The next morning, we got up, ready for a new day. I've been feeling good lately, but right now I don't know what to do with myself. To let myself be part of my father's plan is just unforgivable! What can I do now? Let myself fall into the arms of Airyglyph's prince or commit suicide before I get there? All I want now…is just to be with Albel a little longer…he may be rude, but he's the only one I can find comfort in now. I don't want to think that these days will be the last for me to be in his company. I mounted my horse, wincing in pain as I swung my leg over.
"Hmph…serves you right for taking off by yourself princess." The young man scoffed.
"What would you have me do? Ask you to come with me when I take a bath?" I asked, with an eyebrow raised.
"……" He did not respond to my comeback and I noticed his face redden slightly. I smiled at how uncomfortable he was.
"Kirlsa should come into view in about another day. I suggest you save up your strength." Albel informed me and cleared his throat.
"LORD ALBEL!" A familiar screech rang in our ears.
Albel rushed to the source of the screech, through the leaves and past the trees, he encountered his pathetic subordinate on the ground, pointing frantically ahead of him.
"What is it now you maggot! This early in the morning and you're already squawking like a bird!" Albel hissed.
"A m-m-monster! I've never seen it before!" He stammered. Albel looked in the direction the man was pointing to see a large creature with a slimy appearance with many tentacles.
"What is this?" Albel asked himself. He looked at the creature in awe.
"You fool, get back!" He ordered the clumsy man.
"Yes sir!" He saluted and ran towards the horses.
"And protect the girl too!" Albel shouted at him. Suddenly, the monster made its move by flailing its tentacles that produced sparks. Albel dodged them and swept his sword upward, using the wind to attack, however, it proved to have no effect.
"So…wind has no effect…." Albel muttered.
"Hmph, keep your distance, your stupidity is contagious!" The young man taunted the creature. In a rage, it gathered energy to its tentacles once more.
"Albel is fighting an unknown monster!" I gasped at the news that the soldier gave me.
"He also told me to protect you while he deals with it." The man bowed. But…what if he gets hurt? Large creatures aren't meant to be fought solo…
"And you didn't bother to help him?" I scowled at the coward.
"I would only get in his way princess, forgive me." He bowed again.
"Forget this! I'm fighting too!" I stomped and quickly changed into my battle garments.
"No princess, he'll have my head if anything happened to you!" The soldier complained and waved his arms frantically, as if to persuade me to stay.
"How can you tell me to stay put when someone might be in danger! I won't be a damsel in distress!" I hissed at him, determined to help Albel.
"Ouch!" Albel groaned at the pain on his back from the lash of the lightning element creature.
"Damn it…" He cursed and raised his sword once more.
"Do you want to taste death? Well come on!" He shouted and rushed in to attack. Albel isn't much of a long-ranged attacker at all which is a great disadvantage on his part.
"Ice Needles!" I shouted and summoned tiny ice crystals from my palm and directed it at the creature, momentarily distracting it.
"Albel, get out of the way!" I urged him.
"What are you doing here you maggot! You're not supposed to be here!" The young man spat angrily.
"Get out of the way!" I urged again. The creature hoisted its tentacle for another attack.
"Albel!" I yelped. The young man jumped out of the way, but the pain on his back slowed him down. I jumped into the air and charged into the squid-like monster with a series of somersaults. The creature flinched which gave Albel enough time to move into a clear area.
"NEL! This monster is too strong, get away, now!" He ordered me. The sunlight glistened on the creature's skin and blinded my eyes. How do I defeat it? I don't know its weakness.
"NEL!" Albel shouted. I took out my daggers and spun them with great speed.
"Flying Guillotine!" I shouted and flung my daggers with all the strength I could muster. The daggers zipped past the monster, inflicting many wounds, causing its blood to splatter, painting the trees. In agony, the creature roared, once again flailing its long tentacles. Albel grabbed my arm and flung me into a tree.
"Ugh!" I groaned and rubbed the back of my head.
"You fool…I told you not to come!" He hissed. Dark, red light licked his skin and I felt the heat coming from him. This was the same technique he used against me!
"Dragon Roar!" He summoned his blood-thirsty dragons to deliver the final blow. Its fiery teeth sunk into the squid creature and engulfed it with the hell it created. Its screams could be heard and slowly it disappeared. I opened my mouth in awe. Albel really is strong…
I smiled at our victory, but Albel didn't seem too happy. With his right hand, he grabbed my shirt and yanked me close to his face.
"What do you think would happen if you died woman?" He growled angrily. I gulped down the saliva in my throat, nervous at his outburst.
"You…you're hurt…." I whispered.
"Why does that matter? What if you died!" He literally screamed out.
"S-since when did you--"
"Care? Listen well girl…I'm only doing this for my own benefit. How many times did I have to tell you that?" He replied with a deep and dark, angry voice. I suddenly had that choking feeling in my throat and I felt like crying. He…didn't have to be so cruel…without me, he wouldn't have won. In anger, I yanked away from his grasp and stared coldly into those sharp eyes of his.
"So, you were willing to risk your life for a stupid 'benefit'? How foolish are you! That monster was close to killing you! Look at that wound on your back!" I shouted angrily.
"What the hell are you babbl--" Albel started before he suddenly collapsed into my arms. I gasped and let him down gently, examining the deep gash in his back.
"A-Albel, hold on okay? Please!" I whispered hoarsely. I tossed his arm around my neck and slowly raised him up. His expression was contorted in pain. I pray to Apris that he isn't hit by some aliment…
"…N……N-Nel….." I heard him whisper.
UPDATE! Forgive me my friends! I ran out of ideas...But now, I'm back on track if school doesn't prove too much for me anyway. Please, read and review and I thank my faithful readers for your support!