Mirrored Conflicts (a Sokeefe story)

Chapter 14: The Reveal

Getting Amy to believe that they were elves was much easier than convincing Samantha.

Amy knew she had her memories messed with. She remembered Sophie, and Sophie's veiled goodbye, and the first day Sophie no longer existed and everyone acted like that was normal. Telling her about elves was like filling in the missing pieces. It made everything make more sense.

Samantha was another story. "You expect me to believe you guys are mythological beings trying to save the world?" She shrieked. "Are you for real? Whatever weird psychology trick you've done on Natalie, it's not working on me."

Sophie sighed. "Look, I get that it's hard to believe. Trust me. I didn't even grow up knowing I was an elf, which is why Amy remembers me. I remember the day Fitz found me and showed me the Lost Cities. I could hardly believe it, even after I'd seen it with my own eyes."

Samantha raised an eyebrow. "Great. I see. So that one did a mind trick on you and now you're delusional and pulling the same mind trick on Natalie. I'm calling the cops."

"Don't!" Sophie exclaimed. "We aren't saying Amy's an elf. She isn't. She's a human from the family the Black Swan—"

"Riiiiight, the Black Swan. What's with all the bird imagery, anyway? You're a—what's it called—'Moonlark' because you were left with humans for years? Give me a break!" Samantha rolled her eyes.

"Show us some elf-y tricks," Amy suggested. "To convince Samantha."

"I am the last sane person here," Samantha groaned.

"Okay. Uh... oh! Watch this." Sophie stretched out her mind and picked up one of the boots by the door, likely Amy's or Samantha's. Both humans' eyes widened at the telekinesis. She spun it around with her mind a few times before dropping it on the floor between them, making sure it landed standing up. "And that's not even a special ability. That's something all elves can do."

Samantha stared, mouth agape, at the boot between them—proof that Sophie's display of power wasn't a mind trick or a delusion. She's seen it happen.

It took her a minute to mentally reset.

"So... you can really read minds then, I guess," Samantha mumbled. "Are you reading my mind right now?"

"I'm actually actively not reading your mind. It takes energy with humans," Sophie admitted. "But... if you want me to prove I can do it, I can open my mind to yours."

Samantha's eyes widened, and she looked over at Amy. "That's weird. I don't think I want someone reading my thoughts," Samantha admitted.

"I get that. I'm still adjusting to the idea that my sister could hear my thoughts for years." Amy shuddered.

"I could demonstrate my ability," Dex offered. "Though it'll probably permanently alter something technological. For the better, but, still."

"Can you make my phone work without internet connection?" Amy exclaimed, lighting up.

"Yeah! I actually did that for Sophie's iPod!" Dex said.

"Wait, that's actually lit," Samantha admitted, looking genuinely interested. "Can you do that for my phone too?"

"Sure," Dex said cordially, clearly enjoying the appreciation for his talent.

Just then, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Amy said. "But guys? My name is Natalie and no one in here is an elf, okay?"

"Don't need to be told twice," Fitz muttered, sending a playful glare in Dex's direction.

Dex pretended to be offended while the door opened. The sound of muffled voices in the background was followed by Amy yelling, "Guys, there's another cute guy trying to sell me cookies! Is this another member of your... 'swim team?'"