To What End
AN: Welcome to my very first Star Ocean Fic, and most likely my very first Fic to EVER finish writing. I've decided to write this whole thing finish first, since i would stop mid way if i keep reading what other people think. Some parts may seem rushed or very unorganized, well, that's my character, so deal with it. NO FLAMES, flame me and i swear i will hunt you down till the end of the earth. If you don't like it, DON'T READ, no one forced you to. I love Fayt X Maria, but i like twists as well so if your not happy about that twist, DON'T READ. I will go along and add ANs if there is something i need to explain, just in case. Note that there may certain Japanese related themes and/or words. Just think them as a form of respect to the Japanese for creating such a wonderful game. Love this game, totally. Enjoy the fic! Oh yeah, slight OoCs but i mainly reflect the characters from both the game and the comic book, which is AWESOME. I don't think the comic is out in english, but for chinese readers, go find it, it's hilarious.
Disclaimer: I don't own StarOcean and never will. All characters, names of ships, planets and places that are related to StarOcean game, i don't own, but all other, i do. Loads of OCs, so there.
The trees swayed as the wind picked up, being silent obersvers to a scene that has happened many times before. The blade cut through the air and sliced downwards. It cut through the giant scorpian like paper. The creature shrieked out in pain and fell onto the ground, dead. The teen wiped his forhead, swinging the blade once to get rid of the blood.
Sheathing the sword into the scabbard on his back, the boy walked onwards, carrying with him a piece of scorpian leg. He usually took pieces of his kill to sell at the nearest market. He wasn't that far from the nearest town, Peterny of Aquaria on the planet Elicoor II. Today was going to be a good day, he knew that. Something about the weather told him that.
Walking into the town, he headed for the nearest shop and managed to get quite a hefty sum for the leg. He decided to visit the workshop and headed west of the town. He had about three inventors whom he had a contract with working here, another four at Aquios, another three at Airyglyph. Walking along the streets, he busied himself with counting the amount of fol he had earned.
Walking around a corner, he nearly bumped into someone, but due to his experience, he quickly turned his body and managed to get around the person without hitting the person, or even looking up. He mumbled a 'sorry' and continued to walk. A girl, judging by the body shape. Those clothes look familiar too. Her scent, lavander? He walked a couple more paces and stopped. Lavander? He quickly turned around, only to catch a glimpse of a bit of blue hair turning around the corner. Could it be? The boy shook his head, turning back to his original course and to the workshop. It must have been his imagination. There was no way it was her. They said their goodbyes three months ago. She said she wanted to head out to search for her real parents. It was impossible for her parents to be on this planet.
"Nah, must have been someone else."
He convinced himself. There wasn't much time left either. He hurried on to the workshop, but stopping at a nearby bakery.
Three months have past since the defeat of the 'creator'. Finally, the universe was back into its proper order. Fayt, Maria and Sophia were counted as ambassadors from their universe to the other. Already, they had several meetings with the high council of the other universe.
After having some issues sorted out, they headed back to their own world. Elicoor II was given special privilliages by the pan-galatic federation, in which Cliff was made into a high ranking officer, being able to strongly influence every decision of the council. Basically, he has the final say in everything that goes on in the Federation. Sophia went in search for her parents and while she offered Fayt to come along to look for his mother, he refused, having already recieved a message from her, telling him that she was back on Earth helping with repairs.
As Fayt decided to stick around Elicoor II to help around, he greatly missed the gang. Nel was extremely busy in efforts to restrengthen the might of Aquaria and Albel was busy moping up some mess back in Airygylph. So in short, Fayt was left alone to his own business. His college was closed indefinately so he really had not much to do elsewhere. He did ask whether either Airygylph or Aquaria needed help but both sides refused, saying that it was improper to let him help out when he has done so much already. Fayt, being a lazy, slowminded and simple guy, just went along, figuring that they already had everything covered. He had already spent most of his time wondering between towns to check up on things.
He had recently finished an errand by the King of Aurygylph to grab Albel as he was needed for something else. That scared Fayt as he sometimes thought that Albel was gay. That Skirt was way too girlie in Fayt's opinion.
It appears as though the members of the ex-Quark had gotten back together, but as an elite member of the new Galactic Federation imperial armada. Mirage had control of the ship and no one could complain except for Lieber. She had visited Elicoor II for a couple of times to say hi but she was mainly busy with her own work. News had spread that the a couple of planets in the Yzak system were rebelling against the Federation.
The Yzak system were known for their ferocity in battles and most of their technology were the foundation for the Federation's fleets. Elicoor II had become an extremely special planet, having traders from even the far reaches of the galaxy appearing. Still, it was stated by the law of the Federation with agreement of the ruling parties of Elicoor II that the culture and lifestyle would not be disturbed.
Since then, the planet's tourism industry had flourished. Peppita and her group had recently landed and they performed for two nights already, with outstanding popularity. Since it has been three months, Fayt had saved enough fol to buy a small house in Peterny, not too shabby. He opened a small store as well, selling small mechanisms to improve the style of living for the citizens. Fayt's workshops were busy since then, having creating things ranging from weapons to everyday household appliances.
Business was quite well and Fayt had placed it under the care of someone he could trust who was not too busy. He tried Clair though she only could promise to be there during the weekends. He turned to someone he would never ask ever again to do anything for him, Roger. Fayt walked into the workshop, turning heads from the inventors inside. As soon as they saw Fayt, however, they all went back to their work. A cloaked lady walked over to Fayt, a chart in hand.
"Hello, Misty Lear."
Fayt smiled.
Misty blushed but handed the chart over. Misty Lear was one of the inventors who worked for Fayt, specializing in Alchemy, the creation of substances by changing its state and composite. Misty was incharge of the Peterny branch and had created about two hundred new substances that hit the market immediately within two months. In Fayt's eyes, she was a genius. But he did wonder a couple of things about her. She looked pretty young and not to mention, beautiful. Fayt read her profile before, divorced, lost her two year child and wonders around after that. He found her wondering the Barr mountains, delusioned and confused.
Fayt looked at the chart she handed to him. The results showed promise and he had a couple of items ready to hit the stores.
"Thanks, Misty, i'll take this and head off. Take care of things here for me, alright?"
Fayt smiled.
Misty blused and nodded. Fayt was about to leave when he remembered the bag he was carrying in his hand.
"Oh yeah, here you go. It's something to eat. It's not much, but eat up."
Fayt placed the bag in Misty's hand and her blush turned even more red, if ever possible. Fayt walked out of the workshop, relieved to be out of the heat of the place and back into fresh air. He suddenly thought about the girl he almost bumped into before. Was it her? Could it be? Maria Traydor? Fayt wanted to believe it was her, for unknown reasons.
Whenever she was around, he felt more at ease, he felt more comfortable letting his other side free. She was easier to talk to then Sophia about issues, she was more mature than Sophia and not all that attention seeking like Sophia. Somehow or rather, Fayt was attracted to the ex-Quark captain, though he does not know it himself. He probably started ever since he first saw her, in Castle Aquaria.
She stood confident, calm and cool. She had a presence that commanded everything around her. Her long blue hair flowing gracefully in the wind. There was no way he could forget about her. If he could describe her in one word, that word would be 'perfect'. She was everything, smart, beautiful, calm, mature and a natural born leader.
"What i would do to just see her again."
Fayt murmered, though he did not understand why he did, as he headed back to his house.
All he could think about was her. Her image would not be erased from his head. He shook his head. She was far away, still searching for answers to her past. He entered his house which sat on the east part of town.
The interior was better looking than the outside as Fayt managed to get his hands on some special supplies some passing space merchant had. Sitting around the living space was a quite an old model but still usuable laser set television, a sofa, a table with installments for self-cleaning and other niffty things to have around the house. Fayt walked over to to kitchen and pressed the button on the coffe maker. Pouring a cup for himself, he headed up the stair to his bedroom. He dropped his gear onto the floor next to his bed and sat on the chair at his desk.
He placed the cup next to the computer as he turned it on. The screen appeared and started to run its normal procedure. Fayt sipped on his coffee, waiting for the computer to finish warming up. This usually did not take more than five seconds, but Fayt's computer was not in very good shape and it took five minutes. Fayt's eyes caught onto a picture that sat on the table.
He grabbed the photo and studied it with somewhat great detail. It was the picture of him and the rest of the group just before they left for their own seperate ways. It was hard to get himself to put up a smiling face, but still, it turned out alright. He was in the front with Sophia clinging onto one of arms. Cliff and lancar were weighing themselves on to him. Adray was posing himself at the back while Clair was next Nel. Marietta and Steeg were somewhere in the picture and Albel was close to anger, sword already drawn and being waved around. The atmmosphere was generally a pleasant one.
Fayt's eyes were being drawn to a certian blued hair girl. She squatted next to Fayt and smiled warmly back at him. He woke up from his slight 'daydream' when a knock came from his door. He got up and went to see who would knock on his door. If there was something wrong at the workshop, he would hear Eliza running, screaming in the streets. He opened the door and almost fell backwards, when a sudden body mass came crashing in.
"Fayt, my boy!"
"Adray?"
Fayt tried to squeeze himself out from under the massive giant. He managed to, but his shoes was still underneath.
"Hi Fayt."
Clair Lesbard smiled walking in and on top of her father, who did not seem too bothered by some light weight. Clair still looked as beautiful as she did the last Fayt saw her. She wasn't wearing her uniform, but was wearing a long white skirt with a matching blouse. Adray was still half naked as usual.
"Welcome, why not you sit down at the dining room?"
Fayt asked, though there was not much need as Adray was off the floor and immediately seated himself at the table. Fayt sighed, picking up his shoe and putting it back on.
He was about to close the door when he noticed that there was someone else standing at the door. She had long blue hair tied up into a tail, her blue eyes looking back at him.
"Ma-Maria?"
"Hello Fayt."
Maria stepped into the house though Fayt did not really welcome her mainly because he was too dumbstruck to say anything.
"Are you going to invite me in or not?"
She asked, staring hard at him. Fayt shook out of his shock.
"Er.. sure! Why not you join them at the table, i'll be there in a minute."
Fayt closed the door and headed to the kitchen. Maria was here and it caused his heart to beat about ten times its normal rate, for God knows what reason. Though hard, he managed to calm himself down and brought out the cup of tea he had prepared. Seating himself, his main question was...
"So, what are you guys doing here?"
"We're here to see you, that's all."
Clair smiled. Adray drained his tea and was going wild again.
"Fayt, my boy! Are you single?"
That question caught Fayt off guard as he choked on his tea. Surprisingly, Maria was choking as well.
"Er... i guess."
"That good enough for me! Clair! I found you a husband!"
"WHAT!"
Fayt thought he was hearing things. Maria was trying hard to contain her laughter. Adray had apparently been drinking before he came over.
"Father! We did not come here for this!"
Clair exclaimed, embarrassed by her father's behaviour.
"We didn't? Oh well, STILL! Fayt, my boy! I'm very proud and happy to have you in our family!"
Adray slapped Fayt hard on the back, causing him to choke.
"But-"
"Father! That's enough! I will pick my own husband, thank you very much for the hundredth time!"
Clair was extremely red. Adray looked at Clair.
"You look very much like your mother. Honey! WHY DOESN"T OUR DAUGHTER WANT TO MARRY THIS FINE YOUNG MAN THAT I HAVE PICKED OUT FOR HER!"
Adray started to cry, banging his fist onto the table.
"Er.. Clair?"
Fayt wondered if the ruckus Adray was making could be heard from elsewhere.
"Don't worry, Fayt, he usually calms down after awhile."
"Don't look down on me! I can sulk all day if i have to!"
Adray crossed his arms in a defiant sort of way. Still, he was crying up a storm.
"Father! You're acting like a baby!"
Clair tried to stop Adray but to no avail.
Fayt decided to turn his attention to the last person at the table. Maria sat there, covering her mouth as she tried hard not to laugh at Adray. She looked so beautiful. Why is he even thinking about that?
"Maria, what are you doing here?"
He asked.
"I decided to drop by to see how you were doing, that's all."
She replied.
"Really? Is that all?"
"That's all. It's been awhile, Fayt."
"It certainly has been."
The two looked at each for quite sometime before Adray banged his fist against the table, shaking the two from their mesmorized state.
"Anyway, how's Sophia?"
Maria asked.
"She's doing fine. Heard she's back on Earth helping out in the restoration. She seems to have been asked to be a delegate for the intergalactical peace keeping force."
Fayt sighed.
"Really? Isn't she quite young?"
"Well, that's what my mom said and told those old geezers to bug off. Sophia is with her parents now."
Fayt said, but suddenly looked at Maria.
"Sorry."
He said, tyring to catch back his phrase.
"It's alright. I've been alone for quite sometime now and i'm used to it. Besides, it wasn't like Traydor's my real name anyway."
"So, any clues?"
Fayt was feeling glad that the subject had changed.
"Well, not yet. I'm still hoping though. Anyway, how about you? Plan to go back to school?"
"Me? Well, my college is closed, that's for sure. But if it reopens, i'll see by then if i want to or not."
He casually said, resting his head on his hands backwards.
"Aren't you the lazy type. How about Sophia?"
"She wants to enter the same school as me."
"Oh really? College?"
"Yeah, too bad she doesn't know but i just recieved letters from a couple of Universities for scholarships."
Fayt tossed her his communicator which held his mails as well. She flipped through his mail list and was shocked.
"University of Advance Science? University of Galactic Enginnering? These are the top Universities!"
"Yeah, a couple of them managed to survive the blast from the attack. But they all require me to complete my college degree first."
"Well, that's true. So what are you going to do?"
She passed back the communicator. Fayt pocketed it and sighed.
"I don't know. I guess my mom will try to force me to going back so i have not much of a choice."
"I guess so."
Maria drew circles on the table. Fayt decided to change the topic, since Maria didn't look so comfortable with any topic relating to family members.
"So er... are you going stay here for a while?"
"Huh? Oh yeah, i guess so. There won't be any transport in the close vinicity for another few months i'm guessing."
"Really? What about the merchant ships? Ever since this planet became a special trading post, merchants fly in and out of the orbit."
"Well... I guess i could use a break."
Maria felt irritated but kept her cool. Fayt never seemed to notice things even if they were dancing right in front of his eyes with a tea cosy on its head.
"I see, do you have a place to stay?"
"I'm staying at the inn."
"Huh? You mean for a couple of months? Those prices are outrageous!"
"Well, it's not like i have other places to go, do i?"
Maria countered, a little harsher than intended. Fayt was taken back by her tone.
"Sorry."
He mumbled.
"Don't apologize. It's not your fault."
Maria looked away, face turning red.
"Tell you what, why not stay over here?"
"Huh?"
"Well, i've got an extra bed and it saves some money, doesn't it?"
"But-"
"It won't bother me, don't worry about it. Which room are you staying?"
"Room five, but-"
"Alright, let's go then."
Fayt got up, which caught the attention of Clair.
"Oh, Fayt, going somewhere?"
"Yeah, going to grab Maria's stuff from the inn, want to come?"
"No thanks, i have to make sure father doesn't do anything outrageous."
"I'M NOT OUTRAGEOUS! I'm just too sexy, that's all."
Adray cried out.
"What sort of drink did he buy?"
Fayt wondered. Clair passed him an empty bottle.
"Fire Whisk! Where did you get it from?"
"From some merchant in the market, why?"
"Fire Whisk is the most potent drink in the galaxy! Its alchoholic level is off the charts! It was banned from drinking since it was known to cause coma and brain damage!"
"What!"
Everyone looked at Adray, who thought he was seeing angels.
"Forgive me God, i can't even find a good husband for my daughter."
"Actually, he looks fine to me."
Maria said.
"Just how long ago did he drink this?"
"About two hours ago."
"That's not right, he should be out within five minutes."
"Maybe its because he's a heavy drinker?"
Maria offered.
"True, father has always been drinking during his free time."
"Then maybe that would explain that. Well, lucky for him that he knows how to hold his liqour. Back to the problem at hand. Maria, let's go."
Fayt picked up his white jacket and left, with Maria trailing behind.
"What a cute couple they would make."
Clair sighed inwardly, smiling. Then, an evil idea sprouted in her head.
"Why not? Heh heh."
AN: Like it so far? No? Ha, cause it's only going to get worse! BWAHAHA