Still Water Runs Deep
A Chronicles of Narnia Fanfiction
Summary: Edmund's sudden death leaves his family and Narnia reeling. As the investigation unravels, the truth comes to light: the Just King's death was not as "sudden" as previously believed.
Disclaimer: We own nothing!
/!\ Warnings: Mild language, major character death.
A/N: Apologies in advance for any spelling/grammatical errors we missed.
Prologue
Edmund Pevensie was born to die young, even after his mother delivered him with his cord around his neck, breathless and blue. Were it not for the prompt action of doctors and nurses, he would not have survived the night, let alone his second brush with me.
The air raid. Planes roared overhead, spitting fire and dropping bombs that jarred bones, popped eardrums, and shattered nerves. He was fleeing the Luftwaffe when he remembered. How dare he forget Dad's photograph? Edmund rushed back for it and if Peter, damn him, hadn't followed, a hail of shrapnel and glass would've struck them both dead. He made that abundantly clear afterward, but Edmund didn't care; his brother should have joined their mother and sisters at the shelter and let him die, but no, Peter had to act the hero (as usual!).
Edmund Pevensie cheated me twice, but, as you mortals say, third time's the charm.
After the White Witch stabbed him - as crimson poured and white crept into his periphery - we knew this was it, to his horror and my delight. When he drew his last breath and his heart ceased to beat and his aura snuffed out like a candle, he was mine - until Lucy rewound the hands of time with a drop of cordial.
After an interminable wait, the boy gasped and opened his eyes, to the immense relief of his siblings. They flung their arms around him, tears flowing anew. Fools. The poignant scene would've warmed the cockles of my heart if I had one. Edmund had rejoined the living...for now; his aura had flared back to life - but not as bright, nor white, as before.
Tainted.
With Jadis and her army vanquished, darkness yielded to light and winter to spring. The prophecy had been fulfilled! Narnians savored their first taste of peace in a century, hailing the Pevensies their Kings and Queens with hopes of a long, prosperous reign....Or so they thought.
Pity I must end it for one so soon.
It would behoove you bleeding hearts to stop here and spare yourselves the misery. But the end is not The End. Content yourselves with blissful ignorance for now, but one day, you'll stop and wonder...
If you dare.
A/N: Thanks for reading! Please let us know what you think. Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.