Disclaimer: I do not own S03, but I do own the plot of this story.

Note: Of course, Biwig. How did he survive? Does he have a twin brother:) You'll just have to wait and see. As for my pacing, it is rather quick. I never had the patience to write expanded moments, so I'm sorry.

Dirty Secrets

By: Kikushi

All eight of them had left for Peterny as soon as Sophia had met up with the group near the fountain. As usual, every monster they had encountered was either fought by Fayt, Albel, and Nel or Maria, Cliff, and Adray. Mirage also fought, but Sophia just stood on the sidelines and healed everyone. When they got to Peterny, they stopped at the inn and booked their rooms. Nel called everyone into the kitchen and Sophia knew that they were going to have another meeting. The tables were pushed together to form one big table. Every one took their places.

Sophia sat in her usual spot in the corner. Ever since her conversation with Biwig, she could not bring herself to look at anyone in the group. At first, she listened intently to what everyone was saying, but as time ticked by, Sophia lost interest and drifted to her own thoughts. She sighed softly, boredom getting the best of her.

Sophia played with a loose string on the hem of her sleeve. The watch was underneath that sleeve. She had been sitting in silence for a very long time now. Her eyes traveled to the floor. She was going to be the cause of her teammate's downfall. All of their war meetings and carefully organized plans were in vain. Surely, no one expected the sweet, bubbly, little girl that they thought she was to be their worst enemy.

"Is that okay, Sophia?"

She let her eyes fall on her left wrist. The burden she carried with her day after day, night after night… Just under that soft, pink sleeve was….

"Sophia?"

Sophia's head snapped up quickly. All eyes were on her. For a second, Sophia feared that they had been able to read her mind, twisted as it was. But she knew better. Sophia forced a tiny smile. They had just asked her another question. Every question she was asked was usually a yes or no question. All she had to do was say yes.

"Yes," Sophia replied, mimicking her thoughts.

"Then it's settled," Fayt said, turning his head back to the others, "We'll head to Aquios to give a report and then head back to Styx."

The others mumbled in agreement and soon, they left one by one, disappearing to wherever they wanted to go. Sophia watched, not getting up from her spot. Fayt, the last one of her crew to go, looked back at her as he made for the door.

"Sophia, do you want to take a walk with me?"

Sophia's eyes lit up instantly. "Of course, Fayt!"

Together, they left the inn and walked side by side towards the heart of the town. They walked side by side, enjoying the fresh air and the animation of the little town. Neither spoke for a while, not wanting to break the calm silence. When they reached the church, Fayt sat on the front steps and motioned for Sophia to sit next to him. She silently obeyed.

"Sophia…" Fayt began, twisting his hands, "Is everything all right?"

Sophia looked up at him, annoyed at his yes and no question, but his eyes were focused on his hands. She frowned. That wasn't a good sign.

"Yes, of course Fayt. Why?"

"It's just…" Fayt stammered, looking away from her so she couldn't see his face, "You seem so different… since… well…"

It was Sophia's turn to look away. She opened her mouth to reply, but Fayt wasn't done.

"Ever since the Vendeeni-"

Something flashed in Sophia's eyes and she snapped her head to look at Fayt. "Fayt," she interrupted, smiling at him as he turned his head to face her, "I'm fine Fayt, honestly! You worry too much."

Fayt stared worriedly at her. He loved seeing his best friend in the whole world smile. But recently, she hadn't been smiling all that much. Relief had flowed through him when he saw that she was smiling at him, but for some reason, it didn't seem as genuine. After a moment, he returned her smile. "That's good to hear. Maybe I do worry too much… are you sure that nothing else happened to you?"

Sophia shook her head good-naturedly. "No, Fayt. You really do worry too much."

Fayt laughed. "I do," he agreed, smiling down at Sophia, "It's great how you always have the patience to hear me out. Is everyone treating you well?"

Sophia giggled softly. "You're only asking me this now?"

Fayt blushed and shook his head vigorously. "Uh, n-no! It's just that… uh… I-I…"

Sophia placed her right hand on his shoulder. "It's all right Fayt. I understand. To answer your question, yes, they're all pretty nice."

Fayt looked guilty. "That's good to hear," he said, "but I'm really sorry that we haven't been spending time lately… It's just that—"

"You're really busy saving the world," Sophia finished for him.

Fayt nodded. "Yeah," he responded lamely.

Sophia stood and offered a hand to Fayt. "Come on," she called to him, smiling, "You have duties to do."

Fayt smiled gratefully up at her and took her hand. "Thanks, Sophia, for understanding."

"That's what I'm here for."

Fayt dusted himself as he got up. "I'm going to the workshop to make more orichalcum if you need me. Want to come?"

Sophia smiled and shook her head. "Maybe I'll drop by later. You go on ahead."

Returning her smile, Fayt walked to the workshop. Sophia stared after him, letting her smile down. As soon as Fayt was out of sight, her eyes flickered to her left wrist. The cursed thing had been vibrating for a while now. Sophia glanced at the church behind her.

No one should be in there, she thought nervously.

Opening the doors to the church, she quickly stepped inside. For a moment, she forgot all about the vibrating device on her wrist and looked around her, wide-eyed. The church was beautiful.

"Wow," Sophia whispered. She turned around, hitting her left arm on a bench. It made a loud noise and Sophia jumped, startled. Without thinking, she pushed up her sleeve and angrily pushed the button on the side. Biwig's face appeared on the surface of the watch and his angered face matched her own.

"Why didn't you answer??" he hissed angrily, his voice dripping poison.

Sophia bit her tongue as hard as she could before answering to rid her anger. "Fayt was talking to me," she answered emotionlessly.

"Is the girl gone?" Biwig asked, ignoring her statement.

Sophia shook her head. "Not yet. I'm planning on doing it tonight."

Sophia had a sudden urge to turn her head and when she did… She turned the watch off fast and rolled down her sleeve.

"Albel!" she managed to say, although thoroughly shaken in the inside, "What are you doing here?"

Albel stared at her coldly. "I could ask you the same," he replied, giving her the same answer from the day before.

"I just wanted to see the church," she lied, smiling.

Albel narrowed his eyes. "I'm watching you, worm."

Sophia gulped as Albel turned away from her and marched out the church. Surely, he couldn't have seen her talking to…

Color drained from Sophia's face. Albel was going to tell the rest of the crew. Fayt and her parents were done for. Sinking into a nearby bench, Sophia lifted her hands to her face and started to cry.

Walking towards the armory, Albel tried to shake the disturbing memory from his head. The maggot from the church- he had always thought that there was something wrong with her. He had seen her come in the church and look around absentmindedly, but he had not expected her to roll up her sleeve and… talk. Out of curiosity, he had slipped soundlessly behind her and had taken a peek at the watch. While the maggot continued to talk, the watch just ticked by normally.

She's insane, Albel thought.

The worm had been talking to a watch. All by herself. As if there was something on it that no one else could see.

Note: I hope you like it. :) Reviews are nice. - Kikushi