Prophetic

Summary: When Sofia hears that Butterford is by himself due to Muscles and the other pirates going on a mission, she invites him to go with her and Cedric to a bazaar. There, an oracle issues a warning to them about Sofia, worrying the couple. However, Butterford is suspicious of the prophecy and intends to get to the bottom of things to help his dear friends.

Disclaimer: In this particular story, I only own Butterford and the Oracle Delphine. Everyone else belongs to Craig Gerber. (Of course, I own Serena and Charlie, only mentioned; and Nana and Tanya belong to Marionette J2X, again, only mentioned.)

A/N: Second chapter, coming your way. Delphine will tell you everything you need to know. Be prepared for a little surprise, and you'll see the connection to The Tainted Ten as well. Enjoy!

Chapter 2: Prophesized

"M-Me?" Sofia managed, feeling uneasy about the way this woman was watching her. "A message about what? Who exactly are you anyway?" She gazed up at Cedric, who appeared to be rather tense. "What's going on?"

"Delphine was in my class," he finally admitted, seeing the woman before him smirk. "She… She predicted several things that came true, including my fall-out with Cordelia and Father. She also predicted Juliana's…" He clenched his fist as Sofia gently touched his arm. "And she gets some sort of sick pleasure out of giving bad news to people with her premonitions…"

"Oh, come now, Cedric," Delphine chided saccharinely, chuckling lowly. "You know I only give warnings to allow people a chance to prepare… Is it my fault that bad news follows you?" She traced one long nail down the orb in front of her, humming nonchalantly. "Granted, if you want to just play things by ear and see how they go, that is entirely up to you. After all, I was not around to warn you about Greeneyes—"

"Stop it," the sorcerer snapped, startling the oracle enough for her to pause and look at him seriously. He immediately protectively wrapped Sofia in his arms, though she hadn't really reacted as badly as he believed she would. She'd gone quiet, sure, but… Well, it had been a few years now, though that trauma never really left. She just learned how to cope and move on as best as she could. "Perhaps a prophecy from you is the last thing we need."

"Believe it or not, I meant no harm," the woman conceded. "I realize I can come across cold…"

Butterford scoffed, rolling his eyes, before tossing his ponytail behind his shoulder. "That's a bit of an understatement." He reached out to Sofia, gently patting her on the shoulder, and he smiled softly as she looked toward him, returning the smile.

"Hmm. I'll get to you in a moment, Jastin Butterford." She ignored the slightly perturbed glimpse from Butterford and instead turned her focus to the princess herself. "It is your choice if you would like to hear the message, Princess Sofia."

She gently reached up and stroked Cedric's cheek, a sign that she was all right, and he slowly released her. She turned to the oracle, nodding. "I'm listening."

Delphine's eyes glazed over, the once slowly pulsing rainbow hue now much brighter and more intense. She set her hands to the side of the orb, which flashed brightly only momentarily, settling into some blurred images of people running, using their powers, and…collapsing. "There is a group you have not yet faced… The leader, one who has a vendetta against you…"

Sofia almost felt like laughing. Imagine that. An enemy with a vendetta against her… But Delphine just said she'd not met these people yet. How could they have something against her when she didn't even know them?

"You will be forced to make life-altering decisions. Some will die by your hands, Princess Sofia."

Butterford frowned as he heard Sofia gasp. That didn't sound right… Even with the married couple near him fighting against the other pirates on the galleon, or other enemies in general, the idea of murder by Sofia's hands was unheard of. There was no way…

"A new Protector will step in to help you and your friends. The Mystic Isles will be in shambles without intervention. And lastly…" She turned ever so slightly to Butterford, who felt a bit uncomfortable with the woman's otherworldly gaze aimed his way. "Your Guardian will rise at last."

"Guardian?" Cedric wondered, having missed the brief exchange. "What Guardian?"

Delphine said nothing but caressed the glowing orb, her lips twitching into a small smirk as the magic from the orb flowed toward Butterford, surrounding him.

Cedric grabbed Sofia and pulled her back against him as they watched the scene unfold before them.

Butterford was bathed in lavender light, his hair loosening from the usual band, falling below his shoulders, some of the strands brushing his face like usual. While his gloves remained, his usual cream-colored tunic altered instead to a pure white tunic with gold embroidery spanning from the collar and down to a point near his stomach. The thick long sleeves gathered just over the gloves, the golden cuffs of the sleeves working as an extra layer of protection for his sensitive hands. His black pirate pants and boots were edited slightly, with the boots extending a bit more up to his knees and the pants altering to more pliable fabric. Lastly, from a diamond jeweled broach fastened to the fabric on his left shoulder, there dangled a gold sash or scarf, which spanned downward and fanned out around his legs behind him.

Sofia blinked as Cedric loosened his hold on her, and she stepped forward, gently placing her hand on the diamond broach, her fingers caressing the ex-crewman's loosened hair. "Jas?"

"Jastin Butterford has long wished for a place in this realm," Delphine explained calmly, though there was a tinge of something a bit tense in her tone, buried beneath the echoing vocals she possessed. "When you, Princess Sofia, offered him a second chance at life, he felt indebted to you. You became friends. He wants nothing more than to protect those sacred to him, especially since he has lost a loved one due to senseless violence and evil."

Butterford felt a strange sense of tranquility and purpose, and he felt far stronger mentally, emotionally, and even physically than before. What's more, he could feel something new rushing through him, though he wasn't sure what it was.

"He has always sought to help guard and protect you, Princess, especially since you are the one always advising him and helping him through life. He will now be your active Guardian during any adventures. He possesses healing powers and new intuition regarding the surroundings. He will help you in any way possible, including protecting you and your loved ones. He will even die for you."

"Die?" Sofia asked, turning to face Delphine. "N-Not… Not any time soon, right? That's just a blanket term used for all Guardians, right? Like, 'Live for the kingdom; die for the kingdom.' Right…?"

Delphine's eyes merely glowed brightly once more before dimming to their normal hue, and she lowered her hands. "The prophecy is complete. I can tell you no more. Anything from now on, Princess Sofia, you must learn on your own."

The princess turned back to her friend, eyes filled with concern, as he only stood there, staring at her quietly and calmly, a serene smile on his face.

The ride back to the Mystic Isles to drop off Butterford was quiet and filled with uncertainties. Sofia watched Butterford, in his new attire, sleeping on the seat across from her and Cedric, his hair falling into his face and over the side of the seat as he rested.

"You don't think anything will happen to Jas, do you, Cedric?" Sofia asked nervously, looking at her husband for answers. She saw the sorrowful expression on his face and sighed, leaning into his arms as he pulled her closer. "He got a second chance at life. He's finally living happily like he's always wanted. He's healing… And now, because of some stupid prophecy, he's stuck being my Guardian and may even…"

"Sofia, my darling, you mustn't stress over the prophecy that Delphine the Doomsayer told you… She often over-exaggerated things out of sheer boredom." He rolled his eyes, remembering the old days at Hexley Hall, when she'd scare the wits out of older and younger students, as well as professors, alike. "I'm sure Jas will be all right. Besides, there are plenty of healers in our family now: Nana, Angel… Even I know a spell or two."

"I just don't want anything to happen to him," she sighed, feeling a tear working its way down her cheek. She reached up and brushed it away, frowning. "He's my friend."

"I know, my love. We'll keep an eye on him. Don't you worry." He rubbed her back and hummed. "And what of the new enemy…? I suppose we'll need to be on our guard yet again. And here I thought we were finally going to have a life of peace…"

Sofia shook her head, leaning her forehead against his shoulder. "We've had many years of quiet… It's like something is challenging us, saying that it's time for us to face more evil…"

Cedric shifted a bit and tilted her head up, smiling softly at her. "Whatever is going to happen, regardless of how things pan out, I'll be right beside you. Like always."

She smiled at him, leaning forward and kissing him. "I know, Cedric." She sighed again as Butterford stirred and sat up, rubbing at his eyes as he yawned. "H-Hey, Jas… Did you sleep well?"

Butterford, even with his tired state, could tell she was still a bit shaken by the news they'd gotten earlier. He nodded once before smiling softly, nodding to the seat next to him. When she moved from Cedric's side and sat next to her friend instead, he turned and faced her, grasping her hands. "I'm glad she made me your Guardian, Sofia," he told her sincerely. "It's true: I've always been anxious to make sure everything is okay with you. After everything you've done for me, protecting you—and your family—is the least I could do."

She frowned. "But what about…that part of the prophecy? Y-You wouldn't… You can't…"

He released her hands and hugged her instead, feeling her wrapping her arms around him in response. "I'm not afraid to die, if that's what's going to happen. Dying while protecting someone I care about… That's an honor. An honor I never would have been able to realize in the clutches of Captain Zhigo, or any other wicked leader. If I have to die, I'm glad it's for you."

Sofia lifted her head, her tears having returned, and she sighed as Butterford reached up and wiped them away. "Jas, please promise me… Promise me you won't do anything stupid. I can't lose anyone else… I know you would feel the same."

Cedric just watched them silently, not sure how to feel. On one hand, he wasn't as close to Butterford as Sofia was, so he couldn't really insert his opinions or feelings into the conversation. On the other hand, Butterford was a good guy. He'd been a great friend to Sofia, and he had started over with a new zest for life and people around him. He liked Butterford and wanted to try to get to know him better, perhaps as well as Sofia knew him. But hearing the potential for his death had bothered him… He'd seen Butterford suffer when Hopscotch was killed. He'd seen Sofia crumble when they witnessed Erine's death, or losing Serena that time, or their second child's—Well… He could understand Sofia wanting to protect her friend. He didn't want anything to happen to him either.

"I promise you, Princess," the Guardian began with a soft smile, one hand on her cheek, "I won't do anything stupid. But I will help you in any way I can, just like you've helped me…"

Satisfied with his answer, Sofia wrapped him in another hug, glad he yet again returned the sentiment.

Right now, their future was uncertain. However, they knew to keep an eye out for a shift—a new enemy on the horizon. They'd fought many in the past, but this time… This time it felt more personal, for some reason. Perhaps it was due to Delphine's prophecy. Perhaps it was because there was far more at stake. Regardless, they would be ready, and if Sofia had anything to say about it, she would ensure everyone's—everyone's—safety as best as she could. Maybe no one would have to die, she thought…

She thought wrong.

The end (and to be continued in The Tainted Ten)