Disclaimer: Star Ocean and all characters involved belong to Tri-Ace. As for Xenosaga characters, they belong to Namco.
Author's Notes: checks the art books and other Xenosaga stuff Huh... KOS-MOS weighs only 174 lbs? Damn... oh, right. puts the stuff away and clears his throat
I LIVE! Or at least, for the moment anyways. I'm back from my unexpected hiatus. I have various excuses I can use. Such as my continuously crashing PC, my six-times-in-a-row-deleted-chapter-on-the-work-due-to-data-corruption, my slow search for more information on both the field of education and work, having to work forced overtime, returning to college, having other personal projects impeding the smooth advancement of this story. But it's pretty much useless to use such excuses, in the end, I simply did not feel like writing, and that's all I can really say.
So, let me shut up, sit down in this nice ol' cage of mine, and start typing. Blows the dust off the ol' keyboard.
-------------------------------------------------------
She fell from the sky...
By: Knight of Paradox
-------------------------------------------------------
"Let me share your pain."
His vision blurred and all fell to darkness. The last conscious sight he held was that of a blue haired angel of steel, with her peach lips pressing against the crimson blood of a demon of flesh, whom shared the same red eyes as his.
---------------
The end of the Second Chapter, Peach Lips
Let us commence the next chapter in this story
Of a demon of flesh and an angel of steel.
---------------
[ Chapter 3: Servitude
---------------
Ever since that night, that woman's presence has done nothing but bother him. And it mattered little how much he tried to avoid her, he could not evade the thought of her. And as hard as he would to deny the thought, his own soldiers would come and haunt him with questions of the events that unfolded last night. But he would not answer, even he was unsure of what had happened. If anything, he had believed it was a dream, all of it. That is, until his subordinates had informed him otherwise in their non-discreet manners.
Complaints from their lips about how their superior had all the fun. Cheering from his more outgoing henchmen who were all hoping to see their leader loosen up a bit more. Whatever their reactions were, none pleased him. Though they did not truly trouble him either. What truly did, was what he would recall, those very words, and those eyes... Those red eyes. No, not red. Blue.
He could have sworn, her eyes were blue. What could have caused this woman's eyes to change? What was it with this wench? Perhaps she was some sort of schizophrenic failed super soldier that went through some sort of runological based brainwash or whatnot? The crazy stories from back home about the witches of Aquaria suddenly began to seem more sound to him with every other failed theories passing through his mind. But now was no longer the time, after all, how could he think. The object of his reflection was now barring his path, looking directly at him with that same formless expression. And there they were, her red eyes.
"You appear troubled. It has been seen in various instances that a unit's survival often falls back upon the emotional state of the one in command. Shall I request aides from your unit to heighten your morale?" There it was again, that same monotone voice which confused him even further. Perhaps then, was it the moon? Though he could not dwell too much upon new theories. After all, he guessed that his silence would be taken as a 'state of emergency' and he would find himself with another handful. Another more convincing reason, was rather the idea that he was starting to take a step closer to becoming as pathetic as some of his men. What men would that be? Simple. It was those who enjoyed gossip as much as those little social butterflies whose entertainment came from learning about absolutely everything that pertained to nothing at all.
"I'm fine, just keep moving." Brushing her aside, using his steel against hers, he continued along the road. By now, it mattered little and he cared less. After all, upon the edge of the land the apex of various houses came to sight. They were finally home, to Kirlsa.
"These facilities will not do." Though this most cheerful moment for many of the soldiers were ruined by the painfully long detailing of every fault the woman could see to the town she had surnamed as a 'Station'.
---------------
A heart-warming welcome was before them. Their fellow ground company, the storm brigade, the populace of the mining city, as well as it's most revered hero, stood before them all. waiting them patiently ever since they had been spotted from afar.
"My boy, you look like you've taken quite a beating." Speaking like a kind elder, the old count approached them all. It was he, the revered hero, Woltar. The leader of the Storm Brigade, an elderly man, who has taken upon himself the responsibility for the care of the young Albel.
"Shut up, old man. I had a rather rough week and I'm feeling a bit cranky." The red eyed man's reaction was of no surprise. He stood there, as if his wounds were nothing but scratches as he remained as defiant as always. "You'd better be careful how you speak to me. You wouldn't want to see any heads fall off now would you?"
"Come now, my boy. Is that some way of talking to your benefactor?" His eyebrows were drooping, as if sadness came upon him.
"Nobody asked you to be my benefactor, old man." Scuffing the sight away, he turned his back to his elder.
"Child, if it were not for me, you would most likely be dead by now." The severity in his voice spoke of an undeniable truth. And even the devilish man knew that. All he could do was bite his tongue, as to reply would simply cause him to appear like a fool somewhere down the line of this discussion. Such was his fate whenever he would enter in a debate with this witty old man.
"Well, enough of this heart-warming reunion. How about we tend to the ill and wounded first, then we can resume this wonderful little chat of ours." With these words, the doctors were immediately summoned, as both knights and citizens aided the returning survivors to the inn and other housings of the many that volunteered to aid it's protectors. As the wicked one advanced forth, following the rest of his battalion, he was halted by the risen open hand of the count, elevated to his chest.
"You, my boy, are to follow me. As well as your guest." Said the old man as he glanced at these two red eyed beings.
---------------
They made their way within his manor, a comfortable establishment that held a certain nobility yet was not so extravagant as to proclaim it's owner vastly superior to any other. Climbing to the second floor, the count invited the two to his bureau, seating himself behind his desk as he leaned forth. Supporting his face with the back of his hands as his elbows rested upon the wooden furniture before him, fingers crossed and seating his chin.
"So tell me, my boy, what exactly happened out there?" His words held a certain gravity underneath them. "And furthermore," Within his line of vision came the woman of steel that stood behind his wicked protégé. "Who is this woman?"
Having been as such accustomed to this parade by now, save for the specifically different matter at the end, the young captain answered a quick, dry and detailed recollection of the events. Keeping only the key and vital information clear with only a few moments of interval of his own dry humour. It wasn't that he had to officially report to this old man, nor was it standard procedures. It was simply that he was taught to report such events to this pack of bones ever since he had joined the army of their kingdom. He was so convinced that it was for the best to hold such convocation, after a very long and arduous discussion. Mainly because it would save him the trouble of having to allow said long and arduous discussion an repeat performance.
"We were ambushed later during our retreat and it was then that this object fell from the sky." The wicked being halted himself upon those words, sensing the growing interest of the old count.
"Hmm... Go on." Motioning to the young captain, the leader of the Storm Brigade awaited to know further what had happened.
"This wench came out of this sort of metal coffin and then wiped the area clean with some sort of runological light. It was a good thing we were outnumbered then." With a quick jerk of his head towards the blue haired woman's general direction, he remained standing, with an amused smirk to his lips.
"My boy, could you elaborate a little bit more on that last statement of yours?" There was a tinge of intrigue in the old man's eyes and words, apparently something didn't sit very well within the elderly count. It left a small opening to crack in an inappropriate, but the ambiance about seemed to suggest that such an attitude would've been rapidly shot down.
"She came out of some metal coffin like contraption and then proceeded to shoot these arrows of light at the current area where my men and the enemy were engaged in battle. The aftermath was a report of heavy casualties, mainly from the enemy force that had ambushed us." As seriously as the wicked one could, he reaffirmed what he had seen with more details, just as he had been asked.
His attention came upon the one listening to him so intently. It appeared as if something in his report had just bothered him. Though it mattered little, he simply wanted to finish what he had to say and get a good nap. Though he was certain that this ancient relic on legs would surely not allow him to go rest until after he had met with another quack doctor.
"She's a strange one, but her strength is real. If we could use her to strengthen one of our brigades, our enemies would think twice before stepping up to their execution." The wicked one had a small smug air about him. "We'll just have to keep a close eye on her, that's all. She might not be that bright, but she seems eager to serve."
"I object to it." This was rather sudden, as the Wicked one could not even so much as cross his arms before count Woltar took a sudden stand and spoke with a heightened tone. "This young woman here will not be part of your brigade."
"Heh, want to hoard her for yourse-"
"She will not be part of my brigade either, Albel." There was a grave tone of severity to his voice. "Think of Vox, my boy... This is not something that should be made public."
Though the wicked one was not against the war-mongering ways of the captain of the Dragon Brigade, he was not exactly too keen upon the idea of what could result from such news reaching the ears of this man. Though he did not disagree with his methods at war, he was not quite joyous about his corrosive methods in the more political aspect of the kingdom. Rather intriguing, as he did not care much for politics. Though he was smart enough to understand the close relationship between the two different aspects that Vox was so eagerly rushing towards.
"You can leave now... And you will go through an examination, whether you enjoy it or not."
"Tch... Fine." And so, Albel began to take his leave with the blue haired maiden following silently in his footstep.
"Oh and, Albel." Woltar looked away from the boy and towards their guest, a small moment of illumination spreading upon him. An idea obviously stirring in that brain of his. "Spare me a moment with our guest. I have a few things to discuss with her."
---------------
The night passed and the wicked one had finally received the medical treatments he was well due. It was not until the end of the day, upon the first half of the dozen strokes of midnight, did he finally reach his room. Having finally escaped the grasp of all of these doctors, he was now going to be able to participate in an activity he was long awaiting for. A good night's rest. The day had been long and the recent event had taken a toll on him, whether he would admit it or not.
Though he wondered exactly what happened to the woman, he was assured that she had not left the premise. Most likely she had gotten a room of her own, but what would it matter. For the moment, all he would care about was to gain some well deserved rest.
The night was uneventful, and his slumber peaceful. His dreams were wild as always, and it was a good thing that they were dreams and not nightmares. Though, for some, it would be questionable if the idea of slaying dozens of your enemies in an endless series of matches of entertaining struggles would be considered a dream.
Though, his slumber would soon come to an end, as he could sense the light of the morning sun through his dreams, as if a faint light was slowly forcing the world around him to fade away, reality catching up, though he did not truly offer any resistance to it.
"Master Nox, it is nor morning. Please proceed to waking up. Further measures will be taken to accelerate the process if you do not comply within the next minute."
What a strange way to speak... Though it mattered little, there were very few maids that could actually wake him up, and none would be foolish enough to do so. Any who did soon came to regret interfering with his slumber and this one would most likely be just as wise. He would just take his time, comfortably returning to the waking world. At least, so he wished.
There was a rather rapid recognition that sparked through his mind. This voice. This strange and bizarre way of talking. There was none other.
The wicked one rose up, the sun breaking through the horizon announcing the presence of a new day dawning upon them all. As before the demon of flesh stood a blue haired angel of steel, in the garments of the maids of the house. They, who shared the same red eyes, met each other's gaze for the first time upon the first hour of his waking moments. though his sight scrambled about soon thereafter, and just as he had suspected, there was indeed a rather menacing object by her side. A bucket of cold, freezing water, freshly drawn, just sitting by her side.
Surely, that would've accelerated what she had called the 'process of waking up'.
---------------
"From here on, I suggest you find pride in knowing that you serve one of the most illustrious of families in the kingdom of Airyglyph." Woltar spoke rather kindly, with a smile to his face and a pat to her shoulder. "But, though you will serve the Nox family, you will nevertheless remain under my supervision. Is that understood?"
"A proper maid will simply serve her employer, but a truly skilled and dependable maid will answer the needs of her employer, often with an appropriate amount of initiative. I suggest you train yourself to excel at this profession. It increases the chances of you staying employed through the harsher times. But don't try to stand out too much, we don't want to attract more attention then we need."
"Understood." A cold and simple answer emerged.
"Oh yes, and we'll have to find a new name for you as well. It doesn't have to be a permanent change, just an adaptation that would be more suiting for the area." With these words, the count made his way back to his desk, there was much work awaiting him this morning. What with many papers to be forged. "And don't forget, if he doesn't wake up, you are to take whatever measures you deem necessary to draw him out of his slumber."
"Understood."
---------------
-UPDATING PRIME DIRECTIVES-
-MAIN OBJECTIVE:
-TO SERVE THE CURRENT OWNER OF THE EXPERIMENTAL FIGHTING MODEL, SERIAL NUMBER 00-00-00-00-1: ALBEL NOX-
-SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-TO ANSWER THE NEEDS OF THE EXPERIMENTAL FIGHTING MODEL, SERIAL NUMBER 00-00-00-00-1: ALBEL NOX-
-TERTIARY OBJECTIVES:
-REPORT WEEKLY STATUS OF THE CURRENT ESTABLISHMENT AND INVENTORY TO THE EMPLOYER: COUNT WOLTAR-
-SEARCH AND UPDATE KEY-WORD ID FOR THE EXPERIMENTAL FIGHTING MODEL, SERIAL NUMBER 00-00-00-00-1-
-ACTIVATE AND CONFIRM THE CONSCIOUS STATE OF THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS/GROUPS:
ALBEL NOX - ESTIMATED TIME TO ACTIVATE INDIVIDUAL'S CONSCIOUSNESS: 6:30AM
-UPDATING PROTOCOL AND SYSTEM INFORMATION-
-INFORMATION PERTAINING TO EXPERIMENTAL FIGHTING MODEL, SERIAL NUMBER 00-00-00-00-1 RESTRICTED TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS/GROUPS:
ALBEL NOX
COUNT WOLTAR
-INFORMATION PROTECTION PROTOCOLS ACTIVATED-
-MAID STATUS OBJECTIVES AND PROTOCOLS INTEGRATED-
-UPDATE COMPLETE-
---------------
End of Chapter 3: Servitude
---------------
Author's Notes: I deliver on Valentine's day, at the risk of failing a school project! Why? Because I'm an unfortunate hopeless romantic, and that I find it's unsuitable of me not to send something to someone on Valentine's day. So why not give another chapter of a love story on Valentine's day to anyone who wishes to read?
Happy Valentine's Day, probably a bit late. Oh and, if you didn't catch that. I was trying to make allusion to the arrow of light, the arrow of Apris that Fayt is described to be in the game.