Disclaimer: Not mine.
Chapter Seven: Love Medicine
Now was the lunch of their discontent and, if their taut faces told her anything, it was this. None of them had wanted to meet, yet they made pretenses as though they enjoyed each other's company. Sophie in particular, sensing she was deadweight, loathed mealtime, and bore it through burying her nose in a book. In this instance, it was an ancient tome of magic that glowed softly in her petite hands. Faded ink adorned the pages and it carried the distinct odor of ages long past, its mustiness enthralling her nostrils. With books, she was finally in her solace and it almost didn't matter that no one cared about her. Almost.
All she'd wanted, all every child wanted, was to be loved. Since Juandissimo had inadvertently destroyed that, her childhood ebbed away. Days melted into weeks melted into months of loneliness, unbroken by even her fairy godmother. Wanda was the only creature she actually knew here and she'd made no real effort to turn this into her home. She understood she'd been dumped here, in the middle of an ongoing crisis situation, but still…was it too much to ask for to be treated like she mattered? Tears brimmed at the thought but she halted, stunned again.
Ever since she'd been introduced to Wanda, odd things appeared in her vision every once in a while. They weren't actually there, she knew, but they startled her just the same. She couldn't possibly know they were activated once she was around a fairy or a magical creature, nor was she tempted to ask. She just wanted them gone.
Around everyone, she spotted their relation lines, thin wavering tendrils connecting one person to another. Some were thicker than others, indicating strength of emotion regarding the other. However, thickness did not necessitate love- Gary and Timmy had almost as thick a bond as Cosmo and Wanda. In their case, it was because Timmy had sired Gary, not due to love (which she strongly suspected didn't exist between them, only blind hatred).
Sometimes, the lines could indicate stress and turmoil. Between Timmy and Tootie, a medium thick line wavered. The same worked for Cosmo and Wanda as far as she'd seen. Whenever one party tried to touch their mate, they'd jump back or refuse and the line would tremble as their emotions struggled to work themselves out. She'd heard of telepathy, but this went deeper than that. Telepathy forbade lying about emotions and truths, but it didn't show the strength of conviction like these lines did. Not that she really could say that factually, but she'd read it somewhere.
In her hands, the book glowed green brightly, reminding her of her magical nature. Somewhere along the line, there'd been a witch ancestor and, despite the blood line thinning out, she still had some powers. Seeing relationships was just one, but she was virtually oblivious to her true nature. After all, no one told her. All she understood was that she saw lines and on occasion, things levitated around her. Nothing really made much sense, though.
Before her sat an untouched plate with a grilled cheese sandwich, the plate splattered with a few tears. Briefly, she glanced up from her book to frown, noticing Wanda desperately stifle sobs. As far as she knew, the fairy had been crying on and off for hours, yet no one paid her any mind. She didn't have to ask why, though- the line connecting her and Cosmo was peculiarly frayed and black lingered on the edges. Intuitively, she sensed that he might be on the brink of death or something close- bereft of his soul, perhaps? Whatever the case, Wanda struggled to maintain her composure.
Shifting her glance, she caught Timmy gazing longingly at Tootie. Around his line were gloom, anger, and nearly overwhelming desire. Then again, it wasn't much of a surprise, considering how he behaved around Tootie. Personally, if he had any sense at all, she thought he ought to tell Tootie how he felt and get it over with. Forget whatever was holding him back, because it clearly wasn't doing either of them any good. Then again, she was but a child, what did she know?
Gary smirked back at her; he was complacent in raining doubt and dissension upon Tootie and Timmy's relationship. A shudder of revulsion swept her- she couldn't imagine why she'd harbored a crush on him to begin with. All he seemed to do was drive a wedge between his creator and his love, moreover, he enjoyed it. She didn't know whether he was hoping to pick up the pieces or just break Timmy's heart by sleeping with her, but in either case, she wanted nothing to do with him.
Shifting her attention, she spotted Tootie's line, speckled with pain, misery, death, and betrayal. The raven haired girl was the only creature here other than Wanda who she identified with. The only thing was that Sophie had a chance to escape the drudgery of Dimmsdale, yet Tootie clearly didn't. She was doomed to remain here, orphaned, until she was old enough to make her way.
Pitying her, she offered a weak smile she did not return. Instead, her eyes fell upon her half eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwich and she slumped in her chair. Suddenly, the link blurred for a moment, indicating Tootie suffered a tension headache. Then again, she hardly blamed her since there enough tension here to slice it with a knife. Anyone blissfully unaware of it had to be as stupid as Cosmo.
Recalling Cosmo, she glanced again at Wanda, shaking with suppressed sobs. From her vantage point, she noted tears occasionally splashing her plate and drink. Sophie knew she was thinking of Cosmo, probably wondering why she couldn't hold onto him for longer than a few months without losing him to jealousy. From the little she'd been apprised of their situation, they'd been married for thousands of years, yet had only renewed their zest for each other due to the stress around them. When either panicked, they grabbed the other.
Without him, she suffered, just as she had when they'd first met. Every once in a while, she would stop forcing substance down her throat long enough to glimpse at her godson and her goddaughter before staring down at her plate. If she were expecting sympathy from Timmy, Sophie thought she was sadly mistaken. From what she knew, Timmy didn't have an altruistic bone in his body. All he cared about was his own selfish gain, much like Gary.
Speaking of the bucktoothed boy with curly black hair, he was currently trying his luck at playing footsie with Tootie. As soon as his foot nudged hers, she kicked him so hard, he jumped up in surprise. When he rolled up his pants to rub his injury, Sophie suppressed a snicker at the black and blue mark forming rapidly. The girl could kick.
Timmy blinked, examining both parties. Tootie smiled innocently, like the cat that ate the canary. However, the smile did not extend to her eyes, projecting anguish. Sophie's heart went out to her, clearly struggling to maintain her cool just like Wanda. In her too was hidden power reserves, many clandestine things she preferred to examine under the sanctuary of darkness. However, in front of Timmy, none of these things showed.
Scoffing openly, he snapped, "What's the matter, sick of playing with your lover?"
Furious, Tootie slammed her palms down on the table so hard, plates jumped. The one in front of Sophie hopped a few inches in the air before resting again, sending her sandwich, still hot, onto the book. If she knew any curse words, she certainly would have, because it was staining the spell she needed to learn. But maybe if she moved it slightly…no! No…it was ruined…no…she was stuck here…
"He isn't my lover!" She fired back, standing up swiftly and striding over to his chair to dump him unceremoniously onto the floor. His plate, already on the edge, flipped over and landed on his head. Were Sophie anything short of enraged, she might have found this amusing.
"I saw you playing footsie with him! Don't lie!" Timmy snapped, rising and shoving her. Fire blazed in her eyes as she shoved him back. A fight brewed, but Sophie couldn't care less. As far as she was concerned, at this point, they could both burn in heck for screwing this up for her. How dare they drag her into their stupid fight!
"You can't stop yourself for one minute, can you? You're such a slut!" He snarled, all but breathing fire.
"I'm a slut? You have no idea what I've been through-" Tootie screeched, but, before she could add anything, Sophie interjected. She was thoroughly fed up with this whole darn house. They'd screwed her chance to be happy and now they were arguing stupid stuff like this! Who gave a hoot?
"You?" Sophie screamed, stunning herself by speaking up. Normally, she kept silent for days at a time. Still, enough was enough. Everyone had ignored her, well, fine, then, let them stew in what they'd caused. She was beyond caring.
"Thanks to both of you, I can't go home! At least there, people cared whether I live or die! And don't deny it! No one in this house talks to me- you all act like I'm invisible! I know I'm taking up your precious room by living here, but I'm an orphan too!
"I don't care about your stupid sexual whatever! As far as I'm concerned, you all can burn in hell, because I'm sick of each and everyone of you treating me like I'm worthless!"
Tears brimmed in her eyes and she mentally cursed herself for being weak enough to cry instead of remaining strong for the ending. This always happened when she got upset and she was picked on for it. Still, she had to finish before charging out of here. At least that she could manage without breaking down completely.
"I hate you all," Sophie snapped, and, as an afterthought, added, "Fuck you."
By now, she shook so badly, her teeth chattered. However, it didn't impede her as she strolled out of the kitchen, Tootie, Timmy, and Gary staring at her. Fine, let them stare. She meant every word she said.
"Sophie," Wanda called and, still stunned, all four of them turned to glance at her. Tears were streaming down the fairy's face, but she ignored them. Instead, her eyes were fixed upon her goddaughter and then, angrily, at her godson, his estranged girlfriend, and his creation. Sophie swallowed hard, completely forgetting Wanda in her fury.
"Timmy, Tootie, Gary, perhaps if any of you considered someone outside of your love triangle and noticed my goddaughter, maybe she wouldn't be so upset. I didn't bring her here to be ignored because my godson is an idiot and can't tell Tootie how he really feels," Wanda snapped coldly.
"Maybe if all you thought of someone else other than yourselves, you wouldn't be arguing day and night. I don't know, it's just an idea. And maybe if you asked me how I'm feeling once in a while instead of listening for a few seconds and then running around half cocked, I might be able to help you!"
Under his breath, Gary muttered, "Isn't that what Cosmo's for?"
Sophie could tell it was on the tip of her tongue to retort as icily and cruelly as she could, but Wanda lost it. The tears sliding down her cheeks became a flurry and she hugged herself, chest heaving with sobs. Just thinking about depending on Cosmo had become so painful, she couldn't stand it. The line connecting her and Cosmo fluctuated again wildly and Wanda froze, cocking her head to someone none of them but Sophie could quite perceive. Someone was here that shouldn't be.
"No…" She breathed as Timmy approached her. Tootie temporarily forgotten, he wrapped his arms around his godmother. The pink fairy trembled in his grasp.
Sophie, frozen herself and listening to Remy approaching Cosmo to acquire the rest of his soul, gazed meaningfully at Wanda. She'd pressed her face against Timmy's chest for a few moments before vanishing without another word.
"What just happened?" Timmy murmured, glancing from Tootie to Gary to, at long last, Sophie. Sophie flushed, unused to the attention. Besides, she couldn't honestly answer him if she expected him to believe her. Therefore, she merely walked out with a shrug.
Quite possibly, she was in the worst state possible to face Remy. Her whole body shook with unshed tears and, as she poofed immediately to Cosmo's side, she couldn't calm down. He was back for the rest, she could tell. Once he had all of Cosmo's soul, he was basically dead. Just the idea made her heart stop and the room spin.
The former human (no other title fit him) glowered at her; he'd been in the middle of casting a spell to rid Cosmo of the rest of his soul and give it to Eschcolex. His glorious demon had promised to dispose of his soul painfully and slowly, perhaps in front of this infernal fairy. Surely she could stop crying long enough to watch her husband be destroyed. Still, distantly, he knew his death would be meaningless for everyone except Wanda, holding Cosmo as though he might smite him down the spot. Eschcolex wouldn't care after the original act, but Wanda would die spiritually. If he had a soul, he might have considered it.
"Hand him over," Remy snapped coldly, striding up to the two and attempting to pry him out of her arms. However, nothing short of breaking her arms would extract him. Even though Cosmo was cold to the touch, he wasn't quite dead. In a few hours, unless she performed a spell to protect him, he'd be dead anyway. Pity.
Staunching her tears, she snapped, "You'll have to pry him from my old, dead hands because you'll get him over my dead body."
Lorenzo DeMedici would have told her that it could be arranged, Juandissimo Magnifico would have afflicted her with mind numbing pain, but Remy merely gazed at her plainly. Both of the two aforementioned reacted to her on an emotional level, one he couldn't muster. Killing her wouldn't help his case and her soul was not worth anything to him. Sure, it'd eradicate the problem of her coming after him, but it really didn't matter either way. Her life was trivial compared to Cosmo's.
"He'll die no matter what you do," Remy spat, yet his words were hollow. Their threat struck home, however, for she visibly flinched. Within him, no remnants of life clung, thus he could not relish her fear. Of course, he recognized it written all over her face and the way her fingers hurriedly stroked his clammy face. Such love, it would have disgusted him if he were alive to observe it.
Her pink eyes scoured his face; she sought any indication that this wasn't happening, that Remy was lying. Even as she did, even as she sent messages to him and probing his mind room, she found nothing. The light was on, but no one was home. In some ways, this pained her more than his actual dying because she was powerless to stop it. Or was she? Although that page had been destroyed in Sophie's book, the rest might help her. She just had to borrow it…after she had a long talk with that child and reassured that, regardless of Tootie, Timmy, and Gary, she at least cared about her.
"He won't," She spoke finally, confidently, raising her head while her fingers stroked Cosmo's cheeks and hair. Now more than ever, she wished she'd gotten over Juandissimo's treatment sooner and could share more time with Cosmo. For once, the past didn't loom over her like a scythe dangling over her neck. She couldn't comprehend her attitude hours before Cosmo's loss, much less before…
"Yes, he will." Remy stated dourly, confident yet his confidence was not borne from the same means as her. Cosmo would have to provide him his soul because if he did not, then he would further fail Eschcolex and he would destroy his vessel (the last thing left him). Life was empty anyway, but he clung to it obstinately. Besides, stealing Cosmo's soul could perhaps return him to life…not that he'd ever want it. When he'd been alive, he'd hated him.
In a state akin to empty frustration, he tore Cosmo's right wing out; leaving him bereft of wings, and trampled upon it soundly before vanishing just as swiftly as he'd arrived. Eschcolex would not like this development…he only hoped he could overlook it until he delivered Cosmo's soul in its entirety. In due time, master, in due time…
Breathing deeply and suppressing another shudder, she ran her hands over Cosmo's now bare back. How could it be that just last night, he'd made love to her? It felt so long ago, as though it belonged to another lifetime. He couldn't have glanced at her longingly and kissed her deeply while his hands roamed her body…
Not to mention the event preceding it, which, with another shudder, she wished she could forget. Timmy appeared to have bounced back from it remarkably, but she sensed it cut into his relationship with Tootie. His self worth was at an all time low; if he couldn't value himself, how could he value his girlfriend? Subconsciously, he might desire to shove her away just in case he really did succeed.
Gnawing on her lip (but without piercing the skin), she finally released Cosmo and hugged herself. The argument over lunch had really been the straw to break the camel's back- returning to find herself unable to love Cosmo, then discovering her godson was suicidal…and actually attempting to take his life right under her nose. If she'd felt the disturbing mental tug a minute later, she might have been too late. Then she'd never be able to live with herself. Jorgen had always told them that they were quite possibly the worst godparents around, but allowing him to kill himself under her charge would cinch it. Not to mention the guilt would be unbearable.
In an attempt to mollify her own turbulent emotions, she'd striven to pacify Timmy and Sophie, but actually hadn't done anything at all. If she'd been there more for them than for herself, she might have noticed the truth. Instead, she'd been neglectful and she was paying the price now. If she hadn't pretended Cosmo was the only thing important in her life, then they wouldn't have started arguing…she should have worked things out beforehand…
Rubbing her temples, wincing again at the sight of Cosmo, she waved her wand to place him in a stasis field until she could figure out where to go from there. She wished she didn't have to leave him, but she didn't have a choice. At least here, the only creature that could break the seal was one that knew her magical signature intimately, in other words, Cosmo and the now deceased Juandissimo. For the moment, he was safe from Remy, provided Eschcolex hadn't figured out a way to break stasis fields. However, she couldn't worry about that right now. She had to worry about what had transpired when she'd selfishly plunged herself into her godchildren's affairs.
Sophie stared numbly at the blue wallpaper; it reminded her that this wasn't her house- it wasn't even her choice in colors. Wanda had graciously permitted her a place to stay, but this house was not a home. To pretend it was converted her into the liars that inhabited it. Yes, they were all liars, afraid to betray their secrets, whatever they were. All she had was contempt for each and everyone of them.
A pink poof entered the room but she ignored it. Sitting on the blue-green carpeting, she instead continued to stare blankly at the wall before her. Whenever she contemplated her loathing for the humans, she always figured Wanda out of the equation. Her appearance now summoned the thought that she'd forgotten the only creature she could abide, the reason she was here in the first place. Despite that, she couldn't bring herself to dislike the poor pink fairy. She underwent dreadful stress without adding to it.
Gently, sitting beside her, Wanda murmured, "I thought you wanted attention, sweetie."
"Timmy and Tootie need you more," Sophie responded dully, blinking when she placed her hand atop hers and squeezed it. Despite her own sorrow, she was extending herself to her? Why was she being so nice? What had she done to deserve it?
"I think they can wait," She replied, smiling weakly and repositioning herself in her lap. Sophie was so stunned, she nearly jumped. On the off chance she'd seen her with Timmy; she behaved much looser, like she was now. Why was she acting like, well, not her mother but someone close to her? Someone who…loved her?
"We need to talk, honey." Turning around, she fixed her goddaughter a look Sophie found impossible to tear her eyes away from. Her pink eyes bored into her brown ones- maybe this was she'd done to Timmy whenever he'd been rowdy and out of hand. Then again, with the little she knew of him, she sincerely doubted he spent a lot of time listening to her.
"I…I'm sorry, Wanda…" She whispered, noticing the red rims around her eyes. Delicately, tentatively, she brushed away the dampness remaining. They were roughly around the same size, so it was like having a friend (if she'd any) on her lap. As she was nervous, expecting punishment for her outburst, no enthusiasm struck her at the thought.
Continuing to smile weakly, she shook her head at her. Sophie stared, watching the golden orbs in her earlobes shift back and forth. Idly, the memory of her mother's earrings, resembling hers, arose and she bit back tears. She didn't want to make things more difficult than she already had for the poor pink fairy. Honestly, she didn't want to burden her.
"We'll worry about your obscenities later, Sophie." Under her breath, Wanda added, "and then I'll have a talk with Timmy and Tootie about arguing and cursing outside my nine year old goddaughter's room.
"I know you aren't happy-" She started, her pink eyes shimmering with compassion. Around her, she felt ashamed for her outburst. Someone cared about her, even if she didn't show it all the time. Wanda, she hesitated to say 'loved', concerned herself with her.
"But you have to make the best out of a horrendous situation. My godson can be a moron occasionally (okay, all the time) and he doesn't notice you because his hormones dictate his actions. All he's thinking about right now is how to get with Tootie-"
"You mean how to get into her pants," Sophie completed dully, causing Wanda to blink furiously. Apparently, this was something that she hadn't intended to let her know, judging by the shock registering and then anger.
"Timmy…" Wanda growled, recognizing the culprit immediately. I try to keep my younger godchildren sheltered from that kind of language and implications and here he goes, arguing with Tootie in front of her door about it. I just hope she doesn't know what it means and she's merely spouting echoes of their disagreements.
"Yeah, him," Sophie muttered, scowling despite herself. Unless he went out of his way to acknowledge her now, she couldn't care less what happened with him and his 'girlfriend'. Sure, Timmy was Wanda's other godchild, but that didn't mean any other ties bound them together. She only knew him through her.
Speaking of ties, a faint cord connected her and her godmother. Blinking, surprised since she normally didn't see any cords coming from herself, she focused on it. It quite possibly was the weakest link she'd seen, but it was stronger from Wanda's end. Wanda was trying to bring them closer than the bond might allow- it might snap.
If she stretched her hand out, she could touch it, only it wasn't really there. But if it wasn't there, why did it glow so brightly? And why did the ties fluctuate if she were imagining them? One would think she'd imagine them constant so she could pretend everyone had the same relationship.
"What do you see?" She asked, jarring her out of her reflections. Great, so she was seeing things in front of Wanda. Maybe she was going nuts…at least it would get her out of here. Yes, doc, I see fairies and lines connecting people- put me in the asylum asap!
The words sliding out of her mouth before her brain could stop them, she answered truthfully. Perhaps it was a combination of being tired of seeing the lines every time and thinking she might be losing it or just sheer guilt for seeing them in front of her that made her answer, she didn't know. Whatever the case, as soon as the words escaped her, she wished she could take them back. She honestly preferred debating her magic away.
"I…I see ties connecting people…not just in this house…everywhere…they're like lifelines…and how people react to each other and their convictions in their relationships…"
I bet that doesn't make the slightest bit of sense. She'll tell me that I'm losing it and send me off to wherever Tootie goes all the time…On Christmas, I'll get postcards…
Instead of saying what Sophie dreaded, she caressed her cheek lovingly and smiled broadly at her goddaughter. Flushed, she managed to meet her gaze and nothing more. She couldn't fathom her reaction for the life of her. What was so good about seeing things that no one else could see? According something she'd read, "Hearing/seeing things no one else can is never a good sign, not even in the magical world."
"No wonder that book glowed in your hands," Wanda replied, grinning. "You have magic, honey!"
"What?" Sophie choked, eyes flickering between her and another line extending from her, to the arguing outside. One line was stronger than the two others; the first one she guessed had to be Timmy. Grand, just like him to interrupt her time with her. Why on earth did he have to argue so much?
Scowling, she waved her wand idly in their direction and stole their voices. At least, this was what Sophie presumed she did, because the argument died. Silence reigned, blissful silence, good enough for both of them to think. The only thing was she wished she'd remembered to ask Wanda to do that instead of doing it out of sheer irritation.
Beaming at her, she proceeded to tell exactly the nature of her gift and where, in all likelihood, it had come from. Although the actual explanation and demonstration of what her powers could do took over an hour because Sophie kept asking her to repeat herself (a giddy thrill coursed through her), it was probably the longest conversation they'd ever had. Not only did someone care for her, she understood her. By the time she was done, she felt lightheaded.
However, Wanda was not finished with her. While explaining her powers had been enjoyable, there was still the matter of her outburst and the vulgarity within. Neither of them had forgotten, yet Sophie had rather hoped she might have. Then again, Wanda had not been a godmother for thousands of years for nothing. Life was not all fun and games.
Sighing, she proceeded to lecture her on the importance of using clean vocabulary and how, even if she didn't believe anyone else cared, she did. At the moment, until Wanda could think of something better, she was her mother. Although her affection might not extend deeply the way it did with Timmy, she loved her like she loved all her godchildren. Ruffling her hair, she told her she hoped she remembered that.
Wanda hugged her tightly and Sophie could see how she'd shoved her own troubles to the side for her. It only induced more guilt and she finally tore her eyes away, ashamed. Poor Wanda…
"If you need someone to talk to, call me," She advised, stroking her hair. With that, she vanished to sort out her rogue godson. At least without the power of speech, he wouldn't be nearly as troublesome.
She found Timmy sitting on Tootie's bed and watching her, sitting on one leg and swinging it back and forth. Fortunately, through dark magic, she'd learned how to control her entrances to the point where she was virtually silent and neither noticed. Unnoticed, she could study their reactions and then decide where to go from there. It was a useful skill, although she wished she hadn't attained it at such a great price. Losing some of her lightness and the agony of losing Cosmo (now twice) wasn't worth it.
However, she'd underestimated her entrance for when she started to scrutinize Timmy, he turned in her direction. Tootie too shifted and, instead of the previous frustration, resentment, and anger, she gazed pityingly at her. In fact, her expression was mirrored on her godson's face and Wanda flushed, shifting her gaze elsewhere. She'd gone back to her position as the rock, not someone gathering sympathy. If she didn't shove herself into their affairs, she might never forget Cosmo was soulless and possibly about to die…Damn, she'd started to think about it again.
Waving her wand once, she restored the power of speech if only so she wouldn't be talking to herself. However, as soon as they started protesting again, they'd lose that ability. All either did was argue lately and she had to put a stop to it. After all, it disrupted the whole house (with the exception of Vicky) and she, the only creature in this house with sense, had to put a stop to it. The reason Sophie had become despondent was because they were too focused on each other and misreading the signals to pay her any mind. Loath though she was to admit it, she couldn't be everywhere at the same time. That's what Cosmo's for…
Tears threatened to spill again, but fortunately, her head was still turned and neither could see her façade shattering. If she could gather herself together for just a little while longer, then she could escape and deal with this in private. There was no need to involve anyone else in the house because it wasn't their problem. Despite the therapeutic effects of sobbing on someone's shoulder, she knew in her heart of hearts that the only chance of that was if she completely lost control. And in all her years, she'd never completely lost it…except for today. Reminding herself brought a large lump to her throat and she swallowed hard, forcing it down and shifting in mid air, albeit like a robot, to gaze at them.
This time, no smile, however weak, adorned her face. Sophie might have unintentionally cursed, but they were the true culprits. Not to mention she had a twinge of jealousy over the fact that if they got their act together, they could be together and she and Cosmo couldn't. Nonetheless, she shoved that concept aside and, with great difficulty, composed a stoic face. Once again, she assumed the responsibilities of the rock. The rock couldn't crack (even if she herself was starting to).
"Wanda…" Timmy breathed and she flinched, realizing he thought she'd come here to talk about her. It'd been bad enough that she'd cried into Lorenzo's chest for a good ten minutes (before he made a game out of turning her on); she couldn't afford a repeat performance. No matter how close she might be, releasing her anxiety, confusion, and misery was not an option. For as long as she could be, she was the fairy godmother to relieve everyone of their deepest, darkest fears and pains- not the one telling others of hers.
"I need to talk to you two," She said firmly, not meeting either of their eyes. She had the distinct impression looking them in the face might lead to her divulging more than she should. In retrospect, it'd been bad enough that she'd told Timmy what happened with Cosmo (and perhaps Lorenzo as well, heaven knew he'd use it against her)- she didn't need to tell Tootie as well. She wasn't looking for pity, though a small voice whispered in her head, it might be nice.
"About Cosmo?" Tootie finished and, again, Wanda flinched. Just like she'd suspected, they thought she was here to crash. No, she'd crash and burn on her own terms, not with her unruly godson and his estranged lover. (At the rate she was going, she might sincerely crash and burn…)
Unfortunately, both saw her flinch and Timmy reached out to her. Wanda floated away, suppressing a shudder. Doing this would be exponentially easier if she weren't touched. That way, she could sort out her feelings and, as she repeated to herself, keep them separate. There was no need to involve either of them.
"About the fact that Tootie arrived home today and you two can't stop fighting for one minute!" Wanda snapped, her accusation coming out substantially harsher than she'd intended. When she was on the defensive, she found herself treating people's peccadilloes more severely than normal. It shifted the focus off her.
"Well, maybe if she actually told me where she was instead of lying to my face, I wouldn't be arguing with her!" Timmy snapped, glowering at her, folding her arms across her chest and glowering back.
"Well, maybe if I could tell you (and I hadn't wasted my opportunity on Vicky), I would! Maybe if you took my word on it instead of senselessly blaming me for everything under the sun-" Tootie retorted, rising to her feet.
"Maybe if you two stopped arguing for ten seconds you might be able to listen what the other person was saying instead of making up your mind before hearing all the evidence!" Wanda interjected and the two, already in a face-off, halted.
Breathing deeply, she positioned herself, floating, between them. Juvenile though the exercise might be, she had no choice in the matter. There was simply no way to prevent them from arguing unless she forced one to be silent in the stead of another. Besides, perhaps it would convince them to use telepathy to speak, therefore ensuring they wouldn't be able to lie. She'd never had a godchild with telepathy before, so it was just a theory at the moment.
Waving her wand, she indicated while one person remained mute, the other could speak freely. Therefore, no arguments- she felt like a judge. Maybe if they really irritated her, she could throw them out in contempt of court. Of course, she wouldn't be as narrow minded as Jorgen, but at the rate they were going, she might find herself as short tempered.
"Timmy," She muttered, already regretting giving him speaking privileges, "You start.
"And before you do, let me lay down some ground rules. Tootie can't speak on her behalf at the moment (she'll have a chance to later), but that doesn't mean you have the right to accuse her of everything under the sun while she can't defend herself. I want you to say what you believe she's done and then back it up with fact. (In other words, don't argue the Republican way and say you're right because you are and leave it at that).
"Tootie, the same goes for you. Until you two can prove to me that you can handle civilized conversation, I don't want you speaking at the same time. Are we clear?"
Both nodded, Tootie a tad angrily. Even without hearing it, she sensed their quibble continuing into telepathy. Well, it'd been a good idea while it lasted, but at least their disagreement wasn't audible. The last thing she needed was Sophie to pick up more curses and phrases she didn't quite understand. They were hardly being the greatest role models.
Clearing his throat like he was about to deliver the greatest speech to all mankind, Timmy launched into his charade. His brilliant blue eyes narrowed to slits and in his lap, his fists pounded his thighs with every punctuation. Wanda winced, wishing he wouldn't do that. Ultimately, such actions were rather painful- she ought to know.
"She's been gone for months and every time she comes back, she won't tell me where she is. I think she's been sleeping around and-" He began hotly and, the instant he accused her, Tootie mouthed wordlessly at him, no doubt firing rapidly her retort. Well, they were off to a grand start.
Drawing back, her hair briefly converting to flames, Wanda hissed, "Do you have any proof?"
Here he faltered. "Technically, no…but I keep feeling like she's betrayed me in another world."
Distantly, she caught Tootie screeching at him, ((That isn't true!))
"Have you considered the idea that maybe your feelings are wrong?" She replied, noticing Tootie's agitation. With or without the outward ability to speak, she still might tear him to shreds. She'd better remove the telepathy as well…since it wasn't doing them any good at the moment anyway. Maybe she'd sit them down in Tootie's mind room and have a better discussion without the false pretenses.
"I know I'm right," He replied obstinately, finding no factual evidence to support his claim. Sighing heavily, she quickly removed the ability of telepathy and speech from him. This was going nowhere fast.
"Tootie…" Wanda murmured, shutting her eyes and bidding her sudden exhaustion to fade away. Indicative, despite her compulsion to hide it, her wings fluttered languidly and she felt lethargic. Grand, if her wings were fluttering, that meant she might have difficulty remaining aloft. Normally, with fairies, this wasn't a problem, but since she'd gained weight from dark magic, she might plummet. An unpleasant shudder rocked her at the thought.
"I can't tell you where I've been," Tootie exploded, pounding her fists on her thighs. Of course, the instant she did, Timmy's eyes flew there and started imagining what resided beneath her skirt. Hormone driven thirteen year olds, there really was nothing like it. She had the feeling if he weren't plagued by doubts to her whereabouts, he might have had sex with her already. Tootie was certainly willing.
Wordlessly, Timmy mouthed an objection, but since he possessed no voice, neither heard it. Well, there was one advantage to having magic- the ability to shut people up on whim. After everything she'd heard from Timmy lately, she was eternally grateful for being a fairy. It might actually soothe Tootie's nerves to continue unabated, too. And anything that soothed her, soothed Wanda because it was one less problem to deal with.
"Jorgen forbade me," She continued, eyes ablaze. Guessing from her flashing purple eyes, the source of her fury was no longer Timmy but the muscular head of Fairy World. Then again, she hardly blamed her, considering many fairies loathed the sound of his name, much less him in person.
And if I did tell you, which I can't now because fucking Vicky screwed up my chances, I'll be cast into the worst possible world Jorgen can find for me and spend the rest of my life solving other people's problems and never returning here. I don't think I'd be able to bear it if I could never see you again…Tootie thought, eyes welling up at the thought. Despite their frequent arguments and sometimes physical altercations, she'd go mad without him. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.
Tootie's eyes sought Wanda's, perhaps hoping the small pink fairy would believe her. Wanda did, if only because she knew Jorgen very well. She was willing to bet there were some steep consequences if she didn't abide strictly by his decrees, too. After all, the only way to back up a threat was with a bigger one. If anything, Jorgen was the world's largest bully.
Hanging her head, she muttered, "I wish I could tell you, Timmy…I really do. I can't afford break the rules again."
Again? When had she broken them before? Was that why she was home now, because Jorgen had cast her out of whatever her charge had been? When she could get her alone, she'd query her and see if she came up with anything she could tell Timmy. Then again, she sincerely questioned whether or not her godchild would believe her. He hadn't believe Cosmo when he'd told him he loved him…
"I…I didn't betray you, if that's what you're thinking. I was stuck in a bad situation and I was so desperate, I made it worse. I never intended to hurt you…" She trailed off, biting her lip thoughtfully. I only have one way to end that sentence, but if I do, you might still reject me. Nothing I say ever makes any different to you, does it? I try and I try, but do you really care? Or…maybe it's that you really want to die and you don't want me to worry…
In a low voice, barely audible, she finished, "I love you, Timmy Turner…"
Sighing, she waved her wand once more, granting Timmy the power of speech in both mediums. Maybe now, he'd be hesitant to start arguing with her, she hoped. Whatever the case, she planned to visit Vicky before attending to Cosmo. In her absence, she prayed he'd be all right. Besides the stasis field, nothing else shielded him from the elements…or demons.
"I…I love you too, Toot." He murmured, sheepish. Heat spread across his cheeks and, turning her head, ensuring she wouldn't see what followed, Wanda fled rather than left the room. Tootie had Timmy, Vicky had Mark- where did that leave her? With Lorenzo? Heaven help them all.
When she poofed in, immediately she stopped a flying vase, aimed at Mark's face, from smashing into pieces and unpleasantly carving up his cheeks. The reaction between her spell and the vase created a mini time lapse, where the object within remained sustained in mid-air until she gently lowered it to a nearby table. Already, she regretted her decision to arrive here- Vicky was going to need as much help as she could give and then some. First things first, though, she had to coerce her out of her violent mood and act sedate, if that were at all possible.
"Get out of my way!" Vicky screeched, blazing with anger. Another antique trembled in her grasp, but Wanda waved her wand and the hand clutching it as well as the rest of the body attached froze, paralyzed for the duration of her stay. The only way to prevent total disaster was to prevent her from moving, then so be it. Dodging airborne trajectories was not among one of her favorite things to do.
"We need to talk," She replied calmly, practiced in dealings with irate pregnant teens. Before their eventual removal, one of their godchildren found herself with child and spent the duration of their last few months together ranting and raving at Wanda, unable to grant her wishes to abort or otherwise prevent the child's birth. According to Da Rules, abortion and wishing away a child was murder and she found it morally and personally wrong. Of course, her godchild hadn't quite seen eye to eye with her on that.
"About what?" Vicky spat, flopping listlessly onto the couch thanks to another spell. Only her eyes remained defiant, glowering at this intrusion.
"I know you think your situation is supremely unfair and the worst possible circumstance, but having a child can be a wonderful thing. You can influence another person and mold them, watch them grow. It's really a miracle-" Wanda began, wishing she believed half of what she said. Unlike conventional fairies, other than godchildren, she'd never had a child.
"What would you know about it?" Vicky fired back, insolent. Mark, hanging towards the emergency exit, opted against it and sat at the opposite end of the couch. If Wanda needed backup, he'd provide it.
"I…I wouldn't know personally…" What was with uncomfortable topic changes lately? Was it probe Wanda to the point where she wants to flee day? She hugged herself, lamenting her decision more and more.
"Why not? What's the matter, too busy with godchildren to have a kid? I doubt that."
If Mark noticed the color drain from her face, he gave no indication. Then again, he probably couldn't figure what Vicky was getting at. She ought to change the subject before the memories started flooding back.
"As I was saying," Wanda interrupted, her voice coming out higher pitched than normal, more like a squeak. Slowly, she found her calm ebbing away at a distressing rate. Perhaps she ought to think of a good exit line and disappear before she admitted something she'd never told anyone else other than the doctors.
"Children can be a gift-"
"You can't have kids, can you?" A malicious glint surfaced in Vicky's eyes and Wanda cringed, hoping that if she had any compassion in her body, she'd let the subject drop tastefully. Then again, this was Vicky she dealt with and exploiting weakness was what she lived for, when she wasn't throwing up due to morning sickness. Besides, with all these mood swings, this was how she got her kicks.
Ignoring the intimation, Wanda continued. "Sometimes, they hold together a marriage or simply add to it-"
"Why not? Not good enough? I bet almost all female fairies can have kids," Vicky snickered, causing Wanda to tremble and fall out of mid-air onto the floor. She took it back- there was no kind bone in the girl's body.
"Vicky," Mark said warningly, noticing how badly Wanda reacted. "Maybe this isn't the best conversation to be having."
"You're a freak, you know that?" She continued, continuing to snicker. "A freak of nature."
"I didn't say anything to you," Wanda said hotly, hugging her arms to her chest. Unsteadily, she rose to her feet, but her wings refused to cooperate. It seemed the only way she was going to float was if she cast a levitation spell. For the most part, her wings fluttered uselessly and obstinately denied her the gift of floating.
"I never snapped at you for having unprotected sex and not thinking of the consequences. I left you alone!" It wasn't my place to start up with you and it certainly isn't your place to start up with me. Just because I'm not physically capable of carrying a child full term doesn't mean you have the right to treat me like I'm inferior.
"At least I had the possibility of getting pregnant! What's the matter, you were defective? Maybe Cosmo should have returned you-" However, she never received the opportunity to complete her sentence because both Mark and Wanda were up in arms. For the first time in her life, she sincerely yearned to punch her in the face. How dare her!
"Shut up!" She roared, finally levitating but turning black again. Fortunately, she only flickered black before returning to her normal pink, but the surge of dark magic that coursed through her veins sent delightful, excruciating punishments of how she could deal with her. Holding her temper soon became the most difficult thing in her life.
"Vicky!" Mark snapped at the same instant. She hissed at him, but whatever else she had to say in her offense, she never managed because Wanda started in on her. Suppressing your emotions can have some rather nasty aftereffects, but, in retrospect, for all the trouble she caused everyone, she didn't feel the slightest bit sympathetic or remorseful.
"I'm not capable of carrying a child without a miscarriage. Cosmo and I tried and every time, about five times, I lost the baby. You have no idea how painful that is. You're complaining that you didn't want to get pregnant, yet the people that truly want kids and can't have them don't pity you. I certainly don't. You got yourself into this mess.
"I know, you're afraid of being a mother, but you won't know until you try. You're giving up already and acting like such a coward, it's unbearable. Instead of facing your fear, you're striking out at everyone and everything around you. Let me speak for Sophie, Timmy, and Tootie for a moment- we don't appreciate it. Stop acting like a selfish brat and grow up. You're always acting as though you rule the house, maybe it's time you took charge of yourself."
Glowering at her, trembling badly, Wanda vanished from the basement, leaving Vicky to stare blankly, still unable to move because she hadn't relieved the spell.
He'd the good fortune to find Cosmo unguarded. Well, aside from the pitiful stasis field he quickly disposed of, that was. If his protégé couldn't eradicate one pathetic fairy, then it fell to him. He honestly failed to see the difficulty, especially considering the green boob couldn't defend himself. Then again, in his lifetime, Remy possessed little to no common sense and he assumed intellect followed suit.
However, he suppressed a smirk at the wingless Cosmo. Apparently, despite no emotions, he'd still ripped out his wings. If only he could have been there to relish Wanda's expression, but that was for another day. For now, he had his prey and he just had to acquire the last bit of his soul to make it complete. Just a little more...he thirsted for his soul (beggars couldn't be choosers).
Unsheathing one long, bony finger, he stroked the walls of the field and Cosmo tumbled to the bed. Foolish fairies really thought their protection was sufficient- if only he had the time to prove them wrong. He could snap his neck right in front her and then feast upon his soul as she watched, helpless. Well, he could do all that, but he didn't have the time and besides, he'd done that trick before. There had to be another, more malicious one.
The same bony finger caressed Cosmo's scalp, hoping to locate the sliver Remy had missed. Before he could find it, Wanda entered the tree house, her wand held out in front of her. He could honestly say he hadn't killed a fairy in cold blood in a while. Perhaps that would provide him some entertainment.
"Stay away from my husband," She hissed, poofing to his side immediately and casting a shield around the two of them.
Cold, mirthless laughter filled the room and she clutched Cosmo to her as tightly as possible. How he enjoyed the torment of innocent fairies, but, once again, he must make haste. Since she was so desperate to fight him and he was in an amiable mood, he thought he'd strike a deal. Mind you, one should never make a compact with a demon, but since she appeared desperate, he doubted she'd take that into consideration.
"I'll make you a deal, frach," Eschcolex snapped, spitting out the derogative like poison. "Since you seem so keen on keeping your precious husband, I'll give you three months (I'm a very patient demon, you see) to acquire the rest of his soul. If you cannot restore him in that time, I feast upon his…and yours.
"If you do restore his soul, I will focus on other, worthier meals. Do we have a deal?"
Wanda paled and he saw her turning this over in her mind. Fortunately, it didn't take her long to arrive to a conclusion. From repute, he'd heard she was the smart one anyway. Not that it mattered to him, but perhaps that meant her soul would taste all the sweeter.
"Yes."
"Excellent." Throwing a contract at her as her signature appeared on the dotted line, he vanished.
In three months, I'll feast upon your souls whether or not you rescue him…
Let me say one thing before I start replying to reviews- computers and my portable hard drive don't appear to like this story. I lost the first three pages of this chapter and then the last four and I had to rewrite them.
And while I'm listening to music, if you want good mood pieces, try "Even in Death" by Evanescence, "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" by My Chemical Romance,
Yeah Loi- Heh, from a quick update to a really slow one…but that's the way the cookie crumbles. At least this chapter was fairly long.
Dark Fairy- Heh, thanks. Unfortunately, he went right back to being selfish…
SoulPoet- Well said. I kind of forget my original reaction to your review because it's been so long, but yeah, well said.
Now the problem is that Wanda is conflicted and doesn't want to reveal how miserable she is.
MisterBlue- Well, of course she's a 'helluva' woman. Who else would I crush on this badly? There's also the matter of her being a fae…
Of course he is- he relishes the idea. Part of the whole reason he wants Tootie is to punish Timmy.
And Wanda cares! (feels like brandishing a flag and waving it) That poor girl…
KIDEVIL1- Hun, who said that he was going to lose Wanda even if he isn't conscious to save her? Wanda isn't the type to start cheating just because Cosmo's out of action. Lorenzo's affections will remain unreturned, I assure you.
And Lor isn't gay…I never said he was. Perhaps you've forgotten he had a thing for Vicky?
Yes, Lorenzo is bisexual, much like the author. (winks)
Ahhelga- I didn't realize how many people liked Sophie…heh.
Yes, I know your dislike for him in this story and your long time in reviewing was nothing on my long delay on updating. Oy.
Trixie21- Let me preface this by saying I was on cloud nine when I received your review. Then again, you know all about that because I sent you an e-mail like five minutes after I received it. Therefore, there's no need to repeat myself.
Thankies…
I'm working on a complete list of songs that would work well with this story...e-mail me for the list. I'll send it to you when it's done.