"Darius. We got news from Kol and Rah..."
"Let's hear it."
"As it turns out Graff's destination is Haze Jungle somewhere in the Southern part of the continent according to Kol and Rah reports Graff's vehicle energy signatures stop right around here…"
Marius, Darius' twin brother pointed in the holographic map.
"Haze jungle…. I know that place but there's nothing there that place used to be a subject of many field study because of the mysterious haze like fog that covers it... But it turns out that's because of certain plants that only able to grows there was the one releasing it in a certain time of the day... After it was discovered all interest regarding that place fades away... It is already established that there's nothing special about that place so what's Graff doing there?" Said Darius.
"Do you remember the time that Graff started buying many types of construction materials, and we didn't found out what's he's doing with it?"
"You mean?"
"Yeah. I suspect he used those materials to build something in Haze jungles as it was a perfect place to build a hidden base or laboratory as even the spyglass cant sees through that Haze... It's what interests others to study that place." Said Marius.
"Something must have happened to his secret laboratory for him to go there in a hurry. That is if your theory is right. We still can't dismiss the idea it's a trap." Said Darius.
Well, you are always careful and paranoid but I can't deny that personality of yours saves us a lot of time in the past. Said Marius.
"Heh, you just too laid back. Anyways I also agreed with your theory but a little preparation wouldn't hurt right..." Then Darius let out a creepy smile.
"Little my ass, knowing you I might as well prepares for whatever thing you would unleash." Said Marius.
"Order Kol and Rah to go there and see whatever it is Graff is hiding tell them we will meet them there soon. I just need to prepare some toys haha…" said Darius.
"Fine whatever... Just hurry I don't want to miss anything. Said Marius."
"I know"
Back in Specter Arc was so surprised by how quickly Biggs and Wedge broke Graff and get information form him. And using truth serum they know Graff is not lying.
Arc was about to ask Biggs and Wedge how they do it... But then he heard a knock.
"Come in."
Ruby and Jem entered along with a little girl with little goat horns on her forehead. The little girl looks a little afraid and cautious but at the same time curious about whom the big Boss the two nice big sisters is talking about.
The little girl looks at Arc but didn't say anything...
Arc then looks at the little girl and said. " Hi I'm Arc you can call me big brother or Simply Arc... What's your name don't be afraid you're safe now."
"I…I... I'm Sofie" said the little girl with a small cute voice.
"Sofie that a cute name. Can you tell me why you are in the possession of Graff?"
Sofie hearing Graff name recoil in fear.
Arc seeing Sofie's reaction blames himself for being insensitive the little girl must have been through hell under Graff.
"Sigh, sorry Sofie but you don't need to be afraid of him anymore he can't hurt you or anyone else again."
"I.. I.. It's ok thank you bi.. bii.. Big Brother for saving me. My home was attacked by unknown forces and me and my family are turned into slaves and Gr..Graa."
"You don't have to say his name if you don't want to." Said Arc.
"I. It's ok I was bought by Graaff to be an experimental subject. He said my bloodline is special..."
Seeing the resolve and in Little Sofie's eyes, Arc couldn't help but cursed Graff in his mind.
"Arc then put his hand on Sofie's head and brush it gently... Brave girl I couldn't imagine what you have been through but all that is in the past... You must now decide what to do in the future." Said Arc.
Arc saw intelligence in Sofie's eyes as well as resolves he knows despite looking young he knows Sofie can understand what he was trying to say.
And true enough Sofie nodded...
"Can I stay here?" Said Sofie with a small voice seemingly afraid they would refuse.
Arc. Smiles and said, "of course, if that's what you want you are welcome to stay as long as you want… Do you know where your siblings and parents are?"
Sofie shakes her head...
"I see... Well if they are alive we will find them…" Said Arc.
"You must be hungry, actually I'm a little hungry too... So let go eat and talk while eating, and all of you join us…"
Ruby, Jem, Biggs, and Wedge nodded.
Jarvis is already done cooking. So Arc and the rest goes to the lounge Sofie smiles when she saw that everyone is nice and easy to get along with. She was a smart girl and despite her young age being a former princess she was educated by the ways of the world the law of the jungles.
But for some reason, the peoples around her right now is not like those she encountered in the past even before Graff bought her she saw many types of people inside her cage and none of them are like the ones surrounding her right now all she felt is warmth the even when she was still a princess she never felt it. And now in the midst of strangers, she felt the warmth she never experienced before, and so she made a decision not to lose it whatever the cost.
It didn't take long for the food to be presented and Jarvis takes his seat without Arc asking him to. This thing has become a habit of late eating together even Ariel and the rest come to join in.. They were surprised about the new addition to the table. At the same time curious.
It was Ariel who couldn't help her self and ask.
"Who's the cute little sister there?"
"Oh.. Oh, yeah sorry let me introduce our new addition to the family this is Sofie don't ask me where she came from ask her your self on your own time she was a prisoner of Graff so don't force her she doesn't want to talk about it." Said Arc.
"Oh, I see," said Ariel
"Well welcome a toast to little Sofie," said Jem.
Cheers!! Well, only juice for you young Sofie said Jarvis with a soft smile...
"Alright lest eat.." Said Arc.
As soon as Sofie tasted the food she was surprised how delicious it is. At first, she was quite shy and timid but soon she was gorging her self with food that makes others smile and laughs.
Sir Jarvis, this is delicious can you teach me how to cook? Said Sofie who no longer she and timid.
Arc laugh and said. "Old man Jarvis it looks like you found yourself a disciple.."
"Hahaha looks like it…" It's very rare for stone face Jarvis to show emotion so everyone is a little surprised.
I'm quite strict you know. Little Sofie and I don't like those who quit halfway... So if you really want to learn from me you better prepared your self for it...
Everyone saw an imaginary fire burning in little Sofie eyes she clenched her small little hands into a fist and said. I won't quit master.
Jarvis looking solemn smile a little and said... Good, we will start tomorrow be prepared. But for now, let's eat before those two eat everything Jarvis look at Biggs and Wedge you look like having a speed-eating contest...
Sofie notices the dwindling food and no longer speak and started eating again.
Arc couldn't stop himself from laughing. Jem and Arielle started laughing too ruby and the rest have a huge smile on their faces.
After eating Jarvis brewed some tea for everyone this too becomes a habit for them...
And with a solemn but relaxing atmosphere, Sofie started talking recounting her experiences…
Everyone just listened and didn't interrupt her they just quietly drink their tea and listen to Sofie...
After recounting all her experience she looks at everyone who are gently and warmly smiling at her and finally she couldn't control her self and cry...
Ariel was the first to come over to Sofie and hug her she too was a royalty and in some ways relate to Sofie she was very fortunate as she was rescued by Arc before she was killed or captured. The next to come over is Jem... Ruby too stood up and put her hand on top of Sofie's head.
Arc saw Biggs and Wedge eyes and knows Graff would be in hell after this.
It took a while for Sofie to calm herself.
"I'm sorry…" Said Sofie.
"Why are you apologizing for? And besides what's important is you have us now. Use those experiences and strengthen yourself I'm not going to treat you as a small naive girl as what you have experienced is far more than any of us and you get past it. And that's saying something. But despite me saying that it remains a fact that you are still a child and so don't force yourself to be an adult and just enjoy your self." Said Arc.
Arc stood up put his hand on Sofie's head and gently brush it, and then he left.