Summary: Neris Zelpher is captured in the Royal city of Airyglyph when on a reconnaissance mission for the Secret Legion and Albel Nox becomes her interrogator. Hate turns to fascination between them but can fascination turn to love? And to what lengths will Nel go to save her sister from behind enemy lines?
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Star Ocean: Till the end of time' or the respective characters except my own.
Warnings: Violence, language and rape (in later chapters)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter One: Viper
"Filthy Aquarian bitch!"
The powerful blow left her head spinning and she gasped for breath, pain shooting through her skull. The scarlet haired woman hung in her chains, blood dripping steadily from her cut cheek and pooling onto the stone floor.
The hulking figure filling her vision jerked her to a standing position. He forced her to look into his black eyes, baring his teeth maliciously in a barbaric smile. Her eyes were clouded and dazed but they cleared for an instant as she threw all her remaining strength into her legs, kicking him in the groin.
He collapsed in a heap on the cold stones with a groan, his eyes clenched shut. The prisoner jerked the chains locked onto her wrists and they rattled uselessly. She gritted her teeth and pulled harder, biting her lower lip to keep from crying out as the metal cut into her bruised skin.
Candles flickered in every corner of the small cell, their light throwing shadows that danced with glee, mocking her pain and anguish.
Blood stained the rusted metal chains as she struggled hopelessly and a single tear fell, tracing a path through dried blood and grime. The inquisitor rose and she braced herself for his anger and humiliation.
He delivered a vicious punch to her abdomen and she doubled up in agony. "Fucking whore!" he spat in contempt. She rose unsteadily to her feet, swaying slightly as she glared at him.
"Ah!" she cried out, as he kicked her in the knee and she fell before him, bent in a kneeling position. He grabbed a handful of hair in his gauntleted fist and threw her backwards. She hit the wall of the cell with a dull thud, the chains jerking her arms. Pain filled every cell of her body, agony seeping through every pore.
She lay on her side, her chest heaving, and her body desperate for air. The inquisitor's footsteps echoed on the stone as he approached and his steel tipped boot pushed her onto her back.
He bent down low and his brutish manner shone through the black mask as he whispered, "I'm not done with you yet, my pretty." And with that he sauntered to a tabled covered with an assortment of torture instruments. She shivered with dreaded anticipation as he passed his hand over the different 'toys' of his trade, his anticipation one of excitement and lust.
His excitement was child-like in nature, his hand trembling slightly as he fantasized what delicious pain he would deal to the beautiful Aquarian spy. His shoulders shook as he imagined the thick streams, no the rivers of blood that would flow from her delicate body.
It was unfortunate that he could not allow her to die. Else it would be his blood that would decorate the stone floors, his head to be displayed on a pike outside the city walls.
He so adored the torturing of runologists: their bodies, beautiful and resilient, honed as weapons. Their unyielding honor that forbade them from betrayal. How he loved to break them, to hear their distressed cries, their pleas for mercy…it amused him to hear them beg to their god Apris.
It pleased him even more to hear the weakening of the voice, the shallow breathes. A soldier on the brink of death gave him his greatest pleasure.
He cracked a slim whip experimentally, the many tails flailing, jagged pieces of metal glinting and he smiled maliciously, running a gloved hand lovingly along the thick handle.
She raised her head groggily, pain shooting through every bone in her body and she winced. Her eyes followed all his movements and she faltered when she saw the whip. He saw her glance and he smiled. "This," he said, his voice a caress, "Is what they name the Stinging Viper. I daresay you've heard of this one? I know of many worthless Aquarians who would bear its scars…"
She flung herself in vain towards him in a burst of anger. "You bastard!" she screamed, her voice hoarse. The woman began to weep suddenly, tears running down her face, washing away dirt and blood. "My sister bears those scars with pride and dignity even after suffering humiliation at the hands of Airglyph! By your filthy hands!"
He favored her with a delighted smile. "You do remind me of someone…now tell me your name."
She shivered with pent up rage. "No."
He strolled behind her, trailing the whip against her back so that she could feel the sharp metal tips. She squeezed her eyes shut, her body trembling.
His voice was harsh. "Your name, rank and mission, Aquarian scum!"
"I would rather die," she whispered.
His eyes gleamed behind the black cloth hiding his face. The whip whistled sharply through the air as he brought it crashing down across her back.
She screamed once, long and piercing as the rusted nails tore her skin in a vicious gash. He relished the sound of her scream and brought the whip down again. The metal stung as it embedded itself in her skin and blood ran in crimson rivers down her skin.
The inquisitor brought the whip down again and again until she thought her back was broken. Her body was wracked with heaving sobs and her wrists were numb in their shackles.
"Give them to me!" he swung the whip viciously in an arc.
Her screams ripped through the prison and echoed in his ears as he began to laugh. "You think your cries will receive sympathy from me?" he bent to whisper in her ear as she hung lifelessly in her chains. "It only impels me!"
She had no words left in her, no breathe left to speak except to cry out.
"The sight of your blood, the stench of your fear…" he breathed, running a hand along the runological symbols tattooed on her slim arm. He moved in front of her, his gaze devouring her devastation.
She noticed with disgust that the front of his pants grew tighter with each stroke of the whip but she hurt too much to care. "Goddamn pervert," she whispered, her lips dry and cracked.
His breathing was heavy as he surveyed his work with satisfaction. He jerked her chin cruelly to look into her desolate eyes. "There has never been a body I could not break, a mind I could not shatter. What makes you think you are so different?" he hissed.
She staggered upwards, blood streaming from the wounds on her back, chains clinking. "As long as there is breathe in my body, I swear on my sister's honor…I will kill you, slaughter you like the pig you are!" she shrieked.
"If the King did not want you alive, I would crush you. However I wouldn't want to ruin my reputation as the most successful interrogator in Airyglyph. I will break you even if I have to beat you to within an inch of your life!"
Her gaze smoldered with rage and hatred. "Then do what you must. Because I will say nothing to betray Aquaria! "
She surrendered herself to the grace of Apris, bearing the sting of the Viper as her body was seared with white-hot pain.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"There was a minor attack by an Aquarian runological unit in the Granah Hills area but the Black brigade squadron six was able to eliminate the threat. Sir Shelby led the counterattack; he believes that their aim was to take the Kirlsa training facility and to retrieve a group of runologists that are due for execution."
The king of Airyglyph, formerly known as Arzei Bohnleid nodded. "What measures will be taken now?"
The Captain of the Black brigade, Albel Nox, considered for a moment. "Primary defense will be strengthened by an additional three squadrons from the Bequerel mountain base and guard duty will be doubled, Sire."
Arzei turned his attention to his other captains. "Your report, Woltar?"
"The Storm brigade in Kirlsa and the city are currently mobilizing in preparation for an attack on Arias," he said, laying out a map on the wooden table. "The Kirlsa hills area will be of no use for farming or grazing to Airyglyph but it has possible strategic use in battle," he continued, a gnarled finger circling the open plains surrounding Arias. " But as long as Arias is in the possession of Aquarian forces, we are at a disadvantage in this area. They are a strong unit with excellent runological abilities led by a Crimson Blade, Claire Lasbard."
"Have your battle strategy reviewed for presentation to me tomorrow. Vox, have your candidates completed their training?"
"The Dragon brigade candidates of this year are a strong group and I fully expect each of them to complete their ceremonies, which will take place towards the end of this week. This will add an additional two units consisting of four dragon riders apiece. The brigade is prepared to mount an attack against Aquaria at any time."
Arzei looked satisfied and then spoke, "And what of the prisoner, the Aquarian spy?"
"Your Majesty, she refuses to reveal any information to the detriment of Aquaria. The Inquisitor has interrogated her extensively but he has been prevented from going further as it would result in her death. I believe she is the most resilient we've ever encountered upon imprisonment."
King Airyglyph leaned forward on his thrown; chin in hand, his interest piqued. "Impressive. She has said nothing, Woltar?"
"Yes Highness. Her will is strong for one so young."
"None the less, she can still be broken," sneered Vox. "She infiltrated the castle for a reason and we must discover Aquaria's motives so that a counter-attack can be put into place! Sire, perhaps the threat of execution-"
"We cannot simply kill the Aquarian, Vox!" said Woltar, exasperated.
"If she has resisted torture thus far, what makes you think she would fear execution?" The soft voice of Albel Nox penetrated the argument between Woltar and Vox.
"You have a suggestion, Nox?" said Vox, a challenge in his eyes.
There was a cold glint in Albel's as he turned to the king. "Highness, allow me to undertake the interrogation."
"Preposterous!" snapped Vox. "I cannot allow this impudent fool-"
Arezei's eyes flamed. "Duke Vox, you forget your place. You are my uncle but I am your king. You do not sit at the head of this council, I will decide what is to be done about the spy," he said sternly and turned to Albel.
Vox flushed with humiliation as he regarded the triumphant gleam that flashed in an instant in Albel's eyes and his hand strayed to his sword. Count Woltar glared at him and he stayed his hand reluctantly, his rage simmering beneath his cool mask.
"What do you propose, Albel?"
"Physical torture is not going to break this girl. She must be broken mentally and her emotions ripped to shreds," he smiled. "Of course, she cannot hope to endure it emerging physically unscathed," he lightly touched the katana at his side.
Arzei surveyed the youngest of his three captains with slight apprehension and doubt. The hint of spitefulness and cruelty that touched his character brought some trepidation to his decision.
Albel Nox had only recently risen to the position of Lord of the Black Brigade, defeating the previous captain with his superb and unsurpassed swordsmanship. His madness and smug disdain for others had not, however earned him the respect from his men.
Arzei pitied him for this.
Perhaps that is why I will allow him to do this. He regarded the others of his council, his uncle Duke Vox and Count Woltar. I must speak with Woltar alone.
"Very well, captain. You may assume your new duty as of now but I expect results within three days," he said heavily, waving a hand at Albel.
"Thank you my lord. I will not fail you," Albel said, bowing his head briefly. He smirked in Vox's direction and the older man seethed.
"Sire, this is sheer madness! I cannot understand why you allow Albel-"
Arzei interrupted his uncle irritably saying, "You do not have to understand Vox, because I have my reasons."
Vox opened his mouth to retort and the king raised his hand.
"You are dismissed Duke Vox."
Vox rose, his face pinched bitterly but wiped clean of any traces of anger, and swept out of the room. Woltar raised a brow in the direction of his king. "That went extremely well," he remarked dryly.
Arzei smiled, his eyes reflecting his exhaustion. "He still does not consider me to be his king, not truly," he replied, walking to the window of the castle.
Woltar rose to join him and they stood together in silence.
"That may be so, but in the eyes of the people of Airglyph, you are king," the old man said.
Arzei's eyes were pained as he gazed upon the city, amidst the icy grip of winter.
"I question my appointment of him as captain of the Dragon brigade, Woltar. Do you think perhaps, that I made a mistake?"
The old count rubbed his hand thoughtfully across his chin. "Tempest was and still remains one of the most powerful dragons in Airyglyph. The Dragon brigade is invincible with him fighting at its helm and Vox was and still is the only dragon lord with the skill and experience to master and control him. He is the heart of the brigade, no matter his arrogance and disregard for your authority."
"So, I had no choice."
"No, you had a choice. You chose what would be best for the kingdom and did not allow your personal situation with Vox to interfere. You did what a true king would do," he said softly, placing a hand on Arzei's shoulder.
"What of Albel?"
A shadow passed over Woltar's face. "Albel is a very delicate issue, Arzei. I do not think it was wise to send him to deal with the spy. Nox is-"
"Fully capable of breaking through to her unfortunately."
Woltar nodded in agreement. "But I fear that he will kill her before we release her back to Queen Aquaria."
"I-" the king hesitated. "I did not plan on her release Woltar."
"You realize then, that Aquaria will be forced to show no mercy on Glyphian prisoners." His face showed no surprise to his king's decision.
Arzei turned to him, a small smile on his wan face. "I do. I can only hope that the information the spy might yield is the key to ending the war."
"In favor of Airyglyph of course."
"As it should be. This war has gone on for long enough, Woltar, and I want to end it on Airyglyph terms."
Woltar clasped his hands behind his back. "Then I hope Majesty, that you are prepared to accept the sacrifices that our victory will entail," and he bowed to Arzei, leaving the council room.
Arzei sighed and continued gazing out of the window, mulling over his conversation with the Count. Am I prepared to sacrifice the lives of my people for victory?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Are you a Crimson Blade?"
The whip fell across her tender shoulders, splitting her sensitive skin and allowing bright blood to flow freely down her spine. She remained mute, clamping her teeth down hard on her already bitten lip.
"Answer me bitch!"
She whispered something under her breath and he slapped her face harshly. "So I can hear it!"
"No."
He smiled and shoved his face in front of hers, his stinking breath hot. "You will regret those words my scarlet vixen," he hissed.
Her clouded eyes were helpless and distraught as she gazed at the raised whip and she flinched, tasting blood in her mouth.
"You are relieved of your duty Inquisitor." A soft and silky smooth voice came from the doorway.
The interrogator turned his head, eyes narrowed to see Albel entering the cell, accompanied by a soldier. "Sir Albel. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
"His Majesty has graciously permitted me to assume your duty since," he smirked, "You seem to be yielding such poor results with so much exertion."
He glared at the captain venomously and cracked the bloodied whip on the stone floor. Albel watched as the chained woman shuddered at the sound. This fool has no finesse, no technique, he is merely a Neanderthal for using such brute force. He will pay dearly if he has ruined her.
Albel snapped his fingers and the soldier stepped forward to release the prisoner from her chains.
"I am not finished with her yet, Albel," the inquisitor growled, brandishing his whip threateningly.
The eyes of the Black brigade captain flashed with a dark light and the interrogator felt a stab of fear, his eyes trailing along the gleaming edge of the deadly katana at Albel's side.
"I am merely at the king's command."
"Very well," he snapped. "But I doubt that you will get results, Nox."
Albel raised an eyebrow. "We shall see."
The soldier released the final lock and the woman fell forward onto the floor with a pained gasp. Agony seared through her body as she lay on the cold stones and she raised her head slowly as a man approached her.
The flames of the candle lit lamps flickered at the edge of her vision, surrounding his head with a shining halo as he knelt beside her. A wonderful light shone from his eyes and bathed her in warmth and comfort.
An angel?
Her thoughts were lost in a haze of confusion and hurt as she finally drifted into unconsciousness.
Albel regarded the stunning creature before him with a cool delight, his eyes running eagerly over every inch of her exquisite form. Even lying amidst a pile of damp and stinking straw did not detract from her beauty. He noted with distaste the dark bruises and bloody slashes that decorated her pale skin. Rising, he motioned to the soldier. "Take her to my quarters."
The soldier lifted the Aquarian woman carefully and the Inquisitor scowled through his mask and spat on the floor. "Almost dead anyway," he said spitefully.
Albel gave him a scornful glance. "You underestimate her. That is one mistake I will not make," he said and strolled out of the prison followed by his beautiful prize.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The door closed behind the soldier with a soft click and Albel was left alone with the imprisoned spy. He ran a finger gently along her skin, which was smooth and soft to the touch, as she lay stretched out on his bed. He removed the gauntlet that covered his left arm and tossed it on the floor along with his sword. A large fire burned in the hearth and sent waves of warmth flowing across the cold stone floors, shadows flickering across the walls and heavy red velvet drapes.
Smiling, he lifted her into his arms, carrying her to the bathing room that was adjoined to his bedroom.
Albel deposited her on the tiled floor and tested the water in the round bath. The waters were tepid, as he had instructed his servant girl and she had left fragrant oils and salts for his use. Quickly, he stripped her of her clothes that had been reduced to shreds by the Viper and she moaned faintly in protest, flailing her blood encrusted arms slightly.
His gaze slid slowly over her naked body appreciatively, she was even more perfect than he had imagined. Black runological symbols swirled in intricate patterns over her arms and chest, adding an air of mystery to her allure.
The scarlet haired woman stiffened in pain as the lukewarm waters touched her skin and seared like fire. She jerked out of her unconscious state with a start when a soft sponge glided carefully in slow, languorous circles over her body and she opened her eyes.
"You're awake."
Her eyes traveled upwards and rested on the face of the man who had brought her away from the hideous torture of the inquisitor. Long strands of black hair with tan tips framed his face and dark eyes stared back at her. His arms, slim and muscular, supported her half immersed body carefully and the sponge continued it's leisurely glide.
Her eyes widened in disbelief when she realized two very important details: one, she was lying naked and defenseless in a bath full of water and two; she was in the hands of Albel the Wicked.
"Get away from me!" she cried hoarsely, thrashing her limbs in the water and splashing it over him. He smiled and with a steel grip grabbed her shoulders and thrust her under the water.
Shocked, she gasped and mistakenly inhaled a mouthful of bloody water. Her mind screamed for her to rise to the surface, her lungs desperate for air.
Albel watched her slim form struggling under the water and he laughed out loud. "Ah, my spirited kitten, you amuse me already and we have not even yet begun!" He pulled her up and allowed her head to fall back. Her chest heaving, she stared at him with wide and terrified eyes.
He leaned forward, placing a finger on her lips. "If you make another sound without my permission, kitten, I will not be so lenient in your next punishment. Do you understand?"
She nodded silently, breathing heavily and he chuckled, patting her cheek gently. "See? You are already learning."
He resumed his sponging for a few moments and then reached for a bottle beside him. Her eyes followed the stream of fragrant oil that flowed onto her heated skin and she shuddered. The scent of familiar flowers filled the room and Albel smiled, seeing her confused expression. "I would have thought that you would appreciate this gesture, these flowers are native to Aquaria, are they not? What were they called again…?" he mused. "We know them as sun lilies but Aquarians as Tears of Apris. How…appropriate."
Her expression grew closed and she stared at the red water. Albel smirked and dropped the sponge. He surveyed her body, cleansed of blood, with satisfaction. Too tired to protest, she allowed him to wrap her in a clean towel and carry her into the next room.
He laid her on the bed and she shivered, cheek pressed against silken sheets. Albel moved away from the bed and she heard him rustling in the contents of a drawer. He removed a small jar of scented ointment, a roll of bandages, a needle and thread and glanced at her still figure with barely contained anticipation.
She hugged her arms around herself, her mind lit up with questions that needed answers. Albel Nox, feared by most runologists in Aquaria was known, actually famous for his cruelty and ruthlessness. What is he going to do to me?
He returned to her side and with a jerk of his wrist, the towel slid away, leaving her back exposed. She flinched, a flush of humiliation coloring her pale skin.
"Now, now. There is no need to be embarrassed, kitten," he murmured, examining the wounds on her back critically. He dabbed salve on a bandage and applied it to a gaping slash left by the Viper. She winced, stifling a cry and he touched the back of her neck lightly.
"Keep still," he said, eyes on the numerous wounds. She held back tears as her body stiffened at his touch, her shoulders aching from tension. Albel sighed irritably and began to rub her shoulders. "You might as well relax, unless you wish to be returned to the dungeons."
He could almost feel the hatred flowing through her, pulsating rage. Ah well, all the more pleasurable for him.
She breathed in slowly, forcing herself to relax. Keep calm and stay still, keep calm, stay still, keep calm, stay still…she chanted those words in her mind like a mantra, her eyes shut.
He drew black thread through the eye of a thin needle and began to sew the more severe gashes together, tugging the skin impatiently as he did so. Soon a line of black stitches trailed their way over the curve of her shoulder and moved all the way down to the base of her spine. Albel breathed in her scent all the while; it was clean, smelling faintly of sun lilies.
Albel completed his task; her wounds cleaned and dressed to his satisfaction, and leaned over her. "There," he whispered softly, "Isn't that better? If your lucky kitten, it won't leave many scars. But-" he trailed his hand tantalizingly across bare skin, "They would stand as a trophy to you, a remnant of your bravery at the hands of Airyglyph's best and most terrible interrogators." He chuckled and his predatory gaze never left her as he rose.
"Don't."
He raised a slim eyebrow. "Don't what, kitten?"
"Call me kitten," she whispered angrily, turning her full icy gaze on him. She gasped as he grabbed her hair and jerked her head back. "Maybe I wouldn't if I knew your name."
"Never," she gave him a grim smile and spat in his face.
Albel's eyes narrowed in anger and he resisted the urge to hit her. "You are tired kitten,and Iwould advise you not to behave in this manner the next time you are in my presence."
He released her from his grip, wiping his face and moved to the base of the bed, where she heard the clinking of chains.
He grabbed her leg firmly and pulled her across the bed, fastening the thick manacle around her foot. "Wouldn't want you to run away now, would we?" he murmured, more to himself then to her. He watched her eyes on the chain and he imagined that he could almost hear her mind racing through all the ways she could try to get loose. "That would not be wise, kitten," he said lazily. He smiled as she frowned at the use of his pet name for her.
"It is no fault of mine that 'kitten' is so suitable for you. Look," he said, leaning forward and twining a strand of scarlet hair around his finger. "You are young, so naïve…you are no lioness yet, like so many other Aquarian female warriors I've encountered. Especially the famed Crimson Blades."
He watched her eyes carefully, seeing the flicker of emotion at the mention of the Crimson Blades.
She glared at him, while tugging surreptitiously at the chain, testing its strength. "You know nothing about me."
"Correction. I do know, since your beautiful eyes are so expressive. They are your greatest weakness, for they tell me everything- what you fear, what you hate, what you desire…" he said, his gaze holding hers.
She swallowed and turned away from him, holding silken sheets against her to hide her body from him. He smiled, amused at her shame.
"I will return for you in a few hours. I suggest that you rest, but do not worry that you will be disturbed. I am the only one with a key to these rooms," he said, strapping on the heavy gauntlet once more and picking up his sword. She remained silent and he left the room, turning the gold key in the lock of the heavy wooden door.
Once the echo of his footsteps had faded away, she grabbed the manacle with both hands and struggled hopelessly for a few precious minutes. This isn't going to work! She glanced around the room quickly searching for something heavy and strong enough to break the chain. Everything that she could have used was out of her reach. Gritting her teeth, she realized she was going to have to rely on runology. I hope I can control the spell…
She concentrated on a fire spell, and the markings on her body seemed to darken momentarily.
Pointing her finger at the chain produced a weak circle of blue and white light symbols, concentrated on the chain. "Fire bolt!" she cried and a thin stream of fire gushed over the bed, missing the chain completely and burning her skin. She cursed loudly and grabbed her foot, the skin smarting and red. Biting her lip, she focused a healing spell on the burn and the skin began to shine softly, smoothing itself back to its original state.
When the spell had finished, she flopped back on the pile of feather pillows and crossed her arms over her chest. Her training as a cadet in the Aquarian runological forces had nowhere near prepared her for this. Then again, her spell casting had never been up to the standard of others in the first place. What can I do?
She sighed and thought about what Nox had said. I am anything but naïve, she thought furiously but resolved to keep her emotions and reactions to herself in his presence anyway. Moodily, she tapped the manacle repeatedly and the noise echoed in the small room, accompanied by the comforting crackle of the fire. Shifting slightly, she winced and pulled the sheet over herself, the towel dropping to the floor. She could do nothing without sleep, no matter how hard she tried. Her body commanded it.
I would prefer to be awake when Albel comes back. There's no telling what he might do to me while I sleep…but I can't… stay…awake…
The cruelty that she had felt when in his arms, the coldness of his eyes when he touched her…This made her more fearful than any beating she could receive at the hands of Airyglyph, more afraid of the shame of revealing Aquarian secrets. Unable to stop herself from drifting away on a current of needed sleep, the thought swam across her mind was the one that she fought to deny…
She wanted him so much; she would die to have him.
To be continued…