Pandemonium
Summary: After a tragic event leaves all of Enchancia shaken, in the midst of overwhelming devastation and despair, an unexpected ally lends a hand to restore balance to the realm once more. (Collab with Mr. Shortman92; editing assistance by MarionetteJ2X)
Disclaimer: I own nothing except Daemno, Alamea, and Corban (and also Rayasenia and the concept of Mordecai). Nana and Tanya belong to MarionetteJ2X. Daemno's wife Daluzia belongs to Mr. Shortman92. Also, this is his idea. 😊
A/N: The final chapter has arrived! And just a heads up… This chapter is filled with a lot of emotional, sentimental, romantic, sweet fluff but also a meaningful occurrence that is so needed with Cedric and Sofia right now. Understand that what you see happen in this chapter is more of a deeper connection than anything, and nothing 'salacious' occurs between these two. Also… A bit of a surprise/twist ending is coming your way, courtesy of Mr. Shortman92. :D Hope you've enjoyed! See you next time!
Chapter 8: Heart and Soul
As they rode back to Enchancia, James couldn't help anticipating how things would play out.
"Ooh, I bet when she wakes up, she'll be all over you, bro!" He laughed at Cedric's blushing face before adding, "Actually, that just gave me an idea! Why don't you drink Sofia's soul, and then kiss her, passing it from your mouth to hers?"
Cedric blushed even more but scoffed. "James, be serious! Why would I need to do that, when I can just put the vial in her mouth?"
James shrugged. "Well, yeah, but my idea would be a lot more romantic."
Cedric flushed darker, if possible. "I'm not sure…romance…is the best route to take in this case…"
"Why not? You love her, don't you?"
He nodded, glancing down at the vial, his fingers gently stroking the glass. "Of course, but…"
"Trust me, Cedric…" James reached out, placing one hand on his arm. "As weird as it sounds, it actually might be the safest way to get Sofia's soul back into her body. If nothing else, do it for that reason."
As unusual a suggestion as it was, the prince was probably right. Having him pass Sofia's soul via a kiss (as cliché as it sounded) might just be the best option. "Very well…"
Cedric and James arrived at the castle with the vial, rushing into the castle.
"Cedric, James!" Amber called in surprise. "Wait, James? Where have you been?"
"No time to explain, sis!" he responded, hurrying after Cedric. "We've gotta save Sofia! And Cedric has the solution!"
Several others, having heard the prince's words, not so surprisingly followed him and Cedric to Sofia's room.
When they arrived in the princess's room, Cedric sat next to her, ridding the girl of the shield. "You all may want to stand back," he informed them, watching as they did so, before uncapping the vial and quite literally absorbing Sofia's soul. He then leaned down, pressing his lips to her cold ones, gently prying her mouth open with his tongue to allow her soul to flow into her body.
He could feel Sofia's soul leave him and begin to fill her own body again. It was an almost instantaneous response. Her temperature climbed. Her features gained more color, especially her cheeks. He could feel the pulse in her wrists as he held her hands. And he could also feel her heartbeat in her ribcage as he was still leaning over her, his lips still pressed to hers (just in case).
Sofia stirred, her eyes fluttering open for the first time in days, and an astonished yet pleased expression on her face when she realized her sorcerer was kissing her. She lifted her hands to his hair, burying her fingers in the dark locks. "Mm, Cedric," she gasped as he broke the kiss, staring at her in awe. She blinked, seeing his relieved expression, and then she looked at the others. "What's…going on?"
They briefly explained the situation to her with her demise and rescue (though they didn't go into too many details), and she shared what she experienced in her final moments. James made sure that he explained why he helped, based on his previous rant to Cedric, and Sofia rewarded him with a warm hug.
"Oh, James," Sofia sighed, smiling as he returned the hug, though she could tell he was being careful not to hold her too firmly. She giggled as she looked up at him, brushing his bangs aside. "You've always been an ah-mazing big brother… Don't think that just because I can handle myself most of the time that it means I'm not going to need you…"
James sniffled a bit, using the back of his sleeve to wipe a tear from his eye. "Thanks, Sof… I needed to hear that…"
She smiled before becoming self-conscious, holding one hand over her mouth. "Ugh… I think I really need to brush my teeth and get a bath." She caught Cedric's eye as he chuckled in relief, along with the others. "As great as the 'preserving' spell is, nothing can replace actual water."
"Indeed," he acknowledged, looking down as he felt a tug on his pants leg. He smiled as he saw Tanya and Nana there, both staring up at the bed in surprise. "Oh, my darlings… Perfect timing." He lifted the girls onto the bed, his smile becoming softer as both little ones dived into their mother's awaiting arms, all three of them hugging for the first time in almost a week.
Baileywick nudged Cedric quietly, passing his robe over to him.
Cedric blinked, taking his robe from the former steward, and smiling gently at his friend. "Thanks, Baileywick…" He slipped the robe on, tying it into place.
"Thank you, Cedric," the silver-haired man returned. "Thank you for not giving up on Sofia…when the rest of us had."
The sorcerer nodded as he glanced back at Sofia, who was holding onto their daughters. "I learned that from her, actually… So I'm just returning the favor." He hummed thoughtfully. "Finally…"
Once everyone had gotten a chance to speak with and hug Sofia, Cedric pulled Roland aside to ask him something rather…private and very personal.
"Your Majesty," he began gently, before amending his address to, "Roland…" He cleared his throat as the king smiled and nodded, signifying that he was listening. "I hate to sound selfish, but… Would you mind if I had just…one night with Sofia?" He glanced down, twisting his robe tie in his hands as his cheeks flushed. "I assure you, nothing improper will occur; I just—"
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Cedric," Roland insisted, stopping the sorcerer's uncertain mumbling. As his friend looked up at him with an astonished expression, he smiled. "Cedric, you saved her life… One night with Sofia is the least you deserve… And I know nothing improper will happen. When she's with you, she's happy, even if that means just a simple hug…" He shrugged as he scratched the back of his neck. "Though… I'd venture to say that she'll want a little more than a hug." He chuckled as Cedric blushed modestly. "I've told you before, Cedric: I trust you… With the royal sorcerer's job, with my life, and…with my daughter's life too."
Cedric sighed, feeling a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. "Thank you… Roland…"
After a while, Roland ushered everyone from the princess's room, and Cordelia once again graciously agreed to watch the girls so their parents could have some 'alone time.' Once the room was clear, Cedric suddenly felt very nervous…
The last few days, he'd only spoken to an unmoving, silent princess who was knocking on death's door. Heck, she'd even already entered, swimming in the center pool of the Underworld without her knowledge, her body a mere shell rather than his warm, living, breathing, waiting partner he was near now. It's like he'd forgotten how to talk to her… She was the one who'd had a brush with death, not him.
"Cedric?" she asked, noting his hesitant state. She frowned as he glanced toward her, leaning against her bedpost instead of sitting or standing anywhere near her. "Are you okay?"
"I'm…relieved," he told her gently, trying his hardest to hold himself together. "Sofia, I've been awful to so many people these last few days… I snapped at Violet and Tanya… I've yelled at people. I've cried so many tears that I could fill ten water goblets…"
She couldn't help smiling sadly at that last admission. It was such a sweet, vulnerable statement, and she hadn't been expecting it.
"I was a miserable wretch to be around." He finally sat on her bed, not daring to go anywhere near her right now. "I'm genuinely surprised people forgave me as easily as they did…" He decided to change the subject, especially since he felt uncomfortable talking about his emotions concerning her death. "Oh, um… James and I ran into…a familiar figure, you might say." Seeing the curious look on her face, he told her, "Daemno…"
Sofia's mouth dropped. "Daemno? As in MÃ¥ngata Daemno? Reimagia Daemno?"
"The one and the same… Get this: he and his wife rule the…the Underworld." He cleared his throat. "Oh! And James and I found out something rather intriguing… Those pools you and I saw in Mångata? There are many of them. One for corrupt souls, one for souls that might get a second chance, and one for good souls ready to move on to…the great beyond, I suppose." He rubbed one of his arms as he continued, "You won't believe this next part…"
She laughed. "Cedric, I've been dead for five days but was resurrected with your kiss, with my soul flowing from your body to mine." She flushed a bit as he blushed heavily. "I think…I'll believe just about anything at this point…"
"E-Excellent point, my dear… A-Anyway, as I said earlier, the second pool is the 'second chance' pool. Souls in that category can either start life over or change forms to learn a lesson. I found out that one of your friends actually fell under the first classification."
"Oh?" She blinked. "Who?"
"Do you remember the story of Mordecai and Rayasenia?" Seeing her nod, he gestured vaguely. "According to Daemno, Rayasenia was reborn…as a witch in Enchancia…" He nodded as she gasped. "Your friend Lucinda…"
"Wow, really?" She laughed in surprise. "Oh, we need to take her to Mordecai then, and see if she recognizes him… She's Rayasenia… That's so…wow."
"I know…" He lowered his head, sighing as he recalled more information that could be seen as both good and bad: good for her, but bad (for now) for him... "You know… Daemno had mentioned once that you easily could have fallen under the third pool, because you've done so much for so many people, and you have a good soul… But he agreed to keep you in the 'second chance' pool and give you an opportunity to continue living."
She smiled and found enough energy to lean forward, crawling over toward him, wrapping her arms around him. She felt his arms instantly embracing her, a heavy sigh escaping him as he lowered his head to hers. "I'm very glad I was in the second pool, then… However that works…" She glanced up at him, mesmerized by his warm yet uncertain brown eyes. "Because even though I've done good things in my life, I'd be devastated if I didn't get to live the rest of it with you…" She leaned up, ghosting her lips over his, whispering, "You are the best thing in my life, Cedric… You always have been… You, our girls, our lives together…" She smiled as he sighed softly, lowering his forehead to hers and looking deeply into her eyes. "And I'm relieved to be able to be alive again, with you…"
He nodded, briefly kissing her lips. "Agreed, my love…"
She smiled before groaning a bit, moving a few feet away from him as she stretched. "Ugh… Yeah, I'm definitely feeling the effects of not moving for a few days… And honestly, I'd still really love to get a bath, but…" She frowned, feeling the tightness in her shoulders and arms. "I seem to be a bit sore…"
Cedric opened his mouth to respond before instantly shutting it, blushing darkly. He couldn't… But…she needed… It would wash away the…the layer of… A-And it would just be to…help her out… "I…have a suggestion… Though you can certainly say no…"
Sofia blinked at him, curious what had him blushing so darkly. Before he could explain, she actually realized what his suggestion might be. He probably wanted to help her… But she didn't see anything wrong with that. In fact, she thought it was sweet… She smiled. "I'd love it if you'd…help me, Cedric…" She blushed softly after having said that, especially as he froze. "If…you're okay with it…"
"O-Oh, um…" He nodded, folding his hands into his lap. "C-Certainly, Sofia… And…I assure you, I will respect your modesty and dignity, and—"
"I know, Cedric," she interjected, smiling gently at him. "I trust you."
He stared at her for a few moments before finally smiling, leaning forward to caress her cheek. "Thank you, my love…"
Sofia sighed in relaxation as she felt the warm water caressing her skin. She had a towel draped over her front, conjured by Cedric, and more than enough bubbles to feel comfortable. Her legs were drawn up to her chest, and she was resting her head on her arms. She'd already gotten to brush her teeth and comb through her hair, which Cedric was now gently washing. It felt so good… His fingers carefully distributing the strawberry shampoo through her hair, and then guiding the water down the length to wash it away.
She shivered each time his fingers caressed her bare back, especially when they trailed down her spine, but she never mentioned it to him, because then he'd stop. And she definitely didn't want that… Once he'd finished washing her hair, he wielded his wand and cast a spell to magically wrap it up in a separate towel, a lavender one with white flower outlines (such a familiar pattern, of course).
"Nearly done," he murmured, grasping a washcloth and soaking it in the water before pouring some lavender soap into it. "I made this a while ago to help me sleep better. I think it could do you wonders…"
"Maybe you should use it too," she suggested, smiling as she felt the cloth come in contact with her neck and shoulders. "Don't think I didn't see those dark circles under your eyes, Cedric… You already don't get enough sleep. I'm pretty sure the last several days were no different." She glanced over her shoulder, smiling coyly as he continued washing her back. "I guess I'll just have to sleep in your bed with you every night, just to make sure you get a good night's sleep."
Cedric washed her arms next before passing the cloth to her, his fingers entwining with hers as he whispered in her ear, "As much as I'd love that, we're not married just yet, my love…" He chuckled as she smiled sheepishly. "Once or twice is one thing… I couldn't possibly justify every night…"
She giggled, holding his hand tighter. "You don't have to justify anything to anyone, Cedric… But I understand… We don't want too much of a good thing before marriage." She smiled. "It would…take away the fun and mystery…"
"Two words that always describe you very well, Sofia…" He kissed her cheek, smiling as she blushed. "I'm going to step out for a few minutes to let you finish bathing properly. Call me when you're ready, and I'll help you get dressed."
She nodded appreciatively. "Okay." After he left, closing the door, she sighed heavily, staring down at the water. Had she really been dead for five days? If anything… She'd never felt more alive… Her cheeks were flushed from the heat of the water and her partner's words and attention. She had goosebumps along her arms. She felt fresh and renewed… Maybe it took dying…to really understand just how much she appreciated her life. "I won't waste it either," she promised herself quietly as she clutched the washcloth.
After a while, Sofia called for Cedric, and he slowly helped her out of the tub, his eyes averted for her privacy. With a quickly murmured spell, he dried her body and hair, which fell in fresh waves down her legs, and dressed her in a comfortable set of pajamas.
Cedric could tell she was exhausted, so he scooped her into his arms, smirking as she squeaked in mild surprise. "Allow me, my darling…"
She grinned, wrapping her arms around his neck, and resting her head on his chest. "Absolutely, my sorcerer…"
A while later in Cedric's bedroom, Sofia and Cedric had made themselves comfortable on his bed. It was probably close to midnight, but they weren't quite tired just yet. They were now both dressed in their usual pajama pants and long-sleeved button-down shirts (Cedric's a dark gray and Sofia's a lavender color), and they were absorbed in each other.
They kissed each other's lips, neck, cheeks, nose, forehead, hair, shoulders, and anything else that was accessible to them. Cedric was near tears each time he felt her breath on his skin, or her pulse in her wrists or neck, and most importantly—her heartbeat, reminding him that she was very much alive now…
"I... I feel so bad, Sofia," Cedric told her as she hovered over him, allowing her hair to trail over his arms as she looked at him with her kind, understanding gaze. "I never…truly grieved your loss, and… I was so convinced that I would be able to save you… But what if I'd been wrong? What if-?"
Sofia pressed her lips to his, silencing his questions. After a few seconds, she pulled away and smiled gently at him. "Cedric, I'm alive thanks to you and James… Forget what could have happened. I'm here now. And I promised you I'd always be with you." She reached up with her left hand, gently stroking his bangs before caressing his cheek. "And I meant that…"
He watched her silently before pulling her into an embrace, burying his face in her hair. "My Sofia…" He slowly turned her over, lowering her to his bed, and couldn't help smiling as he saw the Amulet of Avalor resting in its usual spot around her neck once more. It was back where it belonged, thankfully. He noticed the top few buttons of her pajama shirt were undone, and he frowned, seeing the magical seal where he'd healed her wound after her stabbing. It wasn't likely that it would exist forever, but even seeing it now sent chills down his spine. "I could hide the evidence of your fatal wound," he murmured, reaching down and tracing his fingers over the scar. He felt Sofia shiver a bit as he connected with a rather sensitive area. "But I couldn't hide the fact that you were gone…"
Sofia grasped his gloveless hand and gently pressed it against her chest, deliberately over her heart. She smiled softly as his eyes grew heavy, clearly filled with emotion, as her heartbeat pulsed under his palm. "I'm here, Cedric… I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere..."
Cedric sobbed, lowering his lips to hers once more, kissing her as if it were the last time he'd ever get to do so. He poured his heart and soul into that kiss, his one way of ensuring her of his love, and only broke contact when he ran out of breath. "S-Sofia…"
She reached up, cupping his cheek, that smile still on her face. "Let's get some sleep, Cedric…" Without a word, she lowered his head to her partially uncovered chest, his ear resting over her heart (where he could hear her heartbeat, which slowly began its magic of comforting him and lulling him to sleep). Sofia's arms wrapped protectively around him as she leaned back on his mountain of pillows. "Good night, my sweet sorcerer…"
"Good night… My love…"
The following day, Cedric and Sofia had perhaps another three hours before the girls would be returned to them. They decided to spend their last few hours of solitude doing something a little bit different… They sought out Lucinda.
Lucinda hadn't really changed that much over the years. She was taller (and taller than Sofia, but most people were). Her eyes were more mature and held a sense of awareness now. Her hair brushed along her waist, several tiny sections formed into braids and blending seamlessly in with the rest of her hair. She still wore the same color scheme, though her dresses now stopped around her knees while she wore colorful stockings beneath. And as always, a pointed hat sat atop her head, and a broom was always clutched in her grip.
Another thing that hadn't changed about Lucinda was her mildly skeptical nature, such as her incredulity at the story the partners had just told her.
"Let me get this straight," the witch began as she hovered on her broom, lazily flying around Cedric and Sofia. "You mean to tell me that I am a reborn version of a girl from a place that may or may not exist?" She laughed. "Come on, you guys… I know we live in an enchanted realm, but—"
"Your name was Rayasenia," Sofia told her, sounding fervent. She hadn't even been near Daemno to hear the story, but it just made sense to her… Rayasenia had been an outcast, and although Lucinda had made friends later on, she had been somewhat of an outcast herself. Both were powerful. Both practiced magic… And the ties to mystical and magical worlds… There had to be something to the story…
"Pretty, but it's not my name, Sofia." She stopped flying around them, instead floating midair and folding her arms. "I just don't know if I can really believe this…"
"Then come with us," Cedric told her. "We'll let you decide for yourself."
She shrugged, hopping off the broom to the ground, catching it as it fell into her grasp. "Fine… Lead the way."
The moment they entered the Secret Library, the partners could see a difference in Lucinda. Her walk changed from a casual stroll to a more hesitant gliding motion. Her expression was more awed than neutral or uncertain. She was reacting to the surroundings, and they knew it.
"Mordecai!" Sofia called out, holding Cedric's hand as the blue pendulum reacted, the First Story Keeper appearing with a kind smile. She grinned at him.
"Good morning, Princess Sofia," he greeted warmly. "How can I-?" His eyes immediately trailed to the other girl in the library, and despite not recognizing her, he sensed something familiar about her. "A-And who is this?"
Cedric and Sofia exchanged glances, smiling at each other as the scene unfolded.
"I'm Lucinda…," she answered, sounding a bit dazed for some reason. Then, as if in a trance, she walked up to the spiritual figure of Mordecai, and she reached out, her hand gently brushing the older man's cheek. Suddenly her eyes widened, and she retracted her hand, blushing. She glanced away, attempting to hide her face under her hat. "Oh, I'm sorry! I don't know why I did that. You just seem…familiar to me for some reason."
He chuckled. "Oh, it's all right, dear girl. Though, I must admit, you did startle me a bit. So… What brings you here, Lucinda?"
Lucinda immediately pointed at the purple-clad couple beside them. "These two seem to believe that I'm the reincarnation of some other witch named Rayasenia, and they thought that bringing me here would make me believe it too." She folded her arms and huffed.
Mordecai's eyes lit up in realization. "Ah, I see. And…now that you're here, do you believe it?" Seeing he had her attention, he elaborated, "After coming here, and meeting me—who you yourself said seemed familiar—do you think it's possible that their suggestion could have some merit to it?"
Lucinda thought about his question for a moment. It sounded so crazy. There was no way it could be true. And yet… She couldn't deny that she'd felt different ever since entering this place, nor could she deny that almost magnetic pull she'd felt drawing her closer to the man before her, or the spark of electricity that had surged through her when her hand made contact with his cheek. "I… I think I would like to learn more… About you, about Rayasenia, and about this place. And... Why I feel connected to it all." She then saw the necklace around his neck. "What is that around your neck?"
"Ah, you like it? It was hers: Raya's." Seeing that she appeared more intrigued by this information, he suggested, "I think perhaps we should sit down and talk. Maybe hearing the whole story of Raya, from someone who knew her, would help."
She nodded, and he led her to the bench in the middle of the room before being absorbed into the pendulum, where he began telling her the tale of Rayasenia. While he did, the other two quietly left. After all, the two long-lost friends had much to catch up on.
That evening, everyone was gathered in the dining room to eat, and Sofia was seated in her usual spot, giggling at a joke James had said while also happily tending to her meal.
Cedric couldn't keep his eyes off of her, and for once, he didn't care who noticed. Everyone knew he loved her. Everyone knew he'd been inconsolable when she died. And everyone also knew that he never would want to take his eyes off his beautiful, loving, irreplaceable partner again.
Sofia soon turned to face him, smiling gently as she caught him staring at her. She reached over, taking his hand under the table and leaned in to kiss his lips. "I love you, Cedric."
He smiled, relieved that the conversations around them continued, as if they were in their own little world. And perhaps they were… "I love you too, Sofia."
"Mama, did Papa tell you about the strange dream Nana and I had the other night?" Tanya asked, getting their attention.
Sofia blinked, a curious expression forming on her features. "No… What was the dream about, Tanya?"
Nana nodded at her sister, who shrugged.
"Well… There were multiple versions of you and Papa, and one version was…not good…"
The end
(And to be continued in "Rising Force")