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

Note: The Shrine of Kaddan has been omitted completely. Sorry Alphia and Albel fans alike, he's not in this chapter. Don't blame me – just following the original story (some what). With the exception to the twist of Sophia being the main focus, this chapter is really closely related to the game.

Star Ocean: The Untold Story

Chapter 10: Three Sides of the Same Truth

Fayt opened the chamber doors slowly, hoping he wouldn't make too much noise as he entered the room. He approached quietly. Sophia stood before the Queen and they had already started their conversation.

The Queen looked up and Sophia turned to see who had entered the room. Fayt bowed slightly and waited until the Queen motioned them forward to move. When he was given the signal he promptly took his position just behind Sophia.

"You may continue," the Queen said with a nod to Sophia.

"Yes. It would seem that Duke Vox had made an agreement with Greeton. The first step was to plant the false accusation that Aquaria was going to assassinate the King. After the war had started he did what ever was in his power to weaken both sides. First he had Albel Nox falsely accused of treason and locked away and next he pushed the war to start before the Thunder Arrow was finished. According to the agreement, this would continue until both sides where too weak to fend off an attack from Greeton."

"And you say the King is aware of this?"

"Yes, your majesty," Mirage responded moving to Sophia's side. "I delivered the documentation to him myself. It has Duke Vox's official seal to prove his guilt."

Magistrate Lasselle stepped closer to the Queen. "That is preposterous! Nonsense! You ask us to believe the word of the Venus Witch – A Glyphian ally?"

"Silence, Lasselle."

Sophia took half a step forward. "I understand your lack of trust and I can not come up with any reasons for you to believe me."

The Queen nodded slightly. "Recent events would lead me to believe your words. I have been told of how you aided two members of the Secret Legion. You healed Dion and you helped in defeating Vox. Though I must still check on this myself."

"I understand," Sophia replied with a bow.

The doors opened suddenly and a male soldier entered the chamber. "We've got trouble! Another one of those weapons has appeared in the sky!"

Nel jerked her head in the direction of the soldier. "What?"

Nel immediately darted out of the audience chamber. Everyone, including Sophia and Mirage followed.

Fayt turned his head while running to glance at her. "Sophia, you need to stay here."

"No can do Fayt. Not until someone tells me what's going on."

It didn't take long for them to reach the White Dew Garden. They all stopped and stared up at the site of a Vendeeni battleship.

"Is this, too, an Arrow of Apris?" the Queen asked, drawing attention to herself.

"Your Majesty, why are you still here?" Nel responded in shock. "Please, you've got to get to a safe place right away!"

"Lately, it seems that hiding does not help. Is anywhere truly safe now? You know what that thing is, do you not?" the Queen asked turning to Cliff and Fayt. "Is it a weapon from Greeton?"

"No, it's not."

"Then what is it! What is a Vendeeni?" Nel demanded almost in a panic.

Fayt looked past the red head and to the Queen. He glanced back up at the battleship and took his position in front of Sophia. "They're not getting her!"

"Huh?" Sophia stared at Fayt's back. He had drawn his sword like he was going to take on the battleship alone with his weapon. "What's going on Fayt?"

Fayt glanced over his shoulder. "Don't worry Sophia. They're not getting you."

"What would the Vendeeni want with me?"

Mirage moved to Fayt's side and held him tight by his shoulder. "You need to calm down."

"Then what should we do? This country's military doesn't stand a chance against the Vendeeni ships!" Fayt's voice came out short and panicky. His head darted up and found Nel. "Hey... But you chased away the Vendeeni ship before! Why not do it again?"

"Huh? But…"

Mirage shook her head. "It's as I thought."

"You don't remember a thing, do you?" Cliff sighed.

"What are you talking about?"

Sophia searched his face. He really didn't remember. "Fayt, you…"

Nel cut Sophia off. Her voice was elevated in alarm. "Wait-another one's coming!"

Everyone studied the sky.

"Cliff!"

"Yep, it's them. Finally."

"Who?" Sophia asked. She was really getting tiered of asking so many questions.

"The Diplo," Mirage responded in an even tone.

The Diplo flew past the Vendeeni battleship and fired. The Vendeeni fired back in response, but in the end the Vendeeni took more damaged and retreated.

Everyone stood in a moments silence before a new voice spoke from the rear. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Cliff was the first to turn around. "Hey, took you long enough."

Everyone joined Cliff to see the new comer. She wasn't much older then Fayt or Sophia. "Sorry."

"Yeah, well-hey, is it even safe to transport to a place like this?"

"I scanned the situation before coming in, so I had a good idea what to expect." She responded. "At least, now that this planet's part of this mess, we don't have to hide anything anymore."

Cliff chuckled. "True enough. But I bet you that Mr. Super-Square, champion of the UP3 would disagree with you." He pointed his thumb at Fayt.

"Hah hah, very funny."

"Who are you?" Sophia managed to ask as she approached the blue haired girl. But she swore to herself if she had to ask one more question then she would scream.

"Ah, yeah. Sorry. I'm slacking in my introductions." Cliff scratched his head and gave her a sheepish smile. "This here is the leader of Quark, Maria."

"I'm Maria Traydor. But please, call me Maria."

Sophia extended her hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm..."

"I know who you are." Maria responded, leaving Sophia's hand untouched. "Sophia Esteed. The only daughter of Clive Esteed, the leader in space-time theory who worked under the direct authority of Professor Robert Leingod. Born on Earth, currently seventeen years of age. Favorite hobbies include sewing and cooking. Currently enrolled in the Spacetime Department of Bachtein High School. Favorite food is…"

"Hang on just a second," Sophia interrupted. "How do you know so much about me?"

"I did some research."

Nel approached Cliff. "Is somebody going to explain this? What's going on? Who is she-how did she just appear here? So, I take it you're not all from Greeton after all? Come on, answer me! No more concealing the truth."

"That is enough, Lady Nel," the Queen chastised. She turned to Maria. "I know not who you are, but it is certain that you are one of their acquaintances. I would hear an explanation of you now, one that makes sense to my ears."

Maria bowed to the Queen. "Please forgive my rudeness, your Majesty, but would it be all right if we talked among ourselves first? We have a lot of catching up to do. I will explain all of the details and how the facts are connected afterwards; that I promise."

"So be it. Show them to the conference room."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Nel showed the five to the conference room and left. Fayt hesitated only slightly before approaching Maria. "Um... Ms. Traydor?"

"Please, just Maria's fine. Excuse me, but who are you?"

"Boy, I'm really slacking on introductions. This is Fayt Leingod, he's Professor Leingod's son."

"Professor Leingod's son?"

"Yes," Mirage responded. "It would seem he is also closely involved."

"Maria," Fayt broke in. "Please tell me what happened. Why did the Vendeeni attack Hyda? Why are they after Sophia? What is it they're so interested in?"

"Me?" Sophia spoke just loud enough to gather everyone's attention. "The Vendeeni are after me. But why?"

"Relax, there's no need to rush things, and there's much to explain." Maria said in a some what reassuring manner. "But first..." She tilted her head toward Fayt. "He's involved also?"

"Yeah," Cliff spoke up. "His powers manifested. His abilities seem to be stronger than yours."

Maria nodded as she inspected Fayt. "Seems there is a third one then. And his memory?"

"Nah. The whole thing was completely wiped form his mind."

"I see..." Maria turned to face Sophia. "And what about her?"

"I believe her powers are manifesting also," Mirage answered from Sophia's side. "She's easily picked up the native language and is able to read and write with no help from the communicator."

"Is that what you meant earlier Mirage?"

Mirage nodded to Sophia. "Sorry I couldn't tell you sooner."

"What in the world are you guys talking about?"

"Just a moment, Fayt. First, I have some new information. It's not exactly good news," Maria paused a moment before continuing. "It would seem that your father, Professor Leingod, was captured by the Vendeeni."

"What?" Sophia and Fayt both said in unison.

"They grabbed him after the two of you escaped from Hyda."

Fayt was getting frustrated. Sophia put her hand on his arm and gave him a look she had given him many times in the past. It was her look to tell him to calm down. She didn't want to calm down herself. She had no idea what was going on and now the Vendeeni had Uncle Robert. "Maria, what do the Vendeeni want with him?"

Maria shook her head at the brunette. "You really have no idea, do you?"

"So tell us what's going on!" Fayt was all but shouting.

Maria explained to them that Professor Leingod and his assistances had carried forbidden research by researching and designing a genetically modified, living weapon-forbidden by the laws of the Pangalactic Federation. She showed them her power of alteration before telling them that Sophia was another 'guinea pig'.

"Me, but Uncle Robert wouldn't do such a thing."

"I can understand if you don't believe me. Your power hasn't fully awakened yet. But if I'm not telling the truth, can you explain a few things for me? How is it you are able to learn a foreign language in under two days? Why are the Vendeeni so relentless in going after you and everyone else related to Leingod's research?" Maria took a short pause. "I wasn't aware of Fayt until just now and I know you don't want to admit it, but there's only one truth. I'm going to steal the Professor back from the Vendeeni and ask him why he did what he did. But to do this, I need help from both of you."

Sophia ran the information through her head. "Fayt, this maybe the only way to get your father back. We have to try. And…I want some answers too."

"All right," Fayt agreed.

Ignoring the end of the conversation Cliff moved to the door. When he got to it he turned and winked at Mirage. She leaned back on the table and smiled; ready to watch the show. Silently, Cliff gabbed the handle. With one swift motion, he turned the knob and jerked the door back.

Nel jumped in surprise and drew her daggers. Cliff chuckled at her. "Ah! Caught ya!"

"Nel?" Fayt turned his head to see what all the commotion was about.

"I…um…"

"You know, Red, you're awfully cute when you blush like that."

"Don't call me Red."

"Oh, scarrry. Sorry Nel. Come on in and make yourself at home. So, Maria, how are we getting off this rock?"

"I made arrangements. I came in a small ship to avoid the Vendeeni. The Diplo will be arriving later. Everything else is up to Marietta's skills. But entering orbit, transporting, and warping out will take a total of five minutes."

"Even our flagship will have trouble withstanding five minutes of concentrated fire from the Vendeeni." Mirage stood from her position on the table and joined the others.

"Exactly. The ideal solution would be to create some diversion from the ground as well. But...with the technology available on this planet, that will be difficult. Still, we must think of something."

"Hey, what about Dion's weapon?"

Fayt turned to Cliff. "You mean the Thunder Arrow?"

"That's the one."

Fayt shook his head. "The thing is it's still under development. It's not ready for actual combat. And I doubt its range is long enough to reach the Vendeeni ship. In any case, the weapon belongs to Aquaria-we can't just use it as we please."

"The Vendeeni-you mean the one's from before?"

Fayt nodded at Nel. "That's right, and there's no doubt that they'll be back."

"And you need our Thunder Arrow to fight them?"

Cliff nodded. "That's about the size of it."

"All right, I'll talk to the queen about it." Nel scanned the room and locked on to Fayt and Cliff. "Honestly, I don't really understand the situation. One thing I do know: if that celestial ship comes back again, it will cause another catastrophe. And...I believe the two of you are worthy of my trust."

"Regardless," Cliff said. "We did promise the queen that we'd explain the situation to her."

"Then follow me," Nel said leaving the room.

Sophia sprinted to catch up with the red head. "Excuse me."

Nel looked at her; no emotion on her face. "Yes?"

"I'm sorry, but I wanted to ask you about the two that were at the mines. Are they okay?"

Nel stopped walking and faced Sophia. "You mean Tynave and Farleen?"

"I'm not sure of their names."

"You are the one known as the Venus Witch are you not?"

Sophia fiddled with the small buckle on her collar as she looked up at the woman beside her. "Yes, I am."

Nel stopped and faced Sophia. "Then I must thank you."

"Huh?" the question came from Fayt and not Sophia.

Nel turned to Fayt and nodded before looking back at Sophia. "When we got back to Arias, I had a doctor look at them right away. She said if it wasn't for the swiftness of your healing then both would have died."

"Died?" Sophia paled. She had known Albel had hurt them, but she didn't know he had hurt them that badly.

"What are you talking about Nel?"

Sophia hung her head slightly. "I was at the Bequerel Mines that day you got the copper."

Fayt grabbed her by both her shoulders and shook her lightly until she looked up at him. "What do you mean you were there?"

"I was there with Albel and his men."

"Look, Fayt, I was going to tell you."

Fayt shot his head up. "You knew this Cliff?"

"Hey, look kid. I was trying to keep you calm."

"Fayt," Sophia's voice brought the teen's attention back to her. "Don't blame him."

"I didn't see you. Where were you the whole time?"

"Behind the rocks."

"And you didn't help us at all?"

"Fayt," Nel said harshly. "If you didn't hear then let me repeat myself. She saved Tynave and Farleen's lives."

"That's not what I meant. You didn't do anything while we were fighting Albel and his men."

Sophia released the buckle at her neck and knocked both of Fayt's hands from her shoulders. "Incase you didn't hear me then let me also repeat myself. I was there with Albel and his men."

"So you were willingly helping Airyglyph?"

"And you were helping Aquaria, what's your point?" She stepped back from him and crossed her arms. "The whole war was started on lies and deceit. Aquaria wasn't at fault for starting it and neither was Airyglyph. The whole thing was started by one man who had greedy motivations." She pointed her finger at him sternly. "Remember this Fayt, there is always three sides to the truth. There's your truth, there's their truth, and then there's the actual truth. You believed the truth of Aquaria and I believed the truth of Airyglyph and we were both wrong."

Fayt swallowed hard. "But we still beat Albel. There was nothing stopping you from letting me know where you were."

"I made a promise Fayt and I wasn't going to break it. I promised not to turn my back on Airyglyph and I didn't."

"But you're here now," Fayt argued.

Nel put her hand on Fayt's shoulder. "That's a promise she kept. Before we entered the audience chamber it would seem she was pleading with the Queen to talk to Airyglyph in light of this new information of conspiracy and call a cease fire. She even went as far as to offer to go back and plead with the King for the same. She knows what the punishment would be if he denied her."

"She knows," Fayt said turning to Sophia; the color draining from his face. "You were locked in the dungeons?"

"No."

"Then how could you know the punishment if you've never been in the dungeons?"

"I said I was never locked in the dungeons. I never said I hadn't been in the dungeons." She twisted and looked at Nel. "We really shouldn't keep the Queen waiting."

Nel nodded and followed Sophia down the hall.

"Wait…"

"Just let it go kid. There will be time to catch up later."

Fayt watched as Cliff left him to join the others.

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For the most part, Maria headed the conversation with the Queen and explained that they were all from 'the stars'. Sophia could help but to admire the way Maria dealt with the whole situation. She was tactful and convincing. Sophia wasn't sure if there was anything Maria couldn't tell another and not make it sound like the truth.

Though the Queen was still hesitant to believe her story, Nel provided the persuasion needed. Through Nel's trust in Fayt and Cliff, the Queen was fully convinced. She even gave her permission for the Thunder Arrow to be used to aid in the situation.

"We shall request cooperation from Airyglyph."

Magistrate Lasselle gasped at the Queen's words. "I beg your pardon? Y-Your Majesty!"

"If you had the means to carry the weapon into the sky, range would no longer be an issue, correct? Airyglyph has this ability. ...All we need to do is borrow it."

Nel buried her chin in her scarf, thinking. "A means for carrying... The air dragons!"

"Correct."

Magistrate Lasselle looked nervous and doubtful. "Yes, but will they cooperate? Even if they approve our request, how are we to be sure that they will not betray us?"

"I don't think the King would do such a thing," Sophia said. It was the first time she had spoken since they had entered the audience chamber.

"We also do not believe this will happen. The Vendeeni attack also dealt a great deal of damage to their country. Of this, we are sure. They cannot afford to worry about taking our lands now. Furthermore, it was the warmonger Vox who kept pushing for conflict in his country, and he is now in his grave. The King of Airyglyph will understand. This is not the time to fight amongst ourselves." The Queen stood and approached Nel. "Let us appeal to Airyglyph for their assistance. I shall prepare a personal letter and send a messenger immediately. Can I count on your help?"

"Your Majesty," Nel responded with a respectful bow.

"Maybe I should go too?"

Cliff shook his head at Sophia. "I'll go. Don't you think he'll trust me more? I don't think a person from Aquaria could explain the whole picture, and you were involved to closely to Airyglyph. I'm more neutral."

"That may be so, but... You realize this is dangerous?" Nel eyed the Klausian.

"Yeah, so? A little danger doesn't worry me." Cliff smiled at Nel while flexing his knuckles.

Everything was settled. Cliff went with Nel to request Airyglyph's aid. Mirage was sent to help Dion prepare the Thunder Arrow. Sophia, Fayt and Maria were dismissed to wait until Nel and Cliff returned.

Most of the morning was spent on the balcony. Maria sat in the middle between Fayt and Sophia and explained to them about her past. Sophia listened, the whole time trying to hide her nervousness about if Airyglyph would agree to help or not. She couldn't help but to feel she had run out on them.

"Sophia?" Fayt leaned forward, looking around Maria. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just got a lot on my mind."

"That's understandable," Maria responded in a monotone.

Before more words could be passed, a soldier interrupted them to inform them that Nel and Cliff had returned.

Sophia stood and swallowed the lump in her throat. It was a moment of truth. Had Airyglyph agreed to help?

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(A/N) Alright. We all know what happens next… The meeting at Mosel, followed by the retrieval of another party member.