This chapter's main purpose it to create the setting. To switch from the way Everblaze played out to how this short story will. Don't worry after this it will predominately be from Fitz's POV.

A special shout out to Sara my first reviewer. You are awesome! (:

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN KOTLC

"Sophie, can you hear me? Nod if you can hear me." Alden was bent over Sophie's unconscious form, grasping her slick hand like a lifeline, his knuckles white, desperately searching for any indication that she was aware of his presence.

On his right, Elwin stood, hunched over her, grumbling curses at the council as he repaired her many damaged cells. Across from him, Grady and Edaline knelt, Endaline clinging to Grady, crying into his shoulder as he stroked Sophie's hair from her face, positioning himself protectively over his wife and daughter.

Tiergan and Magnate Leto hovered closely behind; dread in both their eyes as the creeping realization dawned. They both knew the signs. Behind the twelve councillors-all of whom seemed incapable of eye contact at the moment, their gazes locked on the floor-was Dex, quivering in near hysteria in the corner of Dame Alina's old pyramid-shaped office.

Elwin watched Sophie with furrowed brows, concern evident in everything from his hunched stance to his serious countenance, devoid of any humor. "I don't understand." He whispered, "We took off the pendant. Her body is healing. Why is she still like this, as if she is in a coma! I don't understand!" His voice grew louder and he was soon shouting in frustration.

"Elwin really, calm down, this is highly unprofessional-"Councillor Emery began but he was cut off by Grady who quickly stood and spun to face him, his face betraying how furious he was.

"YOU DON'T GET TO SPEAK! HOW CAN YOU EXCUSE DOING THIS TO AN INNOCENT CHILD!" Alden stood as well, placing a hand on Grady's should, a sign of his silent support but also a warning to keep him from acting too rashly.

Emery scoffed, "This, admittedly, was not our intended result, however Sophie is hardly innocent."

Before Grady could respond Tiergan stepped forward and, with a booming authoritative voice he spoke one simple word, "Enough." After calming the brewing storm, the elf spared not even a glance at anyone but the young girl with the peculiar brown eyes laying unconscious and shaking across the room.

With two long strides he was at her side, kneeling down, he reached for her temple, glistening with sweat, with shaking hands, murmuring almost as a chant under his breath, "Don't be true. Let me be wrong. Oh, please let me be wrong."

Everyone seemed to hold their breath as he placed his hands and closed his eyes…and with a strangled cry stumbled back from Sophie, holding his head crying, "No, no, no, no. This can't be happening. She can't…no!" With Alden and Elwin supporting him, Tiergan voiced the fear that every elf in the office had been desperately trying to suppress. In a hoarse voice he choked out, "She…her mind…it's broken."

That's when things started to go downhill.

Dex sprung up screaming how that was not what it was supposed to do. That he was so sorry. That this could not be happening. Most of the councillors looked completely shocked. Alden looked ready to throw up. Grady was absolutely livid and Endaline was about to pass out. And that was before Biana materialized in the middle of the room.

The appearance of the young vanisher momentarily captured everyone's attention.

"What!?" She shrieked "How can her mind be bro-broken? She's- she's Sophie. She can't be broken! She can't!"

Alden sighed wearily, "Biana, you can't be in here."

"Oh but he can? He," she pointed an accusing finger at Dex who continued to whimper in his corner, "Who is responsible for all of this! He hurt her and he is allowed to stay but I can't be here for Sophie! She's practically my sister and now she's-she's," she took a stuttering breath, "Because of him!" Her voice broke and she stared vacantly at her sister, now thrashing and clinging on the brink of insanity. As Elwin walked over to sedate Sophie again, and all of the councillors seemed too guilt ridden to form words, a look of steely determination passed over her face as she quickly ran over to the doors and called for her brother and Keefe before anyone could react.

"Biana now is not the time for this." Her distraught father sighed.

"My exact thought." Councillor Alina began, "This is highly unorthodox-"

"Oh shut up! You have no right to keep us from seeing what you have done to her!" Biana rarely got angry. The only time she had been this furious was when her own father's mind was broken. But there had been hope then. Now, with no one to heal Sophie, there was none.

Just then Keefe and Fitz came rushing in. The second Fitz saw Sophie he froze, pure unadulterated terror radiating off of him in waves. Keefe, however, did not even have time to process the scene in front of him. The moment he got within close vicinity of Sophie he collapsed, screaming and clutching his head.

"Someone get him out of here!" Elwin was shouting now, discarding any hope of maintaining order, "He is too deeply in touch with Sophie's emotions!"

But Fitz did not help. He just remained frozen in place, a statue, numb to his surroundings. It was left up to Tiergan and Magnate Leto to carry Keefe out, Elwin following close behind to check his health.

On their way out Magnate Leto surveyed the small congregation adding, "I think it is best if you," he nodded to the councillors, "all leave them be." Emery, wearily nodded, defeated, and without another word they all flashed away into the shimmering light.

Fitz stared at Sophie, feeling as empty as she looked. He didn't know when the tears had started to fall, but his cheeks were soon soaked in his misery. His nails dug into the soft, vulnerable flesh of the inside of his palm, drawing blood. He angrily swept away the tears, practically running towards her, ignoring all of the warnings, placing his hands on her temples, his blood and tears merging with her tears and sweat.

Then there was pain. Only pain. Everywhere. But he kept pushing, shouting her name, begging for her to come back to him. Pleading, until the pain grew so immense that he could no longer move, no longer think. Then, blackness.

So? What did you think? I really wanted to get done with this chapter so that I could get to the ones about Fitz and his work towards saving Sophie. I know this end was mean (mwuhaha) but any other ending would have dragged this chapter on. Again please review, especially if you have notes on my dialogue, I don't usually write much of that. Until next time,

Author.