The Other Side of the Coin.
Written by: Somnion
First of all I'd like to thank everyone for reviewing my first work. Thank you, very much. I am glad that most of you thought my first fic was good, I was actually quite worried that it might not measure up. However, this current chapter will be introducing a new character, therefore it may be a little stale. Secondly, please forgive me for not allowing anonymous readers to review. I had no idea that I had put that feature on so I really hope you guys forgive me. All your reviews are greatly appreciated. Some of you are hoping for a romance between Nel and Albel. That will definitely come, but it will take some time, probably the 4th and 5th chapters. Remember, this story is a trilogy and is basically a love-hate relationship. But I will put some tender scenes in this first part of the trilogy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean 3 or its characters.
Chapter 2: The Menodix and Lycanthrope.
Nel and Albel continued their trek through the forest. They were doing rather well in avoiding detection by bandits. Using the most concealed forest paths which had had been cardio graphed by the Crimson Blades who had once carried out missions there. For quite some time, no words were exchanged between the Aquarian and her reluctant partner. Just as Nel was about to break the silence, she happened to hear a faint weeping, which seemed to be coming from one of the trees.
"I thought I heard something," she said to Albel.
"I suppose you want to take a look."
"Let's just a have a quick look," suggested Nel.
Albel was did not wish to engage in yet another quarrel with the Crimson Blade, and reluctantly agreed to it. As the pair made their way to the source of the noise, they were surprised to find a cage tied to a branch, therefore being suspended in mid-air. They were even more surprised to see who it was inside the cage.
A little Menodix boy was crying inside, and Nel knew all too well who the person was. Albel looked up at the occupant of the cage and smirked.
"What's the matter Huxley? I thought real men don't cry," taunted Albel.
"I wasn't crying you, moron, I had something in my eye," said Roger as he opened his big eyes, and looked down at who had spoken to him. "Nel and Albel!" he shrieked in delight, wiping his tears away. "Boy, am I glad to see you."
Looking at Roger as he sat in his cage, Nel felt a shiver running up her spine, as she recalled the many times the young Menodix had tried to feel her up. Somehow some part of her had wanted to leave the little runt where he was. Then, once again Adray popped up on her shoulder. "Come on, take him with you, the little brat may be a little useful," suggested Adray. Lassele then popped up on Nel's opposite shoulder. "What do you think you're doing? You have a mission, for crying out loud, not saving little animals from trees. Leave him there, let the firemen handle it or something," he snapped. "Weren't you supposed to be the good one," Nel said as she turned to Lassele.
"Two words, Lady Nel, be flexible," answered Lassele with smirk, before he and Adray disappeared.
"Alright, Roger, what did you do now?" Nel asked, rather irritated.
"I didn't do anything wrong, really," he answered.
"Somehow, it seems to me that everything you say sounds like a lie."
"Albel, she's soooooo mean to me, make her stop," he whined as he turned to Albel, giving him a look that would have made even Duke Vox take pity on him. Albel countered that look by looking the Menodix straight in the eye, giving him a glare that would have made Luther himself wet his pants. Roger got the message. His wiles weren't going to work on Albel.
"Look all I did was walk in the forest because Lezard said there was treasure hidden somewhere in the forest. Then suddenly these brutes pop outta nowhere and say I'm trespassing, before locking me in this cage."
"This maggot has a knack for getting into trouble," Albel muttered under his breath.
"Come on, guys! Let me outta here, please," he begged.
"If he keeps on babbling like this, he's going to attract attention," said Albel, as he casually pulled out his sword, the Crimson Scourge.
"Wait, don't kill him," pleaded Nel as she tried to hold his blade. She was surprised when Albel cut the rope that had suspended Roger's cage. The cage then fell to the floor, with a little thump.
Using her runology, Nel opened the cage, letting Roger out. "Thanks for getting me outta there, but you could have been a little more gentle," replied Roger, as he rubbed his sore rump.
"Alright brat, you follow us and don't make a sound. We're in bandit territory, so watch it," said Albel has he continued on walking.
"You sure this is a good idea," Nel asked as she caught a gleam glistening in Roger's eyes.
"Don't worry. I have a use for him."
The trio continued to make their way through the forest, with Albel leading them. Nel was beginning to wonder where he was leading them. He had been acting strange lately. It had been almost a year since Luther was defeated and she had not met him since, until today. She wondered what use Albel had for Roger, who was completely oblivious to danger around him. As she pondered over the many questions, she felt Roger run his palm up her thigh.
"Lecherous scumbag, don't you ever get tired," she shrieked as she kicked him in the face, sending Roger flying straight towards a tree.
"Bashing up your own teammates, Zelpher?" asked Albel, as a smirk spread across his face.
Thinking she had overdone it, she quickly rushed to the Menodix, who now looked like he had been hit by a wagon. "Damn, he's lost consciousness."
Albel came up to them, and picked and slumped him on his shoulder. "I still have use for him, he's vital to the mission," he said as turned away. "Vital to the mission," Nel thought to herself. "What in the name of Apris is going on here?"
Finally they made it to the place where Albel was leading them. It was a hill which overlooked the entire area of Duggus Forest. As Nel walked up the hill, she signaled to Albel, who was now laying the snoozing Menodix on the ground, to come closer. She pulled out a map and pointed at it.
"Alright, here's where we are, next to the rock that overlooks this hill. According to reports made by other Crimson Blades, the bandit's hideout should be at the old Moonshadow Clan base. Let's use this hill as vantage point to try to pinpoint the location of the base."
An annoyed grunt was the response she received from Albel. Nel glared at him. "You have a better plan, I suspect," said Nel as Albel lifted his face to look the Aquarian in the eye. Albel put his fingers to his mouth, and gave a quick whistle. Then, he looked up into the sky, as if he was expecting something to happen.
"What is he doing?" Nel wondered. Her question was answered when a large falcon which appeared from the North flew up to them. Landing himself in front of Albel, the bird opened his beak and spoke, "I have already surveyed the area, Lord Albel. The bandit hideout is not very far from here."
"Very good, Red Claw. Hard to believe a maggot like you does have some uses," Albel said, as he smirked at the bird.
"Who is this bird, how is he able to talk?" asked Nel, who was completely taken by surprise.
"I am Lycanthrope, Lady Nel. I serve directly under King Aiyglyph and Lord Albel. I am also the captain of Aiyglyph's Intelligence Brigade," answered the bird, as he bowed his head in respect.
"A Lycanthrope, Intelligence Brigade?" Nel asked, still in a state of confusion.
"They were the ones responsible for being our eyes and ears in Aquaria during the war," answered Albel. "Lycanthropes are race of humanoids that emerge when human cells and Beastfolk cells coexist in a single body, due to a certain virus that lives within them. The human and Beastfolk cells expand and contract based on a Lycanthrope's heart rate. Once it reaches a certain threshold, the Beastfolk cells will expand, causing them to change.
"However," continued Red Claw, picking up from where Albel stopped, "our race of Lycanthrope is slightly more advanced than most. We retain the ability to speak with others because a bird's larynx is more advanced than most animals. Most Lycanthropes can't speak intelligibly at all while in beast form. Our race is also the only race that allows us to take perfect shape of our beast form. Most other races can only turn to semi perfect forms of themselves, like werewolves. We also have mastered the art of assuming our beast forms at will, simply by increasing our heart rate through force of will."
Then, right before Nel's eyes, Red Claw began to transform. He began to grow larger, his wings beginning to take the shape of arms, his falcon head became broader and less sharp. His talons turning to feet and finally completing the transformation stood before Nel who was too astonished for words.
Red Claw was a tall man, as tall as Albel, though much older. He wore robes which were tailored artistically, with feathers rimming the sleeves and wore a chain of red beads around his neck. His eyes were like that of a hawk's, sharp, serious and strong, and were a pale green, surrounded by dark rings that seemed like he had not slept in the days. His dark brown hair was long, extending all the way to his back. Despite being in human form, he still seemed to resemble a hawk, and was just about as regal as one.
"Wow, that was awesome," yelled a voice behind them.
Looking behind, they all noticed that Roger had now regained consciousness and was smiling broadly at them. "Can you teach me how to do that?"
"Lord Albel, I shall return to Lady Clair and inform her of our progress," said Red Claw, as he faced Albel.
"Yes, but I need you to do something else for me," he said. "I need you to thank the Menodix brat home, leaving him here will only jeopardize our situation."
"But I thought you said you needed Roger for something," said Nel.
"But I do need him for something, fool. He will ride with Red Claw bearing this."
Albel pulled out a map which he and Red Claw had drawn up. This contains the information concerning the bandits and their movement. Red Claw can't carry them in his talons, so I need that 'maggot of a kid' to carry it.
"Finally, an important mission that is worthy my talents. Only 'Real Men' can undertake such perilous missions," said Roger as he gleamed with pride.
"So being a 'messenger boy' is worthy of your talents, eh, Huxley?" taunted Albel. "Don't give yourself too much credit, worm."
Roger, feeling his pride being threatened dashed at Albel with his tiny axe. Nel grabbed him by the tail. She held him up by his tail so he was hanging upside down. "Do you really want to die so early?" she asked.
Roger shook his head in fear. There were times when Nel could be a lot scarier than Albel, and Roger knew this for a fact. "Alright, Ma'am, I'll be good."
"Good," replied Nel, as she dropped the boy, landing on his rump once again.
"Oh, man, that's twice in one day," as he rubbed his aching butt.
"Zelpher, lend Roger your scarf. Once Red Claw meets with Clair, at least your scarf will be proof we've made contact with you."
As she took off her scarf and passed it to Roger, who was seated on Red Claw's back, she began to reflect on how well planned this operation was, thanks to Albel. "He's a lot more resourceful than I once thought. He even takes preparatory and precautionary steps. Had he been on Aquaria's side, he would have been a great asset."
It was then, when Nel caught hold of herself. Why was she noticing all these aspects about Albel? Despite having many redeeming qualities, he was still the same Albel Nox. The same man known as Albel the Wicked. The same man whose sword had mercilessly cut down many of her fellow soldiers and friends. The same man who had stolen away the future of hundreds of men and women who died to protect their country. The same man whose hands were stained with the blood of so many Aquarians. Albel was her enemy, through and through. He could never be forgiven for all the sins he had committed. But then, why did he save her that one time? Could it be that he really had a heart?
"Zelpher!'
Waking up from her thoughts, she saw Albel waiting impatiently.
"Start moving. Red Claw and the brat have already left. Furthermore, I don't intend on sticking around here too long, this place bores me."
With that, Nel followed after him, her mind still deep in thought.
Well, what do you think? Please read and review. Thanks once again.