Tinker's Backstory

Prologue
Tinker stared at her hands.

'Why am I like this? Why can't I be normal?'

'''She teared up lightly, looking around the room. Her gremlin was wandering around, picking at some small gadget. She gulped.'''

'''Everything was different now. She had to tell the Black Swan. How is this even possible? They were her friends... and now they were gone.'''

It was all her fault.

'''"What have I done?" she whispered quietly.'''

Chapter One
'''Tinker stood in front of her friend. Fintan. Tinker was creating a gadget for him that would enhance his abilities. Fintan had just become a Councillor, and Tinker was so happy for him. She smiled.'''

"This should do the trick," she told him, clasping the bands on his wrists.

'''He closed his eyes. "Wow."'''

"What?"

'''He mumbled something under his breath, and a strange ball of white fire appeared in his hands. He smiled triumphantly.'''

"What is it?"

'''"I'm not sure," he whispered. He gazed into the fire longingly.'''

'''Tinker had never seen him like this before. She pressed her lips together. "You should come up with a name for this type of fire. Then, I'll bottle it and study it," she suggested.'''

'''Fintan nodded slowly. "Everblaze."'''

"What?"

"That's what I'm calling this fire. Everblaze."

'''She smiled at him. "Why do you call it that?"'''

'''"Why do you ask so many questions?" he snorted.'''

"Questions are the language of the future, Fintan. Pretty soon, I'll be speaking nothing but questions."

'''He smiled back. "Uh-huh."'''

'''She kissed his cheek. "So? How did you come up with a name like that off the top of your head?"'''

"The fire told me."

'''"Interesting." She leaned forward and kissed him.'''

'''He hesitated. "Kavita, I'm a Councillor now. I can't-"'''

"No one has to know," she protested.

'''He smirked. "You are evil, ya know that?" he whispered.'''

"Not as evil as you," Kavita-Tinker whispered back.

'''They kissed again. She pulled away and grabbed a bottle for the fire. "Well, time to do some research."'''

a few moments later
'''Fintan looked at the fire again. "I love this."'''

"What?"

"The fire."

'''"Um. Don't you love me?" she teased.'''

'''He smiled. "Of course I love you."'''

"More than the fire?"

'''He thought for a moment. "I think it's a tie."'''

'''She laughed. "Evil."'''

"Hey, it's not like I go around burning people's houses down."

"Yeah. Well, you're still evil. But I love you."

"More than your silly gadgets?"

'''She looked at the messy desk full of unfinished creations. "I think it's a tie."'''

He smirked and kissed her.

'''She went back to studying the fire in the jar. "Hm..."'''

"What?"

"This is quite interesting..."

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure. I've never seen neon yellow fire before."

"I know. Isn't it beautiful?"

'''"Sure," she snorted. "Why don't you marry it?"'''

"Hmph. That's not what I-"

"You pyrokinetics. You're all the same."

"No, we're not."

"Yes, you are."

"NO, we're not!"

'''She looked at him, startled. "Relax, sweetie, it was just a joke."'''

'''"I-" He sighed. "Sorry. I'm not sure what came over me."'''

"It's okay."

"No, it's not okay. Let me... take you out for dinner."

'''She half-smiled. "I'd love to, but what will people say when they see you with me?"'''

'''"Oh. Right." He smiled bashfully.'''

"You're a Councillor," she reminded him

"I know..."

"And we're not supposed to be together."

"I know."

"Imagine if Bronte found out!"

"Then I'd be kicked off of the Council."

'''Kavita smiled. "Can I tell you a secret?"'''

"You can tell me anything."

There was a beat of silence before she said, "I joined the Black Swan."

'''He suddenly pulled away from her. "What?"'''

"I know everyone's saying they're evil, but I don't think-"

'''"They ARE evil, Kavita!" he shouted. "Jeez, do you want ME going off and joining some... some... rebellion!? You could get hurt!"'''

'''She looked down. "I just... maybe you can make the Council better. You can join with me!"'''

"You're crazy."

'''"No, I'm not!" she argued.'''

'''He ran a hand through his hair. "I'm leaving now." He stormed out.'''

'''She teared up, sighing shakily. "Fine then."'''

'''She never saw Fintan again after that. All she could think of were questions.'''

Why did he leave her?

Who really was the Black Swan?

And what was Fintan going to do with that Everblaze?

Chapter Two
'''News had gotten out that Fintan was kicked off of the Council. Tinker wanted to visit him so badly. After all, it had been almost a hundred years. She held a small red crystal in her hand. It led to Fintan's house. She had kept it after all of those years, not knowing if she was ever going to use it again. She took a deep breath and held it up to the light that was seeping through the window in her office. She took one last glance at her gadgets strewn about the messy room, took a deep breath, and stepped into the light. She appeared in front of the mansion, which was a lot eerier than she remembered. She stepped up to the front door, but right as she was about to knock, the door flew open. Fintan was standing there, holding a melder. He almost dropped it when he saw Tinker.'''

"K-Kavita," he stuttered, attempting to hide it behind his back.

'''Tinker stared him down. "Who did you think would be at the door and why do you need a melder?"'''

"I-I... don't know... Kavita-" He continued to fumble with the weapon until he finally just put it in his pocket.

"Do you even know who I am anymore?"

"What-"

"Tinker.”

'''"What?" He gave her a blank stare.'''

"That's what they call me now," she stated simply.

'''"Who are 'they'?" he asked.'''

"Do you really not remember?"

"The Black Swan?"

She stared at him.

'''"Oh." He sighed. "You only speak in questions now?"'''

"Mostly. You still hate me, don't you?"

'''"No," Fintan said quickly. "I could never hate you."'''

She snorted.

'''"I'm serious." He grabbed her hand.'''

'''She quickly whipped away. "What do you think you're doing?" she hissed.'''

'''"I... why did you come back here?" he whispered.'''

"Did you seriously think it was to be with you?"

'''His expression suddenly became murderous. He grabbed her arm and pulled her into the house.'''

She suddenly started to cry, "F-Fintan! Please! You're b-burning me!"

'''His grip on her arm loosened. He looked almost scared to have hurt her. "I'm sorry. It's too late for me to go back. I'm going to wipe my memory."'''

"Why!?"

"I-I... I killed people..."

"WHAT!?"

"Five pyrokinetics..."

'''Tinker stared at Fintan for a few long moments before tearing her arm from his grip. "Are you crazy!?"'''

"I might be," he whispered.

"A-are you gonna kill me, too?"

"No! No... Kavita, I'd never hurt you."

"Don't call me that. And do you seriously expect me to believe you?"

"I'm not calling you Tinker. And I hope you do believe me because I love you, and I'd never hurt you--"

'''"Did you not just murder five people?" She was trembling as she moved further away from him.'''

'''He winced. "I did," he said quietly. "But I still love you."'''

'''"It's been almost a hundred years..." Her voice cracked. "and you have the nerve to tell me that you're still in love with me?"'''

"I-"

'''"DON'T," Tinker sobbed. "I helped you discover Everblaze, and you're using it to slaughter innocent people!?"'''

'''"They weren't innocent," he snarled. "As you always said, all pyrokinetics are the same. Evil."'''

"And you're not evil?"

"I... just leave. Now."

"Why?"

"I DON'T WANT TO HURT YOU!"

'''She stumbled back, in tears. As she leapt away. her mind was racing. She appeared in her office. She buried her face in her hands, crying. She had found Everblaze for Fintan... if she hadn't done that, those people would still be alive... it was all her fault. She felt the guilt flaring in her mind, taking over. It was the only thing she could feel.'''

Guilt.

How could she have fallen in love with such a cruel person?

How could she have let him hurt those people?

How come she still wanted to help him?

'''She wanted to just... make him better... fix his messed up brain somehow, so things would go back the way they were almost a hundred years ago. Before Everblaze. Before Pyrokinesis was banned. When she could look into his eyes and feel safe. Now all she saw in his eyes was the need for power. He wanted the fire more than he wanted her. He wanted to watch the world suffer, even if it meant wiping his mind. If he wiped his memory too many times, he might forget her... he might forget something important... and he could lose his mind a lot easier... Messing with his mind like that was going to hurt him.'''

'''Over the next years, she helped with Project Moonlark, convinced that this little lark would be able to fix his mind. She watched as Fintan got worse and worse. His mind was slowly getting worse and worse. She spent some nights crying, wishing she could go back and stop herself from helping him find Everblaze, or maybe she just didn't tell him she loved him enough. Maybe there was a reason he left her besides the fire. He still loved her. Well, it had been a thousand years now. The Black Swan's little Moonlark was living in the Lost Cities.'''

Chapter Three
'''Tinker and Dex were making gadgets for the Black Swan. Dex was rummaging through a drawer, looking for spare pieces so he could finish making something that Sophie had requested. He suddenly picked up the cuffs that had enhanced Fintan's abilities.'''

"Tinker, what is this?"

'''She looked up, startled. "Wh-where did you get those?" She snatched them out of his hands.'''

"Um, in this drawer... What are they?"

'''Tinker looked at him. She looked at the cuffs. Her voice broke. "Um."'''

Dex looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to ask a question so he could answer it.

'''Tinker cleared her throat. "H-how does... um..."'''

'''She couldn't think of a question to counter him. Her mind was spinning. It had been so long since she'd thought of him…'''

'''She sighed. "Um. It belonged to a friend."'''

'''Dex's eyes widened. "Oh." He immediately went back to work.'''

'''Tinker continued to stare at the cuffs. She was silent for the rest of the day. She and Fintan were the only ones who knew about... them. She'd never told anyone before. Not Mr. Forkle. Not anyone on the Collective. Soon Dex left, and Mr. Forkle came in to check on her.'''

"Tinker?"

'''She hid the cuffs behind her back. "What do you want?"'''

"Nothing... I was just- what are those?"

'''Tinker sighed, pulling the cuffs from behind her back. "Why do you care?"'''

"You seem like you needed to hide them from me. I'm simply curious."

"Well, can you leave so I can continue to work?"

"So, you aren't going to tell me what those cuffs do?"

"Why should I?"

'''He sighed heavily. "Is it something the Black Swan should know about?"'''

'''"NO!" she blurted. "I... No... These are mine."'''

'''Mr. Forkle paled. "Oh." He quickly left.'''

'''Tinker teared up, cursing quietly. "Why?" she whispered.'''

'''Her vision blurred with tears as she threw the cuffs across the room. She curled up, hugging her knees to her chest and letting her long, curly hair fall in her eyes, covering her freckled face. She sniffled. Mr. Forkle carefully came back into the room.'''

'''Tinker tensed, then quickly sat up. "Why do you return?" she whispered bitterly, rubbing her eyes.'''

'''He bit his lip. "Are you sure you're okay?"'''

'''"Is anyone really sure about anything?" she said quietly, tracing her thumb over one of the gadgets on her desk.'''

'''Mr. Forkle sadly smiled. "I know there's something you're not telling me. I might be able to help."'''

"Can you reverse time? Or stop someone from doing something terrible? Or save five people from dying?"

"I... five people? You mean... pyrokinetics?"

'''"Can you please leave?" she asked, glaring at him.'''

"No. Tinker, this is serious now. What do you know about the death of the five pyrokinetics?"

'''"Is it anything you deserve to know?" she spat.'''

"Maybe not. But is it something that you deserve to have weighed you down like this? It's obviously affecting you quite negatively."

"Since when did you care about my emotions?"

"Always. You're my friend."

'''She teared up more. "Even though you know nothing about me?" She stood, grabbing his arm and dragging him to the door. She pushed him out.'''

"Tinker-”

She slammed the door in his face, bursting into tears.

later
"Can I request a meeting with Fintan Pyren?"

'''"WHAT!?" everyone on the Collective shouted.'''

Tinker looked down.

'''"Why?" Granite shouted.'''

"Do I need to give you a reason? Can't you just trust me?"

Everyone stared at her.

"I know you're shocked, but... this is important to me. Will you listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you?"

They stared at her.

"Is it not possible to help his broken mind? And if I have a solution, would you let me use it on him?"

'''"Is it a gadget?" asked Wraith.'''

'''"Is everything I do just gadgets? Is that all I am to you? Your gadget-maker?" she asked.'''

'''Wraith winced. "I wasn't-"'''

She waved it away.

'''"So, what is it?" asked Squall.'''

Tinker opened her arms, presenting herself as if that explained everything.

'''"You? Just you?" asked Blur. "That's ridiculous!"'''

'''"Was I asking your permission to leave, or was I simply informing you that I was going?" shot back Tinker.'''

'''"I don't know! Everything you say is a question!" Mr. Forkle exclaimed, obviously frustrated.'''

'''Tinker sighed. "And how are YOU going to help?" asked Blur.'''

'''"Would you like to read my mind, Granite?" she asked suddenly.'''

'''Granite raised his eyebrows. "Me? Why not Forkle?"'''

'''"Why not you?" she countered easily.'''

'''Forkle scowled. Granite stepped up to Tinker. "I hope you know what you're doing."'''

The first thing Granite saw in Tinker's mind was, "Don't tell the rest of the Collective what I'm about to show you."

'''Granite didn't quite agree. He stepped back. "I'm... not sure that's a promise I can keep."'''

"Then, should I leave now to see Fintan?"

"No! I'll read your mind..."

'''He entered her mind again. Granite suddenly stumbled away from her after a moment. "Y-you..."'''

'''Tinker was in tears. "Granite... please..."'''

'''He turned to the Collective. "I... can't tell you what I saw... but... I-I think we should let her set up a meeting with him..."'''

Everyone was shouting at once.

"Why can't you tell us!?"

"You can't just send her to Fintan! He'll kill her!"

"What does she know about Fintan!?"

'''"She happens to know more than we ever did about Fintan," said Granite angrily. "I just don't know why she never told any of us before!"'''

'''Everyone was staring at her. She was in tears. "Granite... you have no idea what you just did for me," she said quietly. She hugged him.'''

'''Granite, shocked, hugged back. She cried on his rocky chest for a minute, then bolted away. Granite stood there, in shock.'''

'''"She... didn't speak in question form..." Granite whispered. He turned.'''

Everyone else was in equal shock.

'''"She... is she... do you think she's okay?" he whispered.'''

meeting with Fintan
'''Fintan leaned against the tree, waiting. Who the heck is Tinker? And why does she want to see me? he thought to himself. He lit himself a cigarette. He'd stolen a pack from a guy and had been addicted since. He loved the feeling of the smoke filling his lungs. He liked to blow it into the air and watch it swirl around… He froze when he saw the girl standing there. There was something familiar about her red hair, and her blue-grey eyes. She was tall and freckly... and pretty… His face reddened. He wasn't sure he'd ever thought that about anyone before.'''

'''She came closer. "Fintan," she whispered, her lips barely parting, tears brimming her eyes.'''

'''He looked at her. "And who are you?"'''

'''She pressed her lips together. "You know me as Kavita."'''

'''His eyes went wide. He dropped his cigarette. "You."'''

'''"Me," she whispered. "You forgot me."'''

'''"It's been a... few h-hundred years..." He was trembling. He stepped back, pushing himself off the side of the tree. "S-stay away from me."'''

"Why?"

'''"Classic Kavita, always asking questions." He blinked at her. "You... shouldn't be here."'''

"I know. You're still evil," she whispered.

'''He looked at her. "That's why you should stay back. I really don't want to hurt you."'''

'''"You'd never hurt me." She stepped closer.'''

'''He tensed. His hands were warming. She grabbed his hand. Right when her hand made contact with his, it cooled down. He bit his lip hard. "Don't..."'''

"I'm not doing anything."

'''They locked eyes. "I thought you'd be speaking in questions now."'''

"Usually, I do. But, for you, I'll lay off the riddles."

'''He gulped. "You're playing a dangerous game, Kavita."'''

'''"I know. I just... can't stop thinking about you. You... you tore me apart! You turned into such a monster!" She tore her hand from his.'''

'''Fintan winced. "I wish I could change..."'''

"You can."

"No, I can't. It's the fire."

"You can't let the fire control you."

'''His heart sped up as she turned to him, her hair tumbling over her shoulders gracefully. He found himself staring. Tinker was also staring. His hair had gotten long... and was up in a ponytail. Her mouth went dry. Oh jeez. He was good-looking. Even more than she remembered. When they were together, she loved to do his hair, even though he hated it. She would tease him all the time, telling him that if he didn't want her doing his hair, he shouldn’t have grown it out. She teared up at the memory. Fintan reached up and swept the tear off her cheek. She looked at him.'''

'''He scowled. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that..."'''

'''She reached over and tucked his hair behind his ear, her hand trembling. "You grew out your hair," she said quietly.'''

'''He shuffled his feet. "I did..." he mumbled. "You know you can't just fix me, right?"'''

"I can try," she whispered back.

'''For a moment, he leaned forward, as if about to kiss her, but Tinker panicked and stepped back. Tinker blushed, staring at her feet.'''

"Can I try to help you? Please? I really care about you..."

"I don't know why you care about me so much," Fintan grumbled.

'''"Because you were a good person!" She suddenly burst into tears.'''

'''He grimaced. Then he wrapped his arms around her. "Hey, there's no reason to cry..." He swept the hair out of her eyes.'''

'''She continued to cry and pushed him away. "Don't t-touch me. I want to help you, but you can NOT try to get too attached to me. I'm already trying so hard not to... fall in love with you again..."'''

'''"You... still... l-love me...?" He said the word "love" like it was poison.'''

'''She nodded slowly, then shook her head. "No. No, I don't."'''

She was trying to convince herself more than she was trying to convince him.

'''He touched her arm. "You do. Don't you?" He was shaking.'''

'''She looked at him. "I-"'''

'''He pressed his lips against hers. She screamed, tearing away. "NO! You can't DO that to me!"'''

'''He covered his mouth with his hand. "I'm sorry," he mumbled awkwardly.'''

'''"I want to kiss you! But I..." She shook her head. "Don't you understand!?"'''

"I-I didn't mean to-"

"Never do that again, or I'm leaving, and I won't try to help you."

'''"Okay! Okay... Sorry..." He scratched the back of his head.'''

'''Tinker's face was emotionless as she pulled out a crystal. "We'll talk again, soon."'''

"Wait! Can I give your imparter access to call me?"

'''Tinker bit back tears. "Okay..."'''

Chapter Four
'''Tinker stared at her imparter. "Fintan Pyren," she whispered.'''

'''It immediately started to hail Fintan. She almost turned it off, staring at it, waiting for his pale blue eyes to appear on the screen.'''

'''"Kavita?" he whispered. "Already?" He gave a small smile.'''

'''She sniffled. When he saw she was crying, he frowned. "Are you okay?"'''

"No."

"What happened?"

"It's..."

flashback
'Tiergan was up at midnight, waiting for her to come back. When he saw her crying, he rushed over. "Tinker?"'

"Wh- Tiergan... er... Granite... whatever I'm supposed to call you."

'"Yeah, Tiergan is fine." He looked at her. "Did he hurt you?"'

"No. Not physically."

"You're... not speaking in questions."

"I'm... tired."

'"I can imagine." He smiled at her.'

'She blushed. Suddenly, he kissed her. Tinker gasped, pulling away. "Tiergan, I... I don't... I don't like you like that..."'

'"Oh," he winced. "S-sorry-"'

'"It's fine." She hurried away. It wasn't fine.'

end flashback
'''Tinker told Fintan everything. Fintan was silent. She could tell he was mad. "Hey, don't be angry."'''

"I'm not angry. I... might be a bit jealous..."

'''Tinker snorted. "Are you kidding? You're way better-looking than him."'''

'''Fintan blushed. Tinker also blushed.'''

'''"Is that all?" asked Fintan quietly.'''

"Yes."

'''He smiled. "You seem a bit desperate to talk to me."'''

'''"I am. And I hate it." She hung up just as he was about to say something.'''

the next day
'''Tinker met with Fintan again the next day. "So, are you going to help me?"'''

"I'll try."

"I want to change."

"I know you do."

"For you," Fintan added.

'''Tinker shook her head. "Not for me. For everyone else. And you could start by being nicer."'''

"Nicer?"

"Try... smiling. You used to smile all the time."

'''"Um." He gave a half-hearted smile.'''

'''Tinker snorted. "You look like you're in pain."'''

He scowled.

"No. No scowling. Just smile, Fintan, it's not that hard."

He smirked.

"See? Closer. Now, take the mischief out of the smile. Make it a happy smile."

"I... don't know how to be happy..."

'''She pressed her lips together. "Do I make you happy?"'''

"Yes," he said a little too quickly.

"Think about me, then."

'''He blushed. Then he smiled bashfully. She smiled back. "See? You did it!"'''

"How does this help me?"

"Smiling improves your health. It reduces levels of stress, blood pressure, and boosts your immune system."

'''He stared at her. "Really? I didn't know that..."'''

"Well, it's true. A healthy person is a smiling person. It also makes you look attractive."

'''"What?" His eyebrows shot up.'''

'''"Nothing! Forget I said that!" she demanded.'''

'''"Oh... kay..." He smiled.'''

"Oh, stop smiling like that."

'''"But it's good for me," he said, his eyes brightening as he looked at her. "And you make me happy."'''

"How come you don't always act like this?"

"Um, the Neverseen stresses me out."

"Then leave!"

"I'm the leader-"

'''"I DON'T CARE!!" she screamed suddenly. She angrily stormed away.'''

'''His smile quickly fell. "I can't just leave. That's not how it works."'''

'''"It should be!" she called over her shoulder, heading deeper into the woods.'''

'''He sighed heavily and lit himself a cigarette. He stood there smoking for a while. He narrowed his eyes and went into the woods after her, the smoke sticking out of his mouth. He found Tinker up in a tree. He stared at her.'''

"Can I come up?"

"No."

'''He sighed, blowing smoke. "There's smoke in your mouth."'''

"I'm smoking. It's a human thing."

'''"Can I try?" she asked.'''

'''Fintan smirked and reached up, handing her the cigarette. "You might not like it..."'''

'''There was a long pause, then he heard Tinker cough. "Ugh! That's horrible! Inhaling smoke?"'''

'''He smiled. "I knew you wouldn't like it."'''

'''She put the cigarette to her lips again. This time she didn't cough. "Huh."'''

"What?"

"It's... not that bad."

'''He smiled. She hopped out of the tree, then yelped, tripping. He caught her. "Whoa!"'''

'''She blushed. "See? You're a nice person... you caught me."'''

'''"I did. I'd never let you fall." He was still holding her.'''

'''She blushed deeper. "Thank you." She looked up at him.'''

'''His pale blue eyes locked onto hers. She teared up as she let herself kiss him. He kissed back. When she pulled away, he was staring at her. His eyes were bright, and she suddenly felt safe... like she could trust him no matter what…'''

'''She suddenly shook her head. "No... I'm part of the Black Swan-"'''

"They don't have to know."

'''She stared at him and bit her lip. "Okay..."'''

'''He looked surprised. "'Okay'? That's it? Just 'okay'?"'''

"Yes. Don't make me change my mind," she warned.

'''He nodded. "I'll... see what I can do about the Neverseen."'''

later
'''Fintan stood in front of all the Neverseen members. He took a deep breath. "I... am leaving the Neverseen."'''

'''Gethen choked. Ruy grumbled something under his breath. Gisela stood. "I saw this coming."'''

'''"What?" Fintan stared at her.'''

"I was tracking the calls on your imparter. And there was some girl named Kavita on there, so I recorded and listened to the conversation-"

"YOU WHAT!?"

"And you're in love with her! The only reason you want to leave is for her! That's ridiculous, Fintan."

'''Fintan's face was bright red. "It's... not the only reason..."'''

"Really?"

Fintan stormed out.

Chapter Five
'''Tinker looked at him, smiling, but her smile fell when she saw Fintan frowning. "Did you do it? Are you leaving the Neverseen?"'''

"I... s-soon."

"How soon?"

"I'm not sure."

"Fintan, what happened?"

'''Fintan sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Gisela recorded our imparter conversation, and she knows that I'm in love with you. But she doesn't know who you are."'''

'''"Oh, god..." she mumbled.'''

'''Fintan's hands lit on fire. "She just makes me so mad sometimes! I just want to kill her!"'''

'''Tinker stepped back. "Fintan..."'''

"I'm fine," he said quickly, the fire extinguishing.

"We gotta work on that," she told him.

"I-I know..."

"People are gonna hate me for loving you."

"Then you don't have to be with me."

"No way. I love you."

'''His eyes softened. "I..."'''

"You won't say it back, will you?"

"I'm sorry, I do feel the same way, I just... it's been so long since you've said those words. You... caught me off-guard."

'''She sighed heavily. "Okay. You want to be a better person, right?"'''

"Um, yes."

"Then how would you like to join the Black Swan?"

~later, back at Tinker's place~
"No, Kavita, I look ridiculous," grumbled Fintan, looking in the mirror.

"Oh, relax. No one will recognize you now! Those appearance-altering elixirs really come in handy," said Tinker.

The elixirs had made his skin tan, and his hair almost black, and his pale blue eyes had changed to a light green-blue color with silver flecks.

"I don't know how I feel about this."

"They'll have no idea."

"But, I'm still a pyrokinetic."

"I know. You can say the Council declared you talentless, so you hid away, and that's why no one knew about you. Also, your name is... Caspian."

"What?"

"You look like Caspian. Caspian Markov?"

"That's... an oddly specific name to come up with off the top of your head," he commented, though the name did sound familiar.

"It was my brother's name."

'''"Oh, yeah..." He winced. Stupid memory. "So, I look like him?"'''

"A little, but not in a weird way."

"Good. And I'm sorry-"

"It's fine."

"You know, your brother would be proud," he said softly.

'''Tinker teared up but didn't say anything. "Let's go," she whispered, taking his hand and holding a crystal up to the light.'''

Meeting with the Collective
"Why did you bring him here!? Who is he!?"

"I'm... her boyfriend, actually. She is trying to convince me to join..."

'''"Why would we need you?" asked Granite, obviously annoyed.'''

'''"Is not every person we can get important to the organization?" pointed out Tinker.'''

'''Caspian-Fintan snorted. They stared at him. "I'm sorry, I just... classic Kavita, always talking questions."'''

'''Tinker smiled. "Do you not like it when I talk like this?"'''

'''"'Kavita?" asked Granite.'''

"Yes, that's her name. Only I get to call her, though," he told Granite.

'''Granite glared at him. "Hm. And what's your ability?"'''

'''"Well, according to the Council, Talentless. But..." Caspian held out his hand, calling fire.'''

'''Granite stepped back. "Oh."'''

"Kavita told me about the girl, Marella. I can train her."

'''Granite bit his lip. "She... already has someone training her."'''

'''"Do you really trust Fintan more than my boyfriend?" asked Tinker, causing another snort from Caspian.'''

'''Tinker elbowed him playfully. Granite stared at them. "I... I'll gather the Collective," he mumbled.'''

Granite visits Mr Forkle
'''Granite shook his head. Was Tinker really into pyrokinetics? Ridiculous! She used to be in love with Fintan, but now she's in love with this Caspian guy, who was also a pyrokinetic. Granite sighed. Kavita. That was a nice name… He snapped out of his thoughts as he came to Mr. Forkle's room. He knocked on the door. He heard someone curse and run to the door. Magnate Leto was there. He smiled nervously.'''

"Hello, Granite."

'''He was nearly squishing himself into the tiny bit of space he'd given himself between the door and the doorway, clearly trying to block Granite's view from inside his room. Granite tried to peek over his shoulder.'''

"What's going on in here?"

'''"Nothing." He closed the door, even more, completely blocking Granite from seeing inside the room.'''

'''"What do you want?" Leto demanded.'''

"Well, Tinker's brought someone here... and she's wondering if he can join our cause... and... Seriously, Leto, what's going on?"

"Nothing! Um, tell me about this recruit."

"I haven't recruited him yet..."

"Tell me about him."

"Well, he's Tinker's boyfriend..."

'''Leto choked. "What!?"'''

"And he's a pyrokinetic..."

"WHAT!?"

"Yeah..."

"That's insane!"

"I know..."

"And I'm sorry. I know you liked her-"

"Well, she told me you tried to kiss her. In fact, she complained to me. And she was talking in questions, but her questions weren't as... philosophical. Just thrown together. And she sounded panicked. Probably because she has a boyfriend."

'''"Well, I didn't know she was already dating someone," mumbled Granite. "And this isn't why I came here!"'''

"Ah, yes, the pyrokinetic wants to join. I'll be right there."

'''Granite peeked behind him. Then he gasped. "Wha- What the-"'''

'''Leto shut the door quickly. Granite opened the door again, pushing Leto aside. Leto was shouting at him. There was another person in the room. A guy with black hair, pale skin, and intricate gray eyes. The guy stood, eyes wide. He was shirtless.'''

'''Granite looked at Leto, eyes wide. "Who is this?"'''

"None of your business! Get out!"

"What... are you gay?"

"Get out!!"

'''"How..." Granite stuttered.'''

'''The guy blushed, pulling his shirt on. "Um, I-I'm M-Marcel..."'''

"It's... nice to meet you, Marcel," Granite said quietly.

'''Leto's face was bright red. He looked down, avoiding eye-contact. Marcel was also blushing.'''

"Hey, there's nothing to be ashamed of... I'm just surprised you never told me. I thought I was your best friend..."

"You are."

"Did you think I would judge you? Because I won't. You know that."

"I-I know..."

"So... It seems Tinker isn't the only one with a secret relationship."

"Yeah... you won't tell anyone about this, will you?"

"Of course not."

Marcel and Leto both sighed with relief.

Waiting for the Collective...
'''Tinker sighed. "How long does it take to gather five people?"'''

'''Fintan shrugged. "I just hope it doesn't take much longer..."'''

'''She grabbed his hand. He smiled at her. "I never thought I would be doing this... this is crazy..."'''

"Won't you do anything for me?"

"I like it when you talk in questions. And yes, I'd do anything for you."

"Anything?"

"Of course."

"Can I do your hair?"

'''He made a face. "You... used to do that all the time," he whispered. It was obvious more memories were flooding back into his broken mind.'''

'''Tinker reached for his hair. She started to do a little braid in the front, then tucked it behind his ear. He smiled at her. He leaned forward, about to kiss her, until they heard someone clear their throat. They whirled around to see the Collective standing there. She couldn't tell who'd cleared their throat, but it was most likely Granite, the way his brow was arched.'''

'''"What is his ability?" asked Forkle.'''

'''Fintan snapped, and a ball of fire appeared in his hand. Everyone seemed to reel back a little, so he quickly extinguished it.'''

'''Wraith cleared his throat. "Well. It seems we have a decision to make."'''

Chapter Six
"You know, you look cute with dark hair," said Tinker when she brought him to her office.

"No, I don't."

'''"Sure you do!" She smiled broadly.'''

"You're lucky I love you," he murmured.

'''"I know." She kissed him.'''

'''He blushed. "It's... gonna take me a while to get used to that."'''

'''"I know." She wrapped her arms around him. "I love you."'''

"I... do, too."

'''There was a knock on the door. Tinker sighed and answered it. Mr. Forkle was there.'''

"Is Sir Caspian ready to swear fealty?"

'''Fintan jumped up, smiling. "Yes!"'''

'''Tinker smiled, too. "Do you have any idea how much this means to us?"'''

'''Forkle gave a small smile, then frowned. "What does he know about the organization?"'''

'''"Um, a lot," Fintan said. "She talks about it a lot."'''

"And, how long have you been together?"

'''"Does it matter?" interrupted Tinker quickly. '''

'''"A few months?" Fintan lied. "Kavita-"'''

'''"Caspian?" she said in a warning voice. They shared a look.'''

'''"Do you give me permission to enter your mind?" asked Forkle.'''

'''"No!" they both said quickly.'''

'''"Tinker, what are you hiding from me?" he demanded.'''

'''"Wh-what makes you think I'm hiding something?" she asked, her lips twitching.'''

"We're not hiding anything. I just don't feel comfortable with anyone entering my mind. I'm sure you can understand that."

'''He looked at Fintan and Tinker wearily. "Even if I don't enter your mind, I can tell you have a secret. And not a good one."'''

After Forkle left
'''"What if he finds out? Oh, god, Fintan, he'll never understand... he'll never trust me again..." mumbled Tinker, burying herself in Fintan's arms.'''

'''"Relax. I can do this." Fintan promised. "It's not the first time I've had to pretend to be someone else."'''

"They'll take you away and lock you up, and hurt your mind, and I-I really care about you, Fintan, I can't... they can't do that to you!"

"I deserve it, Kavita."

"I... maybe you do. But I still love you."

'''He smiled. "You know, this is the most I've ever smiled."'''

'''"You look good with a smile." She ran her fingers through his hair.'''

'''He scowled. "Kavita, not my hair-"'''

'''"Oh, be quiet." She started to braid his hair.'''

"I'm going to look ridiculous," he mumbled.

"I know."

'''Fintan sighed heavily, letting his mind drift away as she did his hair. He thought about her, and how much he loved her. He would do anything for her. He left the Neverseen for her. Would Gisela try to kill him? Or, more importantly, what would they do to Kavita if they found out who she was? And what if they found out that he was part of the Black Swan now. He also thought about Everblaze, and every mistake he'd ever made... until his mind drifted further... and further... slipping away into darkness. He let it happen, though he didn't know what was happening. What was happening? Probably nothing important. Hopefully nothing bad.'''

'''His mind continued to slip away until, suddenly, he felt something sharp tear into the soft darkness. Kavita had just finished the first few braids when she noticed how still he was. She looked and saw his eyes were closed, and the sharp features of his face had softened. She almost smiled, until she noticed how fast he was breathing. He wasn't asleep. There was something wrong…'''

'''Her eyes widened and she shook him gently. "Fintan? Please be just sleeping..."'''

'''Fintan didn't move. He winced. Was he in pain? Was he okay? Was there something wrong with his mind? If there was, she needed to call a telepath up to her office now to help him. Tiergan, not Mr. Forkle. But that would mean that he would know that Caspian was Fintan. She looked at Fintan's long pale hair, gulping.'''

"Fintan? Wake up, please, just wake up..."

He remained unmoving.

'''"F-Fintan." She choked back tears. "FINTAN! Oh god..."'''

Tinker consults Tiergan
Tiergan screamed, "WHAT!?"

'''"Tiergan, p-please, you have to help me!" Tinker sobbed.'''

"That's Fintan freaking Pyren! You-! HE'S CASPIAN! HE'S IN THE BLACK SWAN! This is NOT good, Tinker!"

"I know," she said, hiccuping over her tears.

"THAT'S INSANE! He should be behind bars! I should go tell the Council right now-"

"NO! Tiergan, please, you have to help us! He's trying to be different! He wants to change! He left the Neverseen."

"He what!?"

"He really cares-"

"No, he cares about YOU. That's it! He's not a good person, Tinker!"

'''"I know!" she wailed. "But I fell in love with him, Tiergan, you have to help... I told you because I thought I could trust you..."'''

"N-no... I don't think I can help you with this..."

"There's something wrong with his mind! I want him to be okay, that's all!"

'''"Tinker..." He hesitated, glancing at the desperation in her eyes. She really did love Fintan... He shuddered. "Okay. I'll help."'''

'''Tinker let out a sigh of relief and threw her arms around him. "Thank you... you have no idea how much this means to me..."'''

Tiergan stiffened but hugged back.

'''Fintan's mind was empty. Tiergan looked around, confused. It wasn't broken... just blank…'''

He took a deep breath and transmitted, Fintan?

'''Tinker watched carefully, sniffling. She grabbed his hand. "Come on, Fintan," she whispered.'''

'''Suddenly he jolted forward, and Tiergan tore out of his mind. Sparks went flying, and a few of Tinker's gadgets lit on fire. Tinker yelped, burning her hand on Fintan's.'''

"Fintan! Let go! You're burning me!"

'''Fintan looked up at her. "What... Oh my god!" He tore his hand from hers.'''

'''Tinker winced, cradling her injured hand. All the fire was promptly extinguished. Fintan grimaced. "Kavita, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to-"'''

'''She cut him off by throwing her arms around him. "What happened!? I thought you were seriously hurt, Fintan! You scared me!"'''

"I... your hand-"

"My hand is fine! What about your mind!?"

"I... what is Tiergan doing here?"

'''She continued to cling to him as she whispered. "He knows."'''

'''"Is he going to...?" Fintan looked up at Tiergan frantically. "Are you going to tell the Collective?"'''

'''He sighed. "No."'''

'''Fintan raised an eyebrow. "Really? You always struck me as the tattle-tale type."'''

'''Tiergan scowled. "I still don't trust you, but I am giving you a chance to prove yourself."'''

'''Fintan nodded. "Of course. Easy."'''

'''Tiergan snorted. "It will not be easy. I don't like you."'''

"Kavita is the only one who really likes me."

"Nope, I LOVE you," Tinker corrected, leaning forward and kissing his cheek.

'''Fintan smiled. Tiergan looked down. Fintan smiled wider when Tiergan looked away. He kissed Tinker on the lips, just to make Tiergan more uncomfortable. Tiergan shuffled his feet. Great. Help Fintan be a good person when he's kissing the girl I like. Easy. He had no idea how to teach someone like Fintan morals. Fintan had no morals.'''

Black Swan meeting
'''The Black Swan gathered for another meeting. Sophie eyed Caspian. "He's a pyrokinetic?"'''

"Yes, I am," said Fintan, alighting his hand.

'''Sophie scootched back uncomfortably. "Oh."'''

'''Keefe noticeably scootched closer to her and grabbed her hand. Fintan looked down.'''

'''"Caspian?" Tinker whispered.'''

'''He looked over at her. She looked worried as if she thought his mind would just have a breakdown like it had yesterday. He gave her a reassuring smile.'''

"I'm okay," he promised.

'''She slowly smiled back, grabbing his hand. Granite glared at their intertwined fingers but quickly looked away as Mr. Forkle started talking.'''

"As you know, Sir Tiergan was recently given an important task by Councillor Terik."

'''Granite smiled proudly. "I'm in charge of protecting a certain crystal called Quiescence."'''

'''"What does it do?" asked Sophie.'''

"According to Councillor Terik, it can change someone's potential. Make someone's potential for good or bad increase," Granite told them.

'''Fintan's eyes widened. "Do you think it would make someone... act differently? As in, change their personality?"'''

"It depends," Granite said slowly, looking at him.

"Let's say it's used on someone like... Councillor Bronte."

'''Granite coughed. "Well, it depends on what you mean by that. Are you implying it could make him..."'''

'''"Nicer?" offered Blur.'''

'''Sophie smiled. Councillor Bronte? Nice? Granite's eyes widened. "Um, I suppose it could do that..."'''

'''"What about someone like... Fintan Pyren?" asked Fintan, shuffling his feet uncomfortably.'''

'''Granite's eyes got wider. Tinker's grip on his hand was so tight, Fintan's fingers were going numb.'''

"I... supposed it could. Maybe. It's a... possibility. But not a very strong one," mumbled Granite.

'''Tinker stared at Fintan in disbelief. "Caspian...?"'''

'''Fintan looked at her. Her eyes were starting to get glassy. "I was just asking. Out of curiosity," he said quickly, looking at Granite.'''

'''Fintan's mind was racing. This could change everything. He could be a better person... and be able to be happy with Tinker... The more he thought about it, the more he started to smile. Tinker tugged on his hand, pulling him back to reality.'''

'''"Caspian? Why are you smiling like that?" she whispered.'''

'''"No reason," he mumbles. He kissed her cheek.'''

'''She blushed. Granite scowled. Fintan smiled. This could change everything.'''

Chapter Seven
'''Tiergan had just slipped into his pajamas and was getting ready to go to bed. He heard a knock on the door. He assumed it was Wylie, Tam, or Linh. He opened the door. He gasped.'''

"F-Fintan-"

'''Fintan grabbed Tiergan, pushing him into the room and slamming the door behind them. "Hello, Tiergan."'''

'''Tiergan yelped. "F-Fintan? What are you doing here?"'''

"I was just dropping by. Why do you have to assume I'm doing something wrong?"

"That's not why you're here."

'''He sighed. "Right down to business, huh? Fine then," he growled, holding a ball of fire to the side of his face.'''

Tiergan backed up, trembling.

"Just tell me where you're keeping this Quiescence crystal, and nobody gets hurt."

"I can't do that. I-it's Councillor Terik's."

Fintan leaned closer and said calmly, "I just want to know where it is."

"You're going to use it on yourself, aren't you?"

"That's none of your business!"

'''"Yes, it is! I'm the one guarding it!" He suddenly screamed in pain as Fintan grabbed him roughly, burning his arms, and slammed him into the wall.'''

"Tiergan, I don't want to do this to you. Please, don't make me mad."

"If you don't leave right now, I'll tell Tinker that you came here," Tiergan hissed.

"No. You won't be telling her anything."

"I will!"

'''"NO!" Fintan grabbed him around the throat. "My patience is running thin," he growled.'''

'''Tiergan's eyes watered, and he choked as burns bubbled up around his neck. "Fintan, p-please," he rasped.'''

'''Fintan held him there. "Tell me. Now."'''

"T-Tinker..."

'''"What?" He loosened his grip on Tiergan's neck.'''

"Tinker... is right behind you..."

'''Fintan dropped him and whirled around. "Kavita!"'''

'''Tinker covered her mouth with her hand. "Fintan," she whispered, tearing up.'''

"This... isn't what it looks like! I-I was just-"

"You almost killed Tiergan!"

Tiergan was on his knees, coughing blood and carefully touching the burns on his neck.

"He's fine," said Fintan quickly.

'''She raced over to Tiergan, kneeling by him. "Are you alright?" she asked softly.'''

'''Tiergan shook his head, wincing. Fintan scowled. "Oh, come on! He's fine!"'''

'''Tinker glared at him, and he slammed his mouth shut. "Kavita-"'''

"Don't call me that!"

'''Fintan winced and looked away. "T-Tinker... ugh, I'm not calling you that!"'''

"That's my name! Get used to it!"

"I-I can't... I won't call you that, Kavita."

"Yes, you will," she demanded.

'''He made a face, then stood and stormed out. Tiergan winced as Tinker helped him up. "You have to give him the crystal, Tiergan," she whispered.'''

'''He gave her a look of disbelief. "No! Tinker, that's crazy!"'''

"I know. Just do it."

"Why!?"

"Because I love him! And he needs it! I want him to be a good person, dang it! I r-really care about him..."

'''Tiergan flinched, looking like he wanted to hide. He saw the tears in Tinker's eyes and prayed she wouldn't cry. He couldn't bear to see it… She started to cry.'''

'''He grimaced. "Tinker-"'''

'''She hugged him. He blushed lightly and wrapped his arms around her. "Maybe... h-he's not the best person for you, Tinker."'''

'''She sniffled. "I know. But how could I just... leave him?"'''

Tiergan didn't say anything.

Later
'''Tiergan handed him the crystal. "There. Take it."'''

"What...? Is this the Quiescence--?"

"Yes."

'''Fintan stared at the crystal. Then he stared at Tiergan. "You're just giving it to me?"'''

"Yes."

'''His lips twitched. "Tinker told you to give this to me, didn't she?"'''

'''"Yes, I did," says Tinker from behind Tiergan. "Because I love you."'''

'''"Well," mumbled Fintan. "I'm taking this, then."'''

'''"Where are you taking it?" she asked slowly.'''

"To the Neverseen, of course. Where else?"

'''Tinker's head snapped up. "WHAT!?"'''

'''A smile crept to Fintan's lips. And it wasn't a good one.'''

'''"I thought you'd changed!" shouted Tinker.'''

"Kavita, you could join me," he offered.

'''She snorted. "And why would I do that!?"'''

"Think about it. The Black Swan and the Neverseen are fighting for the same thing. A fairer world."

'''"B-but-" she stammered. "Your cause is very different from ours, Fintan."'''

"No, it isn't. We just have a different way of getting our point across."

'''"You mean murder?" she whispered, looking away.'''

"I mean," he started, "the Neverseen has made a way bigger impact than the Black Swan. You're wasting your time away with silly experiments. You ruined a poor little girl's life by messing with her genetics. If anything, you're just as bad as we are."

'''Tinker stared at the ground. Maybe he was right…'''

"And we could use a talented Technopath."

'''She pressed her lips together, hesitating. "Please, Kavita. We could finally be together! And we wouldn't have to hide it from anyone."'''

'''Tinker wrung her hands, her mind racing. "I-I don't know, Fintan..."'''

"And we have the Quiessence crystal now."

"You tortured Tiergan to get it!"

"Oh, he's fine."

"No he isn't! Jesus, didn't you see the burns all over his neck?"

"Of course I did. At least I didn't kill him, right?"

"I-I... that was wrong of you Fintan... all of this is wrong..."

'''Fintan held out his hand. "Please, come with me."'''

'''Tinker blinked back tears, stepping back. "I-I..." Her mind continued to race.'''

'''Then, suddenly, her mind froze, and she knew what she had to do. She closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face, and took his hand. He smiled and pulled her toward him. He wiped the tears off her face gently.'''

"You're doing the right thing."

'''She gulped. "I-I don't even know what the right thing is anymore."'''

'''He wrapped his arms around her. "Hey, I know how it feels," he said softly.'''

'''Tinker hugged him, sniffling. "I love you."'''

'''"I love you, too." He blushed as she leaned forward and kissed him. He kissed back.'''

'''Suddenly, Mr. Forkle came into the room. He gasped audibly, and they pulled away from each other.'''

'''Forkle stared at Tinker in disbelief. "H-how could you...?"'''

'''Tinker looked down. "You don't understand... I need to d-do this."'''

'''Forkle continued to stare at her. "I knew it... you lied... you... you let Fintan join the Black Swan. Fintan is Caspian, isn't he?"'''

"H-he is-"

"Fintan Pyren, Tinker, that's Fintan Pyren!"

"I kn-know..."

'''Fintan smiled. "I'm afraid your technopath no longer belongs to the Black Swan. She's mine." He looked at her. "Isn't that right?"'''

'''"Why are you doing this?" Forkle asked, obviously hurt, and betrayed, and- She looked away so she wouldn't see the disappointment in his eyes.'''

'''"Love... makes you do crazy things," she whispered. "C-crazy..." She locked eyes with Fintan, struggling to hold back tears. "I really do love you... I do... I... I'm so s-sorry..."'''

'''Fintan looked at her, confused. "What are you...? I-I love you, too... what's wrong?"'''

'''She kissed him hard on the lips. Fintan was even more confused. Suddenly, Tinker pulled out a melder and shot him in the head. Fintan gave a brief scream and collapsed. He looked up at her, his jaw clenched as he tried to block out the pain. He groaned. She shot him two more times, in tears. Fintan's body jolted, and he went unconscious. Forkle stood there, frozen and in shock. His jaw fell as he stared at Fintan. Tinker fell to her knees beside him, sobbing. She pulls him onto her lap. His lips are twitching, and he looks so obviously in pain. Tinker touched the sides of his face with trembling hands and kissed his forehead, holding him.'''

'''"I-I'm sorry," she whispered through tears. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."'''

'''Her body shook with every sob. Forkle slowly came over and set a hand on her shoulder. "Tinker... that... must've been hard for you..."'''

'''"I love him!" she wailed, her voice cracking. She pulled Fintan closer and cried in his chest.'''

"You did the right thing," Forkle assured her.

"Sh-should I sh-shoot him again just to be sure?"

'''"No!" he said quickly. "You already shot him three times. You could kill him."'''

"O-oh... yeah."

'''Fintan twitched. Tinker suddenly yelped and scrambles back, cursing quietly. "H-he burned me! Just now!"'''

'''She held out her arm, wincing, and sure enough, there was a bright red welt on her wrist. Forkle's eyes widened. "Let’s get him out of here."'''

She nodded slowly, looking at Fintan one last time.

Fintan goes to jail
'''Fintan sat in his jail cell, sighing heavily. He wanted so badly to be free, but this time, he wasn’t so sure it would happen. Gisela was probably glad to have him out of the way. He thought about Kavita for the millionth time. She’d betrayed him... He scowled as tears started to brim his eyes.'''

'''“I’m going to get out of here,” he said softly to no one in particular. One of the guards snorted.'''

'''Fintan forced a smile. “And when I do... I’ll get her back. I know she loves me. She’ll do anything for me. I just never thought she’d turn me down like that... but it won’t happen again.”'''

'''He stared at the icy wall. “The Council made this cell impenetrable. Or so they think. I may not be able to use my powers, but I WILL escape.”'''

I just don’t know how yet, he thought to himself.

'''He looked around. He knew he had to find a way to keep himself busy or else he’d go insane. Kavita wouldn’t love him if he were insane… He suddenly started to cry. He covered his face with his hands and curled up on the floor of his icy cell. He missed her so much already… He wished that he’d had enough time to use Councillor Terik’s quiescence crystal. Then, maybe, he could’ve proved to her that he was a good person, and maybe he would’ve found a way to quit the Neverseen, and maybe they could’ve been together. Maybe… He continued to cry on his hands, letting his long hair fall in his face. Kavita loved his hair… He could only weep harder.'''

Poor Tinker-
“C-can I visit Fintan in Exile?” Tinker asked, her voice shaking.

“Tinker, it’s only been one day since he’s been there...” Mr. Forkle said quietly.

'''She started to tear up. Tiergan looked at Forkle with a pained expression.'''

'''“Alright, alright, please don’t cry. We’ll let you see him...” Forkle muttered, rubbing his eyes tiredly.'''

'''Tinker brightened a little and hugged Tiergan. Tiergan sighed and hugged back. He was still in love with her, but he knew that she would always love Fintan. Regardless, he silently swore to himself that he’d protect her no matter what.'''

'''Tinker took a shaky breath. “Tomorrow, then?”'''

“Yes, tomorrow,” Forkle promised.

'''Tinker released Tiergan and hurried away. Suddenly, Magnate Leto’s boyfriend, Marcel, peeked his head into the room.'''

'''Forkle stared at him, eyes wide. “Marcel?”'''

'''“Hey, Leto. Sorry, do I have to call you Mr. Forkle?” He giggled, “You look ridiculous, by the way.”'''

'''Forkle’s face went red. He sighed. “Why are you out here?”'''

'''“Well, I was waiting for you in our room, but I got bored. Tiergan and I are buddies now, you know?”'''

'''Tiergan smiled. Forkle sighed again.'''

'''“Oh, stop sighing. And when are you going to tell people I exist? Tiergan is the only one who knows, and I’m tired of sitting in your room and waiting for you to be done with work all day! I’m not some kind of... housewife!”'''

'''Tiergan coughed back a laugh. Forkle glared at him. Then he said to Marcel, “I’m sorry, but I’m just not ready for... that.”'''

“As the humans say, you need to come out of the closet!”

“Where do you keep learning all these human phrases?”

“Um, from you.”

Mr. Forkle pressed his lips together.

“Someday, I’m just gonna walk in on one of your meetings and randomly kiss you, and everyone will be like, ‘what!?’ and I’ll be like, ‘he’s my boyfriend,’ and they’ll be like, ‘cool,’ and then life will go on.”

“Please, never do that.”

“Fine.” Marcel walked out of the room.

'''Forkle immediately went after him. “Wait! You’re not mad at me, are you?”'''

'''Tiergan shook his head, smiling. Then he thought about Tinker... and he immediately stood and went off to find her.'''

'''The next day, Tinker, Tiergan, and Forkle were all about ready to go to Exile. The Collective was explaining a few things to Tinker before she left. She’d never been to Exile before.'''

'''That’s when Marcel came into the room. Forkle glared at him. “Marcel, don’t.”'''

'''Everyone stared at him. “And... who is this?” asked Wraith.'''

'''“This is Marcel... he’s... he’s my...”'''

'''Marcel smiled. “I’m his boyfriend. Actually, not for long.”'''

'''“Not for long... wh... are you... breaking up with me?”'''

Everyone’s eyes were wide as they stared back and forth between Mr. Forkle and his boyfriend, Marcel.

'''“You... have a boyfriend?” said Squall, in shock.'''

'''Marcel smiled again. “No, I’m not breaking up with you. I’m proposing to you.”  '''

'''Mr. Forkle’s jaw fell. Everyone gasped.'''

'''“I... Marcel... I...”'''

'''Marcel waited, still smiling nervously. “Is that a yes...?”'''

“N-no.”

'''Marcel recoiled, taking a step back as if he’d been slapped. “N-no?”'''

'''“We’re not talking about this right now. The answer is no.”'''

'''Marcel started to tear up. “Oh... well I... I’m sorry...”'''

'''Mr. Forkle winced. “No, don’t be sorry... I just... can we talk about this later?”'''

'''“Yeah... I guess.” Marcel blinked hard, forcing back tears. “I’ll just...” He didn’t finish his sentence. He just hurried away.'''

'''Mr. Forkle looked at the ground. Everyone was staring at him. “Well,” he said quietly. “We should probably go now.”'''

'''“Go?” blurted Tinker. “No way! What the heck just happened!?”'''

“Why did you say no?” asked Tiergan quietly.

'''“Because... I had to. None of you would understand. And I am not having this conversation right now, so please, just... we should go. Now.”'''

'''His voice was shaking as he rubbed his tired eyes and pulled out a black light-leaping crystal. “Is everyone ready?”'''

'''Tinker sighed. “Is one ever truly ready for a future they cannot see?”'''

Everyone seemed relieved that Tinker was asking a more complicated question, going back to her old self.

'''Tiergan seemed to relax a little. “We’re ready.”'''

'''Forkle nodded and held the crystal up to the light. Tinker gripped Tiergan’s hand tightly as they approached the pathway of light. The pathway that led straight to one of the only prisons in the Lost Cities. The pathway that would soon determine the rest of Tinker’s life. Tinker was still gripping Tiergan’s hand as they walked through the desert. Tiergan hesitantly pulled her closer, and she gratefully leaned against him, sniffling.'''

“What do you think he’s doing right now?” she whispered.

What Fintan is doing
'''Fintan was staring at the wall. His eyes were red from crying, and his long hair was a mess. His head snapped up at the sound of footsteps. He heard a man’s voice say, “He’s in there.”'''

'''Then he heard someone running. A woman. Running. She stopped in front of his cell. He looked up at her.'''

'''She burst into tears. “Open it. Open the cell. Let me in!” she demanded.'''

'''A dwarf came up next to her, and unlocked the cell, letting her inside. He closed the door behind her. Tinker immediately hugged Fintan, crying.'''

'''“I know you probably hate me for letting them put you in here... but I...”'''

'''Fintan shook his head. “No, Kavita, I could never hate you. I forgive you.”'''

'''“Really? You do?”'''

'''“Of course. You were only doing what you had to do.”'''

'''“It’s so cold in here... your lips are blue!”'''

'''He pressed his cracked, blue lips together. “I’ll be okay.”'''

She continued to hug him.

'''“I’d hug you back... but... my hands are chained.” He smirked.'''

'''She glared at him. “I wish you weren’t so... terrible. We were making progress, Fintan, you didn’t need to steal that crystal!”'''

“I know...”

“The Neverseen has it now!”

'''“I know! I’m sorry... I just... I wanted to be a better person.”'''

'''“That crystal wasn’t the only way you could’ve done that. I was helping you.”'''

'''“You did a good job of helping me. No one else in the world could’ve made me act or feel that way.”'''

'''Tinker grabbed his hands, which were chained together. She slipped his hands over her head. Fintan blushed a little and pulled her closer to him.'''

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you, too.”

'''She kissed him. He felt his hands warming up. Fire. He barely noticed it. He was too busy kissing Tinker. Suddenly all the ice in the cell melted. Tinker pulled away from him, gasping.'''

“H-how did you do that?” She tried to move back, but his chained hands were still around her.

'''He gently lifted his arms so she could step back. She looked at him, eyes wide. His eyes were also wide. He had a chance to escape. Right now. He could escape. But rather than escaping, he shook his head.'''

'''“I won’t try to leave. You go. I have to stay here.”'''

'''She nodded slowly, trying not to cry. Everyone stood outside his cell, not quite sure what to do.'''

'''“Just bring your Froster in here to freeze my cell again. Leaving isn’t even worth it. I have nowhere to go. The Neverseen wants me dead now, and the only person who really trusts me is Kavita.”'''

'''The dwarf yanked Tinker out of the cell and slammed it shut. Fintan sat on the ground.'''

'''“I don’t want to leave, yet,” Tinker whispered. “There’s still something I have to tell him. It’s really important...” Her eyes never left Fintan’s face as she spoke.'''

'''“I’m not letting you back in there,” the dwarf warned, glancing at Fintan wearily. “He’s up to something, I know it.”'''

'''“No, he isn’t! If he wanted to, he could probably escape right now, but he isn’t! He’s not up to anything. Can we have some privacy, please?”'''

'''“Privacy? What exactly are you going to tell him?” asked Forkle.'''

'''“I’ll tell you after I tell Fintan. This is something we have to talk about alone. You trust me, don’t you?”'''

'''Tiergan sighed. “Well, trust is a strong word. But I trust you’re judgment. If she says that Fintan isn’t up to anything, then I believe her.”'''

Fintan snorted, “You’re only saying that because you’re in love with her.”

'''Tiergan’s face reddened. “No. I’m saying it because you’ve changed. Tinker changed you.”'''

'''Fintan looked at the ground. Tinker coughed. “Um, privacy? You don’t have to leave or anything. But at least take a few steps away so I can whisper it to him.”'''

'''“Fine,” Forkle grumbled. They all took a few steps back.'''

'''Fintan stepped as close as he could with the bars separating them. Tinker looked like she was about to cry. “Fintan.”'''

“What’s wrong?”

'''“I’m... pregnant,” she blurted.'''

'''He froze. “What!?”'''

'''Tinker held back tears. “Yeah... I knew you wouldn’t like that...”'''

'''“I can’t believe... no... No! That’s not... that shouldn’t be happening...”'''

“Well, it happened,” she said quietly.

'''“I’ll never get to see my kid... because I’m locked up in a dark prison!” He slammed his fist against the door of the cell and cursed quietly.'''

“I wish I’d never taken that stupid crystal and tried to force you to join the Neverseen...”

'''“I know. You screwed up.”'''

'''He winced. “Gee, thanks.”'''

'''“But don’t you dare feel guilty. If your mind breaks... I’ll never be able to live with myself...”'''

'''“Okay... but... d-do you know if it’s a boy or a girl yet?”'''

“It’s a girl.”

“Oh, jeez...” He covered his face with his hands.

“Tinker, we have to go!” Tiergan called.

'''Tinker sighed heavily. “I’m sorry you had to find out like this.” She turned to leave.'''

“Wait!” Fintan shouted suddenly.

Tinker turned to face him again.

'''“You... you’ll be a great mom,” Fintan managed to choke out.'''

'''Tinker sniffled. “I hope so...”'''

'''Fintan touched the wall. He could've broken out. He could've freed himself. So why didn't he leave when he had the chance?'''

Checking in on Tinker a couple weeks later~
'''Tinker looked down at her stomach. "We can do this, right?" She scooted up to her desk. "Of course we can. Hm. I need mallowmelt." She wandered out of her office.'''

Pulling out her imparter, she said, "Hail Tiergan."

'''Tiergan's face appeared on the tiny screen. "Hello?"'''

"Tiergan! Can you bring me some mallowmelt?"

"Can I... what?"

'''"Mallowmelt," she repeated as if it was the most obvious thing ever. "Come up to my office, and bring mallowmelt."'''

'''"Um. Okay." He hung up.'''

'''Tiergan quietly chuckled to himself. Was it too soon for her to be having weird pregnancy cravings? He had no idea. He knew nothing about this kind of stuff. Might as well just get the woman her cake… He walked up the stairs to her office, holding the plate of cake. He knocked on the door.'''

"Tinker?"

'''Tinker opened the door, taking the plate from his hands. "I'm so hungry," she said quietly, taking a bite. "Wow. This is good. Has mallowmelt always been this good? If it has, I've been missing out..."'''

"Um, Tinker..."

"Please, call me Kavita."

'''Tiergan blushed. "Kavita? I just... how are you?"'''

"What do you mean? I'm doing great. Everything's great."

'''Tiergan bit his lip, looking down. "You're acting strange."'''

"Because I'm not talking in questions anymore? Who cares. Who cares about questions when you can never seem to find the answers?"

"I... just know that if you ever need to talk, I'm always here."

There was a short silence before Tinker whispered, "Why?"

Tiergan looked at her.

"Why is this happening to me, Tiergan?"

"I..."

'''She burst into tears, covering her face with her hands. Tiergan froze up, unsure of what to do. Tinker continued to cry. Tiergan hesitantly wrapped an arm around her. Tinker leaned into him, crying on his tunic. He holds her, blushing slightly.'''

"Tinker, I'm so sorry this is happening to you... I just... you have to stay strong, alright? Not just for Fintan, but for the baby, too."

"I don't know h-how to stay strong anymore," she sobbed into his shirt.

'''He grimaced. "I know you can do this. You're one of the strongest people I know. You've been through so much..."'''

'''She sniffled. "R-really?"'''

"Of course! Why do you think I like you so much?"

'''Tinker blushed, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Fintan is a horrible person. And there's nothing I can do about it, is there?"'''

"I don't know, Tinker..."

"But, you know... you're not too bad."

'''Tiergan's face reddened. "Thanks..."'''

'''She pulled him to his feet, sighing. "I'll see you later, Tiergan."'''

'''He stepped back, staring at his feet. "Yeah. Later." '''

"There's a meeting later, isn't there?"

"Oh. Yeah. Of course. See you at the meeting... Kavita."

'''Tinker smiled a little. Maybe Fintan being in Exile wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. She finally felt... free. As much as she loved Fintan, she knew it would never work. And maybe it was time to start moving on. She watched Tiergan give a small awkward bow, his face red, and walk out. She giggled. He was a good guy...'''

Epilogue
'''Tinker never visited Fintan again. Tiergan convinced her that she couldn't keep torturing herself like that. She and Tiergan never ended up being a couple, like Tiergan had hoped, but they were bound to be close friends for the rest of their lives. After Tinker's daughter was born, she was still single, and Tiergan was a huge help, especially since he'd had experience with being a dad after taking care of Wylie. A few months later, Tinker was able to successfully be a single mom, and her daughter, Astrid, was one of the best things that had ever happened to her. Though Astrid would probably never meet her father, Tinker told her all the good things he used to be, rather than the monster he'd become. Astrid had red hair, like her mother. Tinker rarely ever spoke in questions anymore. It seemed she had all the answers she needed.'''