Together?- A SOPHITZ fanfiction (UPDATES ON HOLD)

A different kind of training

Sophie froze. "Training?" Bronte looked quite annoyed. "Yes, Ms. Foster. We can't expect you to know everything about the job." Sophie blushed. Of course she would need training. She would become one of the most important people in the lost cities in a matter of months. "So... where do we start?" she asked shyly. Bronte laughed. It was an ugly sound, like a cross between a dinosaur roar and wheeze. He was laughing because Sophie was being ridiculous. "You don't expect us to give you training on how to direct an entire species through an imparter. Ha! No, you're coming here. Do you still have the crystal we gave you?" he asked after his fit of laughter. "It should be around here somewhere," she mumbled, digging through her desk drawers. She finally found a red crystal on a gold chain, hidden at the bottom of her parchment drawer. "Got it," she announced. "We'll be waiting, Ms. Foster." With that, the connection cut, and Sophie was left to getting ready on her own.

Sophie had thrown on a slightly wrinkled yet respectable tunic embellished with precious stones. She braided her hair, splashed some water on her face, and looked at herself in the huge mirror in the main room. She looked like a mess. Dark bags were under her eyes. Her skin was pale, her eyes were dull, and her hair was oily and gross from not washing it in a few days. Sophie sighed and lifted up the red crystal to the light. The light path shimmered and Sophie hesitated. What happened if she didn't go? She could just stay there. Sleep. Oh, sleep felt so nice, but Sophie knew she had to go. She took a deep breath, rubbed her eyes, and stepped into the path. The light shimmered and she disappeared in a flash.

Sophie appeared in Councillor Bronte's crystal castle and almost lost her balance. The sleep deprivation was seriously getting to her. "Ms. Foster. You've decided to join us," said Councillor Bronte who was just walking into the lavish entryway. "I-I'm sorry, I was..." Sophie started. "No need for explanations. You're here now, and we have much to do. It's your break, right?" he asked. "Y-yes, but I decided to stay in the towers to study." The Councillor looked at her like she had two heads. "Why would you ever do that?" he asked. Sophie shrugged meekly. "I had work to do," was her only excuse. Bronte grunted and walked away. He turned around, annoyed. "Well? Are you going to come or not? I don't have all day, child. Just because you didn't sleep doesn't mean I'm letting you slack." With that, Sophie was left to speed walk up to him, careful not to slip on the shiny floor.

Councillor Bronte led her into an enormous room with a huge mahogany table inlaid with shining diamonds. The afternoon light filtered through the crystal walls and left a golden glow in the room. On it was a small black box with a multifaceted, transparent crystal on the top of it. Sophie looked at it, a frown on her face. "This," Bronte declared, "is a Rearview. Once I turn it on, it will induce a specific kind of hallucination. Not a negative one, but one that will be vital for your training. It will give you scenarios that you will most likely face in your term as Councillor, but it will not allow you to move on until you solve the problem. There are a total of 12 scenarios. Do try to take your time- I have a dinner with Councillor Alina that I would love to miss." Sophie cracked a smile at that. Councillor Alina was a very difficult person- dinner with her would be nothing less than unbearable. Sophie looked at the beautifully decorated grandfather clock in the corner of the room. 4 o'clock. Easy-peasy. Right?

Bronte walked over to the Rearview and placed his hands on both sides. He held them there for a second and let go. The space where his hands had been left a glowing mark on the smooth surface and shone with a million brilliant colors. The shape disappeared and the crystal in the center of the Rearview lit up, lighting up the room with a brilliant light show. Then everything went black. Councillor Bronte disappeared and the walls of the crystal castle vanished. It was dark yet Sophie could see. There was light but there wasn't a source. It was so strange. Sophie thought she was dreaming- no, hallucinating. And then the darkness disappeared. She was in a forest. A huge forest, filled with people. She was standing on a stage. The day was bright, the lavish plants and trees bright with a spring glow. Sophie realized that everyone in the audience was wearing emerald green. Most had tear-stained cheeks, handkerchiefs dabbing at eyes. Sophie looked up and down, did a full 360. She suddenly realized where she was. The Wanderling Woods.

There was a podium in the center of the stage, a scroll rolled upon it. Sophie looked around. The other Councillors were behind her, heads bowed. The family was in front of her, shaking with sobs. Sophie gasped in horror. Stina? Sure enough, the family of the one who had passed was the Heks family. Stina and Vika were together, sobbing uncontrollably, flanked by two other family members Sophie didn't recognize. Sophie, not knowing what to do, stepped forward to the podium. She unrolled the scroll placed there and read the title, written in intricate cursive.

First task: Perform a Wanderling Planting ceremony.

There was a speech to read and then the whole mourning process. Sophie hated public speaking. She was terrified of it. But if she was to become a Councillor, she didn't have much of a choice. So she summed up all the courage (and energy) she had left, approached the microphone, and began speaking.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of Timkin Heks, beloved husband, father, and active Unicorn preserve member. Timkin passed away while helping one of his beloved unicorns, a rescue who bucked and caused multiple injuries and was found at the point of no return little ways after. Timkin has spent his life dedicated to helping these gentle creatures, working the tough and dirty jobs to ensure their well being. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Stina, and his wife, Vika. Although he was born talentless, Timkin has worked hard to help our world, relentlessly proving his worth and tirelessly trying to help others. May his life and legacy never be forgotten, and remember; Those who wander are not lost."

Sophie let go of the breath she didn't know was holding in. She looked at the scroll one more time, looking for more instructions. The page was blank. Sophie stepped back from the podium and looked around awkwardly. She was not nailing this public speaking thing. She found an empty space in the row of Councillors and took her position there. Councillor Emery spoke a few words and then friends of the Heks' said a few words as well. During that time, Sophie looked at the stillness of the trees. No breeze. No birds. Nothing. Just silence. It was a beautiful place, the Wanderling Woods. Sophie suddenly remembered this was just a simulation. It was all fabricated to perfection. The crowd suddenly shifted, walking towards the receiving line where Stina and Vika stood. The Councillors started walking in single file towards the Heks family. Once they approached, they each muttered a few words and then lept away. Sophie was the last Councillor in line and smiled sadly when she approached.

"I-I'm so sorry for your loss. He... was a good man. I don't really know what to say but... the pain will fade. My condolences," she added, to sound more regal. Sophie knew this was all fake but it felt awfully real. Stina's tear-stained face nodded, unable to look up, and Vika mumbled a thank you, her red-rimmed eyes glassy. Sophie walked away like the Councillors, awkwardly standing. She didn't know what to do. She suddenly remembered the scroll tucked into her cloak pocket and pulled it out. The page was empty. Sophie frowned and looked up, just to see the world fade to the strange black-lit room. A voice filled the room, grumpy and loud. "Wow," Councillor Bronte said sarcastically. "You're going to have to do better, Ms. Foster, for the simulations will only get harder." And with that, the next one began.