Disclaimer: Star Ocean is an awesome game. The box is purple. I have a copy of the box. The shiny director's cut one. Now, this may lead you to believe I own the rights to it. Unfortunately, I don't.

Date Posted: December 31, 2005

Author's Note: I feel that this chapter is somewhat short. Going into it, I knew that. It has only one plot purpose. But it's not too badly written. Also, please remain calm when you read it. No heart attacks.

The bathroom fell silent as the tall green-haired bodyguard pressed the knife close to Albel's throat. He looked satisfied with himself and stepped forward, running a tanned finger over the killer's pale collarbone. Fayt watched, horrified, as the scene unfolded before him. This isn't happening, not to Albel! To him, Albel was invincible. The tall, dark and handsome man who always showed up to rescue Fayt. Now, with a knife pressed firmly against his pale throat, Albel still looked at his lover confidently. His eyes contained no fear, only a reassurance that he would make everything better. Fayt smiled slightly and nodded. I won't let you down. I'll be strong for you, Albel. For you, and for Doem. He died and left me to get revenge.

Fayt stood up, determined. "No." The word was strong, breaking the silence and sending the message he wouldn't back down. "You aren't taking us anywhere, Sophia. I won't do what you say, I don't have to anymore!"

Sophia stepped closer to Fayt, the scent of perfume lingering on her. The tension in the room increased. She spoke softly, in an almost seductive tone, "You know, Fayt," Sophia reached out and wrapped her arms firmly around Fayt's waist. "If you come with me, I can fix all this.' She leaned in further, her face close to Fayt's. "We can still get married."

By this point, Fayt could feel Albel's anger, radiating from him like a blinding light. He glanced at the dark-haired man, whose blood colored eyes were fixed on Sophia, as though glaring her to death. Sophia pretended not to notice, smiling sweetly at Fayt. He glared back at her, wishing Albel wasn't pinned to the wall. "And then we'll all be okay and live happily ever after, I suppose?"

Sophia smiled. "Of course. It'll be lovely, really. You can have a normal life."

Fayt looked to Albel for reassurance, and found him glaring intensely at Sophia. "It's not okay like that." Fayt was now talking to Sophia while gazing at Albel. "I love Albel. Not you."

Sophia frowned uncertainly. "He's hardly human. He's a mindless killer, and you're just his pet."

"Killing doesn't make you any less human. Only a different sort of person. And I am not his pet. Maybe I belong to him, but not as a pet." Fayt looked to Albel, who nodded.

"You don't have to belong to me. Freedom is a beautiful thing, Fayt. I can give you the power to be free. Once Albel's dead you don't have any obligation to him. What do you have to lose?" Sophia stared into Fayt's eyes, her tone serious and non-threatening.

Fayt knew exactly what to say. "Love. I love Albel. You can't seem to comprehend normal love, only your sick, twisted public version."

Annoyed, Sophia looked to her bodyguard. "Go for it," she commanded softly.

"ALBEL!" Tears gathered in Fayt's eyes, blurring his vision as he yelled.

"It's okay, Fayt," Albel reassured, still seeming perfectly calm. "Don't worry. I can take care of myself. Save yourself."

Swallowing hard, the blue-haired man nodded. Albel's going to make everything better. They can't kill Albel, he's too strong. He watched in shock as, instead of stabbing him, the bodyguard pressed his legs into Albel and kissed him. But…Albel… "No!" Fayt yelled, watching as Albel struggled slightly, but was unable to free himself. He reached a thin, pale arm out to Fayt, who took his hand firmly.

Sophia kicked Fayt and shouted sharply, "You're MY HUSBAND! You will not try to comfort him, or hold his hand. You should be happy to be my husband!"

Fayt opened his mouth to shout back, but apparently Albel had freed his lips, because he was breathing heavily and saying, "No, you bitch. Fayt is mine. He belongs to ME!" Albel snarled at Sophia and tried to lunge forward, but the bodyguard held him down.

Sophia laughed lightly, earning herself a more intense glare from Albel. "Possessive, aren't we?" She looked to Fayt, placing one hand on his cheek. "Don't you want some freedom, dear? Don't you hate belonging to him, like an object? Wouldn't you rather be an equal, not a possession?"

Fayt spat on the ground. "He's right. I do belong to Albel. I'm his, and no one else's. Now get your dirty hands off me and let me go back to him!"

Sophia pointed at Albel, who was smirking proudly, disgust painted on her face. "That MURDERER does not OWN MY HUSBAND! He's worthless leftovers for my servant, that's all! He hasn't done anyone any good and he doesn't OWN ANYONE!"

Albel laughed dryly spoke up for himself, "Murderer, leftovers, call me what you want, but he's mine, worm, and there's nothing you can do about it."

Sophia met his red eyes. "Let's ask Fayt about this. Hm, Fayt dear? Be honest now, who do you want to be with?"

Fayt started down at her. "Honestly? Albel. I'd do anything to be with him."

"I don't think you understand, sweetie. If you're with me, you can be straight and normal. You'll fit in with the rest of the world." Sophia smiled.

"I had normal! Ever since me and Albel ran away together, my life felt normal! Everything made sense, we had a sort of pattern to living! After you stole me, there was nothing normal! Everything was for publicity, everything was painful and stupid and every day I wanted to be back to Albel! That's far from normal."

Sophia frowned. "You don't know what normal is any more. I'll help you remember normal. We can get you therapy, and you'll understand the world's definition of normal."

Fayt glared at her. "The only person I care about is Albel. The rest of the world means nothing to me. You're just pathetic scum, your whole life is a publicity stunt! I'm sick of it, I'm sick of you! No, being a serial killer's lover isn't as glamorous as your life, but it's worth every minute of worrying and running and hiding to be with him instead of kept inside your mansion!"

"Maggot, isn't that enough for you? He's mine. He never was yours, not even when you stole him."

Albel's coming to my rescue! Fayt's eyes sparkled in adoration, looking up at Albel. He's so brave.

"I told you not to worry," Albel whispered.

Sophia slapped Fayt across the face. Flinching, he gripped Albel's hand tighter. The other man held his hand tightly, offering some comfort. "What the hell was that for? You fucking bitch, leave Fayt alone!"

Sophia ignored Albel, speaking in a frustrated tone to Fayt. "Now, I realize you think it's not right, but Fayt, dear, you DO need to be with me. For your own good. You know I only want the best for you. Please come home. You'll be okay."

Fayt snapped at this. "I'M NOT OKAY! I hate you! You stole me away from Albel, the only man I ever loved, made me think he was dead, made me your boyfriend for three years, you fucking made me sleep with you so I would turn straight! I. Hate. You!"

Albel softly ran his hand through Fayt's hair, comforting him. "I'll take care of everything," he whispered. Fayt stared at a shocked Sophia. She was slowly regaining her composure, signaling for the servant to take care of Albel's free arm. The man gladly tossed his knife to his left hand and drew in Albel's arm, pinning it to the wall. Sophia turned to Fayt. "You."

That tone…Albel, save me! Help me, she's going to…

"You are a good little straight boy." The brunette stepped forward and pushed Fayt to the floor. He tried not to look afraid, he knew Albel wouldn't let her do anything, but he shook violently with fright. Sophia knelt in front of Fayt, her hands pressing his shoulders into the floor.

No! Fayt tried to break free, but he was panicking and unable to. Sophia's lips slammed into his, and he found himself fighting off her tongue. She pulled him closer, grabbing the back of his head. Even from his position on the floor, Fayt could sense Albel's anger as Sophia's hands moved down him. He hated that Albel had to be there, to see him like this. Closing his eyes, Fayt tried to ignore Sophia's hands, only to be pulled closer to her.

Sophia didn't have time to get any further. Albel couldn't sit by and watch any more. He threw the servant off of him and leapt at Sophia. "You bitch! That's my Fayt!"

Fayt suddenly found himself underneath Albel instead, locking lips with him. He only distantly heard Sophia screeching, absorbed in his own world with Albel. He did it! Albel! The taller man immediately ruffled Fayt's blue hair the way he liked it, erasing Sophia's mark.

"Is this what she did to you?" he whispered angrily.

Fayt felt himself blush, filling with shame, and nodded. "All the time. Worse than this, too…." His voice shook as he spoke, avoiding his lover's eyes. Albel exhaled slowly, his anger obvious. Fayt felt the other man's warm breath brush against his ear, feeling safe and familiar. Albel's arms wrapped around Fayt and their lips met again, Albel's tongue massaging Fayt's gently, comforting him. Breaking the kiss, Albel stood up, looking as though he'd decided on a course of action. Sophia's bodyguard pushed Albel back into the wall, this time not pressing against him, but he still stood ready with a knife.

Fayt sat up, watching Albel carefully. All I can do is follow his lead. Albel knows how to work people. This should be no problem for him.

"I'll make a deal with you," Albel informed Sophia, sounding overly calm and eyeing Fayt.

Sophia was standing again, looking only slightly shaken by Albel's attack. She raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, as though mildly interested. "Continue.

"You can kill me and get all the glory, money and publicity." Albel's tone remained calm.

NO! I WON'T LET YOU DO THAT ALBEL, DON'T BE STUPID! YOU CAN'T DIE!

"So what do you get out of this?" Sophia asked, now looking more interested.

"I want you to let Fayt go. Tell the public I kidnapped then killed him. Play it off as a real tragedy." Albel paused, then added, "I'll want to make sure you put him somewhere safe."

"So I wouldn't have a husband?"

"No. But if everyone thinks he's dead, I'm sure you'll get more publicity than a wedding would bring. Not to mention my little appearance will get you plenty of publicity either way. This could work to your advantage."

Sophia turned away, deep in thought. From what Fayt could tell, she was figuring out every way Albel could cheat.

Albel! You can't die, you idiot! I can't live without you! If you die, you might as well take me down with you! I won't let him do this. Fayt shook his head. "You can't do that, Albel."

The taller man glared down at his lover. "I can, and I will. I promise you'll be ok, and that's all that really matters. Don't try to stop me- your life is more important."

"Albel! Don't talk like that, you matter too! Maybe more to me than to anyone else, but your life means something, you can't throw it away for some stupid plan to save me! My life wasn't in danger in the first place!"

Albel's gaze grew more intense. He lifted Fayt up off the floor, pulling him up by the collar of the coat he wore. Their faces were close, almost touching. When Albel spoke his lips nearly brushed Fayt's. "No, your life isn't in danger. But don't you get it? She stole you from me, imprisoned you in her mansion for three years, during which she raped you, and I'm guessing more than once. Do you really want to go back to her?"

Fayt looked away from his lover's eyes. "No," he said in a small voice.

"Then dammit, let me help you out."

Fayt stared up into Albel's eyes. "I don't want to go back to her. But I can, and this isn't worth your life!"

Albel shook his head slightly. "You're so damn stubborn. This is the only way I can be sure you'll be safe. That man over there can throw a knife quicker than I can draw, aim and shoot a gun- anyone could figure that out. So how the hell else am I supposed to save you? "

"Don't save me then! Leave me here, try again later if you have to. I can hold out for another year, maybe two." Fayt knew he was lying, that he couldn't take much more of Sophia, maybe a few more weeks, but he wasn't about to let Albel die because he couldn't handle one woman, no matter how vicious she was.

Unfortunately for Fayt, Albel knew him better than anyone else, and was an expert at reading people. "You're lying, Fayt. I know it. You can't take any more of that bitch. I won't leave you here like that! You're in danger. What the hell kind of man leaves his lover to be held prisoner and raped?" Albel spoke in an urgent whisper.

"It's the only choice! Who am I to let you to die just so I can leave this place. It's not worth it!" Fayt looked at Albel pleadingly. Please don't do this Albel, you're being stupid.

Sophia turned around. "I accept your offer."

No! You idiots, don't you know what you're doing!

Albel let go of Fayt. "Good. Now, don't think you can take him once I'm dead. Fayt's armed." Albel flashed a menacing smirk. "I think we both know he won't fire unless he has to."

"You're smarter than I thought, Nox. Where do you want him tossed?"

Fayt injected, "You are not tossing me anywhere and you're not killing Albel! I won't let you!" Fayt looked up at Albel, determined not to let him throw his life away.

To Fayt's surprise, when Albel answered him, his voice was soft, almost begging- the only sign of weakness he ever showed. "Fayt, please, just let us do this. You'll be free of this bitch here."

I can't let them make this trade, Albel doesn't know what he's doing! "I told you, I'll gladly stay with Sophia- it's not worth your life!"

"Please, Fayt. I don't want to knock you out and drag you along, but it's for your own good…" Albel voice sounded pained at the thought of hurting Fayt, but the blue-haired man still wasn't convinced. Albel sighed. "Look, my life doesn't mean a whole lot by now. I've taken plenty of lives, why not hand over mine to help you?"

"Your life means everything to me!"

Albel's face a jumble of emotions- anger, frustration, regret, sadness. With one sudden motion, he yanked Fayt closer to him, kissing him passionately. Fayt took a moment to realize what was happening, before kissing back, allowing Albel's tongue into his mouth. The older man pulled back, breathing heavily. "I don't want to leave you alone. But let me do it."

Sophia smiled and agreed, "Yes, let him do it. Now, where did you want us to toss him?"

"Take him down to the beach about a hundred miles south of here. There's a little fishing village down there. Impossible to miss, it's the only thing on the shore for miles. Tell the people it was my dying wish that they take care of him, and that they aren't to let him get hurt."

Dying wish…Albel can't die. I won't let him. The black-haired man gazed at Fayt. "Make sure she goes through with it."

"I don't want her to!" Fayt protested.

Albel sighed. "I know. Remember, I love you."

Fayt threw his arms around Albel, hugging him tightly. "I love you, too." He stepped back, and the bodyguard closed in on Albel. Albel didn't take his eyes off Fayt as the man pulled back the knife, ready to stab.

No, no this isn't supposed to happen! Albel's supposed to have a better plan, one that will save us both! He saw the knife shine as the man sped it towards Albel.

Fayt couldn't watch. He turned around and ran, too fast for anyone to notice right away. He flung himself at the broken door, knocking it over. He ran through the restaurant, over the carpet of dead bodies, nearly slipping on the puddles of blood. He could barely see where he was going, tears running down his cheeks in rivers. Finally, Fayt flung himself at the restaurant door and stumbled out into the night.

Rain poured down on him, hiding the tears. A small streams of blood flowed off his shoes, blood from the dead lying on the ground. He didn't stop running for even a second, not knowing where he was going, only that it was away.

"Albel's dead…"

Author's Note: Yeah. That's right, bitchesss. From here there's a lot of surprises in store for you guys. And if you're about to be like "WTF DID YOU DO THAT FOR?" look at the genre. Heh? Romance/Tragedy. Um, now I'm rambling. But everything's going to be ok, really!

The new year starts tomorrow. Thank Coke 2005 is over! Woohoo! I wish you all a joyous New Year. Hot damn, I'm going to spend my New Year alone. SUCH IS THE LIFE OF A LOWLY AUTHOR!

Heh. I haven't had my caffeine today. And I'm listening to Mulan music. You're not suited foooor the raaaage of waaaaaar!