Not Again! (A Sophitz and Kam fan fiction)

This is a KOTLC fan fiction writen by Fitzphieisback! It is Sophitz, Kam, Dexiana, Wylinh, and Mareluca.
Sophie can't move on from Fitz, even after their disastrous breakup with him at Loanmore. Fitz still loves Sophie and wants to show her that he doesn't care about her being unmatchable. Marella is lesbian and a pyrokinetic. She doesn't know where she is going. Keefe and Tam are rejected and they need to heal their hearts. In this story, lovers are united and torn apart. Life-shaking secrets will be revealed. Can Sophie Foster and her team pull through? 
== Preface ==
No
Not again
They will not win
She will fight
For Dex, Keefe, Biana, Marella, Tam, Linh
For Fitz
Run
Hide
Fight
== Chapter 1 - Sophie ==
Sophie was running. Hiding. She had to stay alive. She couldn't give in. She had to persevere. They were approaching. She wasn't going to make it. It would be the end.
"Got you!" said a sickly voice. A voice bored into Sophie's head. The voice of - 
"Geez Biana! Why do you have to be so good at this?" Sophie said laughing. Biana had just tagged her while they were playing base quest at Everglen. It was just Biana and Sophie since Keefe was in the Healing Center and Fitz-
No. Sophie couldn't think about Fitz. Not without her heart fluttering. Not without her mind going crazy. Then he walked out. Dressed in an elegant teal shirt, black coat, and teal scarf. Her heart fluttered. She couldn't stop herself. Even after her disastrous breakup with him after Loanmore. Then she noticed it.
"Why are you wearing human clothes?" she asked, confuzzled.
"Didn't you get the memo? Forkle is taking us to Amy to restore a memory of her's," said Fitz, and Sophie's heart stopped fluttering immediately.
"What. WHAT?! WHAT DOES HE THINK HE'S DOING TO MY SISTER!!!" she yelled. Fitz stepped closer to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. Sophie blushed.
"Hey. It's going to be fine," he said in a low, comforting voice. Sophie blushed even harder.
"Thank you," she said, whispering as she buried her face into his coat.
"No problem. We have to go," he said to Biana. He raised a blue crystal to the light and they leaped away.
When they got the, Mr. Forkle spotted them and ushered them over. He gestured for them to come inside.
"You kids," he grumbled. "Always late."
"Sorry. Apparently, Sophie didn't get the note you sent because she was at Everglen," said Fitz.
"Sorry," said Sophie, very embarrassed. Then she saw Amy.
"Sophie!" Amy said, rushing over to hug Sophie. Sophie looked at her sister. She was starting to get even more freckles, and she dyed her brown hair with small golden flecks.
"Hey! What's up with the hair?" Sophie said jokingly.
"I dyed it to remind me of your eyes. It was hard to remember the Lost Cities, so I got a lifeline," she said tossing her hair. Tears welled up in Sophie's eyes.
"To get back to buisness, there is one more memory that I need to restore to Amy. Do you remember the day that Gethen tried to take you away?" Forkle said looking at Sophie. Sophie gasped.
"How could I forget?" she said.
"Amy saw that whole thing. I washed it before she could tell anyone. She also saw my brother light leap there," Forkle continued, a tear appearing in his eye when he talked about his late brother. Mr. Forkle touched Amy's forehead and whispered some words. Sophie clung to Fitz as she watched Amy relive that moment. After 375 seconds, she collapsed. Sophie caught her just in time. When she stumbled, Fitz caught her. Sophie went red. Just then, Amy woke up.
"That man. He was part of the Neverseen, right?" she said, shaken to the core.
"Yes. He was. He tried to take me away, but Mr. Forkle saved me," Sophie said.
"I hate to break up this touching moment, but your parents are coming back. We must leave," said Mr. Forkle. Sophie and Amy hugged goodbye. Then Mr. Forkle leaped away. Just as Fitz and Sophie were about to leave, a jogger ran up to them. A jogger with blue, scarecrow-like irises.
"Nice to see you again, Ms. Foster," said Gethen.
== Chapter 2 - Sophie ==
"If you even lay a finger on her, I will use this," said a crisp and heavily accented voice. Sophie whirled around to find Fitz pointing a melder at Gethen. He looked furious.
"Please. Hear me out. I came here because I want to join the Black Swan," he said, beeseeching Sophie and Fitz. They were shocked. 
"Is this some sort of trap?" said Fitz pointing his melder right at Gethen's heart. Gethen panicked.
"N-no! I swear. I know I have done a lot of bad things, and I'm sorry. But you have to understand. The Neverseen are planning something. Something so terrible that I couldn't stand it. Please, let me help you," he said, begging and pleading.
"What happened?" Sophie said, pointing her own melder at Gethen.
"All right! I'll tell you." he said. "I was at one of our bases, when a Neverseen meeting was called. Lady Gisela was on the stage.
'Ladies and Gentleman!' she said. 'Welcome to the dawning of the new age. The Council has ruined our world. We must stop them. Tomorrow, we will launch a series of targeted attacks. Not on the Council, but on humans. They are taking over our planet. It is time we reclaim the world for the elves!' Everyone applauded. Except for me. After the meeting, I took out a leaping crystal and leaped away. The truth is, I have a human wife. I couldn't stand to launch an attack on her and her kind. I want to help you, so that I can keep her safe. Please let me help."
"Okay. Take us to your wife's house," Sophie said, confirming her plan with Fitz. Gethen pulled out a small, cobalt blue leaping crystal. When they reached the house, Sophie gasped. It was-
"Isn't that your house?" said FItz, very confused. Sophie remained silent. She didn't know what was going on. Was Gethen's wife, her mom?
"It's not what you are thinking!" said Gethen hastily. "After your parent's left this house, my wife bought it. I had come back to this house to see if I could try and take you again. When I came, she opened the door. I said that I was a house inspector. She gave me a cup of tea, and we talked for a while. I fell in love with her. We got married a year later. She knows all about elves, so that isn't a problem."
"If this is some sort of trap, you will pay," Sophie said, tapping her head to remind Gethen of her inflicting. Gethen gulped, and opened the door.
"Honey! I'm home! I've brought some visitors too," he said, showing them into the house. A beautiful woman came down the stairs. She had ash brown hair and bright blue eyes. Her belly was swollen. Gethen rushed to her side, and helped her walk down.
"Gethen, you don't need to help me down the stairs," she said, laughing as she did.
"Honey! You're pregnant!" Gethen said. Sophie and Fitz exchanged a look. A half human-half elf baby?
"You're a soon to be father?" said Fitz to Gethen. Gethen smiled proudly.
"I am. That's why I need your help to protect her," said Gethen.
"Gethen. Is there something you haven't been telling me?" she said, side-eyeing Gethen. 
"Natalie, the Neverseen are attacking humans," Gethen said.
"Gethen Alvarez Silvera! Stop hiding things from me!" Natalie said. Sophie and Fitz stifled their laughter.
"Your initials are GAS?" they said in unison. When Gethen nodded, they burst into laughter. So did Natalie.
"Can we get back to the pressing matter at hand?!" he yelled over their laughter. Sophie and Fitz exchanged a look.
"Stay here, and we will tell our leaders. If you are accepted, then our leaders will come here and bring you back. If not, then you'll just stay here," Fitz said. "You also have to freely let Sophie into your mind."
"Alright," he said, and Sophie put her fingers to his temple. She saw the meeting unfold. She saw Gethen hurridely leaping away. She saw Gethen write a letter to Lady Gisela. Sophie narrowed into that last memory.
'Gisela, if you find this letter, then that means that I am gone. Finatan has taken me hostage, and decided to sacrifice me to the Everblaze. This process apparently strengthens his pyrokinesis. Do NOT waste your time trying to find me. I will be dead by the time you come. Do NOT confront Fintan. He will sacrifice you too, and I can't live with the guilt. Take this Wanderling seed, and plant it in our woods. Remember my last words. The Neverseen are villains. Don't fight for them. - Gethen.'
"You wrote a letter to Lady Gisela?!" Sophie said.
"I tried to convince her to stop fighting for the Neverseen. I also wanted to make sure she doesn't come after me." he said.
"We will go get our leaders. If they deem you fit, you may enter the Black Swan," Fitz said, and with those words, Sophie and Fitz leaped away.
== Chapter 3 - Sophie ==
Gethen paced around the living room. He couldn't do it. He couldn't face her and tell her what he was. Then he saw Natalie rubbing her pregnant belly. Gethen softened at seeing that. He had to tell Sophie what he was to her. Just as he thought about it, Sophie leaped there.
"Mr. Forkle said that if you tell me what you are to me, then he will let you in," she said, her arms crossed. She tapped her foot impatiently. Gethen gulped.
"I- I- I don't know if I can," he said, threading his hand through his hair.
"Then you can forget about joining the Black Swan and keeping your wife safe," Sophie replied, still crossing her arms.
"Fine. I'll tell you. It all started 20 years ago. I was Beacon of the Silver Tower. Back then I went as Master Ikutosen. A group of teachers approached me during a staff meeting. They told me about a group called the Black Swan. They said that it was a revolutionary group that wanted to fix the problems that the Council was ignoring. I liked that idea, so I joined them. I became close friends with your leader, Mr. Forkle. We became best friends. We shared everything with each other. One day, the Collective assigned me, as their most skillful operavtive, to inflitrate the Neverseen. I decided that I would join the Neverseen, but as a double agent. Soon, I was too emmersed in the Neverseen to continue working for the Black Swan. I defected and joined the Neverseen, but not before I finished one final job-" he stopped talking. 
"Tell me already!" Sophie yelled. "Stop trying to hide this!" 
"I can't. This- No- I can't-," said Gethen, stumbling over his words.
"JUST TELL ME ALREADY!" she screamed. Gethen sat down and put his hands over his eyes. Natalie wrapped an arm around his waist.
"Just tell her already Gethen," Natalie said soothingly.
"Before I tell you, can I ask who your biological mother is?" he said nervously. Sophie looked confused.
"Why-?" she started.
"Just tell me please. I need to know," he begged. Sophie looked at him, and a look of pity flitted across her face.
"Councillor Oralie," she said, feeling quite uncomfortable. Sophie rubbed her arm as Gethen blanched.
"Your mother is- Councillor Oralie?" he said, almost gagging. Sophie got mad and slapped him across the face.
"Get your hands off of my husband!" Natalie screamed, as she got up.
"Honey! What's going on?" Gethen yelled, as he rushed to Natalie's side.
"I'm going into labor!" she said screaming in pain. Sophie's eyes widened, as she grabbed out her imparter and hailed Elwin.
"Sophie! What is going on?" said Elwin as Sophie began to run.
"Elwin! Gethen's wife is going into labor!" said Sophie, trying to teleport.
"Gethen's wife?" he said, shocked.
"I'll explain later. Get all the supplies you need for a human birth. I'll teleport you here," said Sophie.
"A human birth!" he yelled. Sophie nodded, and he got ready. Sophie quickly teleported to Foxfire. There, she grabbed Elwin, and teleported back. There, they got ready for the birth. Natalie was screaming in pain. Elwin set out some towels and a bowl of water. Sophie sent soothing waves to calm Natalie down using her inflicting. Natalie yelled and screamed. Gethen was hurriedly pacing around. Natalie's screams echoed across the walls. As the baby slowly emerged, Sophie looked away and gagged. Gethen kept squeezing Natalie's hand. As Sophie saw the obvious love between them softened her heart.  Sophie channeled the energy of her happy memories, and positively inflicted on Natalie. A smile slowly appeared on Natalie's face. Her screams softened until there was only quiet weeping. Elwin cleaned of the baby, and presented it to the couple. They cried together, holding and kissing their baby.
"He's a boy," Elwin said softly.
"I will name him- Elwin. After the physician that helped him into this world," said Natalie. Gethen nodded his approval. Elwin was so touched that tears began to appear in his eyes.
"Hello little Elwin. Say hi to your big sister," Gethen said, handing the baby to Sophie.
"Big- Sister?" Sophie said, almost losing her breath.
"Half sister really," said Natalie, smiling at Gethen, who began to cry.
"That means-" Sophie said looking at Gethen.
"Yes Sophie. I'm- your father," he said.
== Chapter 4 - Sophie ==
"M- My- My fa- My father?" said Sophie, stumbling on a floor tile. A pair of strong arms caught her. She caught a pair of ice-blue eyes, and her face went red as she realized who was holding her.
"Whoa there Foster!" said a snarky voice. She turned around to see Keefe smirking.
"Keefe? What in the world are you doing here?" she said, backing away, and tripping yet again. This time it was her da- No. Gethen didn't deserve that title. Not after everything he had done to her.
"Get away from me!" she screamed. She couldn't take it. Keefe, Gethen, the echoes. She began to feel light headed.
"Foster, are you alright?" Keefe said. Sophie got dizzy and the monster came back. She knew that it was lurking in the shadows and now it was striking.The darkness enveloped her, taking her down. She was so dizzy, so scared, so tired. She couldn't hold on. All that kept her grounded was a pair of beautiful blue eyes. She couldn't remember the color. Ice blue? Teal maybe?  She held onto those eyes. They were her lifeline. They were all she had left. Slowly she opened her eyes and began to take in her surroundings. She was sitting in a cot, in a room that looked so familiar, yet so new.
"Foster?" said a voice. Foster. Foster.. What was that name? It felt familiar somehow. Something triggered in her brain. Sophie. Her name was Sophie Foster. All of her memories came rushing back. She was Sophie Foster, the Moonlark. She had to defeat the Neverseen. She was in the- the- Healing center! Just then, a man with grey-blue eys, and a slightly off face came into the room.
"Elwin?" she said shakily.
"Sophie, you are experiencing some temporary memory loss. Drink this elixer," Elwin said, handing her a teal elixer. She drank it, and immediately her head cleared right up. Then her right hand started aching. Elwin put on his glasses.
"What is happening to me Elwin?" Sophie asked.
"Your echoes are stirring again," Elwin said. "I'll call Flori." 
"I heard about the echoes," said Flori, and she started to sing. The warm, rich, earthy melody sunk into her hand and head. It soothed her echoes and they faded away. The darkness enveloped her again, but this time, it seemed kinder somehow. She slept the echoes away. Soon enough, she woke up to a pair of ice blue eyes. Keefe.
"Sophie. Are you all right?" he said, looking very worried.
"I'm fine Keefe," she said, taking his hand. "Really."
"I'll always love that about you. The fact that you always say you're fine, even when you're really not. That and the face you keep trying to lie to the Empath," he said laughing. She squeezed his hand. She loved his laugh. He was her friend. Her amazing, caring friend. Never more or less.
"Thank you Keefe," she said. "For helping me through this."
"Sophie. I couldn't stand looking at you like that, and not knowing the truth," Keefe said, leaning closer to her. "Sophie, I- I love you!"
"Keefe, I-" she started, but before she could finish what she was saying, Keefe leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. Sophie let out a muffled scream. She didn't mean for him to kiss her! She was going to say that he was just a friend to her. She tried to pull away, but she was pinned to the cot.
"Well then, how are you two lovebirds doing," a crisply accented voice said. Keefe pulled away, and Sophie looked at Fitz's broken and betrayed face.
"Fitz-" Sophie started.
"I don't want to hear it," he said. "You two are obviously going out."
"No! It's not like that!" Sophie said. "He said he loved me and kissed me. We are not going out. Please Fitz."
"Is that really how it is?" said Keefe. He looked really hurt.
"Keefe, you're my friend," said Sophie. "I don't really want you as more than that.'
"I see," said Keefe. He walked out of the room. Fitz came to Sophie's cot.
"So you really don't love him?" he said.
"I don't Fitz, I- I love someone else," she said blushing hard. She took his hand. She leaned closer to him and pressed her lips to his. The best part was that Fitz didn't even try to pull away. He just kissed her back harder. She lied in his embrace. His lips were so soft and warm. His arms were strong and steady.
"I won't let you go," he whispered. "Not again."
"I've missed you," Sophie replied, burying herself in his warm embrace.
"Me too," said Fitz, kissing her forehead. They laid there for sometime, just accepting the fact of each other's presence.
"Fitz. I have to tell you something," she said, starting to tear up.
"Hey. Don't cry. You can tell me anything," said Fitz, comforting her.
"It's about Gethen. He's- He's- my- He's my biological dad," she blurted. Fitz took a sharp breath in.
"Well that's one more mystery solved," he said, with a surprisingly calm demeanor.
"Also, Fitz. Squall said that she can fix my matchmaking. She said that I could put her as my biological mother instead of Councillor Oralie. Now I can also put Gethen as my dad. Fitz- We can be matched," she said.
"You're serious?" he said. Sophie nodded.
"Should we pick up our lists together?" said Sophie tentatively.
"It's a date," he said.
== Chapter 5 - Sophie ==
"You are not going on a date with Fitz! Haven't you remembered how he hurt you?!" Grady yelled.
"Dad! He loves me and I love him too!" Sophie said, begging Grady.
"I said no! You will not spend more time with that insolent jerkish boy. I will not let you. I will have Sandor lock you in your room if I have to," he said.
"Dad. We are picking up our match lists together and that is final. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get ready," she said, running back up to her room. Sophie grabbed Vertina to help her with her makeup. When Vertina was done primping her, Sophie was wearing a teal dress with small brown and gold flakes all over it. She also wore gold eyeliner with teal flecks. She was also wearing the necklace Fitz got her with a gold chain and a large teal heart pendant.
"Honey. You look perfect," said Edaline from the doorway. Sophie jumped.
"What about Dad?" Sophie asked.
"I talked to him, and he's fine with it," said Edaline.
"Hey Sophie," said Fitz from behind Edaline. Sophie's heart skipped a beat. He extended his arms. Sophie took it, and they leaped to the matchmaking building. There, Ceri collected them from the waiting room again.
"Sophie Elizabeth Foster? Fitroy Avery Vacker? Your lists are ready." Ceri said. Fitz and Sophie walked up to Juji and Brisa and took their lists. Fitz's scroll was tied with a teal ribbon. Sophie's was tied with a brown and gold ribbon. They took their scrolls and leaped back to Havenfield. There, they sat under Calla's Panakes tree and Sophie opened her list first. There were a hundered names. Many she didn't recognize. She started reading her top 20.
20. Yavalin Muchuda
19. Turona Altuvarela
18. Intora Altuvera
17. Kortura Pyraka
16. Vortina Stuvera
15. Emersiana Ayukazin
14. Suztera Firana
13. Mikali Firana
12. Olivatara Ensond
11. Valin Suntera
10. Stina Heks
9. Jensi Babblos
8. Biana Vacker
7. Dex Dizznee
6. Wylie Endal
5. Linh Song
4. Tam Song
3. Marella Redek
2. Keefe Sencen
She looked at her number 1. It was- She put on a poker face.
"Your turn Fitz," she said. He opened his list.
20. Vistela Aronia
19. Kuga Sakurata
18. Takaro Usuta
17. Misarina Aytola
16. Kurasate Arukazani
15. Nayokana Shirotruna
14. Ikunatoru Sarashinatakeya
13. Sivanagi Krinatruna
12. Mizanao Aytola
11. Shizukarona Hanazanoto
10. Stina Heks
9. Jensi Babblos
8. Tam Song 
7. Keefe Sencen
6. Dex Dizznee
5. Wylie Endal
4. Marella Redek
3. Maruca Sistera
2. Linh Song
His first match was- He too put on a poker face and faced Sophie.
"On three we say who our first match is," he said.
"One. Two. Three," they said.
"So?" Fitz said.
"Together," said Sophie.
"You," they said together, and smiles of joy appeared on both of their faces. Sophie leaped up and Fitz spun her around and kissed her. Sophie kissed him back. They smiled at each other. They were matched.
"Who was your second match?" said Fitz.
"Um... It was Keefe," she said, and Fitz got mad. "Fitz. He already made his move on me and I already rejected him"
"Mine was Linh," he said blushing. Sophie tried to suppress her outrage. "I choose you Sophie. I always will."
"Fitz, I- I just want to say that I love you so much," said Sophie.
"I love you too Sophie," said Fitz, hugging her tight. Sophie buried her face in Fitz jacket, and laid her hand on her heart. Fitz cupped Sophie's cheek. She blushed. Fitz kissed her cheek.
"Sophie, will you go out with me?" said Fitz.
"Yes!" said Sophie.
"Can we go to Altura?" said Fitz.
"Altura?" said Sophie.
"I'll show you," said Fitz, disappearing in a flash of light.
== Chapter 6 - Fitz ==
Fitz leaped to Havenfield wearing his best tunic and pants. His tunic was brown with gold bits sewn in. He wore a teal scarf and teal pants. He had worn the tunic for Sophie. His g- was she? yes- his girlfriend. He ran through last night in his head. They went to the matchmaking office. He and Sophie were matched! He was taking her to Altura! He spotted Grady in the pastures. He did not want to get lectured by Grady. He slowly snuck over to the front door and was about to knock when Grady spotted him.
"Fitzroy Avery Vacker," he said. "We need to have a little talk."
"Yes. Sir," he said nervously. Grady took him to a secluded shed far away from the main house.
"Now listen here. My daughter was already hurt badly many times by you. One more time, and I swear you will never see the light of day again. I don't care if you are a Vacker or not. If you even hurt her one bit, or let anyone else hurt her, you will pay. Do you understand me?" he hissed.
"Yes. Sir," said Fitz again.
"Good. Now go on. My daughter will be hurt if you are late," he said, mesmerizing Fitz into running as fast as he could. As soon as Grady let go of Fitz, Fitz started running even faster. He wanted to see Sophie. He channeled all of his energy into his sprint. The walls of Havenfield got closer and closer until he could see a girl in a teal tunic running out the front door. It was Sophie. The love of his life. He grabbed her waist and twirled her around. When he finally set her down, she kissed him.
"Aren't you going to take me somewhere?" Sophie asked teasingly.
"Take my hand," he said. Sophie took it and squeezed it tight. Fitz planted a kiss on Sophie's cheek. She gazed lovingly at him, getting lost in his teal eyes. Fitz raised a pale pink crystal to the light. Sophie had never seen a crystal that color.
"Where does that go to?" Sophie asked, quite curious.
"Do you trust me?" he said. Sophie nodded and he pulled her into the light. They appeared by a serene lake. There was a picnic blanket and various sweets laid out. Fitz led Sophie to the blanket and laid down, patting the space next to him. She sat down tentatively.
"Where are we?" she said, hoping Fitz would give her a straight answer.
"We are at a special place. Pink crystals lead to date areas. They are spaces people can reseve to bond with their matches. Since you are mine, I reserved it," Fitz said. Sophie's eyes began to well up with tears.
"Thank you for doing this for me. It means everything," she said, crying softly.
"Hey. I love you more than anything. I will do anything for you. I'd sacrifice my life if I had to," he said. Sophie kissed him.
"Good to know Mr. Vacker," said a raspy, eeriely familiar voice.
"Fintan," whispered Sophie. "No, You're in custody. You can't be here."
"Oh I very well can," he said. "Thanks to this faithful apprentice of mine."
"I'm so sorry," said Marella. "He threatened her life."
"Don't be sorry. You will join the greatest cause ever," said Fintan. Marella was weeping uncontrollably.
Sophie. Fitz transmitted. You have got to teleport. Tell Biana that the Neverseen got me. Tell Grady that I tried to protect you.
No! Sophie transmitted. Not without you! I couldn't live with myself. She grabbed Fitz's hand and focused her mind. She channeled her mental energy until a crack in the void opened.
"No!" yelled Marella. "Please! Fintan will kill her!"
"Who?" said Sophie, sustaining the crack with all the energy she had.
"Maruca," Marella said, and her eyes glazed over. Sophie decided to try something different. She channeled all her rage and hate and anger, and unleashed it. A bright red beam shot out of her head and straight at Fintan, but then, he shoved Marella right in the path of the beam. She screamed and writhed in pain. Sophie immediately jerked back and shut down her inflicting. She shoved pass Fintan.
"Marella!" she yelled, begging for her friend to wake up. It wasn't until Sophie started positevly inflicting on Marella, that she began to open her eyes.
"You monster!" yelled Fitz at Fintan. Fintan just laughed. Sophie and Marella stood up. Then Sophie saw. Maruca gagged and surrounded by a cage of fire. It was closing in slowly.
"Fitz. Fitz, stop," she said. She transmitted the image of Maruca to him. His face turned from angry, to shocked, then settling on grief.
"Please. Don't let him hurt her," begged Marella.
"Alright Fintan. What do you want?" asked Sophie, grinding her teeth.
"What I want is for you to come with me," he said grinning. "I need my place back."
"What about Lady Gisela?" Sophie asked, while trying to find an escape plan. She scanned the area.
"I'll kill Gisela of course," he said without remorse.
"What? The violence. Won't it-" she started.
"Shatter my mind? Well you see the thing is there are ways to avoid that such as wiping your mind," said Fintan licking his lips.
"You're insane," said Fitz. Fintan just laughed maniacally. Fitz squeezed Sophie's hand.
"Actually I'm quite sane. I wipe my memory everytime I kill someone," said Fintan smirking.
"That is still insane," said Fitz.
"You don't even have a heart, do you," said Sophie, shaking her head. Fintan just smiled. Sophie tried to hone into Maruca's location.
Fitz, Maruca is in the lake. There is a Neverseen base underneath. We have to go along with Fintan. Then we can rescue Marella and then escape she transmitted. Fitz nodded.
"Alright. We will go with you," Fitz said.
"Good. Just stand still or I will have to hurt you," Fintan said, his eyes glinting maliciously. "Follow me or else your friend dies."
"Lead the way," said Sophie following Fintan, to the underwater base.
"Get moving Ms. Redek, or else your girlfriend will suffer," said Fintan shoving Marella to the door.
"G-girl-girlfriend?" stuttered Sophie.
"Maruca," said Marella tearing up. Sophie shrugged, figuring that it was the least weird thing.
"I said open the door Ms. Redek," said Fintan, raising his voice.
"Alright," said Marella, putting her hand to the door. A flame sparked and spreaded across the tangling thread crisscrossing across the door.
"You can spark flames underwater?" asked Sophie, taking a step back in shock.
"Yes indeed. After all Ms. Redek must be the most talented Pyrokinetic I have seen in a long time. Even more talented than Brant," he said, licking his lips.
"Not exactly a good thing," mumbled Marella. The door opened to a vast underwater maze.
== Chapter 7 - Marella ==
Sophie gasped. Her nightmares were centered around this place. Her vision swam, and she sucked in a sharp breath. Fitz wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her steady. Fitz looked shaken himself. This was the place of scars, blood, and no healing.
“The underwater Nightfall,” said Fintan, breathing in the air as if it was sweet.
“Underwater Nightfall?” rasped Sophie. She couldn’t take it. Not after what had happened here.
“Please! She can’t breathe!” yelled Fitz, and Fintan just smiled. Marella on the other hand, took a luferator from her pocket and gave it to Fitz, who quickly put it on Sophie.
“Ms. Redek! Do you want me to hurt you girlfriend?” Fintan yelled, a flame sparking at his fingertips.
“Sophie will be worth more alive than dead,” Marella said, but still cowering from the flame.
“Hmmm. Yes. You continue to prove your worth Ms. Redek,” he said. Marella scowled.
“Fitz,” Sophie mumbled and raised a hand to touch Fitz’s cheek.
“I’m right here,” he said softly, lightly kissing Sophie on the forehead.
“Skip the mushy stuff and move it!” Fintan yelled.
“For once I agree with him,” Marella muttered, but really she was thinking about Maruca, and the day Marella had fallen in love with her.
----------FLASHBACK----------
Caprise Redek was having one of her crazy days. She was running around the house, screaming and thrashing. Fire was the only thing that centered Caprise. Marella watched in panic as her mom’s yells reverberated around the house. She concentrated and a flame sparked in her hand. Caprise stopped flailing. She walked closer to the flame, and reached his finger into the flame. Marella screamed, but Caprise wasn’t even the slightest bit harmed.
“Mom! You’re a Pyrokinetic,” Marella gasped.
“Yes darling. That was why the Council believed that I set your first fire. This is why pyrokinesis is your ability. After all, my father was the one who harnessed the Everblaze,” said Caprise, smiling at the memories.
“Fintan is your father,” said Marella, taking a step back.
“Yes,” said Caprise. With the shock, the flame in Marella’s hand was extinguished, and Caprise began flailing once more. Once Marella and her father had gotten Caprise under control, Marella grabbed her imparter, and rushed to dial Linh. Linh didn’t pick up. Marella hailed Maruca instead. Maruca answered within the minute.
“Hey Mare!” said Maruca. Marella scowled. Usually she hated when people used nicknames, but with Maruca it seemed- fine.
“I told you not to call me that,” Marella grumbled.
“Well too bad,” she laughed. The ends of Marella’s lips twitched, almost giving way to a smile.
“What’s the deal with the makeup,” Marella said, seeing Maruca’s extravagant makeup. Marella felt a bit jealous about a boy seeing that and cuddling with Maruca. Marella had known that  Maruca had a huge crush on Dex. Marella thought she was jealous because she liked Dex, but that wasn’t the real reason. Maruca blushed at Marella’s comment.
“No reason really,” said Maruca. “What do you need to talk about?”
“My mom is a pyrokinetic. Fintan is her dad. My grandfather,” blurted out Marella, afraid of Maruca’s answer.
“Hey. Why do you look so glum,” she said softly, concerned.
“It’s just- Fintan is a monster. Aren’t you scared of me being his granddaughter? Do you not want to be friends with me? Do you hate me now?” Marella yelled, her fear increasing with every breath.
“Why- Why would I ever hate you?” asked Maruca, a puzzled expression plastered on her face.
“BECAUSE I'M THE GRANDDAUGHTER OF A MURDERER!” screamed Marella. Maruca stepped back.
“Do not even move. I’m coming to your house,” said Maruca, hanging up before Marella could say a word. Marella just sat there, shocked. Then she heard a knock on her bedroom door.
“Come in,” she said.
“Told you I’d come over,” said Maruca, smirking as she appeared in the doorway.
“Maruca,” said Marella, scrambling to fix her hair and dress. Maruca sat down next to Marella and leaned in.
“You are not okay,” said Maruca, grabbing Marella’s hand.
“Of course I’m not okay. I’m Fintan’s granddaughter. My mom is a pyrokinetic. Everything feels wrong,” said Marella, her eyes brimming with tears.
“I’m so sorry,” said Maruca, wrapping Marella in a hug. Marella wasn’t a very touchy feely person, but with Maruca, it was like Marella didn’t have the heart to resist.
“You must hate me,” said Marella, sobbing. Maruca let go of her. She lifted a finger and brushed the tears of Marella’s face.
“I could never hate you,” said Maruca.
“Why?” Marella said, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Because I love you,” Maruca said, leaning closer and closer until their lips almost met.
Just then, the door swung open, and Tam stepped inside. Marella sucked in a sharp breath. Tam’s head was turned around as he waved goodbye to Linh. He saw Marella and Maruca sitting together, and walked over.
“Hey babe,” he said, kissing Marella. He held on for so long, and Marella couldn’t let go. Maruca got up and walked to the door, raising her crystal to the light.
“Maruca! Please, don’t leave,” said Marella grabbing Maruca’s wrist.
“You and Tam? I should have known. You don’t love me at all,” said Maruca, tears glistening in her eyes.
“Maruca,” Marella said, as Maruca ran out the front door.
“Marella. Did you two get in a fight?” said Tam.
“No Tam,” she said. “What are you doing here?”
“Remember, we went on a date last night and we were going to meet up at your house today. You wanted me to take a shadowvapor reading on your mom,” he said, scanning her up and down.
“Oh yeah. I did,” said Marella, sighing.
“You’re seeming half hearted about it. Don’t want your boyfriend helping out a bit,” said Tam, giving her a dashing smile.
“Look, just do what you have to do,” said Marella.
“Babe, are you alright?” he said, studying her with concerned eyes.
“I’m fine Tam. Just-” Marella started, but Tam cut her off, planting his lips on hers.
“Babe. Just talk to me,” Tam said, kissing her harder.
“Tam. I’m just having a really tough day, and I need some alone time. Please,” Marella said. Tam backed away, the sadness lingering in his eyes. After Tam left, Marella dug out her imparter and called Linh.
“Are you looking for Maruca?” Linh said, a knowing look in her eyes.
“Where is she?” Marella asked earnestly.
“My house. She is bawling her eyes out. Get over here,” said Linh, and Marella rushed over.
“Maruca?” Marella said, stepping into the house with Linh.
“She’s in my room,” Linh said, ushering Marella over to a room in the very back.
“Marella?” said Maruca, gasping for air.
“I’ll give you two some privacy,” said Linh, shooting Marella a concerned look.
“Maruca, I didn’t get a chance to explain,” said Marella, but Maruca cut her off.
“Save it. You and Tam really like each other. I’m happy for you,” she said, but her face told another story. She got up to leave but Marella stood in front of her.
“I’m going to explain what happened, and you are going to listen,” said Marella. Maruca nodded.
“Get going then,” Maruca said, her face set like stone.
“Tam and I were talking yesterday and he asked if I wanted to go out with him. I said yes, but in my heart I really didn’t want to. The truth is I don’t love Tam. He isn’t right for me. Who I love is the wonderful girl standing right in front of me. I’m going to do something that I will seriously regret, but here goes,” Marella said, and she leaned closer to Maruca, until their lips met. Maruca pulled away.
“Marella Redek, you are one amazing kisser,” said Maruca giggling. Marella blushed. Maruca leaned in and kissed Marella again. Both of them holding each other like they were keeping each other together. Both of them stood there, their hearts full of love.
“So this is why you rejected me,” said Tam, his arms crossed. Marella took a deep breath and nodded.
“I’m sorry Tam, but you aren’t right for me,” said Marella, holding her breath. Tam nodded, and left the room.
“Back to us,” said Maruca, and they spent the night kissing each other. Soulmates.
----------END FLASHBACK----------
Marella led Sophie and Fitz through the maze, watching their love. She steeled herself. They made it to Maruca’s cage. Marella concentrated as Fintan laughed and cackled. She thrust her hands out and the flames extinguished. Sophie took this chance to make a crack in the void. Sophie, Fitz, Marella, and Maruca teleported back to Havenfield.
== Chapter 8: ==
Keefe sat on his bed at Candleshade. Sophie, his crush for years, had turned him down for his best friend. In all of Keefe’s life, one thing that never happened was girls turning him down. He would turn them down because of Sophie. The love of his life. Now his best friend’s girlfriend. Maybe it was time to go to his mom. Maybe his “legacy” would give him a way out of this life of misery. He would leave but his heart kept telling him to stay. To stay for the person he loved. The only problem was, the only person who he loved was, Sophie. Unless- No. Keefe could not have that part of him resurface. Keefe had suppressed that part of him for years. Ever since he was 11. It wasn’t considered bad, but if Keefe’s father knew, Lord Cassius would’ve thrown Keefe out. Keefe was only 11. Even now, where would Keefe go? Sophie was out of the picture now that she and Fitz were dating. Biana? No, Fitz and Sophie would be there. Dex? Dex didn’t even like Keefe. Wylie? No way. Marella? She and Tam were already together. Maruca? He didn’t know Marella very well. That left Linh or Tam. Linh was nice and all, but she and Wylie were dating, and so were Marella and Tam. Tam. When Keefe thought of Tam, his heart fluttered. He had to suppress it. Keefe decided to pack his bags. He couldn’t live with his father. Everyday, when Keefe went through the tower, he either saw places his mom had manipulated him, or where his dad had hurt him.
“Hey Hunkyhair. Packing your bags?” said Ro, appearing from the corner.
“Look. I’m leaving. Don’t follow me,” Keefe said.
“I’m your bodyguard and I am going to follow you,” said Ro, crossing her arms.
“I don’t even know where I’m going,” said Keefe, stuffing his clothes in a satchel. He got out Ms. Stinkbottom.
“I’ll take you to Ravagog if you want,” said Ro, a pitying smile on her face.
“No thanks. I’ll just go back to Alvar’s old apartement,” said Keefe, taking one last look around the room. He grabbed some small knicknacks, and walked out the front door.
“No. I am going to take you somewhere, and you are not going to refuse. Take this crystal,” said Ro firmly.
“Leave me alone. Where does this even go?” said Keefe, tears in his eyes. Ro cared.
“Tam’s place,” said Ro, a scary grin appearing on her face. Keefe gulped.
“No way,” said Keefe, handing the crystal back to Ro.
“So you want to do this the hard way,” said Ro. She grabbed Keefe, and leaped away. They appeared in front of a giant shimmering mansion. It was very Tam. It was mostly black and gray, with silver streaks.
“What is this place?” gasped Keefe, breathing in the subtle beauty of the mansion.
“Sliverstreak,” said a soft female voice behind them.
“Linh,” said Keefe, rushing over to say hi.
“I’m so sorry Keefe. Ro told me about your situation. We are here for you,” said Linh, wrapping Keefe in a hug.
“So long as you don’t steal my girlfriend,” said Wylie jokingly once Linh and Keefe had let go. He wrapped an arm around Linh’s waist, and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Seeing this, Keefe felt tears fall down his cheek like a river.
“What’s wrong?” said a deep voice, and Keefe felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Tam.
“Nothing,” Keefe said, wiping his tears. Tam frowned.
“We need to have a little talk,” said Tam.
“Don’t you have a girlfriend to talk to?” asked Keefe, falling deeper into a hole of misery.
“Not anymore,” said Tam, dragging Keefe to Tam’s room.
“What happened?” replied Keefe, once they were sitting down.
“Marella is bisexual. She wasn’t right for me. She and Maruca are together now,” said Tam, tears falling down his cheeks too. Keefe smirked.
“Looks like we both have crappy parents, and have been rejected,” said Keefe, smirking at Tam, but really half smiling.
“Sophie?” asked Tam knowingly. Keefe nodded.
“Her and Fitz,” Keefe replied.
“I’m sorry,” said Tam. “You know what. We have a lot in common. Let’s start over.”
“Since when are you this annoyingly positive,” smirked Keefe. Tam went back to his usual sulky demeanor.
“Since I lost a game to Linh and she told me that for her favor, I had to be less like me and more- happy,” growled Tam. He said that last word like it was poison.
“I love happy Tam,” said Keefe. He blushed. No no no. Why did he say that? He had to hide that part of him. Tam blushed too.
“Anyways, we should probably get to dinner. Wylie’s cooking,” said Tam, opening the door. He couldn’t.
“What is going on?” said Keefe, shoving the door.
“It’s locked,” said Tam, shoving the door harder, and punching it so hard that blood came out of his knuckles. Keefe wrapped some gauze around Tam’s hand. Tam tried to use shadowvapor to pick the lock. Keefe tried using the pranking kit in his backpack. Nothing work. Keefe hollered at the top of his lungs.
“LET US OUT OF HERE!” he screamed. It was so loud that Tam plugged his ears for a good 5 minutes.
“No,” said Linh’s voice at the other side of the door.
“Linh. What are you doing?” Tam growled.
“Since you too are going to be living with each other, you will be in this room until you have bonded. Teirgen helped me set this up. In the next hour, the door will electrocute you unless you hold hands for 5 minutes straight,” said Linh, laughter in her voice.
“Absolutely not,” said Tam. “Why are you forcing me to do this?”
“If you guys don’t learn how to be nice to each other and hold hands for light leaps, then how will you live with each other?” said Linh.
“She has a point,” said Keefe, wishing he hadn’t said that. He covered his face with his hands, hiding his blushing face. He couldn’t remember that side of him.
=== Keefe’s First Love: ===
Keefe was 11 years old, Level 2 in Foxfire.
“Hey. WHy don’t you sit with me,” said a handsome boy. “My name is Fitz. Fitz Vacker.”
“Keefe. Keefe Sencen,” Keefe replied. He blushed as Fitz took his hand and led Keefe to the table.
“So you're the prodigy who skipped a level, right?” Fitz said.
“Yeah. Photographic memory and all,” said Keefe, lost in Fitz’s beautiful teal eyes.
“I’ll introduce you to everyone. This is Aror, Tenki, Cindre,  and my best friend Erivin,” said Fitz. Aror had shaggy blond hair and sea-blue eyes. Tenki had hazel brown hair and teal eyes. Cindre had long black hair and greenish blue eyes. She was really pretty. Then there was Erivin. He was the most handsome. He was shy with black hair, and bangs that covered his eyes. He had the most beautiful eyes. Sky blue with golden flecks. His features were obscured by his bangs, but his smile radiated like the sun. His hands were smooth and warm. Keefe was head over heels.
“Hi,” he said shyly to them all.
“Hey,” they said, and Keefe met Erivin’s eyes. Erivin winked, and Keefe’s heart skipped a beat.
“Guys, this is Keefe. He is the prodigy who skipped a level. Do you guys mind at all?” asked Fitz.
“He seems cool. I want him here Fitz. Nice pick,” said Erivin, and Keefe blushed. They all became fast friends, especially Fitz, Keefe, and Erivin. They became an inseparable trio. Pranking everyone. Then Keefe had an idea. He and Erivin smuggled gulons into the school and placed them in every single locker. Then they placed the biggest gulon in Dame Alina’s office. To celebrate their victory, they went to the beach. No one was there, so they slipped into their personal beach hideout. There, they began to talk.
“I’ve never been to the beach before,” said Keefe, sitting next to Erivin.
“My parents never took me either. They said I had to earn my place in the family first,” said Erivin.
“My parents too,” said Keefe, looking up into Erivin’s handsome face. He leaned closer to Erivin.
“Guess we both got terrible parents but good looks,” said Erivin sighing.
“You’re hot,” said Keefe, clapping a hand to his mouth.
“So are you,” said Erivin, leaning towards Keefe. They kissed. Keefe kissed Erivin hard.
“I love you,” said Keefe, kissing Erivin again.
“What the heck! I’m not into any of this weird stuff! Get away from me you freak!” exclaimed Erivin. Erivin never talked to Fitz, Keefe, or any of the other table members again. Fitz hated Erivin too. Erivin had manipulated Fitz to get more popularity, but Keefe would never forget the way Erivin broke his heart.
-----------END FLASHBACK----------
Now Keefe was stuck in a room for a whole hour with a guy just like Erivin. What could possibly go wrong?
== Chapter 9: Keefe ==
“Ugh,” moaned Tam as he paced around the room. “Of all the people I am locked in a room with, it’s you.”
“Yeah. You know we are really similar. We both have terrible parents. We are both ex-members of the Neverseen. We are both trouble makers. We both have insanely good looks,” said Keefe, flushing red again.
“You are really bad at this,” said Tam, scowling.
“Ugh I know. I also seriously hate you” said Keefe, but he didn’t know if that was the case anymore. Did he like Tam? The same way he liked Erivin? No. He had to suppress that part of him, but they needed to get out. Maybe if he talked to Tam they could get out this horrible trap.
“What if we try complimenting each other?” said Tam.
“I like your bangs,” said Keefe, forcing the words out of his mouth.
“I like your socks,” growled Tam.
“Oh come on Bangs Boy. You have to mean it,” said Keefe, smirking.
“So you meant the things about my bangs?” said Tam, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah,” replied Keefe defensively. “Of course my hair is obviously better. Right Foster?”
“Keefe- She isn’t here,” whispered Tam softly.
“Right. She would probably say Fitz has better hair,” moped Keefe, sinking deeper into his hole of misery.
“Marella would say the same thing about Maruca,” said Tam, on the verge of tears. “You know I really loved her.”
“I loved Sophie too,” said Keefe, looking into Tam’s silver-blue eyes.
“Guess we both have that in common too,” said Tam, smirking, but the sadness evident in his eyes.
“Yeah,” said Keefe, remembering all of his good times with Sophie. The sadness in her eyes when she rejected Keefe.
“I was shocked too. When I saw Marella kissing Maruca,” said Tam, smiling at Keefe.
“I’m bisexual,” Keefe blurted out. Tam just nodded.
“Yeah I know,” said Tam shrugging.
“How?” said Keefe.
“The way you were blushing a lot when we were talking. Dead giveaway,” smirked Tam.
“Guess the jig is up. You’re going to say that you absolutely hate me. You’re not bi and you think that I’m a freak. Don’t worry. I have lots of practice with that,” said Keefe glumly.
“Actually I was going to say that I’m bi too,” said Tam, blushing.
Tam’s First Love
It was Tam’s first day at Exilium. He hald Linh’s hand, comforting her as she cried on his shoulder. It had been a tough day for them both. They had been banished and they were Waywards. He hugged Linh tight.
“It’s going to be alright,” he whispered into her ear.
“Hugging your girlfriend?” asked a hot boy with sky-blue eyes and blonde hair.
“My twin sister,” Tam bit back, venom in his voice.
“Better not go around and say that to the coaches. You better hope you are in the same hemisphere. Or else,” he said. The boy started laughing at those last words. “The name’s Ashler. Ash for short.”
“Tam,” said Tam curtly. He shoved passed Ash, knocking Ash to the ground.
“Let me help you up,” said Linh, holding out her hand. Ash gave her a dazzling smile and Linh blushed.
“Come on Linh. We can’t be late,” growled Tam dragging Linh away.
“Hey. Sit with us at lunch kay?” Ash called out to their retreating backs.
“Can’t hear you,” yelled Tam, quickly dragging Linh to the coaches for their dividing.
“Welcome to your dividing,” said the coaches in unison. Suddenly, ropes coiled around Tam and Linh’s ankles.
“Get out of the ropes as fast as you can,” said the red coach.
“The way you get out will determine your hemisphere,” said the blue coach.
“You will not be able to use your special abilities,” said the purple coach.
“Still a cinch,” said Tam, smirking. He grabbed his pendant and threw it at the rope. The pendant turned into a sharp goblin throwing star. It severed the rope. Linh did the same with her bracelet. They flipped over and landed on the ground.
“Very clever,” said the red coach.
“Too bad you won’t be in my hemisphere,” said the blue coach.
“Make your way to the stage,” said the purple coach.
“Quickly,” said the blue coach. They led Tam and Linh to a white tent.
“Your different and unexpected way of dealing with the situation makes it clear that you are neither right or left, but Ambi. Welcome new Waywards,” said the purple coach, marking both of their sleeves with purple handprints. They nodded and made their way to the purple tent. As the coaches droned on about their lesson for today, Tam felt a sharp poke on his shoulder. He whirled around to find Ash standing there.
“Well it’s the mysterious new boy and his sister,” Ash said, winking at Linh. Linh blushed.
“Stop talking to me and my sister,” growled Tam.
“What if I want to talk to you,” smirked Ash.
“Well then I hope you're fine with me controlling your shadowvapor,” smirked Tam.
“You can’t do that,” said Ash, tapping his ability pin. Ash was a Mesmer.
“So?” said Tam.
“I’m more powerful than Grady Ruewen. Watch out,” said Ash, and Tam turned away.
“Don’t mind him Linh. We are not here to make friends,” Tam whispered. Soon it was lunch time. They sat at the table at the end of the hall. Just Tam and Linh. Like old times. Until Ash came.
“Hello there,” he said, taking his mask off to eat. He was insanely handsome.
“Get out,” growled Tam, taking his mask off too. Ash’s eyes widened as he saw Tam and Linh.
“You’re hot,” said Ash, looking Tam up and down.
“Stop saying things like that to my sister. She is not for you or anyone,” yelled Tam, wrapping a protective arm around Linh.
“Actually I was talking to you. You’re really hot,” Ash said, smirking at Tam.
“Breathe it in. It’s the last of me you’ll ever see,” said Tam.
“Dude. Let me make it clear. I’m not interested in girls. I like guys. I’m gay,” said Ash slowly as if Tam was some dumb idiot. Tam flushed.
“Come over to our house,” offered Linh. “Consider it your first date with my brother.”
“Offer accepted,” said Ash before Tam could even open his mouth. The rest of Lunch, Ash just stared at Tam. It was quite awkward. After they finished Exilium training, Tam and Linh took Ash to their home in Wildwood colony.
“This is our home,” said Linh, gesturing to the area around them, but Ash only had eyes for Tam.
“Look around then get out,” said Tam, stealing a glance at Ash before looking away.
“Is he always this grumpy?” asked Ash to Linh. Linh nodded.
“I’ll give you two some privacy,” smiled Linh as she skipped away.
“So…” drawled Tam. They talked for a bit. With every bit of information they shared, they got closer. Until Ash said something that shocked Tam.
“I love you,” said Ash, and before Tam could respond, Ash pressed his lips to Tam’s. They sat there kissing for a long time. They started dating. They dated for 2 years before they broke up. Ash was returning to the Lost Cities, and told Tam something that broke Tam’s heart.
“I’m going back home. To my boyfriend’s house,” said Ash glumly.
“Your boyfriend?” rasped Tam, hoarse from crying.
“I had a boyfriend before I came to Exilium, but I’ll always love you Tam,” said Ash. He gave Tam one long last kiss, and leaped away. Leaving Tam with a broken heart.
----------END FLASHBACK----------
“Wow,” said Keefe.
“Yeah. Ever since then, every person I liked has broken my heart,” Tam sighed.
“I won’t break your heart,” said Keefe.
“What do you mean?” asked Tam.
“I’m saying that I love you Tam. And I won’t break your heart ever,” said Keefe, leaning close to Tam.
“No one has ever said that to me,” whispered Tam, tears welling up in his eyes. Keefe brushed them away and leaned closer to Tam. Their fingers entwined. Tam closed the distance. They sat there, hugging each other, their lips on each other’s until Linh walked in.
== Chapter 10 ==
“Goal accomplished!” yelled Linh, and she high-fived Wylie. They hugged each other and laughed.
“Wait. You planned this whole thing?!” yelled Tam, outraged.
“Yep, and it worked perfectly. You two are so perfect for each other!” squealed Linh. She jumped up and down.
“She isn’t wrong,” smirked Keefe, brushing Tam’s lips with his finger.
“Squeal!” said Linh. “I have to hail Biana! And Dex! And Sophie!”
“No. No and absolutely not,” growled Tam, and Keefe laughed.
“Bangs boy. You are really adorable when you’re mad,” said Keefe, kissing Tam.
“This is even better than I thought!” squealed Linh.
“All thanks to this genius over here,” said Wylie, smiling at Linh all sappy.
“Yuck! Guys! Take that somewhere else. Far, far away from here,” yelled Tam.
“Hey. You kissed Keefe in front of me,” smirked Linh.
“Th- Tha- That- None of your business!” yelled Tam.
“Awwww, Bangs Boy is getting all flustered,” smirked Keefe.
“You are so annoying. How did I ever fall in love with you?” growled Tam.
“In love? Progressing fast are we Tammy,” said Keefe, kissing Tam again.
“You know what? I’m going to give you two some privacy to make out,” said Linh, smiling.
“Now that sounds like a good idea,” smirked Keefe, kissing Tam. Linh shut the door behind them, and Tam growled. He gave Keefe a quick kiss and opened the door. Outside Wylie and Linh were clinging to each other and smiling each other for so long, Tam almost threw up.
“Guys! Somewhere else please!” yelled Tam, and they hastily broke apart.
“I have an idea!” said Linh, breaking the awkward silence. “Sleepover!”
“I don’t know Linh,” said Tam.
“Oh come on! We can play couples games!” said Linh.
“If I get to play with this hottie over here, I’m in,” said Keefe, brushing Tam’s cheek.
“I’m calling everyone,” exclaimed Linh excitedly. Suddenly Keefe’s imparter started buzzing. It was Elwin.
“Keefe. Hurry. Sophie is in trouble,” said Elwin. Tam and Keefe exchanged a glance and they quickly leaped to the Healing Center. When they arrived, they saw Sophie, Fitz, Marella, and Maruca, sitting in beds at the Healing Center.
“Sophie!” yelled Keefe, rushing to her side. Tam joined him.
“It’s going to be okay. She’ll be fine,” said Tam, and Keefe cried on Tam’s shoulder.
“Thanks,” whispered Keefe, as he cried into Tam’s shoulder.
“Anytime Hunky hair,” said Tam, giving Keefe a quick kiss.
“Fitz,” groaned Sophie.
“He’s right there,” said Keefe, and Sophie looked at Fitz.
“Sophie,” said Fitz, reaching for her. Their hands entwined and they hugged each other. Marella hugged Maruca too.
“You’re safe,” said Sophie. As Tam watched Sophie and Fitz embrace, Tam looked at Keefe. Keefe was on the verge of tears.
“Hey. I’m here,” said Tam, hugging Keefe. Keefe kissed Tam and sobbed into Tam’s shirt once more.
“You and Tam?” asked Sophie, grinning stupidly.
“Focus on what’s important?” said Tam.
“Fintan broke out. He captured us and we-” Sophie broke down at those last few words. Fitz hugged her tight.
“We went to the underwater Nightfall. It was horrible. We narrowly managed to escape,” said Fitz, still embracing Sophie.
“I can’t-” cried Sophie.
“Hey. Hey it’s okay. We’re out,” said Fitz to Sophie, kissing her forehead.
“What happened?” asked Magnate Leto.
“Marella was forced to help Fintan escape. He was holding Maruca captive and Marella didn’t want to Fintan to hurt her because-,” said Fitz, shutting his mouth quickly.
“Because Maruca is my girlfriend,” said Marella, shrugging it off. No one was surprised. All of them already knew.
“You guys are fine with that?” asked Maruca, shocked at everyone else’s underwhelmed reactions.
“Keefe and I are together-ish. Nothing wrong with it,” said Tam, and Keefe wrapped an arm around Tam. Marella and Maruca gave each other a sappy smile.
“Hate to break up these sappy couples moments, but back to what happened,” said Magnate Leto, and everyone flushed red.
“Well you and Teirgen are together too. He would probably kiss you if he was here,” smirked Keefe. Magnate Leto took a flustered step back.
“How- How did you find out?” Magnate Leto rasped, and all the girls squealed.
“I may have walked in on you two making out. A month ago,” blurted Keefe. Everyone turned to look at Keefe. His face went neon red.
“Can we get back to the story please?!” Tam half asked, and half yelled. He had had enough about love lives. He was angry. At Marella for cheating on him. At Magnate Leto for hiding his relationship. At Fitz and Sophie for hurting Keefe.
“Fintan is broken,” whispered Maruca.
“What do you mean?” asked Magnate Leto, his face still red from Keefe’s reveal.
“He killed his wife. The guilt chipped away at him, until he broke today. He was sane when he captured me. When he saw Marella and Marella confronted him, he broke. He started screaming, and shattering things. Then he called down Everblaze and broke out,” said Maruca, shuddering. Marella wrapped Maruca into a hug.
“Marella confronted him about what?” asked Fitz.
“Umm-” said Maruca, averting her eyes.
“Fintan is my grandfather. That’s how I’m a pyrokinetic,” said Marella, looking away.
“Fintan is your grandfather?” asked Magnate Leto.
“Yeah. Got a problem with it?” asked Marella, her feisty attitude coming back. Tam looked away. He had loved Marella because of her feisty attitude. Keefe sensed his feelings and dragged him out the door.
“I’m sorry,” said Keefe, hurt in his face.
“For what?” asked Tam, surprised.
“You are supposed to be, chasing after Marella and winning her back. I’m- I’m a distraction,” said Keefe, tears welling up in his eyes.
“Never,” Tam whispered, shocked. He hadn’t realized that Keefe thought of himself as a- distraction. Tam gently kissed Keefe before dragging him back to the Healing Center. There, Sophie, Biana, and Linh were gossiping about something.
“We’ve got to do it,” Sophie said, and I got suspicious.
“No. Fitz would get so mad. Especially if you and K-” she started and finally saw the boys.
“Hey boys,” said Linh, cutting off Biana.
“We are talking,” said Sophie, raising her eyebrows at our intertwined hands.
“Privately,” added Linh, befor ushering them out and slamming the door in their faces.
“Hey!” yelled Tam, pounding the door. The girls giggled. Tam sighed.
“Let’s go home,” said Keefe. “I need to set up my new room. Unless we are roomin-”
“Absolutely not. We are not rooming,” said Tam abruptly. Keefe pretended to pout, then pulled out a crystal. They leaped away. Linh arrived soon after them, Wylie in tow.
“Eeeeeek!” squealed Linh.
“What is going on here?” Tam shouted from Keefe’s new room.
“Sleepover at Silverstreak!” she screamed, jumping with joy.
“Here?” asked Keefe, looking nervously.
“Why? Are you afraid of a sleepover?” Tam teased, and Keefe glared at him.
“No, I- I just don’t want my dad coming. Or my mom. Or any of my family,” said Keefe, looking around as if he expected his parents to come rushing down the corridor.
“If they come, then they will have to get through me,” growled Tam, cracking his knuckles.
“Awww. Hate to break up this flirt session, but you have to help me get ready for the sleepover!” shrieked Linh.
“Umm… What are we even preparing?” asked Tam.
“Makeover!” yelled Linh, and Biana came through the door.
“I got the hair and makeup kits!” she shrieked. The girls smiled and the boys were dragged along to a makeover. When they were done, Wylie, Tam, and Keefe were dressed in elegant suits. Linh was wearing an elegant blue dress with a silver sash. Biana was wearing a pink dress with sparkles and ruffles.
“Sleepover!” yelled Biana and Linh in unison.