Ah, 7th grade writing. Everybody within a 100 mile radius cringes in pain when I read this (even in my mind). So here goes: I… ugh. I won’t say it (I am writing this though, right?). You know what, I’ll just give this a shot before I change my mind. Sophie and I talked today. Not in person, though I wish she were here, so we could— Ha! I’m reckless, but I’m not that reckless. Anyways, she inquired about how I was doing with the Neverseen. Surprisingly not what I was doing with them, huh? The Neverseen are our worst enemy. We joined the Black Swan, a rebel organization determined to fix the ways of the elvin world. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what the Neverseen are also trying to do, with a much more warped view. And… I’ve joined them. Don’t get me wrong, I’m doing this to get information out of them, save everyone, and for Sophie to hopefully start liking me— but what are the odds? Shoot, she saw me betray her. Let’s get back to the point. She reached out to me this night. Probably to read me an ode to Keefe Failures out loud. Keefe! Her mental voice shouted. Arrrgh, I keep forgetting she’s a freakin’ Telepath. I jolted upright. Foster? I thought (that’s my nickname for her). I checked next to me quickly to make sure Alvar was asleep. Sophie responded, sounding super worried. Are you okay? Wow… that was so not the question I expected her to ask. So you don’t hate me…? I asked timidly. I could practically hear her sigh. I will never hate you, Keefe. But what did you do this for? The Neverseen are always a million steps ahead of us. You know that. I wasn’t going to dignify that question with a response, and answered the first one instead. Listen, Foster. I’m alright! Even though everything here reeks like rotting toenails, and the food is awful. The Neverseen seriously need to reconsider their menu, I noted. They need to reconsider their life choices, Sophie argued. And so do you. I mean… why, Keefe? You haven’t joined them for real, have you? I let out a breath. I never will. ******************************************************************************************************
At that time, my desire to usurp the Neverseen was so great. My heart had a steady kind of determination which always stayed there—but not in the way you’re thinking of. ****************************************************************************************************** I’ve been training with Alvar lately. If you ask me, the sessions do kind of work. We’re covering breath control and body temperature regulation—which doesn’t include all those times we had to practice telekinesis, darkness vision, channeling, and all that fun stuff. Alvar excels at skills, and if I’m being honest it’s like… it’s like he actually wants me to see how the Neverseen is right. Alvar definitely wants me to be one of their members; he’s really nice to me. Speaking about our current hideout, it sucks. We’re stuck in a gray cave in who-knows-where. It’s probably somewhere chilly, though, ‘cause the ground here—if you can even call it that—is super cold. It’s a good thing I can control my body temperature now. Like I wrote earlier, it smells horrible. Since we also don’t have any gnomes here to help (our—I mean the Neverseen’s allies are the ogres, who just tried to blackmail the gnomes into being their slaves. So yeah), the food… ewww. I can feel my tummy doing these disgusting somersaults. Let’s just say my taste buds and stomach are better off without it. I’ve also been talking to Foster every night I can. Thankfully, my roommate is a deep sleeper. I fill Sophie in on everything (and add some jokes in, too, ‘cuz we all know my moon lark needs a steady dose of Team Foster-Keefe!) But… Now that I think of it, there’s two things I haven’t told. First, that I have a huge crush on— Ha, you almost got me! ********************************************************************************************* I forgot to say the second thing, and I’m growing surer by the moment. The Neverseen are the good guys. And I’ll be joining them. For real. Wait, Foster’s checking in. I’ll write this conversation down as we go. … THE PEACE SUMMIT IT TOMORROW, KEEFE! WHAT DO THE NEVERSEEN HAVE PLANNED!? I suddenly get really uncomfortable and become aware of how stale the cave air is. I shift on my stiff mattress. No hi to your favorite elf? Pretty sure I’m just stalling now. This is important. Also, hi Keefe. I feel like I’m going to throw up. Should I tell her that we’re going to bring Lumenaria down, and probably kill someone along the way? Yes! This is the Mysterious Miss F! She’s gorgeous, innocent and— And I’m not innocent. No. I’m loyal to the Neverseen. But I just know I need to tell her this other thing. Like Fitzphie trust exercises, I think. Then I shove the thought back, since Foster is a TELEPATH AND IS READING MY MIND RIGHT NOW. I take a deep breath in. Sophie, the Neverseen are right. They’re willing to do anything to change this world, which is what we need. And if we elves want to do something useful, we gotta be ruthless and determined. Which is why I’m going to tell you— They’re murderers! Well, Fitz is trying to kill Alvar. How do you feel about that? Keefe Sencen! Foster declares, shocked. Probably not in a good way. But the Neverseen have built up my courage, and I must get this out of my mouth before I choke on it. I love you Sophie. Like, love love love you. More than Wonderboy. And I want you to know that. But I’m not going back to the Black Swan. Then I severed our connection before I had time to die of awkwardness. No regrets :) ********************************************************************************************* I’M THE LUCKIEST GUY IN THE UNIVERSE!!! We (the Neverseen) crashed the Peace Summit yesterday, and Foster was almost trapped under all the rubble and debris. (No, this is not the “lucky me” part) My savior complex kicked in, and I rescued her. So yeah, you could say she owes me her life. After a truly heartbreaking moment were we just stared at each other, Foster wrapped her arms around my torso. SOPHIE ELIZABETH FOSTER HUGGED ME!!! And then she said the most wonderful seven words in the freakin’ Lost Cities. They might be the best in the dang universe. I felt her warm breath on my chest. “Does the Neverseen need an extra recruit?” Wait. Not those. She tightened her hug on me. “I want to be with you, Keefe.” Then some other awesome seven words. “I’ve realized that I don’t need Fitz.” Then her tired body slumped against mine. P.S., currently we’re training, and it’s seriously the most amazing thing that’s ever happened! The ex-moonlark and I work super well together! We’ve also moved into a better hide-out. Shoot, I think she might even have a *crush* on me! Hunkyhair ➡️ out.
