A Cognate Thing-a sophitz story

fifty nine

The sun was beginning to drop lower in the sky as Sophie sat near the cliffs of Havenfield looking out at the waves crashing against the rocky beach below. Sophie knew that Keefe's beach party was well under way. She also knew from the multiple beeps from her imparter that her friends were eagerly anticipating her arrival but she couldn't do it. Just the idea of seeing Fitz right now made her stomach twist in a familiar knot she hadn't felt in years. He had left so fast and even after looking through his memory book for her and spending time with Della she was still so confused with what had happened only hours ago. She reached for her imparter ready to send a message to Keefe that she was sorry but not in the mood for a party when a new message popped up.

Sophie,
I am sorry to bother you during your break and I know this is most unusual but would you be able to meet me immediately. I will be in my classroom at Foxfire, we have much to discuss.
Tiergan

A new wave of confusion pulsed through Sophie. This couldn't be a blackswan issue, they wouldn't use an imparter, it wasn't their style. She hadn't had a telepathy session in forever but it seemed weird to contact her on a break or this late in the day. She made her way back to the house to collect her things and quickly scribbled a note to Grady and Edaline about heading out and that she would check in later she headed to the leapmaster.

Foxfire was eerily silent as she made her way to the hall where she had spent multiple telepathy sessions. Entering the room she realized the lights were dimmed and Tiergan sat in his chair eyes closed. She wondered if he was sleeping.

“No Sophie, I'm not sleeping, nor can I get through your blocking no matter how hard I try. I am just thoroughly contemplating the future.” Tiergan said eyes still closed.

“The future?” Sophie whispered under her breath. This whole situation was even weirder than what her mind had conjured up on her way.

“Yes the future, when your lifespan is indefinite you often wonder if things are happening too fast or not fast enough. We set mental markers for when we think things should happen but sometimes those things happen faster or take longer. Do you understand?”

“Honestly, no.” Sophie said still processing his words.

“Well hopefully one day you will figure it out, as for today I have an assignment for you.”

Sophie's eyebrows shot up. What kind of assignment would she need to do right now? And why now of all times?

“I know it seems odd but please take time to really study and trust the experience.” He reached into his bag and pulled out a scroll. “I trust you have a Pathfinder with you?”

Sophie nodded.

“Good you will need it to reach these locations.”

Sceptical of what was on the scroll, Sophie grabbed it and started to unroll it. There were a series of coordinates, nothing else. No instructions, no name of the places, no indication of how long to spend or what to expect. This was so peculiar. Making her way outside she positioned her Pathfinder to the first coordinate, thinking to herself 'well it's better than being at beach party’ and having to explain to everyone what happened. In a flash she felt herself being pulled away.

Blinking she found herself standing near the four seasons tree. She had only returned a few times since the day she almost faded many years ago. The mood still felt ominous and she thought of reaching out to Fitz to thank him for finding her, but rationalized he probably didn't want to talk to her anyway. Looking around she realized she could have died right here if Fitz hadn't paid attention to her contacting him and telling him where she was. Was this what Tiergan was thinking about with the future and markers? It didn't make any sense, and rather than get confused she quickly set the Pathfinder to the next set of coordinates, hoping things would make more sense as she continued on.

Sophie found herself next in the wandering woods standing in front of Alden's tree. Looking around she again remembered being here with Fitz and how mad he was at her. He blamed her for what had happened but she didn't hate him for it, she knew how hard it was to lose someone. The irony wasn't lost on Sophie that these first 2 locations had been about a near death experience. She quietly walked over to her own tree, where she had first thought it looked plain compared to all the other trees, now she saw the beauty in the golden leafs and the strength in the brown bean pods. She felt proud of her tree and the symbolism behind it, she was strong and she was beautiful. Fitz had helped her feel strong and beautiful. Feeling a wave of peace she pulled out the list to set her Pathfinder for the next coordinates.

Panic coursed through her as she realized she was standing outside the silver Gates of what was once Oblivimyre. What would Tiergan want her to gain from visiting here? Memories flashed before her, but the constant calming presence was Fitz. He saved her when she was caught up in Fintans mind from the everblaze. Despite the horror of that moment she felt protected by Fitz. Not willing to give the location any more time for Tiergan's assignment she quickly pulled the Pathfinder out and prepared the next coordinates.

Siren Rock was just as breathtaking as Sophie remembered and the salt air was so thick she could almost taste it. She quickly scanned the stars and remembered how Fitz quickly bandaged her hands before using the stellarscope. They really were a good team and that night, and after that night he continued to stand by her. He had constantly watched out for her and tried to protect her. Her mind replayed some of the memories Fitz had shared in his memory log, most of them were things he had admired or liked about her but a constant theme appeared and now she was again grateful for her photographic memory. She now looked at her memories of time spent with Fitz and she knew she had always put her trust in him, she always wanted it to be him and now she saw whether he realized it or not that everything he did was for her. There was no way he could shut off or ignore the feelings he had for her. They were so intertwined in each other's lives it physically hurt not to be together.

Hope surged inside her.

There was only one more place on the list and Sophie desperately wanted to find Fitz and tell him everything she had realized that night. She could easily track him and reach out to him but her mind was torn with the thoughts of what Tiergan wanted her to learn, she knew Fitz was her future every marker in her life had put them together. Maybe people would think they were too young or moving too fast but all she wanted was to be with him. She had made her choice long before that night but now she knew she was going to fight to help Fitz realize that no matter what or who tried to get in their way, even a silly begulier, they were meant to be together.

Hesitantly she pulled out her Pathfinder to lock in the final leap. The sooner she went to the last place the sooner she could find Fitz and make him understand that nothing was going to tear them apart if she could help it.