Malum In Se

Summary: Sofia and her friends and family face their biggest challenge yet when the Never Realm rises up and unleashes the most dangerous magic wielders in the world. It's going to take the help of everyone, including some unexpected allies, to defeat the Never Realm and its most supreme evil being: Malum In Se.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First. However, I do own the Never Realm, Malum In Se, and several other OCs in here. Nana belongs to MarionetteJ2X.

A/N: We will see a lot of things going on here yet again. We have already lost Quilor. Things are going to get pretty intense, so buckle up. Oh, and I do have a surprise that I think at least a few of you will be pleased to see close to the end of this story. It's been a long time coming. 😉 By the way, if you're a fluff-lover, just wait till chapter 12. ;p We're going to need some fluffiness by the time this chapter is over.

Chapter 11: Heartfelt Words

While everyone else was focused on trying to rescue Sofia (or helping others who were injured), Sir Finlay and Gabriella happened to notice that Davina and Nana were holding hands. At first they didn't think much of it, but then they noticed something rather peculiar.

"Their hands are glowing," Sir Finlay commented to his wife, his blue eyes narrowing in curiosity.

"What does that mean?" Gabriella wondered.

Lady Maeve, whose glasses were shattered and who now had a limp from the previous fighting, staggered over to them. Her gait might have been slower, but her wisdom still lingered, even as she informed them, "Davina is a Child of Light. The little one, Nana, is a Child of Darkness with a pure heart…" She smiled serenely as the girls remained focused with their eyes closed, the light between them growing stronger. "They were my prophecy."

Cedric, having heard this and breaking his focus from Sofia for just a moment, turned and was stunned to see his charge and Davina creating a powerful light between them. "It… It can't be…"

When the darkness falls, the stars shine their brightest. Darkness can help the light, and light can help the darkness. A little light goes a long way, but the darkness can hide and shield you from the malevolence of the world. Let them work together, and you will be victorious."

"They alone can defeat Malum In Se," Lady Maeve told the others. "They will, however, produce a very powerful reaction, so my advice is to find cover; for when they release their powers, it will be impossible to escape. Even the good may fall…because both Light and Dark are working together."

"Cordelia," Greylock called as he and Ivy stood. Seeing he had his old friend's attention, he nodded toward her. "Let's shield the children and the others."

Cordelia glanced back toward Angel, who was tenderly nursing his best friend. "Angel?"

"I will take care of her, Ms. Cordelia," he told her softly. "I promise you." He used his own magic, allowing it to pour from his fingers and trail deftly along the fallen sorceress's back, healing her wounds little by little as she slept.

Cordelia nodded with a soft shudder before withdrawing her wand. "All right, Greylock." Together, she and the other sorcerer formed a magical shield, covering the children and as many others as possible, especially those who were injured—including her own daughter and Angel, Greylock, and herself.

The only ones left out of the shield right now were Davina and Nana, Cedric, Sofia, and Malum In Se. Ivy sent some of her dragonflies and butterflies toward Malum In Se to distract it, but rather than accomplishing her goal, she only seemed to agitate the evil being more.

Malum In Se laughed darkly as its grip tightened around Sofia's neck, causing her to scream in pain.

"Sofia!" Cedric called, clambering to his feet and readying to push himself toward the beast to rescue his partner, when he felt someone hold him back. He whirled around, seeing Merlin glaring at him and tightening his hold on him. "Merlin, please, release me!"

"And have you run to your death?" the old wizard challenged. "Every time the princess is in danger, you react carelessly. I realize you care a great deal for her, but those feelings shouldn't make you completely daft. If you go racing to save her now, with everything going on, you will die." He gestured toward the two young girls, who were still concentrating. "Lady Maeve's prophecy is these two. Let them do what they have to do!"

Cedric watched as Davina was covered in a white glow while Nana was covered in a black one. "The Light and the Dark," he mumbled, repeating what he'd heard. He gasped as Greylock created a new shield, covering both Cedric and Merlin. "NO! What about Sofia?!"

"Trust in the girls," Vega told him gently.

"Perhaps they have the ability to save us all," Orion echoed, wincing as he felt several feathers missing from his wings.

"It looks like they're our only choice," Dante mumbled, groaning as he held onto his side, where there was a gash after a cult member had stabbed him earlier, ripping through his clothing.

The others behind the shields watched in awe as the two little girls opened their eyes simultaneously, their powers having grown exponentially, and their hands completely obscured by their combined glowing light. It appeared that Sofia had passed out from her own pain and was still gripped by the evil entity.

Davina smiled calmly toward Nana, who hesitated before returning the smile and nodding. They each released one hand and turned, holding their palms out toward Malum In Se, who growled at their insolence.

"If you little pests think you'll destroy me, you're sadly mistaken!" the being growled as it prepared to release one final strike against the princess. "And here lies Princess Sofia of Enchancia!"

"I don't think so," Davina spoke clearly, sounding far older than she was, stunning those around her as she closed her eyes. "Cordis Luminis! Lux Mundi!"

The glow overtook both girls and the entire realm, practically blinding those nearby.

Malum In Se growled and glared daggers at Nana, who stared the being down without fear. Its glowing lights didn't affect her due to her origins, and it realized this far too late. "No!" It yelled in anger as the light consumed it. "NO!"

The light engulfed everything and everyone, and soon there was nothing but white.

Cedric sat up, holding one hand to his head and groaning in pain. His entire body hurt at that point, and he found it difficult to open his eyes. After giving himself a few moments to adjust, he finally blinked and looked around. "We're in the throne room," he realized, frowning. He gasped, looking around. "Sofia?!"

"She's over here," Roland called from near his throne, helping the bruised and injured princess into a sitting position. He sighed as the sorcerer hurried over to them, settling by his friend's side. "Cedric, I'm going to help James and Desmond retrieve the others from below the castle. Can you help heal her?"

"Of course, King Roland," Cedric responded softly as the princess was shifted from the king's hold to his own. "Of course…" As Roland, Desmond, and James hurried out of the room, he watched his partner's face for a few moments, noticing she was still passed out, but she was breathing. She was alive. "Sofia…"

Sir Finlay scooped up an exhausted Davina into his arms, sighing in relief as she rested her head against his shoulder. "My little angel…"

Sapphire hurried up to them, hugging Sir Finlay's legs and crying. "Is she okay, Papa?" she asked frantically. "Davi?"

The silver-haired sorcerer smiled fondly at his older daughter. "She'll be just fine, Sapphire."

Nana stood in the center of the room, seemingly untouched by the recent events. But she saw so much pain, so much suffering, so much…devastation. She wanted to make it right… Without a second thought, she closed her eyes and concentrated her own powers, gathering everything into the palms of her hands.

"What is she doing?" Malango the Magnanimous wondered as he helped Sir Ignacio to his feet.

"I…don't know," Lady Maeve responded, lost for once.

Nana produced a small magenta ball of pure light, and she opened her eyes, tossing the ball of light into the air. With her hands still glowing, she spread her arms as the glowing ball morphed into a giant magical circle that spanned around everyone in the throne room.

Cedric gasped as he looked up before looking back at the little girl. "Nana…"

One by one, small pink petals began trickling from the magical circle, surrounding any and all who were injured. Once the petals touched them, they were instantly healed.

"Ugh, Mr. Cedric?" Sofia asked groggily as she opened her eyes, blinking as her partner gasped sharply, looking back at her with a surprised expression. "What's going on?"

"Sofia? Sofia!" He pulled her into a hug, sighing against her hair as he held her close, caressing her back and hair in the process. "I was so worried…"

She smiled gently and weakly returned his hug. "I…promised. You promised…" She looked up as she felt the petals falling on both of them, healing them of any injuries or pain. "What's going on?"

"Nana." Cedric pointed toward their charge, whose glowing light had begun to dissipate. "Nana!" He gently released Sofia before hurrying over to the strawberry child, who had overexerted herself and had collapsed to the floor. He picked her up and rocked her gently, smiling in relief as those large green eyes opened and a small, satisfied smile played on her lips. "You scared me, you know." He caressed his nose against hers, causing her to giggle tiredly. "I know you want to save the world, my little one, but you don't have to do it alone."

Nana smiled and nodded. She sighed happily as Sofia hurried over to them, hugging them both.

"I love you both so much," Sofia told them, sighing in relief. She kissed Nana's forehead. "Nana, you saved us…" She smiled gently as the little one became shy all of a sudden. "Our little heroine."

"Looks like there's some fly cakes in it for you, little one," Cedric chuckled, watching in amusement as the little girl lit up excitedly.

Wormwood flew over and landed on Nana's head, causing the child to giggle. "Nice job, little fruit baby."

"Where have you been, Wormy?" Cedric asked, somewhat irritated. "We were in dire need of any form of help."

"I figured snarky comebacks only work on villain wannabes rather than real evil, so I sort of…stayed with Sapphire and the other children…to guard them, of course." He preened his feathers for a moment before clearing his throat. "I'm…glad to see you all back to your typically disgustingly happy selves."

Sofia smirked at him. "We love you too, Wormwood."

Angel sighed in relief as Calista slowly sat up, her eyes gradually focusing and a smile forming on her face as she saw him. "Calista…"

"Angel…" She gasped as he hugged her tightly. "Angel?"

"You saved me," he murmured softly, reality finally crashing down on him as a few tears streaked down his face. "I do not know what I would do if you were to…"

The young sorceress returned his hug before gazing up at him as he released her. "I'm never going to leave you, Angel… Not after all we've been through at this point." She reached up and wiped his tears away. "And I think it's time I'm honest with myself…and you." She leaned forward and kissed him once on the lips, smiling as he blushed. "Being your friend has been absolutely amazing, but if you don't mind, I'd really like to pursue something new and exciting with you…as your girlfriend, perhaps?"

Angel, finally snapping out of his dazed state, just smiled happily at her. "Of course, my Chante… I would love nothing more." He cleared his throat as he heard Cordelia squealing. "Um… If your mother is all right with that, of course."

"I will finally have grandchildren!" Cordelia sang before glaring at the two blushing teens. "But not too soon. More like in the next ten years or so after you finish your schooling, my dear daughter… And after the glorious wedding I will help you prepare, of course. And I think you should have at least four children. After all, you were an only child, Calista. You should really consider breaking that cycle." She grinned at her daughter, who looked petrified. "The more, the merrier!"

Calista balked at her mother's statement as Angel hid his face in embarrassment. "MUM!"

Goodwyn and Winifred exchanged knowing glances before chuckling softly together.

Roland, James, and Desmond soon returned with the others, and the Protectors gave the all-clear for everyone to return to their homes.

"What about the explosions we heard outside?" Ruby asked dubiously, folding her arms.

"Yes," Marla agreed, her hands on her hips. "From the sounds we heard, I thought they had destroyed the entire kingdom."

"It was an illusion," Merlin explained. "You'll find that pure evil tends to do things like that to mess with your mind and your emotions. They can't fight a strong enemy; they prefer a weak and shaken one."

"Does this mean that the Never Realm was defeated?" Amber asked in astonishment as she held Desmond's hand. "That there's no more evil?"

"I wish I could verify that, Princess Amber," Orion told her solemnly. "But the fact is, evil comes in many shapes and sizes. You may defeat one type, such as the Never Realm, only for another to arise. It's never truly gone. But we will always fight against it, because the good should always outweigh the bad."

While everyone was beginning to depart, the Protectors helped Bonvis with Quilor's body and promised him a proper sendoff.

Sofia turned as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She smiled gently as Lady Maeve knelt beside them. "Mr. Cedric told me that Nana and Davina were part of the prophecy you had…"

"They were the prophecy," the woman corrected. "And now with the Never Realm destroyed, your little Nana is officially freed of the dark magic that made her. She is still fated to remain as she is for now though: tiny, with healing powers, and unable to age or speak."

"It seems so unfair," Cedric sighed as he patted his charge's back as she was now sleeping. "Is there anything that can be done to change that?"

"I'm afraid you are asking the wrong person. Anything is possible, my friends, but right now, I would suggest focusing on what's most important." With nothing else to say, she gestured toward the sleeping girl. She then stood and turned to Sir Finlay and Gabriella. "If it is all right with the two of you, I would like to train Davina in the art of Light Magic in Reimagia when she's older." She smiled as Davina sat up and turned to face her. "When she is ready."

Sir Finlay glanced toward Gabriella, who hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I think that would be wonderful."

Gabriella frowned as Davina then turned to her. "Davina, how did you know the correct words to recite to beat the evil?"

Davina just smiled mysteriously and held a hand to her chest. "My heart."

To be continued…

Next Chapter: A Familiar Rhythm