They're close. Persephone can feel it. She can feel it in her bones. A strange sense of thrill rushes through her veins that reside with a hint of danger; her stomach does summersaults making her antsy. She starts scratching the red seat beneath her, her sharp claws dipping into the fabric and leaving behind thin lines that leak cotton.
Persephone reaches behind her to stroke the scabbed parts of her back where her wings used to be, and how bare she feels without them. Part of her wishes she can glue them back on but knows it won't work that way. She looks to the window and pulls open the pale blue curtain. Her eyes widen when she sees it: Home. Something inside purs in recognition. She remembers sorting through her parents' memories, creating those illusions of the different temples and roads. The AutoCoach glides over all of it, Cedric and Sofia both gasp as they peer out their windows to view the many temples and structures abandoned by time and left to age alone.
Sadly, they also saw the many stoned bodies as well, the sight leaves both of them shivering in fear. It was a foreboding sight to the small group of three, especially Sofia who felt that they were trespassing on sacred land. The Enchancian princess turns to smile at Persephone, hoping to lighten the mood a little as she offers the Phoenix Shifter a gentle pat on her arm, "This place is beautiful, isn't it? This is where you're from."
Persephone shrugs and nods in agreement. Yes, technically she had been born in Pompeii, but that was centuries ago. Her parents had been residents in the ancient Roman city, with her being born hours before the mighty volcanic erupted.
Speaking of the volcano, she can see it sitting begrudgingly in the distance, a large dark mound of earth that continues to vex those who heard of its might. Mount Vesuvius, the name that always made her heart tremble. This was the very mountain that she had been born in. Her parents were scared of it, not because of its power but because of its destructive temper. The great volcano had wiped out cities and left many imprisoned in ashy graves. Phoenix Shifters are impervious to fire but that doesn't mean they can't fear a volcano's power. Supposedly, it was the volcano that created Phoenix Shifters, but just as it had given them their power, it might also take it away.
Fire is a powerful element. It is the first of the circle in the cycle of creation. Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Not only in the cycle of creation, but also in the cycle of destruction, Fire, Metal, Wood, Earth, and Water. Persephone had always been taught that life cannot exist without fire. Volcanos are the source of fire, they are pure fire, having the ability to not only cause devastation but also raise hope for a new world. Many say that the world will end in fire, but the world also began with fire. A rebirthing cycle. The cycle of creation and the cycle of destruction.
Persephone suddenly groans, spots dance across her vision in various colors. She feels light-headed and faint. Shaking it away, Persephone tries to keep herself composed, sadly her actions do not go unnoticed. A gentle hand touches her again, "Persephone, are you okay?'
She nods, her head starting to ache, and a terrible burning in her soul. Time is running out. she fights to stay focused, to keep her eyes open as they start their descend to the ground, but another wave of nausea completely drains her and Persephone finds herself unconscious once more.
"It's getting worse, Cedric!" Sofia calls, lifting Persephone's head onto her lap, she gently strokes the girl's hair and tries to rouse her awake. Touching Persephone's forehead, Sofia sighs in relief in knowing that the Phoenix Shifter didn't have a fever this time, but this did not lessen her concern. "We need to figure out what to do next. Any ideas?"
Cedric shrugs, "You're asking the wrong sorcerer, my dear. I don't know what we're supposed to do, I assumed that once we got here, Persephone would just do whatever it is she does, and then we'll go home afterward."
"What about Grimtrix?" The name sent both of them on edge. Grimtrix had not been seen in quite a while, in fact, it was unnerving to know that the man hasn't shown up. Sofia shakes her fears aside, now was not the time to worry about him, they need to focus on their task and deal with the evil sorcerer when he shows up.
"We'll be fine," Cedric assures her, surprisingly. It was strange to them both. Once upon a time, Sofia was more optimistic and hopeful, offering encouragement to those who need it and casting out any negativity with the promise that they'll succeed no matter what. Now the roles have been reversed. Sofia couldn't help but smile at that; Amber had noted that Sofia and Cedric were developing each other's traits, but it had never occurred to Sofia that this was one of them. Cedric smiles too, "I don't know what we're supposed to expect, but as you have said many times before, we'll get through this: together."
"Together," Sofia repeats and touches his hand, "Thanks, Cedric, I needed that."
"Of course," He chirps merrily, though there was a hint of sarcasm in his tone. Sofia rolls her eyes. Cedric is still Cedric through and through.
A snap of a twig caught their attention, but before either could react, they were ambushed, five or so ashen zombies descended upon them, moving at inhuman speeds to seize the partners by their arms, so they wouldn't use their wands.
A voice in the distance spoke: "Manibus earum!" And the zombie holding them raises his hand and covers Sofia and Cedric's arms with black tar that hardens into stone, immobilizing their ability to use hand magic.
"Grimtrix!" Sofia yells fighting against her binds, her feet scrape against the stone ground, as said sorcerer steps out from behind one of the pillars with Malchior's book in his arms. He smirks, "I'm so happy you finally showed up, and here I thought you would actually disappoint me, Sofia."
He looks at Persephone's unconscious body and chuckles, "Looks like her time is almost up. The poor thing doesn't have long left for this world. I certainly must thank you, Cedric and Sofia, you made my mission a little easier." He snaps his fingers, "Get the girl." One of his zombies sluggishly marches to Persephone and picks her up, throwing her over his shoulder, the Phoenix Shifter groans but doesn't wake up.
Grimtrix chuckles at Cedric and Sofia, "I really must commend you for your selfless acts, my dears. I've been watching you three since you first started your trip here and it's amazing to see this beast finally get tamed." He rubs the white bandages on his shoulder where Persephone had bitten him. "She surprised me by her feral attack, but I suppose it's my fault for not defanging her when I had the chance."
Sofia seethes, "Don't you dare touch her, you puta!" Cedric glances at her, surprise on his face, while he isn't fluent in Spanish he could tell that what Sofia said was not a favorable word. No doubt if Miranda had heard her daughter say such a thing she would be very upset. However, the name drop was very much appropriate in this instance, whatever that word meant, it seemed to hold all the malice and frustration that Sofia held for the sorcerer.
Even Grimtrix looked stunned, then he smirks, chuckling, "My, my, do you kiss your mother with that mouth, little one? I must say that is a very naughty word." He snaps his fingers and one of his zombies raises a hand to cover Sofia's mouth in the same black tar that locked her hands together behind her. Thankfully the hardened tar does not cover her nose allowing Sofia to breathe even if her nostrils flare as she inhales to accommodate her rising anger towards the sorcerer.
"Hurry up!" Malchior yells, "We are losing time, the Phoenix Shifter isn't going to last much longer."
It was true, Persephone was withering in her sleep, drenched in sweat as her body fought to keep her alive but also wishing to renew itself.
Grimtrix glares at his book, "You only want me to hurry so that I may free you."
"That is our deal, Grimtrix. As a man who is supposed to keep his word, you are wasting my time with your pathetic attempt at playing a hunter."
Grimtrix glares heatedly at his acquaintance, "You are on thin ice, Malchior, I am only earning my prey. You should know the value of the hunt."
"is that what you're planning?" Cedric yells, he rises to one knee, attempting to stand but is ultimately thrown down by one of Grimtrix's minions, despite this the royal sorcerer continues to yell, "Persephone isn't a beast, Grimtrix. She's a girl you have been tormenting. Release her now or else!" There was nothing he could really do, though, but if Cedric could just free his hands, he could match Grimtrix.
"Oh, and what do you plan on doing, Cedric?" The sorcerer chuckles, he smirks at Sofia who continues to fight her binds, "I think I have the upper hand here. Once I'm done with Persephone and have won to privilege of consuming her heart, I'll deal with you two. Right now, I have a game to play."
"You're wasting your time!" Machior yells, his book shaking with his growing rage, "Just get it over with, tear out her heart and release me!"
"Patience, Malchior, I am a man of my word, but I will not tolerate any disrespect from a dragon foolish enough to get himself trapped inside his enemy's book."
"At least my enemy was a grown man, not some teeny, tiny girl in a dress. The battle we had was ancient and spoken for eons, while yours was over and you were defeated by a little girl who shaped shift into a little bulldog!"
"Enough!" Grimtrix waves his hand and a portal spins open, its inner light of seafoam green and sky blue spits and crackles together like lighting, turning and turning until the only visible exit is a small white dot in the distance. He glares at Malchior and smirks sinisterly, "I'm afraid our deal is over."
"No, don't-" Grimtrix throws the book into the portal and it closes shut. The sorcerer chuckles to himself, clapping his hands together in a show of dusting them off. "I should have done that from the beginning." Turning to Cedric and Sofia he smirks at the two partners continue to struggle, "I suppose you two are going to try and escape, which is fine. I won't try and contain you since I've already reached my goal." He marches to Persephone and shakes her hard, waking up the Phoenix Shifter, "Awaken, my dear, it's time to begin our little game of cat and mouse."
Persephone whines squinting her tired eyes. When she sees who it is her lips pull back in a low sneer, releasing a weak feral hiss. She doesn't have much strength left, her time is down to the hours, at least three if possible. Grimtrix smirks at her, "I'm a generous man, my dear. I will give you a running start to the volcano. Just a fifteen-second headstart, that's more than considerate of me." He shakes her head when she starts to dose off, "Snap out of it! You will run as fast as you can, don't make this too easy for me, beast. I want to earn my meal. You will run and you will fight until you lose your will and once I find you, and I will, I will tear out your precious little heart and consume it right in front of your pretty eyes." He yanks Persephone to her feet and shoves her. Persephone stumbles on weak limbs, collapsing like a doll on the hard road.
Cedric and Sofia both struggle to move and get to her but are still forced back by Grimtrix's minions.
Grimtrix smirks as Persephone struggles to get up again, her body shaking as she fights her fever and exhaustion. She loses her lunch and spits up bile on the ground.
"Awe," Grimtrix coos sarcastically, "Is someone getting sick. It must be your body finally losing its will to live. Well, may as well go out swinging, my dear. Better hurry, you don't have much time. The volcano is right up ahead, you just have to hurry. Now, let's start the countdown: Fifteen... Fourteen... Thirteen... Twelve..."
Persephone groans, pushing herself to her feet again. More spots dance across her vision. She grinds her teeth as a sharp pain strikes her spine, right between where her wings used to be.
"Ten... Nine... Eight..."
She can't let him win, she needs to hurry. Persephone pushes herself harder, finally getting into a sluggish run. She can't see well, her eyes aren't working right, her vision narrows to pinholes, but she can't stop, she has to go, she needs it. The voice, it's still there whispering desperately, "Hurry!"
Her line. Her line cannot end with her.
Grimtrix raises three fingers as he counts, "Three... Two... One!" He doesn't bother looking back at Cedric and Sofia, only yells over his shoulder, "Do try to keep yourselves entertained until I return, and if you do set yourselves free, which I know you will, feel free to partake in this little game, I enjoy the challenge!"
"He's insane!" Cedric says, and grunts when one of the Grimtrix's minions pulls him and Sofia to their feet. His partner growls, the sound almost inhuman as it channels through into the hardened tar. "My dear, don't worry, we're going to get out of this." He has never seen Sofia look so mad before. No, she isn't mad, she's furious.
Cedric's attention goes to Sofia's hands when he notices trails of smoke rising from them. The tar hardens more until it begins to crack, bits chipping off. Oh, dear. The hardened tar explodes off, with Sofia's hands glowing red with her magic, a clear sign she is not happy. Grimtrix's minions attempt to recapture her but with the help of her Enchantlet's lasso, she had caught them and destroyed them with ease.
Cedric gulps his pupils shrunk to the size of the grain, "R-Remind me to never upset you, Sofia."
Normally his friend would laugh, but all she did was march to him and burned off the tar covering his hands. Joke Sofia was not available. At that moment, Cedric knew Grimtrix was going to be a dead man walking very soon.
His princess. Wait, his princess? No, Princess Sofia, shot to her feet, rage clouding her blue eyes as she pulls out her wand, aiming it at the zombies around them, "Fa' atamaia latou!" Hot pink and violet blasts out of the tip of her wand, incinerating their enemies, leaving behind nothing but smoke and ash. Cedric's knees jerk at the sight, he glances at Sofia who is huffing, her eyes hard as steel with nothing but sheer determination reflecting in them. "Let's go!" She barks at Cedric who nods in agreement.
And the two hurry off to find Persephone and Grimtrix.
Persephone's world sways back and forth like a swing, swinging left and then swinging right, she trips and tumbles to the ground, scraping her knees and hands, the heat getting to her, leaving the Phoenix Shifter gasping as her lungs fight to take in air. She was trying to hurry up the trail, trying to get to the top, something inside begged her to hurry, telling her to get there, but she feels as though she's running on ice, never moving just stuck in the same place. The top of the volcano, no matter how long or fast she runs, is still so far away. She feels like she's going to pass out in second, more dark spots dance across her vision. She tries to flap her wings, only to remember they were gone, have been gone for several hours now.
"Hurry" the voice whispers, sounding more urgent than ever before. Persephone whines in the back of her throat, pushing herself off the ground and attempting to climb on all fours if she has to. She winces as a terrible ache runs through her legs, making her collapse on the ground. She growls fighting to get back up, each movement is like a million knives piercing her joints, but she still pushes herself. Her line, her family, her species, cannot, will not end with her!
"What an interesting predicament you're in, my dear."
She seethes, grunting as she sits up and glares at the source of the voice. Grimtrix stands just a few steps down, smirking at her deviously, his eyes glinting with a hunger for her heart. In his hand is a new knife, sharp with its edge winking at her from the light of the bright sun. She snarls weakly, still wanting to fight to the bitter end. Persephone manages to crawl back a foot or so, as Grimtrix moves in. Her eyes widen, Persephone reaches next to her-
Grimtrix moves in to lay a cut in Persephone, when she tosses sand in his face, blinding him momentarily. Grimtrix screams in alarm and then something hard is cracks against his skull, knocking Grimtrix to the ground.
Persephone tosses the rock aside and scammers to her feet again, ignoring the terrible pain accompanying her movement. She pushes herself, fighting through her blurry vision, her weak limbs, everything. She just needs to get to the top, and while she knows Grimtrix will be on her tail soon, at least she managed to buy herself time.
Grimtrix chuckles slowly rising to his feet, delight and hunger shining in his eyes as he watches Persephon race up the mountain, "Oh my dear, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. Now, I will truly earn my reward!"
Her vision was getting worse, the fog starts to eat away her eyesight, making Persephone whine in worry. She stumbles hesitant to continue but also not wanting to let Grimtrix hurt her again. A sharp pain, like the hot burn of an arrow, shoots straight into her heart, blurring Persephone's vision and sending her collapsing on the ground. She gasps, her body shaking with an effort to hold on, she fights to move, to get up, but everything part of her body is betraying her, she can barely shift without feeling searing pain move along each of her limbs.
She hears footsteps and immediately tries to push herself up again, growling and clawing her way. Her vision is white now, she can't see any more than distant shadows that shift and morph between forms.
Someone grabs her.
Persephone turns to hiss, baring her teeth and lunging out to bite the hands touching her.
"Persephone, it's us!" Sofia's voice rings out like a bell on a cold winter's night. Persephone feels the princess's hand touch her cheek and the Phoenix Shifter lunges to catch her friend in a tight hug, her body burning and aching.
Sofia returns the hug, petting Persephone's hair and shushing her gently, "Shh... It's okay, we got you. Are you okay?"
Persephone nods mutely, a tired whimper coming off her throat. She hears another person approach and tenses up, only to relax at the sound of Cedric's voice, "We need to hurry. Where are we supposed to go?"
Persephone chokes as she speaks, her throat sore, "M-Mountain top." Slowly her vision returns and she nearly cries upon seeing them, never before has she ever been so happy to see two sorcerers. "T-Thank you."
"Don't thank us yet," Sofia says, helping a weak Persephone to her feet, "We still have to get you to the top."
Persephone nods, tired, sore, and in pain, but happy.
They hurry again up the mountain, Persephone leaning on Sofia a little for support with Cedric wielding his wand defensively, looking around for any signs of Grimtrix. The sorcerer was still out there, floating around no the island, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Persephone knows this, as a hunter herself, she knows the mindset of a hunter. Grimtrix, while a total coward for not finishing the job when he could and just teasing his kill like a playful cat, was still practicing his skills of the hunt. She knows Grimtrix won't wait too long, he'll eventually come out of hiding to attack.
The ground suddenly starts to shake, causing everyone to stumble back and huddle together for stability, Cedric grabbed both Persephone and Sofia, holding them tight so neither would fall, all the while Sofia holds onto Cedric for the same reason. Large slabs of earth, square and standing vertically rise on all four sides of them, overhead they hear Grimtrix's voice, chuckling. "What an interesting situation you seem to have gotten yourselves into, my pets."
Sofia growls and wields her wand, "Grimtrix, show yourself!"
The sorcerer's disembodied voice chuckles again, sounding closer, "All in due time, my dears. Now I have a question for you, specifically for our dear Phoenix Shifter, Persephone."
The phoenix girl hisses, her lips curling to show off her sharp fangs.
Grimtrix continues not at all phased by her actions, "Given your Roman heritage, and the fact that Romans took a lot of their gods and goddesses from Greek mythology, you perhaps know of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth, correct?" No sooner had he spoken those words, did the ground shakes again, part of it cracks open. A large, paw of a hand lunges out and grips the ground, hard fingers dig into the earth as it pulls the rest of it out. The body was of a human, tall, muscular, standing upright on two strong, sturdy legs that were thick with muscle. However, just like in the myth he possessed the head of a bull and tail too. Hot steam rushes out of each large nostril, lips curling back to reveal drool covered teeth sharp and eager to bite.
Persephone knew the tales, Greek myths were always so popular, and the story of Minos gaining a snow-white bull from Poseidon as a sign of the god's favor was well told again and again and again. Not only to scare children into behaving themselves and keeping their promises but as a life-lesson to all. Don't mess with the gods.
When Minos refused to sacrifice the bull to Poseidon as he had promised, instead he used another bull, the god of the sea made Minos' wife, Pasiphae, fall in love with the bull. Pasiphae then went to Daedalus, a master craftsman, to construct a female cow suit so she could mate with the bull, and the Minotaur was born. It was discussing. As for the labyrinth, Minos had Daedalus construct it as well with the help of his son Icarus, who was then trapped inside a tower so no one besides Minos would know how to get out of the labyrinth. Minos would send people inside so the Minotaur could eat.
And judging by the way the Minotaur was staring at them, it was obvious he hasn't eaten in centuries.
"Move!" Persephone is the one to yell first, just a millisecond before the bull-man hybrid released a terrible sound and charges at them with thick bubbles of dirt in his wake. Persephone tackles Cedric and Sofia to the ground, knocking them away just in time to avoid being trampled.
The Minotaur skids to a halt, more drool salivating from his lips, creating a puddle on the ground. He turns rather slowly, as if a little disturbed by the sudden lunge, perhaps he was still finding his balance after being dormant for so long. Once he spots them though, his eyes, ruby-red immediately narrow into thin slits, and he stomps one of his human feet on the ground, kicking up dirt as a show of his upcoming charge.
Persephone and the others quickly rush to their feet to getaway. The Phoenix Shifter tries to flap her wings but remembers they are no longer with her, having been forgotten back in the AutoCoach. Cursing herself for tearing them off, she puts more energy into her running. The Minotaur charges at them again, and Cedric is the one to push everyone out of the way, before leaping a good six feet on pure adrenaline to avoid the bull's horns. The Minotaur slams into the wall of stone, stabbing his horns inside and getting them stuck. He roars fighting to pull them back out, his feet scraping against the ground and his fists beating on the slab of stone as if hitting it would make it relinquish its hold.
Sofia gasps, withdrawing her wand, "Omoara Taurul!" Her wand fires a spit of pink and purple energy, that blasts the Minotaur and the wall, creating a cloud of electrified smoke, but once the smoke sifts away, the bull is still fighting to free himself, still angry and salivating.
"It didn't work?" Sofia gasps, but her shock was short-lived as Persephone shoves her and Cedric to an opening in the wall, a space that leads to another wall. Obviously, they are in the center of the Minotaur's labyrinth.
"This is his game, my dear, we'll need to try something else!" Cedric gasps, sore from being shoved to the ground by Persephone. The Phoenix Shifter did not pay his discomfort any mind, too focused on trying to get them out. The ground was elevated, following the slant of the mountainside they're currently on. She looks to the skies and scowls at seeing them grow dim. How many hours have passed?
"P-Persephone!" She looks up in alarm at Sofia's cry, the princess was gasping and pointing at her foot. Persephone looks and her blood runs cold. Dark blue veins grew like roots on both of her feet, the skin growing pale gray like ash. She can still stand, but the sight was horrifying.
A terrible roar in the distance snaps them out of their initial shock. The Minotaur races out, angry and hungry, his red eyes zero in on Sofia first, drool oozing from his teeth.
Princess Sofia's stomach drops like a lead brick, she takes out her wand and points it again, ready to fire another blast of magic.
A sharp whistle pierces the air and Persephone's boar-bag soars across the Minotaur's field of vision. When it lands, the cooked meat spills out on the floor. The Minotaur immediately lunges at the food, dropping on all fours to eat.
Persephone rushes and grabs Sofia and Cedric by their hands and hurries them out away from the Minotaur. "I wish to be a bird!" Sofia calls, grasping her amulet tightly, her amulet glows brilliantly, her form shrinks down into a small lavender swallow the size of someone's palm and she quickly darts upward to search for their next exit.
Cedric and Persephone hurry along the walls, trying to find the exit as well, they can hear the Minotaur loudly eating his meal, gorging like a hungry wolf. No doubt, he hasn't eaten in centuries. The sounds sent shivers down Cedric's spine and he looks to Persephone, "Is there no other way to defeat that beast besides feeding him meat?"
Persephone only shrugs at him. In the legends she had heard, Theseus and Ariadne fell in love and Ariadne gave Theseus a golden ball of thread to help navigate through the maze. However, Theseus used his weapons to kill the Minotaur by beheading him, how he did this varied from telling to telling. Sometimes it was said that Theseus used his bare hands, others say he used a sword or a club. Sadly, they possessed neither and magic didn't seem to work on the Minotaur.
Persephone cries out suddenly as a terrible pain shoots up one of her legs. Looking down, she is horrified to see that her right foot, gray and sandy, had been turned to ash and fallen off at the ankle, leaving her sandal not the ground filled with a mold of her former limb. She falls over from the lack of balance and is watched by Cedric who helps her stand on her other foot. "Persephone, what happened to your foot?"
The Phoenix Shifter shakes her head, her eyes shining with tears; she opens and closes her mouth several times in an attempt to speak.
"This way!" Sofia's voice calls from afar, racing to them. The Enchancian Princess screams in alarm in seeing Persephone's discarded foot. There was no blood leaking from Persephone's leg, only black ash.
"She's disintegrating," Cedric screams in alarm, he can see that the rest of Persephone's leg was beginning to give way to ash as well, and her other foot will soon be gone too. "We need to hurry!"
"This way, I found an exit," Sofia points to the area she came from. The ground beneath them starts to shake and Grimtrix's voice echoes from above, tisking them like a school teacher scolding his students.
"Now, now, that isn't part of the game. You shouldn't use your amulet, Princess Sofia. Now you'll need to start all over again." The ground raises, tilting to one side, causing Cedric, Sofia, and Persephone to slide down, towards another wall. Persephone reaches out on instinct, grabbing a corner of an uprooted brick, and snatching Cedric by the wrist, who quickly grabs Sofia by her arm, the three dangle.
Persephone winces, her arms hurting her. She can feel her legs start to grow fuzzy, and looking down, she sees that they are crumbling into ash, breaking apart like a sandcastle when it gets too wet. Both of her sandals had fallen off, as her feet were gone below the ankles. Her legs now sporting cracks and bits of ash falling off. It didn't hurt, but it was very disturbing to her. She winces when the arm holding onto the brick starts to grow fuzzy, pins, and needles electrocuting throughout her arm. Persephone gasps as her arms, below the elbow, starts to break apart and burst into ash, sending them all down below to the hard ground.
The impact knocked the air out of Persephone's lungs, she could feel her bones rattle and even more, ash came out of her wounds. Sofia and Cedric both groaned, standing up. When they spot Persephone, they both gasp in horror. Her two legs were almost completely gone, as was one of her arms. She looked so scared of herself and had tears running down her face.
A sinister laugh echoes around them, "Oh, how interesting. I had no idea that Phoenix Shifters actually turn to ash when they reach their renewal cycle. I suppose that's to be expected."
"Grimtrix, show yourself!" Cedric yells, drawing out his wand, the tip glowing with magic, "We're done playing your games!"
"I suppose you're right, it looks like the game is over and I should hurry and claim my prize." Before anyone could react, large green vines broke out of the ground, wrapping around the group and squeezing. Cedric attempted to use his wand to release them, but another vine snatches his wrist and tightens to the point of breaking, making Cedric cry out in pain. Sofia attempted to move and help her partner, but the vines hold her tightly, squeezing her like a boa-constrictor.
Persephone hisses, thrashing her arm around, trying to cut the vines with her sharp claws, but much like Sofia, the vine around her tightens and soon more of her body starts to disintegrate. She lost most of her legs, with her bad arm now completely gone.
Boots click on the ground as Grimtrix materialized from a nearby wall, a knife in his hand. He laughs, waving at them, "It's amazing what magic can do. I guess some good came from that blasted book Malchior after all. He didn't want me reading any of his secrets, but luckily he was gullible enough to trust me." He looks at Persephone, she glares at him and hisses. He laughs and raises his knife, cutting the vines that surround her. Persephone yelps as she hits the ground again. She tries to get up to attack him, but without most of her limbs, she was utterly useless. Still, she tries to swipe a claw at him, managing to sink her sharp nails into his boot, piercing his foot.
Grimtrix took his staff and smacked her with it, knocking Persephone away with a growl, "Enough you beast!" He looks at the furious looks of Cedric and Sofia, both still struggling and yelling at him. "Oh, hush, all of you. You knew what you were getting yourselves into the moment you agreed to take this mission. I have waited my whole life for an opportunity like this to arise, and I won't be denied any longer. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some immortality to gain."
Persephone's head hurt, a massive bruise forming the right side of her face. She whimpers at the pain, shaking. Grimtrix had hit her hard, it lets her dizzy and cold, she can taste blood in her mouth.
'Follow me.'
Her eyes widen at the voice, she hasn't heard it in a while. Where was it trying to take her?
'Hurry. Follow me.' This time the lights she saw in the sky appear before her, a trail hovering above the ground, she tries to touch it, but her hand goes through it like she was touching smoke.
'Follow me.'
She won't die like this. She can't. Sitting up with all of her weight on one, trembling arm, Persephone looked back at Grimtrix, and her eyes flashed. She made the world around them disappear, creating a forest of high trees and a dark atmosphere. Grimtrix jumps in surprise, looking around, he spins to her and sees Persephone's eyes glow gold. He smirks, "Well, I guess you still have some fight left in you, my dear. I had heard about the illusions, you Phoenix Shifters can make but-" He didn't get a chance to finish as Persephone summoned a large tiger to attack him. The effort to keep her illusions alive and as real as possible left her sick. She shakes it away, pulling herself with one arm to follow the trail, wiggling her stubbed legs and another arm to hurry along as fast as she can go.
Cedric and Sofia watch in shock as Grimtrix thrashes around, screaming. He kicks and beats the air around him, yelling at whatever invisible force that was attacking him to leave him alone.
Seeing their chance, Sofia summons some of her hand magic to burn the vines away. She gasps in relief as the vine uncoils and lets her go. She falls to the ground, winning as the impact rattles through her, before standing on shaking legs to get Cedric. Her partner falls too, but luckily he manages to land on his feet, rubbing his bruised wrist as he does.
Neither says a word, managing to sneak past Grimtrix and hurry to Persephone. Both pick her up and carry her in a race against the clock, half of her lower body was almost gone. Persephone was getting weaker by the second. She couldn't speak, just points at a direction they needed to go, all the while fading in and out of consciousness to spare them as much time as possible. Illusions were harder than they looked. They didn't just appear because someone wants them to, they have to be detailed and as real as possible. Persephone focused on the fear Grimtrix had for the large tiger and made it as ferocious and deadly as she possibly could.
She groans, her power fading, her illusion flickers before it fades away.
Grimtrix gasps as the tiger vanish through thin air, as does the forest he had been trapped in. The pain from the large scratches the large cat had delivered onto him faded away into a phantom pulse in his skin. Realizing he had still fallen for the Phoenix Shifter's illusion, despite knowing what it was left him outraged. He turned to where Persephone had been and found her gone, not only that but when he looked back to his captors, he saw Cedric and Sofia were also gone. Leaving Grimtrix to scream in rage as he raced after them, the ground shakes with every hot step he makes, his powerful magic sending jolts of power deep into the earth, awakening Mount Vesuvius.
Persephone could hardly keep her eyes open as they raced up the mountain. She can hear the exhausted gasps of Cedric and Sofia, the two partners trying their hardest to carry her up to the top of the volcano. It wasn't easy in the slightest, as the slope grew more dramatic in their descend. Cedric and Sofia struggle with each step, trying to mind their steps as the mount grew more difficult the farther they got.
Persephone could still see the lights, becoming her closer, she whines, feeling more of her body begin to disintegrate into ash, she continues to cling to Sofia, winning like a wounded puppy. Sofia shushes her, trying to calm her down, "We're going to save you, Persephone, I promise." She says this, but there is a hint of uncertainty in her voice as if she too wasn't sure. Persephone whines again, trying hard to keep on a brave face but ultimately failing. Most of her magic is gone, she used it all when casting her illusion on Grimtrix. Now he was probably on his way, going much faster than them. Persephone felt like dead weight. She knows that if they fail, Grimtrix would still kill her new friends. At least at her own death, he would fail in gaining the so-called immortality. Why did humans believe in that stupid legend, it wasn't entirely true...
More importantly, why did that Malchior tell him it was. Did he believe in that legend as well? Persephone shakes her head, trying to keep herself focused on their current task at hand.
...
Whether they were closer to the top than initially thought, or they were going much faster than expected, Persephone wouldn't know. She does however know the smell of boiling lava, it's scent gave her a sense of relief, even as her body decomposes, growing grayer and grayer by the minute with her limbs becoming ash, even her once good arm was going away, leaving her almost completely immobile. She can feel herself fading away into oblivion, just as her parents, her ancestors, everyone in her family had done. It left her sobbing quietly, unable to actually voice her woes.
A low tremor snapped her out of her thoughts. The ground beneath Cedric and Sofia's feet shook, slowly at first, then violently, making them stumble and fall to the ground, Persephone grunts as she hits the ground again, her head aching once more, still recovering by Grimtrix's assault. The quake grew worse, as did the smell Persephone picked up on earlier, the smell of lava boiling and preparing. Her heart flutters with this knowledge.
"Just hang on a little longer, Persephone." Sofia urges desperately, "You're going to make it."
Persephone doubts it, she feels as though her life is draining from her, her body starting to break apart into dark ash, it sprinkles out in heavy waves behind them, leaving behind a dark cloud, like a storm of bees. There is a crackling sound from ahead, and the air grows dense with hot smoke, that has them slowing down some to catch their breath, the smoke burning their eyes. The smell grows stronger and worse as well, Persephone knows it's sulfur. Her heart lunges, and she wiggles wanting to get closer, nearly falling off. Cedric catches her, thankfully, and pulls her up, holding her the way someone would hold their young child. Sofia looked exhausted, she stumbles a little, gasping for air. Cedric isn't doing any better. The heavy smoke, thin air, and the energy they spent inside the maze left everyone tired and sore.
"We have to keep moving,' Cedric whispers to himself, shifting Persephone to better carry her. He looks at Sofia, the princess nods, but doesn't move a step. "Sofia?"
"I'm fine," she says taking a shaky step, "Let's hurry, we don't' have much time."
The ground under their feet soon started rising again. Both Cedric and Sofia groan at their uphill ascend, each step taking a thousand or so years for them. Persephone whines in the back of her throat, Cedric's grip on her was growing weak and she feared he was going to drop her. He smiles a little, tightening his hold, "It's alright, I won't drop you." His voice is weak with exhaustion, but Persephone could see in his eyes that he had every intention to help her reach the top, sharing the same determination as Sofia.
Another hour passes, and Persephone was getting weaker by the minute. Ceric could see her struggling to remain conscious. All of Persephone's tan had grown gray, her eyes had started to dim, leaving her in a daze, with her laying limp in his arms. Poor girl...
"Cedric, look out!" Sofia called suddenly, seizing her friend by his sleeve and pulling him back. Cedric gasps, snapping out of his thoughts just in time to see he nearly slipped off into the crater. Hot plumes of black smoke rose to burn his nose hair and eyes.
Oh dear if he had not been stopped...
"Are you okay?" Sofia asked. Cedric manages to nod, "Y-Yes, yes, I'm fine. Thank you, my dear, that would have been a very bad ending to our little journey." Sofia glares at him, "Don't joke, Cedric, you both nearly died." As her words hung in the air like a storm, both took a look at Persephone, she seemed out o fit, as if in a trance. Not at all reacting to the fact that she had nearly been thrown into the volcano.
"Persephone?" Sofia asked, touching the Phoenix Shifter's hair. Persephone blinks and looks at her. "What do we do now?" Sofia waits for their charge to answer, but Persephone ultimately shrugs, she didn't know. No one knew what to do next...
And of course, that was when Grimtrix showed up, shooting a high voltage of magic from his staff, he blasts near their feet, leaving behind a nasty burn mark that smokes. Grimtrix's hair was disheveled, his clothes torn from thrashing around to get rid of Persephone's tiger illusion. He seethes, raising his staff high and stomping the pointed end to the ground, causing the earth to shake, and the volcano to vomit up some magma. Glowing lava splashes the ground near a tree, catching it on fire. The earth continues to tremble, nearly knocking the partners to the ground.
"Well," Grimtrix huffs, "I can safely say that I'm one-hundred and ten percent done!" He spins his staff around and points the glowing crystal at them in warning, "Hand her over now!"
Sofia immediately puts herself in the middle, her amulet glowing, "You're not going to hurt Persephone, Grimtrix." At this Grimtrix laughs, "Oh, and you think you can stop me, Princess? I've been through quite the ordeal trying to get to her. And besides, her time is almost up! If you hand her to me, I'll make her death as quick and painless as I can."
Cedric shifts Persephone close, withdrawing his wand, "Quick and painless, you say, why don't I believe you. So far, you've done nothing but play cat to her. Toying with us every chance you can get. Why even your dragon friend was upset with you."
The evil sorcerer chuckles, tightening his hold on his staff, "Yes, I'm well aware, but as a hunter, I wanted to savor the thrill of the hunt. Originally, my plan was indeed to kill her. I had every intention of doing so in the beginning, but then she attacked me. Most would have taken the chance to run away from their doom, but our dear Phoenix Shifter chose instead to fight to the bitter end, regardless of her life." He reaches to touch the spot where Persephone had ripped out his shoulder, "Seeing the utter determination, the pride in fighting until her last breath reminded me of a bit of myself. I decided I wanted to give her a fighting chance out of respect, in my own twisted way of course. And she did not disappoint me. Now, I have my prey in my sights. And if you and your precious princess want to live to see another day, I would hand her over right now. The volcano isn't going to remain dormant for long."
The ground shook again, adding to his warning. "See? This is what those Pompeians felt the day the skies grew black and they were all buried under hot ash. If what Malchior said was true, they were celebrating a festival of some kind and experienced several earthquakes, a warning on their own demise." He chuckles, stepping closer, "Now, the girl if you don't mind."
The ground trembles some more. Cedric holds Persephone closer, her breathing is growing weaker by the second, and more and more of her body is fading away into ash. She's almost a torso now with a neck and head. He glances at Sofia, the princess bites her lip, trembling in fear. Behind them, the heat of the volcano warms their backs. Grimtrix smirks, stepping closer, the crystal in his staff glowing ever brighter. He waves his finger in a mocking gesture, "Tick-tock, she doesn't have much time left. Even if you two manage to escape, she'll still die. Why don't you just hand her over and I'll be quick, or else, you'll all fall into the volcano-like some virgin sacrifice."
Persephone moves weakly, she looks up at Cedric and smiles faintly, "It's okay..." Both Cedric and Sofia gasp, their eyes flickering with tears, all the while Grimtrix licks his teeth in delight, 'Now, that's a good girl. Finally accepting your fate, are you?"
The Phoenix Shifter nods her head once, "Let him have me, and in exchange, you'll be safe. Familia mea." My family. That's who they are now. Her family. She can't let them die, not like her parents, not like her ancestors, not like anyone she cared about before. Even though, Persephone knows Grimtrix will attempt to kill Cedric and Sofia, at least they can have a headstart to escape. "Please," she whispers to them, "Just hand me to him."
Tears race down Sofia's face as she trembles, shaking her head in denial, "He'll kill you..."
"I'm already dying," Persephone said, she literally had nothing else to lose. Grimtrix smirks and reaches out, however, he doesn't attempt to take Persephone, instead, a bright blue light shoots from his hands, freezing Cedric and Sofia to their spots, "Just in case you both decide to attack me." He chuckles and picks up Persephone, "Now my dear, lets-AHH!"
Persephone lunges and sinks her sharp teeth into his neck, biting hard and ripping through his flesh like a wild animal. Grimtrix tries to push her off, tries to beat her away, but she refuses to unlock her jaws. Grimtrix fights her, but much like a python, her grip tightens, teeth digging into his neck. He stumbles around, shoving and pushing her, but her mouth refuses to let go, instead, she digs deeper, tearing into flesh and muscle, blood gushing out and soaking them both.
Neither is aware of the close ledge.
"Unhand me you beast!" Grimtrix screams, he manages to deliver a hard punch to the side of her face, causing Persephone to rip away a part of his neck and shoulder. By then his foot came to the ledge. Another tremor rocks the ground beneath them.
Cedric and Sofia watch in horror as Grimtrix and Persephone fall into the volcano. Sofia screams, there is no words, just an endless yell accompanying Grimtrix's scream as he and Persephone fall to their doom.
Grimtrix managed to shove Persephone off of him. She smirked a little, playing coy in her last final moments before she closes her eyes and allows the fire to consume her as well, ready to finally find peace. Grimtrix sneers at her before withdrawing his spare wand and summoning the remainder of his magic, "Ianuae Magicae ad salutem!"
Singing.
She hears singing.
"Lalla, Lalla, Lalla
Little bird, don't you cry
Someday you will fly
I will sweep the skies for you
In the dusk and dawn, it's true."
Persephone knows this song. It was the song her mamma used to sing to her when she couldn't sleep.
"Little bird,
Oh my singing bird, don't you cry
because someday, you will fly.
Soaring high above all those who doubt you
Soaring high to meet the sun who adores you
My sweet little bird..."
She whimpers opening her eyes, seeing nothing but open blue skies stretching over her head. Slowly, Persephone sits up and looks around.
"Lalla, Lalla, Lalla
Little bird, don't you cry
Someday you will fly..."
Persephone's heart jumps when she sees her mother, sitting and mending a piece of brown cloth, singing to herself as she does.
"I will sweep the skies for you
In the dusk and dawn, it's true."
Persephone's eyes well up with tears. She frantically gets to her feet, stumbling as she does and reaching out, her emotions choking up in her throat, making her rasp, "Momma..."
Her mother looks up from her work and smiles, "My little bird," she whispers back, "We've missed you."
"Momma!" Persephone races as fast as she could. Her mother stands up just in time to catch Persephone in a tight embrace, both sobbing and holding one another tightly, never wanting to let go. Persephone burrows her face in her mother's chest, sobbing all the while her mom hums and carcasses her hair, shushing her gently.
Neither speaks.
After a few minutes, or may it's a few hours, Persephone finally finds her strength to look up at her mother. The older Phoenix Shifter smiles, her eyes shining with pride as she strokes Persephone's dark cheek, "My sweet, little bird, you are so brave. I can't express how proud I am of you, little one."
She whines in response, "I'm sorry I couldn't save you or Papa."
Her mother shakes her head, "Don't apologize, Persephone. It wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself for our passing. Just stay strong, stay strong, and keep moving forward my little bird."
Persephone whimpers, shaking her head, "I'm scared, Momma. I don't' think I can go without you or Papa. I wish he was here."
"He is," her mother nods over Persephone's head, indicating something behind her. She turns around and breaks into sobs once more. Her father is standing with his arms open. Persephone races to him, hugging him and crying just as she had done with her mother. "My angel," her papa cries, "I'm so proud of you."
"Papa, I missed you!" She nuzzles his shirt, sobbing, her fingers clenching and unclenching. Her papa squeezes her tightly, "I missed you too, my sweet girl!"
It feels like a dream. A dream she hopes she'll never wake up from. Perhaps she is dead and is finally allowed to be with her family. Could it be...?
She pulls away reluctantly, looking between her parents, they seem to have read her thoughts as the mood soon shifted to a crestfallen atmosphere. "How are we here?" Persephone asks her parents, 'The last time... the last time I saw you both was after Grimtrix..." She couldn't finish it. She didn't want to believe any of that happened. It hurt too much to remember, and all she wanted was to forget it all, to pretend it had all been a terrible dream.
Her mother bites her lip, "It's hard to explain, little bird. I wish we could tell you everything and I'm sorry that you had to make this journey without us physically present."
"But we were always with you." Her father quickly says, "We have always flown right beside you, Persephone. Your mother and I were there for every moment. And we will continue to be with you from here on out, even though you won't see us."
His words did not bring much comfort to her. Persephone bites her lip, fresh tears coming up again, "Does... Does this mean I can't stay here with you?"
"I'm sorry, little bird," Her mother says, "But you have to live. You need to live. There is so much for you to accomplish now, and you are going to experience so many amazing things-"
"But I don't want to be without you! I don't want you to leave me alone! It's been horrible without you. I can't do it. I can't survive!" She yells, stomping her foot like a toddler. All of her life, Persephone learned she had to be strong, but now she feels weak, she feels she can't do anything alone. She doesn't want to be alone anymore.
"Then we failed as parents," her father said, his eyes flickering with tears, "Our job, Persephone, is to prepare you to live on your own. To defend yourself, provide for yourself, and more. If you can't survive without us, then we have failed you."
Persephone's heart cracked at his words, she shakes her head, "No, you didn't fail me! You could never fail m, I-I just don't want to be alone!"
"Sweet, little bird, you're never alone." Her mother whispers. She steps closer to her mate and the two smile at Persephone, "Look into our eyes, love. And you will never be alone." They smile at her, so much love shining in their eyes. And for the first time, Persephone felt safe. She felt ready. Ready for what comes next. A flash of something vibrant catches her eyes. Flames shoot up and wrap around her, consuming her once more.
As soon as Gritrix's magic released them, Sofia crumbled to the ground in a sobbing mess. Cedric knelt beside her, rubbing her back, "I'm sorry, my dear."
The Enchancian princess whimpers, "We failed her, Cedric. I promised her she was going to be okay, that she was going to make it, but I failed..."
The sight broke Cedric's heart. He pulls her close, shushing her, "I'm sorry." The ground beneath them starts to shake, much more violently than before. Heavy plumes of dark smoke and ash vomit out of the volcano's open mouth. "Sofia, we need to hurry!" Cedric helps her stand and the two race down as fast as they could.
A loud explosion rocks the entire island, knocking Cedric and Sofia to the ground. Cedric, knowing they were about to be covered in hot ash, takes out his wand and summons a bright lavender shield to encompass them. It was translucent for a second, enough to watch a massive wave of hot ash come barrelling down, before it covers their protective cover, leaving them in the dark.
There is some shuffling and someone grabs his hand, "Cedric?"
"I'm here, Sofia," he squeezes her hand, it trembles in his grasp. Instinctively, he puts his arm around her and draws his dear friend close, knowing she was still upset with Persephone's passing. Cedric waves his wand again, turning their shield into a bubble that lifts them from the ground safely. Another quick wave cleans the ash off the shield's surface, allowing them to see the island once more. The ground below them was getting covered in black, anything green was gone. Neither said a word. Cedric bites his lip, a strange sense of satisfaction, accompanied by remorse wiggles in his heart as if trying to find a proper place to settle into.
Grimtrix is gone.
Cedric had heard the man scream and then silence. No one, no matter how powerful could survive a fall like that into an active volcano. The knowledge that he and Sofia will never have to deal with that sorcerer again was bittersweet. He was happy that Grimtrix was gone, thrilled in fact, but the price was Persephone's life. The Phoenix Shifter had fought to the very end. Even when she accepted her fate, she died on her own terms. Not many had a say in how it happened, but Persephone made sure she did. He was going to miss her...
A sudden gasp from Sofia snaps Cedric from his thoughts. He feels her grip his sleeve and pulls like she did when she was a child, "Cedric..." She points ahead. Cedric follows her finger and gasps as well. A column of fire and lava shoots up, spilling over to roll down the sides of the volcano, and out of it came a giant flaming bird. A phoenix. Schrieching aloud, the sound sook the curve walls of their safety bubble and sent chills down their spines.
Without any encouragement, Cedric directed the bubble closer, watching in astonishment as the massive bird flapped its fiery wings. Ruby specks glare at them before the bird shrieks again, and the fire pulls away, revealing Persephone. Her new wings, large and bright with gold and red feathers glistening in the sunlight. She beams at them, her eyes flicker with tears before she soars closer and presses her hand to the bubble.
Sofia chokes, "Persphone!" She lays her hand where Persephone's was, a new wave of happy tears rolling down her face. "You're alive!"
The Phoenix Shifter nods and pats the bubble. Cedric smiles, struggling to keep his composure as he opens a hole large enough for Persephone to come in. She does, grabbing Sofia and squeezing her so tightly, that the princess groans in slight discomfort from Persephone's impressive strength.
Giddy now, Persephone laughs, taking Sofia and carrying her up high, doing spins in the air, her wings on full display. She tosses Sofia in the air, earning a surprised scream before catching her and hugging her some more.
Cedric laughs, turning the bubble into a transparent, circular platform. As soon as Persephone set Sofia down on the platform, she immediately grabs Cedric and takes him on a joy ride as well, tossing the royal sorcerer high in the air and catching him. Sadly, Cedric could not bring himself to appreciate Persephone's excitement, scared out of his mind from how high they are. The second time Persephone catches him, she hugs him tightly, much to the sorcerer's surprise and slight discomfort, being only used to hugs from his mother and Sofia. "Per-Persephone, while I'm happy that you're alive, could you possibly put me down, I'm scared of heights!"
Persephone laughs, purrs rolling off her throat. She carries him back and sets him down next to Sofia. "How did you survive?" Sofia asks, "We saw you fall in, no one could have survived!"
The Phoenix Shifter smiles, "The cycles of creation and destruction," she says, "I have died in the fire and now I have been reborn in fire." Both partners blink, not fully understanding what she meant. Regardless, they were not about to question this. They're just happy to see she's alive and happy.
The trio headed back to the AutoCoach, with Persephone gliding beside them in her Phoenix form. Cedric chuckles from within their safety bubble, "I can see why they are called 'Phoenix Shifters'." Sofia nods in agreement, "Yeah," faintly she reaches down and brushes her hand against his. Cedric blinks in surprise, a faint blush on his cheeks.
When they land, Persephone was hopping and dancing around, flashing her new wings as she moved with excitement. She rushes back to Cedric and Sofia, giving them both another hug, purring aloud. When she pulls away, her eyes flicker with tears. Persephone then stretches out one of her wings and plucks two feathers, one red and the other gold. She hands one to Cedric and Sofia, "Thank you."
Both royal sorcerer and princess gasp in shock as they each take a feather. Sofia traces the soft hairs of it against her finger, stunned at how warm it is. Persephone makes a sound in her throat, catching their attention. She plucks another feather and lights a flame on the tip of her thumb. After Persephone catches the feather on fire she lays it down and whispers her parents' names. Soon, the smoke changes, and the transparent images of her parents appear. Persephone smiles at them and reaches for Cedric and Sofia, urging the two to come forward.
The two stare in awe at Persephone's family. Her parents smile at them, their eyes flickering with tears as well, "Thank you." They whisper before the feather burns away and their image fades. Persephone smiles back at the two and gestures to the feather each had, "Just say their name and they will appear for a short time." She wasn't sure if it was appropriate to give them such a gift, especially after she learned what happened to Sofia's father. Suddenly, Sofia hugs Persephone tightly, heavy tears rolling down her face as she squeezes the Phoenix Shifter. Cedric, for his part, could only think of a few people he would want to see again. His own tears flowing down his face.
Persephone took her wings out of the Autocoach and followed the little voice in her heart. She went to a small clearing nearby and used her claws to dig a nice sized hole. Placing her wings inside, she pushes the dirt back over them and presses her hands together in prayer, "I have completed my cycle of destruction, now I must start my journey in the cycle of creation."
Simon sat out, staring at the dimming skies above. He couldn't help but wonder about Persephone. Was she okay? Did she survive? What happened with Grimtrix?
He blinks seeing a shooting star glide above him. Simon smiles to himself, ready to make a wish when that shooting star took an unexpected turn and came closer. Soon, he realizes that it's not a shooting star, but a large phoenix, the largest he's ever seen in his whole life, descending to the ground outside of the Protector's headquarters. The phoenix remains still as the door opens and Orion races out, gasping, "Persephone!" In an instant the rolling flames rush away, revealing Persephone's form, complete with new vibrant wings.
Simon gasps, his heart jumps into his throat. He could not stop himself from getting up and racing down to see her as well, calling her name as he does, "Persephone!"
She looks back at him and smiles brightly, all teeth on display. Simon has never seen Persephone look so happy before and he could not help but smile back.
Orion takes Persephone into a tight hug, squeezing her close. She purrs in response, wrapping her new wings around them, "I'm home."
Sofia swallows as she stares at the feather. It has been two hours since she and Cedric finally returned home, having seen Persephone off on her new journey and feeling thrilled to have completed one of the most heart-wrenching missions so far. Neither partner had said a word about the feather., and when they got home, they both decided to call it a night. It was nearly midnight when they finally made it back to the castle. Sofia quickly washed and got dressed in her pajamas. She now sat in her bed, staring at the feather and twirling it between her forefinger and thumb. Sofia could hardly believe it. She had always wondered about her dad and what had happened to him. Then again, she is sure her mother wanted to know too.
The gift was wonderful, but it also left her feeling selfish. Should she do this and see her dad again? Would her mom want to, or would seeing Birk reopen old wounds.
Then there was Amber and James, who never had the chance to see their mother. And of course, her step-father King Roland, who had to lose his first wife so suddenly. Could she summon everyone to say hello?
Would it be right to do so?
Biting her lip, Sofia sighed. She can't do it. As much as she wants to see her daddy again, it just didn't feel right. She appreciated the thought and maybe someday she will have the courage to reach out to him, but for now...
Sofia smiled a little and kissed the feather, "I love you, Daddy." Maybe someday, but not today. Placing the feather under her pillow, Sofia soon fell asleep. However, she thought she heard his voice, whispering nearby:
"I love you too, Sofia."
AN: This took forever to write and I'm happy to finish it. There is a sequel coming up with a lot of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Kudos to those who remember that intro, lol. I know there are going to be a lot of grammatical errors and other odd things in this chapter. I'll edit it when I get the chance, but I'm too excited to worry about it right now. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter and enjoys the sequel chapter as well.
Again, all characters belong to their respective owners. Sofia the First belongs to Disney. The Autocoach, Sylvester the Steadfast, and Simon the Silent belong to AquaTurquoise, who, again made the cover, and Persephone belongs to me. If anyone wants to use her at all, please let me know.