The next morning arrived as things seemed relatively calm for the most part. Lukas is sitting by the edge of some railing on the second floor of the warehouse as he is eating an energy bar. Though for some reason, Mossberg is sitting on his lap. As far as Lukas knew really, Mossberg had become quite clingy at times and he doesn't know if he could get used to it since he is aware that Mossberg has been quiet most of the time, but consistently watching him and everything he does.

While he is currently eating his energy bar, he was looking down at the survivors as he watched everyone help each other out with their needs and mental support. Mossberg is eating a chocolate bar, though she actually wanted to ask a question.

Mossberg: "Why are you helping all these people?"

While she may have said this in a monotone or nonchalant manner, she clearly had a tinge of curiosity behind it. Lukas was a little surprised when she asked the question, though he did his best to answer.

Lukas: "We're helping them because they were innocent in this situation. Ever since the beginning, these people did nothing wrong... and I used to live here in Atlas City, so I could sympathise with them."

Mossberg: "They're innocent?"

Lukas: "To put it simply, people who had nothing to do with our fight against Malware and the Atlas Corporation. We never wanted bloodshed to occur, only to rely on violence as a form of last resort. However, we do what we can to save others... because it's the right thing to do."

Mossberg: "How do you know if it's the right thing to do?"

Lukas: "Well... Right and wrong could be subjective I guess... Right and wrong could be parallel to good and evil. While I may have not a lot of experience, I just think that what we see as good, the bad guys could see it the other way around... It's like a grey line that separates the realities and perspective of both sides of a conflict. Being good means to help others, or even yourself, showing care and doing what you think is right. Being evil means that you put yourself before everyone else, enforcing your ideals and philosophies onto others by force, making choices that could only benefit you in the end... I just think that there's a lot of things that could be classified as evil, but some become evil for good intentions too..."

Lukas then remembered that Calli tried to kill him before. While it could've been seen as an evil act, she was doing it to try and protect those she begun to care about. So she had to do an evil act for the good intentions of others. He had always reminisced to that fight in particular, because it had mostly opened his eyes to the bigger picture on how much he needs to improve, so that no one has to worry about him anymore. He wants to become as strong as possible so he could keep others safe as he knows now what bearing the responsibility of the Omni Magician is like.

Yet while Lukas was going through his thoughts, his face made him seem a bit down as he struggled to remember the good times in a dark situation like this. Though Mossberg lifted her head, looking at Lukas as she noticed this. 

Mossberg: "You seem troubled."

Lukas: "Well... A lot has happened to me within a year and... I've always tried to go with the flow. I don't even know how to cope with all of this and..."

Mossberg: "You're strong."

Lukas was a bit perplexed by what Mossberg just said, though she continued as she looked at the survivors.

Mossberg: "I may have not known much, but I can see that you're a good person. The world seems harsh and I don't know anything about it. So I'm willing to listen and learn. So if there's any trouble troubling you, I can help."

Lukas was honestly surprised that this young girl seemed more mature than he initially thought, though at the same time, she does still have some childish personality traits. She seems to show no proper expressions at times, but when she does, it was mostly a small smile when she was around him. Yet she keeps clinging to him like as if he was her older brother or something, though it still bothers him the more he thought about it.

He did his best to be Angelica's older brother, though he was tricked into her schemes. He doesn't know if Mossberg will do the same or not. He just doesn't want to go through it again, but he can tell that Mossberg and Angelica are nowhere close to being the same person at all. While Angelica fakes her emotions and actions, Mossberg clearly doesn't hide her blunt but neutral opinions. 

Lukas: "Thanks... I'll think about it..."

As the two then remained silent for a few seconds, Zai walked up to them as he leaned his arms onto the railing while being next to them.

Sonzai: "Hey Lukas, we're going to need your help right now."

Lukas lifted his head to look at Zai, seeming a little confused.

Lukas: "With what exactly?"

Sonzai: "You know that we have both of your parents as our captives at the moment. We interrogated them the best we could, but they didn't seem to budge much. They kept demanding to see their daughter and that Hardway guy."

Lukas: "So I'm needed to get through to them?"

Sonzai: "Exactly. I know it's hard for you to confront them again, but just this once... We need your help."

Lukas then sighed, getting up as Mossberg did the same. 

Lukas: "Alright. Lead me to them."

Zai without saying another word began to show Lukas and Mossberg to where the interrogation was being held. Though since the room was split off as two separate rooms, they stood behind a one sided view glass that would allow them to look inside and the people inside can't see them. 

Lukas noticed that Altare was currently interrogating them, though both Ichigo and Angela weren't budging at all. When Altare was done for now, he exited the room to enter where Lukas, Zai and Mossberg were, closing the door behind himself as he looked at Zai.

Sonzai: "Any luck?"

Altare: "None. They're quite the stubborn bunch considering that they are government officials."

Lukas: "What... have you managed to learn?"

Altare then looked at Lukas, though it was clear that Lukas was uncomfortable in this situation, but Altare had to answer anyways.

Altare: "In truth, we have managed to learn that during the time of the Atlas Takeover, the two were kept as a form of guinea pigs. Being used to communicate with the outside world and prevent outside interference. Though the two aren't even aware of what has been going on behind the scenes when it comes to Hardway. As of recently, according to Melody by hacking security footage that came from the time of the Atlas Takeover, Hardway was killed by Malware."

Lukas was honestly shocked by this revelation. He knew that Hardway was a stubborn guy from how his parents talked about him, but ever since he knew he worked for the High Society since he had been supplying them, he couldn't see him the same way. Yet the fact that Malware killed him, forcing him out of the picture, it was clear that while Malware is working with the High Society, she is puling strings to an incredible degree.

He does however remember some things that Malware had said, though it was all corelating to one simple fact. Malware and the High Society's leader, who she calls Void, they currently have an agreement that allows them to work together. However, she mentions that they could backstab each other at any point, which means that she is intending to trick the High Society to get what she wants out of their alliance until she is satisfied to separate herself from it. 

Lukas: "Malware is planning to betray the High Society..."

Altare and Zai looked at Lukas with a form of confusion.

Altare: "What do you mean?"

Lukas: "During my two encounters with Malware... She mostly mentioned that while she works with the High Society, they could backstab each other at any moment... So she's most likely planning to turn against the High Society once she gets what she wants."

Sonzai: "But what could it be if they have been stealing all the Mana from the civilians that had those capabilities?"

Altare: "If you go by what Henya mentioned about their project when they wanted to create Androids that could wield and utilize Magic... It could be possible that she is planning something to do with that project."

Altare then put his hand on Lukas's shoulder as he knew what Lukas needs to do, even if it was going to be hard on him.

Altare: "Listen Lukas. I need you to talk to your parents, learn as much as you can and inform us afterwards. We'll be watching you okay?"

Lukas: "A-Alright... I'll try..."

Lukas was clearly uncomfortable in this situation as he sighed, patting Mossberg on the top of her head gently as he looked at her.

Lukas: "I'll be right back..."

Mossberg then nodded, understanding that this was going to be fairly difficult for Lukas as he made his way into the room. When the door opened, both Ichigo and Angela looked at Lukas with a form of surprise. Though when the door closed, Lukas made his way to the other side of the table, taking his seat.

Ichigo: "Lukas...?"

Lukas: "Yeah... It's me."

Angela: "Why are you here...?"

Lukas: "Because I am helping out with the effort of fixing what has been going on... Altare has asked you questions, yet you kept fending it off because you're asking for Mister Hardway and my sister. So since you both weren't cooperating with people you don't know, I have to step in now..."

Although the two noticed how different Lukas looks now, it was clear that he isn't going to hold back on what he needs to do. Even if his parents had kicked him out of the family, signing papers to make him legally no longer part of the family, it was clear that they were quite delusional in thinking that Lukas was still the problem.

Ichigo: "We don't want to talk to you! We want-"

Lukas: "Mister Hardway. I know... However we've recently learnt about something that you both need to know. Mister Hardway has been confirmed dead."

Both of the parents were surprised by this revelation, as they believed that he was still alive all this time due to Malware tricking them. Yet it made their faces pale as they couldn't understand how that even happened in the first place. Though Lukas continued.

Lukas: "Malware has been conducting some form of experimentations. Stealing Mana from innocents through artificial means that technically would end up killing them. Don't you both feel any shame that you were assisting in the deaths of so many...?"

Angela: "Believe us on this Lukas! We never wanted many people to die!"

Lukas: "You say that now, yet you still believe I'm the bad guy in this situation?"

Angela didn't speak as she held her tongue, though Ichigo spoke next.

Ichigo: "If what you said was true, then why haven't we been informed about this?!"

He slammed his hand on the table, trying to demand answers. Although at first, in the past, Lukas would've been afraid of that kind of aggression, but after everything he has been through now, it somehow doesn't scare him anymore. So he remained calm and answered as calmly as possible.

Lukas: "Malware manipulated you two into convincing others that Atlas City was under control. This would prevent others of knowing what has been going on. She was manipulating you both into being her pawns, similar to how Angelica would."

Ichigo: "Don't you dare speak of her like that you insignificant little-"

Before he could speak any further, Lukas stood up and slammed his hand on the table. This tactic actually forced Ichigo to sit back down as he noticed a dark menacing Aura surround Lukas for a moment until it dissipated.  

Lukas: "I was simply speaking the truth. Now will you listen to what I have to say, and answer my questions?"

The two looked at each other for a moment, unsure if they should go through with it, but they simply agreed soon afterwards as Lukas took his seat again.

Lukas: "Good. Now to start off, what exactly had been going on behind the scenes within Atlas Corporation during the Atlas Takeover?"

Ichigo: "In the beginning, we saw the city being destroyed by our company's tech..."

Angela: "It made us want to stay within the corporation to protect us, which was why we wanted to stay for your sister's sake."

Lukas: "Angelica? Why exactly was she brought to the Atlas Corporation?"

Angela: "We weren't sure at the time... They took her for a special project... That is what Hardway said..."

Lukas *Thoughts*: "A special project? What would they need Angelica for?"

Lukas: "When was the last time you had contact with Angelica?"

Ichigo: "The last time was in the beginning... We brought her to Hardway, we spent a few days assisting with the schedules... We were then contacted by Malware that we would end up moving stations... Though we weren't fully aware of the precautions of the experiments and project that was taking place before it was too late..."

Angela: "We weren't aware of what the Supernatural was until Malware went into detail for us... Though she wanted our daughter... We just want to see her again..."

Lukas narrowed his eyes, finding this suspicious. Understandably, he could see why they were moved to another place where they would be forced to assist with experimentations and even deal with communications of the outside world. Though it would appear that they had no choice in the matter, like as if it was a life or death situation, and with Angelica in Malware's hands, it was clear that they were one hundred percent forced into this.

Lukas: "Did Malware tell you why she needed Angelica?"

Ichigo: "The only thing she mentioned was about Mana..."

Lukas then suddenly came to a realization. He remembered that one day when he infiltrated the main building of the Atlas Corporation, after getting the data that was required to perform Operation ATLAS, he felt a sudden connection between both himself and Angelica. 

Lukas *Thoughts*: "Could it be...? Does she have a high potential as well...?"

Lukas: "Tell me. Have you ever considered that your own daughter was lying to you ever since the beginning?"

Although both Ichigo and Angela wanted to say something, Lukas glared at them, showing that he was a different person than before. This caused them to hold their tongue, looking down in shame.

Lukas: "You both need to understand the truth. When Amelia and I confronted you about it before you disowned me, you still seemed adamant on the fact that I was in the wrong. Yet you still believed in the precious younger daughter, listening to her story more than listening to your older son. What made her so special that you would prefer to give her all the attention in the first place?" 

Angela: "She tended to never cause trouble... She was always smart, kind and intelligent!"

Lukas: "That was a lie. She always caused trouble by being conniving. Tricking others into doing the dirty work while she remained anonymous in the side lines. I've witnessed it all. As it comes to her being smart, she is, but she tends to cheat more often. Her kind façade is a lie, and her intelligence is the only thing you got right."  

Ichigo: "She had always acted perfect because you couldn't even bother to honour our family name!"

Lukas: "Is that what your friend wanted?"

Ichigo's eyes widened for a moment as he was surprised that Lukas would even know about his one friend. Though Lukas continued, answering the one question his own father was about to ask before it could even be asked.

Lukas: "Kson. She approached me and told me that she and I are arranged to get married in the future. You probably held a promise at some point, but it seems like you probably broke a promise you made to him, didn't you?"

His father clearly looked down, feeling awful for what he had done. Though Lukas continued now.

Lukas: "Because you two being accomplices to the destruction of Atlas City, alongside the deaths of about 99% of the population that inhabited Atlas City, you both will most likely be taken in for a form of questioning and they could decide your fate. I'm not your son as you had said, so I have no guarantee that I would help you in the first place. So don't come begging for help when you lose everything."

He said this with a bit of malice as he began to get up from his seat, walking to the exit of the room, only to feel his left wrist get grabbed. He looked down as he noticed that Angela was holding onto him, having pleading eyes as she was tearing up.

Angela: "I get it now... but please... Save our daughter... She'll be all we have left... Please..."

Lukas: "We intend to save her, but she will be suffering the same treatment as you both. After all of this is over, I want nothing to do with you, ever again."

He then broke free of the grip as he left the room, closing the door behind him as he sighed. Altare, Zai and Mossberg were watching the whole time. Zai was honestly surprised that Lukas took that well, though he could notice the hate and anguish in his eyes. With Altare however, he walked up to Lukas as he had to know what Lukas had learnt.

Altare: "How did it go?"

Lukas: "Both of them were definitely forced into working under Malware. She apparently took Angelica Misaki, their daughter and my sister for some experimentation project from the sounds of it. Though the only reason Malware wants her is because apparently it has something to do with her Mana."

Altare: "I see... So we don't have a lot of time before things go south. We'll spend the time today to relax and regain our strength. Then we're attacking the main building tomorrow. If what they said is true, then we don't have a lot of time on our hands."

Lukas: "I understand... I'll be close if anybody needs me..."

Lukas then walked out of the room as Mossberg began to follow close behind, though Zai turned to Altare, looking at him with a knowing look.

Altare: "Go on. I'm sure he'll need it."

Zai then nodded as he quickly made his way out of the room to find Lukas. Though when he found him, he quickly called out to him.

Sonzai: "Lukas!"

Lukas came to a stop as he turned around to see Zai stop in front of him, though since they were on the second floor, Zai leaned against the railing.

Sonzai: "I want to talk to you about something... about me."

Lukas wanted to ask why, but judging by Zai's expression, he nodded and sat down with his back against the railing, though Mossberg sat next to Lukas, eating another chocolate bar in silence.

Lukas: "What about you Zai?"

Sonzai: "Do you remember when I told you that I killed my own family?"

Lukas: "Yeah I do but... I never wanted to ask about it since it seemed personal..."

Sonzai: "I can respect that... but I'm willing to tell you now. In truth, my family was somewhat similar to yours."

Lukas was somewhat honestly surprised to hear about it, but he could tell that Zai was uncomfortable talking about this.

Sonzai: "In my family lineage, we train each generation to become stronger than our predecessors, and ourselves. My family always believed in power and strength. To a degree, I was jealous of my brother. We had some form of rivalry, I would train harder than I ever would. He was supposed to inherit the Ruyi Jingu Bang, the staff I carry with me 'til this very day."

Zai then sat down next to Lukas, trying to remain calm while explaining his tale.

Sonzai: "In the beginning, I never exactly had the best form of parents. They were cruel when you don't listen to their demands. They expect a lot from you, and to put it simply, if you aren't strong, they see you as nothing. Yet even though I had a friend, Faith I would call her, she would be there for me in my darkest moments. Though one day, it all changed... I originally challenged my brother to a duel. A match to determine who would inherit the Ruyi Jingu Bang and if I won, I could finally be acknowledged by them. However... It didn't end so well."

Lukas: "What do you mean...?"

Sonzai: "While each generation is born with greater potential than the previous generation, we also have our... differences. I try to live with this power the best I can, but the more I try to reject the power, the more it craves. During that duel in particular, I fought to the best of my ability, at least from what I knew, only to be bested again, as per usual. Yet then, something snapped in me... I didn't remember too much on what happened, but from what I was informed... It wasn't exactly the best thing anyone my age wanted to hear... I apparently went berserk, went on a rampage... Slaughtered many innocents, including my own family... My power is... unstable to say the least. My Magic, known as Chaos Magic, gets stronger the more chaos there is around us. The longer a fight continues, the more chaotic some of those fights can be, the stronger I get. Though it becomes uncontrollable at times..."

Lukas was starting to get a bigger picture on why Zai has been holding back all this time. He could understand where he was coming from, though as Lukas continued to listen, he was trying to make sure he understood everything.

Sonzai: "I fear that if I simply let loose, I could kill innocents again... People I cared about..."

Lukas: "Power isn't everything you know?"

Zai stopped when he heard Lukas speak up, looking at him with a hint of confusion. Though Lukas was doing his best to put on a comforting smile for his friend, while gently rubbing the top of Mossberg's head. Lukas doesn't know why he has been seeing Mossberg as a little sister, but he is just trying to keep making her feel safe in an unsafe environment.

Lukas: "While there are those who clearly have overwhelming potential... Power isn't what defines you Zai. It's the people around you, and your heart."

Sonzai: "What...?"

Lukas: "What I'm trying to say is that, you're not alone. You helped me open up and make some friends, even when it seemed like I wouldn't have been able to. I feel like I needed to return a favour, not because I owe you, because I am your friend, Kukyona Sonzai."

Zai then sighed, smiling lightly as he looked up to the ceiling of the warehouse, chuckling a little.

Sonzai: "Since when did you get so open?"

Lukas couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly as he looked up to the ceiling as well.

Lukas: "Well... I guess I've learnt from my past thanks to you."

Sonzai: "I suppose letting loose sometimes about how you feel does feel... uplifting..."

Zai realized in that moment on what Enma once tried to teach him, that he needs to open up to others, rather than be recluse and distant, similar to what Dezmond was trying to tell him as well. The weight on his shoulders did feel lessened by now as both Lukas and Zai enjoyed the quiet between them as the muttering sounds of the survivors and their other friends were busy with them. 

The two reached a mutual understanding, a bond between friends that could possibly never break for the years to come. They may not be brothers by blood, but they are brothers in arms, that much Zai can see it as at this point.

Sonzai: "Thanks for listening."

Lukas: "Any time..."