Aaaah! I'm soooo sorry! It's been too long…but I've been pretty busy.

I have some good news, though. I'm officially on summer break! I will have much more time to write. I appreciate anyone who has stuck with me though and is still waiting for more. I know that there is only a few, and I hope to grow that number.

DISCLAIMER: READ THE OTHER CHAPTERS BECAUSE I'M LAZY.

So here's a little info on the situation in this chapter: Sophie, Fitz, Dex, and Keefe are all there. I know that I didn't make it very obvious, but I promise, they are there. Also, there are a LOT of characters in this chapter, and I guarantee that I will mess quite a bit up…so apologies in advance. Lastly, I wanted to make sure that you know this; this fanfiction mostly focuses on Sophie and Fitz. I'm not one for writing a lot of drama, so I will mostly be focusing on Sophitz. Usually, if there is a lot of drama going on with another character (for example, in this chapter, Sophie's parents) I will briefly discuss it but then resume Sophie's problems, because why not? If this makes no sense, then simply ignore it.

Sorry for the long A/N.

Enjoy!

Sophie squirmed under the worried glances of her parents.

She and her friends had gathered up all the adults involved with the Blackswan as well as the council to inform them of the plan.

After Fitz had agreed to her plan, the two cognates discussed specifics and worked things out. They wanted to be able to answer any questions their parents had, as well as swiftly end any arguments that came up.

Sophie felt assured that they could win this. They could get them to agree and finally take down the Neverseen once and for all.

So, there she sat, hand intertwined with Fitz's, preparing herself to go through with it.

Whenever you're ready, Soph.

Sophie flinched at hearing the voice. She hadn't realized how deep in thought she had really been.

Sophie?

Yeah, sorry…I'm just hoping this will go well.

I know. So am I – except I'm not hoping. I'm knowing. You've done things so much bigger than this, it should be a piece of Mallowmelt.

Sophie giggled at the reference. Thanks, Fitz. That helps a lot.

Anytime. Also…I think they're waiting.

Sophie looked up at her parents. All of the adults stared intently at her, waiting to hear what she had to say.

Alden, Della, Edaline, Grady, Kesler, Juline, the entire Elvin Council, and Mr. Forkle all stood in front of her at Everglen.

It was now or never.

She cleared her throat. "So…um…you're probably all wondering why you're here. And, um, well…we asked you to come here because we have a plan to take out the Neverseen once and for all while also getting Tam and Linh back," she gushed.

Fitz jumped in. "Before we let you know what we have to do, we want to know that you guys will at least hear us out."

The adults didn't seem to like the sound of that.

Bronte shifted. "I think I speak for the entire council, and maybe all of us, when I say that we are tired of the Neverseen's games. We are ready to be rid of them. I know that I am ready to hear you out."

Sophie smiled. This was starting off pretty smooth. She couldn't wait to tell them the actual plan. Joy (note the intense sarcasm).

"Thank you, Bronte," Sophie replied. "Before we begin, I'd like to know if everyone in this room agrees."
All the adults bobbed their heads, a handful quite reluctantly.

Sophie wasn't too surprised. Everyone wanted the Neverseen gone.

They have no idea, Sophie transmitted to Fitz.

Yeah, he agreed. I just hope they're ready.

"Alright," she began, "The first thing we would have to do is contact the Neverseen."

A few collective gasps could be heard throughout the room, but most just furrowed their brow in confusion, as if to say why in the world would you want to do that?

"Let me explain. Somehow, we have to get them to gather their most powerful members in one place. I know no one wants this, but I'm afraid that war is our only answer. We can gather our most powerful and willing elves as well. When we ask the Neverseen to meet us, we make sure they understand that Linh and Tam must come with. Of course, they'll expect battle, so surprise isn't an option. When we know that Tam and Linh are there, safe, we engage in battle." Sophie hesitated to tell them the next part. "And obviously they won't just hand the twins over. That's why they'll come expecting me in exchange."

Sophie waited for a reaction, anything really, but the room remained silent.

Edaline stared at her hands in thought, just as Fitz had done. Grady seemed to be waiting intently for what she would say next.

Fitz squeezed her hand, giving her the courage not to wither under all of the attention.

Councilor Emery cocked his head. "Won't they know that you will simply flee?"

"Well…yes. But I will stay in their hold long enough to fool them. I'm going to need my closest friends and family to act as if it's really happening. It will be hard, but I can do it. As soon as the battle starts they will be too distracted fighting off other elves to notice me. Plus, if I have to, I'll fight my way out of there."

The Council began conversing telepathically, or at least it looked that way to Sophie.

Mr. Forkle took this moment to speak up. "If we did agree to this plan, which I'm not saying we will, but if we do, may I ask; how do we defeat them in battle, Sophie? How do you expect us to win?"

Sophie resisted the urge to tug an eyelash out. This was the one question she had been dreading. Sophie wasn't a combat expert. She didn't know any specifics on who would do what or go where. "To answer your first question…in all honesty, that's not up to me. That's a question you should ask someone who has a bit more battle experience. But I expect us to win because we don't have a choice. It's now or never. We either cower in fear of losing, or rise up to the challenge and deal with them for the last time. I know I'm sick and tired of them toying with us. And I'm done with all the kidnapping and having to walk around with dozens of bodyguards – no offense – to be assured safety. I don't think we should have to live with them any longer. It's gotten to a point where we have no choice but war. We are strongest when we work together. If the different species team up, I know we can do it. I'm not saying that it will be easy or something to give little thought to, but just because it's hard doesn't mean it's impossible."

Mr. Forkle moistened his lips. "I'm glad you cleared that up." He turned back to the rest of the Blackswan. They obviously came to a silent agreement, because Mr. Forkle said, "I can't speak for the Council or your parents, but the Blackswan is willing to back you up." He smiled.

Sophie nearly squealed at his approval. She hadn't expected Mr. Forkle to agree so quickly. He tended to be…protective of her most of the time. But this was not the first time she had taken risks for important reasons, and he was finally beginning to see how much Sophie was capable of. Or, he knew her capabilities, and was just holding off. After all, he was the one that created a lot of her. Maybe this was what she was made for.

Nice job, Soph.

Sophie turned to Fitz to see a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, causing her own mouth to curl upwards.

She knew that there were still so many people that had to agree, but the Blackswan was a huge step forward.

Emery shifted his gaze to Sophie's. "The Council realizes that this may be our only option. While we don't enjoy handing you over to the Neverseen so carelessly, we see no other way. The only concern we have is how we will assemble an army. Most elves do not know how to defend themselves, much less engage in combat. This isn't child's play, the Neverseen are strong."

Finally, something Sophie had already discussed with her friends and Fitz.

I'll take this one, he transmitted.

Sophie nodded in response.

"You are completely correct," Fitz began, "but think for a moment. The Neverseen don't have anything that we don't. All we have to do is use our abilities to our advantage, like they do, and our elves are equal to theirs. The goblins, ogres, and gnomes that are on our side outnumber theirs immensely. It didn't take us long to learn a bit of self-defense with the goblins, and we have benefited greatly from the effects of it. Our small group has been dealing with the Neverseen for a while, so why should it be any different for the rest of the elves?"

Emery seemed to mull this over in his mind. Or maybe he was having a conversation with the rest of the Council.

After a few seconds of silence, he nodded to himself. Then he turned to Sophie. "Ms. Foster, you have accomplished great things in your somewhat short time here. We have faith that this will be no different. The Council will gather as many combatants as possible and make sure they are suited. All we need is the approval of your parents, and we are ready to do as you say."

Sophie couldn't believe it. The Council must have been more fed up with the Neverseen at this point than she thought. All she needed to do was get her parent's approval.

You can do it, Soph.

Fitz's crisp, accented voice pierced through her thoughts.

Here goes nothing.

"Would you mind if I privately had a word with them?" she asked, addressing the rest of the room.

"Not at all," Councilor Oralie replied.

Sophie stood up and led her parents away from the rrom they were currently in. She hesitated at the door. Looking back at everyone in the room, she knew she didn't want to do this alone.

She motioned for Fitz to follow her.

You sure?

Of course. I can't do this without you.

He smiled as he followed her out the door.

Sophie sat her parents down at the table in the room out of earshot.

She grasped Fitz's hand in hers and they stood in front of the two waiting adults.

"So…mom, dad…what do you think?"

Edaline rushed out of her seat and pulled Sophie in for a hug. "I believe that you can do this, Sophie," she whispered. "If you're really okay with this, then I won't be the one that holds you back. It's just hard to put in danger intentionally. I know you'll be careful, but as your mom, it's my job to tell you. So be careful." Edaline pulled away.

Sophie nodded. "Thanks. And I will be." She offered her most reassuring smile.

Edaline sat back down and waited for Grady's response.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I know you can do this, Soph. I just…" he paused. Taking a deep breath, he continued, "Edaline's right. I guess you have our approval."

Sophie knew that he was thinking about Jolie. But she also knew she had to do this. Which is why she would come back.

Sophie couldn't help herself. She threw her arms around the both of them and squeezed them tightly. Tears welled in her eyes.

Fitz stood somewhat awkwardly behind them. Sophie stepped back and pulled him into the group hug. It was a family hug. And he was no doubt family.

"Thanks you guys. I won't disappoint." She almost added and this will not be our last hug, but she bit her tongue. She found it odd that she was thanking people because they were letting her give herself over to the Neverseen. But it didn't really matter.

"You never do," Grady replied.

How did she get some awesome parents?

After Sophie finally ended their lengthy hug, the four elves stepped back into the occupied room.

Councilor Emery wasted no time. "Well?"

"I believe it's time for you to do as I say," Sophie replied with a smirk. That earned her a small smile from Bronte, Oralie, and Terik.

"I believe we are."

Eventually everyone began standing up to leave and start the preparations. They all knew that this wasn't going to be easy, and wanted to get ready right away.

Most of the group moved towards the door, and as soon as Sophie and Fitz weren't surrounded by elves, Fitz picked her up and spun her around. "I knew you could do it," he said.

"I couldn't have done it without you," she shot back with a smile. Then she closed the space between their lips for a quick kiss. She flt a burst of confidence in her chest as soon as she was in his arms, and knew right then and there that no matter what happened, Tam and Linh were going to be safe soon. She was so engrossed in being close to Fitz that she hadn't noticed the room fall silent.

They pulled apart from each other and looked around them.

Oh. That's right. We haven't told them, she transmitted sheepishly to her cognate and love.

His hand went to the back of his neck.

Looks like we won't have to.

So that's it!

Honestly, I hate this chapter. It's all over the place, it's sloppy, and the events don't really make sense. If you couldn't tell, I'm just trying to build up to the battle as fast as possible.

I just needed everyone in on the plan and decided to smoosh it into one chapter. The only part I really liked was the ending because of the nice Sophitz in there.

I've had a really juicy plan for the battle since before I started this, and I really want to get to it. I guess it really shows in the quality of my work. Apologies.

Anywho, have a great day and let me know what you think!

Message me and we can talk.

Until next time,

.