The Final Facedown

Chapter 2

Sophie was pacing outside the shores of Solace. Everyone was gathered there, so when She and Tam had appeared with Keefe, Elwin took him right away, bringing him inside. She was currently being bombarded with questions, but all she could do was think about the MorningShade.

Sophie had assumed they were real, Flori had thought so too. But why had no one seen them before? Sophie was positive the flowers in the cave were the MorningShade. Even though it was clear why the Neverseen wanted them, why they hadn't used them was the bigger question.

But Sophie forgot all about that when Elwin came out, requesting she come in.

"He's fine." Elwin started, walking toward Keefe's room. "Or, he will be fine. He's resting, but before you go in..." Elwin stopped walking and whispered, "I need to know what happened. That will help me figure out how to help him in the most efficient way."

Sophie nodded, swallowing, and told him everything, from the moment she randomly leaped into the forest, till when they leaped there.

Elwin rubbed his temples. "Fun. I'm pretty sure humans have these things called therapists, right? Well, we better find an elvin version."

Sophie trembled a little bit, taking a tiny step toward the bedroom door. "You're joking. Right?"

Elwin sighed, and looked away. "I don't know if I'm joking. That will be up for you to decide. He didn't ask to see you, but he didn't say anything, and his eyes looked glazed. I think it's something mental he needs help with right now."

Sophie nodded, swallowed, and opened the door. Keefe was in his bed, a tank top on with bandages covering nearly every inch of skin Sophie could see. He was under the covers, so Sophie could tell how bad it all was.

Keefe's eyes were closed, and his face was half relaxed, half guarded. Like there was a monster he was trying to keep inside a gate. He didn't open his eyes as she walked closed and sat on the edge of his bed. Sophie knew he knew it was her though. Her emotions were so darn powerful at the moment.

Keefe must have sensed her frustration at not being able to calm her emotions, cause he smirked and finally spoke. "Don't worry, Foster. I can handle it."

He kept his eyes closed, though, and he bit his lip as Sophie spoke. "How are you?"

Keefe opened a single eye, and looked at her. Sophie nearly broke down at the hurt and fear and agony in his eyes. "Why?" 

Sophie just stared at him. "Why?" She asked, in complete disbelief, "Because you're my friend and you looked pretty bad."

Keefe just shook his head and opened both eyes, looking out the window. "You should have left me there."

Sophie gasped, and grabbed his hand, squeezing it. "Keefe Sencen! Don't think that! I'm so sorry I couldn't find you sooner. I,I thought you were d-dead."

She whispered the last part, watching his head. But he didn't turn.

"It would be better if I was." Keefe muttered, clearly to himself.

Sophie felt shock, rage and guilt all in humongous amounts. Why would he even think that! A suicidal Keefe was something Sophie had never wanted to think about, much less deal with. The rage died down instantly, and Sophie just leaned in and hugged him. He flinched away at first, but that just made Sophie hold on harder.

Eventually his arms made their way around her, and he just shook. Silently taking in reality. But Sophie wasn't done.

"Keefe, what would I do without you? What would any of us do?"

Keefe just sniffed, and shrunk away. "Live a better life." He mumbled. Sophie just stared at him in shock. She had no idea he had hurt this much.

The guilt rolled in, and Sophie felt her eyes water with tears. It was her fault that he was this broken. She should have seen it, tried to get help...

Keefe seemed to sense her guilt, and looked up sharply, alarm blaring in his eyes. "Sophie, it's not your fault. None of this is your fault. You can't let them break you."

Sophie stood up quickly, ignoring his wary look. "But I should just stand by as they break you? Why should I just let you throw yourself into danger to save me? I can take care of myself! I don't need you to die for me! No one wants you to die! Don't ever think about that again! What... what would I do if you were gone?" Sophie whispered the last part, looking into his eyes and hoping he accepted her explanation.

Keefe just sighed slightly, and looked back out the window, where darkness was beginning to fall. Sophie sat back on the bed, grasping his hand tightly. "Please, just hang on. If not for anything else, for me." 

He looked at her, then shifted his eyes down to his lap and nodded. She gave him another hug, and whispered, "I'm coming back tomorrow. Please try to sleep."

He nodded again, and she bent over to pick up Mrs. Stinkbottom. She set him right next to Keefe and whispered something. "You take care of my favorite guy, okay, Stinky?"

Keefe smiled a little at that, but didn't say anything. Sophie would have to be content with that for now. She smiled at Keefe, then walked out the door, feeling his eyes follow her until she closed the door. She lifted her leaping crystal to the last rays of sunlight, and leaped home, unaware of what the night would bring.