The Scepter of Darkness

Summary: Merlin seeks out Cedric to inform him of his research on the Scepter of Darkness, a deleterious version of Princess Elena's Scepter of Light. Amid their further investigation, the Enchancian and Avaloran groups are brought together once again to take on an entirely new enemy with far worse motives than that of the Defacto. (Sequel to "Crystallize")

Disclaimer: I do not own Elena of Avalor or Sofia the First.

A/N: I think those who read "Crystallize" knew this was coming… You were right. :) I suppose it goes without saying, but make sure if you haven't read "Crystallize" to check it out before reading this story; otherwise, it might be rather confusing. Also, don't be fooled by things you read. Keep in mind that things (and people) aren't always what/who they seem, but I think we've realized that throughout the run of both shows at this point. ;) And hey, I'm aiming for a record here! This story is slotted to be EIGHT CHAPTERS LONG. If you know me, that's a lot for me! Haha. Anyway, hope you all enjoy. Without further ado, I now bring you "The Scepter of Darkness!"

Chapter List:

1: Merlin's Theory

2: Anguish

3: Reunited

4: Quilor

5: The Enigma

6: Bad Blood

7: Protectors

8: Amends

*Story*

Chapter 1: Merlin's Theory

Cedric reached out and hesitantly knocked on a rather familiar door as Sofia shifted from one foot to the other beside him, her stance obviously anxious and uncertain. He gently laid his free hand on her shoulder in a reassuring manner, garnering a smile from his apprentice.

Both looked up when the door opened, revealing a rather frazzled-looking Merlin.

"Come in, quickly," he said with no other explanation as he ushered both friends inside his Dragon Hold abode, shutting and bolting the door locked behind them. He said little else as he led them through his castle and into what appeared to be a research room.

Each wall of the room was lined with bookcases, and each shelf was practically bursting with books of all shapes and sizes, manuscripts, and everything in between. He had a desk that was messily organized (his words, naturally), littered with papers and wands of all sorts. On those papers were several messily-scribbled notes and theories. The candle he'd evidently been using was burned to the wick, the wax all but bespattered over the holder.

And then there was a large table where he'd obviously spent quite a bit of time reading and researching. Books of all types were opened to various pages. One such book happened to be the one Sofia and Cedric had discovered in Hexley Hall about the Scepter of Light. Both friends noted that this particular book had colored tabs throughout its pages, no doubt highlighting important information he'd seemingly located.

Merlin used his wand to summon two extra chairs, seating his guests opposite him as he lowered into his blue chair. He heaved a heavy sigh before staring warily at the sorcerer and princess. "Where do I even begin?"

Sofia shrugged. "The actual beginning is usually a good place," she suggested calmly.

"Very well." He gestured toward the corner of the room where the Scepter of Darkness appeared to be sealed in a glass case. "That thing…is a wretched piece of history wrapped in a horrid band of dark magic."

"You mean it's worse than we thought?" Cedric clarified with a surprised look.

"Much worse." Merlin used his wand to fashion a holographic image of his previous research, demonstrating something of a flashback. "As I delved into the mystery surrounding the Scepter of Darkness, I made quite the discovery. The origins, while rather obscured to the average reader, seem to date back quite a few centuries. It was derived from the original Scepter of Light, but it broke off as a separate weapon for some mysterious ruler known only as The Enigma."

Sofia gasped in surprise. "Wait. The Scepter of Darkness came from the Scepter of Light? How?"

The white-haired man shook his head. "No one really seems to know…"

"And a ruler called The Enigma," Cedric added with a visible shiver, though he wasn't quite certain why he could feel chills going down his spine. Something didn't sit well with him about this whole scenario. "Could he have chosen a more ominous name?"

Merlin quirked an eyebrow. "I know, right? Anyway, no one knows who he is or where he came from, but from what I've discovered, he seems to be the one who was responsible for passing the Scepter of Darkness to Evalto the Evolutionary from a group you seem to have become familiar with: the Defacto?"

Sofia frowned at the mention of the group's name before looking away. She smiled lightly when Cedric patted her hand comfortingly in reassurance.

"We're aware," Cedric responded simply. "So what? Evalto and The Enigma were accomplices?"

"Yes, it would appear so."

"And you found all of this information from that one book?" the sorcerer asked, seeming baffled.

"Oh, no, Cedric." Merlin gestured toward the Hexley Hall book and several others scattered throughout. "Every book on this table led me to that conclusion. The book about the Scepter of Light is one thing, but it's only one resource. When you're privy to as much magical information as I am, however, your library tends to expand rather extensively…whether you want it to or not. Let's just say I've gathered quite a bit of information on many things, magical and non-magical, throughout my many years as a wizard."

Sofia and Cedric exchanged glances before the princess spoke up again. "Merlin, shouldn't we get rid of the Scepter of Darkness then? With it even existing, it's causing Princess Elena a lot of trouble."

Merlin frowned and nodded. "Yes, Cedric told me of its adverse effect on the Princess of Avalor. From what I understand, its negative power drains her energy much faster than that of her Scepter of Light. There's a very good reason for that. The Scepter of Light, while overuse or inexperience with its abilities can cause the user to become faint or drained, is used in a positive manner and is intended for ruling fairly; on the other hand, the Scepter of Darkness is a product of anger and hatred. Its ultimate result will be demise for the one it seeks, and I'm afraid from what you've told me, Cedric, that someone is Princess Elena."

"Then let's destroy it," Cedric declared with an exasperated sigh.

"We can't," the older wizard informed him with a firm stare. "Like it or not, Elena is connected to the Scepter of Light…which is in turn connected with the Scepter of Darkness. The Scepter of Light has become a part of her now, as its good energy is linked with hers. However, destroying even one of the scepters will destroy both, because at this rate, neither can exist without the other. And if you destroy the scepters…you'll destroy Princess Elena."

Sofia gasped, her blue eyes widening in horror. "So…what should we do? She'll suffer as long as the Scepter of Darkness exists, especially if it's near her; if we can't destroy it, how can we save her?"

Merlin stroked his beard as a pensive look appeared on his face. He then glanced toward the two friends. "Cedric, send an urgent letter to Avalor. I have a theory on how to help her, but Princess Elena must be present. The sooner she arrives, the better."

Cedric nodded. "Very well, but what exactly is your plan?"

"Let's just say I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

To be continued…