Forbidden Cities

Sneaking Away

"I can't believe we're doing this," Sophie laughs, but the sound is strangled. She is just a bundle of nerves, practically trembling with anticipation as she stuffs clothes into her human backpack. She's only taking the items with most meaning with her. Ella, her spyball, her journal, her human outfits, and one of the most important things in the entire world to her. Keefe. 

Keefe simply nods. 

He's already packed his bag, given he was ready to flee to the Forbidden Cities without her a couple hours ago. He's also fully dressed in human clothes, with a Batman shirt and gray sweatpants. Sadly, if Sophie hadn't called him on her Imparter and pried the answer out of him, he would be in London already. She would be bitter if she didn't know how anxious he is to help everyone around him. 

When Sophie called Keefe, he reluctantly scribbled down an explanation. Something along the lines of being a threat to everyone around him and running where no one will find him. Obviously, her first thought was her old home. The Forbidden Cities. 

Sophie zips up her overstuffed bag, hastily pulling it over her shoulders. "How do I look? Human?" Sophie asks, spinning in a full circle for Keefe to see. He smiles nervously and gives her two thumbs up. Gosh, she misses his voice. Instead, she settles for opening her thoughts to his. 

You know you can talk around me, right? 

Keefe shakes his head. Hard. I'll hurt someone around me, Foster. I can't risk hurting you, of all people. 

Sophie wants to say that he won't hurt her. But she doesn't know that for sure. As she's battling her thoughts, Keefe's voice fills her head again. 

Are you completely sure you want this?  

Sophie nods. She knows that he wants to go alone, but there is no amount of begging anyone can do to convince her to let Keefe leave without her. 

I am completely sure, Keefe. 

I'm dangerous, Sophie. 

I couldn't care any less, Keefe. I would rather die than let you run off alone. I can help, y'know! I have a ton of human knowledge, and we have better chances of surviving if  we're together. Sophie is getting desperate, knowing Grady and Edaline could walk upstairs any second. She hates leaving them behind, but Keefe needs her. And she needs Keefe. 

Sophie slowly crosses to where Keefe is sitting on her bed. She places her hand over his, and she doesn't miss the evident fear in his eyes. Not from Sophie, but from himself. Keefe winces. 

This is your last chance before we leave and there isn't any turning back. Please, Foster. Reconsider. Keefe's voice is pleading, though he knows full well Sophie isn't going to change her mind. She's tired of being the moonlark everyone treats as an adult and a child at the same time. But as soon as Keefe and Sophie leave, they will be hunted by the entire Neverseen, hopefully taking the attention off of their friends. 

Never. 

Ok, then let's go to the Forbidden Cities. 

Sophie cuts off their connection. She stands with Keefe, trying her best not to wrap him in the tightest hug he's ever known. He suddenly pulls out a small pair of pliers. Keefe gently grabs her registry pendant, like he's afraid he'll hurt her. He is afraid he'll hurt her. He gently clips the chain, letting it fall to the ground as Sophie intakes a sharp breath. Keefe bends and picks it up, handing it to her. She simply places it on her pillow, hoping Grady and Edaline aren't horrified when they see it. Sophie shakes her head to keep all those thoughts away. 

"Do you have the little-" Keefe nods, holding up the pathfinder from Cassius' office. "Okay, we have to go quick before Sandor and Ro wake up." Unfortunately, they had to sneak some sedatives into both of the bodyguard's water. Sophie of all people knows how horrible and scarring it is to be sedated, but it was for their own good. Hopefully. 

Keefe exhales, giving Sophie a look that says 'last chance'. She gives him a steady nod, grateful he can't feel her emotions right now. If he could, he might pass out from how scared she is. 

Keefe holds the pathfinder to the light and they step in. 

I'm really excited about this story, and I'll try to get all the parts out as quick as possible! It's probably going to take a while to get all of them out, though. If you have any suggestions for what Keefe and Sophie should go see and do during their time in London and The Forbidden Cities, I will try to fit them in with the story. Thanks for reading!