Hi! This is my first ever fanfic, so bear with me here. These chapters are pretty short, but it should be a good length story. As of right now I haven't finished it yet. I am very new to this website so I'm still getting the hang of it. Please enjoy and leave a review of what you think! It's about Sophie's sister! I have no idea how to freaking work this so I don't know where to put the summary soooooooo…. just read please lol.
Chapter 1
My heart was beating in my ears. People were pointing at me, whispering things. Is this what it was like for the blonde haired girl beside me?
"Don't pay attention to them. Don't worry, we're almost to the cafeteria," Sophie- my apparently older sister - whispered in my ear. I nodded, keeping my head down. The events of the past week replayed in my mind. I was with my mom and dad- or who I thought was my mom and dad - when a strange, smelly, old guy showed up at my door. Mom answered politely, and he introduced himself as Mr. Forkle. They got along well, and before I knew what was happening, my parents were knocked out and Mr. Forkle was telling me something about elves and a Project Moonlark and Sophie Foster. Too much information.
He took me here, and now I'm with my 14-year-old sister Sophie. We don't look too much alike. My hair is more of a dirty- blonde, but our eyes. The only brown eyes in all of the Lost Cities. Yep, I was her sister. This Mr. Forkle dude still hasn't explained everything. Sophie said that's usually how it is. So I just had to suck it up and deal with it. We got to the cafeteria, and my heart began pounding faster. I was about to meet Sophie's friends. What if they didn't like me? What if they thought I was weird? I mean, how are they gonna like a 12-year-old girl who knew nothing trailing along?
Sophie led me to a table that already had 4 people sitting there.
"Kassie, these are my friends. Biana, Dex, Fitz, and Keefe." I looked at all of them. Their eyes were all different versions of blue. Well, except Fitz and Biana. They both had the beautiful shade of teal eyes.
"Geez, Foster. Putting me last. How dare you?" The boy named Keefe asked. He had blonde hair that was perfectly styled, and icy-blue eyes. Sophie rolled her eyes.
"Guys, this is my sister, Kasper." I waved shyly. They all smiled and waved at me. My eyes stopped on Fitz.
"So that's the movie-worthy smile you were telling me about," I said to Sophie. Her eyes went wide and she blushed. Keefe snorted, and Dex and Biana were practically doubled over. Fitz blushed too.
"I already like her," Keefe said, giving me a high five.
"Kas- Kassie, I don't know what you're talking about." Sophie's face was beet red, and she was staring daggers at me. I avoided her eyes, scared I would turn to stone or something.
"Well, um, how- how did you get here?" Fitz asked, obviously trying to change the subject.
"It's a long story," I replied.
"We've got time," Keefe told me. Sophie shot me one more glare before sitting down, motioning for me to sit next to her. I was in the middle of everyone. Keefe and Biana on one side of me and Sophie on the other while Dex and Fitz were sitting across.
"Well…" I told the whole story. They hung onto every word I said, like I was telling them their future. When I was done, they all sat back.
"Mr. Forkle still won't tell us what's going on. All he said was that it was urgent she got here. Now, she's staying with us," Sophie added
"If you're anything like Foster, you're gonna be a handful." He playfully nudged Sophie behind me.
"She is. When we were walking up the steps to my room, she fell and somehow tumbled up the steps." Everyone laughed, and my cheeks burned. I gave Sophie a look: I'm gonna get you back.
"Well, I don't know about any of you, but I wanna know Mini- Foster's powers," Keefe said.
"Mini- Foster?" I asked.
"Yep."
"There's no trying to escape. Once Keefe calls you a nickname, it sticks forever," Sophie told me. I rolled my eyes and groaned.
"Well, I'm not a Tele- thing if that's what you're wondering," I told them. "I have a couple like Sophie though."
"Oooo, so she's also like a Mini- Moonlark," Keefe interrupted.
"Will you let me finish please?" I demanded. He put his hands up and mock surrender and turned toward the rest of his friends.
"Fiesty," I heard him whisper.
"Well, one power is Technopathy." Dex's eyes lit up, and Sophie smiled. She had told me he would be excited. "Another is a Vanisher." This time it was Biana who smiled. "And finally, a Mesmer." All fell silent. My heart started beating again.
"She's going to get trained," Sophie said, putting a hand on my shoulder. "By a mentor and Grady." Keefe nodded slowly.
"Has she, you know, used it yet?" Fitz asked. Sophie shot him a glare and said, "Not on purpose. She did it once and got really scared. She hasn't used it since."
"So she already knows how to control it?" Keefe questioned.
"Kind of. Grady thinks it was fear that fueled her. She's definitely still getting trained." I kept my head down. I was scared. Grady had explained to me that people might not take it well, and I should be careful who I say it too, but I didn't expect everyone to look at me like they were afraid.
"You're scaring her," Sophie hissed at them.
"Sorry, it's just, a Mesmer?" Fitz whispered. "Isn't that a power hard to control? And having a 12- year- old have it?"
"I'm right here you know!" I almost shouted. They all looked at me. "I don't like it when people talk like I'm not here. Sophie's parents do it a lot."
"That reminds me!" Dex said. "Are Edaline and Grady gonna, you know.."
"They're thinking about it," Sophie said. He nodded.
"Well, is Mini- Foster gonna join us at Everglen after school?" Keefe asked.
"As far as I know. But, you know Mr. Forkle. He could always jump in-"
"Like I am now?" A voice interrupted. We all jumped, and I let out a yelp. I turned and saw my princicpal. Or how they call it, Magnate Leto.
"You're not Forkle," I said.
"Oh yes, I forgot about Ms. Jones here. I have some explaining obviously but for now, I want Ms. Foster and Ms. Jones in my office." I looked at Sophie with wide eyes, and she nodded.
"Well, see you later hopefully." We waved and Sophie took my shaking hand as we followed Magnate Leto through Foxfire. When we got inside he told us to sit. I dropped on the chair quickly, still shaking.
"Now, the Collective and I have talked and decided we might as well tell you this." My mouth was dry, and I didn't even question who the Collective was at the moment. Sophie looked nervously at me. Magnate Leto's eyes shifted to Sophie, to me, Sophie, then back to me.
"Oh just tell us already!" It took me a moment to realize it was my voice. Magnate Leto studied me and finally said, "You, Kasper Jones, are our other Moonlark."
Chapter 2
"What's a Moonlark?" I looked at Sophie, who was now completely pale. Magnate Leto looked at us sympathetically. "Hello? Anyone gonna answer my question?"
"It's um- a project," Sophie told me in a hushed voice.
"That doesn't really tell me anything," I replied.
"Magnate Leto, can I talk to you for a moment. Alone?" Sophie asked. It might've been my imagination but I could've sworn I saw a flash of fear in his eyes as he said, "Of course." Sophie nodded towards the door and I quickly rushed out, running into someone.
"You really are Foster's sister," Keefe said. I was inches away from the ground, but he had caught the back of my shirt and helped me to my feet. He noticed my wide eyes and confused look. "What happened?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure." I looked behind my shoulder at the closed door, and could hear a raised voice. "But Sophie didn't seem too happy." Keefe heard the noise too and whistled.
"Did she want you to go home or what?"
"Again, I'm not sure. She just said she wants to talk to him alone." Sophie's yell echoed out of the room and I cringed. "I don't want to go back in there though if it's that bad." Keefe chuckled and grabbed my arm.
"Follow me to a quieter place," he said.
"I think I have to go to class. And so do you."
"If you were talking to Magnate Leto, you're excused. And any excuse for ditching is cool with me." I rolled my eyes. This guy was going to be hard to handle. He took me to a bench in an empty hallway. All of the walls were white. "Welcome to my ditching spot!" He waved his arms around dramatically. Keefe plopped down on the bench, pulling me down with him. I landed with a loud grunt.
"Ow!" I swatted at his arm and he dodged, laughing.
"Easy Mini- Foster. Didn't mean to hurt you." I narrowed my eyes at him as he sat back down. "So what did Magnate Leto say?"
"Something weird. Like I said, I don't know what it means, but something about a Moonlark." Keefe's smile dropped.
"What about it?" He asked.
"Well, I think his exact words were- wait, should I be telling you this? He only called me and Sophie." Keefe grabbed my shoulders.
"No, you're not dropping out! I need to know now!" He stopped and dropped his hands at the sight of my wide eyes. "Sorry. It's just, that word is kind of important, and when it's used in a meeting, it can mean business." I bit my lip, trying to figure out if I should tell him.
"Maybe Sophie will tell you. I don't want to get in trouble." Right on cue I could hear stomping and turned to find my sister red in the face and looking accusingly at Keefe.
"I was worried sick you ran off! Or- or- or something else!" She reached down and hugged me, and I sat real still. What the heck was going on?
"How did you know I took her?" Keefe asked, and I could hear the smirk in his voice.
"I didn't! I had to track down her thoughts!" Sophie hissed. Her grip got tighter and I eventually had to say, "Sophie, I need to breathe you know." She let go and I sucked in a bunch of air.
"We could hear you yelling," Keefe told her. She glanced down at me and then looked back to Keefe.
"We need everyone after school. And I mean everyone." Keefe nodded, and I could hear him gulp. "Well, I'm taking Kassie to class. You need to get to class too. I can't have you in detention today." Keefe fanned the air around him.
"I can tell. I'm getting major worry and fear. And of course a little bit of lovesick feelings, but that's completely normal when it comes to me." Sophie rolled her eyes.
"Just get to class, Keefe," she said through a smile.
"I'm going, I'm going." He was frowning, but right before he left he winked at Sophie and smiled. As we walked away I asked, "You like him, don't you?"
"What? No! Of course not!" Her cheeks were blushing again and I laughed.
"Wow, Sophie. You have a major love triangle going on." Her eyes narrowed.
"Do not become Keefe. I don't need two. Besides, there is no love triangle." I laughed again.
"Believe what you want to believe," I said. Sophie sighed and muttered something, and I could catch something about "little sisters". That's when I remembered she had another little sister. Amy I think her name was. It was weird thinking about that. My sister having a completely different family than me. I guess that's what it felt for her and Amy too. She walked me to a room and wished me good luck. I swallowed and took a deep breath. They told me I would have my first Mesmer session today. I forgot who they said I would have it with. I walked in the door and found a woman who looked to be in her late 20s sitting at a desk. She looked up. She had dark black hair pulled up into a tight bun, and wore a uniform sort of like mine.
"Hello. I'm Lady Torressa. I'll be your mentor." She had a dull voice that seemed to lack emotion. That couldn't mean anything good. "So you're our new elf I assume." I nodded weakly. "Another one who grew up with humans." She crinkled her nose, and I didn't miss the fact she said humans like they were some foul smelling food she hated. "Well, let's get on with it then. Let's start with the basics: What is a Mesmer?"
Chapter 3
I had to practically drag myself to the Leapmaster.
"Hard day?" A voice asked. I looked up from the ground and saw Dex standing there. I nodded.
"I didn't know being an elf was so hard!" I sighed.
"Well, it has it's disadvantages. For example, Foxfire." I giggled. "Don't worry though, you'll get the hang of it. It's always tough you're first year." I frowned. I was the oldest first year. Sophie said it was because I'm not used to any of my powers. Except Technopathy. I used that one all the time. Not like it was very voluntary. Whenever I saw or touched a piece of technology, knowledge of it just kind of flowed through me.
"Where's Sophie?" I asked.
"She had to go get some people. She asked me to stay and wait for you." My eyebrows scrunched together.
"Everyone else went with her?"
"No, they're here. Just, a little farther away." As soon as he finished his sentence Biana came up behind me.
"Hey Kasper," she said
"Kassie," I corrected. "I don't like being called Kasper." She nodded.
"Ok then. Hey Kassie," she said. "Dex." She looked back to me. "How was your first day?"
"Terrible. Everything's so difficult. I mean, what's the point of bottling a tornado? Or studying the stars? Or anything! And don't forget my first day of course had to collide with the Exillium training." Biana and Dex laughed at my outburst and that made me even madder. "I don't know how to levitate. Or make things burst. I don't know how to do anything you magic elves do!"
"Woah, Mini- Foster's mad. Watch out, she might kill you with her adorably tiny glare." I turned around and saw Keefe. "Yep, just like your sister's chipmunk glare." I huffed and plopped on the floor. Biana and Dex were laughing so hard, tears were forming.
"Do I want to know what's going on?" Fitz asked as he neared us.
"Mini- Foster's mad, and we're making it worse." I scowled at him. "See, she's so scary with her tiny Foster face." Fitz chuckled.
"Give her a break. She's probably had a rough day."
"She has. You should've heard her ranting about it. It was hilarious," Dex said. I quickly vanished and earned a chorus of gasps. "Where did she go-OW!" Dex exclaimed. I flicked his ear from behind him and reappeared.
"Ha!" I said. "Didn't expect that did you?" Dex looked actually hurt as he rubbed his ear, and I almost felt bad. Almost.
"Well, on another note," Fitz said, "Sophie said she has everyone we need already there."
"How do you know?" I asked him. He tapped his head.
"Oh yeah, Mini- Foster doesn't know about the whole Sophie and Fitz being Cognates and how he knows everything she does!" Keefe exclaimed. He leaned in and whispered, "You're going to regret ever being friends with us when he starts that speech."
"Come on! Sophie said it was urgent!" Fitz yelled. I stepped in to the Leapmaster with Fitz and Biana, and couldn't help but laugh at Dex and Keefe arguing about how close they were. I clutched my nexus (actually Fitz's old one, which is also Sophie's I guess) while Fitz and Keefe said, "Everglen!"
oOoOoOoO0
I was blinded by the gates. I hadn't been here. Not yet.
"My eyes!" I shouted. Fitz laughed and took my hand away from my eyes.
"You get used to it," he told me. Biana helped me to them, and I was met by a huge hug from Sophie.
"Ow! What is it with you and hugging?" I asked, but my voice was muffled by her uniform.
"Sorry." She partially let go of me, but kept her hands on my shoulders. "How was your first day?" Before I could answer, someone else spoke. In my exact voice.
"Oh it was horrible! Why do elves have to do all of this? I'll never be as good of an elf as Keefe!" I whirled around and saw Keefe with his hand on his forehead in a dramatic pose. He was also levitating off the ground, so he could lay and not be on the grass. I stuck out my tongue and turned back to Sophie, who was trying to hide a smile.
"So, bad?" I nodded. "I'm sorry. Luckily, Edaline made some desserts and-" I took off, leaving my new friends and sister behind in a cloud of dust.
"Kassie! Wait for us!" Biana yelled. I ignored them and ran through the door, trying to find Sophie's adoptive mother and her delicious food. I found the mallowmelt and ran right to it.
"So you're Sophie's sister?" A voice like Fitz's asked above me. I wiped the chocolate off my mouth and looked up to find an exact replica of Fitz, just older. I nodded. "You act like her." His eyes locked with mine. "And have the same eyes." He held out a hand. "I'm Alden Vacker, Fitz and Biana's father." I choked on my food.
"You're their father? I thought you were their brother!" I yelled a little too loudly. Alden laughed. Sophie and Fitz burst through the door, quickly followed by the rest of the group.
"Kassie! We told you to wait!" Sophie caught the chocolate around my mouth and the mallowmelt in my hands and laughed. "Should've known." I shrugged innocently.
"What can I say, your mom is amazing at baking!"
"Wait till you try ours," Biana told me. I grinned.
"I can't!" I jumped up and down. I loved food. Especially elvin food. Well, except the fact I had to give up meat. Sophie grabbed a napkin and handed it to me. I shook my head and licked my lips instead. Keefe laughed at me, and I smiled a little. I always loved making people laugh. Unless I was trying to be serious. Sophie rolled her eyes, but a smile was tugging at her lips.
"You better sit down. The whole Collective is here," Alden told us. Fitz, Keefe, Biana, and Dex shared a confused look. I took Sophie's hand and followed her to the couch. I nearly screamed when I saw everyone. There were normal people, like Mr. Forkle, a woman and a man. But there was also a guy who looked nearly invisible and a… poodle? (Forgive me if there are other members my mind went blank sorry lol). Edaline and Grady took seats next to me and Sophie. Edaline gripped my hand tightly.
"As we've already told Sophie, our new elf is in fact our other Moonlark." Mr. Forkle announced. Everyone froze and a couple of gasps echoed throughout the room. I wanted to say 'I still don't know what the heck that means', but judging from everyone's faces, it didn't seem like the best idea.
"What do you mean?" Fitz asked from behind us.
"Well, when we made the Project Moonlark, we were afraid it wouldn't work out. We decided as a Collective we would make a backup, so we decided to make a second just in case. We got the same DNA and made her have different powers so they would make a team if the situation ever arise." I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"You're saying I'm an experiment?" I asked quietly. Fitz put a hand on my shoulder and Sophie gripped my other hand.
"Well, yes."
"I'm just a backup?" Tears filled my eyes. They weren't sad tears though. They were angry tears. "You made me in case your other little experiment didn't work out! Then, gave me to people who I thought were my parents for 12 years, just to come and get me because you need me for God knows what and tell me everything I ever knew was a lie!" The words were shooting out of my mouth, whether I wanted them to or not.
"It's not that we need you for anything right now. Not exactly." Mr. Forkle looked at each and every one of us before he finally said, "Somehow, the Neverseen have found out that Kasper exists."
Chapter 4
"What's the Neverseen?" I asked, breaking the silence. Sophie gripped my hand tighter, and even Fitz held on to my shoulder more tightly.
"People you don't want to meet," Keefe said, now behind me as well. He reached out for my other shoulder and held on, like someone was about to come in and grab me. A boy and a girl with silver tips came closer to me. The boy looked scary, as if he was ready to fight anything.
The girl had a softer expression, but still, she looked strong. Grady reached over.
"What do we do?" Grady asked.
"Well, after much discussion, we decided all bodyguards will be placed with their former people and Kasper will be getting two for extra precaution." The room erupted in chaos from the people around me. Saying things like "We just got rid of the bodygaurds!" and "How will that stop the Neverseen!" I heard Grady yell "We need to keep Kasper safe!"
I slid down into the couch, more afraid than before. These Neverseen people had to be bad for their reactions, and if they were assigning us bodyguards.
"I want everyone to go back to their homes now and only leave if absolutely neccessary. Especially Ms. Jones." Mr. Forkle yelled over them. Keefe and Fitz didn't make any move to let go.
"I don't think leaving Kassie is such a good idea," Biana said.
"Yeah. I don't even know the kid, but I do not feel like leaving her is the best option," the boy with silver bangs agreed.
"The goblins are at your houses and Ro will be with Keefe." Mr. Forkle looked at me. "I assure you she will be safe with the people I have chosen." Keefe cautiously let go followed by Fitz. I haven't even known these people for a day, and they wanted to protect me. This wasn't good. Edaline stood up, still holding my hand. Sophie stood up with me, Grady next to her.
"We will talk more later. We need to build
protections though!" Mr. Forkle shouted over the still talking crowd. We walked outside and everyone gave me a hug.
"See you at school Mini- Foster," Keefe told me through a forced smirk. Sophie, her parents, and I walked outside of the gates. Grady held out a Light Leaper and we let the light carry us home.
oOoOoOoOoOo
"Ok, one thing at a time!" Grady yelled after I pummeled them all with a thousand questions.
"Ok, fine. Who's the Neverseen and why are they so dangerous?" I asked. Sophie looked at her parents.
"Want me to explain?" She asked them. Grady and Edaline shrugged. My sister turned to me and gestured for me to sit down. "Kassie, the Neverseen aren't good people."
"I can see that."
"They've done horrible things. Starting with kidnapping me and Dex and ending with kidnapping and torturing my human parents." My eyes widened with fear. Kidnapping? Torturing? "And now, you. Kassie, these people are dangerous. Very dangerous. If you get put into their hands, they could do a lot of things."
"We don't want to know what though," Grady said. "That's why the Collective is taking such precautions. To keep you safe."
"Ok, so why does everyone need a bodyguard though?"
"The Neverseen could take us and interrogate us. And we won't be any use to you if we're taken." I put my head in my hands.
"Why would they want me?"
"Like I said, many things. The major one being they could use you for themselves," Sophie answered. I felt like I was going to cry again, but I didn't want to be a baby. I took a deep breath and looked at Sophie. "Tell you what. I'll talk to Mr. Forkle and see if we can't arrange a sleepover at Everglen tomorrow. We can invite everyone and take our mind off things."
"We will also be there if that happens," Sandor- Sophie's goblin bodyguard - said, pointing towards my bodyguards, Gourd and Viella. Sophie rolled her eyes.
"I know. And ruin all the fun." I giggled at that, but Sandor didn't seem too happy.
"Why don't you two go up to your room. I bet you have some homework," Edaline suggested. As of right now, I was sharing a room with Sophie. I wasn't complaining. Her room took up the entire third floor! But, I also had to share her bed, which is kind of weird. They said if I decided to stay here- which most likely I was since my big sister was here -they would get me my own bed. I was alright for now. Sophie and I walked to her room, followed by 3 squeaky voiced goblins, and started our homework. Within the first minute I was groaning and wanted to take a nap. Sophie laughed and dug an Imparter out of her drawer.
"Mr. Forkle," she commanded. A couple of moments later Mr. Forkle's face popped onto the screen. She told him about her idea, and with a little persauding, he said yes. Of course, all of us had to have our bodyguards. Afterwards, she called all of her friends telepathically and told me the good news.
"You'll love this. It's gonna be so much fun!" I smiled at my sister, excited to have something to ease my nerves. And to be able to hang out with my new friends.
Chapter 5
The next day at Foxfire was just as rough. It couldn't have been any slower. I just wanted school to be over so I could go to Everglen and hang out. Why did elves have to go to school?
Finally, after what felt like eternity, the day was over. I brought my bag to school, so Sophie and I could go straight there. I practically sprinted to the Leapmaster.
"Awww, Mini- Foster's happy to hang out with me! I'm flattered but, I think I'll stick with the real Foster," Keefe said, draping an arm around Sophie. She shook it off and I stuck my tongue out at him.
"Ignore Keefe. I'm glad you're excited," Sophie told me, giving me a hug. Squeaky pants were trailing behind me, and Gourd and Viella came into view.
"You….. can't… run….. Off….. Like…..that," Viella scolded between pants.
"Why not? It's fun watching you two panic and run after me," I replied smiling, which earned a glare from both of them.
"You really are just like Sophie," Sandor said. He looked over at Gourd and Viella. "I pity you." Sophie and I laughed. Biana came walking up with Fitz, Dex.. The goblins were normal right now, but someone else caught my eye. Was that a…. Monster?
"I'm an ogre new girl. Stop staring at me," it said. "Name's Ro. You got one?" I nodded.
"Kassie," I said quietly.
"Nice to meet you Kassie. Welcome to sparkle town." She looked at Keefe. "You ran off." He shrugged.
"You've been up my butt all day. What's a guy got to do to get some privacy?" Ro looked over at Sophie.
"Mhhhmm. Privacy." Sophie blushed and tried to hide behind her hair, and I nudged her, wiggling my eyebrows. She gave me a look: I'm warning you. I giggled and looked back at the others.
"Can we please go! I want to have some fun!" I whined. Keefe laughed at me.
"Chill, Mini- Foster. You're very impatient." I narrowed my eyes and he laughed again. "Just except the fact you can't look scary. You still look like a little angry chipmunk." I vanished and walked up to him. He looked around, but I was already kicking him in the shin. I reappeared as he yelped out and walked back to Sophie.
"Who's the chipmunk now, Squeaky?" Fitz and Dex snorted.
"Dude, your sister is very mean," Keefe said to Sophie. I smiled big, making it known that I already knew that.
"Oooo, I like her," Ro said, coming up to me. "You and I will make great friends."
"Let's go to Everglen now. Come one! Mom's making mallowmelt," Biana announced. I jumped in the Leapmaster with Sophie and my bodyguards. Keefe, Fitz, Biana, and Dex had to go in the other one.
"We will be there straight away," Sandor growled.
"Uh huh," I muttered. Then, Fitz and I yelled, "Everglen!"
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
Again, the gates blinded me. Alden and a woman who looked just like Biana were at the gates waiting. They pulled everyone into a hug, but I hung back.
"Hello, Kassie. It's nice to see you again," Alden said. I nodded at him. "This is my wife, Della." Della waved and smiled at me.
"It's very nice to meet you Kassie. We've heard about you from Fitz and Biana." I smiled shyly, staying right beside Sophie. More goblins and Ro appeared beside us. Sandor immediately took his place on the other side of Sophie.
"Lighten up, Sandor," a goblin with blonde hair said, walking beside him. "She's got other people to take care of her too."
"Grizel," Sophie whispered, reading my mind. Maybe she was. I nodded and watched Sandor soften up.
"Good job," Grizel said through a grin. She booped his nose and walked by Fitz. I stifled a laugh.
"Let's go inside. I've got mallowmelt waiting," Della said in a sing-song voice. Keefe grabbed my arm when I tried to take off running.
"You have to stay with us." He laughed. "You should be ashamed. Leaving your most awesome friend for food." I raised an eyebrow.
"If I had to choose my most awesome friend, it certainly wouldn't be you," I teased. He clutched his heart like I actually wounded him.
"That was harsh, Mini- Foster. Harsh." I laughed and followed Della and Alden inside. This time, I really got a look at this place. It was amazing. Much bigger than Havenfield.
"I know. Isn't my house amazing?" Biana asked. I rolled my eyes, but it was true. I saw the boy and girl with silver tips on their hair sitting on the couch.
"Hey, it's Sophie's sister again!" The girl exclaimed. She jumped off the couch and ran to me. I shut my eyes tightly and put my hands in front of me, expecting to be knocked over. But all that happened was the girl saying, "I'm Linh. That's my twin brother, Tam." She pointed to the boy, who just nodded at me. He had the same send- chills-down-your-spine-look. "Forgive him. He's not very friendly at first. But then you'll find out he's actually just a big teddy bear who wants to act tough." Tam glared at her, but all she did was smile.
"I never got to actually meet you yesterday. You know, with the whole urgent meeting thing."
"Yeah, I get it." Sophie nudged me. "I'm Kassie."
"Awesome to meet you, Kassie." A smile stayed on her face. I looked over at Tam, who was studying me.
"I want to do a shadow reading," he said. Linh's smile disappeared.
"Tam, no. She's a kid." I was hiding behind Sophie now, not knowing what a shadow reading was. And not wanting to find out.
"You can never be too sure."
"Tam, she's my sister. She's fine," Sophie said, holding my arm.
"Only those who refuse shadow readings-"
"Are people who have things to hide. Yeah, we already know that Bangs Boy," Keefe interrupted. "But she's not refusing. We are." Tam rolled his eyes.
"It doesn't hurt."
"No," Sophie and Linh demanded.
"It's fine," I said, standing up straighter. I wasn't going to be a scared little kid. "If he wants to do a shadow thing, let him." Tam sat up.
"See, she's not refusing," Keefe pointed out.
"You're right, she's agreeing." Tam pointed to the spot in front of him. "Come one. Swear it doesn't hurt."
"That's what doctors say before they give you a shot," I said. Tam's brows furrowed. "Nevermind. Just hurry up and do it." Alden and Della were in the kitchen, either not aware what was going on or ignoring it. Suddenly, shadows crept toward me and I let out a whimper. I wanted to run, but I had to stay put. Tam closed his eyes, but somehow I still felt like he was staring at me. After a few moments he opened his eyes, the shadows crept away, and he said "She's normal."
"I told you," Sophie said, pulling me back to her. I swear, she was the most protective sister ever. Not that I had another sister to compare her with. Tam just shrugged.
"Mallowmelt!" I shouted, seeing it laying on the counter. I dashed to it, almost knocking Fitz and Sophie down. I scrambled up on the stool and ate it. "This is even better than Edaline's!" I paused. "Don't tell her I said that." Della laughed.
"I've always been told my mallowmelt is good," she said. Sophie sat down next to me, Fitz and Keefe next to her. Of course, Keefe was the closest. Dex sat beside me and looked like he was about to explode.
"Do you need something?" I asked with a mouthful.
"It's just that, I've been dying to talk to you about your Technopathy but haven't had a chance," he said. He sighed, looking like a weight had just been lifted off his shoulders.
"What do you want to know?"
"Well, how good at it are you?"
"Oh, Technonerd, scared little Kassie's better than you?" Tam teased.
"No, I just want to know."
"What's the definition of great?"
"Well, knowing everything about everything."
"Than that." Keefe and Tam laughed while I stuffed my face with more mallowmelt.
"Save some for us, Kassie," Fitz laughed, moving my hand away from getting my third piece. I looked longingly at the plate in front of us, then at Fitz. I put on my best puppy dog eyes. "No, stop it." He pointed at me. "Kassie I mean it. Don't do that to me." I pouted and sniffled for extra effect. "Ugh, fine. Take a third." I smiled and reached for the plate.
"Really, Fitz. You're gonna let her win that easily?" Keefe asked.
"Well, she pulled the whole puppy- dog eyes thing on me. She's as evil as Biana." I cackled menacingly, rubbing my hands together like a villain. Fitz smiled. "Maybe worse."
"Nah, she's just mischevious," Sophie explained, ruffling my hair. "Her and Keefe are probably going to pull some pranks together." Keefe smiled.
"Yes! Pranking buddy!" He held out his hand, and with a sigh I gave him a high five. "We are so pulling some tonight!"
"I'm cool with that as long as they don't involve me!" Biana exclaimed. I looked at her.
"I found our first victim."
"Do it and I swear I will hit you with my hairbrush." I smirked at her. Keefe smiled at me.
"She's definitely my best friend now."
"What about me?" Fitz asked defensively.
"Eh, you have to earn it." Fitz looked at him incrediously, then looked at Sophie.
"I'm pretty sure you've created a monster with those two." Sophie laughed.
"Probably."
"I vote for our first game!" Biana yelled once we were upstairs. We laid sleeping bags all around the floor. I was in the middle of Sophie and Keefe. Keefe said he had to sit beside his pranking buddy. We finally persuaded the goblins to stay outside with help from Grizel, but Ro insisted on staying.
"I want in on the fun!" She had said.
"No way. Last time you picked Truth or Dare, and well, we know how that worked out,"
Fitz said.
"I don't," I pointed out.
"We keep forgetting about Mini- Foster. Well they do." Keefe nudged my arm and I rolled my eyes.
"Well-" Biana started, but Fitz cut her off with a loud "NO!" and she frowned.
"How about I pick?" I suggested. "We could play a human game that you don't know." I could see Sophie squirm. "Nothing like that! I do not want to be in the middle of any of that." Ro grinned .
"But we do!"
"NO!" Sophie and I yelled at the same time. Ro laughed but leaned back in the wall.
"How about," I rubbed my chin, "Last Man Standing!" They all looked at each other confused, even Sophie.
"Oh, come on Soph, you've never played Last Man Standing?" She shook her head. "Well, what happens is there's one person that's it, and the rest of the people run around and find places to hide. Then, whoever they tag is it with them, and the last person standing wins!" Everyone thought about it. (I played this with my cousin but I know this wasn't the actual name they called it, so I just picked a random name)
"I'm in!" Sophie said. The room echoed with agreements.
"Who's it?" I asked.
"Ro!" Everyone shouted.
"Me? Why me?"
"You said you wanted in on the fun. Well, you're in," Biana told her. Ro rolled her eyes.
"Fine. But only because I know I'm going to get all of you within the first five minutes."
"Well, it's best to play in the dark," I explained. Keefe pointed outside. I followed his gaze and saw that it was in fact dark. "Well, let's play I guess." Everyone jumped up, squealing with excitement. The goblins had to come too and follow everyone they were assigned with.
"You'll give away our hiding spots!" I whined.
"Not if I can help it," Biana said, smiling at me.
"Wait, are abilities allowed?" Linh asked.
"I guess. It will make it more interesting."
"That's totally not fair!" Keefe complained. "You and Biana are Vanishers. And Tam can can use shadows. And Sophie can track thoughts."
"Oh stop being such a crybaby and let's play!" I said. "Ro, go over to the gates and count." I turned to Gourd. "You go with Keefe since Ro's playing." He groaned and mumbled something about "she won't listen" and walked grumpily to Keefe. He wrapped an arm around his shoulder's best he could and said, "Don't worry Gigantor number 2, we're gonna have a lot of fun." Gourd sighed.
Ro started counting and we all went separate ways. Biana dragged me with her, her bodyguard and Viella running behind us.
"Concentrate really hard and hold Viella's hand," she whispered to me. I nodded and listened to what she said. My nose scrunched up as I tried to focus, and I gripped Viella's hand quickly. Viella and I were invisible, and Biana grabbed my hand and her bodyguards. We were all invisible now and started making our way to a hiding spot when Ro yelled, "I'm coming!"
After a couple of minutes, she found everyone except Biana and I. We smiled and bowed, waving our hands and pretending we were celebrities while everyone booed.
"All right, all right. I call rematch," Ro said. "Who's it now?"
"Whoever you found first." Her eyes went to Dex. He looked down at his feet.
"Well, it was hard to hide!" Dex groaned and walked over with a goblin at his heels and started counting. Biana and I went and hid somewhere else, laughing quietly. As we were watching everyone pass, I heard rustling in the bushes. Viella and Biana's bodyguard perked up and unsheathed their swords. I held on tighter to Biana when Viella whispered, "Stay invisible."
Biana whispered something to me, but I couldn't hear her over my pounding heart. Dex ran up to us, his mouth forming words before he noticed the goblins creeping closer and closer to the bushes. He turned back around and ran off. Viella had her sword in front of her and yelled, "Show yourself!" I whimpered and hugged Biana, feeling like a little kid. The rustling stopped abruptly and Viella stepped closer. "I said show yourself!" Dex, followed by the rest of the group, came back into view and I ran for Sophie. I only appeared when I neared her, and she grabbed ahold of me. Everyone got in front. Biana showed up beside me.
Suddenly, a figure rolled out of the bushes, panting and covered in sweat. Everyone stared. Finally, Dex whispered, "Bex?"