This story was inspired by a conversation over at Gatchamania more than a year ago. As I worked on it, I found myself weaving in elements of other stories I had written in the past, creating an Alternate Universe of sorts. While it is not necessary to read these other stories to enjoy this one, you may be interested to know that this fic takes elements from my stories 'It's Not Easy Being Green', 'Turning Point', and my 'Discovery/Recovery/Reconciliation' trilogy. All of these fics are posted on this site, if you choose to explore further.

And now, I hope you enjoy the latest addition to my 'Origins' universe: The Ties That Bind.

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Thirty-Five Years Ago

"I hate you."

The bully uttering these words accompanied his thoughts with a sneer, his upper lip curling to reveal teeth that were all too clearly in urgent need of dental assistance. But none of this mattered to the boy. Bigger, smaller, older, younger; it didn't matter. He could stand up to anyone in the schoolyard.

He was special.

"You aren't the first." the boy shrugged, his bored tone tinged with a hint of arrogance. "And you certainly won't be the last."

The bully appeared to be taken aback by this response. It clearly was not what he had expected, but the sneering student plunged ahead with his plan of intimidation regardless.

"I'm gonna beat the snot outta you!" the bully boasted, thrusting out his chest.

"I don't think so." the boy yawned. This time his tone was less bored and more cold. The boy twisted his body slightly, lifting up his leg and thrusting it out at the bully, sending the larger student flying away from him. The bully hit a wall, coming to rest in an undignified heap on the ground.

Without a word, the boy simply walked away, not even glancing at the now silent bully who was shakily pulling himself out of the dirt. This kind of trash wasn't worth the boy's time.

He was meant for greater things.

Smiling softly to himself, he rounded the corner of the school building, heading for a secluded grove of trees at the edge of the school property. It was the boy's favorite place to be at this wretched institution.

He would already be there now; if it hadn't been for that upstart bully who had thought he could make a reputation for himself by thrashing the boy.

But now, the boy was finally alone. Reaching the grove of trees, he eagerly reached out with his mind and spoke to his only true friend in the universe.

"Sosai!" he cried. "I'm here! Did you see me take down that…?"

"It is of no importance."

The deep voice reverberated within his mind, clearly communicating a sense of impatience.

"Sosai, I apologize for being late, but…"

"It will not happen again." Sosai responded, his tone insistent. "This only confirms that I am making the right decision."

"What decision?" the boy asked frantically, suddenly fearful for his position. "I am yours, Sosai! I live only to serve you! Without you, I am nothing!"

"You have been replaced." Sosai continued, ignoring the boy's pleading. "I no longer have need of you."

"What?" the boy screamed, throwing himself on the ground, prostrating himself before the omnipotent alien who was not truly there, yet saw everything.

"You cannot replace me, Sosai! I am meant to serve you!"

"I no longer require your services." Sosai said coldly. "I have another to take your place."

"But who could take my place?" the boy demanded. "Sosai, who could possibly love you more than I do?"

"My own creation." the alien answered bluntly. "You have been tolerable, but you lack the exact brainwaves I require in my General. But now, I have been able to craft one of your species to fit my requirements. I am looking forward to the arrival of my new creation."

"Arrival?" the boy thought fast. Clearly this usurper was not yet in place.

"Sosai, you are so great and powerful. You need many to serve you. Why focus on this one creation, who may fail you? Surely you could use another whom you can trust fully. One who would hold your interests above all others."

The boy held his breath. In the past, Sosai had always succumbed to flattery, but then the alien entity had never tried to replace his most devoted servant before…

"You might be right." Sosai admitted. "But I do not want my new creation to feel that I have lost faith in him, before he has even begun. You will remain far away from Berg Katse and do my bidding without his knowledge."

The boy had never heard of 'Berg Katse', but he readily agreed.

"As you say, Sosai. It shall be as you command. I will serve you, without Berg Katse knowing of my existence."

"This gives me an idea…" murmured Sosai thoughtfully. "I will return."

And suddenly, the alien entity was gone.

The boy smiled to himself. He had saved his position with Sosai. He would show his Master that he was a far better servant than this new 'Berg Katse' creation.

As he had always known, Kentaro Washio was meant for better things.