Shades of Life

Summary: Cedric and Sofia experience the ups and downs of acting as guardians to Nana, all while learning more about the little girl. Title is based on the song by Billy Gilman called "(I Am) Shades of Life," which was inspired by the poem by Mattie J.T. Stepanek. Nana belongs to MarionetteJ2X, who also created the silhouettes for the cover photo.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First. Nana belongs to MarionetteJ2X.

A/N: Okay, guys! Here's the final chapter of this story. 😉 Yes, it's a bit shorter, but it's just one of those "slice of life" pieces, where you don't really need much, I feel. BUT for Red Phoenix Star, let's say you're kind of going to get your wish here. Haha!

PS: Keep an eye out on my profile page. Thursday morning/early afternoon, I'll post the link to my next chat. It will begin at 7 PM CST (an hour later than last time). Don't forget that, if you plan to join, put your FF name so I'll know who I'm talking to; if you're a guest joining, create a name. PLEASE don't use your real name/info, because I want everyone to be as safe on the Internet as possible. 😊 Hope to see you there! The last chat went so well, so I'm hoping for the same this time. We'll also be able to discuss some upcoming events in my stories, and I may even share some important details… We'll see. :D


Chapter 3: Magenta


"Maybe we should wait on going," Cedric sighed as he glanced toward Sofia, who was holding onto Nana and had a packed bag slung over her shoulder. His mother had contacted him not long ago, telling him that she would love it if he and Sofia would visit. They hadn't been to Mystic Meadows in quite some time, and she clearly missed seeing them—especially Cedric.

Sofia smiled and shook her head. "You can't put it off forever, Mr. Cedric." She gently patted Nana's back, getting the little one's attention. "If you're worried about their reaction to Nana, just tell them the story."

"What? About how we found a child made from a strawberry using dark magic via a now-defunct cult from the Never Realm? Yes, that ought to go over splendidly."

Wormwood rolled his eyes as he lazily cawed from his perch. "You make it sound as though things like this don't happen often in this strange kingdom, Cedric."

"Not at this level, Wormy…"

Sofia sighed but smiled patiently as she passed Nana over to her partner, watching the little girl snuggle into his robe. "They're going to adore her as much as you do, and you know that. Besides, we've talked about doing what's best for Nana, right? Your mom and dad are great people, and having a few more family members in her life will be good for her…and even for them too."

Cedric sighed, rubbing his temple with his free hand. "I don't know, Sofia. I know how my father feels about the Never Realm, and I'm a bit worried about his reaction."

"Look at it this way." She folded her arms. "You were just as hesitant at first. You wanted to avoid her at all costs. Now she's sleeping in your arms." She giggled as he looked down, blinking at the peacefully dozing child. "Nana seems to have a way of making people change their minds, for the better."

He finally nodded, relenting. "Very well. I suppose I owe it to them, and to Nana. After all, if we want to give her a better life, it's only fair that she gets the full experience." He chuckled thoughtfully. "And meeting my mother will be quite the 'experience' too." He smirked as Sofia rolled her eyes, and then he turned toward the raven. "Are you coming with us this time, Wormy?"

"Are you kidding?" the bird scoffed. "Let's see. Go to a magical retirement village with you sappy 'partners' and your human strawberry shortcake, or get some long-overdue rest in a peaceful tower for a change. Hmm! Whatever will Wormwood choose?"

"I can't believe you'd just abandon your sister," Sofia joked with a grin, snickering as the bird shot her a pointed look. "You're an awful brother, Wormwood."

"Ugh, the sooner you three leave, the happier I'll be. And stop calling her my sister and trying to create a 'bond' that just isn't there."

"Your time spent getting your head scratched and playing games with the 'strawberry shortcake' paint a different picture, Wormy," Cedric remarked sardonically, snickering as the raven balked.

"Goodbye already! Get out!" He huffed as the laughing duo finally left, their sleeping charge still tucked in Cedric's arms. "Finally. Maybe now I'll get some sleep." He yawned before settling down, closing his eyes, and drifting off.


The journey to Mystic Meadows was pleasant (and short in comparison to the majority of their other ventures, naturally), and upon arriving in the familiar location, the partners couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. While they'd seen Goodwyn and Winifred at the castle or at other events several times over the last number of years, it had been a long time since they'd actually come to Mystic Meadows. Maybe three or four years, or possibly even more? They weren't sure.

They left the AutoCoach on the other side of the small bridge leading to Cedric's parents' cottage before walking toward the front door.

"Let me do the talking," Cedric insisted as Sofia was now holding onto the sleepy little girl.

Sofia smirked. "You're sure about that?"

He gave her a pointed look as he knocked on the door. "What are you saying, Sofia?"

She shrugged as they waited. "It's just, I know you… And no offense, Mr. Cedric, but sometimes what you plan in your mind to say isn't always what comes out of your mouth." She grinned as he scoffed.

"Well, I think I'll get it right this time."

The princess exchanged humorous glances with Nana, who giggled softly. "I guess we'll see, hmm?"

The door soon swung open, and Winifred was standing there with her hands clasped in front of her. "Oh, Ceddy-kins!" She rushed forward, hugging her son happily as Cedric returned her hug. "I'm so glad you both decided to come visit. I told Goody that it's just not the same without two of our favorite people around."

Cedric chuckled, releasing his mother and placing his hands on her shoulders. "Are you sure it won't be any trouble if we spend the night, Mummy? I wouldn't want to put you and father in any imposition."

"Psh, what imposition?" She rolled her eyes. "We do have those extra bedrooms, so it won't be a problem." She grinned as she turned to the princess next. "Princess Sofia! My, you look lovelier every time I see you, dear girl."

Sofia smiled and blushed modestly as she held onto Nana. "Thank you, Mrs. Winifred…"

"And—" The older woman paused as she saw the little girl in Sofia's arms, and she blinked. "I-Is that a child?"

"Yes," Cedric responded calmly. "But we need to discuss this inside, if you don't mind." He quickly ushered his mother and the other two inside, shutting the door behind them. "We will get our bags in a little bit, but I feel it's important to go ahead and talk about this." He glanced toward Winifred, who appeared ready to say something. "And please, Mother, no jumping to conclusions."

Sofia couldn't help inwardly smirking. So that's where he got that trait, huh?

The woman nodded as she sat in her chair. "What exactly is going on then, Ceddy?"

"I'll explain everything. But first, I think it's important for Father to hear this as well."

"GOODY! GET IN HERE NOW!" Winifred grinned as Sofia and Cedric were both rubbing their ears as they sat down on a sofa with Nana now between them. "Sorry. He's getting a bit hard of hearing, so yelling for him seems to do the trick."

Goodwyn walked into the room and smiled upon seeing the visitors. "Ah, Cedric, Princess Sofia! Winifred said you were coming to stay the evening. I wasn't expecting you here so soon though." He sat down in his own chair before frowning as he saw Nana. "Who's this then?"

Nana looked back and forth between Goodwyn (who was wearing red, like her, which she found exciting) and Winifred (who was wearing purple, like her guardians). They seemed nice enough so far, albeit a bit confused.

"Allow me to explain," Cedric began as Nana crawled into his lap, leaning against him. He gently rubbed her back, causing his parents to gape at him. He'd never been known for being overly-affectionate with a lot of children in the past (with only one or two exceptions, of course), so this was a bit surprising, to say the least. "It all began a few weeks ago…"

He was actually able to get through the full story without stumbling over his words even once. He talked about Nana's time with the cult, her origins, her powers, her previous mistreatment, how he and Sofia had found her and helped her out, and the defeat of the Tenebrous Cult. Sofia was impressed how well he told the story, of course, and how he'd carefully detailed everything they needed to know.

The other two listened attentively as Nana slowly sat up, turning to face them with an uncertain expression on her face. Would these two treat her as well as Cedric and Sofia had? Would they be nice? Would they make her some fly cakes? That last one was optional, of course, but a Strawbaby could dream.

Winifred smiled in understanding as Cedric finished the story. "I think it was very kind and selfless of the both of you to take the little darling in and raise her as your own. It takes a very special type of person to take care of someone whose origins are so dark and desolate."

"Not only that," Goodwyn added, "but the Tenebrous were known for being some of the most vicious and vile cult members ever to exist in the Never Realm. The fact that they created this child to do their bidding—and her roots from sacrifice, from what you mentioned, Cedric… That just shows how utterly low and despicable that realm has gotten, as if it could be any worse. I know I often warned you and Cordelia about it when you were growing up, but now I see that I can just let the place speak for itself." He eyed the little girl curiously, watching her curl into Cedric's arms. "And she's not dangerous, you say."

"She can heal, Mr. Goodwyn," Sofia told him with a smile. "She's healed your son before when he got hurt. Just because she came from a dark and dangerous place doesn't make her dark and dangerous. Even Mr. Merlin seems to agree, which is why he left her with us." She sighed, twirling some of her hair around her fingers. "Actually… He said she'd be better with us since we've bonded with her, and we can protect her from anyone trying to use her for her powers again."

"I see." The older man nodded as he stroked his beard. "And you say that you are now working together as her guardians?"

Cedric nodded. "Yes, Father."

Winifred squealed excitedly, startling the others a bit. "I finally have another grandchild! Not quite the way I'd expected, but she's adorable anyway!"

Cedric blushed a bit at her outburst, and at hearing Sofia's giggles. "Mother!"

The woman chuckled with a warm smile. "What, Ceddy? I think it's rather sweet. You now have a little magenta family."

"A what?" Sofia asked, confused, as Nana crawled over to her and sat on top of her shoulder, playing with her hair.

"Magenta: the blend of purple (you two, obviously) and red (Nana)." She laughed as Cedric and Sofia exchanged glances. "You never considered it before, I take it?"

"No…" Cedric smiled softly as Sofia gave him a knowing smile, but then he gasped as Nana seemed to lose her balance and nearly topple from Sofia's shoulder. "Nana, careful!" He scooped the little one into his arms, noting her look of surprise behind those huge green eyes. He chuckled as she calmed down. "It's all right. I've got you."

Nana smiled in relief and jumped up, hugging him around his neck.

"Aww!" Winifred cooed, laughing. "I'm glad to see how comfortable she is with both of you. How has the rest of the royal family taken to her?"

"They love her," Sofia responded happily. "Especially my little brother, Corban. I think they're going to be best friends. He already shared two cookies with her." She shrugged. "I think that pretty much sealed the deal."

"That's good to hear," Goodwyn acknowledged with a nod. "Well, I hate to leave so soon, but I am due for a chess rematch against Marshak. I'll return after a while." Before leaving, he walked over to Cedric and looked down toward Nana, who stared up at him curiously. He finally smiled and gently patted her on the head. "Nice to meet you, little one. Welcome to the family." With that said, he left the cottage, closing the door behind him.

Cedric sighed in relief. "That went better than I was expecting." He smiled toward his mother, who shrugged.

"Goodwyn is just a big old softy on the inside, and children are his weakness. You saw how he was when Calista was growing up: doting on her for every little thing. I wouldn't be surprised if he treated Nana the same way." She stood up, stretching. "Now then, who's ready for some of my fly cakes?"

Nana's eyes lit up and she smiled excitedly. FLY CAKES? Okay, she knew instantly she was going to like this woman.

Sofia laughed as she noticed her charge's reaction. "I think you've just made Nana's day, Mrs. Winifred."

"Excellent. Follow me! To the kitchen!"

Cedric stood up with Nana now resting against his neck (and holding on much more securely this time, he noticed), and he reached down a hand to Sofia, who smiled and accepted, standing up and following him as they headed into the kitchen.


That evening, Sofia reached out her hands to Nana as they stood next to the door to Cedric's room. "Ready for bed, Nana?"

Nana yawned but clung more tightly to Cedric instead.

Sofia laughed. "I think she wants to stay with you tonight."

Cedric sighed, shrugging as he held onto his charge. "Very well. It was bound to happen eventually." He smiled as Sofia kissed Nana's cheek before hugging him. He wrapped his free arm around her and returned her hug. "Sleep well, Sofia."

"You too, Mr. Cedric. I'll see you two tomorrow." With that, she grabbed her overnight bag and went into her room, closing the door behind her.

The sorcerer went into his own room and shut the door. He lit a lamp and looked around, noticing its simplistic style. The double bed was made from iron and had a set of beige sheets and a dark blue comforter. There was one wooden chest of drawers standing next to the window, through which he could see the full moon high in the sky. There were a few potted plants around the room, and a portrait of Cordelia and him (painted recently) hanging on the wall.

Cedric smiled at the portrait before placing Nana onto the bed. "Hold still, little one." Using his wand, he changed her into a pair of pajamas, and he blinked as he noticed the color. Magenta. "Huh, I thought I was going for red… Oh, well." He chuckled before reaching forward and removing the little bows from her hair, letting it fall into its natural place before running his fingers through it a few times. "There you are."

Nana smiled sleepily at her guardian before yawning.

"Oh, right. It's definitely time for some sleep then." With one wave of his wand, he changed into his usual pair of dark purple pajamas before turning down the bed, watching as Nana crawled over to the other side of the bed and plopped onto a pillow, her eyelids heavy as she watched him curiously. Cedric chuckled before sliding under the covers, pulling them over both him and the little girl. "Goodnight, Nana. Sweet dreams." He'd just closed his eyes and sighed, getting comfortable, when he felt a little form curl up beside him.

Looking down, he noticed Nana resting against his chest, her eyes closed as she breathed softly. "Oh, Nana…" He smiled before wrapping one arm securely around her as he pulled the covers over them both. "Goodnight, my darling. Sweet dreams." Eventually, he fell asleep too.

And sweet dreams, indeed, came to the little strawberry child, who dreamed of a magenta world with fly cakes, cookies, and all the ones she now called her family surrounding her and loving her unconditionally.

The end

(Next story coming soon! "Apart")