Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean or its Characters.

Note: Whoa, a double update. This is a first for me (might not see another double for a while…time restrictions and stuff tend to get in the way). Yes, I'm retelling the game – in a way. There will be romance to come a bit later, so don't worry all you romance fans.

Star Ocean: The Untold Story

Chapter 3: Prisoner's Rights

Mirage emerged from the wreckage. She was swift and quiet. Her expert skills allowed her to make it past the guards stationed at the crash site without alerting them to any change. When she was a block down from the Eagle, she smiled back at the guards. Of course, they could not see her; but she bowed slightly to them anyway before exploring the area.

Night had claimed the town. She was thankful for the dark. She needed to keep a low profile. Cliff had told her not to go after him and the boy, so she would have to wait and see what happened. She would have to rendezvous with them at some point. And if Cliff had gotten himself in over his head (again) then she would be needed to bail him out (again).

She walked in the shadows. Her stealth allowed her a quiet passage through the streets. She stopped short of the castle. There were guards stationed at both sides of the entrance. She wasn't about to go that way, but she wanted to find a way in. She would feel better if she could at least check up on Cliff.

Avoiding any actions that would alert the guards, she made her way around the castle. She needed an alternate way in. She had just made it to the rear when something caught her eye. Her Klausian eyes allowed her better night vision then most other races; a thing she was thankful for. This time, her vision had provided a solution to her problem. Scaling up the wall was a female, approximately in her early twenties with red hair and dressed in clothing different from what she had seen from her previous views of the natives from within the Eagle.

All her combat training, along with her experience with Quark, allowed her to quickly analyze the scene. It would appear that someone else was after her comrades. For what purpose was beyond her, but her gut told her to back off. Her 'hunch' was to let things go for now.

She made her way back to the front gate and into the town. She explored for hours before deciding to return to the Eagle for supplies. Then her night vision provided her with something more intriguing. At the eastern gate, hidden in the shadows, was a wagon. What little movement she saw provided her with enough information to determine that there were two guarding the wagon.

She decided to investigate this wagon further.

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Sophia was so relieved when the gates to the town came in sight, she nearly dropped the man she was helping. Her muscles ached all over and she was mentally drained. She had to use her new found ability on him twice since her first time. Each time it seemed the poison was starting to get the better of him, she would heal him. Oh how she wished her first spell had been Antidote. But according to the books she had read, Healing was almost always the first one to be learned. She was glad she could keep him alive if nothing else.

She helped him stagger through the dust and into the gate. No sooner had they entered the town when she heard voices. They started low, but were soon followed by shouts.

"Hault! Who…is that? Captain Nox?"

Before she could react, two men had rushed at her and pulled the man off her. She was so overcome with fatigue that when she felt her load lighten, she fell. A third man lifted her up by both her shoulders. He was talking to her, but her head became fuzzy and his words were lost. She closed her eyes, trying to wield her headache to stop. Then she blacked out.

She knew she was dreaming. She began to wonder if everything had been a dream. The Vendeeni attack on Hyda, the rush to escape, the separation from Fayt, the man on the mountain…all a dream. She wanted so bad to wake up in her own bed in her own home on her own world.

She opened her eyes. A few rays of sun flickered across her face. She yawned as she sat up. She was in a bed, but it wasn't her own. She glanced around the room, searching for any clue as to where she was. That's when she spotted an older gentleman sitting in the corner.

He cleared his throat, but made no attempt to stand. "You've been asleep for some time young lady."

His voice was friendly. A lot more kind then the other man had been. The other man…she began to wonder about him. "That man…is he okay?"

The older man laughed softly. "Yes, my dear. Thanks to you he is alive and recovering from the poison."

She nodded at him and forced a small smile. "Good." She lifted the covers off of her and swung her legs over the edge to face him. "Can I ask you something sir?"

He raised an eyebrow and nodded. It was obvious that he was studying her. She giggled nervously. "Where am I?"

"You are in Kirlsa. Now, it is my turn for questions." He waited for her to nod. He noticed her timid demeanor. Her fingers constantly twitched in her lap and she was biting her lower lip. He quickly ruled out that she was an Aquarian spy. Thanks to years of service to the King, he had become very capable of reading others. "Where are you from?"

She tensed instantly. What could she tell him? Oh yes, you see I'm from another planet. I came here through outer space and crashed on your planet. Yes, it sounds far fetched since your planet doesn't have the technology for space travel. Forget the UP3 guidelines. Even if she wanted to tell the truth there was no way any one would believe her.

"I'm…I'm from a country far away from here." That wasn't exactly a lie. But it was still misleading. She did her best not to cringe. She hated to lie in any way.

The man wasn't quick to respond. Sophia left like she was under a microscope. "And this country of yours has found a way to travel among the clouds?"

"That was a prototype. Um, it wasn't finished and due to a miscalculation it didn't work like we had hoped." She took shallow breaths. Her heart was racing and she was sure she failed the test. She was almost certain he would see through her lies.

"And you were the creator of this prototype?"

"No sir, I wasn't. I was only supposed to test it out, but it failed and here I am."

"I see."

Was he buying it? Did he accept her story?

"Well then, I will give you the freedom to roam the town until dusk; if you wish. The only thing I ask is that you do not leave Kirlsa. Any attempt to leave will result in your immediate arrest. I only allow you this privilege for your service to Albel."

"Albel?"

"He is the man you brought to Kirlsa last night. Being from another country you may not be aware of how much your actions were of service to this kingdom. You are in the country of Airygylph. Albel Nox is the captain of the Black Brigade. He is of high value to his kingdom and actions such as yours are to be rewarded. But we are currently at war and that is why I must restrict you to the town."

She stood and bowed slightly to the man. "Thank you sir." She was eager to leave his scrutinizing gaze.

He smiled. "Remember to be back by dusk. If you fail to return promptly, your actions will be taken as hostile. There are guards stationed throughout the city. Each has been given orders to monitor your actions. Keep this in mind."

"I will." She stepped to the door as he stood. "I'm Sophia, Sophia Esteed."

He smiled. There was something soothing about him. She relaxed. "Just call me Woltar."

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"What's wrong?" Nel asked turning to the younger of the two.

"My head… Uhh!" Fayt didn't know why, but his head was pounding fiercely.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"Just dizzy. That's all." Fayt did his best not to let the pain slow him down. This pain was like nothing he had felt before. All he knew was that one minute he was upset about leaving Farleen and Tynave to be slaughtered, and then his thoughts had turned to Sophia. If she was here, did she go through the same torture he had endured? Was she in danger? After that his head had started an assault on him.

Nel did her best to sound concern. She was concerned, but her mission was taking its toll and urgency weighed on her. "We'll be in Kirlsa soon. Can you make it that far? Why don't you have him carry you..."

"I'm fine... I'm not a baby, geez." Fayt blinked through the pain, unwilling to look weak.

It didn't take long for them to reach Kirlsa. Cliff kept his eye on the boy. He knew having him along would help retrieve the girl, but his behavior was odd. A million theories ran through his head. The boy was, after all, Leingod's own son. But would the doctor go that far with his own flesh and blood?

"This is Kirlsa. If we can get through this town, we'll be in Aquaria." Nel said addressing both of them. She turned to Fayt. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine..."

Cliff felt uneasy at the boys display. He had been fine one minute and not so fine the next. "Don't overexert yourself. Remember, you're not as strong as we are."

"Now even you're treating me like a baby. I said I'm fine."

"Yeah, well, I'm saying you don't look fine at all." He didn't look fine. He looked sick.

Nel looked from Fayt to Cliff. "I'd prefer to just leave this town now, but that won't be possible with Fayt in this condition... Let's stay here tonight. There's an inn right over there. Let's go."

The three entered the inn. Cliff and Fayt left the task to Nel as she secured them a room. When she was done she motioned for them to follow her. Once they were in their room she spoke to them. "I'll see you later."

"Where're you going?"

"I'm just going to check things out. I'll be right back. And I trust you won't run out on me."

Cliff shook his head and smiled. "Oh, don't say that. Now we can't run away..." He knew he liked this woman already. She was all business, but unable to hide her emotions completely. In a lot of ways, she reminded him of Mirage.

"I don't mind you walking around, just don't leave the town. And don't do anything...conspicuous. We're still in Airyglyph territory. There's no telling where the enemy is hiding."

Cliff and Fayt both agreed to her terms and watched as she walked out of the room. Cliff studied Fayt. His color had started to come back some and he seemed to be feeling better. "What're you gonna do?"

"I think I'll take a walk-I'm sure it'll do me good."

Cliff nodded. "All right, but be careful. Like she said, we're still in enemy territory."

"Yeah, I know."

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Mirage watched from a safe distance as Fayt left the inn. She had been relieved to learn that the people Cliff was with now were not as ruthless as the Glyphians had been. After she had overheard the two at the wagon talking, she knew more of the situation on this planet.

After she had retrieved supplies from the Eagle, she set out for a head start to Aquarios. She stopped at the first town she had come to and was pleasantly surprised to see Cliff and Fayt unharmed. She made no move to notify Cliff of her actions. She would stay undercover and do what she could to find the target. It appeared that Cliff had gotten himself into a mess he was unable to get out of.

Instead of causing a fuss, she kept her location secret from Cliff. She was sure his situation would work out somehow and time was ticking away. They had arrived at their target location but had yet to get the girl.

Fayt had just rounded the corner and was out of sight when Mirage spotted her. Sophia walked over the same stretch of road Fayt had just left. If the girl had been any sooner then the two would have collided.

Mirage smiled at the irony. Fayt was obviously worried about her and had just missed her by a mere matter of seconds.

She studied the girl, trying to decide if she should approach her or not. She had heard from the two named Farleen and Tynave last night about Sophia's crash and of how Airyglyph had already sent soldiers out to capture her. Mirage was unsure of what to make of the girl walking freely in Glyphian territory.

Then she saw what she was looking for. The indication to determine her next move. The girl was unapproachable. Mirage noticed how every guard stationed along the street eyed the girl. They were waiting for her to make any wrong moves. As free as she appeared, it was obvious to Mirage that she was still a prisoner.

This would also explain how the guards overlooked Fayt, who had just broken out of Airyglyph Castle. The guards would be observing Sophia more then anything else. Though unable to get to the girl, this would be an advantage for Mirage. She needed to restock on some supplies and was sure her presence wouldn't bring as much attention as she had feared.

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Nel was relieved to see her contact in the specified location. "Do you have anything?"

"So far it would appear that the girl is being held by Sir Woltar. She is so far unharmed and is currently receiving better treatment then most captives would."

"How is that?"

"It would seem she save the life of none other then Albel the Wicked himself."

Nel lowered her head. If the girl was helping Airyglyph, then she would need to get Fayt and Cliff to the Queen quickly. This was also reason enough not to mention her to the two engineers. "What about Farleen and Tynave?"

"They are currently being held at the Kirlsa Training Facility. They are demanding an exchange. The two engineers for the release of Farleen and Tynave according to our latest information."

"I see... They're up to the same nasty tricks as always. Is it the Dragon Brigade?"

"No, it's the Black Brigade. Of course, the Dragon Brigade is backing them up."

"I see." Nel turned to information over in her head. Something didn't fit. Albel, captain of the Black Brigade was currently recooperating. There seemed to be trouble among his ranks for the Black Brigade to be involved without Albel to lead. She decided to keep this to herself for the time. She needed to sort this information in her head first. "Good work."

"Whatever you do, please be careful."

"Don't worry about me. Right now, just pray to Apris that we can get things to weigh more in our favor."

Her contact nodded to her and left her alone. She looked somberly at the graves around her. She would take Fayt and Cliff to Clair. Clair would have to take over this mission. After she could inform Clair about the girl, she would do what she must to help her subordinates. They were also her friends and Nel couldn't turn her back on a friend.

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Sophia wondered the town for hours. It was quite a large town and so different from anything she had seen before. It also had a somber atmosphere about it. She noticed children playing, but they didn't seem too healthy. It was also hard to get anyone to smile. She would smile at someone and would either receive no smile, or a very weak and worn smile.

She looked to the sky. She really wished she had a watch. It was hard to tell time simply from the amount of light left. She found the nearest guard and asked him how long until dusk. He told her not long which led her to ask him to point her in the direction to Woltar's home.

He did more then point, he escorted her personally. She was thankful for this. She had already gotten lost and didn't need to be late because her sense of direction was poor.

When she arrived at the manor, a maid immediately escorted her to the dinning hall. She followed the maid's directions and sat at the large dinning table. Looking around she immediately spotted the man from the mountains sitting across from her. What was his name…it was so unusual…Albel? Yes, that was it.

She smiled at him. "Are you feeling better?"

"Humph, don't get cocky fool."

"Huh?" She blinked at him. He had to be feeling better. He was back to intimidating her.

"Albel, the girl is just concerned," Woltar spoke from his seat. "This is Sophia. Now, let us eat before we talk more about her situation."

Albel didn't respond. He just glared at the girl. She hated being stared at by him. There was so much animosity behind his stare; it made her uneasy.

He continued to glance at her throughout the meal. She found herself picking at her food. Her stomach felt knotted up. It took some effort for her to swallow each bit she did take.

"My dear, you haven't eaten much. Are you well?"

Woltar's voice drew her attention from the plate she had been staring at. Or, at least trying to stare at. Every time she looked up she would see Albel scowling at her. Did he really have such an attitude that he hated for anyone to help him. She knew he had not wanted her help. Did it hurt his pride to be carried into town half dead by a girl?

"I'm sorry, Sir Woltar. I just don't seem to have much of an appetite."

"Very well," he motioned for the maids to clean up and leave the room. After the dishes were removed, Sophia sat back in her chair.

"Now, Miss Sophia, I must inform you on the situation at hand. Heed my words and follow the instructions given. The penalty for an inappropriate actions will lead you to the dungeon. Understand?" Though his voice was lecturing, his tone was still soothing. Sophia could easily see this man as a father and grandfather. Despite her current situation, she liked him.

"Yes sir," she said slowly.

"Now, in two days we will travel to Airyglyph castle. There you are to provide any assistance that is wished of you."

"Assistance?"

"Yes, your knowledge and technology can provide us with the edge we seek to win the war we are currently in. But remember, child, any inappropriate actions on your part may be the last actions you take."

Sophia bit her lip. "But sir, I may not be able to help. I'm not the one who made the prototype."

"I am aware of this."

Albel, who had remained silent, finally spoke up. "Are we sure she isn't just another Aquarian wench?"

"Quite sure," replied Woltar.

Albel frowned at him. "You grow senile in your age, old man. You are too trusting."

"And you, Albel, do not trust enough. My boy, she is the one who saved your life. Can you not at least spare some kindness?"

"Bah."

Sophia watched to two. She wondered if they were not father and son. They had a relationship and she could tell they were close.

Woltar shook his head at Albel. "Right now the hour is late. I have a guest room for your use Miss Sophia. There will be a guard stationed at your door. I advise you to avoid any attempts at escape."

Sophia nodded, unable to reply. She had escaped a Vendeeni attack just to be a prisoner on another world. Talk about out of the frying pan and into the fire.

"Albel, I'm leaving you in charge of the girl. Please show her to her room."

Albel stood. "Very well, old man. You," his gaze locked on her. "Follow me."

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Mirage moved away from the window. She had found it easy to sneak onto the grounds and listen in on the conversation. Her next move was to head to the inn and get some much needed rest. Sophia was safe for now and not scheduled to leave for another whole day.

The only problem was that the girl and Cliff were headed in opposite directions. She would sleep and figure out tomorrow what to do. She needed to get the girl out of the town and together they would meet back up with Cliff.

Right now the details would have to wait. Even Klausians required rest.

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(A/N)Well, that's it for now.