Pain and Suffering
Summary: A wicked spirit has possessed Cedric, who is conscious through the entire debacle, and has decided to destroy the bond with the one person Cedric cherishes the most, as well as abolish the ties with those who have recently come to trust him.
Disclaimer: I own nothing; the idea and OC mentioned in the story both belong to Mr. Shortman92.
A/N: *deep breath* Okay, guys… I'll be honest with you. This is one story I've been very nervous to write, because it is very much out of my comfort zone. But I suppose, as a writer, sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zones every now and then. I have worked this story to where it is still "AquaTurquoise" material as well as a somewhat heavy "K rating" like I aim to keep. I will say, though, that this story deals with some pretty heavy and dark stuff, as you can see by the title. Things will get much worse before there's even a hope of them getting better, so if this is not your cup of tea, I completely understand. My next story will be much lighter and happier. Lol. I just wanted to give you all a heads up, because I want to be as transparent as I can as a writer. Mr. Shortman92, I hope I do this idea justice. Also, you owe me virtual cookies after this. ;p Haha, just kidding. Enjoy!
Chapter List:
Chapter 1: Caving In
Chapter 2: Deceptive Reverie
Chapter 3: Double the Trouble
Chapter 4: Painful Realizations
Chapter 5: Unbroken
*Story*
Chapter 1: Caving In
Recently, Roland was unable to offer much time to his family because he had been immersed in royal obligations since the last week or so. As horrible as he felt about missing out on family time, he knew his duties came first. However, he did want to do something to cheer his wife and children up, so he decided to turn to his royal sorcerer for assistance. At the king's behest, Cedric agreed to accompany the royal family one day as they opted to go on a much-needed adventure away from the nearly suffocating castle and explore some uncharted land in Enchancia. The very notion baffled Cedric. All these years of Enchancia being established as its own kingdom, and there were still areas they were just discovering? Amazing.
They had been to many locations already. Currently, the group had come across an unidentified cave similar to the ones the trolls and Grotta inhabited. There was nothing particularly special about it from the outside. In fact, it looked like a rather typical cave, which irked one particular royal to no end.
"This is just like any other cave we've seen in Enchancia," Amber complained, unimpressed. "We would have been better just staying in the castle."
"Where's the fun in that, Amber?" Sofia argued playfully, tugging at her sister's arm. "Come on! You know as well as I do: just because something looks a certain way on the outside, that doesn't mean it's the same inside."
The blonde girl smiled and rolled her eyes, giving in as the younger princess pulled her forward into the cave. "All right, Sofia. You win. I just don't see what the big deal is; that's all."
Cedric and Miranda exchanged humored looks as James scurried past them and after his sisters. They then followed up behind the prince and princesses as Cedric used a spell to illuminate the dark space.
"Whoa," James gushed as he glanced around, eyes wide. "This place is huge!" His statement echoed off the walls and down the hollow corridor of the cave, causing him to laugh. "Brilliant."
"I wonder if there are any more trolls living in this cave," Miranda mentioned as she walked ahead, following the children as Cedric stayed behind for some reason.
"I don't think so," Sofia responded. "Chief Gnuckles would have found it by now, I think."
Cedric leaned against a strange landform, though he wasn't entirely sure what it was. From his perspective, he believed it to be a three-foot tall crystal, which was practically unheard of. It also appeared to be emitting a peculiar green light from within—rather eerie, though he chalked it up to the possibility that he was seeing things. He reached down to remove his shoe, shaking it. "My apologies," he said as he noted that a few of the royals were looking toward him curiously. "I seem to have a rock or something stuck in my shoe." He shook it once more and smiled in satisfaction as the offending object fell out and clattered onto the stone ground. "Ah, that's better." He replaced his shoe, only to lose his balance, bumping into the crystal and causing it to fall and shatter, while he fell backwards onto the hard ground.
"Mr. Cedric!" Sofia called in concern as she hurried over to him, lowering next to him. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Sof—" He paused, his eyes unfocused and his mouth slightly opened as some dark entity vacated the fallen crystal and swirled around him, unnoticed to the royals, before entering Cedric's body. He blinked and shook his head, attempting to clear his mind and focus on the situation, especially since the other four were staring at him in concern. He offered a somewhat strained smile and told them, "I'm all right. Let's, um…" He shuffled to his feet, aided in part by his apprentice. "Let's venture onward, shall we?"
"Maybe we should head back to the castle," Miranda suggested. "We've been on enough adventures for one day." She smiled at the sorcerer. "Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to accompany us, Cedric. We appreciate it very much."
"Yeah, Cedric," James laughed. "You're pretty cool sometimes."
Sofia grinned as she took her friend's hand, a look of pure joy on her face as she corrected her brother: "He's awesome, James, and he's always awesome."
Cedric smiled bashfully while still trying to stave off the strange feeling that was embodying him. "Sofia…"
"Okay, Cedric's awesome," Amber appeased her sister before leading the group toward the cave exit. "We get it. Let's celebrate this 'awesomeness' at home, please?"
While Miranda, James, and Amber left the cave and began the walk back toward the castle, Sofia stayed behind a bit and checked on Cedric once again.
"Are you sure you're all right, Mr. Cedric?" she asked in concern as she continued holding his hand, her blue eyes focused intently on his response.
Not wanting to worry her, Cedric smiled fondly and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm fine, my dear. Just a bit tired. Let's catch up to your family."
She nodded, placated. "Okay." She offered him a gentle smile before walking on ahead.
As Cedric began following her out of the cave, he was suddenly mentally attacked, a dull sensation nagging at the back of his mind.
Well, well, well… What have we here?
The sorcerer was fully conscious and had complete control of himself, but it appeared that there was another presence with him…somewhere. Seeing that Sofia had left the cave and was catching up to her family, he hung back a bit and challenged lowly, "Who are you?"
You humans and your simpleminded questions… I am merely a sensation—an admittedly unpleasant impression upon your person. I invade your senses, your mind, your very soul… I harm you physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I am Pain.
"What do you want with me?" The sorcerer didn't exactly scare easily these days. Sure, he could become a bit concerned, saddened, or disheartened by events, but evil beings or whatever they were irritated and hindered him more than frightened him. Right now, this 'Pain' was no exception.
I find it curious this bond you share with the youngest princess… It's unlike any other I've ever seen. One look into her soul, and I could see quite clearly the admiration and affection she has for you.
Cedric's blood was starting to run cold. Sofia…
Hmm, is it possible the darling princess has an infatuation with her favorite sorcerer?
He scowled and held his hands to his head, trying to block out the taunting voice he could neither locate nor tolerate much longer. "That's preposterous! Leave her out of this. She doesn't deserve to have some evil coward stalking her like some depraved lunatic."
A coward, you say? Oh, Cedric… (A low chuckle rolled around the deepest confines of the sorcerer's mind.) You should know the definition of a coward: manipulating the girl all those years, using her friendship to benefit yourself…
"Stop it!" He was now outside the cave, leaning against the stone landform, his hands pressed to his ears. "Y-You're nothing but some evil, disembodied voice-!"
You think you can silence your own thoughts by blocking out the world's sounds? I am not of this world, Cedric… And by the time I'm done with you, you'll come to see just how evil I can be.
Cedric's arms dropped to his sides as his body propelled forward without his permission. He was doing his best to fight against Pain with every fiber of his being, but it didn't seem to be enough. He caught up to Sofia, who was a good distance behind her chattering family at this point. Before he could stop himself, he reached forward and gently ran a hand through the girl's auburn hair, commenting, "You have lovely hair, Sofia."
Surprised by his rather random comment, Sofia blinked up at her friend and smiled shyly. "Thanks, Mr. Cedric… It's just my hair though. Nothing special."
"Don't be silly," he retorted, the words spilling out without his consent. "Everything about you is special. You have the kindest heart, the gentlest soul, and the most wonderful personality of anyone I've ever met." Granted, those words were true, but this was so…
Sofia blushed at all the compliments before giggling. "Mr. Cedric, you're so sweet." She heard Amber call her name, so she offered him one fleeting smile before hurrying over to catch up with the blonde girl.
Cedric scowled to himself again as he confronted the voice in his head: "If you hurt her, so help me…"
I believe you're the one who will be needing help by the time I'm done with you. And hurting the princess is the furthest thing from my intent right now… On the contrary, someone as special as Sofia deserves a little recognition every now and again.
Sensing that the voice had dissipated, at least for now, Cedric shook his head, afraid to even ponder over the meaning of that apparent warning, and hurried to catch up with the others.
After returning to his workshop, Cedric was surprised to find that Sofia had followed him. "S-Sofia!" He blinked as she walked toward him, grasping his hands. "A-Are you…? What are you doing here? We cancelled lessons today, remember?"
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay after earlier," she responded softly, her gaze concerned. "You're not hurt?"
Hurt… If you hurt her, I swear I'll make you pay…
"N-No," he lied, knowing very well that he was hurt—his personality, his mind, his very sanity was being attacked by some mysterious, malicious force, and there was little to nothing he could do about it. He was conscious for it all, and yet he couldn't stop himself from acting on Pain's behalf. Like now… A lazy smile appeared on the sorcerer's face as he gently squeezed his apprentice's hands in a reassuring manner before moving behind her and carefully clasping his hands over her shoulders, gently caressing them as he leaned down to speak softly to her, "Thank you for asking. I hate to cause such a kind soul such stress and worry."
The very actions were unsettling to Cedric, but he heard the words spoken in his own voice, and he saw exactly what was going on. This was pure manipulation. This was—
Sofia giggled as she turned, smiling shyly at him again. Since when was she shy? "It's okay, Mr. Cedric. I'm a lot stronger than I look. Remember?" She hugged him once before walking toward the door. "I'm going to help Mom with something. I'll see you tomorrow." She gave him one last smile before leaving.
Cedric growled in frustration before rummaging through his closet and pulling out a mirror, staring at it accusingly. He was both mortified and unfazed to find that the reflection staring back at him was smirking triumphantly, a hazy dark mist surrounding his body. "Stay away from my apprentice. I won't let you harm her."
"Oh, Cedric," the jeering voice taunted, but this time out loud and in his own voice as he stared at his reflection, "I couldn't agree more. I am not the one who will truly harm Princess Sofia." A smirk formed on the reflection's face. "You are."
Cedric gasped in horror and threw the mirror aside, watching as it shattered, the shards sharp and jagged and every bit as dangerous as the entity inside him.
To be continued…