The Ninth Star

Summary: An evil enigmatic being known as The Ninth Star was once in a group known as the Nefarious Nine, all of whom were destroyed. The sole survivor of the attack, The Ninth Star takes up residence in a new host, and has now been tracked down to Valestrai, where there are nine powerful magic wielders under investigation. Sofia and company are called in to help question the suspects, but nothing could have prepared them for the outcome when the mystery begins to unravel. *Takes place two years after The Tainted Ten*

Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First. The following characters belong to me: Jastin Butterford, Muscles, Malango the Magnanimous (mentioned), Corban, Charlie, Serena, Angel, Shikoba, Alo, the Ninth Star (and other Stars), and several others not mentioned in the other lists. MarionetteJ2X owns Nana, Tanya, and Terra. Mr. Shortman92 owns Christopher Crowley and Amaya. NerdsinaTree owns Captain Nereus. Royal Detective owns Gabriel Sebastian. Allyrwhitney owns Feya. Jettmanas owns Davidius. Creepy-Pasta owns Neoma. Pinkscarlet08 owns Amerie. Theblackraven2.0 owns Malcom "Mac" Woodruff. Also, the "Nefarious Nine" title belongs to NerdsinaTree, as the title was originally supposed to be used in "The Tainted Ten" until we added a tenth character.


Chapter 17: Soulless


"I don't know how we are going to defeat a god," Neoma told the others. "Especially one with a demon snake-dragon for a pet!"

Crowley smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Two can play that game." He touched his right forefinger to his left wrist, over the tattoo of the horned flying creature, and mumbled something in an ancient language. His wrist glowed brightly as he stepped forward, a faint red glow emanating from his chest, which housed the crystal he'd previously mentioned. A large puff of red smoke rose around him, followed by a loud, unnatural, guttural growl, and the creature replacing the human form of Christopher Crowley stepped forward: horns first, then wings following soon thereafter, and lastly, his visage and hooves.

Chimera Crowley looked like a large fanged and winged creature with the head of a lion, the body of any catlike creature, goat horns, hooves instead of paws with sharp talons, with a striking white mane and glowing gold eyes. Interestingly enough, at first glance, his torso still looked very human, but it did have some fur coating the exterior. Instead of a tail, he possessed a cobra counterpart, with matching glowing eyes and dripping venom from its own fangs. While he was able to stand on all fours like a typical animal, he alternatively was able to stand on two feet, which he now opted to do, looking ferocious and feral.

Amaya could not help fanning herself a bit as her eyes roved over her companion's dangerous features. She'd only seen him like that one other time, but she hadn't been old enough to appreciate it. Now… She certainly knew why he kept the chimera form at bay, but she also wished he'd use it more often… A commanding Crowley in any form was…much appreciated.

Chimera Crowley snarled as he lunged at Mosaia, his cobra lashing out and attacking the serpent-dragon while he lunged for the god himself, his fangs nearly seeping into his shoulder until the evil being threw a blast of magic toward him, knocking him backwards.

Cedric, Sofia, Neoma, Greylock (who was a bit more cognizant), and Orion jumped in and used their own powers and magic to subdue Mosaia while Chimera Crowley clambered to his feet again, preparing to strike if needed.

"Shikoba!" Vega called, narrowing her eyes at the ambassador. "Try your ring again!"

Shikoba hesitated only momentarily before nodding and holding her ring out, yelling out the same words from earlier, nearly faltering a bit when she saw those horrid yellow eyes turning on her.

"You wouldn't dare," Mosaia snapped, sounding hurt for some reason. "After all I did for you! Protecting you, caring for you, being by your side after your fiancé died!"

"Don't listen to him, Shikoba!" Sofia yelled. "He was using you!"

The tug on her ring lessened as Shikoba felt herself becoming conflicted. "But! Alo… H-He did…protect me…"

"He's not Alo—he's Mosaia! And when did he come into your life?" Orion argued. "Immediately after your fiancé's death, did he not?" Seeing her surprised expression, he frowned. "What if he was responsible?!"

"And what of all the death he allowed the Ninth Star to cause?" Feya finally asked, even though she was in severe pain. "And us! We're injured or dying!"

"I…" Shikoba shook her head, a heavy scowl set on her face as she glared at Mosaia. "You tricked me!"

"I own you," Mosaia cackled, grinning with those sharp fangs. "Even now I can see how you hesitate! You couldn't kill me if you tried! I'm a god, Shikoba—I'm indestructible!"

She tapped her ring again, watching it glow more brightly. "Maybe so, but that does not mean you cannot be contained…" Repeating her actions and words from earlier in a stronger stance and voice, she cried out as Mosaia was ripped from his spot on the floor, the demonic serpent-dragon bursting into dust. She held her ring in her hands as Mosaia vanished, enclosed within the ancient jewelry.

"He won't stay there long," Vega warned her, unzipping a pocket of space with her own magic, turning her dark eyes on Shikoba. "I hate to ask you this, but… Sealing it away is the safest thing. There is no guarantee either the ring or the magic space pocket will conceal Mosaia forever, but we must try…"

Nodding, though feeling rare emotions welling within her at the thought of losing her mother's ring, she let loose a breath before throwing it into nothingness, watching as Vega quickly sealed it. "I prefer life over trinkets," she whispered, whether to the others or as a form of reassurance for herself. She looked up at the others. "I am so sorry… If I had only sensed evil within Alo, we could have avoided so much of this."

"It isn't your fault," Cedric assured her calmly. "He just did what all evil beings do. He appeared to be something you wanted or needed at the time, and he disguised himself very well. Ultimately, his true nature couldn't be denied, but that is not your fault, Shikoba. You did the right thing by saving us all, even at the expense of losing your mother's ring."

She sighed, smiling sadly at the sorcerer. "Thanks, Cedric… I know it is true. It just hurts…"

Sofia reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Your mom would understand. You used the ring as intended, and surely, she knows that. And now, you can start over."

"Yes… Somehow…"

Crowley reverted back to his normal form and yelped as Amaya dashed over to him, jumping into his arms, hugging him around the neck while her legs wrapped around his waist. "Amaya?"

"I was so scared," she whispered, peppering his cheek with some kisses as she looked up at him. "By the way… Any time you want to use that chimera form…" She grinned as he flushed, lowering her to the floor, and turning and clearing his throat. "Too much?"

"Wrong time and place," he corrected, sending her a wary look.

"Ooh, roleplay later." She grinned as he flushed darker. "Gotcha."

With the help of Terra and Sofia, and even Gabriel, they healed Mac, Orion, Vega, Feya, and Amerie completely, regardless of their wounds, injuries, or issues.

With her wings restored, Feya smiled and fluttered a bit, twirling around, enjoying the freedom of the wind behind her. She flew into Cedric's arms, hugging him, much to his surprise. "Thanks for helping me! You are so kind."

The princess laughed as her husband blinked, unsure what to do.

Cedric was a bit taken aback by the sudden interaction with the fairy, and he chuckled calmly before patting her back. "You're welcome, young lady. Er, fairy. Both?"

"Both, Cedric," Sofia laughed.

After tying up a few loose ends, Shikoba saw to it that the officials handled the deaths of Davidius and Captain Nereus with the utmost respect. Once everyone was cleared, they were free to go.

To be continued…

Next Chapter: What You Mean to Me