The bite of betrayal is a mixture of a deadening shriek of agony entwined with the taste of pure bitterness. What had once tasted so sweet now leaves a lingering stench of darkness. What's worse is that the one I once trusted…and even loved…actually has turned his back on what he once held so dear. He has left me torn, bruised…and broken…but what leaves you broken…makes you better.

***SR***

'Mary; Thank you for the wonderful birthday presents, and send Becky my regards as well. I enjoy getting all the hoodie hats that she finds; You know how I love them. Congratulations again on your new security job, Mary! Make sure you let your little sister know if you find any handsome policemen walking around! Anyways, I am off to NYC for an extended stay. My employer has stated that there are many research locations that she wants me to inspect for our own research. One of which includes going to Oscorp, can you believe it? Apparently the boss has connections with Mr. Osborn himself, and I'm the one chosen to be the go-for. I have heard that my friend Otto works for Mr. Osborn, so hopefully I get to see him. There are…things I may have to discuss with him…but don't worry! I'm sure he will help me find the answers to the questions I have. Why he left Tricorp for Oscorp is puzzling. I will be bringing Simone along with me; which means I have to deal with her lovely cat. Oh well. Anyways; I shall call you when I arrive, but I will have less and less time to call. Expect letters every month. Blessings on you both! ~ Sophia V.'

A blissful sigh filled the spacious room as the young woman reviewed what she had written to her dear friend in Tennessee. Sophia longed for the chance to get away from the big cities, but being a promising animal researcher, she was constantly moving from place to place to gather information for her boss. She loved the idea of flying to her next assignment…but the subway trains were something that she didn't want to face once more. Sophia finished the letter by sealing it in the red envelope that she had prepared, and then putting a stamp on it, ready to drop it in the mail chute as she got ready for her flight.

"Simone? Are you packed? All we have to do is get the car loaded and get to the Airport. Hopefully the New York apartment will be big enough for both of us." The woman sighed, and then directed her attention towards her cousin, who had a medium sized duffle-bag ready to go in her hands, as well as a pet carrier and a large suitcase behind her. Simone was younger than Sophia, and her features were more like that of a teenager. Though considering that she was only 18, it made since. Simone placed her bag on the floor and made a few signs towards her older cousin. Being mute was a challenge for the girl, but not around her family.

Sophia watched her younger cousin for a moment, and then smiled. "Don't worry, Si. I will do my best to keep you away from all large vehicles, including fire trucks." The girl smirked and placed her backpack on her shoulders. For a piece of luggage only filled with clothes, this thing SURE was heavy. "Besides; chances are, you and I won't be going anywhere near the NYPD or FD…unless we have to inspect their working animals; but chances are you'll be closer to the vets." Sophia paused for a moment and then showed a smidge of concern. "Are you positive that you want to come along? I mean, Ray could always pick you up and take you back to Griffon Rock; I mean you've been gone from him for a year…and I won't have much time for you with my research."

Simone looked up towards her cousin, noting the hesitation in Sophia's eyes. Past the fuzzy hat that she wore, her eyes were actually reflecting sorrow, and nervousness. Sophia was dreading something…just what, she was unsure of. Simone walked closer towards her cousin and gave her a warm embrace…before pulling back and making a few signs with her hands.

'You are more than a cousin to me, Sophia. You are like a sister to me. Ray will understand that I'll be gone for six months. He's got things to do for the Air Force anyways. Besides! Being in Manhattan will give me the chance to look at dresses for the wedding next year! Sophia…I am here for you…'

Sophia pursed her lips…and then warmly embraced her cousin, and let off a sigh of humility. She was grateful that her cousin would place her own life on hold for her. It was like the mute girl was a constant guardian angel for her, even though she was younger.

"Thank you Simone…Now come on! No more sappy stuff!" she chuckled, quick to wipe away a tear of emotion that was threatening to roll down her cheek. Picking up her bags, she gave off a wide smile, making sure her fuzzy hat was secure to her head and her jacket was snug. New York was going to be COLD when they got there. "We have a plane to catch!"

Simone smiled and nodded in agreement, before quickly grabbing her own bags and heading for the door. As she did so, the cat from the cat carrier let off a meow of protest, causing Sophia to smile in sympathy…and then purse her lips in contemplation. Going back to New York was both thrilling…and chilling for her. Especially since the memories of what had happened five years ago still itched at her…

***FB***

"Judging by the way you are moving up in your own line of research; you must be looking to lead a major research facility, Miss Vincent."

"Oh I wouldn't say that. All I really want is to make sure research such as this stays in the right hands and benefits the people. Though I am hesitant about the testing it on animals part." Sophia replied, clutching her clip board close to her as she glanced at a room that they passed, noticing a box of white mice being kept on hand as the scientists that they past examined the reactions to the tests they were preforming. The girl winced and then looked back forward, a grimace on her face, before looking back towards her guide. "Though, Mr. Twaki—"

"Ted, Please call me Ted"

Sophia paused and blinked, before she cleared her throat. "Mr.—Ted; I do hope that most of your testing and projects is for the good of the people, of course."

"Of course Miss Sophia! That's all we have in mind in our projects; what would benefit the people and make the world a better place." The scientist looked towards the young woman beside him and smiled welcomingly. "You know you sound somewhat like one of my top scientists. He's always apologetic, always looking out for the well-being of others—"

"I wouldn't call myself a groveler." Sophia looked up, waving a hand in the air lightly for emphasis. "Merely someone who just wishes the world would operate peacefully…though chances are that's probably never going to happen."

Dr. Twaki chuckled softly at the lady's words and then stopped walking as he approached a door and typed in a code into the console. "Oh believe me Sophia; I do understand." The scientist looked up as the door opened, revealing a spacious room with all sorts of mechanics and gadgets surrounding the work area. On the other side of the room, a heavy-set man with glasses was tirelessly working on something long and black. He seemed so absorbed by his work, that there was a certain strength and focus in his eyes that spoke of the seriousness of the particular project that was being created.

"Otto. We have a guest." Dr. Twaki announced, putting his hands behind his back professionally and walking towards the scientist. Sophia hesitantly followed, keeping her clipboard close to herself for a certain…comfort. The labs she was used to working in were equally as tech-savvy…but not as large and menacing. No the work she had been used to was done on an island with a Doctor known as Greene. Though he had many mishaps with his tech, she knew for a fact that he always meant well. Here on the other hand; it was all about finding something new…and making more money. Shaking her feelings of contempt away, the young lady studied the form in front of her.

The larger man blinked and set his work down before turning towards his guests and showing a look of curiosity. "Of course Dr. Twaki. How may I help you?" His voice, for being someone so large and with a potential of being menacing…was actually hesitant and submissive. It was as though even he was only here to do as told and work on the possible good of the project.

Sophia paused her ponderings when she found herself being gently pushed closer towards the scientist that she was being introduced to.

"Otto, I'd like you to meet Sophia Vincent, representative of Allen Corp Tech." Dr. Twaki introduced as Sophia slowly made her way towards the working scientist and slowly offered him her hand as a polite gesture. Twaki continued," and this, Miss Sophia, is Dr. Otto Octavius, one of our top scientist and the author of—"

"Author of alternate power sources that can hold sizable charges for a large amount of time" Sophia finished the sentence as though she was somewhat struck by the information…as well as the fact that the hand that took hers was three times as large as her small, hard-to-find-decent-gloves hands.

Otto looked surprised as he shook the young girl's hands and studied her, as though trying to place her. "I'm sorry-…do I know you?" He asked, his demeanor looking as though he was doing his best to remember her, even though it would do him absolutely no good.

Sophia paused and then slowly shook her head, as well as the scentist's large hand. "N-No, No Doctor. We've never met before; it's just a good portion of my coworkers, mainly my boss and my cousin is…fascinated with your research, and I just…never hear the end of it."

"I see" Otto replied, looking somewhat surprised at the news, and then curious. "And; If I may ask, miss Sophia…who is your employer?"

"Well…" Sophia slowly retracted her hand from Dr. Octavius and pulled some of her dark brown hair back behind one of her ears to keep it in place. "Technically, I'm just an intern for the moment…I'm only 22 and just fixing to graduate from the University of Maine. I intern for Ezra Greene from Griffon Rock, and he…is actually a huge fan of Tri Corp and it's tech."

"Miss Vincent here is going to graduate and work for Allen Corp Tech in Nevada, Otto. Therefore she is representing them for the upcoming science research agreement that their company has with ours." Twaki continued, reaching out and patting Sophia on the shoulder. "The kid has a promising career."

"For one so young, you have gone far." Otto replied, looking down towards Sophia and making his smile somewhat warmer, yet still submissive. That look intrigued Sophia; it was as though Otto knew that he was intelligent and useful…but afraid to take it farther. The girl pursed her lips and returned the smile, equally as warm. It made her relax somewhat, the friendliness of this brilliant scientist. Still…knowing what she was fixing to face in her career was unnerving.

"Thank you Dr. Octavius. Though really, you should be saying that about yourself…I mean, look at your own success." Sophia replied politely.

The scientist paused and absorbed the compliment, before he smiled once more.

***AP***

Sophia was aroused from her sleep by the shake of her cousin's hand. How long had she been asleep? Letting off a stifled yawn, the young woman rubbed her eyes and looked out the window, observing the plane touching down on the smooth surface of the airport runway. Sophia blinked and then looked towards her cousin, quick to adjust the hat on her head. "Simone-…are we at LaGuardia already? How long was I asleep?"

Simone smiled gently at the question and made a few signs with her hands.

'You were out like a light as soon as the plane was on the ground. You even missed out on the breakfast that the airline offered.'

Sophia let in a breath and tightened her jacket around her, looking out the window once more, taking in the sights of all the other planes surrounding their own. The sky had a slight haze to it, clouds blocking any rays of the sun that wanted to come dance. Pursing her lips, Sophia glanced down towards her gloved hands and let off a small sigh. This…This was harder than she thought it would be.

Sensing the girl's unnerving demeanor, Simone gently set her hand on her cousin's shoulder, earning her attention. Smiling warmly, the mute girl made a few waves and signs with her hands. 'Don't worry, Dear. I'm sure he will remember you. Perhaps you can get closer while you work with him.'

Sophia winced and a light blush made its way to her face. "Wha- No! Don't be ridiculous Simone! We only worked together for a year, and that was four years ago! Plus, I was only doing research on his research, not working WITH him! This…this is no different!"

Simone gave her cousin a sarcastic look, before waving her cousin off. 'Oh please. I saw the way he looked at you, and the concern that you both had for each other.' The mute girl lounged back in her seat and smirked slightly. 'Not to mention after your year of 'not' working with him; your favorite butterfly necklace just HAPPENED to go missing at your departure, with no concern from you.'

Sophia blushed darker and looked away quickly, her fingers nervously fiddling with the pen she was trying to get out of her hand bag. After a moment, she managed to steady herself and simply gazed at the writing utensil that had the logo of Tri Corp on it. Was she really nervous about seeing Otto?...or did it have to do with…

"You may now take off your seat belts. Please walk out in a single file and thank you for flying American Airlines"

Sophia pursed her lips and then slowly stood, securing her purse and looking down towards Simone. "We need to get going. I still need to call Dr. Greene and thank him for his help…before tomorrow…"