Book 8: What do I do?
Sapphire stood there with wide eyes, unable to do anything but stare at the man in front of her. He had just proposed to her, expectantly, and was currently waiting for an answer. But for some reason, Sapphire couldn't form the words.
YES! She screamed in her mind. A HUNDRED TIMES OVER YES! FORM THE DARN WORDS ALREADY MOUTH! YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK BAD!
Finally after what seemed like forever, Sapphire cleared her throat. "I-".
Well you did a dang good job there, mouth, Sapphire thought again. Taking a deep breath Sapphire wiped her eyes carefully so not to smudge the mascara. This was the moment she had dreamed about ever since she was little. This was the moment that she had fantasied about from the moment her uncle told her the ceremony her parents had. But now in this moment, staring at the very expensive looking ring being held in a blue velvet ring box, which was held by the love of her life…everything came crashing down.
"Well?" Cedric asked again looking the entire world like a wounded puppy.
"Cedric…. yes!" she threw her arms around the man she loved causing him to almost fall over on his bum. Sapphire cried happily into his shoulder before he pushed her away gently and slipped the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit.
"We must start planning the wedding," Cedric exclaimed giddily as he stood up with both of them.
"Of course!" Sapphire agreed. She pulled Cedric closer to her in a hug as a tear slid down her face happily. The happy couple walked all around the castle, even up to the parapets. The stars were shining bright underneath the glowing white snow, the moon like a spotlight.
"I love you Cedric," Sapphire whispered as she snuggled up with her new fiancée. Nothing could go wrong now. She was engaged to the love of her life, she was protected from her worst enemy by the magical amulet around her neck, and she had friends like Sofia and Clover to help with anything. Although she hit a few bumps in the road of her life, karma gave back what it took.
"And I love you Sapphire," Cedric whispered back as he wrapped his arms around his beautiful love. He was darned if he was going to lose the girl he loved with all his being again.
Thirty more minutes passed and Cedric felt Sapphire fall asleep. Her breathing was even, and she was leaning heavily on him. Smiling to himself Cedric knelt down and picked up Sapphire bridal style and carried her to her rooms. It was approximately eleven-thirty and the Royal Children were supposed to be asleep. Quietly the wizard opened the door to her rooms and placed her on the bed. A small smile appeared on her face as she snuggled up to the pillows. Cedric yawned as he lay next to his love, not wanting to walk all the way back to his chambers.
Maybe five minutes, he thought as the two cuddled. Pretty soon the two engaged wizards were sound asleep. They didn't stir when the temperature dropped as Corundum appeared, her brow furrowed in irritation. She lowered the temperature even further as the two snuggled further.
"Easy child," Her mother soothed her placing a hand on her shoulder. The Earth Mother gently raised the temperature so that the young couples were comfortable. "They need this period of rest if they are to be ready for Argenta's and Jade's arrival tomorrow."
"They will not be ready! " Corundum growled, her temper getting the better of her. "If Sapphire is going to defeat Ruby then she does not need…. distractions caused by love."
"Love is a powerful emotion Corundum," Mother Earth reminded. She stroked the human male that lay next to their savoir. He stirred slightly but didn't wake up. "It can do marvelous things. It is the one emotion that can become others. It is the only thing that can bring even gods to their knees. You should know that more than anyone."
Corundum growled in irritation. Sighing, she had to agree with her mother. But if Sapphire was going to defeat Ruby then something had to change. "Where are Jade and Argenta now?"
Earth Mother moved back to examine the two lovers, smiling slightly. "They have escaped the Mountain Fortress and have fortified the Port of the Western Sea."
"They need to be here in Enchantia," Corundum snapped her fingers and the two spirits vanished and reappeared in a spacious room that was filled to the brim with crystal balls, each swirling with a blue and golden mist. It was here the Earth Mother and the Princess of the Gods was able to view the past, the present and all the possible futures. Corundum shuffled over to the crystal ball that was in the middle and passed her hand over the surface. The mist parted to reveal Jade and Argenta helping the few soldiers that survived the surprised attack on the Mountain Fortress. At the beginning of Ruby's rebellion, there were at least one thousand guards still loyal to the Queen. But now, they were down to a mere fifty men.
"Do not worry about your sisters Corundum," Earth Mother soothed. This woman who stood at the crystal ball wasn't the one that appeared in a flash of light. Time and worry about her sisters had made their mark on the Princess, who aged like a mortal each day.
"I wasn't strong enough to stop Ruby all those centuries ago," Corundum muttered. A tear slipped. "And I was the most powerful of my sisters, even Ruby. If I couldn't stop her at the height of my power, what chance does Sapphire Starlight have?"
Mother Earth had to admit that her eldest daughter did have a point. While she and Ruby tried to outdo each other constantly, Corundum was often the best at everything. That was the main reason Ruby set out to overthrow her mother: to prove that she was the best.
"We can only hope that when the time comes, Sapphire will have both the courage and strength to defeat your sister."
Corundum sighed as she sat down on a bench. Outside the ethereal, golden light of Oblivion faded to a dull grey, meaning it would soon be morning in the mortal world. The Battle for the Gods and Mortal World was quickly approaching and they were nowhere near ready. Corundum could only hope, just like her mother said, that they would be ready.
With a melancholy atmosphere still hanging over the two former goddesses left their commons to their quarters. When they lived in the clouds, they had no use for sleep or for mortal food but now they slept during the day and ate what they could find. They each had different bedrooms to give them privacy and Earth Mother immediately fell asleep. But Corundum lay in her bed staring up at the ceiling, blinking away the tears that were prickling behind her eyes. She missed the warmth of the sun on her face; she missed the beauty of the human world, and everything in between. As soon as her thoughts drifted elsewhere, Corundum fell asleep.
-Line Break-
Sapphire woke the next morning feeling refreshed and happy. Smiling the young sorceress sat up on her bed and stretched. A small yawn escaped her lips as she stood up the cold floor causing her to squeak slightly. A moan coming from the bed caused her to stop dead in her tracks and slowly turn towards her bed. She relaxed and loosed a breath when she saw Cedric lying there, drooling slightly. His gloveless hand was placed where she was formerly laying and from where he wasn't covered in sheets, he was still wearing his clothes from last night. Glancing down at herself Sapphire saw that she was still wearing the elegant dress from the previous night. Which meant…
A glint of light drew her attention to her finger, where a lovely blue stone sat on a golden band. Sapphire felt a swell of happiness in her chest as she smiled. Sapphire believed her life was decent, but after her Uncle passed away and being sucked into the mirror kind of gave her a look at the flipside of the coin. Now it's turned around. She was free from the mirror, she had a home, people who cared about her, and now she was engaged to the love of her life. Nothing, absolutely nothing could go wrong now.
Smiling Sapphire moved to her bathrooms. After a ten-minute bath, she wasted no time in changing her elegant ball gown to a long sleeved casual day dress. When Sapphire came out, fresh and clean, Cedric was gone. Probably off to get changed and cleaned as well. There on her desk sat Svero ís, the Sword of Ice, given to her by the Spirit of Corundum. If there was a possibility that Ruby was hunting the other two goddesses then there was possibility of war.
Taking the sword by the hilt, Sapphire unsheathed the sword and examined it. The blade was a light silver with a slight blue tint. It had frost designs engraved on the blade that seemed to move as the light hit it. The sheath and the hilt were an unadorned light blue but it was beautiful nonetheless. Sighing Sapphire decided that she would practice with it later today as she sheathed the sword. Now it was time for breakfast. Making sure her amulet was still around her neck, Sapphire strode out of the rooms and toward the dinning hall.
-Line break-
Sofia rushed around her room in a panic to get ready for the day. The young princess had slept in for some reason so she was unfortunately starting the day in a rush, something she hated doing.
Robin, Mia, and Clover watched her throw her usual purple gown over her head and pull it down with difficulty before helping. After a short breather, Sofia slid her heels on and dashed towards the door. But she was stopped short when a phantom breeze blew through the room, slamming the heavy wooden door. Sofia looked at the door questionably before tugging on the handle. It wouldn't budge. As the young princess continued to tug at the handle she started to panic slightly.
"Help!" she shouted pounding on the door. Sofia scowled at the door as she repeated the action several times, still getting no response.
Princess…a voice whispered. Sofia froze and turned slowly, looking around her room. The only people there with her were her animal friends but they seemed frozen. The brunette saw her amulet glow a strange, yet beautiful purplish-blue color. It's never done that before.
Princess…. The voice whispered again. Clutching her amulet, Sofia pressed herself against the door as hard as she could. There was a flash of light in the middle of her room that caused her to shield her eyes. When it died down and Sofia blinked the spots out of her eyes, the young princess of Enchantia could only gape at the sight in front of her.
A woman with pale white skin and a ghostly aura floated in front of her. Her pure white hair was done up in a fashion reminiscent of the Golden Age of Enchantia, when the kingdom worshiped the long forgotten gods. Her dress seemed to be of the similar era but more of a baby blue color. Around the stranger's neck rested a ghostly image of Sapphire's amulet. Her eyes were nothing but bright white orbs. Sofia still clutched her amulet as the woman spoke, gliding closer as she did.
"You have become very beautiful Iolite," the woman's voice was smooth and warm, a stark contrast to her appearance. When she stopped right in front of Sofia, she stroked the princess's cheek softly. "If only Mother could see you now."
Sofia swatted the hand away and back away as far as she could. "Who are you?"
"Of course you don't remember me," The woman smiled fondly as if she remembered something happy. "You were lost to us for eons. My name is Corundum, former goddess of Ice, Guardian of the season winter and Heir to the Throne of the Gods. And your older sister."
"I only have one sister and I'm pretty sure you're not her." Sofia stated her courage coming back. She's never been afraid of anything as far as she knew and she certainly wasn't going to start now.
"That is what you believe." Corundum touched the Amulet of Avalor and the two were transported to a solid gold castle that sat on fluffy white clouds. Sofia would've thought that the castle would've fallen straight down, but the clouds actually felt solid, like the ground. The sun caused the golden bricks to shine and shimmer. Sofia thought Amber would absolutely love this place.
"This was once the Palace of the Gods." Corundum explained. "It was here that the other deities gathered for important decisions, where brilliant balls were held, and my family ruled over the Mortal world and the World of the Gods. I am sure you have heard the legend of the four daughters of Mother Earth?"
Sofia nodded. According to Sapphire, Mother Earth was blessed with four children each gifted with an amulet of power and control over a certain element and season. Corundum, the oldest, was guardian over the season of winter, Ruby, the second oldest, was guardian over the season of summer. Jade was the third oldest and was charged over guarding the season of spring and finally Argenta, the youngest was the guardian of fall.
"There is always a bit of truth in legend," Corundum explained as they walked towards a garden. "We appeared to Mother Earth in a flash of light. But instead of four daughters there was a fifth, one that vanished as soon as we took our human forms. Mother Earth nearly threw herself into a depression trying to find the youngest daughter." The two came to a statue of a young woman, a sword in her hand and flag in the other. "When it came clear that she was lost forever, we built a statue in her honor and named her Iolite. She is the guardian of friendship and magic. Her amulet, which was dubbed the Amulet of Avalor, is considered the most powerful amulet in existence, next to mine."
Corundum turned to Sofia who was clutching her amulet with such force, if it wasn't magical, it would be shattered. "What does that have to do with me?"
The goddess smiled slightly and knelt down. "You, Princess Sofia of Enchantia, are my younger sister, Iolite."
Sofia was so shocked she had force herself to listen as Corundum continued, "You and Sapphire Starlight will be the only two to stop my sister, Ruby. You both have a power, that when combined, will make you unstoppable." The goddess rotated her hands. A pale blue light appeared in between her still moving hands and when Corundum stopped, the light vanished slowly. The goddess presented the young princess a sword. The sword was beautiful. The hilt was purple tinted metal that had a purple jewel at the very top of the hilt. The blade also had a purple tint to it, and also very lovely whirls engraved on the flat of the blade. Sofia's face betrayed her amazement and wonder as she swung the blade several times. She never considered learning how to fight with a sword but it seemed her muscles knew what to do. Strange.
"The sword is Lame de l'Amitié," Corundum explained. "It means the Blade of Friendship. Even though the name is not very frightening, it is a very powerful sword. Along with the Sword of Ice, the Blade of Friendship is connected to the wielder's amulet and power. You must stop Ruby from taking over the world of man and the Gods. You and Sapphire are the only ones that can help Jade and Argenta defeat Ruby and save the world. Otherwise the Mortal World will fall to darkness and chaos."
Sofia went to say something but when she blinked she was back in her room, with Clover, Mia, and Robin unfrozen. The animals seemed to be confused like there was a blank in their minds. When the princess glanced at the clock, she panicked. Placing the sword on her bed, Sofia opened her door and ran towards the dinning hall, where her family, Sapphire and Mr. Cedric. It was weird to see her magic instructor here since he usually was a recluse, usually taking his meals in his room. Both wizards were chatting happily, while their hands were intertwined. From where she was, Sofia could see a ring on Sapphire's ring finger. The young princess took a deep breath before she sat down in her usual place.
"Sofia, so good of you to join us," Amber greeted. "You'll never guess what we just heard!"
"What?" the young princess asked.
"Mr. Cedric and Sapphire are getting married!" The female twin exclaimed.
Sofia could only look at her friend in shock. Sapphire nodded happily, her face split in a smile. And Mr. Cedric looked like if the heavens themselves opened up and gave him every blessing they could bestow upon him. Sofia had never seen her teacher so happy.
"When's the ceremony?" Queen Miranda asked the happy couple.
"We were thinking around spring," Sapphire answered turning to the queen. "When the snow melts. That way we can have as many people as we can have. But of course the royal family will always have a special place close to us."
Sofia was quiet throughout breakfast, half listening to the conversation as her brain went back to the sword in her room. Lame de l'Amité. Or Blade of Friendship. The spirit of Corundum never told the young princess what the blade could do, but Sofia had a list of things in her head on what it might do.
When breakfast was finished, Sofia quickly made her way back to her room, with Sapphire right behind her calling her name. The princess jumped when Sapphire grabbed her shoulder. Once Sofia calmed her racing heart, Sapphire led her back to her room, before shutting the door.
"Are you okay Sofia?" Sapphire asked, worry clear in her eyes. "You seemed zoned out during breakfast."
"Yeah I'm fine," Sofia answered.
"No you're not," Sapphire noticed. "Tell me, something is really bothering you. Is it the fact that Cedric and I are getting married?"
Sofia shook her head as she hugged herself. "Before breakfast, my amulet glowed a strange lavender color. Then the spirit of Corundum, I think, came here and told me that I was her sister reincarnated."
Sapphire blinked in surprise. "The Spirit of Corundum? Are you sure?"
Sofia nodded. It was kind of scary to see Sapphire this pale in fear. The sorceress sighed as she sat down on the ground, looking all the world like a frightened person. In her hand, she clutched her amulet as if it was a shield to protect her from the fear.
"I think it's time for the truth." Sapphire whispered.
Sapphire proceeded to tell Sofia of all the appearances of Corundum and Ruby over the years since she received the amulet from Cedric all those years ago. She then told the young princess how Corundum told her that it was her destiny to be the next Queen of the Gods and to lead the charge against Ruby in a war that was certain to come. "And apparently you are to help."
"What about your wedding?" Sofia asked. Sapphire sighed as she realized that her happiness would have to wait. Before she could answer, the town bells sounded. The two girls stood up and quickly made their way outside where the other royal family members were, looking a little worried. The only time the town bells were rung is when there was danger, which was very little in Enchantia.
"Constable Miles what is it?" King Roland asked. The constable pointed at the herd of golden Pegasus heading their way. Leading them were a power grey Pegasus and an earthen brown one. Both had riders that had an unearthly glow and beauty to them. They landed several feet in front of the royal family, not wasting time in unloading the wounded and the severely injured. Sapphire, remembering the women from several visions, rushed to help them, Sofia close behind her. Argenta and Jade looked as lovely as Sapphire remembered. With their multicolored bangs and their matching amulets that radiated power, they stood out from the mortals that surrounded them. Their soldiers were wearing golden armor, with an insignia of an eagle in flight.
"Halt!" Constable Miles ordered. Argenta stood and pulled out a katana like sword, and pointed at the guard.
"Do not take another step, Mortal," Argenta spoke. She sounded so formal yet threatening that one would mistake her as a war queen. "I have no intentions of being your prisoner."
"Wait!" Sofia stepped forward in between the goddess and constable. "We just want to help!"
The goddess narrowed her eyes on the princess but they widened in surprise when her grey eyes landed on the amulet that was glowing slightly and sending sparkles of magic out around her neck. Slowly Argenta sheathed the sword clutched her own.
"Jade…" The goddess of the air breathed. Her sister turned from helping the wounded soldiers to gaze in shock and amazement at the amulet that was believed lost.
"It can't be…." The goddess of the earth breathed, equally shocked. "Is that-"
"The Amulet of Avalor," Argenta finished. The two goddesses knelt, the capable soldiers following suit. Sofia stood back while her family watched on awkwardly before Sapphire stepped up and faced them with a determined face.
"Lady Argenta," She bowed her head slightly. The goddesses stood and held themselves with such dignity; Sofia could easily see the soldiers in them. "Lady Jade. It is an honor to be your presence."
This little piece caused both immortals to chuckle and snicker, causing Sapphire's cheeks to explode in fire. "Don't be so formal, Sapphire Starlight. We haven't been ladies of the court in a long time."
"Indeed," Jade agreed with her sister. "I don't even remember what it feels like to wear silk."
"You don't wear silk," Argenta informed her. "Even back then, you refused to wear the stuffy things. Though I do prefer battle armor to large dresses any day. Although Corundum seemed to enjoy them." The goddess chuckled suddenly. "Do you remember that time in our youth when she wore thirty dresses in one day, just because of a bet?"
"How could I forget?" Jade laughed mirthlessly. They were about to continue their trip down memory lane when someone, that someone being Sapphire, cleared her throat.
"I hate to interrupt but it seems that you and your men need medical aid. They will be well treated by the doctors of Enchantia."
"Thank you Sapphire Starlight," Jade and Argenta bowed deeply, Sapphire bowing back. The two goddesses grabbed some of the wounded soldiers and led them towards the infirmary. Sapphire watched them go, helping some of the soldiers. Sofia peeked out from behind her parents as the goddesses passed, the soldiers in their golden armor frightening her slightly.
"Sapphire?" Cedric asked once everyone had gone back to what they were doing before. The only people left were the Royal family and the two wizards. "Do you, uh by chance, know them?"
The ice sorceress sighed as she looked like she was a child caught in the act of stealing from the cookie jar.
"Not personally. I wasn't going to tell you this soon, but it looks like now I have no choice." Sapphire then proceeded to tell the royal family and her fiancée how she got caught up in a war that was probably to come to Enchantia now that the goddesses that Ruby was chasing were here. She explained how she was the ice goddess incarnate and how Sofia was the youngest goddess, Iolite reborn. The King and Queen looked shocked to hear that their baby girl was to lead an army of gods against the evil fire goddess. Sapphire had to swallow her tears when she looked up at Cedric. She never expected him to propose so soon, but now that Jade and Argenta were here, then Ruby wasn't far behind…. which meant they would have to postpone their wedding. Of course, Sapphire had planned on telling him; she just didn't know how to bring it up. How were you supposed to tell your future husband that you were the heir to the Throne of the Gods and World of Mortals and that you were supposed to lead an army of warriors against a corrupt deity that cannot die?
Her soon-to-be husband looked at her with big brown eyes that had a betrayed and hurt look shining clear as the morning sun. It hurt Sapphire to see that look directed at her. She relented and let a tear fall, before straightening up and walking over to him.
"I understand if you want to break off the engagement," Her voice cracked but she cleared her throat and continued, "I would not expect you to want to stay with a freak like me."
She went to remove the beautiful ring that signified both their love for each other but Cedric grasped her hand and pulled it close to his chest. When Sapphire looked up, she saw that her friend forever had a smile on his face, and it was then Sapphire knew. He would support her no matter what. The ice sorceress hugged her husband-to-be tightly, tears flowing. When the lovebirds pulled away, Cedric wiped her tears away with his thumb.
"No matter what," he said cupping her cheek. "I will be by your side. Forever and Always."
Taking a deep breath, Sapphire allowed a small smile to appear on her face. Her amulet glowed catching the eye of James and Amber. The Royal twins also noted Sofia's amulet glowing a slight blue glow. Sapphire knelt down and placed both magical amulets next to each other, causing them to glow brighter. When they touched, it created a blast of magic that threw both back.
"Sofia!" Queen Miranda cried.
"Sapphire!" Cedric cried when the Queen yelled. Everyone gathered around the two wielders, both of them conscious but with a slight bump on their heads. Sofia and Sapphire stood, slowly, but both were groaning heavily as they rubbed the bumps on their head.
"What happened?" Sofia questioned, slightly dizzy.
"I think it was a power surge," Sapphire answered, just as dizzy as the young princess. "I've seen things like this before. When two very magical items together, then it releases a powerful shock of energy. The longer they're together, the more powerful the blast will be. We've got to be careful when we hug from now on Sofia."
Her joke fell short as she gazed at the young princess. Sofia's face was filled with worry and panic as she delicately held her necklace, like the Amulet of Avalor was a fragile bird that if she moved would turn into a ferocious monster. Sighing Sapphire knelt down next to the princess, wary of her amulet.
"Don't worry Sofia," Sapphire assured her. "I won't let anything happen to you."
Sofia glanced up at her with those sparkling blue eyes. "Promise?"
Taking the princess's pinky finger Sapphire said, "Promise."
The young princess seemed to feel better after that. She and the queen decided to head to the strawberry fields for the day to get their mind off of the troubles. Sapphire desperately wanted to go with Cedric, but she needed to interview the two goddesses in the infirmary on what happened and where their evil sister was. With another sigh, the sorceress made her way towards the blasted infirmary where she was not too long ago.
When she arrived, she was glad that princess Sofia wasn't here to see this.
Many beds were occupied with soldiers, their golden armor lying here or there. Some beds had people lying on it but they were covered completely by sheets, signifying that they had passed. There were so many sheet-covered bodies Sapphire had to swallow her tears before walking into the hall. Those that were still alive moaned in pain, and were covered in so many bandages, the healer had to send for more. She spotted Argenta and Jade, both of the goddesses hunched over a solider, talking to him. When they spotted Sapphire they ordered him to get some rest and he obediently closed his eyes.
"I assume you are here to ask where Ruby is and how we escaped," Argenta stated matter-of-factly. Sapphire stopped dead in her tracks, before nodding. The goddesses walked towards the mortal sorceress, pulling her to an area where there weren't any prying ears or eyes. When they passed the beds, Sapphire realized the ones that held the dead soldiers were empty, the beds made up neatly as if there weren't any dead immortal guards.
"The bodies of the immortals dissipate within a few minutes of dying," Jade stated sadly, like she could sense the question brimming on Sapphire's mind. The three of them continued to walk until they came to an empty room. The two goddesses ushered Sapphire in first, before closing and shutting the door behind them.
"There isn't any easy way to say this Sapphire Starlight." Argenta started, placing her swords on the table. She seemed to age but when Sapphire blinked, it was almost like a trick of the eye. "There was a surprise attack on the Mountain Fortress, one that we barely escaped. We lost many good soldiers in that attack."
"We fled to the eastern sea port, where there was a fortress that provided the ultaimate vantage point." Argenta picked up. She sighed, unable to continue. Jade walked up to Sapphire, face grim.
"Why don't we just show you instead?" she asked. Without waiting for an answer, the goddess of the air placed her hands on Sapphire's head, her eyes glowing silver. Sapphire didn't even have time to gasp in shock as she was pulled from the present and placed in the past….