A Future Elvin World

Chapter 12-Keefe POV

For the past week, Keefe visited Sophie, and although his very encouraging speech the last time he'd seen her, she hadn't stopped obsessing over their plan and honestly, he couldn't blame her. Forkle and the rest of the Collective where the only poeple holding them back from going through with it. Even Bangs Boy had suggested they ditch the Black Swan and go through it themselves. But Sophie had made a valid point that they needed Forkle to give them a leaping crystal to the Lost Cities for the to be able to make it Tribunal Hall. And after Fitz had suggested her Teleporting, shed said she wasn't going to be able to sneak away from Sandor, who was watching them all very closely since the fire. Like, acting -like -a -shadow closely. And as much as Keefe loved Gigantor for protecting Sophie, he still wished the giant goblin would get distracted by something so they could make their big escape. 

"Mr. Sencene, I agreed to this meeting for you to speak, not to stare at the windows," Forkle said gruffly, shaking Keefe out of his thoughts. 

"Uh yeah, sorry." Keefe murmured, shaking his head and glancing over at the Magnate Leto disguised Black Swan leader. "I came to talk about the plan." 

"Ah, I had a feeling. I've discussed it with the Collective several times, but they are still hesitant to send two unguarded children into the Lost Cities. Especially Mr. Tam and Miss Foster. The Neverseen and looking for them both. "

"Oh trust me, I know," Keefe told him bitterly, fiddling with the hem of his blue tunic.  It had killed him to agree to let Sophie travel to the Tribunal Hall with Tam alone, especially since Keefe didn't trust the surly boy, but.... if it helped get them a step closer to defeating the Neverseen.... he'd cooperate. "But sitting in hiding isn't going to do anything. And I know you're going to tell me to be patient, but I've been patient for months, Forkle. We all have and we're getting worried out of our minds. Our families are locked in Exile and who knows what the Neverseen is doing to the Lost Cities? We've got to stop this before it gets even worse and you and I both know that Fintan will end up finding us. And if we don't stop him before then, who's gonna save everyone?"

"I understand that Mr. Sencene, but do you really think it would be better to risk Sophie and Tam getting caught on just one little piece of information?"

"It is not only 'one little piece of information'. " Keefe snapped, "If they give that tunnel an all clear, that means we can plan a raid on the Neverseen and whip their butts." 

"But have you forgotten how far ahead the Neverseen plans? They've probably set traps in the tunnel, waiting for us to discover it and try to sneak into it." Forkle argued, folding his hands on top of the dark ebony table in front of him. "I'm not trying to-"

"Have you forgotten how awesome Foster is? Because if you have that pathetic, you know, you guys being her creators and all. But seriously, she's got five abilities and she'd have Tammy boy with her. They're both pretty powerful." 

Forkle's frown was a bitter line as he sighed and turned to the window wall. Keefe was sure he'd ignored him by how long Forkle was staring at the windows, but then he sighed and turned back to Keefe, "I will speak to the Collective again. But," He held up a finger when he saw the smirk growing on Keefe's face, "I cannot guarantee their approval." 

"Got it," Keefe said, nodding and rising to his feet. "Can you talk to them now? I was kinda hoping to do this.... tonight."

"Tonight?" Forkle's eyes widened when Keefe nodded. "Well... I could try but again, no grantees."

Keefe nodded again before leaving Forkle's office and stepping out into the chilly air. Finally, something was being done. Finally, they were getting closer. Closer to finally defeating the Neverseen.