Disclaimer: I don't own Star Ocean 3, any of its people, places or things.
Author's Note: Before I start, I want to thank my brother Danial who helped me get out of writer's block and come up with the idea for this chapter. I hope you like it, here's Chapter 6.
Sophia and Fate walked down the streets of Airglyph. The sun beamed over them as their shoes clicked on the cobblestone pavement. They walked slowly, hoping they could talk amongst each other before joining the group. Sophia had a look of joy on her face, she smiled broadly and had her head held high. Fate on the other hand, had his head hanging low as he pondered what his next move was, Sophia didn't notice his thoughtful mood. After a few minutes, Sophia spoke.
"So, everyone's here." She said thoughtfully, Fate looked up surprised at her sudden start of conversation. He nodded tentatively.
"Yeah, I guess so." He said blandly. He was too busy thinking to pay attention to Sophia's concerned look.
"…I was spending time with them before I came into town." She continued. "I…well Cliff told me about your…predicament."
Fate's eyes widened. "W-what predicament?" he asked, hoping she wasn't going to say what he thought she was.
Sophia paused for a few moments, a solemn look forming on her face. She look at Fate concerned.
"Why didn't you tell me about Aunt Rioko Fate?" she spat out harshly. "I could have helped you or helped her, I could have sent you money for the hospital bills and a place to live. Cliff told me you were living in South Central LA Fate, why didn't you contact me!?" anger built in her voice, Fate glared at her.
"I didn't have a comlink Sophia, how was I going to contact you huh?"
"You had one to call Cliff, and Nell and everyone else didn't you? Why not call me Fate, do I not matter or something!?"
"I haven't had one for three years, I stole one- I mean I received one from an old man I helped across the street, he gave it to me."
"Oh," Sophia said, taken back. "I…I'm sorry Fate." She said, the anger in her voice dying down. "I just…I just feel bad that I couldn't help you that's all. I don't like the fact that you live in such a bad place on Earth, why don't you come to Airglyph, I'm sure Albel will let you live in the castle with us."
Fate's blood began to boil at the name "Albel". Although anger was raging inside him because of Cliff and Albel, he answered calmly.
"No thanks Sophia, I like it better on Earth. I'll get back on my feet soon enough, I got a new computer a few months ago."
"But Cliff said your apartment was bare."
Fate thought for a few minutes. Oh yeah he thought, I forgot I got robbed before I left. Damn the world.
"Cliff that damn bastard." Fate murmured under his breath, unfortunately, not low enough for Sophia not to hear. Her eyes widened.
"Why would you say that?" she replied shocked. Fates face turned crimson.
"I-never mind Sophia, so what else did you hear?"
"Well…" she put her index finger on her chin, thinking hard.
"Nell says you look scrawny and even weaker than before." She looked Fate up and down, as if confirming Nell's allegations. Fate's face turned even more of a crimson.
"That stupid bitch!" he said, not trying to be quiet. This time, Sophia shrugged it off.
"And Popita said that you have a really bad attitude problem." Sophia smiled at him warmly. "But I know that isn't true."
Before Fate could respond, they reached a pair of large, stone doors with rickety hinges and large door handles. Sophia walked up to it and pulled on it hard, getting it to open after a few minutes. She motioned with one hand for Fate to enter, Fate just walked in, not noticing the strained look on her face. After he entered the door slammed shut behind him.
"All of them can go straight to hell." He uttered. "Damn them all to hell for telling Sophia the truth, I can't wait to see them all so I can kick their asses."
A few minutes later, the door opened once again. Sophia hurried into the castle before the door could slam on her, she looked at Fate astonished.
"You could have held the door for me Fate." She said exasperated.
"I could of, couldn't I?" he replied irritated. Sophia looked at him frustrated.
"Albel does." She muttered loud enough for Fate to hear. After she saw the color in his face deepen, a satisfied look crossed her face. She motioned to a grey stone walkway that led to two more large doors.
"Well, are you ready to see everyone? Their all in the dining quarters."
"Yeah, I'm ready." He said a determined look on his face. Sophia smiled.
"Ok then, let's go."