the greatest gifts come in disguise ;; kotlc

Prologue • Sophie Foster

Keefe Sencen is relieved. Kinda. Most of the Neverseen are arrested, but his mom is still out there, along with plans to burn down all human facilities. Sophie's insisting on staying low in the Forbidden Cities to flush them out. Hopefully, after a few years, it'll work.

It's been nine years now, and Biana is having the time of her life. She has an okay-sized penthouse, and Tam is sadly addicted to bubble tea. But it's fine. Today, she's visiting her house again. Going home. But home isn't the same anymore. You never know if you can trust anyone anymore.

Or, The Keeper Crew go on a mission to finish the Neverseen and return to their home nine years later only to find a whole new world right before their eyes.

•••

(A/N: I do not own any of the characters, Shannon Messanger does.)

(07.21.2023 this is an ongoing story w /very/ slow updates . marking it as complete so wattpad doesnt come after me <3)

"Are you sure?" Mr. Forkle said, looking at the group.

Sophie sighed and glanced at Fitz. "Maybe not, but we have to do what we can to flush them out."

Sophie felt Fitz's presence in her mind. We don't have to do this, you know.

No, Fitz, we do. Just because Alvar's dead doesn't mean everyone in the Neverseen is. Besides, we don't want them dead.

Sophie, Fitz transmitted. I know you think this is right, but going to the Forbidden Cities isn't going to help.

"Actually, Mr. Vacker," Mr. Forkle said, tapping the side of his head, "Going to the Forbidden Cities will help very much. Turns out Lady Gisela left a plan. She wants the remainder of the Neverseen to go to human factories and burn down the weapons facilities and factories. And even though this may take up a few years of your lives, it will be worth it for the survival and secret of the elven society."

Sophie and Fitz shared a look, knowing that Mr. Forkle had been eavesdropping.

"Okay," Keefe said, grinning and breaking the silence. "I'm ready when you are!"

Biana frowned. "Have you packed?"

"Yeah," Keefe showcased a small navy blue suitcase and backpack in his hands. "This is all I need."

Biana and Fitz gaped at how little Keefe was bringing, and he shrugged. "Can't have too much with Lord Nosypants around."

Someone rang the doorbell, and Edaline turned around. "That should be Tam and Linh."

She was right, of course, but Sophie was surprised that all Linh had was a gigantic suitcase and two boxes. And Tam... He hauled two medium suitcases, and had managed to tie a box to one of the suitcases, along with managing to carry Princess Purryfins in one arm. Linh smiled and settled into the couch in Havenfield's living room.

Keefe ran to peek in the box, and snorted. "Should've known you'd bring those hair supplies."

"Like you wouldn't?" Tam retorted.

Mr. Forkle sighed and turned to the Vackers. "You kids should have your things. Is your father bringing them?"

"Mom, actually," Biana corrected.

The doorbell chimed again, which meant the whole group was here.

Tiergan walked in with Prentice and Wylie, and he held two backpacks and a bag.

Maruca filed in quietly behind them, and she looked straight at Sophie to say, "Marella and Stina are going to come soon. Stina needs to talk to her parents and Marella... also needs to talk to her parents and pack."

Sophie nodded. "Good to know."

Mr. Forkle looked at them all."You kids need to know that this is going to be a rough few years, but you all have your Imparters and will meet every three months. The main job is to look for what's left of the Neverseen, and maybe find a human job. The Neverseen want to burn down all of the human's resources for war and pollution, and we have to stop that. But no killing." he gave a subtle glare at Fitz, who scowled. "Capture only. So if any of you want out, this is your last chance."

Silence.

"Okay, as long as you all agree to send us mounds of mallowmelt and butter blasts, we're definitely all in! You have no idea how dry those English cookies are!" Keefe gave a big grin, although it was obvious he was trying to break the ice, Sophie couldn't help but smile too.

"And custard bursts," she added.

Biana, Dex and Marella—who had just arrived with Stina—followed suit. Adding their own personal favourites.

"And ripplefluffs."

"And cinnacreme."

"And Prattles!"

Sophie smiled. Her friends loved to try to make a good laugh out of a conversation.

Looking at the room, she saw no doubt and hesitation in these elves' eyes.

If the Neverseen was still out there, it was their job to take them down.

And Sophie had full confidence that their plan was going to work.