A/N: Since I did the whole first chapter from moping Fayt's POV, I felt it was only fair to do a chapter from the not-so-moping Albel's POV. Forgive me! I tend to combine Albel with other brooding, irritated characters, so he may be a little off. I apologize in advance…don't hurt me!

Disclaimer: I don't own these people. I don't own any people, except maybe Hannah-ness, my Sadie Hawkins date. 0o oh and possibly characters that I made…unless someone steals them! Liek oh noes! Someone wants my pathetic charries! Don't make me laugh. --

Albel wished he could easily dismiss Fayt's words, but he had found them lingering with him the next day. It couldn't be true, could it? Albel understood that Fayt was powerful; he would have to be to defeat Albel the Wicked. But Albel didn't think that Fay's power was that big of a deal. Certainly nothing to make everyone terrified of him. Then why would everyone look at him strangely?

"It is because he is from a different planet, that's all," Albel said smugly. But then that would mean Cliff, the blonde idiot and Maria, the control freak should also get these strange glances. Fayt must be too busy worrying about how they looked at him that he didn't noticed how they treated the others.

"Stupid fool, getting worked up over everything," Albel muttered. "Always worried about someone or something. Such weakness."

Albel told himself that he was not worried about Fayt. He was merely curious, that was all. He would follow both Cliff and Fayt to prove that it was not only Fayt who was treated oddly. Then he would rub it in Fayt's face that he was worried for nothing. Satisfied, the temperamental warrior put his plan into action.

Albel discretely followed Cliff around town as he went shopping for weapons. He was close enough to see and hear everyone's reaction to Cliff, but not close enough to be seen, not that Cliff would see him anyway. Albel considered Cliff rather stupid and so he didn't have to be very cautious to avoid detection.

Albel grinned wickedly as he saw the shopkeepers roll their eyes at Cliff as he juggled several packages. The shopkeeper gave him some advice to which Cliff loudly responded: "Gotcha! Ok, I'll handle it. No problem." The male shopkeeper whispered something to his wife who giggled behind her hand. There, they definitely treated cliff oddly. But that was to be expected because cliff was odd. But did they treat Fayt the same way?

Albel trailed Fayt through town. Fayt was responsible for purchasing most of the supplies for the group. Today he seemed distracted from his task. He bought fresh sage and then wandered towards the town exit. Albel was very glad for his excellent hearing and his wonderful position near the town gates just out of sight. He could hear the guards even though Fayt couldn't.

"Oh no, it's him! Don't get too close!" the guard hissed under his breath.

"But isn't he working on our side?" asked his slower companion.

"People like him don't have a side. I know it would be an accident, but he can kill without warning. Just don't get too close if you don't want to die."

"But I heard he could probably destroy all of Aquios if he wanted to."

"Exactly. So keep an eye out and run at the first sign of danger."

Albel frowned. The whole Aquarian capitol? It had to be an exaggeration. But it was certainly true that the soldiers were terrified of Fayt. But then again, these guards were weak Aquarian scum. Surely his own soldiers would be stronger?

"You, maggots," he called to the nearest group of Airyglyph soldiers.

"Yes, Lord Albel?"

Albel narrowed his eyes. "I want you to accompany this worm, Fayt, when he leaves town. He seems too distracted to battle."

The two soldiers exchanged a glance. "Err, Lord Albel…"

"Yes?" Albel said impatiently. "Surely even you idiots can manage to keep an eye on one worm."

"Well-uh, you see, sir, this Fayt, he isn't an average man. He doesn't need our protection."

"No, sir," the second soldier agreed. "He's much more powerful than we are. To tell you the truth, he scares us a little."

"And you call yourselves soldiers," Albel said bitterly, slicing into both men with one swing. "Bah, pathetic weaklings," he muttered as he walked away from the bloody spot.

"Hey, worm," Albel called out. Fayt stopped and turned around, waiting for Albel to catch up. Albel walked almost past Fayt and then stopped, turning slightly and he said softly, "I've noticed."

Fayt smiled sadly.

"We need to talk," Albel growled. "Follow me, fool."