Operation Infiltration (Kotlc Fanfic)

Chapter 10 • Initiation

Sophie woke up flailing, grateful it was all just a dream, thankful the Neverseen hadn't attacked her friends, and that she hadn't joined them.

Sighing in relief, she opened her eyes to the barren surrounding room. Sophie groaned, wishing it had been a dream.

Sophie groaned louder, the room echoing it. It came to a stop, leaving only thoughts in its wake.

Sophie contemplated sleeping longer, snuggling under the rough covers. At least her "fever" from yesterday had lessened.

The unfortunate reminder of reality came when she heard the doorknob turn, Gethen not bothering to walk inside.

"Wake up, Phoenix! It's your first day here. I'll show you where to eat breakfast." Gethen held out a Neverseen cloak, "put this on."

Fortunately, while she was sleeping, she had worn the Addler around her neck, so Gethen couldn't recognize her. She walked over, reluctantly putting the cloak on, hood covering her face in shadows.

Gethen lead the way, Sophie noted the twists and turns of the corridors. The previous night's memory of being escorted to an empty room slowly resurfaced, tossing and turning restlessly.

"How was your first night?" Gethen said, seemingly aware of her thoughts. It unnerved her, putting up defensive barriers in her mind. Can't be too careful.

"Fine," Sophie refused to give him more information than necessary. A draft from ahead indicated the room was enormous.

Cloaked members sat at long tables, eating slowly or not at all. The room filled with an eerie silence, punctuated only by hushed whispers. The vastness of the cafeteria made it more desolate.

Several individuals glanced at them. When they recognized Gethen strolling past, people shifted their weight, stopped whispering as if terrified of being overheard.

Sophie put distance between them. She was well aware of the fear Gethen inspired in others, served as a warning for her to stay away.

They reached the line. "When you're done, wait at the exit," Gethen said before leaving her alone.

Four figures waited in line, the two elves in front of Sophie murmured, leading her to lean in closer.

"I'd hate to be her." The taller figure said.
"Why? Is something wrong with her?"
"She's the new telepath, I'm pretty sure. Imagine having to be trained by Gethen."

They simultaneously shivered at the thought. Upon spotting Sophie, they shuffled to the front of the line.

The conversation made Sophie realize there were no friends to be found here. She sighed at the prospect.

Sophie got served a pile of steaming slop, staring at it in disdain, walking off to find an empty seat. Picked up her spoon and took a bite, and immediately spat it out. A coughing fit ensued. Tam and Keefe weren't kidding when they said the Neverseen's food was hot garbage.

"So, I hear you're the new member." A voice relieved her of having to eat more. "I'm Volt, a charger in case the name didn't clue you in. What's your name?"

Volt's friends gathered around him, his tone reminding Sophie of the bully types in human schools. She knew to not respond.

"A shy one, aren't you? I felt similar when I first joined." Volt's head tilted, batting his eyelashes, "perhaps you would like to come with me to..." He trailed off upon noticing someone stomp over to them.

"Ruy!" Volt's voice faltered on saying his name. "Good to see you, anything interesting happening?"

Ruy stopped in his tracks, directly in front of him, blurred face making him intimidating. "Volt, I've told you before, don't flirt with new members."