Shadows of Alliance

"Redemption's Resolve"

Zeo lay on her bed in the dimly lit infirmary, her left eye bandaged and her hand in a cast. Dr. Michael stood beside her, her voice filled with a mix of concern and frustration. "Zeo, how could you fight with your own family? You've got a fracture and a serious eye injury. Do you realize how reckless that was?"

Zeo winced, both from the pain and the reprimand. She struggled to keep her composure, swallowing back tears. Just then, Joseph entered the room. He couldn't resist a jab at her condition. "Looks like someone had a rough day. Should've known better, Zeo."

Zeo bit her lip, fighting back the urge to snap back. Dr. Michael noticed her effort and intervened. "Joseph, remember your own injuries from that last mission? They weren't any less serious. Zeo fought for what she believed in, just like you did."

Joseph's expression softened as he remembered the mission. "Yeah, it was a disaster. Hiroto took it hard. Ren didn't help with her harsh words either."

Zeo sighed, concerned for her friend. "How's Hiroto holding up?"

Joseph shook his head sadly. "Not great. Ren really tore into him. He's blaming himself for the mission's failure."

Just then, the door creaked open and Rina, Michael's precocious seven-year-old daughter, bounded in. "Mommy said Ren wants to see you, Zeo!" she chirped, oblivious to the tension in the room.

As Rina skipped out, Joseph and Zeo were finally alone.

Joseph broke the silence, cautiously approaching Zeo and held her hand. She tensed as he drew near, instinctively pushing him away. "What's with the locket you gave me?" he asked, a puzzled expression on his face.

Zeo was taken aback, her mind racing. "What do you mean?" she replied, suspicion creeping into her voice.

Joseph chuckled softly. "I've learned a lot about you, Zeo," he said, a hint of playfulness in his tone.

Zeo took a deep breath, her expression tense. "What have you learned?" she asked cautiously, the weight of the recent events clearly reflected on her face.

Joseph's smile faded as he sensed her guarded demeanor. "I know that your locket saved my life on my last mission," he began, his voice sincere. "I went to Mr. Dark to find out more about it."

Zeo's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Mr. Dark. "You met him?" she asked, surprised.

Joseph nodded. "He told me about your family, Zeo," he continued, his voice gentle. "About your royal lineage and how you're from another planet."

Zeo froze, her heart pounding. "You... you know?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Joseph reached out, taking her hand gently. "He showed me images of you as a child, Zeo," he said softly. "He told me about your journey to Earth, about your family's struggles."

Zeo swallowed hard, overwhelmed by Joseph's understanding. "I... I left my home when I was fourteen," she admitted quietly. "There were tensions in my family, and I needed to find my own path."

Joseph nodded sympathetically. "Mr. Dark mentioned your sister," he said gently. "He said you left for Earth after a disagreement with your aunt."

Zeo nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "My family... it's complicated," she murmured. "I didn't think anyone here would understand."

Joseph squeezed her hand reassuringly. "You don't have to face it alone, Zeo," he said earnestly. "I'm here for you."

Zeo looked into his eyes, seeing genuine care and empathy. "Thank you," she whispered, a small smile tugging at her lips.