Trust Me - a Sophitz story

Part 9

Dedicated to NuelaChik!!!

Chapter 9:

Slowly, with trembling hands, the four reached for the smaller envelopes, and the room seemed to hold it's breath. Slowly, they each opened their envelopes and began to read out loud.

"Fitz -

Congratulations! You officially have me out of the way. But she's happy. That's all that really ever mattered. You can see that now, can't you. If only you had realized earlier. I've gone back. The Neverseen. I worked it out, and convinced them that I didn't betray them, that I was just covering my tracks. The funny thing is, for once, I told the truth. I need them, and they need me.

If you had the chance to save your brother, wouldn't you? They can find my mother. I have to save her. You should've realized the first time that betraying you would've had a reaction. You don't trust me, and you never will. But we can still agree on one thing. We will do anything to keep her safe. Keep her safe, Fitz, and never let her go, because we both know they would do anything to get to her. Good-bye.

- Keefe"

When Fitz had finished, everyone, except maybe Bronte, was crying or was at least teary, and Sophie was trembling. Slowly, she unfolded her letter.

"To the Mysterious Miss F -

Are you happy? Will you always be happy and safe? Will Fitz and Dex and Bangs Boy keep you safe? Because that's all that really matters. They can save her, Foster, they can find my mom. I have to try. Maybe I can find something that will end this. But this time, Sophie, I'm not playing double agent.

You always believe the best of everybody, Foster, that's one of the things I love about you. But there's no best left in me to believe in. You can fix anything, Foster. You fixed Alden, you fixed Exilium, but you can't fix this. You can fix this divide, and fix our world, but I can't come back. They know every detail, every moment, of everything with the Black Swan. And before you try to convince yourself it's not bad, photographic memory, remember?

The fourth figure, the one on the beach? It wasn't Alavar. It's in Kenric's cache. The stone ringed in black. Don't ask how I know. I can't tell you. I'm sorry for everything I ever did to hurt you, but I can't apologize for what I'll do in the future. You can't lie to an empath, Foster, and I can't fool myself anymore. I love you. I'm sorry.

- Keefe"

After Sophie had finished, she seemed to collapse in on herself, shrinking, defeated. Biana had huge, ugly tears running down her face, and Fitz was shaking with anger. But Grady was worse. His hands were balled into tight fists, and his face was red and the tears staining his face were obviously ones of anger. Bianca, surprisingly was the one to break the silence, nearly whispering, "Should I read mine next?" When a round of nods and agreement circled the room, she cleared her throat and read.

"Biana -

I'm sorry, but you can't lie to an empath. I knew, for years that you liked me, and you don't need the heartbreak of me on top of everything else. But you should know that, even if some small part of me did like you, I'm not worth it. You're safer, and happier, with Dex, or even Bangs Boy.

On another topic, I'm sorry for leaving. I honestly am. I want to save you all, but Fitz is right. I'm not strong enough. I can't do enough. Maybe, one day, you'll understand. Maybe Alavar was right when he said, you'll understand. Unlike the golden boy.

But I have to do this. My mother is in danger, she could be dead. I have to try, don't I? I was never a good enough son for her. Maybe, just once, I can live up to her expectations. Go, go back to the Black Swan and try to end this war. Don't be afraid, Bianca, because you are far more powerful than you think. Just, try, try, not to hate me. I'm sorry.

- Keefe"

"Well, as depressing and heartbreaking as those are, mine is worse," said Dex, trying to lighten the silent moment that followed Biana's letter. "Listen."

"Dex -

Of everyone I've just betrayed, I regret betraying you just as much. Even before Foster, you were a cool kid. I regret the snobby Fitz moments, but that's all the past. Dude, the trouble we could've caused with your powers. But you'll never look at me again. You know, as much as I do, as much as Fitz does, that we have to keep Foster safe. Keep her safe. Yeah, she has Fitz, but she'll need you too. She'll always need you.

You can open the caches. Kenric's and Fintan's. You just need to input the correct command. I don't know how to input the command, but I'm betting you can figure it out. If not, well, we're all doomed. Dex, the secrets can end this war, and things will all work out ok. It will be hard, but you four can do it.

I know you'll hate me. But you, of everyone, needs to stay sane. They need you to lean on, Dex. I'll see you on the other side of this war.

- Keefe"

Everyone was visibly shocked after the four letters were read. Della moved to stand like she was going to disperse the meeting, but Bronte held up a hand to stop her. "I... The council can never know I shared this, but... our world hangs in the balance. The sky to opening the cache is designed so that only the councilor who owns it can open it. However, it is possible to recreate the circumstances to open a cache. it's talent based. In order to open my cache, I have to inflict a certain memory on it. But, you have to be standing in the castle of the councilor the cache belongs to. I would guess you would have to transmit the key to Kenric's cache. But you understand that I cannot be involved in this. They would revoke my circlet. Miss. Foster, one more thing. You must be the person to open the cache. Sound like them, feel like them, stand in their homes. If you input the wrong key, or the cache detects something is wrong, it will destroy itself, and probably you with it. I cannot be involved, and I was never here."