A/N: I realized it's been over a year since I last updated. For those of you who still wish to read this, rest assured that I do intend to complete this no matter how long it takes. I'm sorry for making you wait though.
Sophia stared at the ceiling as the tiny rays seeped its way into the blue shadowed room. The morning sun had yet to rise, but the girl laid in bed fully awake. Normally she would wake up an hour or so from now to get ready for a new day, but her circumstances this time were a bit unusual. The said girl was wide awake not because she was well rested for the day, but because she could barely get a wink of sleep at all. The previous day had been full of surprises, one she herself administered. The details of last night's kiss continually replayed in her head, thus the moment she tried to sleep, the first thing she saw was Albel. She blushed fervently at the mere thought of what she did. Or maybe it was him that was causing her unusual behavior? No, she shook her head.
It couldn't be that... she thought. I-it's because I made a fool of myself...yeah...I was just being stupid.
That or the fact she also slept for most of the previous day. Sophia considered that too. She sighed as she became more restless. Her thoughts became her entrapment.
Sophia turned on her side as she tried to fight away her thoughts, but eventually gave in after hours of battle. Her efforts were futile and gravely exhausted her, but why? She couldn't understand why it bugged her so much. Frowning, instead of dismissing her thoughts, she tried to analyze it.
Moments passed and the answer finally dawned on her, just as the dawn did through the crimson veils. When she finally realized why she was so bound to find the answer, she let out a dry laugh. She was so silly... but now that she'd escaped her prison, nothing was keeping her from drooping into another dreamless sleep. And once again, all she could see was black.
Knock, knock.
"Miss Sophia, are you awake?"
No one answered.
"Miss Sophia? It's noon, you have to get ready for departure," called the maid.
Sophia stirred in her sleep.
Knock, knock.
"Miss Sophia? Please, you'll be late if you sleep any further. The master—ah!"
Without warning, the door opened swiftly and sharply, scaring Sophia awake. Her sudden gasp was enough to hint her surprise.
"A-Albel?" she called out staring at the man who stood before the door.
"It's noon, I recall informing you that we will be departing at this time, did I not?" He sounded slightly aggravated.
"I-I...AH! It's twelve?" she shrieked.
Jumping out of bed, Sophia pulled open the curtains, and evidently, the sun was overbearing in the middle of the sky.
"I-I'm so sorry! I'll be ready—Albel?" she called as she turned around. He was no where in sight. The maid on the other hand stood outside the door way with an equally confused expression.
"Ah, Miss Sophia. I brought you your attire. I'm sure you would be more comfortable wearing your own possession."
"Huh...oh yes...Thank you. I'll be getting ready now..." she spoke, her attention still at the doorway.
Minutes later, Sophia emerged from her room clearly in a rush. She quickly dressed and prepared herself not wasting any moment she had. Remembering Albel's tone as he came to wake her, she knew he wasn't in a good mood. Her fast pace slowly diminished as she wondered if she may be the reason.
Is he mad at me? She wondered. It couldn't be helped, she thought. After last night and then this morning, it shouldn't have been surprising that he would be frustrated with her. But thinking so only made her sink with sorrow. She didn't like it. She didn't want him to be mad at her and much more...even hate her. It was too sad to think about. Shaking her head, Sophia slapped her cheeks harshly.
"D-don't get depressed yet!" she squealed. "You don't know for sure. Ask him later and just apologize!"
Yeah, that's what I need to do...I need to apolo—I need to hurry!
Sophia gathered her speed and rushed down the hall and nearly tripped down the stairs. In her haste, she almost crashed into the Lord of the manor.
"I-I'm so sorry Count Woltar!" cried Sophia. "I-I was in a hurry, I have to depart immediately."
"I-It's fine Lady Esteed, you should slow down and—" but he wasn't allowed to finish.
"I can't and I'm sorry, but I really need to go now. I hope to see you again soon!" the girl shouted as she raced out the door.
Count Woltar could only watch as the girl sped past him and disappear with the closing door. He sighed.
"That boy...What is he thinking making a lady rush herself?" he muttered to himself.
As Sophia huffed and puffed her way to the carriage, she spotted Albel standing in front of it. He seemed to have noticed her because his usual grumpy face turned sour the moment he faced her direction which in turn caused her to frown.
As she stopped in front of him, she tried to apologize for her tardiness, but her panting prevented her from getting a single word out.
"Well?" he quirked a brow at her. "What are you waiting for? Get in."
Sophia frowned at his tone, but nonetheless obeyed. Beside Albel was the coachmen who promptly opened the door for her.
Thanking him, she entered the coach with Albel following behind. Sophia sat beside the window and seated across from her was Albel. The moment they sat, his attention turned towards the window. Every now and then, Sophia would throw nervous glances at him. Although she recognized her odd behavior, she still couldn't get over it. Their moments continued to spend in silence.
"So..." she started, "what's the plan?"
Sophia looked at him nervously, unsure if the topic was right to open with.
Albel briefly glanced at her and crossed his arms.
"We are headed for the kingdom of Aquaria. Once there, we are to assemble with the blue maggot and swarm. The details will be briefed after." He spoke to her with indifference.
Sophia sighed. He hadn't changed, still calling people maggots and worms.
"You shouldn't call people names especially if they aren't around. It's the same thing as talking behind their backs," mumbled Sophia.
"Hmph, I don't see what's wrong with being frank. A worm is a worm, and a maggot is also a worm, they are all the same thing."
"Even so, is it so hard to be...nicer?" she asked. He merely shrugged her off.
"Is it so hard for you to be more considerate?" said Sophia, her voice slightly raised almost not believing the words coming out of her mouth.
"That is none of your concern." With that, he turned his gaze outside the window, signaling the end of their chat. But Sophia wouldn't let it.
"Don't you ever think about other people's feelings?" she asked softly.
"A worm's feelings matters not to me. What concerns them means nothing to me."
"Why?" questioned Sophia.
Albel furrowed his brows.
"It has nothing to do with me."
"Why?" she continued to ask, aggravating him more.
"How long are you going to pester me, woman?" he scoffed as he turned towards her.
"You can't say that Albel..." she whispered, her head hung low.
"Are lecturing me? What makes you think-"
"I never thought I was better than you!" she cried. His eyes widened at her outburst.
"I just wanted to try...to get to know you...but saying things like 'feelings don't matter', that's terrible."
Albel could see her fist clenched and shake as it gripped her skirt.
"People aren't made of metal, Albel. We have feelings and just brushing them aside doesn't make them go away. You hurt people when you act like nothing matters!" Sophia was now shouting at him. All the while, Albel just watched.
"Did you ever think about how uncomfortable it is for me? Did you think that I would just forget the things I've done and act as if nothing happened at all? But you treat it like its nothing, you're indifferent like it doesn't matter and..." she trailed off.
"And what?" he inquired. His voice was hard as well as his glare. She could see that her outburst had long lost its effectiveness. Sophia only looked at him sadly while tears started to form in her eyes.
"You have no right to lecture me," he said once again. "Your outburst and your words have no connection. You speak of feelings and judge my thoughts as if you know them. Then you chide me with pointless banter about how I should treat others. Your hypocrisy is deluding and aggravating. Make yourself clear woman. Who are you referring to?"
Her lips trembled. "...Last night...I..." Ashamed, she couldn't look at him.
"What of it?"
His reaction remained the same. It meant nothing to him. Maybe he didn't even give it a thought. It pained her to think that he didn't care at all, all the while to her...She'd been so troubled, she couldn't even sleep, but to him...
"Fool," he spat. "Stop frustrating yourself on such pointless matters."
'Pointless', it rung in her head.
"A gesture is a gesture. If the point is made, then what is the problem?"
"B-but I still k-ki-" she stuttered, her face pink and eyes moist.
"How many times must I tell you before it sinks in?" The tone of his voice sounded angry and somewhat chilling, but it was different from his usual mocking tone. "The only reason it is so hard for you to get over it is because you are making it so. The point of your gesture was gratitude, was it not?"
"N-no...I mean..." she shook her head gently.
"Then why?" he asked. Sophia listened for any hints of malice, sarcasm or anything related. :Say it, the words you wish to speak and no other."
"I'm sorry..." she spoke guiltily causing him to raise a brow.
"I couldn't...couldn't forgive what I did...and you...What I want to say is, I wanted to apologize for acting so rashly last night...and for yelling at you too...but...I was sincere when I said my thanks...but- "
"Then there was no reason for you to question anything to begin with."
With that, Albel closed his eyes and leaned against the carriage. He seemed tuckered out and wanted peace after their quarrel.
Sophia gazed at the man in front of her as he nodded off quietly. Thinking back, she had been afraid that his words were meant to deceive her or push her away. From the very beginning of their conversation, she carried the doubt that he cared for her at all. It led her to believe that he didn't care about anyone, that he really was wicked. It made her feel guilty because now she knew it wasn't true. Although his words confused and misled her, she had been too quick to jump at the thought that he didn't care. She had been at fault, too. Using others to get her answers. But from what she deduced, others and herself, were two separate things.
After a long wait, Sophia and Albel finally reached the city of Aquios. According to Albel, they would rendezvous with Fayt and the others at a nearby inn. It was the same inn they stayed at during their voyage. As Sophia made her way to the inn, Albel on the other hand departed to...run an errand.
Sophia quirked a brow. It was strange...what business does he have in Aquaria?
She watched him stomp off angrily, totally pissed off about something. He seemed angry throughout the day.
As she stood staring at his disappearing figure, a body popped out before the door and crashed into hers.
"Sorry!"exclaimed Sophia. "It was my fault for standing there."
"Oh, it's fine. I'm just glad you're finally here."
"Huh?" Sophia looked up.
"Nel!" Sophia was overjoyed. It had been so long since she had last seen her. To her, Nel was like an older sister. She was mature, kind and caring, but also deadly. Throughout their venture, Nel also made effort to watch over the younger girl because she worried about her well being. Sophia's kind nature wasn't meant for battle, but nonetheless she was dragged into the war to save mankind, no, their entire universe.
Reaching out a hand, Nel helped Sophia to her feet.
"You look well, Sophia." Said Nel.
"I'm fine, how've you been?" asked Sophia.
"We can talk more once we get inside. We don't want another accident, do we?" replied Nel in a light tone.
"Right, sorry. I'll move out of the way." With that, the two girls headed in.
Sophia followed Nel as they entered an occupied room. Inside, she saw Maria and the others.
"Sophia!" piped a girlish voice. Peppita bounced over to the doe eyed brunette.
"Peppita!" Sophia exclaimed. "You're okay! I was so worried about you!"
"Me too," cried the smaller girl. "I was so scared when I couldn't find you."
"I was scared too, but I'm alright." Sophia gave the younger girl a reassuring smile that gently lifted her worries.
"That reminds me," said Sophia, "just what is going on? And why did the Vendeeni attack me? Better yet-"
"We'll get to that in a moment, just calm down for now." Sophia turned to Cliff, who answered her question. He sat comfortably on the edge of the bed.
"Bear with it for now, we can't start until everyone gets here."
"Oh!" she squeaked. She examined the members and realized that aside from Albel, Adray, Fayt and Roger were still missing.
"Do you know where the others are Cliff?" asked Maria who was leaning against the wall.
"Adray and Roger are almost here. We sent Fayt to get them so there's no reason to worry for lover boy."
Maria blushed when she heard his comment which earned Cliff a grin. "They should be arriving at any moment."
On cue, Adray and Roger came in along with Fayt.
"Hey guys!" shouted Roger. "It's great to see you guys again."
"It's great to see you too, Roger," answered Mirage, standing near the bedpost. "Welcome back Adray, Fayt."
Adray crossed his arms and stuck out his chest. "So the young ones are as energetic as ever, good. Kids need spirit if they want to walk the path of a true warrior."
"Yeah, yeah. Knock it off old man, we don't need them destroying the place," came Cliff.
"Old man? Watch your tongue, brat," retorted the veteran.
"Ahem," coughed Fayt, "You guys look great, but just to be safe...Sophia, how are you?"
Fayt looked at her with brotherly concern and she smiled back. "I'm fine, see? Albel was with me, but thanks for worrying, Fayt."
"I see, so where is he anyways?"
"The King of Airyglyph has sent him on an errand in Aquaria and has also been lending him to the Queen as of late. Since the end of the war, with the treaty in place, Albel has been serving both sides. Ever since he became the messenger, his temper has reached new heights." Nel, along with her Secret Legion, have been informed directly by the queen, Aquaria XXVII to cooperate with the other kingdom as well.
"He's serving both sides?" questioned Mirage. Everyone looked at each other with bewildered looks.
"Correct. As of this morning, he's been sent on another mission and was asked to report to the queen as soon as he reached the castle grounds. I am also charged with duties from Airyglyph, but the queen makes little demands from me since my whole squad is at her disposal."
Sophia gasped as she remembered his recent attitude and weariness.
"So he wasn't mad at me?" she cried out loud.
"Mad? Why would he be mad? Well, he does have a temper, but at you specifically...did something happen?"
"Umm...no...well, k-kind of...but it doesn't really matter. I just made things harder to deal with, but it's okay now." Her voice was frantic as if she were hiding something. They could see the tainted red on her cheeks.
"Sophia, if something happens-" started Fayt, but he did not finish.
"Meddling, now are we? Just a bunch of annoying worms." Albel trudged into the room.
"Albel..."whispered Sophia with a hint of surprise. Of course, everyone else was too at his sudden arrival.
"Well? Are you maggots just going to stare off until your eyes rot or will you begin this senseless meeting? I don't have all day so spare me," he spoke dryly, earning a few agitated looks.
"It so happens that it was YOU whom we were waiting for," retorted Maria, "but seeing as YOU are here NOW, of course we can begin."
She glared at him and he did the same in return.
"Well Cliff, I believe you should start and explain to everyone what's going on," said Mirage interrupting the glaring contest.
Cliff nodded and hardened his face. He didn't speak immediately which caused others to glance around with concern.
"This isn't going to be easy to say..." he started.
"Could it be...that we have to save the universe again?" gulped Roger.
"Oh no, nothing like that. Well, not really..." said Cliff.
"Then the enemies are back to get revenge?" asked Peppita. It was the same thought the others also shared.
Cliff nodded.
"That's right, but there's a bit more to it than that. We won't be going into any more wars, I assure you, but..." Cliff swiftly glanced at Sophia causing her to flinch.
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry?" repeated Sophia.
"Yeah...I'm sorry."
"Cliff, you're not making any sense. What are you sorry for?" questioned the former leader of.
"After you left, we...me and Mirage have been scouting around space to maintain peace on our own. After the battle with the Creator we didn't want any more conflicts so we decided to do whatever we could so that no one else would have to fight."
Cliff then looked at Mirage with an odd stare that Sophia couldn't really pin. He looked troubled, no it was much worse.
Mirage patted Cliff on the shoulder and rubbed it gently and began her part.
"Using our sources and power, we've been gathering information about irregular activities and one day we stumbled upon some rumors about the Vendeeni, or what was left of them."
"Are you saying that you knew they were scheming this?" inquired Nel.
Cliff stood up with every inch screaming that he was not messing around.
"We tried to track them down when we got word that they were planning to get revenge. We went from world after the next looking for them, but they were too dispersed. It became apparent that searching for them was useless."
"So you gave up and didn't tell us?" asked Fayt.
"No. We never gave up," said Mirage confusing the crowd.
"Then what did you guys do?" asked Roger.
A split second later, a furious Fayt rushed up to Cliff and slammed his cheek with his fist.
"Fayt!" cried Maria who was as shocked as everyone else in the room.
"You...You bastard!" Fayt screamed. "You used Sophia as bait! How could you? How dare you!"
"Stop, Fayt!" cried Maria as she ran over to hold him back along with Adray.
"Kid, calm down! This conversation isn't over yet so-" yelled Adray.
"I won't forgive them!"
"Listen Fayt, it was the only way-" said Mirage, but she was caught off by Cliff.
"That's right, we used Sophia without her knowing, but don't blame Mirage, I was the one who decided on this."
"Cliff-"
"It's okay," he muttered softly.
"Damn it, Cliff! Why?" berated the angered blue head.
"Fayt, please stop!" pleaded Sophia.
"But-"
"I know! But please stop this! I want to hear it from them."
The blue haired boy stopped his assault, but looked on completely pissed. When they confirmed it was safe, Maria and Adray released their hold. Sophia then turned her attention to Cliff and Mirage with saddened eyes.
"Why?" she spoke softly. "Why didn't you tell us...?"
"We didn't have any other way of getting them to come out," answered Mirage.
"We knew they would come after us, but we didn't know how. They were just remnants of what they use to be, but we couldn't risk people getting involved anymore. Enough people have already been hurt because of these conflicts and each of you went on with your lives. We didn't want to interfere...to ruin what you have now."
"And that is the reason you bothered not to inform us?" Albel finally piped up.
"That's right." Mirage closed her eyes.
"But that still doesn't explain why Sophia was bait," spat Fayt.
"I agree. Involving an innocent young woman without her knowledge is far from honorable," spoke Adray who seemed disgusted at their actions. Actually, it was safe to say that he looked even more angered than Fayt, but was surprisingly in better control of himself.
Cliff grimaced. "We didn't want to interrupt your lives, but we needed a means to get them to come out. I came up with the idea of baiting them out."
"We had one of our members infiltrate their union pretending to want revenge and was easily accepted. After that we had him constantly contact us secretly. When they finally grouped enough men, they needed a plan to come after us." Informed Mirage.
"That's right. But I was the one that decided on using Sophia," continued Cliff. "I thought about all kinds of ways, but as much as I hated it, this way was the most efficient. I had the spy persuade them to come after you because you were the most vulnerable out of everyone. Fayt was off to college with Maria, but since they were close together, they could provide each other support. Nel, Adray, Roger, and Albel live in Elicoor II and have positions that could garner them the necessities for battle if they need it. But for you-"
"I was the weakest link," Sophia hissed causing Cliff to flinch. "I was alone and didn't have anyone right? I can't compare to any of you in combat because I'm weak right? Or maybe it's because you thought that I couldn't handle anything? Just prey for the wolves? A sitting duck that can't fend for herself-"
"That's not it, Sophia!" cried Mirage. "Telling you would mean you'd be cautious and wary. We wanted to avoid any suspicions. We meant to protect you if anything happened, but keeping it secret was for us to take precautions. You just happened to have the most disadvantages out of all of us."
"Don't lie to me!" Sophia screamed back. "I know what you really think of me! You think I'm weak! I'm dependent! A little girl who can't do anything!"
"That's enough, Sophia!" shouted Maria. "Don't go putting words into peoples mouths. Of all people, you would never say that if you were thinking straight!"
But Sophia could not keep calm. The past two years had only gotten worse. She lost her parents, Fayt left her, and she became alone now that no one seemed to care to involve with her.
"Straight? What's straight are your lies. You keep bending the truth, but I already know it. That's why I can follow."
"Sophia, calm down." Nel stepped in front of the girl and held her shoulders gently. "I know it's hard to listen to what they say, but it's over now so just calm down for your own good."
Why do they act like they care now? Why after she had to suffer two whole years of loneliness? Sophia trembled under Nel's grasp. She had enough of crying, of shedding countless tears for one person alone. It was sad to think about, but it was true. She only had one person to shed tears for. Herself. And so she did.
"I...I want to be alone..." The words sounded so foreign to her. She couldn't believe she said it. It was the last thing she wanted, but after reuniting with her friends after two years, she couldn't be with them. The though that maybe she was meant to be alone struck her hard.
"Sophia..." whispered Peppita.
"Excuse me, I'm going out for a walk." With that, she left the group in silence.
End of Chapter
A/N: I meant to add more to this chapter, but I decided to split it so you don't have too much to read. It might take a while to get the next part up though. Sorry once again.