A/N: At last for our time skip of a chapter, 'cept the first part. That's based on a day before just to set the stage. Ya get me? By show of hands at the end of the chapter, tell me how much ya wanna kill me. That'll mean I'll get a good response of people hunting me down. xD Another thing I'll babble on about it…I finally got Tales of Symphonia (I can't play it on the wii since I never played the first one. XD) WTF. Kratos is one hell of a bastard, betraying me and then giving me all the clues. Shit head. .3. Right now I'm trying to save Colette with that crystal disease thingy she had. I hate her, she so f—ing annoying. Sheena is useless. Zelos is the shit. Presea kicks ass. And I love Regal xD I liked Kratos until he totally duped us, little beeper…Fine. He still superly duperly awesome! But when I found out the secret…I was like, "This is Star Wars all over again." I had a freakish dream (it was totally random) that Lloyd was gonna confess his feelings to Regal until Genis screwed it up and Raine smacked him. I woke up with a whole, "What the…?" Lovely. xDDDD F.Y.I, I'm not into that pairing. Actually, I dunno. I just sense a lot of yaoi-ness can come out of the game. Don't. Judge. Me.
Summary: What are the odds of a noble swordsman with a self-absorbed egoism to be swayed by such a frail boy in the cold streets of Airyglyph? .:Albel/Fayt:.
Extra Notes: 'Thoughts' are gonna be written in italics. LET'S GO ON WITH THE WAR. So much for that peace shat. :V
Dedication: Maiyoko Iwagashi. Seriously, go on and read her fics!
Disclaimer: Don't even get me started, I could rant on forever. Like totally. Guess what? One of my friends suggested I have sadistic personality disorder (not including to animals, just humans). Hehehehe. Cemeteries make me smile. :)
Song of choice/Playlist: I have three in store for this chapter, one 'instrumental/classical', and two that is 'normal'. Go ahead; you're free to choose which one~! Just in case you have different preferences! Artist first, song next. Got it? Good.
~.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.~
One star story – Tears behind a smile
Bond - Explosive
~.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.~

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Serendipity

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Battle

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In the cold nation of Airyglyph it was the night before the invasion. But in Aquios—being unaware and all—it was just a regular day to prepare the weaponry from the blueprints Nel and Fayt brought back through their vigorous journey. That awful churn in the blunette's stomach has gotten worse ever since they arrived; he stomach even refused food for the whole day. Nel highly recommended for Fayt to stay within the castle, but Fayt wouldn't have that and went to wander Aquios. Just staying inside the castle for so long has gotten him bored and lonely. The teen felt dreadful worrying Cliff in the progress of his fowl mood since he always avoided the blonde every chance he had since he arrived.

Fayt shook his head; he's been sitting in the same spot for hours with that nestling feeling inside of him. He ascertain himself it was about time to go back to the castle and expect another lecture from Nel or the circumstances where Fayt could evade Cliff. As he entered the front doors the sounds of a holy reciting chimed the corridors followed by a chorus singing. The teen was never interested in religion nor did it appeal to his taste to stay and watch, only this once will he go inside and see what this whole 'worshipping' thing is about. It felt discomfited to just timidly sit on the benches as people glared daggers from entering the area so late, and it grew even more awkward with a fancy dressed man in red right beside him.

High priestess: "Let us give thanks to Apris!"

The man chuckled quietly, "Yes, thank me like you should."

Fayt raised a brow and clasped his hands together akin to all the rest silently giving their prayers. 'Give thanks to you?' From the corner of his verdant eyes, Fayt almost squeaked when the man's piercing amber eyes looked over to him with a smug smirk, "Nice to see you too, Fayt."

And Fayt remain completely stoned, ignoring some dark glares at the two making a scene during prayers. An elderly woman silenced both of them and pointed at the door, her eyes even gave the subtle message loud and clear: Get out. The two did so, exiting out of the chapel and now presently between the entrance of said chapel and the exit of the castle. The man 'hmph' with his arms crossed, "How very rude of her."

"W-what--" Fayt took a step back, pointing a quavering finger at the ebony haired, "--are you doing here?!"

"Hearing people recite their prayers for me. What else?" he said matter-of-factly.

"Weren't you a girl before…you're not the same person, right? You're not…Apris?" Fayt mumbled all the words out; if he did get the wrong person, the blunette must've sounded dim-witted.

"I'm a god." Apris flicked two fingers on Fayt's forehead, "Use common sense, squirt."

The teen groaned and rubbed the painful spot, one emerald eye examining Apris' new appearance. Grabbing the blunette's attention is a single velvet sheet holding a certain item and tied around with a rope to Apris' wrist. The teen further inspected without appearing too interested, but why keep it bound to his wrist if his pale skin has already turned purely raw? Fayt kept quiet and turned his heel to resume going through the night with a good night's rest.

Apris quickly followed forward, strongly tapping Fayt's shoulder with a casual smile. Fayt eyed the man peculiarly and shrugged, he was too exhausted to care. Although his shoulder felt oddly heavier and much colder than the rest of his body, once he lifted his arm it fell back to its original position – he couldn't even lift it. The emerald hued walked over to his room and used his other arm for his hand to touch the knob; it began with one rotation until Apris professed—

"Are you prepared to die, Fayt Leingod?"

Fayt whirled around with eyes wide as they could get, "What?!" By the time he has already turned around, the ebony haired man was nowhere in sight. He turned back around and entered the dark room as he took the far end of his bed for a seat, "…Did he mean by that…?" His back fell on the bed with his head landing on the soft pillow – it still felt odd to sleep on a real bed, but for now he couldn't care. His hand touched his cold arm; it recoiled back quickly from the icy touch although the color is still the same.

"How weird…"

---

Midnight and only midnight made the city of Aquios look as riveting as always with some fireflies revealing their wonderful glowing lights between the vines that grow around the sacred city. The crispy winds felt nice with the warm temperature of the air, most the winds speed were rapid to let the man's long black ponytail flow with wind and the several strands on his face sway to one side. He let his body be supported by the railing of the balcony on the highest summit of the castle and that's how he stayed throughout the night with his eyes closed and a warming smile on his lips. The light stinging pain the rope left on his wrist did not obstruct his serene state.

He could have made this little drag—the item around his wrist—just disappear momentarily until the time was right to bring it out again, however that time felt so close. Apris had to keep it secured with him until then, his amber orbs opened when a drop of water fell on his face. Then came another of the little drops when soon it became a rushing shower. Apris eyed the vines growing and thought deeply of them. The vines twined together with another vine, forming a large leaf-like structure that gently hovered over Apris' body and keeping him protected from the heavy rainfall. The ebony haired felt the rain pattered on his face with his expression mixed in shock, his hand stretched out—the one not holding his precious item—to feel the chilling water.

"To think we'll expect a landslide, this downpour will be heavy."

Apris turned around, his elbows leaning on the railing, "Fayt, you can stop all of this. You can do it." His amber eyes peered down at the velvet-covered item, "I wouldn't want this to go to waste if you fail me."

His amber eyes closed again, listening to the drops of rain for that entire night. It saddened him that shower had to block away the sight of the fireflies, also closing off the breathtaking sight of Aquios at the sheer of midnight.

---

A certain Duke held his sword high and certainly unpleased no matter how much he sharpened it, it wouldn't be as perfectly dangerous in appearance as he wanted. His attempts did not stop for the night whilst still sharpening the sword with sweat sliding down his insipid face, his teeth grinding against each other violently. As it turned to midnight, he cackles ominously and holds the sword—for the uncounted time this single night—high in glory. It swooped down with the perfect precision of slicing through the air and then slashed to one side for practice – simply ideal without a flaw of so much effort in getting the blade and tip to the right tone of sharpness.

"Just you wait, Nox. I'll make sure to prove that you are a traitor." Vox swung the blade, "And show you who the real weakling is."

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Albel panted harshly from destroying yet another wooden figure in shape of the enemy, it has been hours of vigorous training that could still go on if only the rain didn't pour on his body in drops to a shower. He growled loudly, throwing the sword he used from the wooden crate to who knows where. His stomps were like warning signals for soldiers who were training as well to let the Wicked One get out first. Instead of immediately heading to his room, his feet just stopped at the stairs to sit down. Albel's bi-colored locks dripped water on his drenched stockings to his footwear. The battle is in a tomorrow and the swordsman just didn't feel at all prepared albeit putting his unit through enough hellish sessions of training.

Albel's eyes widened when his vision could only see a cream-cotton cloth, his hand lifted up one side to see who in the right mind would drop a towel on his head without a regard to their life. The man's mouth remain closed, silly him; it was only Woltar. Regardless, Albel is angered enough as it is; nevertheless he had to ask, "Why…? Why did you help me escape the King's decision on my sentence?!" Albel grabbed the towel in fury whilst his body shot right up and throwing the cloth on the floor.

"Fayt."

The bi-colored haired blinked, wondering if he heard right, "What?"

"The boy, Albel." He said with a pause, then continued, "I had a strange feeling about him when Vox dragged in that woman. When she let her guard down to sleep, I overheard her constantly repeat his name. There had to be a connection, that's what kept reminding me over the time he was here."

Albel kept silent. The King's celebration was a while ago from now. If he knew, why didn't Woltar say anything until now? And especially that Airyglyph is at slight disadvantage because all the prints were stolen.

Then what this old captain's motive?

"Even if Fayt is considered a traitor, he was the only one able to break the barrier that prevented you to feel anything – metaphorically, that is. And for the sake of the purpose it was better to help you than to help a bunch of meaningless citizens who could care less and are just selfish." Woltar took a step forward, his back facing Albel, "And if your father was still alive, he would want nothing better than to grant you happiness. After all, that is why your father sacrificed his life for you--"

Albel clenched his fist, shaking his head violently and looking the other way, "It's my fault! All of it…he could still be alive if I…"

"Hmm. You're only half right, Albel."

Being correct to one extent made the swordsman cringe.

"He could still be alive, that much is certain. And that was the purpose of it all: would he protect you from death if he didn't know you, if you weren't his son? He did because you are his son; you were meant to keep on living." Woltar looked up with a smile, "I bet he would be very unhappy that his effort went in vain because this only caused to shut yourself from the rest of the world."

"In the end…why would I meddle on another opportunity for you to be happy? Everyone has a heart, and so do I. I was good friends with your father and certainly believe he wouldn't want me to intrude in your new chance either."

Woltar made a bee-line to pick the towel from the floor, stretching out his arm to let Albel take a hold of it. The swordsman was left…wordless, at any rate he took the towel off Woltar's hand and plant in on his head without properly drying his long bi-colored locks. The old senior yawned, busily making his way of up the stairs until stopping to the very top step, "Be prepared to settle things right."

"Yeah…" Albel gave a light smirk with no hostility included, "Go away, old man."

---

Reaching dawn – indeed it is.

Albel didn't get enough sleep, but it still wouldn't bother him or keep him unfocused on his priority: free killing spree, no restrictions. Although he has calmed down after the Fayt incident, the man still had leftover fury in dire need of releasing. From all the armor Luther kindly—that is a lie, he was forced by the King—brought over with that cranky mood of his and ranting of wasting his "beauty sleep." He shook his head and ignored all the armor and decided to not have anything at all. His gauntlet, his katana, and the steeled Earth—the shield was thrown aside after his decision making—is all he needed equipped. With everything ready to go, Albel caught up to Woltar and soon later Vox where they gathered in the dragon's dens.

All three giant reptilians lowered their back for their rightful owner to board them; Albel shifted uneasily on the dragon and made it pretty visible for Vox to see Albel's perturbed. The Duke chuckled, getting the swordsman to grip the strap and clenched on it for dear life. Momentarily, Albel took a deep breath and exhaled, 'Save it for the battlefield.'

It wasn't long until all the units have reached Kirlsa hills and the three captains waited for the signal with a tense patience. His scarlet eyes peered at the men seen as tiny dots on the top of a large hill where all three dragons also stood in everlasting patience. The rain has stopped and a large landside created a pool of water deep enough to drown in. Scattered around the hills were smaller puddles yet Albel had an awful feeling of the large body of water.

---

Apris craned his neck, extending out his hand and satisfied the rain has stopped. He furrowed his brows and turned around to look onward. With a sigh he let out: "It's time…"

---

Fayt slouched on his bed, getting that accursed churn during his sleep. He stepped out of the room—figuring it might be best to use the bathroom—jumping when someone violently shook him from behind. The blunette was forced around; eyes hazed however clear enough to figure it was only Cliff.

"Airyglyph is invading!"

'…Albel…'

---

Albel offhandedly thrusts the sword in the back of an unwary Aquarian; his clothing had blood splatters all around of all the uncounted soldiers he has slain thus far. All were violently killed than the other for Albel grew agitated out of all the men killed so far and not once has he seen Fayt anywhere. Running back and forth frantically finding him lead him nowhere – another of the Aquarian men successfully sneaked behind Albel, but let his guard down as soon as the swordsman picked up the sound of hitting water.

His long arms were a benefit to grip the man with his metal claws; Albel let them sink deeper within the skin as the victim has grown desperate for air. "Where is Fayt Leingod?"

"I'll n-never tell…!"

Scarlet eyes grew frustrated beyond imaginable, "Wrong answer." Albel threw the man as if he was just trash, kicking swiftly at his back and finally bending down to grab Aquarian's arm and forced it backwards, "I'll ask you again, where is he? I'll break your pathetic arm if don't answer!"

"Knock it off!" hollered a familiar voice, Albel didn't even have the chance to see who it could be before he was pushed of his little victim where he scurried away from direct order of his savior. The scarlet hued groaned, opening one eye to see a double-seen Fayt panting for dear life. His katana brought use to be a support to get up from the dusty ground as Albel clenched his fist, his knuckles turning a bright white and with so much stress made his hand bleed – his injury still hasn't healed for it always re-opens.

Fayt felt very shocked he dealt hiding all this time out of Albel's sight, and now he blew his cover to save someone he barely knew. How could he handle this now? All this teen really wanted to do is forget about this war and hug Albel tightly like nothing was ever wrong. Without a sense of control, Fayt's body moved on its own with arms opening to get that embrace.

He stopped mid-struck when the blade was a centimeter away from his nose.

Albel hissed venomously, "Touch me, I dare you."

Fayt felt a pang on his chest. The way Albel talked to him, the way he looked at him: hatred, pure hatred. From the first time they met the scarlet hued did not have so much fury in his eyes, only the aura of superiority. Fayt emerald eyes were forced down, hiding away all the sorrow and calling it done – he just had no more of a chance. "I love you, Albel."

"Heh, is that so?" he steadily let the blade fall lower to lift Fayt's chin with the pointed tip, "How many did you repeat those same words to, you promiscuous bastard?"

Verdant eyes widened and Albel found it as a victory to unraveling a true Fayt, "W-why…how…where did you hear that?!" demanded the blunette, his voice cracking to every word.

"Does it matter? I know everything now. Tell me, for what other benefits was I used for? Your chastity means nothing to accomplish anything at all cost. Am I right, foolish tramp?"

Fayt took the blade out of the scabbard in a rapid speed; Albel grew perplexed why Fayt extended the sword to Albel – the steeled Earth. The katana dropped to the ground, the blunette replaced Albel's sword-less hand with the other weapon, pushing his fingers to close Albel's hand. The blue haired stepped back—cautious to not go too far—and stood beside the aftermath of the landslide with the large pool of water reflecting his back as well as the side of his face and his saddening smile.

"It may all be true…no, it is true. When I look back, I honestly regret my stupid decisions." Fayt solemnly lamented, "I fell for one person and only one. Albel, I love you and no one else. You…don't have to believe me. That's why I want you to kill me, just do it if you really hate me. I won't run, I promise."

The winds ran past the pair, leaving Albel's hand trembling with the sword in his hand. He hated Fayt, he hated the many things he's done, so why not kill him? In this battlefield, Albel killed anyone without hesitation so far, why not this blunette? Albel fell on his knees, "Dammit! I can't! I just can't!"

The emerald hued stood in quietness, slowly approaching Albel at an unhurried pace and even hesitated enough to just touch the man's shoulder in reassurance. He stopped abruptly with Albel's hand held up high to prevent Fayt approaching closer than necessary.

Fayt: "I'm sorry…"

"This is for making a fool of me, Albel! Die in hell!"

The two heads peered over at Vox drawing closer to Albel with the sword held up high in his hand; oddly he wasn't with his dragon. The swordsman had too much of a late reaction to understand Vox came to kill him – to kill Albel for making him look like an idiot all the time during his time in the castle. At this point it was the Duke considered being the conspirator all along and moments away from taking Albel's life.

Albel clamped his eyes shut, even if he did get up from his kneeling position he could just helping Vox more by killing him. There was no blow, no pain, no feeling of a trickling flow of blood. Albel dared to open his scarlet eyes that instantly turned as wide as saucers with Vox and Fayt right beside the pool of water. When the Duke charged, he took another victim instead and slashed deep within Fayt's arm as the sword slid out of the body with a fully bloody blade.

The blunette stumbled backwards, landing in the water.

Vox sighed, "Idiotic child, how dare he gets in my way!"

Albel clamped the sword tightly, charging at Vox and stabbing the only part of his body not covered by armor: his head. He could care less when Vox's body fell backwards on dusty hills, Albel's hands held on the ledge of the rocky-muddy area of the deep pool of dirty water.

"F-Fayt…"

Albel took a step back, gathering as much air as he can when he finally let his body plunge inside the water.

---

Fayt's body drifts deeper in the water, his bloody arm leaving a trail of red within the water. Before losing all consciousness, Fayt remembers one unexpected thing:

"Are you prepared to die, Fayt Leingod?"

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A/N: Very short, but the next chapter is slightly longer. Good news, it's done as well! :D Took me hours, but I did it. Mmmhmm. 8-B Not so happy with this chapter AT ALL, but w/e. The next one is fairly alright with me. And I did promise this one would be up in a week. Fawk yeah~ There are several mistakes I missed here and there. Again...whateva. .3. Next chapter up in several days? Two, three, another week? Dunno.