Sentry of the Arcane: Engulfed

Chapter Seven: Sophie

Since I've had nothing to do for the past twenty minutes, I've decided to stare up at my ceiling silently. Unfortunately, my mind keep replaying Fitz's words about Fitton being in Washington again, and it's creating a plethora of questions that I don't have or want the answers to, if I'm being honest. Even still, I find myself trying to guess where Fitton was for the past year. Was he still at the hideout after Fitz and Donovan managed to escape? Or did he escape before like Jacob did when Laurel and I were kidnapped?

Almost growling at how bothersome my curiosity is towards me, I sit up momentarily before falling onto my bed yet again. These questions that weren't being answered aren't getting me anywhere except more irritated, and I don't want to have Mr. Wallace try to erase my memories again when I try to search my desired answers up.

That's the problem, I tell myself, frowning. I want too much that's just too hard to actually have at the moment.

Furrowing my eyebrows, I sit and stare absentmindedly at the wall in front of me, the questions still neverending. Trying to get my mind off of Jacob and Fitton, I decide to transmit to Fitz, Where are you?

Sophie? Fitz asks for clarification. Well, I'm still with Benen and Donovan right now. Why?

I sigh audibly. I keep thinking about Fitton and Jacob, and my questions towards them aren't going away at all. I finish, huffing slightly at the end.

Wait- are you going into a trance like before? Fitz asks. I can't help but smile at how concerned the male Percipient is.

No, that nebmentia solution actually works, I assure him. I would search them up, but I don't want Mr. Wallace to suddenly burst into my room and try to erase my memory. I quickly glance over to door to see that it's still locked. And hopefully, he's not near either one of us. To get my mind off of Mr. Wallace, I ask Fitz, What were you talking with Benen and Donovan?

I'm met with a prolonged silence on his behalf. Just when I begin to get worried, I hear Fitz hesitantly transmit, I... need to tell you something, I think.

You think? I can't help but ask genuinely. Did something happen?

I can't tell you over transmissions, Fitz suddenly says. I'll tell you in person, when we'll be able to. Is that alright?

Although I'm the only one in the room, I nod slowly, curiosity entering my mind again. Sure, I transmit, still slightly confused at his words. But could I ask why-

I'm suddenly cut off when Mr. Wallace's voice fills my head, Sophie and Fitz, I need the two of you in the conference room. Only the two of you, understand? And before I can ask any questions, his voice fades away, leaving my questions to myself once again.

What do you think he wants to talk to us about? I ask the male Percipient, more confused than ever with Fitz's vague responses, and now Mr. Wallace's vague request. Do you think it's about Fitton or Jacob?

Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised, Fitz responds. But I'm already on my way downstairs. You coming now?

Swallowing, I say, Yeah... I should probably be going now... See you down there?

Yeah, see you then.

Sighing loudly, I hoist myself up and brush off any dust on my clothes. Dreading each step I take, I make my way to the elevators. Somewhat reluctantly pressing the button to the ground floor, I fidget with my fingers as the elevator heads down to the first floor. I try to swallow my dread when I begin to open the doors to the conference room.

But when I actually study what's happening in front of me, I instinctively use my telekinesis to throw Mr. Wallace into the back wall, my eyes not leaving the crossbow-gun in his hand. I don't know what it is, but I do know that it wasn't pulled out by accident.

"Why did you come here?" Fitz shouts, looking at me. "Didn't you get my transmission?"

"I temporarily blocked your mind from sending anything to Sophie or anyone else," Mr. Wallace explains nonchalantly, causing both of us to look at him. I see him try to lift the gun up again, but he suddenly flies into the wall again, courtesy of Fitz.

Suddenly, I hear a gun being loaded. I turn around only to see that a piece of nebmentia flying towards me. My eyes wide, I try to send the piece of nebmentia only to see that I can't. It's not budging at all. Another piece of nebmentia collides with the first one, causing the two pieces to slowly move towards me. Even though I'm using as much mental power as I can, I find myself slowly inching backwards, the nebmentia still coming near me.

I hear the sound of a third nebmentia being fired at me. I only see the third nebmentia before it collides with the two in front of me, causing the cluster of dark blue crystals to slingshot forward. I close my eyes, waiting for the crystals to shatter against me and cause me to forget.

Except, I don't feel any pain.

Instead, I hear the sound of something exploding and a scream of agony.

I open my eyes to see Fitz soar through the air, the nebmentia cluster in his hand and his torso glowing a dark blue. Just as he slams into the wall, the male Percipient glows a blinding white that envelopes the entire room. My eyes shut tightly, I feel a burning sensation travel throughout my body as blinding light continues to shine too brightly.

After a few moments, the burning sensation disappears, and I'm now able to open my eyes again. I stare at Mr. Wallace, whose eyes are wide with something I've never seen- fear. The burning sensation that once disappeared reappears again, causing me to shake my head and try to find the source of this.

But I turn to look in Fitz's direction, the last thing I see is a teal and brown scale before I pass out, the blinding light returning at full force and the burning sensation intensifying.