#its a book series (keeper of the lost cities by shannon messenger) and you should read it

[swans-chirping-in-the-distance]

a telepathic 12yo realizes she's not alone, albeit believing so her entire life. she discovers she's an elf, and there's a hidden community of people like her, hidden in places humans don't know exist in various parts of the world. she's forced to leave her family because they can never see her again. they're human. she's not. but the girl soon realizes that she's not just any average elf. she comes from secrecy. from rebellion. from an experiment. and she suddenly finds herself carrying a war on her shoulders that goes against everything she was told about elven society. she doesn't know if she can save everyone, but she's damn sure going to try.

Included but not limited to:

Sarcastic flirt who's extremely traumatized and hates himself

Nice Guy(TM) with difficult anger issues

The materialistic mean girl who's, at heart, neither of those things

Geek with pent-up anger who grows to be much softer than the start

The so-called "emo boy" who's literally just A Guy (with parental issues)

The "sweet" girl who can wipe out cities if she desired

You'll see a lot of different kinds of love, what with that between family (adoptive or biological), friends, or neither. You'll also see good rep of the effects of abuse on children.

what is kotlc?

[championofnyx]

"Keeper of the Lost Cities" And Why Kids Shouldn't Be Allowed To Read It

For those of you who are not familiar with the series, it is a middle-aged 8 book on-going series written by Shannon Messenger about the life of an elve girl Sophies Foster raised by human parents before being taken into the hidden world of elves where she is plopped into a three-way fight between the government and two insurgency factions with different perspectives of how their world should operate, leaving her and her friends left to balance the issues within their society. This, at face value, sounds like a compelling narrative of tweenhood in a turbulent world, yet, it is the world this takes place in and the lack of criticism of its harmful ideals that there is a problem. 

Ok, so why am I making this? I read a few of the Keepers books when I was younger but stopped the series around book three and didn't pick it back up again until book 5 when the kid I was babysitting asked me to read it out loud to her. It was kind of a fun moment and she caught me up to speed on book 4 but as we were reading I picked up on some red flags within the writing and world-building. I quickly re-read the whole series (Audiobooks my man, they do wonders for reading time) and realized that this wasn't the best series to introduce younger kids without serious conversation accompanying it. Those red flags would be The Issue of Eugenetic  Marriage Limitations, Issues Within the Neverseens and Black Swans Ideals, and Elvan Society. Let's get started. 

The Issue of Eugenetics and Marriage Limitations 

The issue of Eugenics shows up in several ways throughout this series, most notably, through match lists and the breeding of those with abilities to those with abilities. But before we dive into the Lost Cities, let us talk a little about what eugenics is. 

The concept of eugenics has been present throughout much of human history with its first official documentation coming from Plato, yet the concept has been narrowed down simply as "planned breeding". So how does this show up in the Lost Cities? Matches. Essentially, the matches tell you who you should be allowed to have a baby with, the enforcement of which is societal pressure. Now, you may be saying, "but the matches are for marriage and not nessacerally breeding" and to that, I point you to one main function of the matching process, the limit the possibility of marring a relative, which would only become an issue if these matches were made to have children. As well as this line: "'Progress, Prosperity, Permanence, and Proliferation,' Grady told her. 'The goals of every match.'" In which it is admitted that one of the main goals of matchmaking is proliferation, increasing the population of the elves. More so, those who have abilities are never matched with those who do not have abilities. And those who possess abilities are viewed as less than for having married and had children with the person without abilities. As if they are tainted. As well as any children they have been tainted by the union, which is shown through the wretched treatment of the Dizznee kids. The entire purpose of match marking is to breed desirable children to increase the population of elves. 

Elvan Society

Elvan society is run by a council of the elvan elite that has full jurisdiction of governing, laws, and their enforcement, and the only military presence in the cities, the Goblins whose services are paid for through an alliance with a foreign power and rule through proxies of other talented individuals who are viewed also as elites within society. The entrance of the social elite on the council level is determined by closed doors votes, and on the regency level through an appointment that is reserved for those with favorable birth or great physical ability. While there is so much that I could talk about elvan society, I want to focus on the issue of the Talentless.

They are sectioned off from society greatly and live in a working-class town such as Mysterium are barred from entering governmental service and the elite class through social norms upheld by the ruling body. They are essentially removed from the main society as we know it with a few exceptions to those deemed 'valuable'. Kesler is a talented potion maker who is sought after by the elite class and therefore allowed to engage in normal society. Timkin Hek is from a well-established family and married into a well-established family and is allowed to stay. And while this 'othering' and social exclusion of those who do not seem as contributing to society, what is more, terrifying is the treatment of those who step outside of the social order subjected. 

There have been throw-away sentences about labor camps where people not contributing to society, criminals, and those without abilities, are sent to be useful. As well as youth who have committed the offense of not being able to handle their abilities are sent into Exillium where they are re-educated to become more obedient members of society. And if not, they are sent to live on the fringes of society, serving it but never being allowed to reenter.

The Issue Of The Neverseen and Black Swan 

At this point, many of you would say that this issue is being addressed by the Black Swan and Neverseen, but I reject that. Let's talk about the Black Swan first. 

The Black Swan is an organization that works with the preexisting social structure that facilitates the mistreatment of its citizens to make a change while upholding the order. They haven't talked about dissolving the council and system of regency, but rather want the council and ruling class to adopt their ideals to bring social change. In this endeavor, they have genetically modified a child with the hope of raising her to be a weapon in this movement of social change, impregnated a woman unknowing with a child that was not hers, and stalked said child throughout her youth. And who, from the perspective of the narrative, are good people who hold the means for successful social change. 

Now, the Neverseen is viewed as an antagonistic force that wishes for a complete upheaval of the social order so that the discrimination that many of its members experience, and what drove them into this line of work, is dissolved. Yes, they engage in terrorism, but if Sophie was created by the Neverseen, the story would be similar to Hunger Games or Divergent. There is a mentality that "one person's terrorist is another freedom fighter" and while I can debate the market of that sentiment until I lose my voice, it's present thought out middle-grade and YA literature. Dissolving the council is the most efficient way to change the disparity and watch predjust within the elvan society and yet they are labeled as the bad guys. Some problems can not be fixed within a broken society, that is why we have rebellions, and the Blackswan is not a rebel organization, they haven't been since they cozied up to the council around book six, they are reformers. And when a society is so entrenched in a cycle of oppression, reform can only come in the wake of upheaval. Sometimes, you need people willing to destroy a system to make a new one.  

I know many will say that the series is ongoing and has time to address these societal issues, and to that I say, the ninth book is being released soon. Why wait for eight books? Silence is a wretched weapon when produced at the right times. 

Conclusion 

With everything that I have said throughout this post, I want you to think of another time in history when there have been limitations on marriage with those deemed as less than others and who was allowed to have children with who was mandated by the government as to keep genetic balance within society. When undesirables were cast out of society, either for reeducation or an invisible labor force. Yes, the Blackswan seemed to be fighting for social change. But they are looking to keep the regime and change the laws that produce inequality. Rember when I asked you to think about history? How many people do you know that think the Nazis should have stayed in power if they rewrote the Numenburg Laws? How would you feel if someone was teaching that to children? 

[yv-sketches]

I've the how to your dragon series and the wizards of once books. Any recommendations for books to read that are similar?

Thank you so much for this question!! 😊

I’ll do my best to answer, however, English is not my native language, so I am not super familiar with the Great Middle Grade series that undoubtably exist. I also read too many non fiction books when I was younger

Here are a few books/book series I found enjoyable in a similar way. (The list is not super long and none of them feature dragons, sorry.)

Most of these are more like twoo, because they’re really good but can’t touch Cressida’s masterpiece. I cannot think of ANY book series that can compare to httyd’s philosophical three way war and grand finale.

(Click read more for a list of half baked book recommendations by me XD)

1 ~ The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole - Michelle Cuevas

This is a stand alone that could easily be “How to take care for a pet black hole” written by Hiccup. It’s a short book, but it has the exact same dry and clever humour and becomes truly meaningful further into the story. The ending is bittersweet too.

This is probably the book I think has the most similar atmosphere to httyd. If you could collapse the emotions from httyd into 200 pages, this would be the closest matching result.

2 ~ Percy Jackson - Or literally anything by Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan is iconic and the only one who could win a ‘chapter title battle’ from Cressida. Examples: “My sword has a better social life than I do” or “A God buys us cheeseburgers” I am very ashamed to admit I have only read the first Percy Jackson book (I really should read the rest, you may sue me for not reading this iconic series) but I really liked it and from what I heard about the rest of the series it only gets better.

At least one crazy adventure each book, plenty of swordfights and a snappy protagonist to comment on everything. I’m not sure how to describe it accurately, but these books are written with the same hilarious tone as Cressida’s. You can read them out loud and they’d be funny I guess?

Also: Main characters with ADHD and dyslexia (looking at you Wish and Xar), characters from different countries, cultures and LGBT characters who have storylines outside of that characteristic. If you liked vikings, Magnus Chase is his triology about demigod children of Norse gods (though long series probably won’t bother you as httyd book fan).

3 ~ Cogheart - Peter Bunzl

These books are fun steampunk adventures. The setting is vaguely historical, but with victorians instead of vikings, pesky adults who don’t listen to children very well and an unusual pet companion. There’s also a secondary storyline about how beings with human intelligence are treated as lesser, and it’s treated important enough without overshadowing the main plot.

I’ve read the first two and so far it’s a series where you can read each book separate (though the first few httyd books could also be read as separates). There are two more and perhaps the secondary citizen issue will end up being the overarching plot?

4 ~ How to Become King - Jan Terlouw

The clue is in the title. The main character wants to become king, but has to complete 7 impossible tasks first. It does not get more straightforward than that.

The book does not have Cressida’s ridiculous humour, but the main character is Pure Good like Hiccup and each impossible quest actually has a lot of depth to it. A big part of the story emphasizes how humility and kindness are the things that make a good king. It’s a pretty old book and probably the most unknown one on this list.

5 ~ The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars - Jaclyn Moriarty

(I own a signed copy of this and the author was so nice) It is the second book set in this world, but with new characters. She said it can be read on its own, but perhaps it could be a bit confusing if you haven’t read the first. I hadn’t read the first and I was confused.

The absolute highlight of this book was the narration. There are two narrators who take turn narrating, and while doing so they comment on each other. They argue with each other and quip about how they do a better job narrating. It makes you feel like you’re part of the story too, similarly how Hiccup addresses the reader and comments on his younger self.

6 ~ Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colfer

Did anybody say fiendishly clever plan? When it comes to cheating death and trickery, Artemis Fowl is Hiccup and Xar’s long lost sibling. Except.... he is not as nice. To quote Camicazi: “You see, [I] have no morals at all. It's very useful...”

Where Hiccup was a Pure Cinnamon Roll and Xar an emotional hotheaded disaster, Artemis is a straight up bastard who cares for only four (4) people in total.

It’s very reminiscent of the earlier httyd books. Silly schemes, potty humour and characters that walk a fine line between likeable and annoying. I have not read the entire series yet, but the characters slowly mature with each book.

7 ~ Ella Enchanted - Gail Carson Levine

This is more of a twisted fairytale like twoo and not a fantasy epic like httyd. It’s the story of a girl on an impossible quest in a fantasy world. There are a lot of fairytale tropes, but I really liked how the extremely complex kingdom fit into one book.

It’s the only book on this list where different languages are a major plot point, and there is an inequality problem with some creatures, similar to the wild dragons in httyd. The ending can’t compare to the satisfying yet bittersweet solution of book 12. It’s a fairytale happily ever after and certainly easier on the heart than httyd.

? ~ Anything by Roald Dahl

Everyone knows Roald Dahl, which is why this is probably an useless recommendation. His books are funny, crazy and sometimes a bit grim, but always great. What else can I say?

? ~ The gentleman’s guide to vice and virtue - Mackenzi Lee

Ok, this one is by no means a middle grade book. More like 15+. (There is violence and romance is a major plotline. Both the violence and romance are 15+, and while I did not find it too bad, it might not be for everyone)

However, it has almost all of the ingredients of a Cressida book. I really felt like I should include it because it belongs somewhere high on this list! On the surface it’s a whacky adventure with a sassy protagonist in a somewhat historical fantasy setting. Below that surface, it deals with major issues in an absolutely beautiful way.

The quotes are artistic, and this is the ONLY ya book I’ve ever read with messages that hit as hard and are written as subtly as the ones in the httyd books. (I have read books more beautiful, and books with greater messages than this one, but the serious parts were woven into the story in such a refined way.... I’ve only read that in Cressida’s books.)

Mind you, the protagonist is more of a Disaster Boy ™ than Xar and I wanted to slap him sometimes. Like Xar, he learns and gets better.

~

A few other books I should mention

Coraline by Neil Gaiman. The story is not similar to httyd and twoo at. all. which is why it’s not on the list. However, this is the ultimate book about not-so-great parents. Hiccup and the entire twoo gang can relate. Just a heads up: this is a somewhat scary story. Cressida doesn’t shy away from suspense and terrifying details, but in Coraline, the suspense is one of the main aspects.

A series of unfortunate events from Lemony Snicket. I haven’t read this, but I still want to. From what I’ve heard it’s a sarcastic adventure series that’s a lot more serious than it looks.

I have never read this series either, I do not even know what it’s about, but I’ve heard people from the httyd books fandom talk about it: Keeper of the lost cities by Shannon Messenger.

~

I hope this list was the kind of answer you were hoping for!

If you are looking for better recommendations, there are a lot of httyd book fans who can give you some, like @books-are-like-dragons @thefellowshipofthedragonmark @httydbooks-doodler .

[shatteredsisters-blog]

Chapters: 5/? Fandom: Keeper of the Lost Cities Series - Shannon Messenger, KOTLC Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Characters: Keefe Sencen, Tam Song, Linh Song, Fitz Vacker, Biana Vacker, Sophie Foster, Dex Dizznee Additional Tags: Kidnapped, Missing, kinda mean, i feel bad doing this to keefe oops, Angst Summary:

How broken do you have to be before you’re shattered?

Keefe Sencen has been taken. Snatched from what was meant to be a prank, he struggles to find his way home. The question is, where is home?

Tam Song is cracking. He’s the cause of this, or so he believes. He’s convinced he’s the reason Keefe is suffering, and it’s awakening feelings he’s so desperately shut in the depths of his mind.

Sophie Foster is panicking. One of her best friends is missing and his blood has been splattered. She wonders, what would happen if there is no blood left by the time she finds him?  

Time is ticking. Hour by hour, there’s a chance Keefe will never come back, and the gang is scrambling to crack the clues and ominous hints left by the mysterious thieves.

Chapter 5 beneath the cut.

Chapter 5: 48 Hours

Two days.

Two days since Keefe had gone missing.

48 hours of tugging out eyelashes, 48 hours of pulling at hair, 48 hours of sobbing and not sleeping. 48 hours of Tam repeatedly apologizing. 48 hours of searching for anything that could bring him back.

Sophie absently stared at the clock, watching the minute shift up one.

2881 minutes.

Sophie didn’t have a word to describe how she felt. She couldn’t explain the feeling. But it was like…

Like being numb.

Numb like crying for hours and then stopping and staring at the wall with no thoughts in her brain.

It's the kind of numb that eats at your soul and threatens to devour it whole. The kind that damages a person. A little too much sometimes. The kind that leaves a soul broken, with millions of cracks fracturing it, waiting to shatter. It felt like the weight of the world falling on her shoulders, pushing on her and threatening to bury her in the dirt.

She gathered up the strength she had left and willed herself to stand. An ache in her body became apparent, and all she wanted to do was trudge up the stairs to her giant bedroom and flop onto and not wake up until it was all over. But she’d awaken. And when she did, she’d unleash her power and find her friend.

Keefe probably doesn’t have a cloud bed right now, was the last that echoed in her brain before darkness claimed her.

Heavy.

It was so, so, so heavy, that guilt was.

Pulling him down.

Drowning him.

His fault. His fault. His fault. All. His. Fault.

No matter how many times Dex told Tam it wasn’t his fault, no matter how many times Sophie hugged him, no matter how many times Linh told him to stop feeling guilty, he knew that they all blamed him. Easy enough. He’s the reason Keefe was taken. He might as well handed Keefe over to this messed up person who took him on a platter.

All he had wanted to do was… Tam couldn’t quite figure out what he wanted.

Did he want to impress Keefe?

Keefe? The one and only boy who despised of him? Who hated Tam from the depths of his heart? Who would never love him?

He saw in their eyes that his “friends” blamed him. He saw it in the way Fitz glared at him. In the way Linh avoided him. He saw the way that Biana wouldn’t speak to him.

The cracks were forming in his mind and he fought to stop them. No matter how long it took, no matter what he had to sacrifice, he’d find Keefe.

Tam would make this right again.

Linh was angry. Angry at the peo

ple who took Keefe, angry at the Council for not helping more, angry at whatever messed up person controlling fate allowed this to happen. And deep down, a tiny part of her that she resented, was angry at Tam for putting him in the position to be taken. And she was angry at herself. For being so angry.

She shut herself in her room, searching through maps and pendant feed trying to find anything.

Keefe was out there somewhere.

And she’d find him.

She’d save him.

Anxiety coursed through Dex. This happened to him and Sophie. And now it’d happen to Keefe. But… what if it was worse for him? What was going to happen?

Some nights, he’d wake up in cold sweat, not completely sure if he was safe to move. Not completely sure that he was home, safe and sound. He would lay there, terrified and frozen until finally, finally, the sun slowly, slowly but surely rose. But he still wouldn’t move until someone came.

He wrung his hands together, drumming them on the desk he sat at, covered in technopathy books and half-built gadgets that he’d likely never finish. His hands shook and his stomach rolled, but he’d never tell anyone. Never tell Sophie. Never tell his parents.

Because as far as everybody else knew, or thought, he was okay.

But he wasn’t okay.

Because he was taken too and when Keefe comes back maybe he’d tell him. Maybe he’d be able to help him through the inevitable, weighing trauma that he was still suffering.

So he took some pens and started to draw out a possible map of where they could have gone. No light signature to trace, no DNA to match, nothing.

He scribbled out calculations, drawing circles around the possible area.

Whoever took Keefe was going to be very, very, very sorry.

It echoed in her brain. Over and over again. Gone. He was gone. Missing. Kidnapped. Taken. Stolen. Grabbed. Using different words wouldn’t change anything because Keefe was not here. Biana wiped off the smeared makeup, leaving her skin bare.

She looked at herself in the reflection.

Sure, her eyes were red and puffy, her face was stained from crying, and her nose looked gross. Sure, her brown hair was tangled and going every direction. Sure, there was a purple so deep under her eyes that it could have been bruises. Sure, she’d not spoken a word to anyone, not even her best friends for what felt like so, so, long, but in her eyes, her bright, teal blue eyes, was anger. Determination.

A determination to fight for Keefe. To hunt down the culprit and make them pay. She’d been hurt by what was possibly these very same people who took him, him, away from her. She would make them pay so much that they would be covered in the same scars that still covered her pale skin.

So she scrubbed her skin clean. So she painted red upon her lips. The color of blood. The color of war. She was going to fight for her friend for as long as it took.

And she would not lose.

Fitz punched the wall again, hard. Very hard.

Keefe. Keefe Sencen. Keefe Sencen his best friend. Keefe Sencen, the boy who sacrificed every fiber in his body to help their friends. Keefe Sencen, the boy who broke all the rules, told all the lies, made all of the big, reckless moves for a better future. Keefe Sencen, the idiot.

But this made him mad. Mad that someone would take his best friend. Mad that someone could harm the one person who was better than everyone else in every way. It made his mad that someone could dare to touch even a single lock of his hair and think they could get away with it.

So he punched the wall. He punched it hard. He shattered his bones, only to take a tissue regenerator and punch the wall again. He screamed and screamed and screamed. He screamed until he had no more breath left. Should he just punch himself while he was at it? Should he stop taking the tissue regenerator? Nothing mattered anymore anyway, now that everyone was being taken. Yes, they usually had somehow made it back, but what if Keefe didn’t?

Keefe.

The name brought him back to reality. If he left the world, Keefe wouldn’t even have a chance at getting back.

So he punched the wall again. Took tissue regenerator. Screamed until he had no breath left. Punched the wall. Tissue regenerator. Screamed. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Until he had no energy left. So he practically inhaled the plate of mashed Carnissa root that Edaline had evidently conjured up for him. No one wanted to disturb him. Then, back at it. He couldn’t stop He couldn’t.

He couldn’t punch those who had taken him, but he could harm the one who landed Keefe in this situation in the first place.

He could punch Tam Song.

He could punch him until there was more of his blood on the ground than in his body. He could punch him until the raging storm his body contained escaped and unleashed its freezing storms on Tam.

That traitor.

It swirled in his chest. It was an angry beast under his skin. It was what made his vision red.

And he punched the wall again. Harder.  

[aion-rsa]

Link Tank: Why Supernatural Fans Should Watch Trickster

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Fans of The CW’s Supernatural may want to check out Trickster, a Canadian drama based on the original folklore of Indigenous and First Nations peoples.

“When Supernatural premiered over a decade and a half ago, it asked the question ‘what if all the ghost stories and urban legends you told around a campfire were real and what do they look like in today’s world?’ That series drew on a particular sort of American mythology, and at its best used those stories to inform the growth of their character and it was a powerful combination.”

Read more at The Mary Sue.

The North Pole remains one of the most under-explored regions on the planet. Check out some fascinating facts we know about it.

“For most of history, the North Pole was the stuff of legends and wild theories. But even after European explorers got close to it in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the North Pole remained mysterious. Here are 11 facts we know about the North Pole so far.”

Read more at Mental Floss.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

iPhone cameras are better than ever. Here’s how you can make the most of the three rear cameras on your iPhone 12.

“Apple’s iPhone X and 11 line of phones are capable of taking high-quality photos, but the company has upped the ante with its latest iPhone 12 lineup. Most notably, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max include three rear cameras for telephoto, wide, and ultrawide shots and a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor to help you take pictures under a variety of challenging conditions, including low-light conditions, from up close, and from far away.”

Read more at PCMag.

NASA has announced efforts to reuse two spacecrafts, Juno and InSight, for finding life on the moons of Jupiter.

“This week, NASA announced the extension of both Juno and InSight. In doing so, NASA is also extending its efforts to discover one thing: Whether there are potentially habitable — or indeed, inhabited — worlds beyond Earth in the Solar System.”

Read more at Inverse.

HBO has announced a Sex and the City reboot, and fans have got some burning questions…

“I couldn’t help but wonder, now that everything’s getting a reboot, how haven’t the folks at HBO figured out a way to get more Sex and the City on the air? And just like that… HBO Max has announced that Carrie Bradshaw and her friends—well, two of them—are returning for a limited series titled, And Just Like That…“

Read more at Thrillist.

Ben Affleck is reportedly directing a movie adaptation of Shannon Messenger’s Keeper of the Lost Cities.

“Deadline reports Affleck is attached to direct an adaptation of Keeper of the Lost Cities, the first in an ongoing book series by Shannon Messenger. The story follows a young girl named Sophie Foster who has the ability to read minds. Soon she meets a boy who can also read minds; together they discover they’re from another world, and Sophie has a crucial role to play in the story of both.”

Read more at Gizmodo.

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[shatteredsisters-blog]

Chapter 2: The Calm BeforeThe wind tugged at Sophie’s blonde hair, whipping against her face, making her scrunch her eyes. She sat criss-cross among Calla’s roots, waiting for Linh to show up. Sophie hadn’t expected to wait so long but was appreciative for the time she gained to sort out her maze of feelings.It was slightly refreshing, to have a moment to just think, to just breathe… And especially, refreshing to just live.“Miss Foster,” a familiar voice said from behind, “are you alright?”Sophie smiled and adjusted her head to see the small gnome. “I’m fine, Flori. I’m just waiting for… a friend.” A friend. Yes. Of course. Only a friend.“Would you like for me to sing to you? I recently composed a new song,” Flori questioned as she made her way to sit with the elf.“I… sure, while I wait.” Maybe she should wait just a little longer? The gnome opened her mouth for a melody to pour out, and almost instantly, the female Song twin appeared with a soft zap of light. Sophie almost leaped off the root she sat on, startled by the sudden appearance. Flori stopped singing and began to study the dark-haired girl. The blonde’s hands shot down from her lap to the ground so she didn’t fall over.Linh gazed at the other elf, a small smile flashing across her lips for only a moment. She then met eyes with Flori and beamed.“That’s a beautiful song,” she whispered, her words flowing like soft waves on a summer day, and which made Sophie’s skin tickle.Linh looked… Majestic, with her multi-layered white-and-blue dress that clung to her body, and little teal slip-ons that Sophie absolutely adored. And what else did Sophie adore? Well, of course— “Sophie! I… Uh, hello…” Linh stuttered as her silvery blue eyes met Sophie’s. Sophie looked away and blushed. The blue-eyed girl smoothed a hand down her dress and slowly walked over to the elf. “You, uh, look great today,” Sophie murmured awkwardly, glancing up at Linh’s face to see her reaction. To her relief, Linh smiled and looked down. “Thanks,” Sophie wanted to peel layers of skin off her face to try and hide her blush. She settled on nervously pulling out eyelashes. Linh sat down next to her, and Sophie felt a smile edge onto her face. Flori laughed softly, “I’ll be going, have a good time, you two.” The two girls smiled at the gnome and waved good-bye as she wandered away. After a moment, Linh turned to Sophie. “So… Want to meet Merla?” There was a hint of glee in the hydrokinetic’s pale blue eyes. Sophie tilted her head to the side, her brow furrowed, “Merla…?” “My murcat!” “Oh!” Sophie’s eyes popped open, “Oh… Of course!” A huge, adorable grin appeared on Linh’s face as she whirled a large, blue-stained glass tank that had large, graceful images of waves crashing down from what seemed to be thin air.Inside, a purple-blue scaly cat swirled around, it’s wide yellow eyes sparkling. Sophie couldn’t help but smile back at Linh.The fish-like feline blew a few bubbles and rubbed its scaly head against the glass. Linh beamed and turned her gaze back to the blonde elf.“Would you like to hold her?”Sophie smiled, “Sure.” A blonde empath stared wide-eyed down at the piece of paper he held in his hands. It was written messily, scrawled down like it was a last moment thing, with quick, non-rhyming words. But right now, Keefe could ignore that sad fact. This note might not even be by the Black Swan… It could be by whoever… Maybe even Sophie? Writing in the third person? He…doubted she would do that. Keefe ran a hand down the side of his face, fear coursing through him as his heart thrummed against his chest. He read the note again, and again and again and again, just to make sure what he saw was correct. The moonlark needs your help Where the forest shines brightest, Follow the Path of Petals, That most try to avoid,To where she shall be.  Keefe had to breathe. The Moonlark was obviously Sophie. The few years spent with her had given him that bit of knowledge. Where does the forest shine the brightest? What does that even mean? And why did she need his help? Was she hurt?Keefe put his hand against his chest and sat down on the nearest chair, sinking into its cushiony haven. He racked his brain for any possible source of information, and absolutely nothing came up. He ran his hand through his hair, letting the oh-so-familiar motion calm him and let his mind relax.A hint of a memory, a spark, ignited in his brain, exploding into a vivid image of a book that he remembered reading not so long ago. Heller Kern, a majestic forest with a mysterious bright glowing light in the center. Multiple paths lead to the core, many dangerous and often a perilous trek. However, if you know where to look, there are a few that are safe, breathtaking, even. Many say that if you get close enough to the luminescence, you will hear the voices of those you love, those who make your heart sing in happiness. However, should you venture into the trees when you don’t love anyone, the light shall drag you in and your soul shall be at war with itself for all eternity, condemning it to never find peace.Heller Kern, a forest that was known only in whispers and the most ancient of texts.Keefe stopped reading after that short passage. He wasn’t supposed to have those books, and the English was especially hard to read. From what he understood, it was a shady place, and the images that decorated the pages where haunting, yet so… inviting. He’d never willingly set foot in that place, but if it means it’ll help Sophie, then he’ll fall into the darkest pits that only humans could conjure with their imaginations. He shook his head, shoving the off-topic thoughts to the side. Hopefully, the ‘path of petals’ wasn’t one of the ‘perilous treks’ and more of an easy one. But maybe the information was so old that the forest has changed and adapted since then? Keefe took a breath and walked through the familiar halls of the Shores of Solace, the place he still lived per his annoying father’s wishes, even after he graduated. He’ll stay here until he finds the perfect place for him to live out his life with whomever he ends up with. Even if it meant dealing with his arrogant, cold father. Keefe wrinkled his nose. Heller Kern was a human name, as the book was a human one. He wasn’t sure where the name stemmed from, but he vaguely remembered the name of it in the Enlightened Language. He stopped once he found the Leapmaster 5000. The glittering crystals began to spin around, and he called out, “Claralux!” The crystal lowered, and a beam of light shone next to him. He didn’t hesitate to allow the light to whisk him away, brushing him across the globe, dropping him right at the line of trees.The forest was just as creepy as he expected. The trees started small, but from where he could see, they grew thicker, taller, bigger, as the woods got deeper. There seemed to be a gentle light pulsing from the distance, calling for him, wishing to wrap him in its soft embrace. A familiar voice whispered to him; “Follow.” A voice he was supposed to hate. A voice that made his heart flutter and made a ghost of a smile appear on his lips. A voice that resurfaced some of the dumbest, yet happiest memories he could think of. A voice full of hidden anger and hurt, yet so much love and caring. “Follow,” it repeated, more insistently this time. So Keefe took a breath. And he followed.Chapters: 2/? Fandom: Keeper of the Lost Cities Series - Shannon Messenger, KOTLC Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Characters: Keefe Sencen, Tam Song, Linh Song, Fitz Vacker, Biana Vacker, Sophie Foster, Dex Dizznee Additional Tags: Kidnapped, Missing, kinda mean, i feel bad doing this to keefe oops, Angst Summary:

How broken do you have to be before you’re shattered?

Keefe Sencen has been taken. Snatched from what was meant to be a prank, he struggles to find his way home. The question is, where is home?

Tam Song is cracking. He’s the cause of this, or so he believes. He’s convinced he’s the reason Keefe is suffering, and it’s awakening feelings he’s so desperately shut in the depths of his mind.

Sophie Foster is panicking. One of her best friends is missing and his blood has been splattered. She wonders, what would happen if there is no blood left by the time she finds him?

Time is ticking. Hour by hour, there’s a chance Keefe will never come back, and the gang is scrambling to crack the clues and ominous hints left by the mysterious thieves.

Chapter 2 below the cut.

Chapter 2: The Calm Before

The wind tugged at Sophie’s blonde hair, whipping against her face, making her scrunch her eyes. She sat criss-cross among Calla’s roots, waiting for Linh to show up. Sophie hadn’t expected to wait so long but was appreciative for the time she gained to sort out her maze of feelings.

It was slightly refreshing, to have a moment to just think, to just breathe… And especially, refreshing to just live.

“Miss Foster,” a familiar voice said from behind, “are you alright?”

Sophie smiled and adjusted her head to see the small gnome. “I’m fine, Flori. I’m just waiting for… a friend.” A friend. Yes. Of course. Only a friend.

“Would you like for me to sing to you? I recently composed a new song,” Flori questioned as she made her way to sit with the elf.

“I… sure, while I wait.” Maybe she should wait just a little longer?

The gnome opened her mouth for a melody to pour out, and almost instantly, the female Song twin appeared with a soft zap of light. Sophie almost leaped off the root she sat on, startled by the sudden appearance. Flori stopped singing and began to study the dark-haired girl. The blonde’s hands shot down from her lap to the ground so she didn’t fall over.

Linh gazed at the other elf, a small smile flashing across her lips for only a moment. She then met eyes with Flori and beamed.

“That’s a beautiful song,” she whispered, her words flowing like soft waves on a summer day, and which made Sophie’s skin tickle.

Linh looked… Majestic, with her multi-layered white-and-blue dress that clung to her body, and little teal slip-ons that Sophie absolutely adored.

And what else did Sophie adore? Well, of course— “Sophie! I… Uh, hello…” Linh stuttered as her silvery blue eyes met Sophie’s. Sophie looked away and blushed. The blue-eyed girl smoothed a hand down her dress and slowly walked over to the elf. “You, uh, look great today,” Sophie murmured awkwardly, glancing up at Linh’s face to see her reaction. To her relief, Linh smiled and looked down. “Thanks,” Sophie wanted to peel layers of skin off her face to try and hide her blush. She settled on nervously pulling out eyelashes. Linh sat down next to her, and Sophie felt a smile edge onto her face. Flori laughed softly, “I’ll be going, have a good time, you two.” The two girls smiled at the gnome and waved good-bye as she wandered away. After a moment, Linh turned to Sophie. “So… Want to meet Merla?” There was a hint of glee in the hydrokinetic’s pale blue eyes. Sophie tilted her head to the side, her brow furrowed, “Merla…?” “My murcat!” “Oh!” Sophie’s eyes popped open, “Oh… Of course!” A huge, adorable grin appeared on Linh’s face as she whirled a large, blue-stained glass tank that had large, graceful images of waves crashing down from what seemed to be thin air.

Inside, a purple-blue scaly cat swirled around, it’s wide yellow eyes sparkling. Sophie couldn’t help but smile back at Linh.

The fish-like feline blew a few bubbles and rubbed its scaly head against the glass. Linh beamed and turned her gaze back to the blonde elf.

“Would you like to hold her?”

Sophie smiled, “Sure.”

A blonde empath stared wide-eyed down at the piece of paper he held in his hands. It was written messily, scrawled down like it was a last moment thing, with quick, non-rhyming words. But right now, Keefe could ignore that sad fact. This note might not even be by the Black Swan… It could be by whoever… Maybe even Sophie? Writing in the third person? He…doubted she would do that. Keefe ran a hand down the side of his face, fear coursing through him as his heart thrummed against his chest. He read the note again, and again and again and again, just to make sure what he saw was correct.

The moonlark needs your help Where the forest shines brightest, Follow the Path of Petals, That most try to avoid,

To where she shall be.  

Keefe had to breathe. The Moonlark was obviously Sophie. The few years spent with her had given him that bit of knowledge. Where does the forest shine the brightest? What does that even mean? And why did she need his help? Was she hurt?

Keefe put his hand against his chest and sat down on the nearest chair, sinking into its cushiony haven. He racked his brain for any possible source of information, and absolutely nothing came up.

He ran his hand through his hair, letting the oh-so-familiar motion calm him and let his mind relax.

A hint of a memory, a spark, ignited in his brain, exploding into a vivid image of a book that he remembered reading not so long ago.

Heller Kern, a majestic forest with a mysterious bright glowing light in the center. Multiple paths lead to the core, many dangerous and often a perilous trek. However, if you know where to look, there are a few that are safe, breathtaking, even. Many say that if you get close enough to the luminescence, you will hear the voices of those you love, those who make your heart sing in happiness.

However, should you venture into the trees when you don’t love anyone, the light shall drag you in and your soul shall be at war with itself for all eternity, condemning it to never find peace.

Heller Kern, a forest that was known only in whispers and the most ancient of texts.

Keefe stopped reading after that short passage. He wasn’t supposed to have those books, and the English was especially hard to read. From what he understood, it was a shady place, and the images that decorated the pages where haunting, yet so… inviting. He’d never willingly set foot in that place, but if it means it’ll help Sophie, then he’ll fall into the darkest pits that only humans could conjure with their imaginations.

He shook his head, shoving the off-topic thoughts to the side. Hopefully, the ‘path of petals’ wasn’t one of the ‘perilous treks’ and more of an easy one. But maybe the information was so old that the forest has changed and adapted since then? Keefe took a breath and walked through the familiar halls of the Shores of Solace, the place he still lived per his annoying father’s wishes, even after he graduated. He’ll stay here until he finds the perfect place for him to live out his life with whomever he ends up with.

Even if it meant dealing with his arrogant, cold father. Keefe wrinkled his nose. Heller Kern was a human name, as the book was a human one. He wasn’t sure where the name stemmed from, but he vaguely remembered the name of it in the Enlightened Language.

He stopped once he found the Leapmaster 5000. The glittering crystals began to spin around, and he called out, “Claralux!”

The crystal lowered, and a beam of light shone next to him. He didn’t hesitate to allow the light to whisk him away, brushing him across the globe, dropping him right at the line of trees.

The forest was just as creepy as he expected. The trees started small, but from where he could see, they grew thicker, taller, bigger, as the woods got deeper. There seemed to be a gentle light pulsing from the distance, calling for him, wishing to wrap him in its soft embrace.

A familiar voice whispered to him; “Follow.”

A voice he was supposed to hate.

A voice that made his heart flutter and made a ghost of a smile appear on his lips. A voice that resurfaced some of the dumbest, yet happiest memories he could think of. A voice full of hidden anger and hurt, yet so much love and caring.

“Follow,” it repeated, more insistently this time.

So Keefe took a breath.

And he followed.