If you've come to this chapter and wondering why it's the second chapter, that's because I'm posting this revised chapter and the first one simultaneously. If you haven't read the new version, click the back button.

Now, this was an interesting new chapter to write. Getting into Albedo's head was interesting, to try and balance her yandere elements with someone who is able to be Momonga's aide de camp. As mentioned below, dEBB987's Raid Boss, an excellent story, was an inspiration for a few elements of this chapter. Plus, Albedo's character development for the better is key to this fic. It's technically less about her being less evil, and more about her changing how she is evil and to whom...though she may change genuinely into a better person...


200 YEARS, A LONG WAIT FOR FRIENDS (REVISED)

CHAPTER 2:

ALBEDO

Albedo's heart was like a typhoon, a tempest, a great raging storm. At first, she thought her love had been torn away from her forever, by this 'Shutdown' they mentioned, and all that remained was her duty to Lord Momonga, the ruler of Ainz Ooal Gown. Only that sense of duty, that sense of purpose, kept her from succumbing to despair.

And yet, he had returned to them, but with a pair of tarts in tow. At least, that was Albedo's initial thought. But she observed them, and listened. She noted how Lord Harry introduced the half-Elf girl as his daughter, and while she felt a flame of jealousy ignite in her at those words, enough rationality remained to her to note that this Antilene girl bore no resemblance to Lord Harry. The other woman was introduced as his sworn sword. A weakling compared to the rest of Nazarick, but the woman held herself with the bearing of a warrior if nothing else.

But then, he came over to her, gently had her stand, and embraced her. And with that embrace, many of her qualms and worries were hushed. Silenced, no, but he cared for her.

Still, it rankled her somewhat that those insects accompanying him were allowed to walk through Nazarick with impunity. Especially this so-called 'sworn sword', the Rockbruise woman. Albedo, or indeed any one of the Floor Guardians, even the Pleiades, would be better than this tart.

"What's with that look?" Rockbruise asked. Lord Harry was near Albedo, along with that Antilene girl, Lord Momonga leading the way.

"The thought of you being a 'sworn sword' to my lord is a laughable one."

To her astonishment, the woman actually chuckled. "Yes, it figures you'd say that. I am Lady Leinas Rockbruise, formerly of the Four Imperial Knights and thus sworn swords to Emperor Jircniv. I am one of the greatest warriors in the Baharuth Empire…but I know that I am weak by comparison to Players and their NPCs, if they bothered to grind. In any case, Harry freed me from a rather nasty curse. In exchange for that, I became his sworn sword, though in effect, it means I guard their mansion. I also act as his liaison with my former liege. It was he who actually had Harry retain me."

Albedo frowned, trying to think of a suitable retort, but she was nudged gently by Lord Harry. "Albedo, be nice. I trust Leinas. I helped her not only get that curse removed, but get revenge on the family who disowned her, and the fiancée who rejected her. And she's got a lover, so you don't have to worry on that score."

Mollified, Albedo said, "Yes, my lord." But even so, she thought back to the last time she had seen him, just prior to the Shutdown…and the event that removed all her chains. When he spoke to her about his life…


They were looking at the sky. Albedo had been commanded to sit on the grass, while they watched the fireworks burst overhead. So beautiful, and yet ephemeral. Even then, before she truly awoke, she understood that on some level.

"I dunno what possessed Momonga to do that," Lord Harry, as she had just learned his name was, said. "Forcing such a change on you…I mean, I get why he did that, but still…if you were a living person, I wouldn't be happy with someone forcing you to love anyone, let alone me."

She wanted to tell him that it was okay, that she was fine with it. But she couldn't. All she could do was listen.

"…I used to love someone once. Well, a couple of people. But…well, one of them betrayed me. Turns out she wasn't who I thought she was, in more ways than one. Damned diary infected her more than we thought. She paralysed me, bragged about having my children and living off the gravy train forever. I was the victim of an unfortunate curse. She wanted to kill me, but I couldn't be killed…so she decided to trap me. I don't know what happened to her, Hermione wouldn't say, only that it was messy. Hermione couldn't undo what was done to me…so she put me into Yggdrasil. She was being targeted for death for opposing the corporations, and by that point, the corporations had well and truly taken control. I never learned what happened to her either."

She wanted to hold him, to hug him, to tell him that it would be all right. Anything to help relieve his sadness. She didn't understand all of what he was saying, only that he had been betrayed by someone, and another brought him into this world.

"…What will happen to me after the Yggdrasil servers shut down? Momonga should be fine, but me? I'm…scared, Albedo. I don't want to go back to lying there, paralysed, when in this game, I could fly. Not with a broomstick, but with wings! I can't even die anymore."

What was he talking about? He was one of the Supreme Beings, he could not die, surely? And she didn't want him to die, not the man she loved!

After a moment, he stood, and then commanded her to stand. Eventually, he gave her a hug. She wanted a kiss, but he muttered, "Any further, and the censorship functions might kick in. Tabula designed you well, you know. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met, and I've known a few. But…you should go back. Be with Momonga until the end. I hope that, if there's an afterlife for NPCs, you can find your happiness."

No no no! She had her happiness right here and now! She wanted to scream, to cry, but she couldn't. She couldn't do anything but follow his commands as he opened a Gate to send her back to the throne room…


They reached the office of the guildmaster, something befitting Lord Momonga's station. However, at the door, Lord Harry said to Lord Momonga, "Hey, Momonga? Can you wait in there with Leinas and Antilene? I need to speak with Albedo."

"…If you're sure," Lord Momonga said.

After they went inside, Lord Harry turned to Albedo. "…Albedo, I'm sorry I said such things. If I had known this would happen, I…"

"You need not beg for my forgiveness, Lord Harry," Albedo said, her voice husky with emotion. "I did not comprehend what you were saying, and I was touched how much of your life you confessed to me. I lacked faith in your return, fearing for the worse. The other Supreme Beings left, yes, but you sounded like this…Shutdown would take the choice away from you. I…I didn't want to lose the man I loved."

"…Yeah, about that…you do know you only love me because Momonga changed your settings to that effect?"

"…Does that trouble you, my lord?"

"…It was a change against your will, Albedo. Besides, we…haven't exactly had a prior relationship for various reasons."

Oh, how magnanimous the Supreme Being was, worried about her in such a manner. Albedo, however, shook her head. "It matters little, my lord. You…have no lover, do you?"

He shook his head. "I have friends in this world, but I don't have a lover. There was…someone in this world who wanted to be my lover…but she betrayed me when I refused."

Fury welled up within her at the thought of such a treacherous skank, but she calmed herself with an effort. "Did you avenge yourself on her?"

"No. Not yet. But with Nazarick here, that may soon change. And Albedo? The people in this world are mostly weak compared to Ainz Ooal Gown…but I have a number of friends here. I need to talk with Momonga in private about the matters, and he will speak to you guys about it later. I'd appreciate it if you and the other Floor Guardians don't get antagonistic towards humans."

"…If that is my love's wish."

"And Albedo? I know you love me, but…I'm not sure I am worthy of your love yet," Lord Harry was saying, before he held up a hand to forestall her protests. "Momonga changed your settings on a whim. I'd rather us get to know each other first before we take it any further, okay?"

Her disappointment was swiftly drowned out by the import of his words sinking in. He wanted them to get to know each other. As in, dates, outings and stuff like that! She struggled to stop her smile from breaking out into a full-blown grin, and to prevent her wings from flapping in ecstasy. His words meant to take it slow, not 'no'. And Albedo could be patient. If what Lord Momonga said was true, then he had spent two centuries waiting for them, for Lord Momonga, for her. If he could wait that long, then a lowly servant of the Supreme Beings could wait a few months or years.

"Then I look forward to it, my love!" she exclaimed. "But, where should I go?"

"Just wait out here for now, okay? We'll be back soon."

As he entered the office, Albedo could scarcely contain her excitement. He was back, he was willing, and she would have her chance! Honestly, it was actually worth the wait, and dealing with lesser beings. Hell, she was willing to be civil to humans and other weaklings if that's what he wanted.

Then, with an effort, she calmed herself. Remain demure. Remain vigilant. Remain ever-dutiful. That was her creed…


Harry wiped his forehead as he entered the Tomb of Nazarick's main office, for the guildmaster. He didn't look over the opulent décor, having seen it many times before. However, his eye was drawn to Leinas and Antilene, the former of whom was holding forth to Momonga. "…And then I shoved them down his throat," Leinas said.

Momonga, despite his face now being literally skeletal, seemed to cringe. "Okay…but…he was your fiancée, right?"

"Former fiancée. He didn't love me at all, he just wanted me as a babymaker and for my dowry, not for my abilities as a warrior. In addition, he and my family had links to the Eight Fingers, though I did not know it at the time they ditched me," Leinas said. "Anyone associated with those bastards deserve everything they get."

"…And the Eight Fingers are…?"

"A crime syndicate, mostly based in the Re-Estize Kingdom, but with influence all around this continent," Harry said. "Anyway…it's good to see you again, Momonga."

"Likewise. Lady Rockbruise was regaling me with her life in the Baharuth Empire, where you ended up," Momonga said. "I'm surprised that, even with you telling her about me, she isn't that fearful or antagonistic."

"I was told Harry was originally in some sort of game, and that you were once human, simply pretending to be a Lich or an Overlord or whatever you are," Leinas said. "Once you keep that in mind, the terror at facing something that could kill you with a flick of their fingers does recede somewhat. And he spoke highly of you."

Momonga flinched, and then looked at Harry. "You told them I was human once?"

"Well, if it keeps them from thinking you're a world-destroying monster, Momonga, it would help. You can relax a little."

"Relax? How the hell am I going to relax?!" Momonga yelped, before a pale green glow briefly suffused him, and he did relax a little. "…Sorry, every time I panic or get too angry or have any emotional extreme, something forcibly suppresses it, probably this new body of mine. But seriously, the NPCs now look to be as if I'm pretty much a god. They'd probably view you the same way."

"I'm hardly surprised," Antilene said. "The first Players to come to this world were hailed as the Six Gods, the founders of my homeland, the Slane Theocracy. True, they saved the human race from being wiped out, but…well, non-humans aren't liked there, to say the least. And as I am only half-human…honestly, the only reason I stayed at times was because I would eventually be sent against my sperm donor."

"…Sperm donor?" Momonga asked.

"It's a very long story, Momonga, and we have to discuss what I know about this world and its politics," Harry said.

Momonga nodded, before he said, "Harry…you said you were imprisoned. How long, and by whom?"

"…Almost two centuries. I was betrayed by those I thought were allies," Harry said, grimacing. "One of them is a weakling compared to us, but she was a prodigy sorceress and necromancer who managed to figure out a way to imprison me within a Rubik's Cube, of all things. The other…he will be our toughest opponent. I've got an idea on how to beat him, but he knows of Players, he knows how they think and act, and he's a self-righteous paranoid nutcase. He's also a Dragon Lord, the Platinum Dragon Lord."

"A Dragon? Presumably he is sentient, the way you described him?" Momonga asked. "And how do you mean self-righteous paranoid nutcase?"

"Imagine if Touch Me wasn't an insectoid paladin, but a human one roleplaying a monster hunter, one who had tried to show mercy to monster players, only to be betrayed too many times, and deciding that all monster players must be wiped out."

"…Ah. Well, I'd like to hear more, Harry…"


Momonga listened to Harry's tale, of how Players and NPCs from Yggdrasil came to this world once every century since 600 years ago. Of how Harry ended up here, two centuries ago, and joined the Thirteen Heroes to save the world from rogue NPCs known as the Demon Kings. Of how he was betrayed by two of his comrades.

The anger he felt towards the Platinum Dragon Lord and this Rigrit bitch caused the emotional suppression system to kick in multiple times. However, Harry then revealed how he escaped, and that actually had him laughing. After all, it amounted to chance and a tantrum.

"So, are you telling me that Antilene, after getting frustrated over being unable to solve a Rubik's Cube, damaged it by throwing it against the wall? And it somehow damaged the seal?" Momonga asked, trying not to laugh again.

"It's a bit more involved than that," Antilene said with a pout. "I actually used one of my skills. Harry said I can use a couple of your death-aligned skills like The Goal of All Life is Death. I think I 'killed' part of the seal on it. I was, admittedly, startled to hear a voice talking to me. It took a long time for Harry to win me over. I mean, a strange voice telling me that what I knew was a lie or only half-truths? Keep in mind, I may have been discontented a little with my position in the Black Scripture, but I was still loyal. I even hid my ears out of shame."

"But she eventually came to trust me," Harry said. "I eventually managed to break the seal, albeit with a little help from her. She had to damage the Rubik's Cube with her skills at key points. We fled the Theocracy, though not before doing some damage. We decided to go to the Baharuth Empire, as while they had friendly ties with the Theocracy to some degree, I thought we could lay low there for some time. As it turned out, well, I've been living there for the last few years. Leinas has no doubt told you of how I gained not only her favour, but that of the Emperor."

"Yes, though I'm surprised he looked favourably upon you robbing him of one of his bodyguards," Momonga mused.

"Emperor Jircniv was aware I had sworn loyalty to him in exchange for two things: revenge on my family and my fiancée, along with a cure for my curse. Once I had obtained those, I made it clear, I would not stay with him. Harry gave me what I desired. However, Emperor Jircniv, despite being known as the Bloody Emperor, is a pragmatist who knows when to compromise. He suggested that I join Harry's employ in order to guard his house, as well as to act as a liaison," Leinas pointed out. "In this way, I still serve the Emperor, even if my direct loyalty is to Harry. He saved me from my curse, and delivered me my vengeance. But I am not without gratitude to the Emperor either, for he recognised my skill and strength."

"I see," Momonga said, before returning his gaze to Harry. "And you want our help in taking down the Platinum Dragon Lord, Harry?"

"I want it, but Momonga, it's not going to be easy, even with the Floor Guardians. If you don't want to help, then…"

But Momonga held up a bony hand. "…No. I do want to help you, Harry. But taking revenge on him will be a long-term goal. This is not Yggdrasil any longer, but a most dangerous reality. But Ainz Ooal Gown remains. And an attack on one of us is an attack on this very guild itself. It will not stand. We will draw up plans, consolidate our position, and then, we will avenge you, and the other Players who fell victim to his manipulations. This, I do swear."

Harry, after a moment, smiled at him, struck by the solemnity and sincerity of the declaration by his old friend. A sad, tired thing, born of the centuries he had spent alive, but a genuine thing. "…Thanks, Momonga…"

CHAPTER 2 ANNOTATIONS:

So, Momonga has been given a very different goal to canon, but can it help him keep what is left of his humanity?

As for Albedo, I hope you enjoyed this insight into her psyche. I wanted to do something more than the yandere we all know and lust over. This Albedo will become a more complex character who will do evil for good purposes, thanks to Harry carefully shepherding her. And because she has two Supreme Beings to serve, she also won't have her own plan, which fans believe is to hunt down any other Supreme Beings and kill them, so she could have Momonga to herself (I'm not wholly convinced: it's a good inference and fitting her character, but there's no concrete proof yet, and Pandora's Actor being in her squad means he would oppose such a thing if he understood it).

Incidentally, Albedo's POV was actually partly inspired by the excellent Raid Boss by dEBB987. I wanted to do something similar to add some nuance to her character.

As for Harry's past, it's similar to his past in broad strokes to the one I conceived of for Zest for Life. Ginny was taken over by the Diary Horcrux long before Voldemort met his Waterloo. When Ginnymort fell pregnant, she tried to kill Harry for his inheritance, but upon realising he had become the Master of Death, she instead locked him into a magical paralysis only she could undo. An elderly Hermione, later on, found him, and decided to put Harry into Yggdrasil as a mercy. His physical body in the Potterverse was reconstituted during the transition into the New World, and he still has the same immortality.

No numbered annotations this time.