My Sister's Teacher

by GradGirl2010

The first few months were rough for Sofia and Lydia. Their new life is only going to get harder, pushing the Princess and Sorceress to new limits. Amulet and Brooch will come together, steering the young Princesses onto the right path. But what is the right path for Lydia? Will she study to become a Royal Sorcerer? Or will she trade her wand for a tiara?

26. The Amulet and The Thief

The Amulet and The Thief

No, your email is not wrong. This is chapter 26. I deleted the HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone chapter. Didn't need it anymore.

xxx

Song 1:

That/My Amulet (Parody)

By:

Sofia and Cedric

(&)

Song 2:

Natsuhiboshi Parody

From:

Jump Comics: Naruto

By:

Sumaru's Mom

xxx

"Man…" The baby griffin whined, balancing the tiara, Amulet, and the golden goblets. "Can't believe I lost all that neat stuff! Stupid birds!" He huffed. A small flock of ducks can't watch where they are going and he loses everything he worked so hard to find. Serves him right for trying to carry more than what he could handle. He's barely big enough to clear the castle pantries. All 15 of them. Clover would be able to, but that's a different skillset all together. Nevertheless, the little griffin was crestfallen to have lost so many shiny things. He planned on going back for it all later when he had a place to hide it. But why bother with that junk, was the conclusion he eventually reached.

The Baby Griffin crossed a threshold into another one the castle's hundreds of corridors. "Ooh…" His eyes sparkled, and his tongue hung out like a panting dog's. Chandeliers lining the ceiling, speckles of jewels embedded in picture frames, shining marble on busts. "Shiny, shiny - SHINY EVERYWHERE!" He squealed. How could he have been so crestfallen earlier. He's in a castle for crying out loud. There's shiney stuff everywhere. With as many things as he's found so far, there's bound to be oodles more if he just keeps looking. And he's hit the jackpot. The only question is, what should he take back first?

"Look! It's one of the castle griffins!" The baby Griffin heard someone shriek. He flinched at a blue blur that swooped past his head. The blur came back around, revealed to be a small bluebird. It was Mia, and she was fluttering angrily around him.

"And he's got Sofia's amulet!" A red robin - Robin - chimed in, surrounding the griffin as well. He tried to hide it behind the goblets, not wanting them to take it from him. He took off flying. He's bigger than they are, so if he made it outside he'd lose them for sure. "He's getting away!"

"No he ain't!" Clover declared, hoping to a table. "HEY, GRIFFIN! Nice shiny thing here!" The baby griffin faced the rabbit that call out to him. The baby griffin's signature ooh was dripping from his beak at the golden bowl taunting him. The way the light pooled in the bowl made him think there was sunlight in there. Escape was wiped clean from his mind. He set the goblets down on a ledge near the ceiling. With wide open, greedy paws he dove for the bowl. Clover set the bowl on the ground, backing up a little. The Amulet was stretched from his neck as he curved to scoop the bowl. Clover jumped out, "GOT IT," His little paws ripped the necklace right from the griffin's neck.

"WHOA!" The griffin gasped in dismay. His favorite jewel! He dropped the bowl, charging after Clover. "GIMME THAT BACK! IT'S MINE!" He declared, yanking the amulet by the chain. Clover dug in his tiny bunny paws, putting all that food weight into grounding that furball and reclaiming his best friend's necklace. "OH NO YOU DON'T!" The griffin proved to be the stronger mammal. He flapped his wings into high gear. Clover was skipped on the floor and bounced right into the air, holding onto the amulet for dear life as the griffin tried to shake him off. Mia and Robin cried out and took off after him. Amazing that a griffin can even lift Clover. Even more amazing was how fast he was carrying that gluttonous bunny.

"A LITTLE HELP HERE PLEASE!" Clover begged his feathered friends, becoming a little queasy. The griffin darted sharply side to side, trying to crack Clover off like a whip tip. The bunny had an astonishing grip for a furball.

"WE'RE COMING!" Mia panted. Hers and Robins little wings beating the air as hard as they could. The griffin turned into the arch at the end of the hall, banking Clover painfully off the edge, and dove down the flight of stairs into the ballroom. Even with Clover hanging on him, that griffin had some speed.

The griffin skipped Clover on the ballroom's second level railing. His little bunny butt was hurting, but not enough to make him let go. The griffin smirked, nonetheless. Knowing full well Clover can't hold on forever. "UH-OH!" He grimaced at the little birds gaining on him. Clover holding on won't be the issue if those birds catch him. The griffin is strong, but he can't fight them off and hold the amulet at the same time.

Mia and Robin extended their neck, pointing their beaks and gaining speed on the baby thief. He tried to lose tham by racing down the spiral staircase, thinking the loop would cause them to flail out of control. Those little birds proved to be the strong flyers down that railing, and they were spitting distance from him. The griffin's run came to a sudden stop as he reached the bottom. "Oh no you don't! I've got you now!" Clover hooked himself to the curved handle of the stairwell, returning in favor the yanking that little griffin gave to bring him on that fly around.

"GRR! LET GO!" The griffin snarled, pulling with all his might.

"YOU LET GO!" Clover flipped himself around, digging in his hind legs to pull back. He wasn't keeping Sofia's Amulet another second longer. The griffin pulled even harder, wrenching his body around. "WHOA!" Clover popped free.

"Don't hurt him, Clover!" Robin pleaded. Mia gripped to Clover's cottontail and Robin grabbed hold of Mia's scruff. "He's just a baby!"

"Hurt him?! What about us?!" Mia screeched. It was a game of tug of war. Clover and the Amulet dead in the middle. Mia and Robin together, flapping at lightning speed, barely had the strength to match the baby griffin's. He could lift a carriage if he wanted to. They weren't deterred. That fluffball wasn't going to keep the amulet. Regardless of how hard the griffin pulled, Mia and Robin took deep breaths and pulled harder. Clover felt himself stretching out, the amulet chain digging into his paws. Still he held on for as long as he could.

The griffin wasn't liking this game anymore. This drags on any longer and he'd lose the tiara he found. He knew he was young, but he's stronger than these garden based woodland creatures. "YAH!" He yanked those three annoying fuzz balls like stubborn weeds. The trio yelped as they were dragged into the kitchen. An array of fruit was in the prepping stages for the ball tonight, spread from one end of the two tables to the other. And with the entrance of the furry creatures vying for the amulet, that spread lengthened to the floor...in mushy, sure to tick off Chef Andre piles. This game of tug of war became violent. Mia and Robin pulled back, knocking a bag of flour to the floor. Likely for the Lemon Meringue upside cake. The griffin pulled back, spilling mangoes from a bowl. Mia and Robin gave their next best tug and spilled some cider powder all over freshly peeled apples. The final tugs were given. Clover gave his all with Mia and Robin. The griffin gave a yank. Clover's little paws lost their grip, slingshotting him, Mia, and Robin into a crockpot.

"GOT IT! YEAH!" He took off before either one could try to take it back from him.

Clover and the two birds watched in defeat as he escaped. They would never be able to catch him now. "We've gotta go tell Sofia about the griffin!" Clover declared.

"We can't tell Sofia ANYTHING!" Robin reminded him somberly.

"She can't understand us!" Mia added.

"Lydia can!" Clover remembered. She can talk to animals like Sofia. "Let's hope we see her on the way to Sofia."

xxx

A deafening, suffocating silence completely enveloped the garden. The wind, the rustling trees, the chirping birds - time just felt like it stopped within those last few words, "I will not be naming you crowned Princess." Ubos, who buried himself deep within the bushes, felt his legendary mild temper complete incinerate into all out rage. The leaves he was immersed in burned searing red, gradually being devoured. Eezeyal's talons had unintentionally dug themselves into Lydia's shoulder, likely drawing blood. He was too shocked to his system to register. As was Lydia. Her whole demeanor was blank. Indescribable jolts of storm like horror ricocheted inside Lydia, everything from her toes to her hair follicles going hypothermia numb. Her mind was abuzz at what the scowling Roland had just said. Not about punishing her. Partly. But because, with a straight face, he was resolute in calling her a...a...a thief. He looked her dead in the eye and called her thief, and a liar. She idled in her dismay, praying that she heard wrong. Or that Roland would take it back. He wasn't about to apologize. He wasn't about to take it back either. And she didn't hear him wrong.

A thief…he called me a thief...a thief...Her mind constantly replayed. Twigs of her psyche snapped. "Are...are you SERIOUS?!" Her scream broke Eezeyal and Ubos from their trances. Roland was mildly unphased by her tone, but would soon lose tolerance being yelled at. "DAD! I didn't do anything! I'm telling you the truth!"

"Are you?! Can you even differentiate right and wrong?" He challenged. He'd remind her of her pills, but he can see she's already attune to what he's leading toward. "I heard from your mother how you spoke to her! And your attitude as of late hasn't lifted my confidence in you!"

"I can't...this is…" She clawed at her scalp, staggering away from him. She's going to hit him. She might actually hit him. Again. And worse still, while he's blaming her for everything, the real thief is still running around the castle. Her brow furrowed. Her hands falling from her head. "You know what?" She said in monotone, locking a steadfast glare at him. "I don't have time for you!" She ripped the jeweled hair comb from her head, taking strands with it, and threw it at his feet. Roland was appalled. "Stuff is being stolen around the castle and you're wasting my time trying to find that person!" She shoved him out of her way, completely ignoring his demands for her to come back. That he wasn't done with her. "And don't worry making an announcement to Mom or the others about me not going to the ball! I already made it clear I didn't want to go!"

"LYDIA! GET BACK HERE!"

"SCREW OFF!" She roared. Roland's jaw slackened. Ubos came in close to her. "Get me out of here!" She whispered. Ubos nodded and she disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Roland was floored by her outburst. He would have chased after her. Unfortunately she could have gone anywhere in the castle, and he has a ball to attend to. "I'll deal with her later." He stormed off. He won't be spoken to like that.

Unbeknownst to Roland, Lydia was hiding behind a tall tree just behind him. She, Eezeyal, and Ubos waited for him to disappear down the path, then proceeded in the opposite direction from him. "That's one headache taken care of!" She snarled.

"He isn't going to be too thrilled you used magic." Ubos warned her.

Lyda scoffed at him, rolling her eyes. "Like I care!"

"Did he seriously accuse you of being a thief?!" Eezeyal hissed.

"Never mind that idiot! Sofia is counting on us to find her amulet." That's more important than the Step-King having a fit. "Roland can have misgivings about me all he likes. Just like with the villagers, I never cared about his opinion anyway!" She broke into a run, hoping to vent out her rage at the man and be too exhausted to care about him.

Ubos and Eezeyal idled a while, wishing to give her a little space. The two sighed somberly. "This won't end well." Eezeyal remarked.

"No it will not." Ubos agreed. The two chased her down, still giving her a little space. Lydia's form distorted from itself, the transparent shadow glitching a crazed smile back and forth, and then quickly reformed. Ubos and Eezeyal's faces dropped. "You saw that, right?"

"I really don't wanna answer that."

xxx

The baby griffin was in such a hurry to get away from Clover and those birds that he didn't have the faintest clue where he ended up. He was in a slightly dimmer hallway than the other ones he's been flying through. That's all he knew. "Woo. I'm tired." He panted. He landed to a table, his claws kneading into the red velvet doily. It felt nice to sit down. All this flying around was wiping him out. "AHH!" He lost a few feathers. A portrait of one of the old kings scared half of his nine lives out of him. At least, he assumed he had nine lives. He is part lion. And lions are cats. He'll have to ask his mom and dad later.

"Where are you little Amulet thief?" The creepy croon of a girl came from down the hallway. "Come on out. OR ELSE!" She snarled, popping out from around the corner. It was that golden haired princess from the other one's room. And she didn't look happy. The baby griffin jumped down, about to make a run for it.

"Is the amulet here?" The griffin skid to a halt, gasped scared. "No Amulet there here. Or here." It was the boy with all the tiny men. He was blocked in. He was looking in the room at the end of the hall. "Nope. Not in here either."

"Gotta hide, gotta hide!" He panicked to himself. The portrait and that red table cloth gave him a genius idea.

xxx

Amber and James met in the middle of the hallway, neither one with good news to bear. And both completely unawares of the disguised griffin posing as the king in the portrait. "Anything?" James asked the obvious.

"No! And I've looked everywhere!" Amber knows it's a huge castle, but no thief knows the castle better than her or James. They would have run into him by now. "This is one sneaky thief."

"I'll find him." James swore. "Nothing gets past me."

"Me neither."

"I'll go check the library."

"And I'll go check the parlor." The two dashed away.

Abracadabra, the baby griffin unraveled himself from the cloth, laughing at how easy that was. He managed to find a window to the outside. "Maybe now I can get that stuff back." Yeah, it's not as shiny as the other stuff, but he still wanted it.

xxx

Ubos, Lydia, and Eezeyal turned over every burrow, nest, and grass patch searching for that thief. Or anything that might have been dropped by him when he took his escape route through the gardens. The search was yielding some results. Ubos popped up from a tree branch with James's knight helmet on his head. Eezeyal found Gwen's Whisk dangling in the leaves. The strangest thing about finding them is where they ended up. Either this thief is planning on coming back for his bounty, or he has very small arms and threw what he could in order to run. Let's hope for both. That way it'll be easy for Lydia to punch him in the face. She hates having to look for people she doesn't like.

"This thief is slippery like an eel." Ubos growled.

"Either that or he's gone." Lydia proposed.

"Shh! Y'all hear that?!" Eezeyal stretched an ear. Ubos and Lydia trained their ear to what had him on edge. Incoherent talking was coming from somewhere close by. It wasn't difficult to find out who it was when the evil cackling came in. "That sound like Ceddy plottin' again?"

"He doesn't cackle because he found a nut to match his crazy!" Lydia declared. She crouched low, having the boys follow suit as she snuck through the garden. A childish laugh from above scared her out of her skin. "What was that?!"

"We heard that when your earring went missing!" Eezeyal gasped. "Sounds like a kid!"

"A child is stealing everything?" Ubos asked incredulously.

"Kids have sticky fingers." Lydia playfully wiggled her. An inward stab at herself came when Roland's accusation dropped on her. She shook it off, moving closer to where they heard Cedric. She saw one of the fountains first. On the other side was Cedric and his Raven-ous cohort hiding behind a bush of thorny blackberries. Wormwood was eyeballing them hungrily. "Back at it again, eh, Cedric." She whispered with a not surprised smirk.

Cedric threw the herbs he gathered aside, pulling out his wand. "...and with it, Enchancia will be mine too!" He crooned with a snicker. Neither of the trio heard the beginning of what was his typical soliloquy. But whenever Enchancia and be mine are in the same sentence, it's never good.

"That boy is up to his usual tricks again!" Ubos declared.

"Why's he sneaking around?" Eezeyal questioned. "Ain't like no one's around." Besides them of course.

"That's why!" Lydia gasped, pointing at the fountain. The baby griffin was perched on the top fountain. A Tiara on his head. "It's one of the griffins from the Jewel Room."

"The castle has griffins?" Eezeyal's head tilted.

"I know right. But that's for another time! Look at its neck!" That all too recognizable purple jewel dangling around his neck. "It has Sofia's amulet! And...is that my mom's Tiara?!" Lydia scratched her head.

"Of course! It all makes sense! The griffin is the thief!" Ubos declared heartily. Lydia and Eezeyal ogled him strangely, wanting him to explain. "Griffins love shiny things. They can't help themselves! At the boulder we saw claw marks, fur, and feathers. And all the other scenes had the same evidence."

"I bet the griffin dropped yer Brooch and Earring, Liddy." Eezeyal suggested.

"And all the other stuff." Explains how a helmet and whisk ended up in a tree. "Now we have a new problem! Cedric has the Amulet in his sights!" The one thing she DIDN'T need happening. Roland getting angry with her will be a slap on the back compared to what will happen if Cedric get's that jewel. "Without my wand I can't get the Griffin away from Cedric. Not without killing him, anyway." Using inheritor powers to teleport a griffin was similar to killing a spider with a mallet. Besides, the last time Lydia tried using magic when the Amulet was close by, it shot her back and screamed at her.

"Then it is time I intervene again." Ubos rumbled. He stalked the perimeter of the bushes, making his way toward Cedric's position. Lydia and Eezeyal laid low with crazy grins, tingling in anticipation. Finally, they get to watch Ubos strut his stuff.

xxx

There wasn't a second for Cedric to dilly dally. The Amulet was delivered right to him in a feathery-furry package, and he wasn't going to miss it. "Alright, Wormy…" Wormwood was all ears, "I'm going to put a freezing spell on the griffin. When I do, you swoop in and swipe the amulet." The pair nodded to one another. Cedric ran out first, keeping the griffin's full attention on him as Wormwood came round back. "Allaka zappy, allaka zace! Make this bird freeze into place!" A frosty stream darted from the wand. The griffin laughed and leapt into the air. Wormwood was barely in position, and the spell froze him in a block of ice instead. "WORMY!" Cedric shrieked. "Don't worry! I'll unfreeze you!" He panicked. "Allaka zabby, allaka zor! Make this bird frozen no more!" A second stream made the ice vanish in the blink of an eye. Wormwood was dazed by the spell, sent plummeting for the fountain. "WORMY!" Cedric dove into the fountain, saving his bird and earning a soaked robe in the process. He and Wormwood broke the surface, coughing up water. "MOCK MY WORDS, YOU FLYING FURBALL!" Cedric howled at the griffin flying away. "THAT AMULET WILL BE MINE!"

"Not if we have anything to say about it!" Ubos declared heatedly, descending before him and Wormwood.

"Well, well, if it isn't the helper guide!" Cedric snidely remarked. Ubos's scowl hardened. Being spoken to by a whelp of a sorcerer. Cedric picked himself up from the water, wringing out his robe. "What do you plan on doing, Book?! Lecturing me into submission? I'm not Lydia!"

"Oh I know." He growled. "Precisely why this is going to be easy!" He opened and fluttered his pages rapidly. A blizzard roared from his pages. Cedric and Wormwood were blown onto their butts with a splash. The wand flew from Cedric's grasp outside the fountain. The water in the pool froze solid around them, climbing high to shoulder height on both, leaving them to the mercy of that still spilling spout.

"M-M-MERLIN'S...MU-MU-MUSHROOMS!" He shivered. "PUH! ACK! WATERLOGGED!" He choked. Ubos closed himself up, wearing a prideful smirk. He's never had the pleasure of freezing a drowned rat before. He enjoyed it. Wasn't his most impressive spell, but it guaranteed Cedric and his bird weren't going anywhere for a while. "CH-CH-childish antics for the t-t-teacher of-f-f-f a Child!"

"And yet those antics have your butt stuck taking a much needed shower!" Lydia mocked him, she and Eezeyal coming out of hiding.

"Lydia?! PUH-PUH-PUH!" His scream let water in. He glared daggers at her. "Oh, I bet you - cough, ack, spew - knew about the Griffin and the Amulet!" Really hard to go on a tirade with gallons of water pouring on him. "You thought I had taken it, didn't you?! AND THE EARRING!"

"We knew about the amulet, not the griffin! But now that we do…" There was a brief moment of guilt shared between the trio. Ubos and Eezeyal cringed sheepishly. Lydia leaned to one side with an arm folded behind her back, rubbing the side of her head with a red face. "We're sorry."

"All is forgiven. I would have accused me self."He shrugged off with a small smile. Nice to know things are still normal between them. "Apologies aside, you won't be able to stop me!" And the normal continues. Great. Not! He grinned menacingly. "Not with you being grounded and all."

"Good thing I never leave my room without a backup plan!" She proudly nudged her head at Ubos. Cedric growled under his breath. He seems to forget that he's a MAGIC book. Not just for spells and reference. No wonder Lydia shows him the utmost respect. "Stick around for a while, Ced." Lydia gestured to the fountain spout. Ubos understood and wiggled his nose. The profusely flowing water cut off. Cedric wheezed loudly in relief. Lydia stood to the fountain edge and pat him on the head. "I'll be sure to get Sofia's amulet back to her!" She ran along the fountain, jumping to the pathway. "And I'll tell the guards to build you a bonfire!" She and the other two laughed as they left him to thaw.

"MARK MY WORDS, LYDIA! THAT AMULET WILL BE MINE!" He vowed. "By Yensid's Beard sometimes I despise that woman!" Wormwood groaned skeptically. He groaned something mockingly in the line of that's not what you said last time. "Oh hush, you!" Cedric seethed at his wand sitting tauntingly out of his reach. Good thing for him the title of Royal Sorcerer isn't given to just anyone. "Hic natare!" He hissed with a long drawn breath. A glow flashed in his eyes. The wand clattered and steadily left the ground, floating leisurely before Cedric. Wormwood raised a brow impressed. "Let's see our Sorceress Princess do this." He flared his brow. His brown irises changing to searing red. A beam exuding tremendous heat bore into the ice pool. Already was the top layer becoming a puddle. In spite of his particularly humiliating situation, Cedric was smiling. "And once more does our game commence." He does so love the games they play.

xxx

If only everyone could be having fun like Cedric. Sofia was being racked brutally by fear. A thief is running blatantly around her home, taking her friends' things, and keeping her amulet from her. It's been hours since her amulet went missing and there hasn't been a single clue since the banquet hall where it could have gone. It's all because she took it off. And after she promised Roland she would never take it off. But that isn't what's souring her stomach. Not entirely, anyway. It's knowing that without it, she'll never be able to talk to Mia, Robin, Clover, or any of her animals friends again without it.

"Where is it…?" She scoured one of the upper floors, hoping for a purple gleam to leap out at her. "Who could have taken my amulet?" The longer she isn't granted answers, the more she starts to lose hope of finding. Starting to. But she isn't going to give up. "Without my friends I feel so blue." She leaned to a staircase railing. "All alone and so upset." Her sad pout immediately turned around. "But I know just what I must do!" She picked herself up and glided down the stairs to the next floor."I've got to get my amulet~" She trailed off, searching high and low.

xxx

Cedric's long leg stretched out of the fountain. "I've finally hatched a brilliant scheme," He boasted, pulling his soaked to the bone body, and his drowned Raven out, "To catch that sneaky castle pet!" He threw Wormwood into the air. The raven shook off the water. "For he's drawn to things that gleam!" Cedric snatched up his wand, marching for his workshop. "That's how I'll get," He raised his wand, "That amulet!"

xxx

"Go ahead, Dad, call me a thief!" Lydia screamed to the skies from the courtyard. Praying that he hears her. "But none of this is about me!" Her face softened woefully as she glanced toward the castle. "It's about Sofie~" She brought her hands to her heart with a warm smile, "And she needs me~" Ubos and Eezeyal sympathized with her. She ran up the steps and burst into the entrance hall."Oh where~ could her A~mulet be~?!" She and the boys searched the suits of armor, checked around the pedestals, and rolled back the carpets. "Where could it be~?!"

xxx

Cedric was in his workshop. A huge ruby red jewel was on a golden podium in the center of the room. "I'll place the jewel upon the ground!" Wormwood was eyeing that jewel hungrily. "While high above my trap is set!" A flick of his wand conjured a bird cage. "The cage will drop when he comes round!" He dropped the cage when Wormwood came in close, please at how well it worked. "That's how I'll get," He freed his bird, putting the cage back into the air, "That amulet~"

xxx

Ubos dropped Lydia and Eezeyal into the library. "It's more than necklace, you see!" She turned over tables while the other two searched the shelves and second floor. "For her, that magic is the one key-"

xxx

Cedric shoved Lydia's scene aside, cackling evilly, "To SWIPE the crown!" He curled his fingers like claws, able to feel the amulet in his grasp. Wormwood cawed excitedly, circling Cedric. "Now please pipe down!" He barked, blowing the raven back. "As we await our victory!" He proclaimed, ascending his tower's staircase. "Our victory!"

xxx

"I feel like I looked everywhere." Sofia was now in the main entrance hall, poking behind the navy blue velvet curtains. "But I'm not giving up just yet!" She broke into a run, confident her amulet was around the corner.

xxx

"That Griffin doesn't know who he's messing with!" Lydia declared, rushing out onto a balcony. "And Cedric will never get~

xxx

"That's the way I'll get~" Cedric vowed at his top window.

xxx

"Somehow I have to get~" Sofia chimed, wandering to the stairs into the gardens.

xxx

Sofia, Lydia, and Cedric, from three different points of the castle, declared at the top of their lungs, "Whatever it takes I've got to/Cedric cannot/ get~ My/That amulet." On the last note, Cedric pumped a determined fist, Lydia slammed both of hers to the balcony railing, and Sofia sat sadly to garden stone path. The race was on.

xxx

Roland was swamped in the ballroom overseeing the final preparations for the ball. Things were coming along smoothly and - according to Baileywick - ahead of schedule. Banners for the acclaimed noble Houses across Enchancia were hung along the second level railings, basking in the setting daylight proudly with Roland's Family Crest leading in the center. Streamers crisscrossing one another across the ceiling were decorated with glowing lanterns. Not glowing yet. They'll glow when the sun goes down more. Chef Andre was micro-monitoring his staff and Gwen as they arrange the buffet with appetizers, drinks, and snacks on the outside of the tables, and the main courses running down the middle. It will be piping hot by the time Roland opens the feast. Three different bands were getting ready for their shows, the red carpet was being rolled out, the servants were getting fitted into the uniforms they'll need for service. All that was missing were the guests.

"Things are coming along splendidly, Baileywick." Roland pat him lightly on the back.

"And at this rate, we'll be done just minutes before the guests arrive." To Baileywick, that's a record.

"Your Majesty!" Miles came charging in. He bumped into two of the maid practicing service with empty trays. He caught the maids by the waist and spun them from their fall, and caught their trays in one hand. He ensured they were alright, handing them their trays back. With dizzy swirls in their eyes they gave him a thumbs up. He nodded thankfully, and resumed his run to Roland. "Please pardon my abrupt entry, Highness! There is grave news."

"What is it Constable Miles?!" Roland put on his game face. Baileywick was rigid.

Miles glanced side to side suspiciously at the crowd of workers, then moved in close. He motioned Roland and Baileywick closer. He whispered, "I apologize for not getting back to you with this sooner." He began. "I've just learned that there is a thief in the castle."

Roland felt his stomach drop straight into his bowels. He went pure green. "Th-there is?!" Baileywick was the one to squeak, his head darting around. Anyone in that room could be a thief. They could ruin the ball.

"The thief has stolen items throughout the castle. His activity suggests he isn't done yet." Miles warned ominously.

"What do we do?!" Baileywick panicked.

"Calm down, Baileywick." Roland urged him. Panicking will help no one. Besides, Roland is the one who should be panicking. "Have you any leads?" He hoped there was a lead.

"Only scratch marks and feathers at scenes of the crimes." Roland narrowed his brow. Lydia? Or is it possible that there is another who employs a bird of prey?That being said, he and the guards have no clue where he's hiding or if he's even in the castle. "But worry not, Highness. I have every guard combing the castle and the grounds." There were guards scaling the ceiling for this guy. "We'll find him."

"Good! Very good! I leave everything in your capable hands, Constable." Miles saluted to his King and excused himself. "Baileywick, the ball is going to begin shortly. See to the rest of the preparations. I must go tell Miranda and the kids."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Baileywick and Roland parted ways.

Roland marched down the corridor, Nodding his head in respect to the servants and staff bowing to him. He managed to get a second to him by ducking into a room. He rifled in his coat, pulling the brooch out. He polish a couple scuffs off it. The glimmer that ran across the glossy marble flowed into his palm. The heated leer of Lydia flooded his mind. This thief business she mentioned might actually hold water. And she's taking it upon herself to take him down. Or to cover her tracks. "Lydia...whatever you're about to do…" He clutched the brooch, putting it back in his coat. "Make sure it's thought through."

xxx

Lydia was in one of the many parlors, bending at the knees lifting one of the couches. Eezeyal and Ubos scanned under it. Couch number five, and those two shook their heads. Lydia puckered her lips irritated. She waited for Eezeyal and Ubos to move and just let that couch drop. She - or rather Ubos - flipped that whole room upside down, and even turned the balconies inside out. No joke. A couple of the assistant stewards walked in while it was happening. Sort of passed out seeing a book with a face doing magic. Lydia put them in one of the guest rooms and put blankets on them. Ubos offered to wipe their memories. Lydia assured them they will wake up, think they're overworked, and need a vacation. Which they likely do. If any of the servants are half as diligent as Baileywick, they have thousands of vacation days stored up.

"Agrh!" Lydia shoved the parlor door, cracking it on the wall. She stormed out with steam howling from her ears. "We've been up and down every inch of this castle and still nothing!" Can tonight get anymore annoying? And if it can, she needs a warning. One more intolerable circumstance and she's creating a swimming pool in one of the rooms. Roland can get mad later, like he always does.

"How the heck do we lose a griffin?" Eezeyal fumed, perching to her shoulder.

"They are slipperier than people give them credit for." Ubos rumbled, keeping an eye out for others and the griffin. He missed the two shadows just down the corridor behind them.

"Slick or not, we have to keep looking!" Lydia encouraged her friends. She was feeling the pressure. "If Cedric gets to that Amulet first-"

"I'LL RULE THE KINGDOMS!"

"AAH!" Ubos howled in agony from a shot to the back. He hit the floor with a painful thud!

"UBOS!" Lydia cried. She whipped around with gritted teeth. There was a sudden flash, and a gushing splash. "AH!" She was blown clean off her feet. She and Eezeyal connected with the wall, caving in their body prints. A strange, clear liquid was running down their bodies. Neither Lydia nor Eezeyal was able to slide an inch or peel off before the liquid hardened. Lydia and Eezeyal struggled valiantly, if not in vain. The liquid - glue by the smell - wasn't budging in the least. "DANG IT! MAN! What a dirty trick!"

"Dirty tricks are my forte, My Princess." Cedric and Wormwood came on scene, very proud grins on their faces. "Though I can't call them dirty with how cleanly executed they are." Lydia would so slap him for that lame pun, but she's a little stuck. She can always slap him in her mind. Not as satisfying. Cedric bounced his wand in his palm, rather pleased with how easily that worked. His glee was interrupted by Ubos starting to stir. "Now, now. None of that." He gave his wand a stir, then a flick up and down. A transparent anchor materialized and dropped right on him. It didn't crush him, but he wasn't moving anytime soon. "That should keep you three out of my way for-" He stopped. Something was off with Lydia. Her hairpiece was gone. "Where's that comb you were wearing?"

"Change of plans! Dad doesn't think I'm worthy to be at the ball!" Lydia spat.

Cedric was taken aback beyond words. Wormwood too. They both glanced to Eezeyal and Ubos who confirmed with solemn expressions that she spoke true. Cedric's brow furrowed slowly, as if he was registering that...he was genuinely upset to hear this. "I...ahem! I'm sorry he feels that way." Lydia rolled her eyes, scoffing to the side. He can be sorry all he wants. She doesn't care. "In any event, perhaps it is for the best you do not attend." He returned to his regularly scheduled menacing. "I have grand plans for the people at the ball. But do not worry, Princess," He teased her frowning face with a slender finger dancing to her face, "I promise to show mercy to you and Sofia." He flicked her chin up as he strutted in a catwalk down the corridor. "The others, well, my mercy only extends to two." He winked.

"CEDRIC!" Lydia roared venomously.

"Call this payback for the fountain!" He bellowed back, waving sardonically. "Ta-ta, Lydia! I have a griffin to catch!"

"OH, YOU ARE SO DEAD WHEN I GET DOWN!" She vowed. He was already gone, but she could still hear that irritating laugh of his. The one where he gets the drop on her after she got the drop on him. Yeah. That one. She hates that one. She huffed from her nostrils like a taunted bull at a rodeo. "Sometimes I really do despise that man!"

Eezeyal wiggled his head a little room. A laugh wasn't too strenuous in his current condition. "Despise each other anymore and you'll have to get hitched!" Ubos couldn't help laughing.

"I'm going to kill you! Both of you!" Seriously! Of all the times for her to get grounded! She should have confessed to the drugs after her birthday. She doesn't mind being grounded then.

"What in bird seed happened here?!" Robin gasped, soaring in with Mia and Clover in tow. The trio gasped in horror. Ubos, Eezeyal, and Lydia felt waves of heat flood their cheeks. "Eezeyal! Ubos! Lydia!" The three waved to the best of their ability. "Oh my gosh, are you guys okay?" Robin and Mia picked a glued friend and dug their talons into the adhesive. It was thick.

"Why are you guys hangin' around when there's a thief in the castle?" Clover couldn't resist chuckling, pushing his bunny strength into moving the anchor off Ubos. It wasn't moving.

"Clover, I would hit you if Cedric wasn't first in line for a butt whooping!" Lydia promised him.

"Cedric did this to you?" Mia asked shocked.

"Yep! That's a story for another time!" She had to cut them off there. It was crunch time, and that griffin was on Cedric's hit list now. Right about now, Lydia's sure he's going to some drastic measure to capture the baby hybrid. Mia, Robin, and Clover were giving their all to help free them. Valiant and cute as it was, they'd be there all week. Time for a quick cheat. "Mia, Robin, can you go into one of the bathrooms and get me the Epsom Salt?"

"Uhh...sure?" The two birds exchanged confused glances. They came back a couple minutes later, carrying the large carton of Fire Falls Salts. "Here you go."

"Pour it on the anchor on Ubos!" Clover was joining the confused club. They can question this, but they were all in a rush. Clover opened the carton, Mia and Robin went over the anchor and emptied half the carton to it. The salt didn't pile on top like they imagined. The anchor's aura absorbed the salt into the body and was gradually disintegrating.

Ubos was able to wiggling himself free. "Much appreciated." Ubos stretched himself out. He could be wrong, but he's sure that anchor squeezed a couple inches off him. He looked good. The anchor was becoming a tattered sheet, unable to take much more, and burst into a salty cloud.

"Wow. Salt does that?" Robin marveled. Clover was rethinking his salt diet.

"Keeps witches back, prevents bad luck, and is a quick fix de-spell charm." Ubos elucidated like a gleeful brochure. "Very good, my pupil. I thought you were sleeping during this lesson." Lydia didn't have the heart to tell him that she was. She used a "Fake Wake Eyes," applicable paper charm. Eezeyal took notes for her in the distance. Ubos opened his back cover, having the pages flutter in reverse. Simultaneously he drew in a long, vacuum breath, sucking up the salt cloud. Needless to say, he nearly choked. He faced Lydia and Eezeyal, their eyes closed, and he showered them with salt crystals. Some made it into their mouth. They tried not to think about them being in Ubos's mouth first. All this salt was already making them sit. THUD! The adhesive was devoured and they were dropped like rocks. Ubos ran out of breath and immediately flew to get a mint from one of the bathrooms. Or ten. That salt wasn't going away with water.

"Thanks, Ubos." Lydia dusted herself and Eezeyal off. "And thank you to the three of you." Mia, Robin, and Clover were happy to help. "Have you guys seen, Sofia? I have to tell her about the griffin thief!"

"Oh good! You're caught up!" Mia bubbly remarked.

"We already tried to!" Clover rubbed his sore rump.

"You know about the griffin?" Eezeyal gasped.

"We spotted him with the goblets earlier and lost him in the kitchen." Robin exclaimed.

"We tried to tell Sofia," Mia sneered at Clover, "But these she's not exactly a charades champ." Clover blushed pink.

"No she isn't. She sucks at charades." Lydia blatantly admitted. Clover hid his cherry reddening face behind his ears. "Where'd she go?"

"Amber called her. Sounded like Miranda was in trouble." Robin answered.

"The griffin must have taken something of hers too." Lydia tried to think about it. A candle lit in her head. The tiara the griffin was wearing. "Mom's new tiara! The griffin was wearing it! She was going to wear it to the ball!"

"This griffin ain't gonna stop until he's taken everything shiny, is he?" Eezeyal growled. Huh? A love for shiny things. Or being shiny. He's sure there's a song about that. How'd it go? "I'm so shiny...diamond in the ruff..." He hummed to himself, strutting his stuff in a funny dance.

Lydia's glad he's having fun, and loves his singing voice, but now really isn't time. "Come on!" She grabbed her book and owl and took off for the front entrance.

"Where are you going?" Mia cried.

Lydia stopped a ways away. "Unless we find that griffin more and more things are going to disappear!" And Cedric was going to get his paws on the Amulet.

"Aren't you going to tell Sofia about the griffin?" Robin implored.

"To make a long story short, Roland is under the impression that I'm having Eezeyal steal everything." Clover, Mia, and Robin gasped horrified, their eyes begging for more information. "I'll explain later. Right now, my credibility is on the line, and the only way to clear my name is to find the griffin and get everyone's stuff back!"

"How can we help?" Robin insisted confidently. Mia and Clover stood ready for action. They wouldn't let this pass.

"See if you can't find the griffin, and stick with Sofia. Good luck."

"You too." They all went their separate ways. They were running out of time. The ball was about to begin.

"Where do we start, Liddy?" Eezeyal inquired.

"Outside! The griffin needs the open space!" It's their last shot.

xxx

Sofia and Roland came from his room arm in arm, both laughing at a conversation they just had. They turned into a corridor, about to join Miranda in greeting the guests. Time to put on airs for their friends and pretend their isn't a thief. Hopefully, the thief will have been caught by now. Just then, Lydia, Eezeyal, and Ubos went darting by in a blur. Roland felt his insides plummet by the golden brown blur behind Lydia. "I wonder if she's having better luck than me, right now?" Sofia sighed somberly, touching her still naked neck. Needless to say, Roland knows her Amulet is missing. He was more furious at whoever stole the Amulet.

"I couldn't say." He replied with a low rumble, staring blankly to the vacant corridor. Was that a flying book? Roland's mind was in the midst of processing if he was tired from preparations, or is in dire need of a vacation. Or something strong from the drink service.

xxx

The day was falling into the settling night, the sky basking in the setting sun's orange hue. The baby griffin was having the time of his life, showing no signs of getting tired. This whole day has been nothing but one giant shiny treat. And he saw all the people coming to the castle, all the shiny things they had. It was like a buffet just for him. "Look out below!" He laughed animatedly, passing over the heads of three guards. They were all bent down searching the grass, and barely missed spotting the griffin on his loop around. He found it really funny how humans don't really look up for that often.

As he passed Cedric's tower, a panel of roofing was raised up. Cedric, chuckling at his greatest idea yet, arose on a flying contraption made from a sled, purple retractable wings shaping like a raven's, and one of the old throne room chairs he was allowed to have. A plunger was strapped to a large crossbow on the front. It can launch harpoons, why not a household toiletry item. "Oh-ho, little griffin. You're not the only one who can fly!" He cackled. He got the wings flapping with a tap of his wand, getting seated for take off. "Oops! Safety first." He conjured up seat belts. He may be an evil sorcerer but he doesn't enjoy falling from castle towering heights. He waited for the griffin to come around once more. He pulled the handlebars, giving the flying sled a drawback, and was launched into the griffin's flight trail. He took to the controls rather easily, already on the griffin's tail.

The griffin heard Cedric behind him. He was shocked. Humans can fly. But can they fly enough to catch him? He thinks not! The griffin laughed loudly, straightening his body and gaining speed. He retracted his wings a bit, bobbing and weaving between the towers, riding the sharp curves with barely an inch between him and the stone. Cedric slid the handlebars forward. The flapping wings narrowed their span slightly. The decreased air resistance let him pick up speed. He had to through his body weight in order to match the griffin on the sudden turns, and tilt the machine in order to make it through those narrow passages. He needed to get closer. Right up on him in order to stick that plunger on that flying menace. The griffin was able to lose him by ducking into a window, and coming out another right behind him. His love for playing games alerted Cedric to his location, and he was back on the chase.

xxx

Lydia, Ubos, and Eezeyal were on the bridge above the canal. They found a few other shiny things the griffin has dropped in the bushes. They looked to the sky hoping it was a sign he was in the area somewhere. The blaring trumpets announcing the start of the ball angered Lydia. Part of her REALLY wanted to send a stink bomb present in the middle of their stupid party. Too bad she was working on being a bigger person.

"WHOAA...WHOA!" Came a cry from the air. The trio twisted their heads up, and their minds literally exploded into thousands of bits. There was the little griffin with Cedric chasing him down...ON A FLYING SLED?! The man developed another means of flight in his spare time?! Ubos really want's to battle technological wits with this man. Learn what else he's developing. AFTER this griffin fiasco was settled.

The griffin dove into a barrel roll, curling sharply to trip up Cedric. He was heading right for the bridge. And Cedric was getting closer. "YOU CAN'T OUT FLY ME FOREVER!" He declared. "Sooner or later I'll have that amulet!" The griffin was skimming the water, about to take the route under the bridge. Cedric had no intention of flying over and risk losing his ground. Lydia clenched her fingers into fists, hissing through grit teeth. "Alright! I'm for plan J!"

"When did we go through the other letters?!" Ubos asked.

"What is plan J?" Eezeyal was scared to ask.

Lydia waited for the griffin to pass under before running for the other side. Cedric was right under the bridge. Lydia, without a second's hesitation skipped onto the wall, "PLAN JUUUMP!" She leapt forth. "WISH ME A HAPPY LANDING!" Ubos and Eezeyal screamed. Cedric, by some strange miracle, was right under her. She landed in his seat behind him, throwing the contraption off trajectory and sending it skipping across the watery surface.

Cedric was able to pull up from the water, resume his chase. But not before he confronted the moron who jumped on his ride. "LYDIA?!" His voice cracked. She peeled a slip of algae off her face, spitting up pieces of it. To think this isn't the craziest thing she's done.

"You're not getting that Amulet!" She roared.

"And you're not stopping me!" While still after the griffin, he threw the machine into a barrel roll. Lydia wrapped herself to Cedric, holding on for dear life as she fought against the five rolls. He had to stop for the sake of his stomach, but was sickened that she was still hanging on. "You are the most stubborn person I've met!"

"You would officially be the worst date in the history of dates if Lezard hadn't tried to kill me!" They both paused. Cedric did try to kill her at the beach. Lydia deadpanned at her very biased statement. "You know what? Never mind. You're tied!"

"Speaking of which…" He faced her, sheepishly bouncing his fingers together, "We still on for that desert?"

"Maybe not. Roland thinks I'm the thief and banned me from the ball." She pouted, sinking in her seat. There was a tire screech and her nose smacked into Cedric's back on the abrupt stop.

"HE WHAT?!" He squished her cheeks in his palms. He was seething. "King Roland seriously accused you of thievery?! On what basis?!"

She took in a breath to explain, and then the griffin flew by. "GRIFFIN!"

"The griffin framed you?" He arched a brow.

"NO! Well, yes, but NO!" She turned his head. "THE GRIFFIN IS GETTING AWAY!"

"OH! RIGHT!" A couple of revving sounds roared for affect. Cedric launched the flying sled like a bow, regaining ground on the griffin. The baby lured them around and into the courtyard as the guards were closing the doors. "SORCERERS COMING THROUGH!" Cedric bellowed. The baby griffin blew in, swinging the doors open. Cedric dove headlong through the doors, almost blowing the guards' caps off.

"Sorry, guys!" Lydia cried. The guards were chasing after them now. "We are in so much trouble later!" Lydia dreaded.

"Then why stop now?!" Cedric cackled, driving the sled faster.

"CHANDELIER!" Lydia threw herself to the controls and guided them under the main hall chandelier.

"Nice work!" Cedric praised, following the griffin into room with the stain glass window.

"Thank you-WINDOW!" She shrieked. The same window James broke before. Cedric threw the sled into a miraculous loop, coming right back out and not losing the griffin for a second.

"You're running out of castle griffin!" Cedric crooned.

"THIS IS FUN!" The griffin laughed, flying back up the stairs.

Lydia was jerked on the spiraling case, everything blurring and spinning. "Yeah...uh...he not...he have fun…" She slurred, holding her mouth to not vomit.

"Don't fade on me now! We've nearly got him!" Cedric boasted. He was drooling at how close the amulet was. The griffin was flying for a dead end. "I've got you in my sights!" He closed one eye, aligning the plunger. "Suction darts deploy!"

"The plunger?"

"NO!" He bonked her on the head. "SUCTION DART!" He launched the roped plunger. The griffin pulled a sharp turn. Cedric snarled at having missed, but made the turn after him. The plunger ended up dragging a vase along for the ride. Cedric and Lydia ducked low. The vase flew past them, the plunger cracking like a whip. The vase was sent flying. The griffin lifted his hind up, losing the ruby jewel he had and Miranda's tiara. Cedric's head caught the tiara, and Lydia reached to catch the jewel. "If you're going to drop something, DROP THE AMULET!" He roared.

"I don't think he plans to!"

"Well I'm not giving him the choice!" Cedric declared venomously. The griffin took them on an obstacle course of dangling banners, proving he was the aerodynamic creature in the castle. Cedric pushed Lydia to duck down behind him. He wove between the banners easily enough and he was right on the griffin. The amulet was swinging around the griffin's neck, teasing them as it flapped in the wind. "YES, YES, YES!" He reached and missed. Lydia tried her luck. She missed too. "NO, NO, NO!" The flying machine was thrown into a spin. Cedric managed to regain balance and saved Lydia from a fall. Unfortunately the griffin pulled out of their little game just as the doors to the ballroom were coming up. And...Cedric was going too fast to stop. "UH-OH!" Cedric and Lydia cried, hugging each other tightly.

xxx

Guests filled the ballroom, engaged in light conversation and laughter. The appetizers at the buffet had them longing for the main course hiding under those steel domes. Much to Chef Andre's delight. When he cooks, he always has the guests coming back for more. Not Roland and Miranda were mingling with other nobles, while James was still looking for the thief and the amulet. He turned it into a game by this point. Not everyone was having a great time. The day was almost over, and Sofia still didn't have her Amulet back.

"Don't worry. We'll find your Amulet." Amber tried to console her.

"HOW?!" Her confidence was at an all time low. "It's not like more clues are gonna just land at our feet." Ask and you shall receive.

"FINNEGAN'S FUNGUS!" Came a yell. Cedric and Lydia came crashing in on the flying sled. Thank goodness there weren't any people in the center of the room because that's where Cedric brought the thing to a rough stop. His face smashed into the handlebars. The back bucked Lydia right off, her back hitting the marble floor hard. Winces and moans echoed as they crowd felt that impact.

"Mr. Ceedric! Lydia!" Sofia was the first to run up to check on them. "Are you two okay?!" The two groaned response. They've been better, but they're alive. Sofia helped Lydia sit up, and then she helped Cedric get out of his chair. He dusted feathers and fur off his robe. Lydia dizzily stood up, the ruby she got from the griffin still in her hand. Sofia picked up Miranda's tiara from Cedric's machine.

"My Tiara!" Miranda cried.

Roland was completely outraged. He stormed over to Cedric, and bellowed for all to hear, "Cedric! Are you the one who's been stealing?!" This caused the ballroom to erupt with gasps of horror, and mutters of absolute rancor. A thief in the castle? Someone was stealing? The Royal Sorcerer is a thief? Heads were spinning so much for answers that they nearly fell off their shoulders.

Constable Miles encroaching with Guards sent Cedric into a fit. "What?! No, your majesty! I swear!" He cupped his hands, begging for Roland to explain.

While this would be the perfect time to expose Cedric for what he is...Lydia couldn't bear to see him accused of something he hasn't done today. She knows all too well how that feels. He'll get his dues, one day. But not like this. "He's telling the truth, Dad!" Lydia stepped to his defense, blocking Miles and Roland. "Cedric wasn't the one stealing anything! He couldn't have been! I was with him in the garden when everything was taken!" Partly true. Cedric would have had to be in the gardens the whole time. She saw him. That's when Eezeyal came in with a golden goblet and dropped it in her hand. He was chirping something in her ear, and she was eyeing the goblet very...surprised. "Must have forgotten it up there." She muttered on accident.

No one else caught it, but Roland? Roland heard her, and he couldn't be anymore disappointed than he is now. "Then it really was you." He mumbled. "You're the one who's been going around stealing everything."

"What?!" She cried. There was another round of gasps, following by a thick silence. Ubos, hiding in the hallway with Clover, Mia, and Robin, was boiling over with rage. The furry companions equally enraged. Cedric, Baileywick, Sofia, Amber, James, and Miranda stood there with their jaws dropped, and their wide eyes about to fall from their sockets. "Not this again, Dad! Eezeyal brings me things! That doesn't make me a thief!" Miles furrowed his brow doubtfully. The feathers, the claw marks - like Roland, he was seeing a connection. She showed them both the goblet. "He found this where the thief tried to hide it."

"Or he messed up on the timing and brought it to you early." Miles interjected, bolstering Roland's accusation. "Claw marks were left where everything was stolen. As were feathers." Need Miles point out her choice in companions.

"And that makes me a thief?!"

"I have found you with not only your brooch," Roland continued, his voice climbing, "But your earring was returned, and you have your mother's tiara and a jewel that looks like one from our jewel room!" By that statement, he was told about everything that had gone missing today. Amber was nodding to confirm it was her, but she was stunned that he dad thought Lydia was behind it.

"I also found James's knight helmet and Gwen's Whisk - both of which I returned today!"

"Was that before or after I confronted you in the garden?!"

"DAD!" The Royal Trio cried.

Roland raised a hand, silencing them on the spot. He towered over Lydia. She was shaking with uncontrollable rage, her eyes glossing and on the verge of spilling with tears. "Lydia, if you're acting out due to some side effect from your medication," He said in a curt, soothing tone, "I won't punish you further. But you need to tell the truth."

"Your Majesty!" Cedric roared venomously.

"Silence, Cedric!" He barked. Cedric bit his lower lip. Lydia was right. Roland really does think he capable of such an act. A searing red glow gloved his fist. How...dare...you! A little more, and he will reduce this King's head to nothing!

"DADDY! How could you?!" Amber screamed. "Lydia isn't the thief!"

"Eezeyal isn't either! You're being ridiculous!" James bellowed.

"Mom! Say something!" Sofia begged. Miranda folded her hands, turning her head away in shame. "MOM?!" Sofia felt her heart break. Gossip broke out amongst the crowd. The King knows his daughter's a thief. Didn't you hear? She was on drugs? The Queen won't even defend her. On and on and on - it escalated, it took root...and it was spreading. Whispers of Lydia's heard of medication - which no one was supposed to know. Mumbles about how she has been acting strange lately. Spreading rumors about how unorthodox she can be. It was all making sense to them, even if most of it was just twisted gossip meant to make their dull lives easier.

Lydia could hear them. She can hear their poisonous lies, feel it seeping into her veins and siphoning the life out of her. The coils of their hateful glares choking her, breaking her. The hot air filling Lydia just...deflated. Her whole body went numb. Her head dropped. "I can't believe you…" Lydia sank defeatedly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You really think I did this...after everything I went through to prove I'm innocent." She didn't look him in the eye. She might punch him and prove everyone right. Not that she cared. She doesn't give a rat's tail what everyone thinks of her. She never has. "IT WAS A GRIFFIN!" She screamed hoarsely. "One of the castle griffins has been going around stealing everything!"

"Princess Lydia," Miles approached with a gruff tone. "The griffins are locked up."

"Not all of them! The baby one is lurking around here somewhere." Cedric confirmed.

"Cedric, no offense, but your judgement is clouded where Lydia is concerned." Cedric was insulted. He's being accused of being a poor judge when they're judging Lydia from one mistake. "Princess Lydia, please, confess." She remained silent. She glared him down with sapphire swords. I will kill you all!

Roland sighed sadly. "Constable Miles...escort Lydia to her room." He decided.

"You touch me…" A glow highlighted Lydia's body, frightening Miles and the guards back, "And you will not get your hands back!" Amber, Miranda, James, Baileywick, and all others who knows of Lydia's powers braced themselves. Cedric was ready to putting a cap on her. But maybe after she reminds Roland and Miles just who it is they are speaking to. Roland, Miles, and the guards, swallowing massive lumps, surrounded her. With her headband on and without her wand, she can't take them all.

Sofia was on the brink of breaking down crying. This can't be happening! Not here! Calling Lydia a thief, Miles and Roland about to fight her - it was too much! TOO MUCH! Her mind was succumbing to the hysteria. She stepped back. He foot crunched on something. She looked down and gasped. There were fur and feathers on the ground. Suddenly it all clicked. "Amber, look!" She showed her sister. "Fur AND feathers!"

"How does that help?!" Amber prayed it did.

"Because," She ran in the middle of Lydia and the guards. The glow around Lydia died in her fear of hurting her, and Roland and the others backed off. She locked eyes with Roland and shouted, "LYDIA ISN'T THE THIEF! THE PROOF IS RIGHT HERE!" She waved the fur and feather for all to see. She got confused looks from the guests, but Roland went pale as the moon. "Everywhere things were stolen had three things in common! Scratches, feathers, and everything was shiny!" She directed attention to Eezeyal. "Eezeyal doesn't have fur, and he doesn't care about shiny things!" Eezeyal and Lydia bobbed their heads. It's true. "But there is one animal in this castle that does fur and feathers, AND loves everything shiny!" And the tail poking out from underneath the banquet table's cloth sealed the deal. "I present to you," She rushed over and lifted it, revealing the griffin, "THE GRIFFIN!" The griffin whined, hugging his hoard to his chest. "My amulet!" She gasped.

Miles, the Guards, Miranda, and Roland all lost their color, and their nerve, in front of their guests. Apologetic whispers were heard, along with a few that stood that Lydia wasn't right in the head. All easily covered by scapegoating Roland as the primary problem. Lydia knelt beside her, rubbing her cheek lovingly to her bright sister. She reached down and pried the amulet from the stubborn baby. "You should know better, Sofie." Lydia put it back where it belongs, mesmerized by how it glowed on her. "You can't come to a ball without looking your very best." Sofia giggled with rosy cheeks. Lydia hugged her warmly. "Thank you, Kiddo."

"You're welcome."

And thus the mystery was solved. Lydia ruffled Sofia's hair as she stood. How did she get so lucky to have a sister like this. Miles cleared his throat, coming in behind her in a posture of deep regret. "Princess Lydia!" Her expression darkened. "On behalf of myself and the guard, I'd like to-"

A fist connected with his cheek, twisting in and bending the bones inside. Tears were spraying from Lydia's rage filled eyes on the spin. The punch was so strong it sent Miles off his feet and right between his fellow guards. NOW she'll take the gasps and whispers. She'll even stand the fact that her family, Baileywick, and Cedric were all stunned. She didn't plan on staying anyway. She was uninvited. Before she left, she pierced the crowd and locked a hateful glare with the still silent Miranda. "Thanks for nothing!" To which she was driven to turn her back, hiding her shame under her palm. Lydia marched out without another word. Eezeyal signaled Ubos and the others in the hall to move aside. This time they would not follow.

"Lydia…" Roland tried to chase her down. James and Amber stopped him.

"Haven't you done enough, DAD?!" James barked.

"Seriously! You're the last person she wants to see!" Amber's voice was edgy from her trying not to cry.

"Not now!" Roland pushed his way through. Ubos and the critters hid, thought they wanted to stop him too. Lydia wasn't even out of the corridor when he caught up. "Lydia, please wait! I'm-"

"Stupid, shameless, superficial, shallow...SORRY?" She yelled, spinning to him. Roland opened his mouth to speak. Nothing came out except a contrite sigh. He's all of those things and more. And he was about to have the gall to ask for her forgiveness. "In front...of everyone!" She swung a hand for the ballroom. Her voice was a shrill shriek, "You called me a liar, accused me of being a thief, told everyone about the pills, and DESTROYED my credibility! EVERYTHING I've worked hard to either keep under wraps or maintain in a light for years has been ruined in ONE-NIGHT! BY YOU!" Her adrenaline was running rampant. Her nerves were buzzing. Her fist was throbbing for another punch.

"I know, and I'm-"

"SHUT THE HELL UP!" Her roar kept him from advancing. "You are not sweet talking your way out of this, Roland the Second! Not now, NOT EVER!" She remembered the ruby in her hand and threw it at him. He caught it, and it stung his hand. In more ways than one. "Keep your comb! Keep the Crowned Princess Title! I DON'T WANT IT!" She'll be a Royal Sorceress like she's wanted, and she'll be one for another Kingdom. "Take whatever half baked apology you're going to give, have Chef Andre turn it into pudding, and CHOKE ON IT!" Roland's legs nearly keeled under him. Cedric and Baileywick had tiptoed into the hallway. The screaming had them concerned. They are glad no punches have flown, but are sad this wouldn't be resolved. Not tonight. Lydia looked to Cedric, who wasn't surprised or saddened that they wouldn't be getting that dessert together. "Sorry." Was all she said, and then she ran away.

Roland reached out to stop her. A hand to his wrist stopped him. An infuriated Cedric rooted him in place. "I know my place. My place is beneath you and to serve you." He stated in a menacingly low growl. "But as Lydia's friend, hear me now," He warned, "I have never been more disgusted by either of you!" He found Miles, who was taking the griffin back, and made sure he knew what a despicable person he was. Miles did his best to escape. "Excuse me." Cedric vanished in a puff of smoke.

Baileywick cleared his throat. "I have to agree with him, Your Majesty."

"Baileywick." He pleaded. Not him too.

"To ask us to check Lydia's room for drugs or magic items is one thing. Calling her a thief?" And the way he did it. All that needed to be said was said. He won't disrespect his King, or reprimand him. But he won't be by him tonight either. "I think I will visit Nigel the duration of the ball. I've left instructions with Bartholomew."

"Wait…" But Baileywick didn't wait. He took the stairs, blocking whatever attempts Roland made to stop him out. "I...I didn't...mean to." Yes he did. And he did it without hesitation. So much for this ball being a grand night.

xxx

Lydia had to remove her headband in order to teleport herself into the meadows miles from the castle. From atop the tallest hill, sitting on a boulder, she saw the castle, Dunwitty Village, and the entirety of the night sky and the mountains on the horizon. She curled her knees in, burying half her face in them. Everything was still buzzing inside of her. Her hand was hurting a little. She was still too angry to really care. An addict, and now a thief. Roland will stop at nothing now to see the worst in her. This is all only happening because she got tired of worrying them. Scaring them. Being terrified that she would hurt them. She was only like this because of THEM!She gazed up to the star filling sky, able to see the moon making its entrance. A weight pressed to her waning heart. With it, she asked those stars,

"Hear me shining stars, why have you~ cursed me? Bestowed me two fathers that de~spise me." A past shadow with its back turned drew in the stars, and Roland appeared right beside that one. "The first had left," it walked away, disappearing without a trace, "The second dis-trusts me." Roland's famed scowl of disappointment showed, and his image turned from her. "My heart can't take that much more." She sat in silence, feeling warm tears she tried to fight run down her cheeks. No matter how hard she tries, she'll always strike out. She'll go above and beyond, do whatever it takes - in the end they will leave. In the end they will not want her. In the end they all hate her.

Her brow knit sharply. She shot to her feet, bearing her teeth to the stars. "Hear me shining stars, you better li~sten well!" She stretched a challenging finger to them. "I don't need either man to de~fine me!" She ripped that sentiment from the heavens and tossed it aside. "They're bo~th worthless! They both have ma~de their choice!" She choked, the tears running without end. "I~ don't need them anymore~" She ran out of breath, collapsing to her knees. She wrapped her arms to herself, bottling up her sadness, her anger, her rage. Just keeping it all in. "I don't need them. I don't need anyone." She squeezed her eyes closed, tensing herself into a ball.

Claw like fingers gripped her shoulders. Black cracks chipped her already chipping shoulders. "No you do not." A malefic smile and red eyes pierced the darkness behind her.

To be continued