Howdy howdy howdy!... Hmm hmmm hmm... Not getting as many reviews as I was hoping.. hopefully it's because people are gone off to summer vacation or something. Anyways! Let me post this up.

Disclaimer- I don't own SO3

Arriving In Airyglyph

With the first sight of morning rays, the two had set out once again. Nel was shocked that morning to find Fayt up and ready to go when she woke up. It dawned on her that he hadn't slept when she noticed the heavy half moons formed under his eyes. She hadn't questioned it however, it only meant they got an early start, which meant they would be able to make good time.

By the time noon had passed, the two were already passed Arias, having not bothered to stop in town for a break or to speak with anyone there. Fayt had no intention of speaking with Adray, partially afraid the old member of the Shield Legion would try to persuade him again to marry Clair. He also didn't want Adray to think of anything about him and Nel traveling together. Nel's reason for not stopping were much simple, she had no desire to see Adray at all and the more ground they covered, the quicker her mission ended.

Having left by the southwest gate in Arias, they found them selves trekking through Kirlsa Hills. The path was much easier terrain to Kirlsa than the Bequerel Mountain Path from the Northwest gate. They had no desire to trek through mountains and travel through monster invested caves in darkness. Kirlsa may have its own share of monsters running around, but it's better to be able to see what you're swinging a sword at out in the open rather than a dark cavern with only torches as your source of light.

The monsters never really were the real concern for the two, even if they walked alone through the caves and were attacked, they'd be able to handle themselves. The monsters running around are weak, nothing they can't handle themselves. Kirlsa Hills is less effort to go through, and it's quicker. Why waste time an energy on one path when you have a much easier one to take.

Fayt remembers when all the monsters on Kirlsa Hills had been nothing but Luther's exterminating programs. Enforcers, Proclaimers, and Convictors had nearly covered the entire path. Had they grouped together into one Executioner force, Fayt isn't sure any town could withstand the attack. But the programs that Luther sent into the Eternal Sphere had faults, if too many gathered in one place, time slowed down around them, stopped if you will. That stopped the Executioners from gathering up into just one large attack force.

"All the monsters are avoiding us." Fayt said, more to himself than Nel. Either way, he broke the long silence the two had been walking in. He needed some sort of noise, if he ends up having to speak to himself, so be it. It's better than just simply walking for another three hours without anything being said.

"Are you complaining?" Nel asked from her spot ahead of him. "Would you rather we be attacked?" It wasn't meant to be serious, but with Nel, you can never tell. She hardly ever joked and when she did you think she's being serious.

So it came as no surprise when Fayt didn't realize she had just been joking, "No, It's just that the monsters usually attack anything they see. To them, we're fresh meat. Some food." It's true, as long as he's been on Elicoor, the monsters attacked, not caring who they were attacking as long as they got some sort of food.

"Perhaps they have gained enough intelligence to know it would be a fight that has only defeat for them." Nel suggested calmly, as if the idea of ravage creatures running across the land becoming smarter isn't out of the question.

Everyone knows that the monsters running through the lands have only follow their instincts. The monsters attack if their territory is evaded or they attack to fulfill one desire every monster has. To feed. On more than a one occasion Fayt found himself starring into the eyes of a hungry Dire Wolf. There were few monsters out there who had gained the intellect of creating colonies. Bogles were the most common. They had primal intellect. They could create primitive weapons, making a stone axe. However, the bogles are also a cowardly race of monsters. If you take out their leader, the other flee. That's why whenever Fayt and the rest of the group had ran into a group of them back before they defeated Luther, they concentrated their efforts on the leader.

"How do you think Albel died?" Fayt asked a little hesitant at first.

Nel almost stopped in her tracks to let out an annoyed breath. She had been hoping to get through the trip without the mention of the swordsman's name. She had carefully avoided the conversation thus far. And by carefully that meant not started a conversation to begin with. Albel Nox wasn't on her list of favorite people, nor would he ever be now.

"He fought something that was too strong for him. He was too cocky and it got him killed. Perhaps he got what he deserved." Nel sounded so sure of herself that she could almost believe it was the truth. The honest answer is she doesn't have the slightest clue. Albel had always seemed like someone who couldn't be beaten, or killed. He seemed to be immortal, a demon wielding a sword. The description fit his personality.

'Bah... the maggot talks big. You may have some potential, but you're still no match for me.'

'What is this place? Everyone walks around like zombies. Bah, I care not for this world. I'd as soon kill them all.'

'DIE ALL OF YOU, MAGGOTS!'

Nel nearly jumped when she felt Fayt grab her arm, pulling her to a stop. She didn't make any show of surprise however. Shaking her head, she turned around and faced Fayt, surprised by the sudden anger across his face. Fayt brows furrowed, his eyes gleaming in anger, "I can't believe you Nel. No one deserves to die.'

Nel should've seen this coming. She's heard more lecture from Fayt about the quality of each life than she's willing to count. No matter how much she argued with him about the subject, he'd never learn that it's impossible to save everyone who's in danger. Nel just shook her head before pulling her arm free of his grip, mostly because the grip he had on her actually hurt, "You asked me a question. I answered it. That is all."

Fayt shook his head, as if he can't believe what he's hearing Nel say. "Nel you're wrong. Albel didn't deserve to die. True he was cruel to your people, but that had been war. He had his reasons for what he did, he only wanted to get stronger. He would've never hurt anyone intentionally." Fayt remembered, a night that seemed so long ago in Peterny. He had actually said the same thing to Albel himself. He remembered how Albel reacted to. He seemed surprised that Fayt held that much faith in him. But he quickly masked it before walking away.

'What a happy little world you live in. Dream on, fool. Dream on.'

Albel lived life for the battle. War may have been a time when he could be happiest, able to run into battle with other warriors. He lived to prove himself with the end of his sword. Fayt really never got to know Albel closely like he had everyone else, but he saw changes in him throughout their journey defeat Luther. It only took Albel a few weeks of fighting alongside him and everyone else before he showed a some degree of respect to them. He had even begun to use others names towards the end of the battle.

'You are my prey... I won't let... anyone else have you'

'Maria's power should allow us to take weapons from here back to our dimension, right?'

'Thanks, we owe you one.'

"You would have to of been there to understand." Fayt said, though he didn't seem to be talking to Nel anymore.

"And who's fault is that?" Nel crossed her arms and glared at him. She waited for him to answer, expected him to answer her. He didn't. "I would understand if I had been there, fought the many battle the rest of you faced. But I wasn't. You didn't want my help. Instead of taking the one who had fought alone your side from the beginning, you chose 'Albel The Wicked', Adray, and need I mention the menodix? I still can't understand what you had been thinking when you chose Albel over me. How he had somehow become more trustworthy. Maybe it wasn't trust you looked for. Maybe it was the fact that he was stronger than me. I don't know. And at this point, I guess it doesn't matter."

There, she had said it. She had finally gotten it all off her chest. And did she ever feel good about it. She'd rather have something out in the open than left hidden, so why had she waited until now to finally bring it up? She just didn't want to speak about it to begin with. Perhaps because she was still upset about him.

Fayt just stood there starring at her for a few moments. His expression unreadable. He hadn't said anything yet. Whether he would actually say anything to begin with isn't exactly clear. Either way, Nel wasn't going to stand out in the open all afternoon with monsters crawling all around just to wait to see if he had anything to say about the subject.

Nel had only just turned around to begin heading towards Kirlsa again when she heard him, "You think I chose them over you."

It wasn't a exactly a question. More like a realization on his part. Nel didn't even bother to turn around, she stopped however, placed her hands on her hips and waited, "What else am I to think?"

"Nel, I didn't bring you along because of how dangerous it was." That struck a nerve or two. Now he makes it sound she can't take care of herself. "I didn't want to bring anyone from this planet with us."

On that, Nel did turn around to face him. She kept her face unreadable, "Then why did you allow them to accompany you?" She wanted an explanation, needed it even. And it have better be a good one.

Fayt shook his head as if he didn't want to talk about it. But he did, "Adray kind of dropped in on us when we were on Elicoor. Adray isn't one to take no for an answer. But then again, I never got the opportunity, the others thought it would be a good idea for him to come along."

"Albel?" Nel questioned.

Fayt scratched the back of his head, "He was the first that actually joined." That hadn't helped her feel any better. "The Vendeeni wanted to exchange me for my father and Sophia after the first time I left the planet. The place for the exchange was the Training Facility in Kirlsa. Well, things went wrong, we were stuck. Albel came out of nowhere and saved us."

"Saved you?" Nel asked as if she heard it wrong. Albel Nox actually risking his life to save Fayt, that's something to behold.

Fayt gave a quick nod, "He was wounded though. We took him with us to give his wounds care. When he woke up, he wanted to go to the other planets with us." Fayt gave a short laugh as if the memory were funny, than again. Maybe it was, Nel wouldn't know, she wasn't there. "Would you say no to Albel?"

Nel thought about that for a moment. If she had been in his position, and she had refused Albel. Would he have killed her? He certainly could if he wanted. Nel knew she's a good fighter, but she also knew a better fighter when she saw one. If she were to go one on one with Albel, she'd lose. As hard as it is to admit, she'd lose in a fight with Albel. Unless she snuck up on him in the darkness and stabbed him in the back. She doubt she could even get within striking distance before he'd be able to pick her up though. "No... I guess I wouldn't. But what about the kid?"

Fayt walked passed her, leaving her standing there for a moment before turning around. A grin was across his lips once again as he stared at her, and Nel could of sworn that someone had just tied a knot in her stomach, "Could you refuse someone as irresistible as Roger?" With that said he began making his way towards Kirlsa again. The question had meant to be a joke. It was suppose to be funny; a good laugh. Nel didn't find any humor in it. None at all.

----

Kirlsa is one of the few towns that hadn't been affected by the war between Airyglyph and Aquaria. It's like Peterny except that it isn't a trading central among towns. The locals remained in a consistent normal life. Being the headquarters for the kingdom's Storm Brigade makes it well protected. Everyone knows how foolish it is to march into enemy territory. Fortunately for Nel and Fayt, Airyglyph and Aquaria are no longer at war. At a time they would be risking their lives if they attempted to pass through. That time has passed.

Unexpectedly, the commander of the Storm Brigade, Woltar, seemed to be waiting for the two, expecting them even. He had been waiting for them at the gate when they finally reached Kirlsa. Behind him stood a large wagon and several horses to pull it. Apparently, he's to provide them an escort to the Royal City. The two definitely wouldn't have a problem with it, it beats walking out in the cold when the make for Airyglyph.

"I welcome you both to Kirlsa." The commander of the Black Brigade said, his voice sounding aged from his years in the military and from his own age.

Fayt gave an honorable bow, "My sympathies for your loss. I know what he meant to you." Fayt spoke.

"Albel's death is a great loss to our kingdom indeed." Woltar said, his grief hidden in his voice. He shook his head slowly, "Though he was not my own, I considered him my son."

"I take it you will be bringing us to Airyglyph?" Nel said, referring to the wagon behind him.

"Yes, the burial is tomorrow." Woltar suddenly looked older than ever, the loss seeming to really bring him down, "We should have analyzed the situation before sending those men down." What he spoke of, the two had no clue. Woltar was talking to himself and they had no intention of question what he means. "I only wish we could have retrieved him."

"Retrieved him?" Nel repeated questioningly.

Woltar shook his head, "Think nothing of it, Ms. Zelpher, as nothing good will come from it." He turned around and began making his way towards the cabin, "You will see for yourself anyway. Come, we depart for Airyglyph."

Nel didn't waste any time heading for the wagon. She didn't want to keep Woltar waiting. Fayt however, lagged behind, lost in his thoughts. He thought of what Woltar had said and what it could mean. For some reason, it bothered him. He decided to figure it out later.

--

Fayt had only ridden in a wagon once before. That was when Nel had saved him and Cliff when they were held prisoner by Airyglyph. The wagon he rode then didn't have any seats, this one did. Cushioned seats at that. However, it didn't make the ride anymore less bumpy. The Traum Mountains isn't exactly the best place to ride a wagon. Seeing how it was the only way to Airyglyph, they didn't have much choice. Unless they wanted to walk.

After the ride to Airyglyph, and after nearly falling out the side of the wagon a half dozen times, Fayt decided he might just get back into the invention business, for one soul reason. To bring to Elicoor the invention of some old fashion seatbelts. Seatbelts would make the ride less 'hazardous' next time he has to travel by wagon. How and what he'll make the seatbelts out of, he'd have to think about that for a while.

Airyglyph was cold, big deal, Fayt had found out that Airyglyph will always be cold. That's what happens when you build a city in the mountains. Fayt had expected the snow, the chilling wind, and even the several guards walking around the town. What he had not expected, nor did Nel he bet, was the declarations. Wreaths with roses with them, hung from the corner of every house.

Many tents were set up along the street. Crowds of people surrounded each of the tents, and Fayt immediately wondered what's drawing everyone to the tents. "Documentaries of Albel's life." Fayt heard Woltar speak, "The people enter the tents to learn of his life." Evidently Woltar had noticed what had caught Fayt's attention.

Fayt turned his gaze from the window of the wagon to give a quick glance at Woltar. Nel sat at his side, arms crossed, head bowed, and eyes closed. She didn't seem to care much at all what's going on outside on the streets. Fayt turned his gaze back to the window to watch the many things they passed.

Had Fayt not known about Albel's death, he would of assumed Airyglyph is having some sort of festival. With the tents, crowds, and several other people providing soft music with violins, people laughing and talking amongst themselves. "It looks as if they are celebrating rather than mourning." Fayt pointed out, his voice sour.

The wagon slipped through the castle gates. Their wagon stopped in front of the castle with a jolt. The three exited the wagon and Woltar waved the driver off, signaling him away. "You both are respected guest of this castle. Your room shall be shown to you shortly. A dinner shall be brought to you shortly after you settle in." Woltar turned and made his way inside the castle.

"Um... Woltar... may I ask something?" Fayt called out as he hurried to the older man's side. Woltar gave a slow nod as a go ahead. "How did Albel die?"

"That my boy..." Woltar began as he proceeded further, "Is a question we all wished answered. I must inform the king of your arrival."

Fayt let him go, 'What did he mean? They don't know how Albel died? Was he killed, murdered, or died of natural causes? Maybe if I saw his body, I'd be able to tell.' Fayt knew it's not his place to do such things however.

Glancing over his shoulder he saw Nel standing at the entrance, staring at him. "What?" he asked. She merely shrugged and shook her head.

The two were shown to their room that they would be staying at for the night. True to Woltar's word, a dinner had been brought to their room only a few minutes after they arrived in their room. Fayt hadn't realized how much of an appetite he had built up from all the traveling until he begun eating. For a city who claimed to have starving people from the climate, they made some tasteful food in Fayt's opinion.

The two knew they would be having a long day tomorrow, and would need the rest. Fayt felt that tomorrow is going to be the beginning of something. To what, he isn't sure. He just had a hunch there would be something. Of course, he kept this to himself. When the two turned in for the night, they slept much easier than they had at Peterny.

For Nel's part, her rest was not very pleasant. She had only shut her eyes and she immediately began dreaming, or having a nightmare, whichever you decide. She can't remember the last time she had a dream. Usually when she slept everything was just blank, as if her body had just shut off with a flick of a switch. Than again, she never had a dream quite like this one.

Nel found herself standing alone in the dark. It didn't frighten her. The Crimson Blade isn't afraid of the dark. Most of her business had been done in the dark. What bothered her however is the smell. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. Only that the smell itself turned her stomach. The only time she has ever smelled something like it was when she had been walking off a battlefield, the stench of death clinging in the air.

'My, my. I can't say I've ever run into a mortal woman like you before.' The voice was soft, alluring. It was like the words themselves caressed her skin. 'A woman who's a warrior. A warrior who's a woman. This is intriguing... Will you come to me? Or shall I come to you? Either way, I may have myself a new one.'

Nel looked all around trying to find the source of the voice. She couldn't even tell where it was coming from. It was like the voice echoed off of the walls around her, that's saying if there are walls. She can't see two inches in front of her. She could poke her eye and not see her finger. "Show yourself! Where are you?"

'Where indeed. If you wished me to be, I could be right beside you or anywhere else you wished, Mi' Lady.'

The underlining meaning didn't get passed Nel. She knew when someone was trying to make a pass on her. Each time someone did, she'd simply give them the cold shoulder, if they persisted she'd knock them out. Her heartbeat began to raise and the heat rushed to her face.

She couldn't understand why she was reacting the way she was, she'd never considered any other pass on her. Why did it feel like it wouldn't be such a bad idea? Was it the seductive undertone? Or was it something else? She hadn't even seen the guy yet and already she's fawning. Her head felt clouded, like a mist settled in her mind. She shook her head to clear her mind.

'How very interesting you are, Mi' Lady.'

Although he was acting like a gentleman, Nel felt something off about him. Like it was all an act. She's good at reading things like that after training so long in her line of work. And yet, even though she knew it was all an act, that this person could be just trying to trick her, catch her off guard maybe, she felt... tempted. But tempted to what? That's when Nel got scared.

'So... you are here because of the foolish one. I'll have to ask about you. I look forward to the night our paths cross, Mi' Lady'