Fostering Love

Chapter 9: Not Exactly Human

     “She's human?” Everyone was equally shocked. 

     "But that's impossible," Dex said with a disbelieving shake of his head, "The Lost Cities are protected and hidden— there's no way a human could get in."

     "Well . . ." Elwin hesitated. "When I checked her for injuries, her anatomy didn't seem exactly human. It actually had some of what seemed to be . . . elvin genetics."

     This surprised Sophie's group even more than the last revelation.

     But the thought that occurred then to Sophie was, What if she's like me? A project, an experiment, an outcast her whole life. However unlikely, her mind wouldn't give up the hope. After all, other than Sophie, this mysterious unfamiliar girl was probably the closest thing to being Project Moonlark.

     "We're still not sure yet, as these could just be unrelated anomalies. We'll have to research further." Elwin reminded the group.

     "Or how about you just wake her up and ask if she has an ability? Or if she can use telekinesis or something?" Linh suggested.

     "Well, we're still not sure how much of her genetic makeup is elvin, if any," Magnate Leto explained, "Plus, even if she does have an ability or can use skills, she may have suppressed them all these years and probably lacks proper training."

     "It still seems like the most effective way. If she can, we have our answer. If she can't, well, then you can do your research," Keefe argued.

     Magnate Leto sighed and rubbed his temples. He thought for a moment, then replied, "Fine. Once she's ready to wake, we'll call you and we'll see."

     "So more waiting?" Fitz complained.

     As Magnate Leto jumped into a lecture about the importance of patience, Sophie took a step back and leaned against the wall. This was real. A hybrid elf-human or a genetic experiment or . . . well, whatever the girl was, had found the Lost Cities and ran there. Sophie's head began to spin, but suddenly Keefe was there, supporting her. He guided her to the empty cot and sat beside her.

     Fitz hadn't even noticed. But, in his defense, he was currently the main target of Forkle's lecturing.

     "Can I tell you something?" Sophie asked Keefe quietly.

     "Anything."

     "This is going to sound silly, but I sort of want it to be true, you know? That she's a hybrid or whatever. I guess I feel like I wouldn't be the only oddball then." She let out a small laugh. "Stupid, right?"

     Keefe grabbed Sophie's shoulders and turned her towards him. "It's not stupid. If I were you, I'd be hoping for the same thing. And I doubt you're the only odd one here." Keefe made a funny face, and Sophie couldn't help but giggle. 

     Looking on, Ro actually cracked a small smile.

A/N:
Somewhat short chapter, hope you liked it. Sorry I took so long to update, but more on that in the next part.