A/N) Hello, my wonderful readers! I've returned from my absence! Yay! Sorry, school and life just love getting in the way of things. *grumbles incoherently* Buuuuuuut anyway! While I was gone, you all wouldn't BELIEVE what happened! This story. Has reached. Over SEVENTEEN THOUSAND VIEWS! WUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT? Aaaaaaaaaand 26 favorites and 27 followers! Thank you all so much for those! But now, answers to reviews!
Hellokotlc: Ohhhhhhhhhhh! To be honest, I didn't even plan that . . . but you're welcome! And, I dunno, you'll have to keep reading to find out . . . heheh . . . we all hate Alvar. Thanks for reviewing!
A very obsessed fangirl: YES I GOT TO RIDE THE ALICORNS! I AM VERY LUCKY BECAUSE KEEFE IS MY BEST FRIEND ALONG WITH TAM! I . . . won't address the other statements. But you're welcome, and I'm trying. Thank you!
Average loaf: Aw, thanks! I live for the unexpected. Thank you!
Alva Schorl elf: Aw, thank you! *raises eyebrows* Heh, wanna bet? Nah, I'm kidding, that made me sound super conceited. Shhhh, don't tell my secret. Or I will hunt you down and . . . you know what? Nevermind . . . no need to scare you. Oh! In that case . . .
Me: *pulls out Imparter* Show me Tam Song.
Tam: *Across the Imparter* oh, hey, Deci!
Me: Hiya, Tammy! Are you with the others?
Tam: Uh, yeah, why?
Me: Get them on the screen.
Tam: *shows me all of them*
Keeper Crew: HI, DECI!
Me: ALVA SCHORL ELF SAYS HI!
Keeper Crew: HI, ALVA SCHORL ELF!
Me: Okay now bye. *hangs up* There. Thanks for your review, Alva!
Undecided12: AHHHHHHHH YOU'RE LIKE A MINI ME THAT'S ADORABLE THANK YOU! Thank you so so much! And, don't worry, the inspiration will come to you soon! Mine usually comes in the middle of the night. Ah, a Sophitz shipper, huh? Okay, I myself am still undecided. Like, 80% SoKeefe and 20% Sophitz? It's a strange process. Thanks for your review!
Guest: Yay! You've reached the end! Ooooh, you are making my brain spark! I'm glad you've finally caught up with this story! I'm also happy you enjoyed the interviews so much. A lot of people seem to like them, actually. No problem, I have a lot of fun with it! Thanks for your review!
sparkly: Aw, thank you! I'm excited too! And, about that google doc thing? Sorry, but I don't think so. It's nothing personal, but you know, I would feel better if you maybe got an account or something and PMed me. I dunno, I'm sorry. But thank you for reviewing!
11spreckles: Oh. My. God. You . . . you broke me. This may have been one of the nicest, most heart-warming reviews I have ever gotten. You almost made me cry! I . . . I just can't sometimes. I love my readers so much, thank you! I don't plan to stop writing any time soon! And if for some reason I do, I'm probably dead. Or gravely injured. One of those two. And, you're right, that would be very creepy. Heheh. And yes, outros is a word when spelled correctly, haha. Thank you again!
A dragon and a Silveny: Aw, thank you! Honestly, I have the nicest readers ever. You're so kind! Thank you! And, don't worry, I won't stop! And now there are 231 days until Legacy comes out! Yay! Thank you again so much for your review!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YOU ALL MADE ME FEEL BETTER THANK YOU! That was a whole lot of reviews! Probably the most I've had to answer in one sitting so far! I love you all very very very much! I just want to address those of you who reviews recently but like, not on the latest chapter. I'm really happy to have gotten your reviews, and I just didn't answer because it wasn't a review on the latest chapter and I wasn't sure if you'd gotten to this point yet. Thank you anyway, though!
Okay, so this intro has been long enough already, so I'll let you all get on with the chapter! But, don't worry, we'll have a visitor at the end!
Leto: It's me
Me: Seriously, Leto? Why do you have to be such a buzzkill?
Leto: ExCUsE mE?
Me: Nevermind. What do we say?
Me and Leto: ONTO THE NEXT CHAPTER!
Chapter 48
"Change of plans. Due to the Black Swan's suspicions, it looks like you're gonna have to leave Everglen earlier than we thought." The handsome elf's answer practically threw me off my feet.
"I'm sorry, what?" I sputtered.
"Listen, kid, you messed up. They're on to you," he said, walking towards me.
I scoffed. "Kid? Dude, last time I saw you, you were totally hitting on me." I crossed my arms over my chest and shook my head. "Whatever, it doesn't matter." I glanced behind me, making sure the door was locked before stalking towards him and hissing, "I can't leave now. They might be a little suspicious, but I can get them to believe I'm innocent."
"It's not as simple as you think," Alvar answered. He sighed, running a hand down his face before looking back at me, shuffling a bit closer and lowering his voice. "Look, I can't tell you anything now, but we need to leave as soon as possible. We'll head to a hideout and have a meeting with some of the other members." He paused, straightening a bit. "Remember all those questions you have?"
I nodded, my mind racing and my heart pounding.
"Come tonight, and we'll answer them." A hint of a smile played on his lips as a knowing look crossed over his dark eyes.
Before I could respond, a knock was heard on the door. I froze and Alvar vanished almost immediately.
"Act natural," I heard him whisper. The particles gathered around his form and I watched him creep over to a corner before I went to unlock the door. I opened it cautiously, relieved to see Della on the other side. She gave me a small smile as I invited her in.
"I'm sorry about what happened before," she began. "I know how it feels to be excluded from things. But, dear, trust me, we're doing this because . . ." She paused, a small pucker forming between her brows as she glanced around the room. "Because we care . . ." She was clearly distracted and a film of sweat formed on the back of my neck, but I needed to put my acting skills to use here.
"Della? Is something wrong?" I asked innocently as her eyes trailed over to the corner Alvar was in. Her eyes actually kind of reminded me of Alvar-and then I remember that Dex had mentioned Alvar was Alden and Della's eldest son. And that it had broken their hearts when they discovered he was part of the Neverseen. I . . . I didn't want to break Della's heart.
Her head snapped back in my direction as she blinked several times and shook her head. "What? Oh, it's nothing. I just . . . I felt something . . . something strange. It's hard to explain." She let out a soft, almost sad chuckle. "I suppose it's only something a mother could feel."
"Something only a mother could feel?" I raised an eyebrow slightly.
She looked at me for a moment before tilting her head slightly. The pretty woman let out a quiet breath. "I think it would be fair for you to know. You see, I had a son-not Fitz, but an older one. About ten years older or so. His name was Alvar, but . . . we lost him." She probably meant to say it in a way to make it seem like he was dead, but I obviously knew the truth. And yet, it still hurt, practically seeing her heart break in front of me.
"Della, I'm . . . I'm so sorry," I whispered. She raised a delicate hand to her face and wiped her eyes, sniffing slightly.
"No no, it's alright. It's been quite some time, now," she tried to tell me, but I did a rare thing. I reached out and hugged her, cutting off her sentence and causing her to suck in a small breath. But she wrapped her arms around me, holding on tightly. "I . . ." She took a deep breath, pulling away after several moments. "I feel like he's here, for some reason. Like I can almost feel his presence . . ." Della's voice trailed off as she looked back at the corner. I needed to get her mind away from Alvar before his cover was blown.
"I know how you feel," I told her quietly. "I've lost my entire family, and sometimes it's like they're actually here with me." Her eyes glanced back at me, a look of remorse on her face.
"Oh, dear, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to be insensitive," she apologized.
"Della, don't worry, it's fine. I've long since gotten over it," I said, brushing it off despite the sharp pang in my empty heart. "And, you also don't need to apologize for that secret meeting the others keep having. Honestly, Della, it's fine," I assured her when she tried to say something. "Really, it is. Although, right now I kind of want to be alone, if you don't mind," I added shyly. "I'm sorry, it's just-"
"Oh, no it's quite alright," she interrupted. Score. She bent down a bit and brushed out her fluffy, pale pink skirts, nodding. "I'll just . . . head back downstairs-the others are probably wondering where I am, anyhow." She headed towards the door, much to my relief. But right before she completely exited, she turned back and asked, "Are you hungry? I can bring something up, if you'd like."
I started to shake my head, but my stomach said otherwise at the mention of food. I smiled, nodding instead. "Yes, please." She smiled back, her face lighting up as she promised to be right back with something to munch on. Alvar didn't reappear, but once I was sure no one else was around, I told him quietly, "Stay hidden, obviously. I'll wait until after she leaves again, okay?" I saw his silhouette of energy particles nod. "Good."
I walked briskly over to my bed, sitting down on the edge as I waited for Della to return. While my demeanor seemed unusually calm, my mind was running faster than The Flash himself.
I couldn't possibly leave tonight-not permanently, at least. Maybe if I could meet with those other members and let them know what I'm getting to, show them what I've already discovered in my journal. And leaving would hurt too many people. I know, I shouldn't have gotten so attached. I have to let it go.
Before it's too late.
…
"Hold on, hold on, hold on," My voice cut through the long shock of silence. Leto had just dropped a serious bomb that could probably change everything we'd ever known about the Neverseen and what they were capable of. "You're saying . . . that Ebony . . . that her mind . . . is a . . . a . . ." I just couldn't finish it. But Bangs Boy managed to get it out.
"She's a cache?"
Leto nodded slowly, as if he were still trying to comprehend it, as well. Alden entered the room a moment later, the same dusty, thick book that Leto had last night occupying his hands.
"This," he said, his accented voice filling the room, "might look familiar to you all."
"Isn't that what Magnate Leto had yesterday during Ebony's . . . incident?" Linh inquired, beating everyone else to the question.
Alden nodded, blowing a bit of dust off the cover. "It's written in the most ancient of runes. It's subject: Caches." A wave of realization seemed to settle over everyone. Alden's bright teal eyes trailed over to me, the action grim. "Keefe, what you had said to Ebony last night in Fintan's voice is the command to re-secure a cache after a secret has been uncovered."
"But . . . if Keefe said it in Fintan's voice . . ." Biana started.
"Based on what I've learned about caches, only the owner's voice can secure the secrets . . ." Dex finished quietly.
"So, does all this mean that Ebony really is part of the Neverseen?" Sophie asked, her confusion hitting me like a geyser. She sat next to me, Fitz on her other side. But that didn't stop me from cautiously taking her gloved hand. I ignored the glares from Fitz, my heart beating as fast as a hummingbird's wings when she didn't pull away, but rather tightened her grip. My previous and apparent feelings for Ebony plummeted. I could never even think about being with someone who was part of the Neverseen. Who was a part of the people who'd hurt Sophie. My Foster. It just . . . it disgusted me. Honestly, I think I was just searching for some sort of satisfaction after Fitzphie became official. But I knew I would never be satisfied. Not when Sophie was with someone else.
But I wouldn't try anything as idiotic as what I'd done to her before. I wanted her to be happy, no matter what. And . . . and if her being happy meant that I would be pushed to the side and Fitz was the new love of her life, then so be it. I would only be whatever Sophie needed. And hope that maybe someday, she would be ready for more.
"Not just that," Tam cut in. "It means that Ebony is Fintan's cache."
Another bomb. Dropped. Though, I'm sure all of us had some feeling about it.
"How is this even logically possible?" Fitz asked as Dex's mind seemed to blow. The technonerd turned to Biana.
"Do you have a notebook I could borrow?" He asked almost desperately. Biana nodded blankly, hurriedly standing and brushing past her mother.
"If all of this is true," Sophie began, nausea seemingly coming over her, "then the Neverseen are more powerful than we ever thought." I peeled off her glove, intertwining our fingers together and sending her a calming emotion as her enhancement pulsed through me. She took in a deep breath, giving me a grateful smile before pulling her hand away and standing. Biana came back into the room, notebook and pencil in hand as Sophie began pacing.
The blonde girl pulled her glove back on, mumbling quietly as Dex scribbled furiously, speaking his techy language to himself.
Finally, Leto spoke up again. "We need to gather a meeting with the rest of the Collective and determine what to do next."
"I already know what to do next," Fitz interrupted, standing from his seat and clenching his fists. "I say we go up there, sedate Ebony, and take her into custody for questioning."
"I agree with Fitz," Sophie said, stopping and looking back at Leto with determination in her pretty brown eyes. "We have a member of the Neverseen only a few feet away. Do you have any idea how beneficial this could be to us? We could ask her anything! We have to take her!"
"And if she doesn't answer? You and Mr. Vacker already know that you can't enter her mind," Leto reasoned.
"Why is her mind impenetrable, anyway?" Biana asked, stealing the words right out of my mouth. Before anyone could answer, Dex sucked in a sharp breath.
"I'VE GOT IT!" He shouted, standing abruptly and holding up the notebook. His face turned beet red at his sudden outburst.
"What is it?" Linh asked him, making her way over to see the gibberish written on the notebook pages. He handed her the notebook and began to make a rut in the rug with his pacing.
"It all makes sense!" Dex seemed so excited that his brain might have flown out. Wheels were definitely turning. I stood slowly as he began to ramble. "Guys, think about it: Sophie, so far, has five special abilities, an impenetrable mind, totally out-of-the-ordinary traits-whether mental or physical-and came to the Lost Cities absolutely clueless."
"Gee, thanks," Sophie mumbled. But Dex ignored her.
"Ebony, on the other hand, has two special abilities-one of which isn't Polygation-has an impenetrable mind, seemed absolutely clueless about what she could do and who she was, and has a totally out-of-the-ordinary trait, which is her . . . uh, cacheyness. Don't you guys see the obvious connection?" His eyes were wide with anticipation.
Sophie's, on the other hand, were wide with terror. "Ebony is the Neverseen's Project Moonlark." Several gasps were heard around the room.
"NO! It's science!" Dex retorted. "I mean, yes, Ebony is the Neverseen's Project Moonlark. But the science part has to do with the tweaking of the embryo. To be honest, my mind's still kind of fuzzy on how exactly they did it, but I do know one thing: The Neverseen are farther ahead than we thought."
…
"I'm not going," I said flatly as I munched on some custard bursts. Della had come and gone with a whole platter full. Luckyyyy me. Alvar's eyes stared at the desserts ravenously, but he quickly blinked and got back to his point.
"Ebony, honestly, can't you understand the danger you'd be in if you stayed here?" He tried. "They could try to take you into the Black Swan's custody, and then we'd have to plan a rescue. We don't need the extra work right now."
He had a point. It was obvious that the others were definitely on to me. But . . . I still felt like I couldn't leave. Not yet.
Alvar sighed and took a seat next to me on the bed. "Alright." His voice was softer, less demanding. "I get it. You're on a mission to be on the inside. You're the one who we were depending on to gather a bit more intel on the enemy. But, Ebony, one of the most important things about being an agent is knowing when things are getting too dangerous-when it's time to abort."
"You mean, when it's time to give up and run away?" I interrupted. His lips curled in a small smile.
"No. Rather, when it's time to start again. When you're a part of an organization like the Neverseen, it's a necessary thing to regroup with others that are part of the same team to refresh your mind and plans. Otherwise, things could get jumbled up and become chaotic. Unnecessary problems that could have easily been prevented pop up and mess with everything that others have worked so hard to achieve." He reached over and took one of my custard bursts. "Mmm, I've missed these."
"Do you ever feel bad about what you did to your family?" I asked quietly as his responses sunk in.
"I'm assuming you found out what happened on your own accord?" He guessed. I nodded sheepishly. "Don't be shy. It's good that they told you some things. Shows that we didn't keep you here with them for nothing."
I sat up straighter, looking at him suddenly and saying, "Oh no, they didn't just tell me some things. I know a bunch of stuff! Like, how Gisela is actually Keefe's mom, and-"
His chuckled interrupted me. "We all knew that."
My eyes narrowed in irritation. "Well, do you know who the identities of the Collective are?" That got him. His eyes darted around the room before he scooted closer, lowering his voice and hissing, "What?"
I smiled smugly. "That's right. Dizznee told me who three out of five members of the Collective are." I looked at the corner of my desk that my journal was hidden on as I munched on another custard burst. Alvar stood suddenly, his eyes wide.
"You're kidding."
I chuckled. "Nope."
He grabbed my shoulders, looking me dead in the eyes. "Ebony, this is . . . this is huge! We need to leave. Now."
A/N) Alright, soooooo originally I was going to have Tinker as our special guest, but-
Leto: How do you know who Tinker is?
Me: Shhh. No interruptions. Anyway, I was going to have Tinker as the special guest, but then things got out of hand and it turned into a chapter-fifty-special kind of thing that was super fun, so now you all have something to look forward to in chapter fifty!
Leto: So, you're saying that I was your second option?
Me: Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. To be honest, though, I'm not even sure if I've already interviewed you . . . That's how many chapters we've had. ISN'T IT WONDERFUL?
Leto: *hesitantly* Suuure. Anyway, you do realize that I can't give out any secret information, right?
Me: So . . . you won't be telling me who Sophie's biological parents are?
Leto: *looks at me like I'm crazy and didn't hear a word he had just said* No.
Me: And you won't be telling me who your other identities are?
Leto: NO.
Me: Aaaand you won't be telling me who you think Sophie should end up with from the options of Keefe Sencen and Fitz Vacker.
Leto: NO-actually, wait.
Me: *leans forward in anticipation*
Leto: No.
Me: *flops away* Ugghhhhhh
Leto: Sophie is unmatchable, either way.
Me: *straightens* WAIT. WHAT? YOU KNEEEEEEEEEEEEW?
Leto: *is suddenly flustered* Well-I-uh-you see-
Me: YOU MADE HER UNMATCHABLE, DIDN'T YOU?
Leto: DON'T BE STUPID!
Me: *is taken back by his sudden outburst*
Leto: *takes in a deep breath and smooths down his cape* I never intended for Miss Foster to end up unmatchable. These things just tend to happen when you've prepared for something to be . . . more than normal.
Me: Oh. So . . . it wasn't on purpose?
Leto: Of course not! I want nothing but the best for Miss Foster. I don't think she realizes that . . .
Me: Well, then why don't you just tell her?
Leto: Because it isn't necessary.
Me: *face palms and says sarcastically* Oh yeah of course I should have realized.
Leto: *sighs and checks invisible watch, standing suddenly* Oh dear, I have to go. I have a meeting to attend to, thank you, goodbye.
Me: WAIT!
Leto: *stops midway to raising his pathfinder* What?
Me: We need to close the chapter!
Leto: *rolls eyes* Oh all right.
Me: What do we saaaay?
Me and Leto: UNTIL NEXT TIME!
Me: Also, I would like to attend that Black Swan meeting you're going to attend later.
Leto: *as he's light leaping away* HOLD ON, WHAT?
