Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean or its Characters.
Note: Alright! Another weekend produces another update! I've also had a bit of a break from work, so more chapters might take a little longer.
Star Ocean: The Untold Story
Chapter 11: Honesty and Guilt
The town of Peterny was large. Sophia had only been there once before, but she hadn't had the time to really notice. Her first visit was spent just walking through the town to get to the castle. Her second visit would also be a short one. It was only an overnight stay.
Sophia stared into the dark liquid. She sat alone at the small table at the inn's entrance.
"This seat taken?" Mirage asked sitting at the table.
Sophia looked up from her tea. "Not at all."
"Are you trying to read tea leaves?"
Sophia giggled softly. "No, just thinking."
"Um, about what?"
"About everything that's happened. About what I've learned and what's going to happen next."
Mirage leaned on the table. "Are you nervous about seeing the King tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Sophia replied before biting her bottom lip. "It just feels like I'm betraying them by showing up with the Queen of Aquaria. Silly, huh?"
Mirage shook her head. "No, it's not. You spent a lot of time there and had a good relation with the King and others there. It's only natural that you would feel this way."
"I suppose, but it doesn't make me feel any better."
Mirage studied the girl. "Perhaps your nervousness is more about the fact that a certain person may or may not be there?"
Sophia drank the last sip of her tea. "I can't help but to wonder if he's okay or not. They seem to be really harsh on punishment."
"Maybe he was released," Mirage said trying to ease the tension.
"Who?" Mirage and Sophia looked up in time to see Fayt and Cliff approach.
"So guys," Mirage said, changing the subject. "How'd it go?"
"Well, the Queens safe. Nel's staying the night at her retreat home and she's well guarded. Nothing left for us to do but come back here and get some shuteye."
Mirage stood up. "Yeah, that's a good idea. Maria's already asleep. We should get our rest also."
Sophia stood and followed the group down the hall. Their rooms were right across the hall from one another. Fayt and Cliff took one room while she shared another room with Mirage and Maria.
"'Night," Cliff waved disappearing into his room.
"Sleep well," Mirage answered, entering the room across from Cliff.
Fayt smiled at Sophia. "You okay?"
"Yeah. A lot's happened but I'm adjusting."
"Well, if you need me I'll be right over there," Fayt said pointing to his room.
"Thanks." She hugged his neck before moving to her door. "You always look out for me."
He nodded. "Yup. That's what I do. Besides, who else would have thrown that jerk Markus off the bench that time he tried to get too close at the pep rally?"
She giggled. "I remember that. He never spoke to me again and I can't say I was disappointed. But, I don't want to have to rely on you to always save me."
Fayt crossed his arms and gave her a fake stern look. "Oh, waiting for that knight in shining armor huh?"
She slapped him playfully on the arm. "One day… You'll see. He'll be there. But until then, I don't want to keep running and hiding. After being here and everything that's happened, I want to be able to do more for myself."
"Still Sophia, what did Vox do? I've never seen you that mad before."
"Long story, Fayt. I'll have to tell you another time. Besides, he's not going to be a problem anymore and I would rather not dwell on it."
He eyed her suspiciously. "Okay, but you will tell me another time right?"
"Sure. Now I think we should get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us." She entered her room before looking back. "Good night."
"Good night, Sophia." Fayt waited until the door was shut. "I guess she's growing out of needing me so much. That's good, but I'll miss being her protector. Heck, who am I kidding? I'll always be looking out for her. She's like family to me."
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It was early morning and they had just started their trek across Sanmite Steppe. The Queen rode in a wagon while the group dispersed themselves to surround the wagon. Nel walked in the front, Cliff on the right, Sophia and Maria on the left, Fayt and Mirage took the rear.
Nel motioned for the driver to stop when a shadow passed the ground in front of her. The monsters had been few and easily disposed of so far; but she wasn't one to take chances. Especially in matters involving the well fare of the Queen.
The group gathered around the Aquarian to investigate if there was a threat. Answering their unspoken questions, four members of the Dragon Brigade took position to block their path.
Nel stepped forward to address the men. "What do you want? We're on our way to speak with your king. Let us pass!"
"No," replied the man who appeared to be in charge.
Maria stepped to Nel's side. "What's the meaning of this?"
"This war is not over," the man replied. "If Lord Vox were still around, he'd have stopped this sissy negotiation by brute force. I am Schweimer. Now that Lord Vox and Lord Demetrio are gone, I lead the Dragon Brigade. I will not recognize any peace with dogs such as you. And certainly not the dog that killed Lord Vox!"
Sophia took a hesitant step forward; standing just behind Maria's left side. "Does the King know of this?"
Schweimer glared at her and bared his teeth. "Hah! How could he? I should imagine he's waiting for you fools to arrive at the rendezvous point! And you witch… You will pay for your treason."
"Treason? And you can say such while defying the King yourself. You will let us pass," Nel barked back.
"And I say you shall not pass! There's no need for peace! Airyglyph rule is the best thing that could happen to Aquaria!"
"You really are an idiot."
Fayt turned his lips up in a sarcastic smile. "You can say that again, Cliff."
Maria sighed. "All right. Whatever. Shall we teach these idiots a lesson or two, guys?"
They automatically pared off as they rushed to meet the unruly dragon riders. Nel and Maria charged straight down the center. Cliff and Fayt veered to the right while Sophia and Mirage moved to the left.
Cliff and Fayt were forced to part ways to take on an enemy solo. Nel and Maria worked from both sides to distract their target and dispatch of him quickly. Mirage and Sophia were left with Schweimer who had made a direct path for Sophia.
Schweimer dove straight for the girl. She was in mid-stride to avoid him when she fell. When she fell, it provided just enough room for her to clear the area enough to remain uninjured. She stood quickly and shot a glance at him. He was ready to dive again when Mirage attacked him from the side with her Sphere of Might. He was pushed off course.
Sophia noticed he was dangerously low to the ground, giving her the chance to cast a new spell she had discovered. She held her staff up and waited. When he was close enough to her and the ground she hit him. "Earth Glaive!"
Spikes of earth reached up and collided with the dragon; throwing Schweimer free from the beast. The dragon was knocked back, but recovered quickly and charged for Sophia. She had no time to cast another spell before the creature butted its head into her.
Sophia hit the ground. She wheezed slightly as she attempted to move. Blinking a few times, her vision cleared. Her heart pounded as she wondered how long she had laid there. Was everyone okay? She managed to sit up before someone behind her had their hands on her shoulders, keeping her down. The pressure was light – indicating the person was on her side.
"Whoa there. Take it easy." Sophia leaned her head back and looked up to see Cliff hovering over her.
She smiled slightly. "Is everyone okay?"
"Yup, no sweat."
"Guess I need more training."
"Never thought I would hear you say that." Fayt knelt down beside her.
"Never thought I would be saying it."
"Can you stand?" Nel asked with a hint of concern.
With Cliff's help, Sophia stood and healed herself. When everyone was ready they resumed their journey to the Ruins of Mosel. After a small argument with Fayt, Sophia had finally convinced him she was fine to walk. He wanted her to ride with the driver, but she refused.
It made her feel good that he was concerned, but at the same time she didn't want him to worry like she had before. She had always been so dependant on others – especially Fayt. When her parents weren't at home (which was virtually all the time) she would either go visit Fayt, have Fayt over or go see a friend. She had never really liked to be alone. But after all the things she had endured since leaving Hyda, She felt the need to be able to care for herself. She needed to find some independence in herself; even if it was just a small amount.
The rest of the time spent getting to the ruins was passed with idle talk and the occasional monster. When they finally arrived at the entrance, Sophia felt the pressure of her nervousness rebound on her. She followed the group from the rear as they entered the ruins and made a path for the center room.
Sophia entered the room and almost immediately noticed that the King's face had brightened a bit at seeing the Queen.
"Thank you for coming, Romeria. ...It's been a long time," the King said standing from his chair.
The Queen took her seat across from him. "Yes. Yes it has been Arzei. I am so pleased to see you are well."
"Likewise, Romeria. You are as beautiful as ever."
"And you have not changed one bit, I see."
The King scanned the group who entered. Everyone had taken a seat on the same side as the Queen. Everyone except for Sophia. She stood near the door, unsure of what she should do. She scanned the room and noticed that the only ones from Airyglyph were the King, a few soldiers and Woltar. She was glad to see Woltar, but unsure of what to think about Albel's absence. This was very awkward to say the least.
Woltar left his seat and approached her. "You look well, my dear."
She gave him a quick smile before looking to the ground at her feet. She couldn't help but to feel ashamed. He moved to her side and put his hand on her back. "Well, you are quiet as usual. Come, we have a seat for you over here." He led her to a chair at the end of the side occupied by Airyglyph.
After she was seated and he had taken the seat by hers, she gave him a glance. "Are you sure I can sit here?"
"Oh, quite sure," the King replied leaning slightly to look at her. "It was your actions that brought the truth to light. Normally, your actions would also lead to death. It is against our laws to invade the office of a captain, steal a lum and then attack the same captain. But, in light of the current events a leniency has been granted. Also, Woltar spoke in your defense."
Sophia gave Woltar a worried look. She didn't want to cause him any trouble. He just returned her glance with the same warm smile he had always given her. "I'm sure you abide by different laws in Venus."
"Venus?" Fayt mumbled. "Come to think of it… Venus witch… Oh, it makes sense now."
The King gave the boy a questioning look.
"Your Highness," Sophia spoke to the King. "I'm sure it's also against your laws to lie to the King."
"Yes," the Queen answered. "But that is also an issue we wish to make clear at this time."
The King nodded to the Queen. "What took you so long? I was starting to fear that one of our hard-liners had done something foolish."
"Don't play dumb with us!" Nel exclaimed in her calmest voice.
"By that, I take it that something did happen. Please accept my deepest apologies. Those troublemakers had the impudence to suggest that we need not ally ourselves with Aquaria if we could stand up to the new enemy alone. They urged me to conquer Aquaria and take your new weapon for ourselves."
"A simple plan for simple minds," the Queen responded dryly.
The King let out a sigh. "They do not understand the dire consequences of misjudging this new enemy's strength. We are facing a much stronger threat this time and cannot afford to exhaust our strength."
"Then you agree to our proposal?"
"Yes. We have no other choice. Our military forces also sustained terrible losses in that recent attack. Out of the three brigades of Airyglyph, only the Storm Brigade still has a captain. Woltar is the only one left."
Sophia's heart jumped into her throat. Whet he meant was that Albel hadn't been released; or worst. Another guilt settled in her. She had hoped that he would be freed with the evidence of Vox's involvement. Now she felt that she had truly turned her back on him.
"But tell me, who is this enemy we face? I heard your agent's explanation the other day, but it made no sense to me."
"I felt the same way. Perhaps they can explain it to us again."
Fayt headed the explanation this time. Every time it looked as though he was having doubts, the King would turn to Sophia. She would simply nod her head; agreeing with Fayt.
"Hmm... I have to admit I find it hard to believe." The King gave Sophia one last look before turning his full attention to the Queen. "What about you, Romeria?"
"I must believe, Arzei. Lest both our countries be destroyed."
The King remained silent for a brief time. It was clear that he was turning over the information in his head and searching for an alternate answer. He stared hard at the table in front of him.
"T-this… this is all my fault isn't it?" All eyes turned to Sophia. She couldn't bring herself to look at anyone. "If I just give myself up then they will leave and Elicoor will be safe."
"Sophia, no!" Fayt said standing up.
"That's enough of that. No one's giving up. Especially you," Cliff said guiding Fayt to sit back down.
"He's right," Mirage said leaning on the table. "We are not sure of the consequences if you were turned over, and we wouldn't abandon you now."
"She's right," the King replied. "That is not an option. Though your actions are unorthodox according to our laws, you still helped us in our time of need and provided a way to end this war. Therefore it would be in our best interest to engage this new enemy on our own terms..."
"Correct," the Queen agreed. "We must unite the power of our nation's runological weapon and Airyglyph's air dragons."
"All right. Let us join forces. However, at present, having our air dragons carry your runological weapon will not be an easy task."
"Please explain."
"First, it is a matter of size. According to information obtained by our spies, your weapon would be too big to be carried by an air dragon."
"How about carrying it with more than one dragon?" Maria suggested.
"That too would be difficult."
Cliff sigh irritability. "Agh, then that's the point of this alliance?"
"Do not be so hasty, young man. The King said 'at present.'" Woltar said.
The King nodded. "I said it's a matter of size. To carry a big weapon, we need a bigger air dragon."
"Where could we find such a beast?"
"In the Urssa Lava Caves near a place you have already been: the Bequerel Mines. An air dragon of immense size dwells within the caverns there."
"So all we have to do is capture the critter?" Cliff replied. Nel let out her own sigh at the sight of the gleam in his eyes.
"That is correct. However, mistaking him for a mere air dragon would be suicide. The Marquis, as the beast is known, is a creature of immense size and strength. Even Vox was unable to subdue him."
"Do not fear, Arzei. I trust they will be capable."
"I do not doubt you feel that way. However, our trust is not so easily given."
"Then what do you propose we do? Did you not consent to joining forces?"
"I only request that another representative of Airyglyph be included in their party. Then I shall withdraw my objections."
Sophia cocked her head to the side and looked at the King. "Another?"
"Yes, my dear," Woltar said with a smile. "You have already been accepted as one representative. Your actions, though law breaking did reflect your willingness to aid Airyglyph. Though in the future I would ask you to restrain from such activities."
"A just proposal..." the Queen said turning to Woltar. "But who would you have go? Woltar?"
"No, Woltar is much too old." The King replied. "I do not have the heart to send him into the Urssa Lava Caves. I was thinking of someone else."
"And who might that be?" Fayt asked.
"...I was thinking about sending Albel."
Sophia caught her breath. "Albel? So he's…"
"Not yet, my dear. There are still things he needs to atone for."
"Do you object? I, for one, am quite fond of him. What do you think, Romeria?"
"I consent. This Albel shall travel with the party... You do not mind, do you?" the Queen asked looking at Fayt.
"I personally don't mind, but..."
"It doesn't matter what we think. The problem's gonna be what Albel thinks," Cliff finished for him.
"Then it is settled. Albel will be waiting for you in Airyglyph. You can meet him there."
The conference was quickly drawn to a conclusion. The Queen had asked Fayt for an escort to Peterny; where Clair would take over.
The Queen rose from her place and made her way to the door. The others followed her in turn. After a brief hesitation, Sophia stood up and bowed to the King. "Thank you."
"Please wait," Woltar said as he stood. "We wish for you to accompany us back to Airyglyph."
"Huh?" Fayt stopped dead in his tracks. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"And why is that?" Woltar asked.
Mirage stepped around Fayt and took her position by Sophia. "Would it be fine by you if I also came along?"
"Of course."
Mirage bowed her thanks to the King and turned to Fayt. "Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her. You need to ensure that the Queen makes it to Peterny safely."
"I guess…"
"Aw, come on. Mirage can handle it. Besides, we'll see them shortly."
"Okay," Fayt replied with a half defeated tone.
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The trip back to Airyglyph was one that Sophia would never forget. The King had traveled by dragon. She had mounted behind one solider and Mirage behind another. Needless to say, Sophia found out quickly that she preferred to keep her feet on the ground. The flight itself wasn't bad. It was the take off and the landing she didn't like.
Once they were inside the castle, Woltar led them through the halls. "For the night we will need our new quest to share your room."
"Yes," Sophia replied. "That's fine."
"I'm sure your friends won't arrive until tomorrow sometime. Dinner will be ready within the hour and afterward I suggest you two get some rest."
"Woltar? Where is Albel?"
Woltar stopped in front of the door which led to Sophia's temporary room. "He's still where he was when you left."
Sophia shifted her weight uneasily. "Why? I mean after the proof, why hasn't he been released?"
"He was charged with treason, for letting your friends escape from the Kirlsa Training Facility and he let them get away with copper ore stolen from our mine. Though the one who brought the charges against him in no longer in this world, such charges can not be easily overlooked."
"But I don't understand," Sophia pleaded. "Why is he coming with us to get the dragon if he's still locked up?"
"That, my dear, will be his atonement. He has spent time in the dungeon and as punishment he will be sent on this mission. Do not misinterpret this as leniency. It will not be easy for him to work with Aquaria."
"Oh," Sophia said. She knotted her hands in front of her. "Then can I see him?"
Woltar chuckled lightly. "I knew you would wish such. You shall accompany me then. But I fear I must ask your friend to stay here." He turned to Mirage and gave her an apologetic smile.
"I understand," Mirage replied.
Sophia parted ways with Mirage and followed Woltar to the dungeons. She had been away from the castle for days. A familiar nostalgia hit her, along with the want to be back at Woltar's mansion. She almost laughed at herself. After all she had been through, his mansion still felt more like home then anywhere else on this world.
"Are you ready, my dear?" Woltar asked breaking her from her daydream and alerting her to the fact that they were at the cell.
"Oh, yes."
Sophia kept a short distance behind Woltar as he approached Albel. "I've got an errand for you, boy."
Albel stirred slightly. "What?"
"You have been given a mission to accompany representatives from Aquaria to the Urssa Lava Caves. If you complete this task, you will be acquitted of all charges."
"Accompany those scum? You must be joking! You're senile, old man! They're the enemy!"
"The situation has changed while you have been imprisoned. Airyglyph and Aquaria are currently observing a truce."
"What? That warmonger actually agreed to a truce?" Albel's reply was filled with sarcasm and disbelief.
"Vox is no more."
"Dead? And the wretched girl?"
"Lady Sophia is fine and well. While she did engage Vox in combat, the killing blow was dealt by another."
"Who? Other than those Aquarians and myself, there's no one in this world who could defeat Vox."
"They are not of this world," Sophia replied stepping from behind Woltar.
"People from another world…" Albel shot Sophia a glance. "Bah. What's this errand, old man?"
"We have agreed to help Aquaria to use their new weapon if we have any chance of standing against this new enemy. That's why you must go to the Urssa Lava Caves and tame the Marquis."
"The Marquis? You're joking! That monster?"
"The way you brag of your skills, I would think the Marquis would be no match for you. Am I wrong, Albel the Wicked?"
"Rotten old man."
Sophia couldn't help but to watch the interactions between them and feel at easy. She had to suppress her smile. This was a serious conversation and she didn't want to appear to be taking it lightly.
"I bet your father would gladly have risen to the challenge."
"That's enough!" Albel barked back.
Sophia gasped. She knew the subject of his father was touchy. She watched in silence as Woltar unlocked the chains which held Albel to the wall. She was surprised he could stand. She could only imagine what it was like to spend that much time in such an awkward position.
Albel stood, leaning most of his weight on the wall behind him. He glared at Woltar. The look in his eye was filled with resentment.
"These Aquarians are formidable, too, as I think you well know. If you work with them, you should be able to find a way."
"You make it all sound so simple, old man."
"If you fail, the rest of us are doomed along with you. There'll be no more Aquaria, and no more Airyglyph. This world will be wiped clean."
Albel growled under his breath. "Then I must go." He shifted his gaze to Sophia. "And I assume you are to stay here."
Sophia shook her head. "I'm going too."
"Humph, and what good do you expect to do?"
"Albel," Woltar spoke in her defense. "She has been training with our men and she did confront Vox. She might not have defeated him, but she came out of it untouched. Now, you need your rest more then any other."
"Humph," Albel replied pushing his way around both Woltar and Sophia.
"That was easier then I thought."
Sophia looked at Woltar before returning her eyes to the cell door. "Easier?"
"You may not have noticed, and I ask you not to repeat this; but he's grown softer since your arrival."
"Oh," she responded, unable to think of anything else to say.
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Later that night Sophia sat in the dinning area for the first time. She felt rude keeping to her room with Mirage there. It was more social and at the same time the open environment strangely calmed her.
"Okay, spill it. What's on your mind?"
"Huh? Oh sorry Mirage, I must have spaced out for a minute."
"Yeah?" Mirage eyed her from across the table.
"I'm just wondering if Albel's gotten dinner yet. I'm sure he hasn't been eating too good for a while."
"Did you not say moments ago that Fayt worries too much?"
Sophia blushed slightly from guilt. "I guess. Sorry."
"No need to apologize. If you're worried about him then why not check on him?"
Sophia took the last bite of her meal and nodded. "Yeah. I might do just that. Thanks."
Sophia stood and walked to the table Woltar was at. She asked him if he was aware of if Albel had eaten or not.
He smiled "No. He's not answering any knocks on his door. Why don't you gather something and take it to him. I'm sure he's not in the mood to eat here."
"I don't know. If he's not answering the door then maybe I should leave him alone."
"Nonsense. He needs to eat. And you never know, me might answer the door for you."
She blushed lightly, causing him to chuckle. "O-okay. I'll try." She bowed her farewell before treading to the kitchen. The cook was all too eager to gather her request together. As she left the dinning area, she gave Mirage a wave before exiting.
Woltar stood and approached the blonde woman who was in the process of standing. "Do you remember the way to your room?"
"Yes sir. Thank you." Mirage smiled. "Seems she has an affect on people. Since we arrived it seems the whole castle greeted her back."
"An affect? That she does," Woltar replied.
"I wonder…"
"Pardon?"
Mirage bowed slightly. "Oh, it's nothing. I should be getting on to bed. Thank you again."
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(A/N) I don't know if anyone will pick up on the 'little things' I've scattered through this story. Some small and some big details that will come to light better in future chapter. And before I knew it I had so much done that I was done with another chapter. There's a little interaction with Albel in this one and there will be more in the next.
And, let me give credit where credit is due. After reading thequietgenius' 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place' I felt the urge to build a more brother/sister bond between Fayt and Sophia. For this story I already knew from the start that Sophia would be siding with Airyglyph – after reading Keeki's Affaire du Coeur I was even more determined not to make Airyglyph 'the bad guys'.
I'm glad you noticed Sophia's maturity, rice. In actuality, a lot of that is taken from personal experience (take away the whole crash on an alien planet and save the universe thing of course). I use to be almost (almost) just like Sophia, but not now…boy, I changed a lot so it is possible.
And, of course I send a big thanks to all the reviewers and readers. Now, all you Alphia story writers get out there and write, write, write. :)