Disclaimer: Star Ocean: Till the End of Time does not belong to me. Belongs to Tri-Aace and Square-Enix.
Full Summary:Ties of bonding are needed in order to keep the truce alive. Nel and Albel are chosen to be arranged into marriage. Willingly they accept not exactly knowing what they got themselves into. Is their marriage fated for love or fated for hate? Could Albel's feelings for a certain brunette get in the way of the truce remaining intact?
Rating: M for Violence, Language, and Sexuality.
Couples: Many Pairings!
Illusions of the Heart
Chapter 1: Becoming a Nox
The time has come a day where a woman should be happy. Instead this day was a nightmare for the Crimson Blade, Nel Zelpher. Standing at an alter dressed in the most beautiful white wedding gown, a priceless dress which was once warn by her mother. Yet, she could not feel that overwhelming joy of this day. Her mother had married out of love she was marrying out of obeying her Queen.
All hopes of being in love and marrying was now destroyed as she stared at her soon to be husband, Albel Nox. Standing there she felt this ill sinking feeling that made her suffocate and want to just run away. Running away of course was not a choice for it would endanger the truce that was being held between the two Kingdoms Aquaria and Airyglph. As much as it pained her she had to marry this man that she detested so much. She couldn't help but feel betrayed by the Queen by a little for making her do this.
"Do you Nel Zelpher, take Albel..."
Blanking out the words of the priest as she thought hard for she had a small chance of running out now for that would be her last chance for an escape. Though with a look of the Queen's fateful look she turned towards the priest with a heavy heart "I do." she gave in.
"Then with the blessing of Apris, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The room cheered and yet the two standing before the alter had a gloomy look about them. Both did not even take to motion when they where told to kiss. The sound of Queen Romaria's cough awoken them both back to facing their new reality. Albel gave up waiting for Nel to move closer so he grabbed her and quickly planted his lips. A short kiss but a kiss that was capable of giving the joy to the two kingdoms Aquaria and Airyglph.
Albel had no desire of wedding an Aquarian though he did know he would had been stuck in a arranged marriage. Which he didn't care much for he held no desire to love anyone but would create a heir to keep the Nox line from going out. At least that is what he thought up until Fayt and them came along. His blooming love for a certain green eyed brunette was something that opened his eyes to new feelings and goals in his life. Now it seemed his goals where to be scrapped out with many other failures in his life.
The two walked together out and the two rode together to the party. Both though did not speak or embrace like other couples do. Anyone could plainly see as the two walked in together at the party they just did it for the two kingdom's truce. Both separated from one another to try to enjoy their party. Nel found herself walking towards Maria and Cliff who where sitting at a table.
"Hey Mrs.Nox." Cliff teased.
An angry look crossed her features she knew it was meant for teasing. Though right now she didn't want to hear the name Nox associating with her own name title. Resting her hands at her hips "Shut up Cliff!" she hissed.
Maria shook her head and moved her right hand idly watching the red wine move about in the wine glass "You should had just said no." she told Nel.
"I couldn't do that. Aquaria was counting on me."
Cliff raised his right eyebrow "I know for sure if I was in your shoes I would had said no." he said with a nod.
"That is because you're a guy." Maria said boredly.
"Still I meant if I was Nel. As in I took the role of a female for that statement."
Nel couldn't help but laugh at Cliff he sounded so idiotic. Though she wished she had the courage that he did "Just something I'll have to grow to enjoy." she said to them both.
Maria glanced at the dance floor and watched Fayt dance with Sophia. A longing sigh escaped her lips "Yeah.." she said driftingly.
Albel Nox glared from a corner at Fayt enviously for he danced with the one he desired most. That simple minded moron was going to get the woman he had fallen in love with. Of course now he had no choice but stand back and watch. Painful it seemed but he knew it was for a better cause for Elicoor II . He would be married to that Aquarian wench but even when making love to her, he'd think of Sophia instead.
Once more showing how pathetic he was to let his heart off guard. His metal claw twitched with the high tension in the atmosphere. Watching them mindlessly dance in celebrating the birth of his hell made him quite pissed. The sudden pause of music made his attention grow towards the dance floor once again. Seeing Woltar standing before them and all eyes at him definitely meant not a good sign.
"Will Albel Nox and Nel Nox please come to me."
As if obeying to the King was a pain but obeying the old fool was truelly annoying. Walking towards the middle and standing before Woltar the Aquarian maggot joined his side. Not close just a few inches near one another "What is it old fool?" he asked.
"The two of you must dance. It's tradition.."
"I'd rather not. I can't dance." Nel lied.
Albel shook his head "I don't wish to dance simply because I don't want to touch her." and the sound of the people making this shocked sound made him sigh.
Woltar shook his head "Please..for the sake of our kingdoms dance!" he said in a quiet voice for only the two of them to hear.
Not wanting to displease Aquaria Nel turned to face Albel "Fine, only if he wants too." she said while looking to Albel.
No he would not get the blame for this he knew she was looking for him to decline her. His crimson eyes gave a angered look "Very well." he said while pulling her arm. She obediently moved towards his forceful grip and soon the two where being watched by all as they danced. As they danced the room was dark but the surface of the ceiling sparked with projections of stars. Such a romantic atmosphere was going to waste Albel thought to himself as he stared down at the Aquarian in his arms.
Meeting his crimson eyes she gave him a light confused look but slowly made it vanish back to a blank stare. Her eyes glanced off to settle at the starry features on the ceiling it was then her right eye caught it. A swirling light moving across the ceiling a shooting star perhaps? A mimic of one of course for it was not real so she couldn't wish under it. Though following it streak across made her eyes land back on Albel.
Taking note that she was staring at him a smirk crossed his lips. Nel being caught in action found herself blushing. One thing was for sure she was confused outside she was unhappy about this at least that is what she was showing. Inside she hid something deep in heart a secret that wanted to rejoice for this day. The sudden feel of Albel letting her go brought her back from thinking within herself.
"The music stopped. We only needed to dance once." with that he left her from the dance floor.
"Your right.." shifting her eyes away from his departing form. Her heart swelled with sorrow as he left her. Then again she knew this dance to him was nothing more but something to make the kingdoms happy. Nothing out of something he desired to do he even said it himself and though she shouldn't care she did. She didn't long for a one sided love and it seemed that was what she was going to get.
Hours passed and the party was dying down. Nel and Albel said their goodbyes to everyone who came to their celebration. Cliff gave Nel a hug and Albel a light punch in the shoulder which soon led to a chase seen between the two. Maria and Mirage hugged them both even though Albel hated being touched. Then came Fayt and Sophia this made Albel grow increasingly uneasy.
"I wish you both luck." Fayt said with a smile while hugging Nel. Then shaking Albel's hand who only glared hatefully at it.
"Please try to cherish one another." Sophia smiled while hugging Nel. When it came to Sophia hugging Albel the Airyglphian's right hand rested on her back. Sophia tried to get out of the embrace but he didn't let go "Albel..?" she questioned his actions.
"Sorry.." he replied while letting go. He couldn't help but try to enjoy that embrace he had received for it might be the only one he'll ever get. Nel gave a watchful eye at Albel and couldn't help but feel some sort of resentment towards Sophia. Though it was stupid of her for she knew that Sophia had feelings only for Fayt. So she had nothing to worry about at least that is what she was hoping.
Quietly the two retreated to the Nox manor and greeted by the house attendants. All welcomed Nel with a big smiles and looks of pure happiness. Albel left Nel at the main door and ascended the steps he only turned back to look at her from all the way from the top step "Come maggot, I have your room ready." he said. Giving a sigh she walked towards the steps she was trying to get used to the attendants sudden bows as she walked past them. When she was a child she had attendants but the Zelpher family treated them like they where people not servants.
Walking behind Albel she followed him as he lead her to a bedroom. Opening it up she was greeted by huge bed meant for two covered in a crimson red comforter and the bed had a long crimson red see-through material canopy draping above the king size bed. The windows had crimson red curtains and towards the middle of the room was window doors that lead towards a balcony. The bedroom held the atmosphere for love making yet the bed would be used just for sleeping purposes. "Goodnight." Albel simply said while turning away and began to walk out.
"Albel.."
Turning around he blinked his crimson eyes "What do you want?" he asked her. He looked rather impatient and wanted to leave "You don't expect me to sleep with you do you?" he asked her.
It was something she was hoping for but it seemed he did not desire it. Since he did not desire to sleep with her then she would only have to desire it alone. Shaking her head "Don't be stupid...I just wanted to say Goodnight." she said sadly.
Giving her a devious smirk "Goodnight. If you need anything ask the servants I'm sure they'll help you with whatever you need." he then left the room, closing the door with him.
The Aquarian approached the bed that was not her own but now will be her own. Removing her uniform and changing into night gown she walked towards the window doors. Opening them slowly and walked out on to the balcony she stared off at Kirlsa's town. It was not as cold as Airyglph and was not as warm as Aquaria for the weather was rather fair in this town. The problem was the town had a rather odd scent it wasn't unpleasant just rather thick of dust probably from the mines.
Her fate was sealed now to the Nox family inside she was happy. Though her mind was thinking about how Albel would never feel the same as her. A marriage that was definitely doomed to end with a tragedy. She wondered if she would grow insane from the false love or be driven to death early? A sigh escaped her lips and she returned back to her room to lay on the bed.
As she laid there a small part wanted Albel to walk in and take her as his own. Of course it was foolish maybe even a bit to wishful thinking on her part. Staring at the ring which she was given to her it was Albel Nox's mother's ring. A most treasurable memento probably for him and he gave it up to her. That was one thing to think their was hope for he could had just bought a new one that he held no care of to throw at her to wear.
All that thinking was starting to hurt her brain and sighing heavily she tried to get some sleep. Closing her eyes and turning on her side of the right of the bed sleep had taken over her. Albel Nox on the other hand lay restless in his own bed. The room was lavished in purpler interior and his bed covers as well was purpler. He hated thinking about things that grew into a obstacle of pain.
Usually he'd kill whatever got in his way of getting something. Though killing Nel Zelpher or should he say Nel Nox was not an option. Though he wondered on Nel's thoughts for he didn't know if she felt the same intense rage of this arranged marriage. In fact both had not spoken about it after they where married. Though that dance made him wonder about Nel for that one small glimmer in her eye confused him.
Sure the glimmer faded a soon as he caught her looking at him. It still bothered him for he didn't know how Nel's mind worked. Usually it was about work and more work which he could say was their marriage more work on both their part. He could only imagine what ran through Nel's head when the Queen of Aquaria made her request of Nel marrying him. He knew he wasn't too happy when King Arzei asked of him of this.
Staring at his bandaged up left arm he gave a sigh "Pointless.." he muttered. He was thinking way to much and to be honest he didn't desire to think things through. His blade was usually the only thing that did the thinking for half of his life. With a growl the general tried to find sleep in his bed. For the next morning he knew would prove as something unusual for him.
Morning came to the Nox Manor and Albel was greeted by his butler Ferris "Morning Sir, your breakfast is awaiting you at the dinning room." he said with a bow.
Albel grumbled while sitting up in his bed "Hmp, very well I'll be down." he said while rubbing his eyes with his intact human hand. After taking the time to dress into his usual purple attire only added with the cape with the feather boa trim he walked down the steps towards the dinning room. Stopping in his tracks as he noticed Nel sitting at the table dressed simply in a white robe "Bah do you have no manners? You should dress before eating." he growled at her.
After taking a sip from a glass of orange juice she gave a long yawn "But I haven't gotten my bath yet." she told him in a light playful voice as if forgetting who Albel was.
"That is just an excuse! Next time dress before eating." he grumbled while taking a seat from across her.
Nel gave a sigh "But what about bathing?" she asked.
"Get up extra early and take one." he said with a sigh while poking the bacon strip with his fork.
"But that is such a hassle."
"Then I guess you'll have to do without." he shrugged.
The Aquarian gave a huff while taking a bite from her toast. The breakfast continued in silence after their little argument which was expected. Nel occasionally watched him eat his food she didn't think he ate but apparently he did. Albel caught her staring at him again and he put down his half bitten apple "Find anything worth staring?" he asked her.
"No. Just a moron."
"Hmp, if you say so maggot."
As soon as they where done eating they departed their separate ways in the manor. Nel found herself soaking in a bath while Albel was outside training a bit. Lifting his crimson scourge in his right hand he slashed at a wooden dummy. Staring at it he remembered when Nel Zelpher's badly drawn face on a piece of paper was attached to it. He used to call it the harpee from hell along with muttering of Aquarian maggot to wench.
Thinking back he had many names for Nel of course the most common was wench. Now he just called her whatever he felt like it sometimes her name if he felt the need. Shifting about in a stance he noticed a shadow loom behind him "Bah, who ever that might be you better be good at dodging." he said out loud. In a quick shift of his body his lower left hand which was the claw slashed out along with his crimsonscourge only to slash at air. It was a maggot he wished he didn't have to see for it was the dreamer Fayt Linegod.
"Hey are you always so uptight?"
"Bah, did you come here to bitch?" he asked Fayt.
Narrowing his eyes and with a huff he threw a present at him "I came to deliver this!" he yelled.
Albel looked down at the wrapped package now settling against his metal gauntlet "What is this?" he asked Fay.
"Idiot you just got married it's a gift."
"I gotten enough gifts for our hell uprising."
Fayt started to laugh "Hell uprising? You cant be saying that your marriage to Nel is all that bad." he said between laughs. It was only till Albel gave him a look that shut him up "Hm so it is that bad?" he asked while leaning his back against a wall.
"Bad? Tell me Fayt if you where forced into a marriage with someone you didn't love would you consider it bad?"
True it sure did sound bad but of course not all the time it was bad. Fayt thought on his answer before delivering "I don't know sometimes it's for the good. I mean back on Earth some ethical customs are arrange marriage. I mean I don't have to deal with that but some do. Most consider it rather a sort of joyful occasion regardless of love not being the first thing." he told Albel.
"Long winded speech..as usual."
Glaring at Albel "Hey! You asked me so I answered." he then ran his right hand through his blue hair.
Shaking his head and hiding his crimson eyes under his black bangs he smirked "I suppose I did. Hm so who's gift is this anyways?" he asked while shaking the box with his now free right hand.
"Ah it's from all of us. We picked it out from Earth."
"So it's not just mine?"
Fayt gave a sigh "Your so greedy..it's for Nel as well." he said.
Albel shrugged "Then I guess I'll let her open it." he said to Fayt. Just staring at him made him want to take his crimson blade and run it through him. He was not going to let hope die of ever finding a way of claiming Sophia for himself. Even if he was married to Nel and Fayt was also with Sophia he was going to find a way. A part of him wanted to just give up on this goal and leave it in the dust.
Still his heart told him to keep on loving and not just toss it. Fayt gave a look at Albel he could tell he was obviously thinking about something "You seem troubled which is rather odd for you." he said with concern.
"Shut up maggot."
"Hey I was just wondering what was wrong. Sheesh."
Albel held the present close to his chest and walked away from Fayt "I'm returning home maggot. Seeya later." he then walked away.
"Seeya.." he said with a light sigh while pushing off from the wall. Staring at the cold general as he walked he couldn't help but feel so sort of sorry for him. Though he felt more sorrow for Nel over Albel of course. Now that he thought about it he hadn't spoken to Nel at all last night and perhaps he should give her a visit. Of course if Albel would allow him even inside the manor maybe he should have Sophia come with him.
Albel returned to the manor to find Nel sitting on a couch reading a book. She probably had taken it from the Nox library. The sound of him walking in made her shift her eyes to look up towards him "Oh your back. Where have you been?" she asked.
"None of your concern." he said while throwing a present on to her lap. Causing the book she was reading to fall on the ground. An irritated growl escaped her lips as she looked at the present.
"Who is this from?"
"An admirer."
Nel gave him a glare "Be serious." she said while taking the package with both hands.
"Can't you read?" he said with a sigh.
Shaking her head she stared at the label "Oh from Fayt and them." she said with a smile. Surely the gang had given them enough gifts. What else could they have given them that they didn't have already. Carefully she opened the package and lifted the top of the box to find another box. For some reason she was afraid that this could be some kind of joke or some enchantment especially if it came from Cliff.
"What is it?"
"I don't know yet there is another box.." she trailed while taking the smaller box and opened it. It revealed two pieces of paper. Picking them up she realized it was a resort name "Hm a vacation..?" she said.
"A vacation?" he shifted his standing a bit and walked over towards her. Taking hold of the tickets he gave a sigh "What morons we have way to much things to do for such a luxury." he said.
Raising a right eyebrow "Shouldn't that be my line?" she said to him.
TBC!
Calamity: Hello! This is my very first Star Ocean fic. I'm pretty new to this section and well I hope everyone liked it. I know it won't please everyone since it's either a Albel x Nel or Albel x Sophia fic. I noticed there where a few arranged marriage Alnel fics but I decided to make mine a bit more darker.
The couple is undetermined at the moment. It might be Alnel or it might be Alphia may not even be either. Well this is my first fic I hope everyone enjoyed. I will hopefully update as soon as I can. Anyways please R&R!
