The Heart Collector

I don't own Star Ocean: Til the End of Time or the song 'The Heart Collector'.

Fayt was slumped against the headboard of the bed. He was exhausted; from his previous activity with Albel and his relationship with Albel. It was empty, only filled with nights of sex that were never to be spoken of the next day. He hoped it would transform into something more, but it never did. Eight months this had been going on and nothing had changed. He gave a sad smile and then looked at Albel. Albel was sitting on the side of the bed, not looking at him.

"Albel?"

"What maggot? Wasn't once enough?"

"That's not it. Is anything going to happen between us?"

"Something already does."

"But…its only sex…I was hoping for a relationship."

Albel laughed and then said, "There is a relationship. Did you not realize that fool?"

"There is?"

"Of course; I am the master and you are my property."

Fayt's world shattered.

Fayt bowed his head sadly, "I…I understand."

"Good," Albel got up and redressed himself, "I'm glad we clarified everything.

Albel left and Fayt redressed slowly. It was a horrible night for Fayt and he slumped back on his bed. Tears filled his eyes but did not spill he refused to cry.

The next day, they were traveling from Aquaria to Peterny. Fayt was looking to the sky when Albel rounded on him. The slap came before Fayt could react and he fell to the ground in shock.

"Are you still crying about what you found out? Is it such a shock to you that I would think that way?" Albel shouted at him.

The anger in Albel's eyes scared him. He crawled backwards to try and get away from the more experienced warrior but Albel was quick. He grabbed Fayt's neck with his metal arm and tightened his grip, "So tell me fool, is it a surprise?"

Fayt's eyes flashed and glowing rings formed underneathe them. He ripped himself from Albel's claws, blood from his neck going everywhere. Blackened wings ripped from his back releasing more blood. He slowly raised his hand and responded, "Why were you so cruel?"

A spike of darkness and Fayt's blood came from his hand and went through Albel's heart. Red eyes unfocused as Albel fell and whispered, "Because…I only truly hate, the ones I ..."

Albel landed on his face and did not finish the sentence. Fayt grabbed his own face and cried out. The cry was shortened though, due to the blood choking him. He fell from the sky coughing and hacking. His lifeless eye could not see a blond man running towards them.