as Albel glared at her. "I don't know what you're talking about..."
"Well I think you-"
"Hate to interupt your interesting arguement," Fayt cut in, "but I think we have company."
Both attentions went to the southern entrance into the town, and it was there that a man, probably and inch or two taller than Cliff, came toward them in Dragon Brigade garb. Albel's eyes fell to the rolled up parchment in the solier's belt. He came at a fast pace and stopped in front of Albel.
"I have a message for you from Lord Duke Vox," he said, getting the letter from his belt and holding it toward the Black Brigade captain.
Albel glared darkly. "Duke Vox is dead."
A smirk went upon the soldier's lips. "You'll find that hat assumption is incorrect." He held the parchment closer to Albel.
He snached the letter from his hand and quickly unraveled it. His eyes darted from left to right, each line making his expression darker and darker.
"What does it say?" Fayt asked meekly.
Albel had slammed the letter on the table and put the sharp edge of the Crimson Scourge against the soldier's throat in a quick flash. "Where is he?" he growled. He ignored the screams of terror that came from people at the sight of his sword.
The soldier lost his cool and looked down at Albel with fear clearly etched on his face. "I- I don't know!" he stammered, "It was just given to me to deliver to you! I know nothing more than that!"
The blade slid away from his throat and put in its sheath. The soldier gave a small bow bfore running in the direction that he had come from.
" Albel, I'm sure your friends and yourself are worried about the one you call Cliff," Fayt read, " He's in a location I'm sure you'll have trouble finding, so any searches you conduct will be fruitless. He hasn't been cooperating much, so I cannot guarantee his safety. The only one to blame is yourself -What!- because I could not imprison you- I went with the next best thing. This is so stupid!" Fayt yelled.
"Keep reading," Mirage urged. Albel had taken to pacing about.
" I only write to you to put your mind to rest about his whereabouts, and for you to know that I'll get you someday and do the deed I've always longed to do. Duke Vox." He looked up at Albel. "Do you really believe it's from him?"
Albel stopped pacing and looked at him. "Yes."
"How can you tell?" Mirage asked.
"... That 'deed' he wants to do. He's talking about killing me. No one else knows about that."
"But why? Why kill you? Why kill Cliff?"
Albel shugged. "Anything to get to me." He paused for a moment, then his hand went on the table as if to staedy himself.
Fayt and Mirage were on their feet. "Albel?"
His eyes went out of focus, his sight becoming hazy. "I-It's nothing. Go look for Cliff. The mountains..."
Mirage managed to catch him before he hit the ground. "It's okay," she said to Fayt, who was clearly ready to run for help. "He's only fainted." She noticed how Fayt looked lost. "I don't think he's really eaten anything or even slept since Cliff left. Help me get him to the inn."
END PART ONE
OVERLOOK- Part Two: Torture
"Very brave of you, to come so willing," he sneered at Albel.
Cliff made a step forward, putting on a face of determination. Both Fayt and Mirage reached out and grabbed his wrists to stop him. Albel had heard gravel move, so he turned his head to look at Cliff.
"Don't you dare come looking for me," he said grimly, staring right at the Klausian.
iii
"This..." said Albel, standing up and looking over at Vox, "is nothing. Where's the real torturing? I know you want to do more than just slap me..."
Vox opened the door before looking back. "We'll see if you'll say the same thing as time progresses."
iii
Albel panted, letting the cold air fill his lungs. He waited for the throbbing between his legs to die off, but found that it was taking longer than he wanted. His eyes closed as he went back to thinking. It wasn't the physical pain the soldiers inflicted to him that he really wanted to go away. He felt his heart ache as well for not just lying to Vox's dogs- he had been lying to himself... And he knew it.
IXI
Things you must be thinking- Where's Cliff? (If you're stupid-) Why's Albel behaving like this? When do they find Cliff? (another if you're stupid-) Why did Albel give himself up? What does Vox do to Albel? What does Cliff do while Vox has Albel? How long does it take Albel to realize his real feelings? ... Did I getem all? XD Well, know this- Part 2 is, ohhh... five times longer than part one, and I'm not exaggerating. So you better have a lot of time on your hands.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW! -bows- Thank you.