Eureka! We've done it AGAIN!
Author: Psychodog (Well the last time I checked anyway)

"Hmph, Day of Apris, huh? I don't believe in such rubbish. Relationship? Religion? Red-haired Aquarians? No Thank you." -Albel Nox

Disclaimer: (Yawn) Scroll back to the other pages. You'll find it somewhere. Unless... your BLIND? ARE YOU? Omg! How are you reading this Fanfic? ALIENS! YAY! (?)

Characters:

Adray Lasbard- The father of Claire Lasbard. Very manly, he was once considered the greatest warrior of Aquaria (Crimson Blade), being good with a sword AND Symbology. Now in old age, he's still energetic as ever, hunting for a man for his daughter. To Nel, he is like a uncle. One of the least favored Star Ocean characters sadly. (Though I LOVE Adray!)

Claire Lasbard- Nel's best friend, a high ranking warrior. She's very calm and cool, always organized. She is stationed in Arias... Though she may handle war well, her father is a whole DIFFERENT story.

Sophia Esteed- A young earthling and Fayt's childhood friend. She's been acting PRETTY shady in the fanfic. Like why isn't she with Fayt? And Why hasn't Fayt come back from... the "incident". Could she be in on it too? Maybe...

Chapter V: The Big Switch

Act I: Grudges

Setting: Arias Manor

Claire sighed... somewhat disappointedly... here was her best friend Nel. Sitting upon a velvet sofa, flipping her dagger between her fingers in an angered manner. Claire even hoped Tynave and Farleen, her two favorite subordinates could cheer her up. Well... It didn't happen. Whatever occured DEFFINITELY pissed her off. She had the death glare... Anyone who entered the room, she threw her dagger at them. As if it was ALBEL who entered the room. Claire merely watched... she couldn't do much. I mean who could blame that Albel Nox...was...well... Albel Nox! All Nel ever did now was mope around, stabbing her dagger on everything that moved. People included. She already attempted to stab numerous flies, some rodents, Adray, Roger (not intentionally), Gossam (well, even when she ISN'T angry, she'd stab him). , 2 Stray cats and a few other people not worth mentioning. Wow, heartbreak is rather... violent. And Like Cliff said... "Scar-ee". Adray peeked from over his daughter's shoulder.

"Is Nel still scary?" He asked meekly.

"Yes, Father. She's still scary." Clair replied with a sigh. "Poor Nel... Albel struck her most weak spot."

Adray looked at her quizzically. "Like what? Her funny bone?"

"No father, her PRIDE. Her loyalty in her kingdom, her code, in APRIS!" That silenced Adray up, He made the typical "ouch, Ooooh" face. Yep... Nel was fiercely loyal, her pride was most likely shattered... Suddenly, a fuzzy head popped up from underneath the peeking Claire and Adray. It had fuzzy ears, a helmet, and something that resembled much like whiskers. Clair felt something tickle her chin, she looked down... It had... a TAIL? She jumped back, gasping, and bumping into her father. Adray broke into a grin.

"Well!" Adray said with a chuckle. "If it ain't Roger S. Huxley! How ya doin'?"

"That's my name! Don't wear it out! I'm doing great, by the way!" Roger replied smugly. "What'cha guys lookin' at?" Roger asked curiously.

"Nel." They both said at the same time.

"Oh yeah." His tail began to rock back and forth. "That Albel knows nothin' about girls! He's a sorry excuse for a ma-" Claire and Adray covered his mouth immediately, their eyes shifted back and forth, making sure no one heard the menodix. Claire sighed... coast was clear.

"Shhh... if Albel hears ya, that wouldn't be good. You know how defensive he is with insults." Adray whispered to Roger. "And I wouldn't talk about Albel in front o' Nel. She'd flip out if she heard ya. Or... she'd probably stab you in the tail with her daggers and hang you on the wall." Roger's face turned pale... he then grabbed his tail, protecting it.

"Not my tail! This is the fluffiest tail around! The girls DIG the tail!"

"Hey, excuse me." A voice said from behind them. All three of em jumped in surprise. Standing before them was a tall stranger... with large muscular arms, and so many bruises on his face that they had to squint to figure out who it was.

"Dear Apris!" Claire gasped, her hand over her mouth.

"Whoa! What the heck happened to yer Face?" Adray asked with disbelief.

"Wow... talk about extreme make-over." Roger said. "That's... wow."

"Shut up and tell me where Nel is." The voice said impatiently. "It's kinda important." All three of them pointed to the room they were just peaking in.

-----------------

Nel Zelpher, Crimson blade and a warrior of Aquaria sat on the velvet sofa. Her chin rested on the palm of her left hand, and flipping the dagger in her right. Her elbow was propped on her knee. Every 10 minutes or so, she'd mutter curses at Albel, sigh, and return to sulking. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light was the fire place which was set ablaze. It was nice... the warmth was quite soothing... Especially in this winter season. Finally, Nel sighed... that jerk! How dare he insult Apris! It was one thing to say vulgar insults to her, but to the day of Apris ball? He might as well scream blasphemy to Aquaria, to her queen! She sighed again... flipping her dagger around her hand skillfully. She wouldn't mind stabbing her knife in Albel's skull, but that wouldn't be good for Airyglyph and Aquaria alike. So she dropped that idea... She could unleash a swarm of baby dragons in Albel's bed! But... chances are, they'd burn down the house with him.

Maybe pulling a prank wasn't the nicest thing... of course she could always hire Roger to do the job for her. The critter was crafty... cunning... and knows the best ways to annoy EVERYBODY. He'd probably stuff duck-duck bombs in Albel's shower, or switch Albel's plate with Repulsive Lumps! Yep... Roger never runs out of ideas. Hmm... perhaps she could let him 'Flying Torpedo' Albel in the back-side while wearing the shark helm? Oh! Oh! How about planting land mines under Albel's seat? The list of mass mischief goes on...

Nel then realized... despite the fact that Albel was a jerk...and no matter how much she wanted revenge... she just couldn't. Suddenly, the blade in her hand flipped the wrong way and cut her across the finger. She winced slightly and watched as the blood slipped from the small cut. Ouch... for something so small like a cut, it sure hurt. The Crimson blade sighed and leaned back on the sofa... no point in worrying. Overreacting, much? Maybe.

Knock Knock

Nel merely shifted on the sofa. Attempting to ignore the door.

Knock Knock Knock!

Hmm... perhaps she was being too hard on herself. Also threatening her friends wasn't very nice. They just wanted to help. Even Roger was expressing his concern in the most innocent way possible. She the groaned... it was probably Claire. Claire was always worried about her... "Claire, what do you want?" She asked. "It better be important or-" The door creaked open and a head popped in. Blonde hair, sharp eyes, tattoo around the neck. It was Cliff! Except... he had huge red bruises on his face.

"Close," Cliff said with a grin, "But I'm Cliff, not Claire."

Nel sat up, ready to throw her dagger at him, or kick him out of the room but she gasped. "Holy Apris! What happened to your face Cliff?" She asked. Cliff Fittir, the Tough Pure blooded Klausian had bruises on his face as red as tomatoes and as big as grapefruits. He grinned a bit... he also had slight frost bite around the ears. "You look like you fell of a mountain, eaten by a dragon, spit out, and pelted repeatedly with a Hauler!" She rushed up, taking a handkerchief and whiping the blood off his face. He winced a bit... ouch, it stung. "Scratch that... pelted with 20 Haulers is more like it... These look pretty nasty."

"Ahh nothin' really. It was just a nice... peaceful... non-agressive... Snowball fight." Cliff said with a grin.

"You got these... from a snow ball fight? A Snowball fight..." Nel hesitated... what the hell were they throwing? Boulders? Haulers? ADRAY? "Snowball fight with who?" Nel asked. "With the abominable snowman?"

"Mirage, actually. Pretty close again." How the abominable snowman is related to Mirage... well only Cliff knew the answer. The Klausian then snapped his fingers, "Dang! I was so close to winning too! So very close! It was 100 for me, 125 for Mirage."

Nel rolled her eyes... right... as if he could beat Mirage in that. Mirage was tough... she knew that. "Be still." She ordered, carefully using a Healing spell. Warmth appeared at her fingertips as runes glowed... Cliff's bruises eased slightly, but he was still pretty scratched up. "Ugh, you really shouldn't play so rough. Men." She muttered.

Cliff shrugged... "That's why I'm so lucky to have someone as reliable as you-Ouch! Not so tight." Nel bandaged Cliff's face, since some of the cuts were way too big for her heal spell to restore completely. It would probably leave scars... but then again, with vitality of a klausian, and the strength of... well who knows how many dragons, Cliff would be fine.

"I really don't need your smooth talking, Cliff." Nel slapped on another bandaid.

"I'm not!" Cliff said in protest. "Ouch! Don't slap that so hard." He then sighed... "Hey Nel, mind accompanying me to the Apris Ball?" He asked.

Nel froze... wow... that was pretty blunt and straightforward... even for Cliff. Normally, he'd smooth talk his way with the ladies, Nel was no exception. She was about to slap on another band-aid but managed to stop herself. She was rather speechless too...

"You knew about Mirage askin' out Gusto. And I'll understand that..." He rubbed his cheek, "I learned that from the snowball fight... ouch... Mirage is one chick you can't hold an iron grip on... ooh. But you know... since Albel and you got in that fight, I might as well ask, right? I mean, what do I got to lose?"

"How'd you know about me and Albel fighting?" Nel asked.

"A Hunch?"

"Cliff... I'm serious."

"Hello? You two fight like Cats and Dogs! Or worse! You guys fight like... uhh... Albel and Nel! That speaks for itself. Besides... after 13 drinks, Albel couldn't keep his mouth to himself." Cliff explained. Nel merely nodded...

"You're not just asking me out cuz I'm a so called 'hot babe', are you?" Nel asked suspiciously. "I'm not THAT easy..."

Cliff shook his head in protest. "Of Course not. Come on, I know you better than that! After all this time, do you honestly believe I would ask you out for something shallow and insensitive like that?" The Crimson blade merely crossed her arm... her eyes sharpened on him.

"Whoa- Whoa! Fine, it's just a small date. Besides... if you want, we'll go as friends. Friends, I swear!"

Nel thought for a moment... Cliff wasn't that bad of a guy. A bit rough, and a tad-bit thick headed... but not a bad guy. If he was serious, a nice relationship could come out of it. However... she still had to weigh her options. Well Albel wouldn't apologize... he was too stubborn. He wouldn't apologize this YEAR anyway. So that was out. What did she have to lose? They were both date-less so they might as well do the next best thing. She sighed... and shook his hand in agreement.

"Deal. But only as friends."

Act II: Suspicious, Suspicious...

Setting: Trading Town of Peterny Central Square

Albel the Wicked, Captain of the Black Brigade walked down the streets of Peterny. Now that he wasn't arguing about Zelpher, and got over that bloody hangover, he decided to do something productive. Crushing maggots? Not this time! Rather, he decided to head to Kirlsa to meet up with Woltar. The 'rotten old man' would probably coerce him to go to the day of Apris Ball... that was like a no-duh. Ever since the war ended, Arias is restored to its former glory, and the two have decided on peace... Everyone was to attend the day of Apris Ball. Airyglyphians and Aquarian alike. This meant... Albel included. His name was SPECIFICALLY written by Arzei in his invitation letter... it was one thing when Woltar made him go, but Arzei was a whole new battlefield. No arguing with his king...

He passed by a few Inventors on his way across the town... most of them were either A) Preparing for the Ball, or B) Working as much as possible before the ball. Albel muttered something vulgar under his breath... why everyone was so eager to go to a bloody ball, was beyond him. He was about to purchase some "necessities" for the trip to Kirlsa, but something caught his eye. It was lying on the ground behind a flower cart... and it was pink. At first he thought it was a dropped basket of pink flowers... but the person selling it was selling on BLUE and WHITE flowers for the day of Apris ball. Also, the same thing ran through his head...

Whatever it was, it was very pink...

Albel wasn't very fond of pink...

Whatever it was, it was pink, lying on the ground, and appeared to be breathing. He jabbed it with the handle of his blade. The thing merely groaned in protest, swatting the blade away. Albel knelt down and poked it with his claw. The thing groaned once more and swatted his claw. Finally he poked it hard with his claw. Like an animal, it leaped in the air. "Ouch! Oww! Owww!" It had a very feminine voice. Albel watched... it was rather interesting. Not everyday you find roadkill lying around. "What was that for?" The "roadkill" asked.

"What're you lying on the floor, fool? Want to become maggot food, do you? If that's the case, I'd be happy to assist!" Albel hissed... annoyed.

"Watch who you're poking! It's rude!" She yelled.

"You're Leingod's friend." Albel said after peering at her face. "That Esteed girl." It was Sophia! He hardly recognized her... the girl's hair was quite messy, and her face was rather dirty. She also looked pretty tired... he was going to make an assumption that she collapsed from exhaustion or something... He stood up, dusting off his clothes.

"You're Albel." Sophia said.

"Hmph, How nice, we found out that you use those large eyes for MORE than just to look pretty." Albel replied sarcastically.

"Sorry..." Now that she thought about it... she hasn't talked to him much... he was very... uhh... distant? reclusive? scary? grumpy? cold? All of the above? Yep... she didn't expect the person to find her was Albel Nox. What're the chances? Oh well, what the heck? "So Albel... errr... what're you doing here?" She asked.

"Shouldn't that be my question?" Albel asked.

"Right..." Sophia said with a happy-go-lucky grin. "I was just so overly exhausted running around everywhere that I accidentally collapsed!"

"And you're smiling about that...?" Albel asked.

"Oh, sorry. Everything's been so hectic lately that I... well nevermind. Now I have to find someone to go to that ball with. Or else I'll blow my cover." Sophia paced around the flower cart back and forth... back and forth... occasionally she'd stop and would shift her eyes back and forth almost paranoid-like. Then continued back and forth... Soon speeding up that Albel got tired of watching her. Sophia muttered a bunch of stuff that Albel didn't understand and chose to ignore. However he noticed a group of female aquarian soldiers... Suddenly his blood began to boil...

"How dare you! I hope- I hope you have the worst time of your life ALBEL NOX! Because consider us OVER!" Nel's voice yelled in his head. A flash back of the night before.

"Oh yeah?" Albel shouted back. "We were never anything to begin with, MAGGOT!"

"FINE WITH ME!" Nel yelled as they fought in the middle of the street. Daggers flew and Swords clashed. Suddenly something unexpected happened. Nel slapped him across the face with all the force she could muster. "Just you watch Nox! I WONT be seeing YOU at the Ball! Because an INSENSITIVE jerk like you won't EVER find a date!"

Ooh... Low blow. Albel's claw began to shake in violent anger. However he held it back. Call him insensitive did she? He'll show her! He swallowed hard... Oh what the heck? He might as well spill it.

"Esteed-maggot- I mean... Sophia." Albel blurted out.

"And then I have to plan the complete obli- Yes Albel? Did you say something?" Sophia asked. She stopped pacing and looked at the swordsman.

"Since you need someone to go with you, how about I take you to that bloody- I mean... Ball this weekend?" Albel asked. He looked down at his feet... Sophia was as good as any other girl in Elicoor. They all looked the same to him, really. Delicate, weak things that needed to be protected... or killed. One or the other. Nel was the only girl that he could actually think of that was not only bold and powerful... but attractive as well. Sophia was... cute. Delicate. But Cute. Just like the rest. There was nothing WRONG with cute girls... unless of course they make him go shopping. If that's the case... the street would be covered in blood.

"Of course!" Sophia said excitedly. "This will be PERFECT! Then my plan will be- I mean uhh... I'd be happy to go with you to the ball." She gave an innocent smile. "Thanks Albel your a life saver!" She hugged him around the neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek, making Albel's face turn red. He's never that close with women... let alone them kissing him. Not to mention it was kind of embarrassing for Albel the WICKED to be kissed in the middle of a crowded Peterny STREET. His reputation would go down the drain and appear on every tabloid in the world! He rubbed his cheek hard and glared.

"Hey wait a sec-" Albel began staring at her suspiciously. "That was way too quick of a reply... what about Leingod, eh?"

"Leingod, WHO?"

She then gave the scariest looking evil look ever. It was so... weird to see it on a girl's face that Albel almost drew out his blade. Her evilness would make Albel proud... if he wasn't totally freaked out about it first! Suddenly the darkness disappeared and she waved sweetly to Albel. "See you at the Ball then... and DON'T BE LATE!" Albel merely stared as she ran off... that last statement was... disturbing. What was this plan? And what's up with the bubbly, super happy and sweet Sophia that use to make him barf? He stood there thinking... Suspicious... VERY suspicious...

To be continued!

Short chapter I know. D Also barely any inventors AGAIN. This would be good news for Sophia/Albel fans... but... I wonder what Sophia is planning? (Sophia appears with a knife in hand)

"OMG SOPHIA!" -Psychodog

"I'm not planning ANYTHING. Isn't that RIGHT?" -Sophia

"Y-Yes ma'am!"

After not writing for a long time I decided to come back slowly. I dont have much time since I go to Art academy for 3 hours, 4 days a week, Plus clubs at school, but maybe with a bit more effort I could finish this story. Sorry for the long wait... It's just... difficult, ya know?

By the way, in Star Ocean 3 I found out how to beat the game SUPER fast. And OMG Roger S. Huxley ROCKS!

1. Play the game normally. (Galaxy mode/ Universe mode) Try to save all your money until you reach Peterny.

2. When you reach Peterny attempt to invent as much as possible.

3. Accept Roger's request in Duggus forest.

4. After go to Suferio to recruit Roger permanently.

5. Go to Peterny and Smith using Cliff, Fayt and Roger. Use 500-600 Fol and you'll make the Shark Helm. Save just in case! SO if you run out of money you could just load and try again!

6. Equip Roger with Shark Helm and his attacks will be super strong. (Even if his level is crap)

7. Once he learns Flying Torpedo, the rest of the game is a cake walk. Equip Flying torpedo on Long range Circle button. (you might want to use him as ur main fighter)

8. Also with a high crafting rating use him! Try to make a badge of Footwork and equip two of them on Roger for Maximum OWNAGE.

9. Hopefully in Duggus forest you picked up some Regeneration Symbol thing a majigies. Equip one on Adray. This will make him almost unlimited on MP, and if you ever run low, just stand still in battle with Adray and watch him recover!

10. When you go to the Shrine of Kaddan, fight Vendeen soldiers for a LONG time. Not only will you level up easily, but the Vendeen can barely hurt roger! (Too short!) Also the Shark helm could kill them with regular attacks, (EVEN better when they are clustered together!) I'd suggest you get Adray, since he'll be a main support character. With a party of Adray, Roger and Cliff you'll be pretty much unstoppable for the first half of the game. Also the flying armor dudes weilding two swords will be killed by 1 Flying Torpedo due to MP kill. Shrine of Kaddan is the best place to increase the Bonus gauge chains. Also fight the Wizard dudes. With a high chain of Bonus Gauge, you can easily obtain a Scholar's bracelet. Equip one on Adray and save two for Sophia!

11. In the Ruins of Barr, or the Mosel Ruins, have fun kicking Minotaurs around. One Flying Torpedo will own them. Also do the scene with Roger to get him as your 7th Member.

12. When you leave Elicoor, you'd probably Love Sophia since she'll replace Adray. (You gotta love Symbologists) Give her either 2 Scholar's bracelet and or one Scholar bracelet and 1 Regeneration symbol.

13. To get battle trophies, hopefully Balbados the inventor has created a special equip that will increase EXP gain by 10 percent. Equip that on sophia and wait for triple exp bonus. On the moon base fight the ground walking robots (Or a giant spider bot, maybe two) and She can easily gain Over 10 levels in one battle. You can do the same for Pepitta as well.

14. With Pepitta don't forget to go to the storage place for free equips!