Unknown - A KOTLC Fanfic

Chapter 24: Sophie

It was only 10 PM, and Sophie was getting nervous. After their decision, all of her friends had departed to get ready for the showdown.

Biana had left to tell Fitz what was going on and Dex to modify some gadgets for their purpose. Wylie went to inform Maruca and Marella and to ask if they would come join, while Keefe left with Ro because they were going to have a "talk."

Keefe was also going to meet up with Dex after to help him out. Sophie had no idea of what Stina was doing, but didn't really care because everything else was covered. Sophie also hadn't wanted to include the twins and decided that it would be better if they didn't go.

There were too many people already and Sophie was seriously regretting including Marella and Maruca.

The only thing they had left to do was to tell the Black Swan.

That was Sophie's job.

Honestly, she was waiting until the last possible second before she had to. Sophie knew that when the Black Swan found out they would not be happy. Actually they would probably try to prevent Sophie and her friends from going, and cause a ton of unnecessary problems. She didn't need that. But... time was running out and Sophie needed to get a move on.

So she took a deep breath in and hailed Mr. Forkle.

...

"You kids are absolutely crazy," Mr. Forkle finally said after Sophie had finished telling him what happened.

"So do you think we shouldn't go?" Sophie asked, pulling out an eyelash.

"I... think that given what we've seen from the Neverseen, Biana is right and they will make good on their threat. You guys are probably going to have to go," Mr, Forkle said carefully.

"What do you mean by, you guys?" Sophie asked skeptically.

"What I mean is that I-or any of the collective- shouldn't go. The Neverseen are clearly telling you that they only want you kids to meet with them."

"So... no bodyguards?" Sophie pressed, trying to not look excited.

"Absolutely, you will have bodyguards! I'm not going to send you in there alone!" Mr. Forkle huffed, "What kind of person do you think I am?"

Sophie chose not to answer his question.

They were both silent for a second until Mr. Forkle abruptly asked, "Can I ask to see the crystal your friends found?"

"Sure," she pulled from her pocket the miniature crystal that Wylie gave her after the meeting.

As she held the crystal out, Mr. Forkle gasped.

"I've never seen a crystal that color before," he finally said once he had recovered from his shock.

"Oh. I thought you would know where it would take us," Sophie replied disappointed.

Mr. Forkle sighed, "Unfortunately I don't but... just be careful, who knows where you'll be heading to."

"I will," Sophie promised.

"Well, I better get going to tell the collective. And I'll meet up with Dex on the way. I have a few ideas to share with him," Mr. Forkle said after a long pause.

"Sounds good."

"Oh and Sophie?" Mr. Forkle looked her right in the eye. "You got this."

...

Dex, Stina, Wylie, Biana, Fitz, Keefe, Marella, and Maruca all stood around Sophie's foyer, dressed and ready to go. Sandor, Ro, Grizel, Grady, and Edaline were also standing off to the side, giving them some space.

Just minutes before, Sophie had dawned her plain attire which included all of her weapons-hidden in her pockets of course- and a tight tank top.

Sophie seriously regretted wearing it, even though Edaline had told her that it would be easier to move in, should anything happen.

Well, she knew something was going to happen.

But still, Sophie was shivering and feeling very self conscious standing with her friends.

Especially because everyone else had chosen to wear capes over their clothes and Sophie hadn't.

Well, at least she would have more breathing room, right?

Marella cut short Sophie's ramblings in her head, and asked very loudly, "Wait, so what are we going to do again?"

"Didn't Wylie already tell you?" Sophie replied, more than a little annoyed that they were all ready to go and Marella didn't even know what they were doing.

"Well, after he told me and Maruca how dangerous this would be and essentially how we shouldn't go, I kind of ignored the rest of his speech and missed everything. Care to catch me up?"

Wylie groaned and gestured for Marella to look at him.

"After I told you and Maruca how this would be risky I then said that you guys could make your own decisions," Wylie amended.

"And then I told you that we're going to meet up with the Neverseen and basically destroy them. Did you catch any of that?"

Marella rolled her eyes, "Not a word."

"Well then, let's get going," Sophie butted in.

Marella could be very... feisty sometimes and Sophie needed to stop her before she got too angry.

Just as Sophie turned to light the path, Fitz spoke for the first time since he came as he stepped forward.

"Thanks for including me, Sophie. I know I haven't been very supportive of you lately and I'm really sorry for all the stuff I said. Actually... I came to tell you that a few days ago but then... stuff happened and I left," he added on uncomfortably, finally aware that everyone was listening.

Sophie sighed and said, "It's fine. Just... can we talk later? I have some things I need to tell you as well."

Fitz nodded then stepped back into their line.

"Anyone else want to say anything?" Sophie asked.

"Actually... yeah," Keefe smiled at Sophie's expression and said, "I'm always by your side, Sophie. And I'll be here for whatever you need."

He softly grabbed her hand and Sophie leaned against him. They both ignored everyone's gagging noises and hugged, ready for whatever they would face.

"Ok... guys," Sophie finally breathed out. She lit the path and everyone stepped forward to walk into it."