Chapter 6: The End of Albel the Wicked

Time and place: Time unknown, Arias (Battlefield)

"Tynave, Farleen. Distract the other troops. Clair, come with me! Let's bring Airyglyph down!"

Albel took out his katana, ready to strike whenever he feels threatened. Clair and I are known as the 'double-blade' in Crimson Blades. She provides runology support and I'll bash the opponent with both skill and runology.

"Why, Nel! I'm surprised you can't do anything by yourself for once!"

"Two is better than one, Albel. When will you ever learn to fight in a group?!" I taunted him.

"Why, you!!"

He lashed out with his katana heading towards me and Clair with rage and fury. His speed is undeniable.

"Watch out Nel! GyahHH!!"

The small rock that Clair threw was easily dodged by him. He turned sideways and heads towards me with his katana pointed in front. I took out my daggers to defend myself from his attacks and countered it with Shockwave. Albel went flying into the air and landed down with ease.

"Troops! Annihilate them!" he commanded.

I turned back to see Farleen and Tynave in trouble. They were struggling against the attack of the Black Brigade, the heavy cavalry that was led by Albel Nox.

"Don't worry 'bout us Lady Nel! We'll be fine. Just take down Albel!" Tynave exclaimed.

"Yes, focus on bringing peace to Aquaria!" Farleen added.

"Very well then. Take care you two! Surely dad will be proud!"

The fighting sprits that those two have are incomparable. Clair helped them out with her runology too.

"When will you learn to lock-on to you target Nel?! I'm your opponent here!!"

As I heard what he had said, quickly I turned back into my defensive stance. With lighting speed he was able to break my defense using his katana and continued to strike with his punches. The pain was unbearable… I fell on the ground with a loud thud. Clair came to my rescue.

"Nel! Are you okay?"

"Yes, Clair. I'll be fine."

"Never turn your back on your enemy…" He said in the in the air.

"Nel! Watch out!" She pushed me aside to safety. However, Albel's attack went in. Blood was everywhere…flowing out of her. I tried to stop it but nothing was possible. It's hard to think that your childhood friend will die here…now…

"Don't die now, Clair… Please, wake up!" I whispered at her. Knowing that I couldn't do anything.

"Nel, take care of Albel for me… I'm sorry that I was a burden for you…"

"No, Clair. Please don't leave me! We will make this out together, safely! Remember?"

"Yes…but I don't think my body can hold on much longer…you…you must protect Aquaria!"

"Lady Nel! Watch out!" Tynave shouted.

I jumped back with my daggers in front of me. "I will save you, Clair…just hold on a little longer…" He is still on the offensive. I tried my best to dodge and counter his attacks. Looking at Clair's suffering now, I know that I can't waste anymore time!

"Whirlwind!!"

He was blown back by my defense. Currently, surrounding me were three little typhoons. Something I had for defense. I can see that he has difficulty getting up.

"Darn you, Nel… AArrgghh!"

I did it! Now it's his turn to have blood flowing out of him. "It is time for me to finish you, Albel! I will bring Aquaria peace!"

"Shoot… Airyglyph! Time to retreat!"

"You are not going anywhere Albel!"

I ran towards him, summoning Fire Bolt to buy me some time. For the last time I used Shockwave on him and continue my combo with slashes from my blades. I knew that he couldn't take it anymore. Blood was profusely continue to flow out of him. Albel did not fight back. He must have known that he lost.

"Ugghh… Nel… spare my life…"

I'm confused. So far I never knew that Albel has this kind of attitude. I don't know what to do… does peace come if you defeat the leader? Or you let him repent for what he has done?

"Clair… Help me in this one… I'm clueless…" I whispered.

"Do…what you think is right…Nel…"

I looked back at Clair. She is still holding on, trying her best to fulfill the promise that we made.

"Thank you, Clair…"

Already beside Albel were three Airylgyph troops carrying him back to safety. I've decided to let him off, let him repent for what he had done. Tynave and Farleen are both beside Clair, aiding her. Then, I climbed up the hill and took a deep breath in, "AIRYGLYPH RETREATED! PEACE IS WITHIN OUR GRASP!"

I can hear our remaining troops shouting with glee. Some of them were sitting down, relaxing and chatting most probably about their experience. For those that lost their loved ones, they kneeled and pray to Apris to bring them to the other life safely. This is truly a beautiful and sad time… Suddenly, my feet felt shaky and darkness starts to engulf my view. Then I realized that I've black-out.

"Lady Nel!" Tynave and Farleen shouted.