Adventures in Magic

Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First or any of the characters/locations affiliated with it. The original characters introduced in various chapters belong to me.

A/N: In here you'll see a familiar face if you've read some of my other stories with the OC, and you'll meet my new one, whom I just adore. 😊 Based on the summary, you can get a glimpse at what a bit of her background is, but of course there's much more than that. 😉

Note: References to "Never Enough" and "All Aboard" in here.


Chapter 16
Dex and Brex

Summary: Cedric and Sofia meet two more promising magic users in Mahiya named Dexter (a promising young wizard whom Sofia first encountered a few years ago) and his little sister Brexley (a deaf-mute five-year-old girl with a knack for magical art).


Sofia awoke in the middle of the night to a loud clap of thunder. She frowned thoughtfully as she slid from her bed and shuffled over to the window, pulling the curtain aside and gazing out the glass at the area. The quick strike of lightning illuminated the area just enough for her to see the torrents of rain cascading to the surface.

Considering Mahiya's elevated location, she was a bit baffled with the way weather worked here, but she supposed it was still low enough in the atmosphere to fall prey to the variety of meteorological patterns. Then again, it was late, and her mind was a little hazy from having been asleep, so she couldn't fathom why she would or should care about the rain right now.

She sat down in the window seat and glanced down at her hands, which were but a vague outline in the darkness until another flash of lightning set them on display. They looked normal, as usual. They even felt fine now. In fact, ever since discovering her hand magic ability yesterday, and actually using the magic for the first time, the burning sensation hadn't returned. If anything, she only felt a very dull pulsating just beneath her skin—like the magic was coursing through her veins and circulating through her bloodstream or something. It was a weird thing to think about. She didn't even know how it worked, and she doubted she ever would.

It was a calming realization, however, discovering that she wasn't alone in her unexpected magical ability. Cedric also had the power of hand magic, as he had demonstrated a few hours ago. In fact, she knew about this. She'd seen him create hand magic on more than one occasion the last several years that they'd known each other, though neither had ever questioned it or drawn attention to it until it happened to her. It just seemed like such a personal, undiscussed ability… If that made any sense. In Sofia's view, it was one thing to wield a wand (just about anyone could do so, given his or her ability and concentration), but it was another thing entirely to have literal magic burst forth from your own fingertips.

She shook her head a few times as yet another clap of thunder disrupted her train of thought. It was much too late —or too early —to think about this. Granted, it seemed like most deep thoughts tended to take place around this time, in her experience, but still…

She sat in the window seat for a while, listening to the rain and trying to urge herself to relax a bit more so that she could get back to bed and go to sleep again. However, she found it increasingly difficult as a bunch of thoughts suddenly clouded her mind.

What will Mom and Dad think when they find out I can do hand magic?

Will they be okay with it?

Should I even tell them?

What about James and Amber? I tell Amber almost everything, but…

Does this mean something important for me?

Am I supposed to do something with this new power?

Can I handle it?

…Or will it handle me?

She shivered a bit at that final thought, standing shakily to her feet as another clap of thunder echoed throughout the kingdom, the rain pouring even harder, if it was possible. She decided to try to get some more sleep, regardless of her restless mind. She knew very well that the time spent in Mahiya was important, especially as they still had connections to establish and impressions to make. Sometimes being an 'honorary ambassador,' or whatever she was classified as, was challenging and even draining. In fact, she hoped for another break soon… Like the time Cedric had taken her to the ocean and just let them sit and talk for a while. She could use another time like that…

Propping up against her pillows and pulling the heavy comforter and sheets over herself, Sofia stared into the darkness for a long time—perhaps half an hour, though she wasn't entirely sure. Her mind had yet to slow down, despite how tired she was. Several more minutes passed by, and she realized that sleep just didn't seem to be an option for her.

Desperate for a solution, she stood up once again, tugging her lavender pajama shirt down over her matching pants and tossing her braided hair behind her back. She knelt next to the foot of the bed and opened the trunk, withdrawing a thick purple blanket and wrapping it around herself. Satisfied, she stood and sighed once before leaving the room.

A few gentle knocks on the door at the end of the hall proved fruitless as Sofia realized it wasn't going to open. Pressing her ear to the door, she listened, hearing nothing. Only the heavy storm outside was audible at this point. She sighed, resigning herself to her limited options. "Sorry, Mr. Cedric," she mumbled softly to herself before gently pushing his door open, silently chastising herself for not bringing a lamp or something with her to navigate the darkness.

Luckily, another round of lightning lit up his room, which she found was set up nearly identically to hers, and she was able to make her way over to her sleeping mentor a bit easier. She smiled as she saw that he appeared to be fast asleep, his breathing deep and even. 'Wish I could sleep like that,' she thought to herself, frowning.

She reached out one hand and paused. She couldn't wake him up. As far as she knew, Cedric was generally a light sleeper as it was. She knew from past experiences that he would often work late into the night on a project, a potion, or whatever else (often for her father), and then he'd be expected to work a normal shift the next day, with little to no sleep from the previous day. While she didn't find it fair, he'd apparently considered it 'normal' and had developed special potions to help him stay focused and moderately energetic enough to accomplish his daily quota.

To actually see him sleeping now, and so soundly, made her rather happy. He didn't have those rigid expectations at the moment (from her father or from himself), and even though this was still classified as a business adventure, it was a bit of a break for him as well.

"I can't," she told herself softly as she lowered her hand to the blanket she'd wrapped around her shoulders, clasping it in the front. Sighing, she turned to leave, but she paused when she heard a stirring behind her. She turned back in time to see Cedric slowly sitting up against his pillows and lighting the lamp beside the bed.

"Sofia?" he asked curiously, his voice a bit dense and drowsy since he'd been lost in heavy sleep mere moments ago. "What is it? Are you all right?"

She couldn't bother him with her thoughts. Not now. She put on her best smile and nodded. "I'm fine. Go back to sleep, Mr. Cedric."

"Then why are you in my room?" He narrowed his eyes toward his apprentice, studying her movements. This whole trip, she'd slept through the night. Now he awoke to find her standing right next to him, looking like a lost little child? It didn't make any sense.

"I…was checking on you." She nodded toward the window, through which they could see the rain pouring down. "It's storming, and I was—"

"Don't make excuses," he interjected, his tone more concerned than reprimanding. "I think I know you better than that at this point."

She frowned. He was right. She should have known he'd see through her cover story. She sighed. "I can't sleep," she admitted. "The storm woke me up, but when I tried to go back to sleep, I started thinking about the hand magic, and about what my family would think. And then I wondered if I could even handle this new type of power, or if it will overpower me in the end…" She lowered her head, averting her gaze as he watched her. "Maybe I'm not as strong as you guys think I am, Mr. Cedric…"

Cedric observed her for only a few moments more before moving over to the center of the bed and pushing the blankets aside. "Sit down for a bit. We need to talk."

The princess sighed but complied, watching as he covered them both up with his sheets and comforter before leaning against a stack of pillows and facing her. "Nothing good ever comes out of those words…"

"I won't lecture you, Sofia. You're far too smart and mature for that. However, I will give you some advice." Seeing her nod, he continued, "I understand that discovering this new power is rather frightening for you. I'm sure you're afraid of the possibility of it being too much to handle. And you've mentioned the uncertainty of how your family will react. Well, as I told you earlier, I'll help you figure out how to use this magic safely and effectively. It will be fine. And, to be quite honest, if your parents and siblings can't handle discovering yet another powerful ability you possess, after everything you've already accomplished and revealed the last few years, I'll be rather surprised." He chuckled as she finally smiled with a small laugh. "The Sofia I know is strong and courageous, proud of her role as a princess, fully capable as a Protector, and focused as a student. The Sofia I know can do anything, as long as she believes in herself."

"And you believe in me, Mr. Cedric?"

He smiled tenderly toward her, nodding and accommodating her as she leaned her head against his shoulder. He wrapped his left arm around her, gently patting her own blanketed arm. "I most certainly do. Always have, always will."

The thunder rolled a bit softer outside, but the rain never ceased.

"I think that's what I needed to hear," Sofia confessed, smiling toward her friend as she looked at him. "Thanks, Mr. Cedric."

He smirked. "I would say, 'Any time,' but I'm afraid you'll take that too literally and wake me up at three in the morning again." He chuckled as she flushed in embarrassment. "But you're more than welcome, my dear. Do you think you can get some sleep now?"

"Can't I just sleep here?" she asked playfully, draping the blanket over her head and grinning cutely at her mentor. "I think your bed is fluffier anyway."

Cedric scoffed, shaking his head. "Get out of my bed, you silly girl. Off with you."

She giggled and shrugged, sliding to the floor and pulling the blanket around her again. "Fine. I see how it is." Her playful nature settled down, and an appreciative smile made its way to her face. "But really, Mr. Cedric… Thank you."

He returned the smile as he relaxed under his covers again before reaching for the lamp. "You're welcome, Sofia. Sleep well." He waited for her to exit his room and shut the door before dousing the lamp once more. "Hmm…" He could certainly understand her worries and concerns, but he knew very well that she would be able to handle the new magical ability in the end. She was Sofia, Princess of Enchancia, Protector of the Ever Realm… She could do just about anything she set her mind to. And where she fell short, he'd pick her up and help her succeed. "Just like she's always done for me," he murmured to himself before finally lying down and returning to sleep.

Sofia lowered into her bed and yawned, finally feeling the temptation of sleep washing over her again, dragging her willingly back into her dream world. Before she succumbed, she briefly thought of how lucky she was to have Cedric on her side: someone who was willing to help her nurture this new power and encourage her with using it. She almost felt like the typical roles were reversed this time, but she honestly welcomed that possibility. For so long she'd helped him see the goodness in himself and the abilities he'd always possessed. And now, it seemed like he was repaying the favor. A soft smile played on her lips as she muttered, "Sounds good to me…" Before long, she was asleep once more.


Hours later when it was finally time to wake up according to the proper schedule, the two Enchancians prepared for the day, ate, and headed off to the crystal tower to meet up with Master Elgraste in order to get their daily assignment.

"Good morning, you two," the older man greeted chipperly as he sat on an airlow, sipping what appeared to be a cup of steaming hot tea. "Sleep well?"

Sofia smiled while glancing toward Cedric. "After getting settled in, yes."

Cedric returned the smile, the obvious secret message received.

"Good to hear," Master Elgraste responded, magically sending his tea off to another location as he stood. "There is someone I'd like you two to meet with today. He's something of a prodigy, and he even has connections with the Protectors in the Mystic Isles." He eyed Sofia meaningfully, smiling as she absently grasped her Enchantlet. "He has actually worked undercover for them in the past, helping to gather critical information."

Sofia gasped. "Are you talking about Dexter?"

He chuckled and nodded. "That I am. Now that I think of it, I'm rather sure he mentioned your name, Princess Sofia, upon returning from his mission in…Rudistan, I believe." He folded his arms and sighed as the other two exchanged glances. "He'd been on that mission for quite some time, and his little sister was left here. Some of the others here and I took care of her while he was away."

"So you guys were the 'friends' he mentioned," Sofia realized, connecting the dots. She then smiled excitedly. "We'll get to meet his little sister this time, right?" She had to admit, it would be nice to be around siblings, especially since she missed her own. Even if the little girl was much younger and not around the age of Amber and James, she'd take what she could get.

"Yes, but there is something you should know before meeting her." Master Elgraste became very serious all of a sudden. "Dexter's younger sister is named Brexley. She was born deaf and hasn't spoken a word since the day she was born as a result."

"Oh, wow," Cedric muttered, blinking. He couldn't fathom growing up without hearing anything: the wind, the trees as they rustled, the birds, music, voices… It was then that he realized just how much he took for granted.

"But don't let that make you pity her," the old man insisted, shaking his head. "Brexley is a very intelligent girl. She may not speak, and she may not be able to hear, but with her brother's help, she's managed to become quite the successful and involved student in her magic classes. She's very much into magical art, for instance."

"She sounds like an amazing girl," Sofia added. "When can we meet her?"

"Now, if you'd like." He turned and gestured over his shoulder. "Follow me."


Dexter's apartment was settled just beyond Master Elgraste's tower, in a more secluded area, away from the bustling regions of the kingdom. Like most of the other apartments, it hovered midair, though this one came equipped with a swing dangling from beneath the capsule and several decorative pieces coating the outside of the building.

"Brexley made everything you see," Master Elgraste informed them as they approached the apartment. "From the glass figurines, to the mobiles, to the windchimes. She's only five years old, but she can create just about anything you can imagine when magical art is concerned."

"Wow," Sofia breathed. "And what makes them magical?"

The man chuckled as he gestured toward the pieces, which glowed different colors and moved on their own, sliding along the surface of the building before remaining stagnant for a few moments, then moving again.

"Never mind," the princess laughed. "Magic really is limitless, I guess."

"You have no idea, Princess Sofia. Just wait until you see what else magic can do."

Using a transportation spell, Master Elgraste guided them from the ground to the apartment, knocking on the door and waiting.

Soon, a young man who looked to be about twenty years old opened the door. His raven hair was swept back in a half-up style, the rest of his locks brushing over his shoulders. Black shoes, black slacks, and a white button-up shirt with a blue star-patterned vest completed his outfit. His brown eyes twinkled in recognition once he saw the ponytailed-girl. "Princess Sofia?" He quickly ushered them all into the apartment so that they wouldn't be crowded in the main corridor.

"Dexter? Er, sorry, Dex." She laughed, recalling his nickname preference from a few years ago.

He grinned, nodding. "Wow, I know it's been a few years, but you look…older."

She smiled. "I'm fourteen now." She then gestured toward the sorcerer next to her. "Dex, this is my mentor, my friend, and our Royal Sorcerer of Enchancia: Mr. Cedric. Mr. Cedric, this is Dexter. He helped me out a few years ago with the Rudistan situation."

"I believe I also ran into you when you were at the boarding school and on your own undercover mission," the young wizard added, smiling as she gasped in recollection. He reached out and shook Cedric's hand. "It's an honor to meet you, Cedric. Master Elgraste has told me about you."

Cedric nodded and lowered his hand to his side after the greeting. "The honor is mine, Dexter. It seems you made a good impression on Sofia." He smiled as she giggled a bit.

"They are here as Magical Ambassadors," Master Elgraste told the young man. "As their quest is to establish connections and networking, I assumed it wouldn't hurt to begin with one of my best magic wielders."

Dexter shrugged as he folded his arms. "I appreciate it, Master Elgraste, but I'm nowhere near Kitanya's level."

"Perhaps not, but you have something she doesn't: natural curiosity for magic. You were born with the gift, boy. Kitanya had to work hard to reach her level, and with quite a few bumps along the way." He then waved, dismissing himself. "I do hope you enjoy talking. I've much to do. I will speak with you all later." He smiled before teleporting out of the apartment.

"Would you both like something to drink or eat? My sister and I were about to have brunch since we got up late." He shrugged sheepishly. "Long night."

"Understand completely," Cedric assured him with a chuckle. "We've already eaten though, unless Sofia is still hungry."

She smiled. "I might eat a little bit. Thanks, Dex."

He nodded before looking past them, smiling. Before they could ask, he began signing something with his hands.

Sofia and Cedric turned, seeing a little girl standing at the entrance to the kitchen. She was a petite girl with her hair styled into two long ebony pigtails, each one hovering around her legs. Her bangs swept over her forehead, right above her equally dark eyes. She had dressed in a long-sleeved pink top and a long purple skirt with pink flowers in the pattern, her shoes of the same style. Dangling around her neck was a blue star pendant that appeared to be shimmering.

As Dexter spoke, he signed with his hands. "Cedric, Sofia, this is my little sister Brexley. Brexley, this is Princess Sofia and Mr. Cedric. They are from Enchancia."

The young girl's eyes widened as she excitedly signed something to her brother.

"What did she say?" Cedric wondered, impressed with the siblings' communication.

"She said she's always wanted to meet a real princess." He laughed.

Sofia smiled happily and knelt down, her Protector outfit rustling a bit as she did. As the girl approached her, the princess suddenly felt really sad before turning to Dexter. "I would love to talk to her, but…she won't understand me, will she?"

"Do you see that star pendant around her neck?" Seeing the teen nod, he continued, "I made that for her. I call it a signdant: sign-pendant. Whatever you say to her, the signdant allows her to 'hear' it via holographic sign language."

"That is really impressive," Cedric told the young wizard in awe. "How did you figure out the mechanisms and magic requirements for that?"

Dexter chuckled. "She's my sister. I'd do anything for her, and it took about a year to make, but by the time she was three years old, I'd perfected it. She's worn it every day ever since. But I continue to sign with her regardless, just so I can still communicate with her in case something happens to the signdant."

"You're a wonderful brother," Sofia told him.

"Indeed," Cedric agreed. "I'm sure your parents are very proud of you." He immediately regretted those words once he saw the look of dismay on the boy's face. "Oh, I'm sorry, Dexter… I shouldn't have assumed…"

"It's okay." He shook his head. "You meant well. Our parents died a few years ago in a magical battle that took place in a different realm. They were on their way back to us from their own mission but got caught up in it, from what I'm told, and…" He sighed. "They didn't make it back. Brexley had just turned two years old. She doesn't remember them."

"Dex, I'm so sorry," Sofia told him, her heart aching for the siblings.

"We have each other," he finished, a smile somehow on his face. "We take care of each other and do everything together. And she understands I have to go on those undercover missions sometimes, but I always make up for lost time when I return."

"I'd like to echo Sofia's sentiments from earlier," Cedric added. "You truly are an amazing brother. I have a sister myself, as does the princess (a brother and a sister, actually), so I'm sure I speak for both of us when I say that it's absolutely remarkable what you've been able to do to help her and provide for both of you. I'm very impressed."

The young wizard laughed. "Thanks, Cedric. That means a lot."

Sofia turned when she felt a tug on her sleeve. She smiled as she realized Brexley was gesturing at her signdant and then at Sofia's amulet. "You're wondering about this?" Sofia asked, seeing the girl nod. Apparently, the star pendant had 'translated' what she'd said for her. "This is the Amulet of Avalor. It's sort of like your signdant, but it has magical powers." She grinned toward the girl. "Do you believe in magic?"

Brexley nodded enthusiastically, signing toward her brother and smiling fondly.

Dexter laughed a little before saying, "She said, 'My brother is magical. He made me believe in magic when he helped me be able to talk to others.'" He quickly signed I love you to the little one, chuckling as she grinned wider and signed it back.

"So," Cedric sighed, glancing around the room at the others. "Dexter, did you have anything in particular that you'd like us to do today? As Magical Ambassadors, we're here to observe and possibly learn from you and your kingdom. And from what I have seen so far, I'm very intrigued."

He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I'm sure we can find something to do after we eat." He laughed as he noticed that Brexley had walked around Sofia and had begun playing with the older girl's long hair. "Or maybe we should just spend some time getting to know each other first. Looks like Brex beat us all to it."

Sofia giggled as she felt the girl starting to braid—or attempt to braid—her hair. "Sounds good to me."

Not long after, they all sat around the small table to eat and converse (or sign, in Brexley's case), getting more acquainted with each other, completely oblivious to the fact that they were being watched.

To be continued…