Author's Note: Alright, this is my first fan fic, so please be kind. This takes place before Lavitz dies. There will be references made to the other characters but they will have minor parts in the story. So, basically this story doesn't follow any of the guidelines of the game too often. Just disregard the storyline of the game, clear your thoughts, and just concentrate on the world that I have made for the characters. The story revolves around Lavitz and Albert's growing love for each other. So, I hope that you enjoy what I have written so far.
Disclaimer: I don't own this game. Everything to do with Legend of Dragoon is owned by Sony and Squaresoft.
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I have always been there by his side for as long as I can remember. I vowed to him and to myself that I would always protect him from any harm. But, I soon discovered that I didn't just do this because of being a knight, but because I also had growing feelings for him. Strong feelings for him were taking over and they far surpassed that of a loyal knight to his king.
The day I first knew of these feelings was a triumphant one. Not just triumphant because I knew, but also because myself and Dart had defeated the deadly three-headed dragon that had appeared in the abandoned Dragon's Nest. We also had the help of a very persuasive King Albert.
I feared for the safety of the king, but he does have a way with words that would make anyone allow him to do or say anything as he pleased. This is one of the things I had to ignore and not allow him to convince me of what I thought was the safest thing to do otherwise. Although, that day, something came over me and he had gotten his way.
Albert wasn't the best at fighting, seeing as I never allowed him to put himself in any danger while traveling. Therefore, he had never fought a real monster before in battle. Seeing what the situation was, I feared for his well-being.
~He is strong, but he doesn't know how to use his strength to the fullest~
This was the only thing that I could think of at that moment.
Dart knew that Albert would be alright and he finally convinced me of this with a little influence.
"He'll be fine Lavitz," Dart told me.
"I know, but, it's my duty to protect him…if anything were to happen to him, I don't know what I'd do…" I trailed off.
Dart grabbed my shoulders and shook me as he stared me straight in the eyes.
"He can take care of himself. You know as well as I do that it's true. Calm down and just let him fight," Dart half yelled at me.
The way Dart said this to me at last made me feel better and it made me see that I was treating Albert to much like a child. I knew that nothing would happen, I just let my feelings get the best of me.
While we were preparing for the battle that awaited us, I noticed how muscular Albert's physique was. I saw that he was a strong fighter and if I were to teach him more, that he could soon surpass me in his strength. It never occurred to me until now that Albert really was a grown man that could take care of himself. I needed to lighten up and let him take charge once in awhile. It did seem strange that he had never mentioned how protective I was and how I was always the one to make his decisions for him when danger was ever near. Never once did I let him choice or even bother to ask him what he felt he wanted to do.
Finally realizing this, I knew that my feelings for him were not the protective kind of an older brother. I saw that these feelings filling my body and mind were much more than that. Really, they had always been that way, it just was never apparent and this strong before. Feelings had been growing for all these years and now they were manifesting into the thoughts and emotions that someone would express towards a lover.
~Could this be true? My feelings are more than just that of a knight dedicated to his king. I'm starting to fall in love with him…~
The soft and gentle voice of Albert brought me back to the matter at hand.
"Lavitz, are you alright?" Albert spoke, the concern apparent in his voice.
"Oh…King Albert, yes I'm fine. Thank you for your concern," I spoke hurriedly back.
"I'm glad to hear that you're alright," Albert smiled at his comrade. "One more thing…please don't be so formal when we're traveling. You know I don't like to be called by the title of King when we journey."
"I'll be sure to remember that King…I mean Albert," I shyly replied as I turned my head so he would not see my flushed cheeks.
"If that's settled, then let's be on our way," Albert spoke excitedly.
As we made our way to the heart of the Dragon's Nest, I couldn't help but to take the occasional glance towards Albert. He noticed I was watching him and assured me that he would be fine. I smiled back and nodded; if only he knew the real reason behind the looks I gave him. Many thoughts began to fill my head as we walked alongside each other. I couldn't help but to think whether or not Albert would feel the same way about me if I were to tell him the truth about my feelings. My immediate thoughts were that he wouldn't have the same feelings to offer back to me. But, in the back of my head, I saw hope and something told me that I wasn't the only one who felt this way.
We made it to the resting place of the dragon and I desperately wanted to tell Albert to back away and stay out of danger. I knew that even if I expressed my concern that he would still fight beside Dart and I so that he could finally prove himself to both of us. We looked around and Albert was the first one to spot the dragon coming down at us from above. All of us dropped down to the ground and got back up at once to pull out our weapons for the battle.
Albert attacked with brutal strength and I could see the shear determination in his eyes. He wasn't going to let this be the first and last battle that he would ever participate in.
The battle was a bloody and gruesome one. All of us were able to walk away with only a few minor cuts and bruises, as oppose to the bloody pool that surrounded the severed head of the dragon. Surprisingly enough, the dragon was easier than any of us had anticipated. We all congratulated each other and Dart and I praised Albert for a job well done.
"Not bad for someone who's never fought in a real battle before," Dart smirked.
"It was definitely a new experience for me. I think I'll have to partake in battles more often. The excitement and fear of it all gives one a relatively large adrenaline rush," Albert happily said out of breath.
"You've certainly proved yourself to be a worthy fighter. I'm relieved that no one was seriously injured. I'm also glad that Dart talked me into letting you participate in our combat, your highness," Lavitz grinned at Albert as he bowed down before him.
"Lavitz, you know what I told you about that!" Albert said as the frustration built up.
"I know perfectly well what you said," I spoke with playfulness.
To Albert and Dart this comment meant nothing to them. The only meaning that it held for the two of them was the fact that I was being a smart ass. To me, it was a way to express myself to him the only way I knew how.
As we made our way back the way we came, Dart and Albert were talking, but I couldn't clearly make the words out. I knew that it had begun and that soon I would be confessing my love to Albert.
~All I have to do now is find a way to tell him how I feel. The moment has to be just right. But, when will that moment come?~
These were the only thoughts that coursed through my mind as we made our way back to Bales.
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I wandered around aimlessly for the week after we slew the dragon. Sleepless nights were upon me and I began to derive my plan to tell Albert the truth. My state of mind wasn't clear at all and after days of staring at the ceiling all night and drifting through the halls, it suddenly struck me. I decided that I would pull him aside in the day and let him know my feelings. This was a pretty straight forward plan, but my thoughts were too jumbled and clouded to think of anything else.
~Please let this work~
As I rolled off of my bed that day and stumbled down the hall, I saw Albert walking towards me.
~Please work…don't make a fool of yourself…Shut up and calm down Lavitz!~
I could feel the palms of my hands become moist with sweat caused by my nervousness. My knees began to feel weak and the next thing I knew, they were buckling under my weight. Albert noticed this and ran to my side.
"Sir Lavitz, are you feeling ill?" The concern was apparent in his voice as he helped to support me.
My voice filled with nervousness as I replied, "I'll be fine my Lord…but, I do need to talk with you privately."
"What does this concern?" Albert inquired
"It is a very important matter. I have been fighting with myself for awhile about whether to tell you this or not. I have finally made the decision to tell you; otherwise this secret may very well eat me alive inside." My voice becoming more and more strained as I went on, "Will you listen to what I have to say and not speak until I am finished?"
"If that is what you desire, then I shall listen…please go on." His voice sounded almost fearful of what was to come when he spoke.
I lead him to another room, while he still held onto my arm to support me. I chose to be seated on the oversized couch that was placed in the middle of the room. I encouraged Albert to do the same, motioning for him to sit beside me. My head was down as I began to gather my thoughts for the coming moment. Albert turned to me and put his hand on my shoulder to let me know that everything would be fine.
~But would it?~
Soon after I began to tell him everything. "I realized last week while we were at the Dragon's Nest, that I hadn't ever listened to you while we traveled. You are a grown man…I know that. It occurred to me why I never let you do what you want."
I lifted my head to look at Albert. His eyes were full of concern as he nodded for me to go on.
"I want to protect you. Not just because it's my job…but…because I care for you very much."
I paused, turned to Albert, and looked him straight in the eyes. Puzzlement filled the King's face as he tried to figure out where he was going with this. He knew that Lavitz cared for him and just wanted to protect him. Albert cared very much for him as well and truthfully he didn't mind him taking charge of the journeys.
"Albert…King Albert…I'm falling in love with you…" Lavitz trailed off to see what Albert would do. When he didn't say anything, Lavitz continued. "I've always felt this way; it just wasn't until that day at the Dragon's Nest that I knew what the feelings truly were."
Lavitz frantically searched Albert's eyes for a sign. When he couldn't tell what he was thinking, Lavitz lost all hope. Unexpectedly, Albert reached over and cupped Lavitz's face. He brought his face to his and leaned in so that they could look eye to eye.
"Lavitz…I'm falling in love with you too," Albert pronounced with a growing smile upon his face.
Those were the words that I had longed to hear and now they rung in my ears. The words spoken by Albert were heavenly and it made shivers run down my spine. I stared longingly into his eyes, when all of a sudden Albert leaned in further and I knew what was to come. I felt the softness and warmth of his lips press against mine. My whole body became completely relaxed and I was his. It was a loving kiss that made both of feel closer to one another.
Albert slowly moved away and opened his eyes to gaze into mine. He smiled and his eyes lit up as he fully realized what had just taken place. I knew that it was as good for him as it had been for me. I smiled back and reached over to stroke his cheek as we leaned into one another once again.
We both knew in our hearts that this was the beginning of a wondrous and beautiful relationship that would last for as long as we both shall live.
*This is the end of Chapter 1. I hoped you enjoyed it and I'll be sure to post the next chapter as soon as possible. Please review!