Author's note: I don't own Star Ocean Till The End Of Time
The True Nature Of All
Chapter 22: Albel's Fate
When he went back to his chambers, Albel was waiting for him by the entrance. "Albel, I thought you went to bed…" Arzei asked him softly.
Albel shook his head, "When this is all over, I plan to talk long and in depth with Airlia, however, I wanted to ask you first. Do I have your permission to ask her to marry me?" Arzei looked at him. He had seen this in the boy ever since the pair was but children. Yet, for him, it came too fast for him. He couldn't deny the boy the love he felt.
He looked at him squarely, "I warn you that you had better never hurt my daughter. But, may I ask what you intend to use to propose to her?"
Albel shook his head, "I will use a ring that I shall have commissioned to be made specifically for me. I believe some of my companions are well capable to do this. However, I fear the gems may be too hard for them to make…" Arzei walked slowly to his desk. He had kept the remains of the gems that had been used to make the ring that he had fashioned for his fiancée when he proposed to her and for the actual weddings. They were indeed the same gems that had been used years ago to make the gems for Airlia's crowns.
"I have these, if they can help, please, make use of them. I hate to waste what is so precious." Airyglyph XIII said as Albel took it; grateful for the gift. "Consider it to be part of the wedding gift."
Albel gave him a grateful and true smile for the first time in too long. "Thank you Your Majesty." He bowed once more before leaving the room to find those that he would have them create the rings for him. When he found them, they were sitting and talking. Some of the others had fallen asleep already. He approached them with a smile and a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Sophia, Peppita, Roger, I need your help please."
They looked at him with curiosity plainly on their faces. He gestured for them to follow him as he led the way beyond the castle and back to a familiar haunt, the house used to create things anything from potions to trinkets to weapons and armor. When they came in, he showed them a design and supplied the gems. "Could you possibly craft these three rings for me? The last one is a simple band of white gold. Any designs you want to introduce is fine. I'm willing to pay for them to be made, but I don't know if I trust others enough to make these precious rings for me." Sophia, Roger and Peppita looked at each other in surprise. They hadn't expected it to be like this.
They seem to ponder the situation while looking at Albel. They then started to study the diagrams and knew that they could do it. One was clearly a wedding band, another was a wedding ring. The other ring was perhaps the ring to propose? They nodded and took the gems first and began to craft. Roger was working on the wedding band for Albel. He created a vine work to go around the band. When he was done, he put a Fire Homunculus into the ring to help protect the wearer. He grinned in relief as he showed the ring to Albel. Albel smiled approvingly as he handed him a bag of fol. Roger looked inside and smiled widely.
Albel took the ring and placed it into a special box. Sophia nearly crowed with joy as she finished her ring. She brought it to Albel as he grinned in joy. It was a beautiful ring with the center piece being a good size piece of Rainbow Diamond. Around it was four pieces of gems and they were the following: Air Gem, Shell Sapphire, Star Ruby, and a Water Gem. She had imbued a Celestial Homunculus into this engagement ring. There was vine working around it as it entwined to make the band. He grinned in relief as he gave her a pouch of Fol that was of the same volume as that of Roger's creation. She smiled, "I didn't mind doing this to help Fayt's sister be happy. I've seen such happiness in her very few times, but I know you make her happy, so I will help however I can."
Peppita was the last to finish; she had made a beautiful paired piece. It was curved to fit around the other ring. It, too, had vine workings and a beautiful pair of rainbow diamonds with star rubies on either side. This wedding ring was imbued with an Air Homunculus. He grinned as he handed her another bag similar to the others. He placed the rings in three boxes, the paired in one box that was red velvet and the other ring in a blue velvet box. He bowed to them, "Thank you. I am forever grateful. I knew that I had no hope to make these beautiful pieces, yet I knew what I was looking for. These, however, surpass what I could have expected. Thank you everyone."
He then slipped back into his familiar cocky stance. They knew that he would humble himself to get what he wants with regards to his love, but that moment had passed. He was back to his old self. Albel had to be, for the next step to arm himself would be severely dangerous. They left to go back to the castle to rest for the night. When he awoke, he was greeted with the unfamiliar sight of his parents sitting at the table, eating. He shook his head; it would take some getting used to. However, he saw the lack of sword at his father's hip and knew he had to go get the sword now, before his resolve wavered too deeply.
When he finished eating with his family, he gestured for them to come with him to the throne area. When he arrived with them, he found the others were only just getting up. Airlia was the only one who was up before him. He noticed she was bright eyed and looked well rested. He smiled at her which she returned in full. When the others arrived he looked at the King, the father of his love. When Arzei saw the concentration in Albel's face, he had to ask, "What is the matter with you Albel?"
Albel placed his damaged hand on the hilt of his sword. His look of concentration spoke volumes of what was going to ask… "I must ask you to lend me the sword." Airlia, Nixie and Glou gasped aloud in exclamation directed the group who knew nothing that this was no ordinary sword. However, the Dragon Brigade Realist, Conan, turned to face Albel directly.
He looked fierce as he demanded, "How dare you address His Majesty in such an irreverent manner!? Such insolence will not be tolerated. Remember to whom you are speaking!"
Arzei turned his head slightly to address Conan, "It matters not. Do not let it bother you."
Airlia had the feeling that he was blushing under the mask at that reprimand, "Yes, Your Majesty! I understand, but he's being so..."
Airlia spoke up, "He said it mattered not. So if he states this, it is because he has no issue with his manner." Arzei nodded, relieved from reprimanding him… again. Conan bowed before the royal pair before eying Albel wearily.
Then he spoke, indicating the pair, "Yes, your majesties! Please forgive me."
Airyglyph XIII turned to Albel and tilted his head slightly to one side. He regarded him more wearily, for he feared where the conversation was going. He spoke slowly, hoping to keep the weary note out of his voice, "The sword, you said. And just what sword might that be?" Albel looked at him with a cocky smirk that he hoped would convey his confidence as he held out his good hand in an open position. Then with a slight shrug, he closed his hand and pulled it back to him.
What he spoke of next sealed Airlia's fear in stone, "You know which one. The Sword of the Crimson Scourge. What other is there?"
Conan was in a near rage as he exploded, "Are you so great a fool!? The sword is the Kingdom of Airyglyph's royal treasure. Do you think the King would so readily hand it over to such an insolent fool as you!?" Airyglyph XIII shook his head in a negative manner. Then Arzei looked at Conan, if he thought his glare was cold, Airlia's was frozen. The brigade member looked back at him, and then he turned to bow to the King and Princess. Then the King looked back to Albel. Airlia saw the fear in his eyes that was usually so well hidden, even to her, was present.
Airyglyph XIII sighed heavily, then he asked, "It might seem late for such a question... But allow me to ask: Have you gone utterly mad!?"
Albel shook his head indicating a negative response. However he spoke up to indicate what he meant, "I can't even answer that. But the truth is; we have no other choice. Using that sword's power as soon as possible is the only solution I can think of."
Arzei seemed thoughtful for a moment, "Power you say... You want to use it against those monsters that infest our lands?"
Albel snorted in disagreement, and then placed his damaged hand on the hilt of his sword, "My own sword is sufficient to deal with them. But there are greater threats than monsters."
Airlia sighed, knowing the truth of that statement. Airyglyph XIII had to be sure though, for this sword could destroy a mind and body if not careful, "Greater threats...? It is indeed a sword of unfathomable power. It would be a powerful force for us- if you could gain mastery of it. However... are you capable of mastering it? As far as I know, the only person that magic sword has ever acknowledged as its master was your father, Glou Nox. Vox, too, tried to wield it, but he, in part, fell under its sway. What will happen if you lose the battle to the sword and it ends up ruling your mind? What would happen with Airlia? We are both deeply attached in different aspects. What of your family? You've only just regained them, would you truly risk such a chance?"
Albel gave a slight, fatalistic shrug. Airlia closed her eyes to the flash of pain that surely ran through her eyes at that moment. He spoke though, his words condemning him in many ways, "Then it shall mean I was not equipped to save our world. These outsiders will take over for me, I'm sure. I'm also sure that Airlia could find a man who would pamper her eventually. I'm also equally sure that Fayt would protect her from interlopers that would seek her hand just to rule."
Arzei sighed harshly; he knew that Albel was just trying to distance himself from her in case the worse came to pass. Upon looking at the young captain's parents, he saw the pain was also there. They had only just regained their son back, now for this to happen… He sighed harshly again, "It seems we have a difficult decision before us. Truthfully, I do not wish to lose you, even if it is for the sake of our kingdom. However, we have no other choice." He got up as Airlia led the way to the dungeons. Everyone was equally weary of this sword that could cause such controversy. When they reached the room, Airlia helped to open the doors to the treasure room. Albel started to descend as the sword began to glow brightly.
Fayt looked at it warily as he asked Arzei, "Hey... W-why's that thing glowing?"
Airyglyph XIII turned his face slightly to face Fayt. His response acted as if it should solve everything, "Because it is the Sword of Crimson Scourge. It is a legendary magic sword passed down through the ages to our kingdom from the Ancient Kingdom of Aquor. It is said that when wielded by one who is worthy of being its master, the sword could even cleave the sky in two."
Fayt looked puzzled, "Worthy of wielding it? What does that...?"
This time it was Glou that spoke up, his fears were well hidden from all except those who knew him truly well, "It means exactly that. The sword itself chooses who shall wield it. Consequences most unfortunate shall befall the unworthy who would attempt to use it."
Fayt placed his hand on his hip, his eyes intent on the two older men, "What exactly are these unfortunate consequences you speak of?"
Everyone was weary of the answer and yet it was Nixie who answered that question, "In the best case, the sword takes over its wielder's mind. In the worst case, it consumes both body and soul. I believed in my love, even though I was terrified out of my mind, heart and soul that something would happen to him." Glou held her ever closer, he felt that fear when he got the sword, but he had no choice. Someone needed to make sure it didn't fall into the wrong hands.
Fayt was still concerned, "If something happens to him, what will happen to Airlia…"
No one wanted to answer that question. Fayt then turned to look at Albel; everyone knew it was in a secret plea for him to be ok… Arzei wanted the topic dropped, he spoke sharply to all and yet to no one, "Silence! It has already begun."
Everyone turned eyes to Albel as the trial for his soul begun…
Albel spoke out, his voice ringing solid and true, "O Sword of the Crimson Scourge. I command you to recognize me as your master. And I command you to grant me your power!"
A voice rang out of the void, however, was only heard by the one taking the trial of the Crimson Scourge.
Seeker of power...
What is it that you hate?
Albel looked startled; he hadn't expected that, "Hate? What do you mean!?"
Hate is the root of power.
Those who go against one's will must be compelled by force.
Albel leaned back in a defensive stance, his hand on his sword, ready to strike whatever is there. Albel growled out, "What utter nonsense! I've no time for stupid questions. What is it you wish to say!?"
As the voice spoke again, Albel's stance was beginning to relax slowly…
There is no conflict without hate.
Do you have hatred for those monsters that seek to harm you?
Do you have hatred for those who seek to harm your Princess?
Do you have hatred for worthless subordinates who do not live up to your expectations?
Do you have hatred for the cowardly commoner who is not willing to fight to the death?
Do you have hatred for the King who stands above you, handing down selfish commands?
Do you have hatred for that arrogant dragon knight who always looks down on you?
Do you have hatred for one who is better than you and is beloved by the masses?
Do you have hatred for the ones you love?
Or...
Do you have hatred for that monster who drove your father to his death?
Albel shook his head in a negative manner again. He was fed up with the questions. He shouted out into the air, breaking the silence, "Enough!" He pulled out his sword and slashed at the air around him. He groaned out, "Enough, I said! I hate myself! I hate myself for the inexperience that makes me a failure in battle! I hate myself for the weakness that makes me not strong enough to protect the woman that I love! I hate myself for the selfishness that will not allow me to accept others! I hate myself for the arrogance that makes me look down on those weaker than I! I hate myself for my suspicion-filled heart that distrusts the King! I hate myself for the rebellious nature that prevents me from cooperating with others! I hate myself for the jealous nature that makes me envious of those superior to me. I hate myself for the weakness that makes me unable to express my feelings for those that I care about. And... I hate myself for the death of my father, brought by my own impotence!"
The voice rang out again, almost proud, but yet needed to be sure…
This, then, is your answer?
Albel nodded his head in affirmation, "Yes! I hate nothing more than myself!" A bright flash of light came and went, forcing Albel to cover his eyes with his metal hand. When it was gone, he lowered his hand and looked around in confusion. He swore softly, "Damn... What was that voice?" He looked around and saw the sword that was surrounded by bright, flashing lights. The voice rang out one last time, a sense of relief filling Albel's mind, body and heart.
You may take my in hand, warrior of strong heart.
I shall bend to your will.
Together we shall destroy all beings cleaved by my blade.
And all that we slay shall be cast out from this world for all eternity.