B-3: Cedric Liddell/Tenniel
Prerequisite: Unlock A-9 + Unlock B-2
Requirements: Max score Eccentric Tale and Iconoclast using Alice and Tenniel (level 20) on all difficulties + Play through Trappola Bewitching and Alice's Suitcase (Immediately goes to B-3 when Trappola Bewitching is completed provided all other requirements is met)
He was only a child when his parents departed from this world. The only people he had was his 2 sisters, them being only toddlers. He only remembered his parents when he looked at the piece of art that was left for him. It was a drawing of a vase containing three unique flowers, a bright blue chrysanthemum that was strangely the brightest among the other flower, a Lavender flower that had features of a snapdragon and a black camellia flower that had petals of a yellow rose.
To him, it was fascinating, especially the purple one. If only they do exist, then he would have them as his own. But they do not. If that is the case, he would make it real. He initially struggled to draw but after several attempts of drawing, drawing became his second nature.
Thankfully for him, he had his parent's inheritance. So, he wasn't financially struggling. But it was still difficult to pursue his dreams while looking after his sisters. However, that wasn't enough. He had to become a freelance artist as a result to support himself and his family.
Years came by, he became used with his freelance job while being able to watch over his siblings. Alice wrote many interesting stories while Sophia loved to watch his art and Alice's stories. There was even a point in a time where they went for a holiday. It was a delight to see every beautiful place in the world. He painted every single one of them that interest him.
While it took him some hard work to create a wonderful life for his sisters, there were still holes that he cannot fix. Nobody liked Alice and Sophia because of him. Sophia's friends tried to make use of her to get heels over his fortune. Alice was supposed to be respected for her stories, but her peers dismissed her for plagiarism or his popularity. So much hate because of jealously. But he ignored them. They kept bothering him to no end. Sophia's 'friends' approached her to fame and fortune. If they fail, they will pick on her for not helping them, threatened to throw her down. Thankfully, Sophia never faced the consequences, but she was still clueless to her own situation.
Regardless, Cedric believes that he could provide his siblings a good life. When he asked his siblings' dreams, Alice was straight forward with her answer, to be a great storywriter while Sophia just wishes to be free, content with her life as she thought of her life to be perfect even without parents. Cedric was glad that at least they had their dreams. When he looked at the drawing his parents left for him, he was reminded of them. Like those flowers that are in a full bloom, he and his sisters will have a wonderful life. He will do anything to ensure that his sisters will be happy. He could do exactly that. If he could do it, then it is fine.
(Background Music: Myosotis by M2U & NICOLE)
Until it is not. His youngest sister has fallen ill to a terminal disease. At first, he tried to negotiate with the doctors in any way to save her. No matter how much he does, no matter how much money he is willing to pay, the answer is always the same and so does her fate:
She will die
She will be alone
She will die alone
He was broken. He couldn't do anything to help her. Sophia wanted to tell her about this. However, he hesitated. How would Alice take this news? He decided to not tell Alice about it till later. In the end, she found out by herself. She promised him to tell him a story she just finished writing with Sophia. A story that she knew all along. A story of a dream that should have happened. A story that never happened in the end.
He failed. His sister's life has faded away. He has failed her. He couldn't give her the life he planned or even wished for her. He was a fool. Indeed, he is a fool, thinking that he can support their dreams when he neglected about their lives (A/N: He didn't, he just thinks of it that way). What can he do for her now after her funeral? Wait, he can still honour her life by publishing this story. He will complete this dream for her.
He failed miserably. He has not even changed a single word of her story. When he did publish this story, they badmouthed her story, preferring a bad ending towards the story. He was angry. This story meant a lot to Sophia, him and more importantly, Alice, who gave her life to write this story, and they dismissed it. They never respected this story. Not at all. They all thought of it as a joke. A bad story.
Cedric couldn't even accomplish her dream. Cedric has only brought insult to Alice. He is ashamed of himself for failing this dream. He shouldn't have done that. He should have just kept this story between himself and Sophia. So… he decided to change himself. He will no longer become Cedric Liddell. He is now Tenniel Liddell. Cedric has failed in his mission to grant dreams. Cedric has failed to give a bright and happy future for his siblings. Tenniel now only has Sophia. So, his mission was just simple, do not lose her, protect Sophia at all costs.
(Music ends)
Life has taken a drastic change from her death. Tenniel became overprotective. He could not bear to lose anyone that matter to him anymore. Sophia was obedient to what his brother wanted for him despite objecting her wishes. However, he was unaware of Sophia's change of personality. Sophia slowly became worse overtime.
When he looked to this treasured painted, he saw chrysanthemum flower became rotten. The other flowers became darker. He frowned, not expecting this phenomenon to be happen. What could this mean? He wondered. Was it like this all this time? Did he see this wrongly?
He dismissed it. It wasn't important. Maybe he was delusional.
There were many people that caught Sophia's interest. He observed but didn't trust them. Even a small gesture from them is perceived to be suspicious action to Tenniel. Without Sophia's knowledge, he threatened them to stay away from her. He doesn't care if Sophia has no friends if that meant she is safe. He kept doing this until she meant a certain individual.
Yes, it is him that we know of.
He seemed innocent, totally unaware of what is she. He seemed unbothered about her background or whatsoever. But it he is still not cleared of suspicion. Without disturbing them, he checked his background without anyone's knowledge. He was Alexandar who was well known for his vast experience of a piano, which was impressive especially since he was self-taught. However, what many people didn't know is that he had a stepsister that was shut off to the world. Should he close one eye to this matter? Maybe Alexandar was like him, willingly to protect his family at any cost.
Alexandar had a great influence on Sophia. Previously, she never had an interest to anything. But with Alexandar around, she started to look for any sort of musical instruments that would suit her. He thought that she would pick a piano to follow suit but oddly, she picked a guitar instead to suit her.
When he heard that Sophia was taking part of a Music Talent Show. He objected. But she insisted to join. She sounded confident even when she revealed her partner uses a Violin. It was strange indeed but…
Music is a form of art.
So does story writing.
And so does his traditional form of art, drawing and painting.
So why not give her a chance to prove herself? After all it became her dream, right?
One day, he was passing by to sell some of his artworks he has drawn but he came across a girl who was performing. At such a young age, she has managed to gain fame for her rock music. He couldn't believe how well she did. So, with such potential, she could be successful celebrity in music in no time. But what if he could give her a challenge? If he was still Cedric, he would in no doubt approach her to ask her join as an invitation. But he is Tenniel. He doesn't care about anyone else besides Sophia. But… is this right?
Sophia had the courage to approach people and even managed to truly befriend people after so many times. He never had one. He thinks anyone as dangerous to her. But, maybe, its time that she grows. Maybe it's time for him to stop having this overprotective mindset. Maybe, it's time to return to who he was. Even it was slowly. So, he has decided, he will invite this girl into this competition.
Time goes by, was he right in his decision to invite this girl into the competition? Maybe it was unnecessary for him to do that. But why? Why did he do that? He doesn't know that answer himself. Cedric would have known. But Tenniel doesn't. He only sees this a part of moving on, nothing else.
Tenniel visited Alice by her gravestone. He asked her the same question if he was right to do that. Would it be right? Would Cedric do that? Right, she can't answer that question. What an idiot. But if she was alive, what would her answer be? No doubt she would be glad of her big sister taking part in a competition and given her support. Does he regret his decision to invite her? Obviously not, but was it worth it?
A shadow of himself approaches him. Tenniel recognizes him. He is Cedric. The one who he previously was. A part of himself that he abandoned.
"If I were you, I would have not thought about it. We have given a chance for her to grow beyond her potential." 'Cedric' told him
"No, this must have been a mistake, I have made a mistake, I shouldn't have invited her. She would..."
"Do what exactly? She has done nothing wrong. Or has Alice death affected your judgement that bad?"
"You know what happened, it's because of me, I failed to protect them because of them. I shouldn't have been trusting of others so easily."
"And you understand it wasn't your fault or others' fault! What could you have done to help Alice recover? What could the doctors have done to help Alice recover? What have anyone done to Alice that made her ill? Nobody. You can blame fate for making this happen on her. But…"
"I couldn't fulfil her last wish! I brought shame to her! Do you know that I couldn't protect her wish? I…"
"Brother stop!" Another voice came by. When Tenniel opened his eyes again, this time, a figure of Alice joined. He did not expect another visitor to came by nor did he expect her of all people.
"I may not have achievement my dream to be a well-known story writer, but at least… I have finished my goal. Do you know why I wrote that story? My story was only for the three of us, not for the rest of the world to see… You and Sophia know very well that this is very special to us. You have done enough for me. It's time to let me go. Stop using me to hold you back. Let me rest peacefully, knowing that you are still the brother I know and loved." Alice then disappeared.
"I'm very sure you know your answer. Give Shirabe a chance. She won't hurt anyone. No one will. If you continue this, you will only hurt Sophia in the end." Cedric said his words before he disappeared too.
Tenniel blinked again and they were gone. He laughed, thinking that he has gone crazy just a moment ago. But they were right. He can't change the past but he knows he shouldn't let Alice's death affect him too much. It's time to move on for the future. He swore to change. He swore to not only protect Sophia but to also protect her dreams.
But not everything has changed. He continued his stalking methods. He is no longer restrictive, but he keeps watching Sophia from a far, without Sophia's knowledge.
On the day of the competition, he witnessed everyone's performance on his seat. When Shirabe finished her playing her signature songs, he wondered how Sophia and her partner would be perform better than this. He wouldn't be surprise if they failed. After all, Shirabe has a reputation for her rock music. However, what surprised him is that song they pulled. Auxesia, outperformed everyone's performance. A song of happiness, innocence, and carefreeness.
He was proud of Sophia, finally achieving what he couldn't do. He never expected them to win the Music Talent Show. Well, she deserved it. Cedric and Alice were right, it's time to move on. Return to being a happy Cedric, not a moody and sad Tenniel.
So, he will change. He will get over this. He keeps telling himself that. Sophia seems like she has moved on. So, he too, shall move on.
He was so wrong. Sophia did not move on.
Another round of stalking, and from the way Sophia behaves, she has not moved on. She talks to Hikari as if she was Alice back then and talks to Alexandar as if he was Cedric. He can't blame her; he was reminded of how content of the trio was back then. Alexandar being Cedric, Hikari being Alice and Sophia obviously herself.
But still, she must stop seeing them like that. They are different people with different lives.
He didn't know that all this time, Sophia knew about him shadowing her, ever since he was watching her performance. He didn't know when to stop. But during this time, he has grown to realize that Sophia was behaving just like him.
Invading Hikari's privacy, bothering Alexandar far too many times when he is busy. This is an unhealthy obsession that Sophia had. When he investigated it further, he realized that Sophia only wanted to get back her life she had before Alice's death. To her, this was a perfect life she has lost and one that she intends to get it back, through Hikari and Alexandar. This mindset is merely destroying her as a result.
Sophia approached him one day. Intending to settle this matter once and for all. She has been very angry about it.
(A/N: This is the same contents from A-9 where Sophia and Tenniel argued. If you want to read this, go ahead. Feel free to skip this if you don't want to.)
"When are you going to stop following me brother?" Sophia faced Tenniel. Ever since she found out that he has been following her, she was not pleased. Rather, she is annoyed.
"I am not..."
"Don't even try lying to me. I saw you at the audience's seat. You watched my performance."
"I admit, I was there, and I am proud of you. But that's only once!"
"You have been following me. All this time. Yesterday, I was with Hikari and Alexandar. You were literally following us while hiding in your car."
"That would be too obvious. I was at the garden, appreciating-"
"That was your car. And obviously it was you"
"It could be another car that looks like mine"
"I'm not that dumb to fall for that brother. Now tell me, why are you following me so much?"
"I would rather not"
"Just tell me your damn reason already!"
"Just leave it alone!"
"I have a life of my own. You aren't even my parent either!"
"You are just a girl who hasn't grown up yet!"
... Sophia was shocked. Tenniel, being so blunt and accusing her for her being not matured?
"You think I didn't notice? You tried to be so strong. But I know you. You stress yourself to correct everything you see. You were being too selfish, you rely too much on Alexandar, you invaded Hikari's privacy by reading her own diary, her very personal book! In short, you want everything to be in your way… You are a control freak who wants your friends to behave as a 'perfect' person with a 'perfect' life while you are also trying to become 'perfect' as well."
"I am helping them get better with their lives. Yes, I may have been reliant with Alexandar, but he is good example of a perfect person! And Hikari is a shut-off who will only truly talk to those close to her."
"Protecting your friends is indeed a good thing Sophia but influencing them to be what you want is manipulation! Even if it's what you call as 'perfect' lives, it is still manipulation! Others may not want to live in that way."
Sophia doesn't want to believe it. There must be something is perfect. Perfect that she will claim it to be hers.
"Nothing is perfect. Perfection is only an ideal. I warned this to you-"
She slapped him. After a moment's silence, she responded:
"I have just realized that you are right…"
"Ever since that day...where Alice is gone... Cedric is dead. Tenniel is a mere imitation of Cedric..."
"I thought that both were the same and the same, they are you."
"However, they are different. Cedric is my brother, Tenniel is not my brother"
"Get out, you are NOT my brother."
Tenniel did not tell her want he really meant. Sophia should also get over Alice's death and start seeing Hikari and Alexandar for who they really are. She shouldn't replace what she has lost with what she has found. She would only insult her own memories that mattered to her.
Her ideal of perfection became an obsession, driven by a loss of a loved one. He frowned. Can he really wake Sophia out of this pain she has placed herself upon?
No, he doesn't. He kept approaching Sophia day by day. Sophia kept dismissing him. Until finally, she decided to settle this.
"What do you want from me? Tenniel" Annoyed. If he gets what he wants, then he will stop bothering her forever.
"Listen to me, I know why you are doing this. But please, stop doing this. You only hurt everyone around you and yourself!"
"Hurt? No, I am doing what is right. What is perfect! What we should have back then!"
"What you are doing will only bring you further away from what you intend on doing. I know because I was like you. I am sorry for being so overprotective of you back then. I am sorry for being so restrictive on your life like this. Please, stop this."
"You are sorry? Tell me, will your apologies bring back Alice? Will your apologies bring back what we have lost? More importantly, will YOUR apologies fix anything here?"
"No, but we must move on! Being trapped into the past will do you nothing. I know how you felt on that day because I felt it too. We never moved on. But trust me, we can do this. We need to let go…"
"Are you done? Because quite clearly you are done."
"Sophia, I…"
"Leave"
Sophia never listened to Tenniel. Tenniel walked away from Sophia. How much is Sophia is going to hurt to realize this?
He looked at his treasured painting. Now the camellia flower is seemingly at its early stages of rotting. If these painting he sees represents who they are, then, he must stop her from 'rotting' or in other words hurting herself.
He can do nothing but watch Sophia destroy herself. Every single effort he has tried to stop her always had been a waste. The worst-case scenario happened. He was there. He was there when Sophia pushed her friend down. A fatal accident that Sophia never wished for it to happen.
To Sophia, Tenniel was transparent. Even after Tenniel was speaking to her.
So, she really done it. She hurt everyone that mattered to her, even her heart and soul.
As expected, she was pushed away by Alexandar, for the death of his stepsister. Tenniel can't blame him. After all, he had experienced the death of a loved one too. Misery consumed him before and now has consumed Alexandar. But, right now, he must focus on Sophia.
He ran, finding Sophia in her house. However, when he found her, he was too late. Sophia suicided. There was no saving her. He failed to save her from her own hell.
So, that's it then, he lost his other sister. He was too late. He took his phone as he called Alexandar. Wanting to meet him personally seriously (A/N: B-4 will cover this. They did meet up and stuff. But I'm skipping this.)
So, he was done. He buried Sophia just beside Alice. He apologised that he couldn't help her. He was too late. He took his painting that he kept seeing. As expected, the camellia flower has rotted. He finally understood what it all meant. Before he left the gravestone, he swore he will do his sisters proud. He will honour them with whatever they all three had as he left the painting alone on their graves. The painting showed a Lavender flower that was strangely the brightest while having the petals of a yellow rose. The flowers beside it were both rotten.
He learnt how to replicate Alice's story writing techniques from re-reading her books and her tendencies and the Sophia's Guitar playing techniques. To him, this is his way to remember and honour what he has lost. He will not make the same mistake.
(Background Music: Archav by Feryquitous)
In his last act before he finally moved on, he started to write a book, one that he will use everything he knows into this story and even adding music to certain points of the story. Little did he realize that his story was coincidental. There were 14 variations to this story, each telling a story for different characters but still the related to each other. But among them, he considers this one the best.
It was a story of two amnesiac and depressed girls that woke up in a world of glass and shards, who will eventually meet each other, and…
(Music ends at 0:35 timeframe)
A/N: Sorry for a long wait. This chapter was difficult to write because I honestly have nothing new for this chapter plot-wise, it's almost the same. So, I focus more on character development for Tenniel. I had to use Alice's death as a pivotal event to trigger the change of character in both Cedric/Tenniel and Sophia.
The whole main point about this character story was to overcome the past. Tenniel and Sophia for so long never did overcome the past. Sophia wanted to go back to the past which triggered her mindset of perfection. Tenniel merely wanted to prevent another death of his loved one which he took very drastic means to do so. While he acknowledged his problem, he never really overcome it, such as him stalking Sophia. He is still trying to stop getting affected by the past. But will he in the end after writing this story? That answer will be left ambiguous.
About why Alice and Sophia being not well-liked was mainly due to jealously. Cedric was able to support his family enough and still miraculously still be able to be financially rich. The others were not as rich as them and they sort after them thinking that they could get money for themselves. I didn't pull this one off well.
Lastly, the story that Tenniel writes is quite literally Arcaea story. It is coincidental and has nothing to do with happening with Hikari and Tairitsu. Tenniel did not influence any events in Arcaea. Fake Tenniel is related to Alice's story in canon and B-2, not the real one.
B-4 will be Alexandar's story. It will have more focus with Hikari than with Sophia because Sophia had so many appearances in B-2 and this chapter. Hikari was mentioned in B-1 and B-3 but didn't contribute to their representative stories.
