Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean or its Characters.
Note: Note: Long over-due chapter ahead! Sorry about the wait but after finishing Bitter-Sweet Motivations, I kind of lost my thrill for writing. That story was so far one of my best and it was sad to have it end. I tried many times to start up on this one, just to stop and do something else. I finally got over my procrastination and finished another chapter. Sorry rice, I threw in a twist and you'll have to wait just a bit longer for Sophia and Albel to be reunited. I wanted to fit it in this chapter but it got long before I realized.
Star Ocean: The Untold Story
Chapter 14: Reunions of Irony
Everything had happened so fast. The Diplo appeared, followed by the Vendeeni. She never had the chance to let one thought enter her head before she was back on the dragon and in the air. As unimportant as it was, she was thankful that she had remembered to hold on during the take off.
Sophia stared at the same point in the sky. She really wasn't needed to do more then be there. Like most of the passengers, she had no role.
Maria turned to Nel. "Okay, fire when you get within range."
"Got it," Nel replied. Sophia focused her attention on the redhead. Holding her breath, she watched as the cannon fired. She whimpered slightly when the blast was absorbed by the Vendeeni's shields.
"Don't give up. Keep firing!"
"I know. I'm trying." It was clear in Nel's voice she was frustrated at the turn in events and not angry at Maria.
Sophia watched with a heavy heart while round after round from the Thunder Arrow was absorbed by the Vendeeni's shields. She had meant it when she offered to give up. She would have gone willingly if it meant keeping everyone else from harm; but she was selfish also. She was relieved that she was told no. Just because she was willing to give up didn't mean she wanted to.
She knew they were only after her because of what was done to her. She knew she had nothing else to offer. She wasn't extraordinarily athletic. She wasn't a genus. She had no outstanding talents or skills. She was just an ordinary girl from Earth who was altered for reasons she didn't understand.
They were after her alterations and not her. She didn't want them after her at all, but she couldn't help but to feel her own self worthlessness. Besides what was done to her, she had nothing to provide to anyone. She was nothing special.
She could hear everyone talking. She had been staring off into nothing. Her mind set on go but her body frozen. Her ears heard the buzzes of speech but had drowned out the words. When she could wrap her mind around the meaning, it was Crosell she had heard.
"They're retreating."
She searched the sky. The Vendeeni battleships were moving away. A small light of hope flickered in her; but was short lived. It didn't take long for everyone to see that the Vendeeni were not retreating. The Vendeeni were chasing after the Diplo.
Sophia felt guilt return in a small dose. The Diplo was in trouble because of her. Her mind screamed at her to think rationally. The Diplo was there only because Maria was there. Maria was there because she had sent Cliff and Mirage. Cliff and Mirage had been sent because of Maria's curiosity for the other 'gueni pig'. Fayt had gotten mixed up in this only to learn he was also involved.
Her mind screamed at her that it wasn't her fault, but her heart carried the burden. A burden she knew wasn't for her to carry alone. Despite what logic her brain came up with, she still felt she was to blame.
"Do you do that often?" She could remember Albel's question from a short time ago.
"Huh? Do what?"
"Take the blame for everything."
She glanced up to look at the swordsman. As unemotional as he tried to keep his face the worry and confusion was there. It was there only in small doses, but still there.
"Diplo!" Maria screamed in desperation.
A sudden blast ran through the sky and destroyed the two Vendeeni battleships. Everyone stared in disbelief.
"What was that?"
Cliff's question was cut off when Maria received a transmission.
"Marietta! Are you okay?" Even in Maria's usual levelness, her worry was evident.
"Yes, thankfully... Did you see that?" the disembodied voice replied.
"What was it? Do we have a computer analysis?"
"Hold on a second... Here it is. What?"
A few faint lines formed on Maria's face. "What's wrong?"
"I don't believe it! The computer says that narrow beam of light was packing an energy magnitude of 3.2!"
"Did she say magnitude 3.2?" Cliff asked.
"That can't be..." Fayt said talking more to himself then anyone else. He looked at Cliff with a desperate look. "Even the creation cannons on the latest Federation battleships can only emit an energy magnitude of 2, tops!"
"So what the hell was it?"
"Marietta, can you determine the light beam's origin?"
"No. All I can tell is it's somewhere extremely far away. Even the Diplo's sensors couldn't detect the source. Oh! Hold on a second." There was a pause in the communication. "Captain, our sensors have picked up multiple instances of the same type of energy reaction! They're all heading in the same direction! One of them is exceeding magnitude 4!"
"Magnitude 4!" Maria's voice elevated slightly. "Where are they headed?"
"Earth!"
Sophia watched as Cliff, Fayt and Maria held the conversation. They had thrown around a few ideas but nothing had stuck for an explanation. She felt the blood rush to her head at the thought of Earth being attacked. Things were still clouded in confusion but one thing was certain. There was something out there worse than the Vendeeni and it wasn't after her. She felt only a little relief.
"The gravitic warp engine's been damaged. ...Repairs should take about six hours."
"Do it in four," Maria spoke. "I have a bad feeling about this..."
Sophia let in to instinct and braced herself for landing. She had nothing to say and couldn't have spoken if she wanted to. Her throat had closed so tight it made breathing difficult. She caught the worried glances from Mirage and managed a brief smile. She was starting to wonder if she would ever feel like smiling again.
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He stood silent as he watched from the shadows. The group of off worlders were bidding their farewells to the King, Queen and the few assembled with her. Woltar was also present.
He knew why the old man was there. He wanted the chance to see her one time before she left. For the old man, telling her good-bye would be like telling another daughter good-bye.
Albel wasn't blind. He had noticed the bond between Woltar and the girl. They had a tie that drew them together. It was a tie he could not identify but for reasons beyond his understanding he was envious of it.
Both of them were able to draw people to them and befriend them. That was a skill he denied himself. As worthless as it was to possess such a skill, there were times he questioned his own motivations. He never felt the need to bond with anyone since everyone was taken from him.
All he had left was Woltar and he was growing old. To age was to die. Cold hard truths echoed through him. To care was to risk. The stakes were ones he never wished to bet with again. His heart had only one function and that was to beat. Other than that, it was just another useless muscle.
He watched as the girl swayed slightly from side to side. She scanned the group gathered obviously looking for someone.
"Huh? Where's Albel?" The sound of his name brought him from his light trance. The boy had spoken but he noticed her twitch. So, she was looking for him.
"He went back home. Said something like, 'The danger's past, so there's no need for me to stay here.'" Leave it up to the old man to make some excuse. He hadn't said a word when he walked away, yet Woltar told different.
The other blue haired worm took her opportunity to speak. "He didn't even say good-bye... He'll never change."
"Ah, don't say that." Woltar replied nodding to Sophia. She smiled back. Her smile held a hint of uncertainty. No, not uncertainty but sadness. She hadn't lied when she said she would be sad to leave.
Bah.
"I wanted to at least say good-bye."
She hadn't been the one to speak, but the want to do so also rang in her eyes. His feet were planted and he had no intentions of wandering from his spot. Still, he wondered what would happen should he choose to leave his post and venture among them. Would they tell a different story and shun him? Could it be their kind words towards him was only a façade?
Before his thoughts could take him further into the realm of 'what might happen' they were gone; vanishing in a flash of light. In just one instant they had left. She had left.
Slowly the group gathered had dispersed. All of them had gone but Woltar.
"It would not have killed you to say good-bye, my boy."
Albel huffed out loud. He should have known the old man knew he was there. He had never been able to hide from him long.
"It's a shame."
"What?" Albel asked stepping out of the shadows.
"That the situation would warrant such an end. It would have been nice to have had her around a bit longer."
Albel watched as Woltar walked away.
Slowly at first he made his way through the streets. Perhaps now would be a good time to go home. He did not want to linger in Aquarian territory too long. The atmosphere was unsettling. Judging by the light left, he had enough time to make it to the next town before dusk.
He would still be in Aquaria, but away from the castle.
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Nel had never been one to mope. When tragedy struck her she always lashed back. But for some reason she was having a hard time wishing them farewell. The part that confused her the most was that they were already gone.
She still felt they would show back up. She cursed herself. These feelings were not like her. She had never felt such discontent. That and her hands itched. Call it a sixth sense but every time her hands itched it meant trouble was on the horizon.
As she stood in Peterny she pondered what trouble there could be. Fayt and Cliff were gone and had assured them that there would be no more problems with the celestial ships. If the threat wouldn't come from the sky, then there was a good chance it would come from the ground. The war was still too fresh for some to let go of.
She had spent the whole night in thought as she sat at one of the tables in the square. The chapel was to her back. The longer she sat there the more she felt trouble on the way. That's when she saw him pass by.
Albel the Wicked.
So he hadn't gone home. That in itself was suspicious. She studied him as he headed east. He hadn't noticed her at all. In fact, it seemed he was in deep thought himself. Could it be that he was as human as she was?
Nel mentally smacked herself. If he was still an enemy she couldn't think of him as human. That was one sure way to lose a fight. The fact still remained that his behavior was odd.
It was her duty to serve the Queen and protect her country. She couldn't let any possible threat walk away unexamined. That's when she decided to follow him. It was a little too convenient for him to pass by after she had a feeling that trouble was on the way.
If he was trouble, she would find out.
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Sophia listened as Lieber explained that that the energy blast were not the work of the Federation, Aldian, nor Vendeeni forces. The true source was still unknown. She would have thought she would be happy to be aboard the Diplo. It was something to remind her of how modern her life had been before her pod crashed on Elicoor.
But she wasn't happy. Every time they seemed to get somewhere there was always something that came up. Add another twist in the reality that was once her life. She was never one to seek adventure; but for some reason it found her anyway.
"How are you doing?" Fayt asked her. His eyes were filled with concern. She was comforted that she wasn't the only one that felt things were spiraling out of control.
"Never been better."
"Liar."
"Yeah."
"Don't worry. We'll find out what's going on. I'm going to follow Maria to the bridge. Cliff and Mirage are already there so you might want to come along too."
She forced a smile and nodded. Albel had been wrong. Fayt paid more attention to her then he thought. Despite the turn in events he was still her friend and someone she could rely on. As much as things change, some things remain the same.
They entered the bridge just minutes after Maria.
"…behind schedule on our objective to secure Dr. Leingod. Let's proceed as planned to point S317. All hands standby!"
"W-wait a sec..." Fayt said stepping up to Maria. "'Secure Dr. Leingod'? So you know where my father is?"
"That's right. He's being held in a cave on a planet located at point S317. It's been cleverly disguised, but it's a secret Vendeeni base, no doubt."
Sophia joined Fayt. "A secret base? How do you know about it then?"
"Don't underestimate Quark's information network. We'll be entering gravitic warp at once. Go sit over there."
Sophia and Fayt did as instructed. She felt a little better knowing that Uncle Robert was still okay for the time being. She gave Fayt a reassuring smile. He returned it, but it wasn't sincere. She couldn't blame him. She loved Uncle Robert, but if it was her dad instead of him – she was sure she would feel worse.
"Set a course to point S317 via gravitic warp. Break out of orbit with one-quarter thrust."
"Okay. Breaking out of orbit with one-quarter thrust," Mirage replied. Sophia turned slightly to look around the bridge. Once again she felt like she didn't belong. Everyone there had a role and a job.
She tried to remind herself that she wasn't alone. This time she had Fayt there and she was sure he had to feel a bit out of place also. But he was never as shy as she was. If given the chance he always seemed to fit in anywhere.
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The next day hadn't provided her with anything to make her feel better. She followed Albel from Peterny to Arias. Never once did he make one wrong move. He was his usual antisocial self. He wouldn't hold back a harsh word for anyone who looked at him the wrong way. But he never once threatened anyone either.
Her hands still itched and the closer she got to Airyglyph, the worse it got. Something was going to happen and she could feel it. As she treaded the dusty road to Kirlsa, she kept her thoughts silent.
Since Cliff and Fayt had left, she felt alone. It was as if being with them was like being a part of something bigger. Now that the war was over, it felt she had nothing left. She didn't like war, but at that time she had a purpose. She knew there would be work to do in war's aftermath, but it wasn't the same.
She was in the war to find an end to it. Now that the objective was reached she felt out of place. She shook her head the closer she got to Kirlsa. It was nothing more then her own selfishness. Everyone wanted to be part of something bigger. It was a mere dream.
But it was a dream she couldn't shake no matter how hard she tried. She stopped briefly to look at the Training Facility. The same place she had ventured alone to save two friends. Now it was a place that reminded her of two friends lost.
Scuffing her feet along the dirt, she made her way to the front door of the facility. There were no guards on duty. Without a second thought she entered the doors and paused. Further up the hall was Albel. He hadn't seen her as he turned the corner out of sight.
She sighed and walked the other way.
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Sophia's heart had not stopped pounding from the first encounter with the Vendeeni captain. The image of her 'uncle' was still too fresh.
"Transport at the specified time. And I repeat, no heroics."
"Understood." Maria matched his monotone. "We'll hold you to that as well. We'll exchange Fayt and Sophia for Dr. Leingod. That's the deal."
"Yes, that is the deal."
Sophia couldn't help but to feel relief when the communication ended. Her happiness of seeing her 'uncle' unharmed was small compared to her apprehension. One thing she knew for sure was that everything had to always happen so fast. She felt she barely had time to take a breath before something else popped up.
They had just broken orbit when the Federation contacted them. Commodore Wittcomb had just told them not to attack when the Vendeeni contacted them. They demanded both her and Fayt in exchange for Uncle Robert. It would seem Fayt's 'show' on Elicoor caught their attention.
The Federation must have been too far away to see what Fayt did. Commodore Wittcomb was confused as to why they wanted him. Due to the rushing atmosphere of the situation, Wittcomb did not ask about Fayt, but simply said enough to insinuate a full explanation would come later.
Sophia only hoped there would be a later.
Cliff turned in his chair. "We can only transport six at a time. Their capacity shouldn't be any different."
"Most likely," Maria replied in a confidence to hide her own apprehension.
"Well, I guess six should be enough."
"Remember, they've got my father. Whatever you do, be careful."
"You're such a worrywart," Cliff teased. "Put a little more trust in me."
"I trust you, I really do. It's just..."
Maria approached Fayt and gave Sophia a friendly look. "Don't worry. It'll be okay... Believe me. We'll get everyone back safely."
"Maria..."
"Thanks," Sophia said in a weak voice.
Maria nodded assuring to both of them though her gaze stayed on Fayt. "Mirage, prepare to transport us down."
"Roger, Captain."
"I'll go with you," Cliff said quickly following Mirage. "Hey Steeg, you're coming, too."
Sophia felt glued in place as she watched the three leave. For some reason she didn't want Mirage to go. She had become not only a friend but she made Sophia feel safer just being around.
Sophia just stood still and waited as Maria informed Lancar to ready the equipment. She was over come with a certain nostalgia of war. Not that long ago she was in Airyglyph during war time. Those in command always seemed to take the same tone when a crisis hit.
Maria sat down and turned back to the two. "...What is it?"
"Nothing. I was just thinking you really are Quark's leader."
Sophia nodded, agreeing with Fayt.
"Not too sharp, are you? I've been telling you that from the start."
"I know, it's just that..."
"Yeah, whatever. There's still some time before we transport down, so you're free until then. There's nothing I need you for right now. I'll make an announcement when it's time to go."
Sophia gave the bridge one last glance before leaving. She had a little free time and she needed it. She also needed to get out of that room. The tension on the bridge was so thick she found it hard to breathe. She knew it was just her. Her own tension was rocketing.
She stopped at the first window she came to. The blackness of the scene behind the glass provided little comfort. She almost laughed at herself. Looking out at the vast ocean of stars she could feel just how small she was. Yet, her problems felt universal.
"Hey there. Are you holding up?"
She turned her head to look at Fayt. He had taken position at her side in front of the window.
"I guess. It's just a lot to take in."
"Yeah, I know."
"It's funny huh?"
He gave her a questioning look. His lips didn't move as he allowed her to speak her mind.
"I didn't really spend that much time on Elicoor; but it felt like longer. Then we went through so much trouble to get off the planet just to return. It's ironic."
Fayt allowed a few more moments of silence before responding. "We're not only returning to Elicoor; but to Airyglyph also."
"Yeah," she whispered. "Do you think we'll be okay?"
He shifted from one foot to the other. "We have to be. We've been through too much to give up now."
She nodded in determination. "Your right. We can't give up now. But I'm still scared."
He rested his arm around her shoulder reassuringly. "It's okay to be scared. Fear is just another thing we have to deal with; but we will. Besides…" He paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "I've seen how you've grown up since we were separated. I'm confident that you can make it."
"Thanks."
Maria's voice came over the speakers. "It's time, everyone. Meet in front of the transporter room."
After a few turns, they were in front of the transporter room. Everyone was there with the exception of Maria.
"Ah, there you two are. Are you ready to go?" Cliff smiled in his usual fashion.
"I'm ready," Fayt replied. Sophia nodded silently in agreement.
"I see everyone's here." Maria approached the group. "All right, let's go."
Cliff turned to Mirage who was standing at his side. "You've got the bridge, Mirage."
"Roger."
"Mirage, you're staying?" Sophia asked not concealing her worry.
Mirage rested her hand on her shoulder. "You'll be fine. He might not look like much, but I'm sure Cliff can handle things." She gave Cliff a sideways wink.
Cliff shook his head. "You, Mirage, are a regular comedian," he teased back. "Yahaa, let's do it!"
"Good luck. See you soon," Mirage said as Cliff entered the transporter.
Sophia couldn't help but to admire how calm Mirage stayed as she bid everyone goodbye. Maria waited by the transporter for Fayt and Sophia.
Lancar turned to Fayt. "Stay sharp and keep an eye on the captain."
Fayt nodded. "Will do."
Sophia watched as Fayt disappeared in the transporter. Maria gave her a short nod to indicate she was next.
"I'll see you soon, Mirage," she said trying to regain her optimism.
"I don't doubt it." Mirage gave Sophia a quick hug.
Sophia did her best to smile as she stepped into the transporter. In a blink she was standing between Fayt and Cliff on the roof of the Kirlsa Training Facility. In another blink Maria was standing in front of her. The two other crew members were standing on each side of Maria.
Sophia held her breath as she scanned over the roof. She had been in the kitchen and through the halls but never pass that. A shadow caught her attention from the corner of her eye. She turned sharply to the top of the wall but found nothing.
"F-Fayt?" she asked tentatively reaching out and touching his shoulder. She was surprised to see him looking at the same spot on the wall she had been looking at. Maybe it wasn't just her imagination.
A flash of light drew her attention straight ahead. Biwig, two Vendeeni soldiers and Uncle Robert appeared before them. She gasped, holding her hands to her chest. It was a lot worse seeing him tied up in person then it had been over the terminal in the Diplo. Her focus on him was short lived when a device appeared next to the Vendeeni captain.
"What's that?" both Sophia and Maria asked at the same time.
"A transport jammer!" Fayt replied in frustration.
Biwig didn't waste any time. "Hand over the boy and girl, now."
"What do you mean? I though we had a deal." Maria stood her ground in admirable defiance.
"Hmph. Did you?" Biwig swayed slightly as he spoke. "Your equipment suggests otherwise. You Federation scum are always up to dirty tricks."
Maria straightened her stance in frustration. "It'd be plain stupid to come unprepared. Besides, we're not from the Federation."
"What's the difference? Hey, boy...girl… Get over here."
Fayt gently grabbed Sophia's arm as if to hold her back. She was still frozen in the same position she had been upon Biwig's arrival and had no intentions of moving just yet.
In response to Biwig's threats, the two crew members from the Diplo readied their guns. It was made clear to everyone that the Vendeeni captain had no intentions of making a fair exchange. Sophia reached the arm Fayt was not holding around her and touched the tip of her staff. The possibilities of a fight hung heavily in the air.
In an instant, the Vendeeni soldiers fired their rifles; killing the two crew members instantly.
"No!" Maria screamed. "How dare you!"
"Take the boy and girl alive. Kill the rest!"
Sophia stepped back the instant Fayt's hand left her arm. As the three reached for their weapons, Sophia retrieved her staff and cast protection on them; starting with Maria who was closest to the fight. The spell would not prevent them from injuries issued by the Vendeeni weapons, but it would prevent the immediate death that had been fated by the two crew members previously.
The odds were four on two. Sophia glanced briefly up to notice that Biwig had opted to watch and not participate. Somehow this was a little relief. She didn't feel that the battle would be won easily if he were to join. Turning her attention back to the fight, she noticed that Cliff and Fayt were taking turns with one soldier while Maria kept the second distracted. Cliff and Fayt seemed to have control over their fight. Since no one was in need of immediate healing, Sophia pulled on the invisible string of her staff and sent an energy blast for the soldier Maria was targeting.
Cliff and Fayt won their fight first. Without skipping a beat, the two charged for the remaining soldier. Sophia left the fight to them and ran to check on Uncle Robert. He had barely noticed her; his attention mesmerized by the fight that had just ended.
She bent down and untied his hands. His eyes fixed on her. She tried to meet his gaze but found it hard. She had too many unanswered questions and it was all due to what he had done.
"Sophia?" His voice was soft.
Fayt approached them as she was helping him to his feet. Fayt only glanced at his father before nodding to Sophia. She could detect that he was battling his own inner questions.
"The tables have turned, Biwig," Maria said standing not too far from the trio.
"Heh heh..."
"What's so funny, bag-head? You're the only one left." Sophia glanced up to see Cliff by Maria's side. Both were locked in a dead stare with Biwig.
Sophia arched her vision just in time to see the familiar flashes of something being transported. "He… what?"
"Something's being transported down!" Fayt said finding the words she was unable to say.
"How's that possible?" Maria took a step back. "There's a transport jammer here!"
"Ah-ah! Fools! Our technology only blocks who we want it to block. We can bring down as many reinforcements as we need!"
Cliff growled and stepped back to match Maria's position.
Sophia held her breath as more Vendeeni soldiers materialized by Biwig's side.
"Run for it!"
No one questioned Cliff's command. Sophia gave Robert a quick push before grabbing his arm and heading toward the exit. She heard Biwig yell something behind her, but her own breath drowned out his words. She didn't look back as she entered the Facility and followed the others into the prison area.
Everyone held their breaths as the rapid footsteps of pursuit rang in the halls a short distance from their location.
"..You guys hide here. I'll try to draw them away."
Sophia searched the Klausian's blue eyes. "Cliff?"
"What, alone?"
Cliff nodded to Fayt and gave him a 'thumbs-up'. "I'll be fine. I can handle these guys. Besides, I've got a hunch about this."
"Another hunch?"
"Hey, trust me kid."
Before Fayt could argue further, Cliff ran out the door. He glanced down the hall they had just run through.
"I've spotted one over here!"
At the sound of the Vendeeni's voice, Cliff slammed the door shut and ran the other way.
Everyone in the room held their breaths as footsteps rang pass the door. Luckily none of the soldiers paid attention to the closed door in their pursuit of Cliff.
"The transport jammer should have about a 2-km radius of effect, right?" Maria asked herself when the noise from outside the room died.
"That's the Federation spec, but the Vendeeni technology is more advanced. No doubt it has an even greater area of effect," Robert responded.
Maria shot him a glance. "It will be hard getting clear of it."
"If we try to run, they'll only come after us. We have to make a stand."
"Yeah," Sophia agreed moving herself closer to Fayt.
Robert sat down on a wooden beam as he studied his son. "You've grown, Fayt."
"Let's talk it over with Cliff when he gets back," Fayt said ignoring his father's comment.
Sophia nodded as Maria verbalized her agreement. "Okay."
"In the meantime, Dad," Fayt spoke turning to Robert. "There's something I have to ask you."
Robert averted his gaze to the floor before looking at Fayt. "So you've finally found out." Robert stood and resettled his glasses on his face. "But you must understand. I never once thought of you as a tool for my research. You were born because your mother and I always wanted a child."
An expression of anger dominated Maria's features. "Well then, tell us why! How could you treat your own child like a guinea pig?"
"By the way, who is she?" Robert gave Maria a confused look.
"Uncle Robert," Sophia said hesitantly. Her throat threatened to hold her words back but she pressed them forward. "This is Maria. Maria Traydor. She's the leader of Quark, the anti-Federation group."
"Maria Traydor..." Robert responded; turning the name over in his mind. "So that means you're-I see. That's why your last name is Traydor."
Fayt shook his head and looked at the floor between him and his father. "You performed genetic engineering on her, just like you did to Sophia and me."
"Explain yourself, Dr. Leingod... I think we have the right to know." It took a lot of restraint for Maria to hold in her frustration.
"Uncle Robert…genetic engineering? Why? Why did you manipulate our genes?"
Sophia searched his face for an explanation still wanting to wake up from the nightmare she had been thrown into. This could not be happening. When Maria had said it, she could easily dismiss it. She wasn't close to Maria and had no reason to take her for her word. But Uncle Robert was different. He was like family and if he said it – if he confirmed it then it would be real.
"I did it...for the sake of our universe."
Her world stopped spinning for a brief time. He had admitted it and therefore brought it to life.
"Our universe? That's quite a grand scale. How could modifying our genes have anything to do with the universe?"
"But it's the truth." Robert turned to Maria. "I performed symbological genetic engineering on you because of a force that would one day threaten all we know."
Sophia didn't have to look at Fayt to hear the confusion in his voice. "Threaten all we know?"
"I don't expect you to believe me right here and now. It's a long story. I'll explain everything once we get out of here. Just be patient."
Maria was about to respond when the door opened and Cliff appeared.
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(A/N) There's the twist. Now, what to do with both Albel and Nel there? I can make no promises on when the next chapter will be out, but I hope the wait isn't as long as this time. And I should note that my proofreader was only able to read most, but not all of this over for me. So, my apologies for any errors.