Book 9: Elelis (kotlc)

== Preface: Keefe ==
Darkness. Keefe couldn’t see anything. Cold hard ground under his feet. He had know idea what he was doing. He couldn’t find a way out of it. He couldn’t handle it. All the pressure. All the years in the Lost Cities. What if it all falls apart? Keefe wouldn’t let that happen though. He wouldn’t let his mom control him. Not any more. He needed to fight back. He needed to to let fear control him. He needed to help. The Lost Cities has changed. This are different. There was no guarantee it would ever be the same. But he needed to try to make the best out of it. He had to do it for his home. For his friends. For Sophie. The people he cared about most. He wouldn’t let them get hurt. Keefe had to stand up. It was time to finish this once and for all.
== Chapter 1: Sophie ==
She couldn’t believe what she had just read. Sophie was mixed with many emotions and not sure which one to choose. She decided not to pick. Sure, she understood why Keefe had ran away. But was it really necessary to run away to the Forbidden Cities? Frustration burned in her throat. She kept re-reading the part that said not to look for him. There was no way. Keefe was one of her best friends. If she never went to look for him, she couldn’t live with herself. She needed to go to the Forbidden Cities. She knew it was a risk. But it was one she was willing to take. She opened Iggy’s cage looking at his teal/purple tiger striped fur. He did a squeaky pur while she rubbed he fuzzy belly. She thought of what she was going to do about the Neverseen and what to do with Keefe for about a hour, before Edaline called her down for dinner. When she came down Edaline was smiling at her while Grady looked uneasy. Sophie wondered why. Grady moved in his seat time to time, looking pale. He didn’t speak. They ate in silence. After Sophie finished her food and stood up to go back upstairs. But then Grady spoke. 
“Wait, there’s something I need to tell you.” Grady confesed, twisting his hands. 
Edaline gave Grady a look. 
“About a half a hour before you came home Keefe came.” 
Edaline sighed. 
“What? Why didn’t you tell me?” Sophie asked. 
“I didn’t want to, because I didn’t want you to have a big reaction about, like you are now. I thought it would best to tell you what he said to me.” 
“He spoke?” Sophie asked, a spark of hope igniting. Maybe Keefe was talking to people again, maybe he would talk to her now. 
“Yes only a few words at a time. He’s getting better at it. I still don’t know why he left anyway.” 
“Well, the letter he wrote says there’s something with his abilities are too powerful and that he can’t control it.” 
“I don’t know much about his abilities but it has to be a certain parts of it,” Grady said. 
“What did he say?” Sophie asked. 
Grady hesitated. 
"You should go to bed Sophie and worry about this in the morning." Edaline advised, shooting Grady another look. 
“He asked that you were ok and a few other things I can’t remember. But I think one of the reasons he left was for you, Sophie. I could tell.” Grady said the last part as though he were supressing a sigh. 
“Is that all?” Sophie asked, her hope flickering. 
“All the things that I remember, yes. I know we’ll figure everything thing out though, Kiddo.” Grady promised, with a faint smile. But there was worry in his eyes. 
“We always do,” Edaline said kissing her cheek. 
“Now I think it’s time for some sleep, it’s been a long day.” Grady hugged Sophie. 
Sophie stood up and walked up the stairs and told her parents goodnight. That night she curled up in bed still thinking of all the things she had to solve in just a short time. How was she supposed to this? She didn’t know. But she knew they would figure out something. They always did.
== Chapter 2: Keefe ==
Keefe smelled the air. His nose crinkled from the smell of human pollution. He forgot about the smell. Keefe looked around. He was in the middle of nowhere. In the woods to be exact. Ugh, what was he doing. He’d left with no plan or any way of how to live in the Forbidden Cities. How was he supposed to know what was animal to plant food? How was he going to get human money? Yup, he left without a plan. Worst. Runaway. Ever. He did know one purpose why he left. He didn’t want anyone to get hurt. After telling Dex about triggering the triplets abilities. No. He couldn’t do that again. His abilities were too strong. He didn’t want to do any more damage. Keefe saw the sky. It was getting close to dark. He needed to find shelter. Or make one. He would only make temporary one. He’d probably have to be out here for a bit before setting off to the nearest city. Town? Village? Capital? Civilization? He had know idea what humans call places. He had many questions that couldn’t be answered at the moment. Right now he needed to gather things to build a shelter. Keefe kept going over some steps to living the wilderness. It was some thing Alvar gave him lectures about. He stood up and started searching for trees that would work. While he was walking his foot stepped on something hard. He looked down and saw it was an ax. This would come in handy. About after two hours of cutting trees a bringing them over to where he was to camp. He finally was able to build. He only had about and hour to finish everything, so he had to move fast. Stacking log by log. His arms became tired but he kept going. Once the stacking was finished he took moss and put it in between the cracks of the wood to keep the circulation in. The finishing touch was to cut an opening for a door and use extra wood for the bed framing. Keefe closed his shelter’s door and hanged his pictures and layed his blanket and pillow on the bed. He lay in his bed slowly falling asleep, dreaming about his friends and his life back home.
== Chapter 3: Sophie ==
The next morning Sophie had to go back to school. The Council wanted all the prodigies to have a proper education. Sophie hated it though. She didn’t think she was ready to face all the eyes on her. Especially not now. She’d now practically started a war. Even if it’s already felt like they already in war. This was war. As what Mr. Forkle said to her after burning down Lady Gisela’s Arcahtipe and a lot of other of the Neverseen’s things. But the thing she was most worried about was meeting the eyes of her friends after telling them about Keefe. When she glittered into the of Foxfire she went straight to Elwin. She hustled over to the Healing Center as fast as she could. Sophie found him at his desk experimenting with remedies. Elwin looked up, straightening his spectacles. 
“Shouldn’t you be at morning devotions right now?” Elwin asked. 
“Um yes but I needed to talk to you,” Sophie told him. 
Elwin chuckled, but he looked distracted and worried. 
“I bet you’ll see me later today already with your record. Now you should go before devotions are over. You don’t want to miss your first class.” Elwin turned around back to his work. 
“I know about Keefe,” Sophie said. 
Elwin sighed. “I should’ve known you’d be the one to know first.” 
“Did something happen?” Sophie asked. 
“Not that I know of. But Keefe did have a Imparter call with Dex. Turns out he can talk to people through a screen, but not in person. Something might of happened during the conversation the made him leave.” 
If the conversation was about Keefe’s abilities that made sense. 
"He left it said something about him leaving.” 
“Note?” 
“Yeah, he left a note and changed Iggy’s fur color.” Elwin rubbed his chin. 
“I’ll think about it. Now I think you should really go to class. Devotions is almost over.” 
“Thanks Elwin.” 
“Your welcome, Sophie.” Sophie ran as fast as she could to devotions. Shefound Dex first.
“Hey, Sophie. Where were you?” Dex asked. 
“Um, with Elwin. Did I miss anything important?” 
“No, just the usual.” 
“Ok, could you come to my house after school? I have to ask you a few things that we can’t talk about in public.” 
Dex raised his eyebrows. “Like what?” he asked. 
Sophie switched to telepathy. About Keefe. 
Dex nodded. “Well, I gotta go to class. See you at lunch. Bye.” 
“Bye.”
== Chapter 4: Keefe ==
Keefe woke up the next morning feeling refreshed. He crawled out of bed and stretched. He looked at himself, then a thought came to him. If he was going to stay in the human world, he needed to have human clothes. Keefe sighed. He knew he had to get out at some point. The plan so far was to make a temporary shelter before living in a human city. Keefe started searching for food. He knew little about plants from ditching class, but he knew enough to know what was edible. After gathering food, he took a few bights. It wasn’t bad, he still liked gnomes food better. It would do for now. Keefe left the shelter and explored the woods. The sound of birds made the place feel so much more peaceful. It was hard to think such peaceful places were in such destructible place where the humans lived. He walked and walked until he heard a rustling noise behind him. 
“Hey kid! What yeh doin’ here in these woods?” The voice was in a different language, but he understand. He guessed being a Polyglot wasn’t a so bad part of his “legacy”. Keefe turned around, switching to English. 
“Oh, just enjoying the fresh air,” Keefe told the man who was behind him. The man was taller than Keefe was. He had chocolate colored hair slicked in a ponytail and his bright green eyes looking down at him. 
“Shouldn’t you be with your parents?” the man asked. 
“That might be a problem. I don’t have any.” Keefe lied. 
“Kid, if ya' don’t have a family then that means you should be in foster care,” 
“What’s foster care?” Keefe asked. 
“Kid, you must not be from around here if you don’t know what foster care is.” 
He sure got that one right. Keefe thought. 
“Yeah, I’m not from around here. Um where are we?” 
The man chuckled. “We’re are in the middle of the state of Georgia in the United States of America. Can’t get any more specific than that can I? That little accent of yours doesn’t sound nearly close to any here. You are an interesting young boy aren’t you. How old are you kid?” 
There was no way this wouldn’t give himself away. Besides foster care might be a safe place. And if it wasn’t he knew how to protect himself. 
“Um, sixteen.” 
“You, sure are young to be in these woods. There are predators out here that could hurt ya'.” 
“I don’t worry about animals. They don’t hurt me.”
“Huh, interesting,” the man said rubbing his chin. “Ok, kid I’m taking you to foster care.”
Keefe filled with panic. “I can’t leave.” 
“What do you mean, kid?” 
“I can’t leave these woods.” 
“It’s not like you’re going come back here. This old woods is going to be torn down. If you tried to stay here it wouldn’t work out.” 
“I need my belongings,” Keefe muttered to himself. Keefe started sprinting to his shelter. 
“Hey kid! Where are you goin’!” Keefe didn’t answer. It wasn’t safe here, he needed to get away from the man. He was asking way to many questions. The man followed him. Keefe sprinted faster, going into a run. When Keefe went into his shelter he closed the door tight behind him. Keefe gathered his belongings. Stuffing the notebooks, pencils, blanket, pillow, and food. He grabbed his pathfinder and ran out. “Wow! Kid!” The man grabbed his arm. “Let me go!” Keefe yelled. The man’s eyes turned a grey and his grip on him slipped. But right after that the command weared off. He still was following him. Keefe reached the end of the woods. It was a dead end. He turned around and was facing the man again. He was trapped.
== Chapter 5: Sophie ==
Sophie heart dropped once she had lunch next. She didn’t want to break the news to her friends. Keefe had just woken up and the he was gone. When she was walking out of class bumped into Dex. 
“Hey, can we talk telepathically?” Sophie asked. 
“Um, ok,” he answered. 
What happened on the imparter call with Keefe? Sophie asked. 
How do you know about that? His voice a little shaky. 
I talked with Elwin during devotions. Dex’s eyebrows raised full of the most understandable expression. 
That’s where you were? Sophie nodded.
So what happened? Dex looked uneasy. Then sighed. I’m only telling you a little bet ok. I’ll tell you the rest after school. So, what kinda happened was Keefe triggered the triplets abilities. It was during the time when we were giving Keefe different elixirs for his abilities. The triplets were the ones holding him down, while me, my dad, and Elwin were giving the elixirs to him. Keefe said a few days later after the testing and after Lex and Bex manifested on an imparter call about the triggering. 
They ended at a stop when the two saw the rest of the their friends. Biana waved at them to come over. “Where’ve been? We didn’t see you at devotions this morning,” Biana said. 
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you guys once we get our food. Sophie and Dex went into the lunch line and came back a few minutes later. 
“So what’s been happening lately?” Biana asked. 
“I’ll have to talk to you guys telepathically,” Sophie told them. Fitz looked a little worried so did everyone else. 
I’m going to hate telling you guys this. But Keefe left. Sophie tugged an eyelash. What do you mean by left? Fitz asked. He ran away. Sophie looked down at her food. She wasn’t hungry anymore. 
WHAT! Everyone said in unison. 
Yeah I know it’s bad, but I know where he is. Really? Where? They all said in unison again. He’s in the Forbidden Cities. 
WHAT! Guys!
Please lower the volume. Mental yelling breaks my connection. 
Sorry. They said. 
In the note- 
What note? Fitz asked. 
Keefe left a note in my bedroom when I was still at Tergin’s place. Keefe wrote that he didn’t want to be looked for. But we all know that’s not happening. I know the human world better than anyone here. He’s not going to last long before getting cot. Sure he has his abilities, but it can’t help him with everything. We need to search for him as quickly as possible. Sophie told them. 
Is everyone ok? Everyone nodded. 
Ok then, we’ll make up a plan soon. Now we she start actual talking before anyone gets suspicious. Aren’t they always? Biana said. 
== Chapter 6: Keefe ==
“Now, kid I’m not trying to hurt you. I’m trying to help you,” the man said. 
“That’s what everyone says to me,” Keefe muttered. 
“What do want with me anyway? Don’t you have to do whatever humans do?” The man looked confused. 
“Did you say humans?” 
“Shoot!” Keefe muttered again. 
“Kid I just want to help you.” Keefe had to admit, it was kinda true. The man’s emotions were radiating off him. Of course Keefe wouldn’t tell him he was right. If foster care was safe, would he be staying somewhere? If that was true, finding food and money would be much easier. This was his life now, he had to live with consequences. 
“Fine, I’ll go with you, but only on one circumstance. Stop calling me kid,” Keefe told the man. 
“I can do that, but it’ll be hard. I call all the teens and kids that. But I can do. Come with me, um I never got your name.” 
“Oh, um, it’s Keefe.” 
“Interesting name, mines Benjamin. You can call me Ben though.” 
Keefe knew half of what what he was doing, but it might be best to go this path. Benjamin brought him to a flat area full of.... cars. Why! Why cars! 
“You ok there? You look pale.” 
“Oh, I’m fine.” 
He was not fine. Cars were dangerous. Keefe didn’t know how humans weren’t scared of them. He had to take a breath. “Come on in,” Benjamin said giving him a gesture to come inside the the vehicle. Keefe slowly crept into the device of doom. A sound from the front started to rumble and the car drove them away to their destination. 
== Chapter 7: Sophie ==
“Ok, so what else happened on that imparter call?” Sophie said closing her bedroom door. 
“Well, when Keefe touched the triplets, the way he felt them was different compared on their abilities. Keefe said that Bex felt kinda squishy because she manifested as a Phaser. Lex felt cold because he manifested as a Froster. And Rex.” 
Dex paused looking away for a second. “Keefe felt nothing, like how it felt when my dad touched him.” 
Sophie covered her mouth with hand. “Are you saying?.......” 
Dex nodded. 
“That he might not manifest? And the hard thing is, I told him he would manifest soon. He was still young. It’s hard because......” Dex’s voice choked up a little. “He probably won’t. He probably only has a 2% chance. I wish I could help him. I can’t stand to sit by him every night in bed watching him cry, while Mom and Dad are trying to help Bex and Lex with their abilities. I wish I could change it, but I can’t. It’s just part of my genes.” Dex didn’t meet Sophie’s eyes. 
“Hey,” she said reaching for his hand. “It’ll be fine. Rex is a strong kid he’ll get through it. I know he will.” 
Dex turned around and hugged her. “Thanks Sophie,” Dex said. Dex sat up and whipped his eyes with the back of his hand. 
“Should we get to other matters?” Sophie nodded. 
“First, what is going to happen now with Neverseen and everything. And second, do you have any idea where Keefe might be?” 
“Um, no and maybe. I have no idea what to do about the Neverseen thing right now, but I might have some ideas where Keefe might be.” 
“Ok, so lets start there. What are some places Keefe might be in?” 
“For starters we already know that he’s in the human world right? Keefe probably stopped by the Shores of Solace. By guessing he’s probably somewhere in the south of North America. I don’t think it’s that far from there. We just need to find a way to get past the Council without getting cot.” 
“Oh, I got you handled on getting past the Council. I can erase things from the Registry.” 
“And then we have to get past bodyguards.” 
“Hum, I don’t know how to get past that. I guess we’ll figure it out when the time comes.” 
“I guess so.”
== Chapter 8: Keefe ==
Throughout the whole ride to the something care place, Keefe felt like he was going to throw up. The car did another turn and his stomach jolted. “You ok over there Keefe?” Benjamin asked. Keefe did a very unbelievable nod. “Do you have car nausea? I used to have that when I was younger. It was horrible.” 
“Are we—almost—there?” Keefe huffed. 
“Yep, just have to turned here and we’re here,” Benjamin said turning the steering wheel right. When they got out of the car Keefe looked up at the building in front of him. On a sign at the front it said, ‘Atlanta Foster Care Org’. “This is where you’ll find a place to live for the time being,” Ben told him. Keefe followed Benjamin into the building to the front dest. 
“Hello how can I help you?” the woman at the front dest said. 
“I have a young teen here that has a lost his family. He needs a place to stay for a while.” The woman looked at Keefe straightening her glasses. 
“Ok, what is this young mans name?” 
“Keefe um, what is your last name?” Ben asked. 
“It’s Scencen.” 
“Huh, your records aren’t showing up,” the lady said. 
“Oh, I think it got erased. My parents were criminals and erased all things related from them,” Keefe told the lady. 
“Ok, you two can sit over there for now,” lady said pointing to some chairs by the window. Keefe sat in silence, while listening to the lady on a device that he thought was called a phone. 
“Hello.” -pause- 
“Your wanting to register?” -pause- 
“Your in good timing we have one open right now for you.” -pause- 
“You can come at 3:00 to pic him up.” -pause- 
“You are certainly most welcome. Have a great rest of your day, bye.” 
The lady turned to them and said,”Good news there’s a job open for taking him. They should be arriving in about 20 to 30 minutes.” 
“Great, thank you ma’am,” Benjamin said. 
“Are you ok on staying here on your own Keefe?” Keefe nodded. 
“Hopefully you be going to Atlanta High. I would be hate teach you.” 
Keefe nodded and waved goodbye to Ben. Keefe sat in silence. The longer he sat the there, the more he felt unsure about everything. Finally of what felt like forever the door opened. 
“Hello, are you Emily and Alex Nunez?” 
“Yes,” said the woman who must have been Emily. Something about the two looked familiar. Green eyes! Not just any green eyes. It was Sophie’s parents green eyes. He was in foster care with Sophie’s parents.
== Chapter 9: Sophie ==
“He’s with my parents?” Sophie said looking at her spy ball. 
“What?” Dex said looking over her shoulder. 
“One how did you get a spy ball and two why is he with your parents?” 
“The Black Swan gave it to me and I have no idea. Wherever they are I don’t know. I must have not gone there in my time with humans.” Sophie said. 
“Also don’t tell anyone about the spy ball, ok?” Dex nodded. 
“I still can’t believe you have one,” Dex said staring at the tiny screen. 
“Well, at least we have a place to start.” For a while Sophie and Dex went through everything Sophie had human trying any sign of where Keefe was. Then Sophie’s imparter rang. Sophie grabbed it. On the screen was Biana. 
“What is it?” Sophie asked. 
“It’s Fitz! Somethings wrong, he won’t listen to anything anyone will say! Come over quick! If I know anything you might be one only people that he’ll listen to!”
== Chapter 10: Keefe ==
“Hello I’m Emily as you might already know and this is my husband, Alex. It’s very nice to meet you Keefe.” 
“It’s very nice to meet you two,” Keefe said. 
They talked in the car which took away the nausea. Then the thought came to him, if he was with Sophie’s parents that meant that he was going to be with Amy. 
Keefe then asked,”Do you have any kids?” 
“Yes we do, we have a daughter who not that far from your age. She’s fourteen and her name is Kendall,” Alex said. 
“Ok, we’re almost there,” Emily said. The car turned a few more times and then they pulled into a driveway. “Welcome to our home,” Alex said. Keefe slipped out of the car and her dog barking. 
“You have a dog?” Keefe asked already knowing that. 
“Yes, we have Watson and our cat Marty,” Alex said. 
“Now come on in,” Alex opened the door and called,”Kendall! Come meet the boy we’re taking care of!” Amy walked down stares and when he cot her eyes, her mouth dropped. 
“Keefe will be staying with us for a while,” Emily told her. 
“Hi,” Amy stuttered. 
“Hi,” Keefe huffed. 
“How about you show Keefe around and help him get settled, Kendall,” Emily said. 
“Um, ok. Follow me,” Amy said. 
Keefe followed upstairs until Emily and Alex were out of sight. 
“How are you here? Did something happen? Is Sophie ok? What’s happening?” Amy said looking panicked. 
“Ok, first how about you take me to my room first and have this conversation somewhere else,” Keefe told her. 
Once Amy closed the door she said,”So what happened?” Keefe talked while unpacking. 
“So, you remember my freak mom right?” Amy nodded. 
“Well, turns out she did something before I was born that caused me to manifest more abilities.” 
Amy raised her eyebrows. “Are you saying you have a bunch of abilities like Sophie?” 
“Um, not exactly, but they are none like what she has. The are abilities that have never been manifested before.” Keefe stopped for a second, taking a breath. 
“You ok?” Amy asked. 
“Ah, yeah I need to take a break from all the emotions I’ve been reading all day. And also trying not to make you unconscious on the ground right now.” 
“WHAT?” 
“Long story. These abilities have already done some harm. I don’t want hurt anymore people.” 
“Ok, I get everything you’re saying, but why did you come out all the way to the Forbidden Cities?” Keefe looked away. 
“I can’t be around Sophie without hurting her. Physically and mentally. I’ve already hurt her and this is probably making it all worse but it’ll be best for her.” 
“You really care about Sophie don’t you.” Amy said. 
Keefe nodded. 
“Wait, do you like her?” 
“No!” 
“Lire! I know it’s true. Your face is all red right now and everything. I know you do!” 
“I don’t,” Keefe grumbled putting the last of her clothes in the dresser. 
“Fine, I won’t say anymore,” Amy said putting hers hand up in serenader. 
“Dinner will be ready in a few minutes!” Emily called from downstairs. “Ok Mom!” Amy called. 
“Do you need help unpacking?” Amy asked. 
“No, Hey! Don’t touch that!” 
“You’re supper good at drawing. Is that all your friends?” 
“Yeah,” Keefe sighed. 
“I remember that guy,” Amy said pointing at Fitz. 
“Oh, you mean Fitz? Yeah a lot of things happened. One thing kinda Sophie and him dated him for a while, but they broke up.” 
“Huh, for some reason that makes sense. Well, for one thing I think you’re a better fit for her.” 
“What! No!” Keefe looked away face burning. 
“Dinner is ready!” Emily called. 
“You’ll figure it out sooner of later. Come on,” Amy said giving him a gesture to follow her. 
“There you two are,” Alex said. Amy sat down followed by Keefe sitting in the next chair. 
“So, where are you from Keefe?” Alex asked. 
“Um...” Amy saved him by saying,” He’s from Alaska. He told me during when I helped him unpack.” “Interesting. Well Keefe for one thing you might want to change into something different. You have school tomorrow.” 
“School?” 
“Yes Keefe, where else do you think you would go to?” 
“Also um, this is kinda all I have.” 
“Well, I think Emily would be happy to get you some things tonight, including school books and the rest of the things you’ll need for school,” Alex said. 
“Thanks,” Keefe said. 
“Now off to bed you two. Tomorrow’s Monday. I want everyone to have some sleep for school. Understand?” Keefe and Amy nodded. 
“Lights out at 10:00,” Alex said. Keefe looked down at his food. Amy looked at him and grimaced. 
“Oh, I forgot to tell you. Keefe is a vegetarian,” Amy said. 
“I can make a quick salad for him,” Emily said. Keefe pushed the meat out of the way. He couldn’t stand looking at it. After eating dinner everything felt much easier. Keefe felt more settled in. 
“Well, I’m going out to get your things, Keefe,” Emily said walking out the door. Because tomorrow was his first day of human school. 
== Chapter 11: Sophie ==
“You’re here! Hurry!” Biana said. Sophie and Dex hustled behind Biana. Climbing up the flights of stairs made Sophie’s legs were becoming weaker and weaker. Finally they opened the door to Fitz’s room. Della sat by the bedside. Fitz was on his bed curled in a ball muttering to himself, shaking. 
“What happened?” Sophie asked. 
“I—I—found him like this when checking on him. It had been a few hours after school. I tried to get him out of the trance, but he wouldn’t listen to me,” Biana said shakily. 
Sophie sat by Fitz’s side on the bed. “Hey, you ok?” Sophie asked him in the softest voice. Fitz didn’t answer she switched to telepathy. Fitz, it’s going to be ok. Everything is fine. Fitz then looked at her in a way he’d never done before. His eyes looked so tired. Fitz spoke one word in telepathy, Elelis. The his eyes rolled over and he blacked out. 
“No! What happened? Is he he ok?” Biana said in a very high worry tone. Della looked at her son. She hadn’t spoken the whole time. 
“He said something didn’t he?” Sophie nodded. “He said one word before he black out. He said, Elelis.”  
== Chapter 12: Keefe ==
Keefe was woken up by pushing. Amy was nudging him.
“What are you doing?” Keefe asked. 
“You got to get up! School starts in less than a hour.” 
“What! That can’t be right.” Keefe looked over at the clock on the bedside table. It was 6:40 A.M. Keefe crawled out of bed. Amy left and went downstairs for breakfast. Keefe soon went down after. “Good morning, Keefe,” Emily said smiling at him. It was so unusual to see people taking care of him act like this. His parents never smiled or really talked with him. He liked it here. “Here are your new clothes and school supplies. I suggest eating fast. We have to leave in 30 minutes,” Emily told him. Keefe nodded. Keefe quickly ate his food. Something call cereal. He then ran upstairs. Closed his door and slipped some human clothes on. Keefe didn’t know why they were so scratchy, but he went with it. Keefe grabbed the bag and put the books for school in it. Keefe looked over and looked at his bag he came with. He decided to keep the imparter that Grady had given him. He also stuffed the pathfinder he had taken from his father. He needed to keep his promise for Grady. Keefe holding his backpack, walked downstairs. He looked up to see his foster parents smiling at him. Aka Foster’s party. It was a little weird that he called them his foster parents and he called Sophie, Foster. It still really weird that they smiled at him. “Have a great time you two,” Alex said. Keefe followed Amy outside. They walked on the sidewalk until they stopped at something called a bus stop. Another yellow vehicle of doom headed their way. Great, more cars. They boarded the bus and sat in a seat. 
“Why doesn’t this car have seat belts?” Keefe asked Amy. 
“I don’t know,” she said. 
“Is this your first time in a car?” Amy whispered. 
“No, only my second. Hopefully this one gives me less nausea,” Keefe said. 
“Oh no, we are totally switching spots if you have car nausea. You get the window side.” Amy stood up so he could slide closer to the window. 
“Ok, number one thing you need to know about this place is not many of us are good listeners,” Amy said. 
“Good, I’ll fit right in,” Keefe said grinning. 
Amy rolled her eyes. “It’ll be easy for you. Probably for everyone and this’ll be your first day of school. Don’t you have a photographic memory or something?” 
Keefe nodded. 
“Yup, you’re going to do fine here then.” The bus stopped. 
“Come on, we gotta get out,” Amy said. She stood up and walked out. Keefe followed her. Some girls that must have been her friends came by her. 
“Keefe, this is Jessica and Riley. You’ll probably see them around a lot. Here’s your schedule,” Amy said. Handing him a sheet of paper. 
“Your on your own now. Good luck.” Amy waved goodbye and walked away. 
== Chapter 13: Sophie ==
“This can’t be possible,” Della muttered. 
“What do you mean?”  Biana asked. 
“Elelis was a plant that the gnomes told legends about. They said the plant held much power and could heal anything it touched. The sprout could also help control self power. It is said that each sprout had a different memory. Whoever found a way to find one of the memories would find all the answers to their past, but finding the truth seeks punishment and pain. Some believe this plant lives today. Some think it never existed. As what the legend says if someone speaks the name, there is a sprout near.” 
“Why didn’t you tell us about that?” Biana asked. 
“Well, you learn it in your Elite Levels, so didn’t bother telling you if you were going to learn it,” Della told her. 
“She has a point,” Sophie said. 
“So, does this mean we could find an Elelis sprout?” Sophie asked. 
“It might be possible if you believe in legends.” Dex chuckled. 
“I think this might be our best-bet. Besides isn’t our world already crazy enough. I think a plant that can heal anything it touched is something that’s got to be real.” 
Sophie pointed her thumb at him. “See? He believes in legends.” 
Dex held his and up in a stop symbol. 
“Wow there. I don’t believe in legends, Lady Fos-Boss-“ Biana giggled from the Lady Foss-Boss. “I’m just desperate. I just want to get my friend out of the Forbidden Cities and-“
“Who’s in the Forbidden Cities?” Della asked. 
“You didn’t tell them?” Sophie asked Biana. 
“Why would I? I knew it was personal,” Biana said. 
“Yeah, I guess you’re right on that part. Keefe would want it a secret.” 
“Wait, Keefe is in the Forbidden Cities?” Della asked. Sophie groaned. 
“Yes! And we have been trying to figure out how to bring him back for the last two days he’s been gone.” Sophie rubbed her temples. She needed a way to find that Elelis sprout. If they could find Keefe. Maybe they would be able to get Keefe’s abilities under his control. This was the solution to how to help Keefe. 
== Chapter 14: Keefe ==
This was e not what he wanted. Everyone was staring at him. He looked human and everything, didn’t he? Well, for the fact that he wasn’t human made him seem confusing. Ok, he was now confusing himself with his thoughts. I he thought the main reason they stared, was his eyes. They weren’t like the usual human navy color blue. It was ice blue. He didn’t mind girls staring at him though. That happened at Foxfire too. Keefe kept on walking and stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jean jacket. This was what it was going to be like. Keefe took out his schedule once he got inside the building. His locker was number 84. He dropped is things off in the locker. He had Spanish first in room 208. He then took his books he needed for class. Keefe walked into the room without a word. Sitting in his seat, he looked around. The people that were already in the room were looking at a tiny screen in there hands. It looked pretty similar to what Sophie had. Was it called an iPod? He couldn’t remember. A loud bell rang everywhere. Keefe gritted his teeth. It was louder than the bell at Foxfire. Then the teacher walked in a moment later. “Good morning class. Today we are doing a pop quiz. Clear your desks,” the teacher said. The teacher came over to Keefe. 
“You must be Keefe,” she said holding out her hand to shake it. He took it, getting dizzier from the emotions in the air. 
“I don’t expect you to know everything. I just am trying to see where you’re at in this subject,” she said. 
“Oh, I forgot. I’m Mrs. Emerson. You will come here every day first.” 
Mrs. Emerson handed him the quiz. He translated word to word in English. It was harder translating it all to English. He was used to the Elvin language. It took him two extra minutes to finish because of it. Keefe then stood up and gave the quiz to Mrs. Emerson. Keefe looked at the other kids. They looked at him trying to go faster. Keefe played with his pencil for the rest of class. No one else finished their quiz. Keefe sighed standing up when the bell rang for the next class. Mrs. Emerson handed his quiz back to him. She probably graded it the whole class while everyone else worked. “Excellent test Mr. Scencen. A+ for you.” Keefe grinned. Sure he didn’t want to have the title of be the nurd. But this was a good starting point. He could do ditching tomorrow.
== Chapter 15: Sophie ==
The next morning Sophie went to Flori. Sophie told her about Elelis and what happened. 
“That sure is some hard things you’re going into. Once you seek it’s hard to get out. I’m not sure if that’s the best course of action,” Flori said. 
“I know, but if we find Keefe, we might be able to help him control his abilities,” Sophie said. 
“I know that you care for your friend, but as your bodyguard I say no. But as your friend I say yes, which complicates things. But if you seek Elelis, it’s somewhere hidden. The way the plants grow is not the way traditional plants do around the globe. They grow in one specific place. They live in a way other differently based on the memory they hold. They can be anywhere. The sprouts are everywhere, but the only way to find on is getting called to one. Usually in a form of a trance. Like what happened to your friend yesterday. Tomorrow we leave at sunrise to find it. We will be traveling far. I’ve been sensing it for days. We need to to find Elelis be tomorrow’s sundown.” 
Sophie nodded. “Thank you, Flori.” 
“It’s my pleasure.” Sophie went on some imparter calls after that. She needed to tell her friends. “Dex, come at 4:00 A.M. tomorrow. We’re finding Elelis.” 
“What?” 
“Just go with it spread the word. This might be our only chance to help Keefe.” 
== Chapter 16: Keefe ==
“Hey, are the new guy?” a voice said from behind. 
“Um, yeah,” Keefe answered looking at a girl with blonde hair. Her eyes bright blue. 
“I heard your good at Spanish. I was the seat behind you. My name’s Ella.” 
She took her hand out to shake. What was it with everyone wanting to shake his hand. Keefe shook her hand. He got nauseous and dizzy again. He didn’t show it to Ella though. Maybe he could at least make one friend here. 
“It’s nice to meet you, too,” Keefe told Ella. 
“So I was wondering, sense your so good at Spanish. Is it ok if you tutor me? I can’t afford one,” Ella said. 
“Sure, hanging out with someone would probably help, sense I’m new,” Keefe said. 
Ella laughed. “Yeah, that’s all the new people these days. Where are you from?” 
“Well, I’ve lived here for only three days. I got a foster family and have been living with them for less than a day,” Keefe said. 
What was he saying? Why was he talking to a person he’d just met about what had happened for the past few days? He had no idea, but Ella was interested by it. 
“That’s cool. Your an interesting guy what’s your next class?” 
“I have, lunch then Grammar.” 
“Same. We should go get lunch.” 
Keefe followed Ella to the cafeteria. They went in the lunch line and Keefe had no idea what any of the food was. Keefe got all the things Ella had gotten, hoping that none of it would be bad. (Like what Sophie did in book 1 with Dex) The two sat at a table in the far corner. Keefe took a bite of one of the foods. His eyes widened. 
“Is this meat?” Keefe asked. 
“Yep, it’s a cheese burger,” Ella said. Keefe instantly dropped the burger. 
“What else is meat?” Keefe asked. 
“Nothing else. Are you a vegetarian?” 
“Yes, a very serious one that’s for sure.” 
Keefe mentally for the animal that died. He needed to learn human food.
== Chapter 17: Sophie ==
“Why do we have to wake up this early?” Biana asked. 
“It’s the time we were supposed to be here,” Sophie said. 
“Well, it still doesn’t make sense,” Biana said. 
“Where’s Tam?” Biana asked Lihn. 
“He didn’t want to come. He’s not a fan of waking up early,” Lihn said. Biana frowned. 
And Fitz rolled his eyes. 
“Is there something wrong?” Lihn asked. 
“Um, no,” Dex mumbled. 
Sophie felt worried for Dex. He wasn’t acting like himself. 
“Did Wylie not want to come?” Sophie asked.
“Yeah, he was busy with doing something with Prentice,” Lihn told her. 
“Is everyone ready?”  Flori asked. 
“Yes,” Sophie said. 
“No,” Biana said through a yawn. 
“Well then, follow me.” 
They followed Flori to the edge of where the gnomes lived it the pastures. Then they stopped at the tallest tree Sophie had ever seen. There was a tunnel in the bottom of the tree. The tunnel was a bit taller the average elf height. This must have been the path they were going on. 
“This is where I leave you,” Flori said. 
“What? I thought you were coming with us?” Sophie asked. 
“No, I would never come so close to an Elelis. It’s sacred to my kind. Follow the path under the tree. The woods will show you the rest of the way for you.” Flori spoke in her soft language to the tree. It was a soothing sound. “What ever happens there, stay strong my Moonlark.” Those were her last words before opening up the ground, letting the roots carry her back to the pastures. They were on there own.
== Chapter 18: Keefe ==
“How did your first human school day go?” Amy asked when everyone was walking to the bus to leave. 
“Good, I got an A+ on my Spanish pop quiz,” Keefe told her. 
Amy rolled her eyes. “How can elves be such nerds and are shockingly good looking?” Amy said. 
Keefe laughed. “Oh, the good looks come naturally. I’m extra ordinary.” 
Amy did a soft punch on his shoulder. The wave of emotions came in. But the small little punch reminded him of Sophie. It made him sad. He missed his friends. But hurting them would just make it harder.
“Oh, sorry did I do it again?” Amy asked. 
“It’s fine,” Keefe told her. Amy walked on to the bus. 
“Hey.” A voice said from behind him. 
“Hey, Ella,” Keefe turned around. 
“Could you help me on Spanish?” 
She did a goofy weak smile him. She was a fun person to be with. But why did everyone have to remind him of Sophie? He had to get those thoughts out of his mind. 
“Hey, you good? You dazed out for a moment,” Ella said. 
“Yeah, I’m fine.” 
“So.....are you open to study?” Ella asked. 
“Yep, I finished all my homework. I’m all free.” Ella’s jaw dropped. 
“How did you finish homework that fast? We have like ten lodes of homework.” 
“What can I say. I’m special.” 
They then went on the bus. They sat in the seat behind Amy and Keefe quizzed Ella. He spoke a word and she translated it. She wasn’t that bad for human standards it took a minute or two for her to figure it out. The human world was different from what he’d imagined. But it’s the people that you have to meet to see how it’s like there. You have to find the right people to see the good.
== Chapter 19: Sophie ==
“We’ve been walking forever! Can we take a break?” Biana said. 
“Ok, but only for a few minutes. We have to find the Elelis sprout before sundown,” Sophie said. 
Everyone sat down for a second. Sandor searched the area. Sophie thought of what Keefe was doing right now. He probably was ok. If he was with her parents, he was with Amy. Amy knew enough about the Elvin world to know how to help Keefe. He just had to be careful no one would notice anything different about him. 
“Ok, I think we should get going,” Sophie said. The roots of the trees were pointing in the detection they needed to go. Every thing was going as it should be for now, which felt odd. Sophie decided to search for any signs of thoughts not from around them. The roots ended at the of the forest. They pointed into the river. 
“We have to go in there,” Sophie said, “That’s the way the path is taking us.” 
“But how are we going to find it? The water’s so dark you can’t see anything,” Biana said. 
“Maybe it doesn’t have to be about of how dark it is. Maybe there’s another way,” Lihn said. 
She reached for the water. She kept a small ball in her hand. The was her expressions changed was like she was having a conversation with the ball of water. 
“Hop in. The water will lead us.” 
“How are we sure this’ll work? We only know the root can connect,” Dex said. 
“Trust me,” Lihn said. 
Dex said and hopped in, followed by every one else. Everyone hold on to each other. Everyone held on tight as they went under the surface. A current pushed them forward. Like the were attached to a string the current pulled them through. When the met the surface a sweet smell spread the air. The place was one of the most beautiful places Sophie had ever seen. Plants of all colors grew around its forest. The sun was setting on the edge of the forest they were running out of time. “We have to hurry, nightfall fall is coming,” Sophie said. Sophie sensed the thoughts around them. If Elelis held a memory, it had a mind. There was a small voice calling to Sophie. At the of trees and behind the shrubs, she found a unique plant. Sophie knew this was Elelis. The plant’s petal were a mixture of many colors. The eyes of the sprout looked almost like there was a symbol inside it. It was beautiful. Sophie looked at the sky. It was almost sundown. They had to leave the forest before it. Sophie delicately placed the sprout in her bag. 
“Guys, I found Elelis, let’s go. We’ll run out of time to leave the forest.” 
Everyone sprinted out of the forest going into a run. They quickly jumped in river, letting the current pull them away. “We did it,” Sophie rasped. 
“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
== Chapter 20: Keefe ==
“Could you tell me more of what happened?” Amy asked. 
“I don’t know, the more I tell you, the more it gets worse,” Keefe told her. 
“I know, but I need to know. I’m worried.” Keefe sighed. “I hurt her. I don’t want to do it again. It’s too much. I don’t want to do it to anyone. But I know that’s doubtful. My mom is the one to blame. She gave me abilities that I don’t even know. It’s never been trained. Everyone’s emotions are stronger. I can control people with only a few words. I’m still worried I might do something to you right now.” 
“That’s horrible.” 
“I still don’t think I can control it.” 
“Well, I can help you. If you need help controlling your abilities. I’ll be happy to be your tester.” 
“I don’t know.” 
“Please, I want to help.” “Fine. But only for a little while. We’ll start tomorrow.”
== Chapter 21: Sophie ==
“Yes, I see that you’re in a situation quite the of the opposite of you little plan of yours, isn’t it?” Lady Gisela said. 
“Do even know why we’re here?” Sophie snarled. 
“Oh, it’s so obvious. You’re looking for a way to cure my son’s untamable abilities. Yes, I’m very fond of Elelis. Quite beautiful, is it not?” 
“What do you want?” Fitz said. 
“You have something I want. Give Elelis to me and I’ll let you go.” Fitz scoffed, “Doubtful. It’s not like you don’t do this every time. You come you ask for a deal and break it. I’m done with your games.” 
“I see we’ve gone past that age. I don’t think you have a choice. This is war.” 
What should we do? Fitz asked Sophie. 
We’ll just have to go along with it. Sandor raised sword. Sophie set her mind to get ready to inflict. The rest grabbed throwing stars and other weapons they had brought along the way. Sophie focused all the anger and hatred into her mind and pushed right at Lady Gisela. She fell down in a heap. Sophie wasn’t sure it would last long before waking up.  Sandor restrained her. They walked on the trail before Lady Gisela spoke again. 
“You really think your plan is going to work? They’ll come back for me anyway.” 
Sophie smirked. “I’m half percent sure that’s true.” 
Lady Gisela rolled her eyes. “Great, you’ve also picked up my son’s smirk,” she grumbled. 
“Do you even think Elelis will even work on my son? We did put precautions on what would help him take control.” 
Sophie turned to her. 
“You knew he wouldn’t be able to control it?” 
“Of course I did. It was my idea to make it almost impossible to control.” 
Sophie heard rustling again and stopped. Sandor sniffed the air. 
“What do you think it is?” Biana asked. 
Lady Gisela smiled. “It could be anything.” 
The rustling came closer. Sophie focused her energy on the sores. Then Sophie pulled it with her telekinesis. It was.... Glimmer.
== Chapter 22: Keefe ==
“Um, do you know where I can get one of those little rectangular thin boxes?” Keefe asked Amy. 
“You mean an iPhone?” 
“Uh, yeah, those things. How can I get one of them?” 
“Well, for starters you need money.” Keefe sighed. 
“Or you can ask my parents. Sure they would agree for it. Then I can teach you how to use it.” 
“Ok, now you’re just making fun of me. You have to admit it.” 
“Fine, maybe a little,” Amy said. Keefe walked downstairs, followed by Amy. 
“Mom, Dad, Keefe wanted to know if he could have a phone,” Amy told them. 
“Oh, of course. We need to have contact with both of you incase of emergencies,” Emily said. 
“We’ll go later to get one,” Alex said. 
“Thanks,” Keefe told them. They walked back upstairs. 
“I literally have nothing else left to do during class,” Keefe whispered to Amy. 
“Now you’re bragging,” Amy said. 
When Keefe went back to his bedroom he heard ringing. The imparter Grady had given him was ringing by the bedside table. He had to keep his promise. Keefe tapped the screen. The screen showed Grady, as he suspected. 
“What happened?” Keefe asked. 
“Sophie and a few other people are missing for the last day and a half. Glimmer is out of custody and we don’t know where she is. The Council is trying all they can, but it’s not working.” 
Grady’s face was pale. It reminded Keefe during the time Sophie and Dex were kidnapped. He knew what he was going through. But he didn’t know what to do about it. 
“Keefe are talking to someone?” Amy called. 
“No one! I’m, um, studying,” Keefe called. 
“Keefe, both know that’s not true,” Amy said standing at the door. 
“Is that Amy?” Grady asked. 
“Is that Grady?” Amy asked. 
“Yes! That is Grady and that is Amy. So can we just stay on track. Sophie is missing and I don’t know what to do.” 
“WHAT!” they said in unison. 
“Ok, everyone chill out. Emily and Alex are going to here. I’m still surprised they haven’t heard the past conversations.” 
“Keefe, how long have you been living with Amy and her parents?” Grady asked. 
“Um, only for about a day and a half. I’m positive though, that I won’t do anything with there memories though. I never met them or did anything to do with them.” 
“Keefe, the longer you stay the more memories we’ll have to erase from the parents minds. You’re going to be cot by the Council soon Keefe. They might put you in Exile for this. You have to come home.” 
“No, I’m not going back there. I can’t I’ll just hurt more people.” 
“No you won’t. You won’t hurt anyone. Look at how well you’re controlling your abilities right now with Amy. That’s a big change.” 
“I still hurt someone. The first day I was in the Forbidden Cities. A man came while I was living by myself. I did like it there, but he’s the one who brought me to foster care. While he was trying to take me I controlled him. I told him to not touch me and his grip went limp. I don’t want to do that to any being.” 
“Keefe, come home. Please. Do it for Sophie.” 
The last part he said was shaky. Great, another time done the Sophie card. A very tempting card. He wanted to grab it. But if it was hard to control. 
“Ok. But I’m not leaving for a few more days though. What day is it?” 
“It’s Monday,” Amy told him. 
“So, I’ll be there on Thursday. The best way to know what going on is to wait. Besides want to get my iPhone before I leave. I want a souvenir. I’ll see later Grady.” 
The imparter clicked and the room went silent. 
“So, you’re leaving,” Amy said through a sigh. 
“Yeah, I’m not sure it was the right choice.” 
== Chapter 23: Sophie ==
“How did you get out?” Dex asked. 
Glimmer smiled under her cloak. “It’s pretty easy to get around when you’re like me. She snapped her fingers letting herself blend in with background perfectly. 
“But why? You helped us,” Sophie said. 
Glimmer sighed. “I guess you’re still going to be behind. Perspectives and choices change. When it comes to the really change. The main reason I actually helped was for Tam. I knew he didn’t want to stay. He became a friend. Now hand the Elelis over and I’ll spare your lives.” 
Lady Gisela grinned. 
Any last ideas? Fitz asked her. 
Not really. We might have one chance though. Right at the moment we hand Elelis to them, we back fire. Sophie told him. 
Are you sure about this? This is risky for all of us. How do you know when? 
Sophie made him look at her in the eyes. 
Trust me on this I know what I’m doing. 
Fitz nodded. Sophie slowly pulled out Elelis from her bag. Glimmer smiled. 
“I guess you’ve come to your senses.” She let out her hand. 
Sophie slowly brought it to her hand. When it was only a few centimeters away she stopped. Go! she mentally yelled. Everyone drawer there weapons. Fitz must’ve transmitted to them and told them the plan. Sandor was still standing by her with grip on his sword. Sophie focused enough energy for two people. Hot red blasted at them out harder than she’d ever done. Sophie looked down. Elelis..... “No!” Sophie yelled. Elelis was crushed to the ground. She belt the ground her eyes welling up, Elelis laying in her palms. 
“Hey, it’ll be ok,” Fitz said. 
“How? This was the only way to help Keefe. He’ll probably never even come back. He wanted me to forget him. I can’t do that though.” 
“You do have another option, Sophie.” Sophie looked up at Fitz. 
“Remember what Flori said about opening an Elelis memory? Well, the healing is separated from the memory. If someone unlocks it, you can find stronger healing. This is hard to do so. The pull of memory is powerful. So you have to find them at the same time. There are two healing parts of Elelis. The outside and the core. We only have the core left.” 
Everyone’s jaw dropped. 
“Flori didn’t tell us that,” Biana said. 
“Oh, yeah, I found something in Dad’s office a few years back.” 
“You sure are a Wonder Boy,” Dex said under his breath. 
“Hey!” Fitz said. Lihn giggled. 
“Are we doing this?” Fitz asked Sophie. 
She quietly nodded. She wasn’t about to give up when she found out she had another chance. A dangerous on for sure. But it was one she was willing to take. Sophie looked at her friends one last time. Then she took her goblin ninja star and cut it right in the core of Elelis. She then let it carry her away.  
== Chapter 24: Keefe ==
“Keefe! For the last time! You don’t take a selfi withe the camera on the front! You tap the reverse button on the screen to turn it over to face you,” Amy said a hour after trying to learn how to use an iPhone. 
“Is it the the thing with the twisty arrow?” Keefe asked. 
“Yes,” Amy said through a sigh. 
“Keefe no. You are not filling your software with a bunch of pictures of you,” Amy groaned. 
“Give me the phone. You don’t even have an iCloud.” 
Amy let her hand out for him to hand it over. 
“Fine,” Keefe grumbled. 
“You’ll get it back once I finish setting it up,” Amy told him walking out of the room. 
Keefe sank into the bed. He thought about Sophie. He missed her. But the longer he was gone the safer it would be, right? He wasn’t so sure anymore. His mind kept wandering to what Grady had said to him before he left to the Forbidden Cities. ‘She’s going to need you for this next part.’ Now he was starting to believe that was true. But how was he going to help? He couldn’t even be around Sophie. Maybe that’s where Amy helping him control his abilities came in. About ten minutes later Amy walked back in the room. 
“Ok, you’re all set up. Now please don’t waste time on this thing. You’re going to need it for the next few days of school. This exam week. I already put the case on.” 
She handed the iPhone to him. Keefe spent about thirty minutes on it before Emily had called him down for dinner. At dinner he thanked Emily and Alex. They were like the parents he could never have. He needed to make these last few days worth it. After dinner he asked Amy if they could start the controlling abilities. They sat on the bed and Keefe thought of what to do first. 
“Ok, I think we should start with the worst first. Which might be controlling people,” Keefe said. 
Amy’s face hinted a paleness. “This’ll be painless. The plan is putting you on a command. Then I go as quickly as possible to get you out of it. Let’s start with step one now, ok?” 
Amy nodded. 
“Quiet,” Keefe muttered closing his eyes. The command quieted Amy’s emotions. Now that he knew what he was doing, he was calm. He wasn’t afraid. He was ready to control his abilities. 
“Louder,” Keefe muttered. This time making Amy’s emotions exactly how they were in the beginning. Amy blinked twice, then looked at him. She smiled. “It worked. I think we’re off to a good start.” They were. They could do this. One step at a time. They might not finish by the time he was back in the Lost Cities, but he would be ready to try again. With everyone. He wouldn’t have to be away from people. All they needed was time and patience. That’s what he should’ve had before with this but didn’t. 
== Chapter 25: Sophie ==
Colors swirled around her mind. Diving deeper and deeper into its mist. The faith she went the closer she was. The tiniest voice in the distance hit Sophie’s mind. The voice became louder. Then she hit a surface. She had found the memory. Sophie set her mind to the voice, or voices. One of the voices she recognized. It was Mr. Forkle. The other was a male voice that seamed familiar, but Sophie couldn’t get her head around it. 
“You know of how this’ll go,” the man said. 
“I know, but this is our only chance. You have to turn,” Mr. Forkle said. 
“No! You can’t make do this. I need to stay.” 
“You’ll be too noticeable. If she sees you in the future, which she will. We can’t let you be apart of this.” 
“Don’t, please. This has been my life please don’t pull me away from it.” 
“I’ll give one other option, but this is risky. If she finds out who you are, it’s over,” Mr. Forkle told him. 
“Anything, please.” 
“Hide. Go to them. Stay with them. Learn how to work with them. Make them think everything you do it for them. Let them know that you are most trusted. Then every night come tell what is happening on the inside. The hardest thing will be is that you’ll be against her. It’ll hurt. I know you care. I will do everything in my power to keep her safe. Once this is all over, she’ll have the truth of where she comes from.” 
Then the voices shattered. The memory ended and everything went silent. About a minute later, the mist showed up again. It pored onto her like rain. Sophie still didn’t know exactly what the memory meant, but it was for her. She thought for a moment. Then it came to her. She would be the one to heal Keefe. The mist would heal him. And the mist was her.
== Chapter 26: Keefe ==
That night Keefe couldn’t sleep. His dreams disturbed him. The piercing cries of screaming rang through his head. Keefe gritted his teeth covering his ears with the his pillow. It was no use though. He decided to get out of bed and get some fresh air. Keefe opened the window and climbed to the roof. Keefe tucked I his feet, rapping his arms around them. Closing his all he could hear was peaceful sounds of the nocturnal animals. Keefe felt like a little kid again, but not the bad memories. The good ones. It let him go back to the i innocent times. Tomorrow was Wednesday. He would have to leave this life and go back to his old one. Keefe knew he didn’t belong here. But what if he didn’t belong in the Lost Cities? What if he didn’t belong anywhere? What if controlling his abilities didn’t work? The negative thoughts made Keefe’s heart ache. He mentally told himself to not think of any more bad thoughts. Keefe climbed back down into the bedroom. Keefe fell asleep this time. He still wondered of why he had the dreams that kept him awake. Was it a sign of something? He didn’t know, but for now he just needed to cherish the rest of the time he had in the Forbidden Cities. The next morning Keefe got ready for his last day of human school. Keefe put phone into his empty school bag and carried it downstairs. Amy soon came down after with the heaviest backpack he had ever seen. She had dark shadows under her eyes that reminded Keefe of Sophie. It always worried him about how tired Sophie always was. 
“You ok Amy?” Keefe asked her. 
Amy yawned. “Uh, yeah I’m fi- The rest of her words were cut off by another big yawn. 
“How long where you up sweety?” Emily asked. 
“Um, maybe til 3:00 AM,” Amy answered. 
“Oh, no. We are not going to school without some more rest. I’ll tell them that you’ll be coming in late,” Emily said. 
“Thanks *yawn* Mom,” Amy said then walked towards Keefe. 
“Good luck on your last *yawn* day.” 
Then slowly walked back upstairs. 
“Huh that’s weird it’s like Amy knew that you were leaving,” Alex said. 
“What?” Keefe asked. 
“Well, the foster care association called today to tell that they have found one of your lost family members,” Alex told him. 
“Well, um, that’s great,” Keefe said. 
Keefe already knew it was Grady who probably would be the lost family member and was going to pick him up tomorrow. 
“Thank you for having me,” Keefe said. 
“It’s our pleasure,” Emily said giving him a warm smile. 
Alex and Emily came over and hugged him. And for the first time sense he’d gotten his new abilities, the fiscal contact didn’t hurt him. Keefe’s eyes watered. He wished it could never end. He was really going to miss them. He was going to miss everything about the short time he lived here. And he would cherish it, forever. When he went to school he told Ella that he would be leaving to meat his lost family member. He then smiled at the thought that the only human friend he made had the name of the funniest elephant. He also got to see Ben through the halls and talked to him for a little bit and told him thanks for bringing him to foster care. The small moments are the best ones to remember. The little talks and laughs in a conversation can change someone. And because of this, he was ready to go home.
== Chapter 27: Sophie ==
“Did you get it?” a voice said once Sophie came back into present. It was Lihn’s voice. Sophie blinked a few times before her clouded eyes began to clear. 
“Um, yeah. Now we should really be going. Wait, where’s Lady Gisela and Glimmer?” Dex grimaced. 
“Yeah, about that...... They kinda ran away when you where doing your thing with Elelis.” Sophie sighed. 
“We’ll worry about that later. Right now we need to get back home. Sandor lead the way.” 
Hey. Fitz said. 
Um, hello. Don’t you think Sandor might be a little low on his game today? 
Yeah, I think he’s disappointed that Grizel wasn’t able to come. 
Fitz smiled. That sure sounds like him. It sure does. I still remember something Keefe had said when he was new to his abilities. I think it was. Something about him being surprised about Sandor having fuzzy feelings. 
Fitz laughed out loud. Which brought people some attention, but they turned away sense they already knew what they were doing. It was nice to have a start over with Fitz. They didn’t have to hide anything now that they didn’t have any dating problems or anything. 
I sure do miss Keefe. Fitz said. Me too. 
Sophie really hoped they’d find Keefe. They’d already had step one of the plan done.
== Chapter 28: Keefe ==
Keefe woke up that morning ready. He had everything packed. Keefe had also found something on his nightstand. It was something called a report card that he would have to bring to his next teachers. He looked at the grades. All A+. He was going to keep that. Keefe dressed himself in normal human clothes. He had stuffed the rest of the clothes in with his Elvin ones. Just in case he had to go back to the Forbidden Cities. He climbed out off the window and onto the roof one last time. Keefe watched the sun rise as he sat there. He breathed morning polluted air. The air wasn’t that bad when you got used to it. He was going to miss this place. Keefe climbed back down and found Amy staring right at him. 
“Were you just on the roof?” Amy asked. 
“No,” Keefe squeaked at a high pitch. His voice gave it away. He used that voice a lot of times when he was nervous or lying. 
“Fine, I was on the roof. Please don’t tell your parents,” Keefe said. 
“Oh, I won’t. But you did wake me up. Why do always wake up so early?” 
“You don’t wake up at sunrise?” Keefe asked. 
“Why would I? It’s five in the morning.” 
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” 
About an hour later Keefe and Amy went downstairs stairs for there last meal together. Emily and Alex were already up making breakfast. 
“Oh, are we having pancakes Mom?” Amy asked. 
“Yes we are. I thought it would be good idea to make a going away breakfast for Keefe.” 
Emily handed out the plates of food to them. Keefe took a bite. It was one of the most delicious human foods he had ever eaten. 
“Do you also want to grab a going away snack? You can choose two things from the pantry,” Emily told him. After he’d eaten, Keefe got up and went to the pantry. Keefe smiled. There was a whole unopened box of elf cookies. He grabbed those and took something called a Coke. Keefe then stuffed them in his backpack too. 
“One of the foster care workers should be here in a few minutes,” Alex said. Keefe took a deep breath and said his goodbyes. 
“Tell Sophie I said and that I love her,” Amy whispered in his ear. 
Keefe smiled and promised her. The door opened right when he was doing his last goodbye hug. Keefe looked up to see Ben. “Hey there kid. Looks like I’m bringing back,” he said. Keefe laughed not even caring that he’d called him ‘kid’. “
It’s good to see you too Ben,” Keefe said. 
“You ready to go?” Ben asked. 
“Yeah, I am.” 
Keefe looked at Amy and her parents one more time and gave them a little wave bye. Then he closed the door. Ben drove back to the foster care station. And the person who was picking him up was something Keefe had not expected.
== Chapter 29: Sophie ==
When they had gotten back to Havenfield, it was dark out. Sophie said bye to everyone. Fitz stayed behind. 
“Is there anything else you need?” he asked. 
“No. Just that I have to figure out a way to help Keefe control his abilities,” Sophie said. 
“What do you mean?” 
“Well, it’s all really complicated of how I the source. But the thing is......the source went into me.” 
“Yep, you were right. None of that makes sense to me. I’m too tired right now to think about it. If you need anything you can transmit.” 
Fitz said goodbye with a mix of a lot of yawning. Sophie was ready to go to bed. When she came in Edaline asleep at the kitchen table. There was food set out on the table. Sophie tried to be as quiet as she could to not wake her up. She knew Edaline needed the rest. After Sophie had eaten, she walked upstairs to find Grady. Sophie peeked in his office and searched the rest of the house to see where he could be. He was probably on a late assignment. Sophie decided to call it a day. She did her nightly shower, slipped some plain pajamas, and crawled into bed. She stared at the ceiling thinking about what she was going to do with the ‘source.’ She didn’t know how she was going to do anything of this. But for now this was all she could do.
== Chapter 30: Keefe ==
What! Why was he here? Out of all people it had to be his dad. Keefe glared at his father. Did Grady tell him? 
“Well, it was nice to meet you kid,” Ben said. Keefe turned around and smiled at him. 
“It was nice meeting you too Ben.” 
Ben patted him on the back and waved goodbye. When they were out of ear range his dad said. 
“You seem surprised.” 
Keefe said nothing. 
“Well, if you aren’t going to say anything I’ll say it for you. Yes, Grady told me about what happened. Grady had an assignment to do. I had to step in for him. I’m not bringing you home. I’m bringing you to Havenfield.” 
Keefe raised his eyebrows. Havenfield? He was going to Havenfield now? Would Sophie be there? Keefe didn’t know. But whatever was happening in his mind right now, was getting kind of mushy. 
“Yes, well, if you want get back now is the time. I can’t stand these human clothes.” 
Keefe followed him not want to and his dad raised his pathfinder. And at the blind of an eye they were in Havenfield. It was dark outside so maybe Sophie was asleep. There was light still in a few rooms. Keefe followed his Lord Cassius to the front door. He knocked. On the other side was Grady. “What is it?” a voice said in the distance which must’ve been Edaline. “Um, nothing,” he answered. His eyes went wide and he pointed his thumb left. Keefe knew what the gesture meant and nodded. Grady closed the door. Keefe went to the back door followed by Lord Cassius. Keefe peaked through the window to see Grady trying to convince Edaline to go to bed. He eventually got her to leave and gestured them to come in. 
“Oh my, that was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Grady said when Keefe closed the door behind him. 
His dad had left which meant he was going to be picked up in the morning. 
“It sure looked like it,” Keefe said. He still wasn’t sure if it was safe to do long talking around elves. Humans were a different situation. 
“You‘ll be staying the night. I did a small deal with your father,” Grady told him. 
Keefe nodded. Grady was about to bring him to the room he would be staying in, but then they heard a voice. 
“Dad, who are you talking to? Mom is already asleep,” the groggy voice of Sophie said. Keefe’s eyes went wide. “Um, I was talking to myself,” Grady told her. 
“We both know you weren’t doing that,” Sophie said walking down the stairs. 
“Keefe?”
== Chapter 31: Sophie ==
(FIVE MINUTE REWIND) About an hour after Sophie had went to bed, still staring at the ceiling. She heard a door shut from downstairs. Sophie assumed it must’ve been Grady back from work, but she wasn’t sure, so she decided to investigate. Walking out into the hallway, Sophie started to hear voices. One was the sound of Grady and the other she wasn’t sure. It seemed so quiet. Sophie called to Grady. He answered with a with a simple reply. Then she walked down the stairs and saw someone she hadn’t seen in a long time. (PRESENT) 
“What! How are you hear? Did you know he was coming and didn’t tell me?”
Sophie said turning to Grady. 
“Yes, um, I knew. I hailed him a few days ago.” 
“What!?” “Maybe Keefe should explain, with words,” Grady said turning to Keefe. 
Keefe looked up from the ground. Nothing about him changed, except the fact that he was wearing jeans and and a jacket with his Bat Man shirt on. It was adorable that he that he’d kept that shirt. Not that she thought of him that way. When she looked closer at his face he noticed it was very pale. Oh no. She probably was making him nauseous from her emotions. 
Keefe closed his eyes and peeped,”Hi.” He opened his eyes to see if something happened. Nothing did. She felt completely fine. 
“Um, you know the letter I sent you,” Keefe said his voice almost at a whisper. 
“Well, um, Grady cot me in your room (pause) and I’m going to skip ahead (pause) and he gave me an imparter (pause) in case of emergencies (pause) then he called me about a week after I had been (pause) in the Forbidden Cities (pause) and told to come home (pause) my dad picked me up (pause) and here I am now,” Keefe breathed out at the end. 
“And Keefe will be staying with us for the night,” Grady said. 
“What?” Sophie said. 
“Um, yeah my dad dropped me off,” Keefe said. 
“Could you show him to his room? I need some sleep. It’s been a long day,” Grady said. 
“Ok, good night, Dad,” Sophie said. Keefe followed her upstairs. When they stopped at the door Keefe looked at her. 
“I’m sorry,” he said. 
“It’s ok,” Sophie told him. 
“No it’s not (pause) I know I hurt you.” 
“No, really, it’s fine.” 
“Well, good night.” Then Keefe quietly closed the door. This sure was a strange day.
== Chapter 32: Keefe ==
The next morning went by fast. He hadn’t unpacked anything, so just decided to leave. By jumping out the window. He didn’t want to see Ro or his dad yet, so he took the time to see Dex. Keefe leaped to Rasmire (I don’t know if I spelled it right) and climbed up to Dex’s room to see if he was there. Keefe had learned how to climb high and steep obstacles during his time with Neverseen. It was one of Alvar’s ‘survival skills.’ Keefe peaked through the window to Dex twiddling with one of his gadgets on his desk. Keefe quietly opened the window. He needed to settle things with him. The burst of emotions fell on him. It knocked him off guard and he tripped in the room with a thump. Dex turned around. 
“Keefe!” Dex exclaimed. Keefe did a shushing gesture and pointed downstairs. Dex nodded. “What are you doing here?” he asked. Keefe cleared his throat changing the tone of his voice. 
“I came (pause) to talk to (pause) you about (pause) what happened (pause) I really didn’t (pause) mean to make (pause) you feel that (pause) way of what (pause) I said about (pause) Rex,” Keefe said almost at a whisper. 
“It’s fine. We know that he’s not,” Dex said looking away for a moment to wipe his watery eyes. “Well, what happened to you,” Dex breathed out. 
He looked at the clothes Keefe was wearing. Keefe grimaced. 
“Well, for the past few weeks I’ve been living in the Forbidden Cities. Oh I also got this,” Keefe said pulling his phone out of his pocket. 
“Wow, it looks like Sophie’s iPod but bigger. What is it?” Dex asked. 
“It’s an iPhone. To be exact, and iPhone 12,” Keefe answered. 
“Amazing, I read about them in the tech archives.” 
“There are tech archives?” Keefe asked. 
“Yes, there very are. From all the intelligent species,” Dex replied. 
“Where were you last night? Did you just come here, or have you already been here for a while,” Dex asked.
“Um, well (pause) I was picked up by my dad(pause) who dropped me off at Havenfield. (Pause) Grady had seen me when (pause) I was leaving the note for Sophie (pause) and we made a deal (pause) and a lot more things happened (pause) so I’m just going fast forward (pause) Sophie came in when we where talking (pause) last night (pause) and I stayed the night at (pause) there house (pause) and here I am here talking to you.” Dex had his eyebrows raised. “I gotta say, you’ve been speaking a lot better,” Dex noted. “Yeah, it’s easier with humans (pause) they don’t have abilities (pause) and that’s one of the reasons (pause) why I can do full on conversations. (Pause) Abilities are a big part of it,” Keefe told him. 
“Huh, that’s interesting. We should probably bring you to Elwin’s so you can have Elelis,” Dex said. 
“Elelis?” 
“A very powerful gnome pant that can literally heal almost anything. Including untainted abilities we’ve never seen before. Sophie has it so we’ll have to do it later,” Dex said. 
“Ok, well, I have to go deal with Ro and my dad now. Bye,” Keefe said and jumped out the window.
== Chapter 33: Sophie ==
This day sure was going to be was going to me eventful. Today she was going to heal Keefe. The Council heard about the plan and ordered the healing the it to be done quickly as possible. Sophie walked into the Healing Center to find the whole Council, Elwin, Livvy, all her friends, and Ro who was still grumbling at Keefe for leaving. Sophie sat at the end of the bed Keefe was laying in. 
“You ready for this?” Sophie asked him. Keefe nodded. 
“Miss Foster, what is the process of the healing?” Councilor Emery asked. 
“Well, the process starts with Keefe having his mind completely open. No memories can be hidden,” Sophie said. 
At this, Keefe’s face was full of worry and shock. Sophie wasn’t sure why though. She knew he had secrets, but she could keep them to herself. There was no way that there was something really personal in his mind, could there be? Sophie followed on saying the rest of the process,”Then I will enter the core of his mind and use Elelis. And the healing will be complete, but he might need to rest for a bit before walking around again.” 
At that note the Council let them go to the proceedings. 
Keefe looked up at her. He lowered his voice,”Whatever you see in there (pause) I want to here your word that you won’t tell anyone.” Sophie nodded. 
“I want to here a promise.” 
“I promise I won’t tell anyone. So should we start?” 
Keefe nodded, taking a big breath. Keefe looked into her eyes one last time before he closed them. Sophie put her fingers to his temples. Keefe flinched at her touch, but soon settled again. Sophie slowly entered his mind. She saw clips of his parents yelling at him. Imagines of dreams appeared. Figures of her friends appeared. She saw images of her sister and parents. She missed them. Sophie went in deeper, finding more thoughts than memories. Keefe’s mental voice rang through her head. What was I thinking. There’s no way this’ll work. I miss her so much. She needs to realize of how amazing she truly is. Those few weeks changed my life. Sophie swam through thoughts still going deeper and deeper. The heart of memories, thoughts, and even some feelings. Then she saw images of her. She hadn’t seen any of her so far. Why was she all the way here? She saw the memory of the first day she met Keefe. It was interesting to see a part of her life in someone else’s perspective. So many small touching memories of her and Keefe appeared. But one memory caught her. It was the memory of Keefe writing the letter to her. She watched while he wrote. When he came to the closing he stopped. He leaned back for a moment. Then he wrote what she had remembered the closing was. ‘Love, Keefe.’ Why would’ve he had stopped for a moment. He loved her as a friend, right? Now she wasn’t so sure anymore. But this wasn’t the time for thinking about something like this. Sophie finally went to the core. She harnessed the power of Elelis, passing it to Keefe’s mind. The healing was complete. She slowly drove away from Keefe’s mind. Sophie opened her eyes. 
“So?” Councilor Alina asked. 
“The healing is finished,” Sophie told them. She looked back at Keefe. Now it was her turn to take a deep breath.
== Chapter 34: Keefe ==
Everything was blurry when he finally opened his eyes. When his eyes focused he could see a set of warm sweet brown eyes. Sophie turned away when he looked at her. Was this how it was going to be? Was Sophie now going to ignore him? He didn’t know. Keefe sat up. 
“How long have I been asleep,” Keefe asked noticing his voice and tone sounded normal again. 
“You’ve been asleep for three hours. How do you feel?” Sophie answered. 
“Great actually. No emotions going haywire. Wait....” I climbed out of bed and stood in front of Sophie. Keefe looked down at her. He softly hugged her. Nothing happened. He was fixed. Then unknowingly, Sophie gave a tight hug back. 
“I missed you,” she mumbled against his shoulder. Keefe’s heart flipped upside down at the way she was acting. He laid his head on her shoulder. He did this sometimes to show that he really cared in hugs. He didn’t do this often, but for this he needed to. 
“Aw, so cute. Are having Foster-Hunkyhair snuggle time?” the voice of Ro entered the room. Keefe grumbled and let go of Sophie. He turned around to face the Ogre princess. Nothing had changed of her except her hair, it was now a mix of pink and orange. 
“Maybe we should talk some other time?” Keefe asked Sophie. 
“Um, yeah,” she said not leaving eye contact. When their eyes broke apart she walked awkwardly out of the Healing Center. Keefe knew she’d missed him. He could see it in her face and in heart. It made him feel good. And because of this thought, he knew he was ready.
== Chapter 35: Sophie ==
After she had left the Healing Center she went to class. Foxfire was still going. Her teachers had all given her a pass for as long as the school day went. They knew the process of Keefe’s healing was important to her. She looked at the time. Study Hall was about to end which meant the day was about to be over. So Sophie just decided to go home. When she got home Sophie sat on her bed in silence. She kept thinking of how it had felt touching Keefe again. It felt like miracle. She was relieved the he was ok. It was nice to hug him again. She wasn’t sure about the way he felt about her, but for now she was happy he was ok. About a hour later of doing nothing her imparter rang. Keefe’s image appeared on the screen. 
“Um, is there any chance I could come over right now?” Keefe asked. 
“Yeah, you can come over now if you want,” Sophie answered. 
“Thanks,” Keefe said and the imparter clicked. And sure enough Keefe  was already standing under the Panacakes.
== Chapter 36: Keefe ==
He was ready to do this. He had to be. He was going to tell her. The only thing that he had to worry about, if she said no. Keefe flinched at the thought. No, he wasn’t going to stop this time. He was not going to hide or be afraid anymore. Keefe had already went to Havenfield when Sophie said it was ok to come. A few minutes later he saw her walking up to where he stood under the Panacakes. Sophie’s warm brown eyes followed him. Keefe breathed. 
“What was it like in my mind fully?” Keefe asked. 
“Different,” was all she said. 
“Did you get anything about of how it was built?” 
Sophie shook her head. 
“I don’t get why the memories of me are separated.” 
Heat rose on Keefe’s face. He didn’t know what to say. Why was he so bad at this? “Um, I don’t know. Um, maybe it’s just how it was.” 
Keefe was running out of ideas. And then Sophie grabbed his wrist. 
“What are you doing?” Keefe asked. 
“Checking to see if you’re lying,” Sophie said. 
“What?” 
“Oralie told me if an Empath’s pulse skips three beats they’re lying. Your’s just.” 
“What?” Keefe said trying to cover it up. 
“Please tell me. I promise I won’t tell anyone.” 
“It’s just not anyone though, Sophie. It’s you,” Keefe told her. 
“What?” 
“It’s always been you, Sophie. Ever since day one. I care about you more than anything. And I really like. More like love you. And now that I’m thinking about it this, I really sound sappy. Maybe because of how long. Or maybe that’s because you’re my first crush.” 
On that note he had to breath. Then he looked up at her. “I’m sorry for flashing this all out on you, but I had to,” Keefe said taking her hand. 
“You really love me?” Sophie asked. 
“Yes, I really do,” Keefe said. And with out thinking he kissed her.
== Chapter 37: Sophie ==
Well this is the weirdest day she'd ever had in her life. She sure didn't suspect anything about Keefe kissing her. The kiss wasn't awkward like how it was with Dex. It felt ok. Well, it  more felt like it was good. First kiss that wasn't awkward. There was a tiny side of Sophie's mind that was doing a little victory dance. Which felt weird thinking that, but this day was already weird as it was. After it was over the two stared at each other. Sophie helps laugh by the fact that Keefe was flustered. And by meaning flustered, full on fire red hot. 
“What? Did I do something?" Keefe asked shakily. 
“No, you did nothing wrong, but have you looked at your face? I think this is your lucky day, because Sophie Foster has accomplished the goal of making Keefe Sencen fluster as hot as a chili pepper,” Sophie told him. 
“No! That's not possible," Keefe said looking some how dumbfounded and impressed at the same time. Which gave away the fact that he was be sarcastic. Sophie could also see him smiling at the corner of her of her eye. Sophie's face softened. 
“Did you mean those things you said about me?” Sophie asked. 
Keefe expression turned into a warm smile. One that she only saw occasionally. Sophie finally realized what he used it for. 
“Yes, I truly meant what I said. I don't regret it. It was time,” Keefe said taking her hand. 
“Is the only thing you held back on, or are you hiding other things in that mind of your's?" Keefe shrugged. 
“Probably not, but if there is I'll tell you or you'll find out it it on your own costs. I'm not going to hide things from you. I hated making you feel like you didn't trust me sometimes.” 
“We'll go along as we go.” 
Then her mind wandered to something. She then felt a feeling like it was always there. One that she never saw until now. It was a feeling that was mirrored and now it was cleared. She could see it, but she needed to say what she felt. Sophie then whispered four simple but strong words. 
“I love you too.”
Keefe looked up at her with watery eyes. He then pulled her into a hug. Sophie held onto, still holding his hand with her other. Sophie knew this was going to last. She could feel it. When it was time for Keefe to go home when it became dark, Keefe kissed her on the cheek. Then a few moments later, Sophie could the sound of Grady's grumbling voice right before Keefe raised his pathfinder. 
== Chapter 38: Keefe ==
You've got to be kidding. Why did this have to happen now? Right when he'd just got the girl he had a crush on forever? Scratch that, why should he be thinking about this. Life already hated him, but one good thing came out of that. Ugh, him and his sappy emotions. It was hard being an Empath. For many reasons that could be explained later. For now he had to worry about the fact that Sophie's mom and dad were standing in front of him. Keefe looked at the opposite looking expressions staring down at him. Edaline was doing her face she'd usually do when she thought something was sweet or romantic. Grady on the other hand, was doing his evil glare he had made just for him. That glare haunted his nightmares. Keefe shivered at the thought, which made everyone look over at him weirdly. No one was talking yet, so it was just odd. 
“Well, I think the simplest thing to say is that me and Keefe are dating now,” Sophie said nervously. 
Keefe was surprised she was actually keeping most of herself together. Keefe was about to explode from all the stares and had the idea of going into hiding. Keefe also couldn't believe they were a 'thing' now. This day was getting weirder and weirder. Grady looked down at him. Keefe did a nervous smile at him. But then Grady's face softened. 
“I give approval of this,” he said through a sigh. 
Keefe was suprised of his words, but decided not to think about it too hard. Everyone now looking at Edaline. She looked like she was trying to hold the biggest smile. Which in that case, meant a yes. Keefe breathed a sigh of relief. The day he had been afraid of for so long had finally came. He would love Sophie the way he had always wanted to. Problem one was accomplished, problem two still needs to be done.Defeated the Neverseen, which he still hasn't seen that day to come. 
== Chapter 39: Sophie ==
It had been three weeks sense Keefe had came back. Still no sign of the Neverseen. No assignments for them. Nothing. Sophie was getting impatient. Keefe met up with her that afternoon. They talked about how there was no course of action right now. Keefe was also over waiting. Sophie knew how much Keefe wanted to take action. Mr. Forkle came a hour later with news. 
“You will be going to one of the Neverseen' s wear houses. Some one will already be waiting for you.” Then he should us where the wear house was and he was gone. 
“Is it true that you burned down one of these?” Keefe said, “I wasn't sure when Grady told me.” 
Sophie's cheeks heated. "Yeah, it's true," she mumbled. 
“Sorry if I was making you uncomfortable,”Keefe told her. 
“It's ok. You don't have to keep saying sorry about everything,” Sophie said. 
“I know, I just don't want to see you hurt,” Keefe said. 
She and Keefe had been dating for three weeks now. When they told her friends, none of them were surprised. But Biana did do a creepy 'I told you so look.' When has she ever talked about if she liked Keefe? Whatever it was it was making her uneasy. Sophie and Keefe kept walking up. Sophie heard to voices, one was pretty clear while the other was weak and stifled. She could hear one of them shushing the other while one began to walk. As the foot steps came closer, the more Sophie wondered who it was. And the the face she saw that came up to her almost knocked her off her feet. “Come,” Gethen said, “We have much to discuss.”
== Chapter 40: Keefe ==
Oh what a shocker. Meeting a member of the Neverseen that maybe part of the Black Swan. Well, they'd defiantly Fostered it this time. Keefe looked at Gethen's  expression, it was a mix nervousness and anxiousness. Keefe wondered why he looked like that. He was hiding something. And whatever it was, they were going to find out what it was. "I know what your thinking. This is some sort of plan. But that's not what it looks like. I'll tell the story,” Gethen said. Gethen sat on one the boxes behind him. 
“I guess you already know part of the story, Sophie,” Gethen said looking at her. 
Keefe looked at so was white as snow. 
“Would you like to tell what you heard,” Gethen said. 
Sophie gulped, “When I was in the Elelis memory, I heard things. One voice was Mr. Forkle and the other,” Sophie looked at Gethen”,Was Gethen.” 
Keefe jaw dropped,”Are you saying?” 
Keefe was so confused he couldn’t finish his sentence. 
“Well, that covers half. The truth is I’ve been a double side for as long a Project Moonlark started. The memory Sophie saw was a conversation I had with Mr. Forkle about agreeing to the process. I know I talk about a she in that conversation, but that is for another day. Right now we should help your former friend from dying,” Gethen then said standing up to show a unconscious, feeble Alavar slouched in the corner.
== Chapter 41: Sophie ==
 Sophie had almost fainted at the site of Alvar. Luckily Keefe was there to make sure she didn’t stumble. “He’s still alive?” Keefe said.
“Yes, and I’d hope you’d help the that actually saved your lives,” Gethen said. 
Sophie was confused as Keefe, but for now they did what he had asked. They tried everything to keep him breathing, but it was no use. He had heaved his last breath and it had almost looked like he was trying to say something. It was like he’d mouthed the words ‘I’m sorry’. What was he sorry for. They knew he’d done some things wrong, but Sophie didn’t think he’d be sorry about dying. When she and Keefe found him in Candleshade, he had said that he wanted to dye alone. Everything was going haywire in her mind right now. Keefe could feel it too, then rapped an arm around her. Gethen on the other hand, looked devastated. Gethen closed Alvar’s eyes and leaned slowly back, rubbing his temples. “Is something wrong? Why are you upset about this? Alvar wanted to pass on his own. What in the world is the point of being here?” Sophie said. 
“He’s some of the last of my family. Now I only have a nephew and niece.”
== Chapter 42: Keefe ==
“What?” Keefe and Sophie said in unison. 
“Um, yes,” Gethen said scratching his head. 
“I am Alden’s step brother. His father died and his mother remarried. It’s seems unnatural, but no one found out that my mother was married with him. It was only about three years after he was born.” This day was getting weirder by the moment. Keefe thought this a lot, but it was true. 
“Can you just explain everything? You said you would tell us,” Sophie said looking impatient. 
“Yes, right,” Gethen said, “But first you might want to come see this.” 
They followed Gethen further into the wear house and showed thousands of ancient Elven ruins. 
“This was the work of your father,” Gethen said. 
Sophie’s eyes widened. 
“He was one of the most powerful ever,” Gethen muttered stepping forward touching the carved ruins. Sophie had a face that said the look like, How old is he? Keefe couldn’t blame her. But if she was as amazing as she was she couldn’t get all of it from the Black Swan, right? What were these ruins? Keefe didn’t know, but whatever it was he could feel this could help Sophie finally know about her past.
== Chapter 43: Sophie ==
“Follow me,” Gethen said. 
Sophie stepped forward. Keefe followed her but Gethen stopped him. 
“I’m sorry Keefe, but Sophie has to do this on her own.”
Keefe looked a little disappointed, but Sophie knew he understood. I’ll be ok. Sophie told him. Gethen pulled out a neon green crystal and pressed it against the old stone wall. The wall cracked open, letting beams of light into the room. Now by thinking about it this was no Neverseen wear house. Sophie looked back at Keefe one last time and followed Gethen into the light. Sophie felt a different feeling than she usually did in light leaping. It was very unusual. Sophie didn’t hold anybody’s hand or concentrate. It was all the lights work. When Sophie could finally see again, the greenery around her was unreal.  It was the most magnificent place she’d ever been. And that’s saying a lot compared to what Sophie already saw back home. The most beautiful forest stood in front of her. 
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Gethen said. 
“It really is. Where are we?” 
Gethen smiled. It was so unusual to see Gethen like this. So it seemed he was on both sides. But he had a warm happy feeling too. “This is the place our founders first set foot on,” Gethen said with almost a dreamy smile. 
“Why are we hear?” 
“This is the place where you will find your answers. The place you will finally know who your gather truly is,” Gethen said. 
“Yes, that’s right. Isn’t this exciting,” a deep voice said from behind them.
== Chapter 44: Keefe ==
Keefe was getting tired of waiting. What was taking them so long. Instead to take his mind off waiting, he tried making himself useful. Keefe looked around the room to see if he could find anything interesting. He kept looking through boxes and boxes. All of them were filled. Why did they need so many of them? For one thing who was them. This place was no Neverseen wear house. For about thirty minutes Keefe searched. He became sore from opening boxes. Nothing. Just all crystals. Soon Keefe fell asleep. He hoped Sophie was doing better than him. (Sry, this ones short)
== Chapter 45: Sophie ==
“Oh,  Zari you’re here,” Gethen said. 
“You must be Miss Foster,” Zari said. He was tall with broad shoulders, piercing light blue eyes, blonde hair that went right under the earlobe, and the pointiest ears Sophie had ever seen. 
“Let me introduce myself. I am Zari , as you already know and I am your uncle.” 
Sophie blinked. How old was her dad then? 
“I know it sounds weird but it’s true. I’m the older brother though.” 
“Um, how old are you exactly?” Sophie asked. 
Zari started to count with his fingers which seemed like no use for how long his ears were. Zari turned to Gethen, who just shrugged. 
“I’m sorry Zari. It’s to long ago to know the math,” Zari sighed, “I think it’s almost around 90,000. Anyway, you father has gone missing for a month,” he started to hesitate.
It looked like Gethen and him were talking telepathically. 
“We’re wondering if you could join the search,” Zari finally said. 
What was wrong if she joined her father’s search party? She was her daughter, wasn’t she? “If I go do you think Keefe could come too?” Sophie asked. Zari turned to Gethen again. Gethen look as saying ‘the boy that came with her.’ It looked like Zari understood. 
“Yes, what Gethen has told me is enough. He is exceptional. He seems to have high quality in his abilities.” 
Sophie nodded. 
Keefe probably would’ve take this as a compliment and an insult. Whatever was happening was weird. Was his father and ancient? She had no idea. She just needed to find out soon.
== Chapter 46: Keefe ==
After Keefe woke up there was still nothing to do. Just nothing. Keefe leaned against the wall. He slightly tapped his head against it. Something started to crumble form behind him. Keefe stood up backing away from the wall. A little hole peered through. Something glowed inside.
“Jackpot,” Keefe said. Then he started to dig. (I’m super frustrated how short this is. I’ll have to deal with it)
== Chapter 47: Sophie ==
“I’m sorry I can’t tell you everything right now, Sophie,” Zari said. 
Oh great, more answers not answered. Sophie thought she would find out more. All she knew was that her dad was missing which seemed like a big deal. So was she supposed to be worried? She didn’t really know. For one thing just like Oralie, he left Sophie on her own. Sophie gritted her teeth in frustration. She was getting tired of no answers fo years. 
“So...what’s the plan? Do we have any idea where he—my dad is?” Sophie asked. 
“We’re not completely sure,” Zari said,”his connection is too far. Our connection has never severed this much before.” 
“Do you think I could try?” 
“I’m not sure. Where do you think you got your telepathy from? The Black Swan?” 
“Are you saying that I got my telepathy from my dad?”
“Yes, he has the strongest mind that has ever been in the Lost Cities. That was on of things about your father. He was exactly like you. He could heal minds, transmit from far distances.” 
“How did no one knows that there’s another telepath that can heal minds?” 
“No one said anything about my brother’s existence. He was born in the Black Swan. They would never bare to tell his true self.” 
“But why?” 
“The world wasn’t ready. The world wasn’t ready for the power. You’re father became too old to show his gift, but then we got an idea. You. A mind built to be exactly the same. The world is still not ready for what you hold, but we can’t wait forever.”
== Chapter 48: Keefe ==
Keefe peeked through the crack in the wall. What was inside had bright yellow glow. A small crystal set on a hard rock podium. What was with all the crystals? Keefe didn’t know, but it was weird. So he decided to look closer. The podium, now by looking closer had old Elvin ruins. Even older than the ones he’d already seen that were ancient. This was from the beginning. This was when it all started. The first writings. Well, of course he didn’t know for sure, but he was pretty sure. This was historical to Elves. Or was it something to be kept hidden? There had to be a reason for why it was hidden in the wall, right?
== Chapter 49: Sophie ==
“So, what do we do now?”
Sophie knew she had said this about a hundred times, but she didn’t know what else but stand there. In fact why were they still standing there doing nothing? 
“Are we going to find my dad?” Sophie asked.
“We will once we get back to Mr. Forkle,” Gethen said. 
“Then why aren’t we going? Is there a hold up?”
“Um, no. I thought you just needed some time to take all this in.” 
“Uh, I think I’m good,” Sophie said sarcastically ,”Do you think I wouldn’t be if I was just staring at the wall doing nothing?” 
“I guess you have a point there.” 
Sophie noticed that Zari was fidgeting. He then slowly followed her after Gethen. She wondered what he was worrying about. But for now all she really wanted to know where and who her dad was.
== Chapter 50: Keefe ==
When Sophie and Gethen came back it sure was weird. Another elf with REALLY pointy ears followed behind them. 
“You ok? This looks like a weird situation,” Keefe whispered to Sophie. 
“Oh, well, that’s my uncle,” Sophie said staring at the ground. 
Keefe’s eyebrows raised. “You serious?” 
Sophie nodded. 
“Can you two please stop talking about him so we can leave?” Gethen said. 
Keefe want to complain, but he had to agree. He had to wait another time to show everyone what he saw in the walls. A few minutes later they were ready to light leap. Sophie uncle, who was named Zari, looked so nervous. Keefe wondered if he was so old that he was here before light leaping was invented. When they were back in Havenfield it was dark outside. Didn’t think they’d be gone this long. 
“Hey, have you wondered why our bodyguards haven’t been around that often?” Keefe whispered to Sophie trying to break the silence. 
“I don’t know. It’s so unusual, sense of all the ‘Burned Down Neverseen Wear House Incident.’ And now that we’re practically in a war,” Sophie answered. 
“I saw something in the walls.” 
“What was it?” 
“Well, what happened was I just kinda accentually made a hole in the wall and it got bigger. Then I saw a glowing crystal on top of this podium with oldest ruins I’ve ever seen!” 
“That might be Zari or something. He’s one of the most powerful elves alive. No wonder I’m freakishly powerful. I get some of it from my dad.” 
“You sure Fostered it this time.” 
“Oh, come and let’s get inside.”
== Chapter 51: Sophie ==
Well, her life was officially a disaster. This was really true because everything was just upside down in her mind. She didn’t know what to do about the dad search, deal with her mom, who will remain nameless, and have no idea what’s going on in a middle of a war. This was just the beginning of her spiral.
== Chapter 52: Keefe ==
Keefe was getting tired of all the waiting. It had also been a crazy few weeks. So he got the point why it was taking a while. For the first time in his life nothing was happening at home. His dad didn’t talk to him and Ro was gone for the for ‘secret family emergency.’ So Keefe could finally be at peace with himself for once. Keefe picked up the iPhone that he got and scrolled through his texting. The screen showed a low battery, but Amy gave him something to charge it. He was a little nervous with human things, but for one thing, he did ride in a car. A few minutes later Keefe’s imparter rang. Sophie’s smiling face appeared on the screen. 
“What are you so excited about?” Keefe asked.
“They found something Keefe, about my dad. We’re bringing the whole gang tomorrow to search, you in?”
“Of course I’d come. Also it’s nice to see that smiling face of yours.”
Sophie’s face got flustered for a second before she said goodbye and hung up. Finally something.
== Chapter 53: Sophie (Upcoming Soon) ==