The Serpent and the Maiden Fair Chapter 5
Important Announcement!: To all Star Wars and WITCH fans, your wait is over! I'm in the middle of writing the first Star Wars & WITCH crossover so hold your horses! I'll be posting the fic on January (I already finished the first two chapters) and it's a PhobosxCornelia fic. :3 :3 (Special thanks again to my best friend here, Sasha, who inspired and suggested to write this fic.)
I can't promise that it's really a great fic but well I can always write what I want right? Anyway aside from that Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all start this 2016 with a bang!
Anyway, this is a crappy chapter but I hope that you guys will enjoy reading it! Have fun!
Enjoy!
Cedric transformed into his human form before going inside the portal to Earth, it would be a disaster if he accidentally went in as a big snake. He brought with him a larvec and a lurden, Phobos' orders. They need to capture the traitor Vathek before he reaches the guardians and inform them about the identity of the princess. He knew that the other girls will try to save the princess as she was friends with them.
Once Elyon knows the truth, it would be the end of everything or just Phobos but then he was his master's servant. He does what Phobos is pleased thus it makes him more like his master. And if Elyon ascends the throne he will likely be imprisoned.
The portal swirled and he found himself near some sort of carnival. Music can be heard, there were some rides and some other kinds of games. The entrance of the location is just visible in their current place so he can see who comes in and out.
His lips formed a cunning smile as he saw Elyon and a boy with fiery hair going inside. But it quickly turned into a frown as he saw the guardians following them. They know! Vathek must have reached them before he can. An idea struck his head. This won't be difficult. He just needs to make Elyon lose her trust to the guardians and keep her away from them; hopefully it's not that hard as it seems.
He signalled the lurden and the larvec to follow him to the carnival, once they were inside the area, he waited for the right moment to talk to Elyon but the stupid guardians were trailing behind her and the boy.
"I can't get close to her with them around. I need a diversion." He told the larvec and the lurdent. They nodded and quickly disappeared.
He was about to follow Elyon when someone called him.
"Cedric!" Even if he doesn't turn he already knew who the owner of the voice was. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Avery who was radiant as always behind her was a young man; he estimates that they were just the same age, when you talk about her Earth age of course.
"Avery. Good to see you." He smiled at her. Bad timing. How can he focus on his job when the woman he loves is here? The young man behind her was staring at him; his eyes seem to be studying him. Was this her boyfriend? His heart seemed to be squeezed at the mere thought. However this guy won't even last a minute with Phobos, if the prince knows about this.
"You with someone?" She asked. He shook his head and Avery's smile widen and somewhat shows that she was relieved. Then Avery must have realized that she's with someone. "Oh. Sorry, Cedric this is Matt, he is my friend. Matt this Cedric, he is a bookstore owner." She said as she introduced him to the guy behind her. Friend? Maybe more like a special friend or special someone to him. He was jealous.
"Glad to meet you." Cedric said and held out his hand to Matt. Matt took it and squeezed it hard.
"Nice to meet you too." He said. Aha. He hinted jealousy in the guy's action. The handshake lasted a little more than a minute before Matt finally let go of his hand. "I need to go." Matt then turned to Avery, his face was dark. His heart almost cheered when he heard that but he quickly scolded himself. He was here for Elyon not for Avery. Matt left, leaving him and Avery alone.
"So, how are you?" Avery asked. Hopefully the larvec and lurden have kept the guardians in company. He needs to settle with Avery first.
"I'm fine. How about you?" He asked. Man. This was really hard. He can't possibly do love and duty at the same time.
"I'm good." She answered and they fell silent. Why of all places and timing, why now? He wanted to ask her. He already risked his life to protect her existence (or he just did it out of love) but then this girl choose to pop up at the exact time he has a mission. Could his day even get worse?
And it was about to get worst as he saw the rebel leader coming on their way. Without any words he quickly grabbed Avery's hand and ran towards the nearest ride he can find.
"Wait!" Avery said as she tried to keep up with him. When they stopped she was panting, it was somehow a long run. He looked at her and noticed that her face was heavily blushed and she looks so cute, memories of the past came back rushing to him. It was sometime after Avery confessed her true feelings for him.
"You love me?" His eyes widen at her revelation. She loves him! When? How? He wanted to ask. But he was so shocked with her confession that it took him time before he can speak. She was just looking down, somehow embarrassed by what she has done. She nodded in response to his question. He held her hands and she slowly lifted her head and glanced at him.
"How? When?" He echoed his thoughts. Impossible. How did she fell in love with him? All these time he thought that Avery was somehow infatuated with Phobos. But now his mind was so confused with what she said.
"I loved you ever since we met and after my parents took you, I loved you even more. I never wanted to marry Phobos. I never wanted to become a queen, a princess or a duchess. I wanted to be with you." She said. How on Metamoor can an eleven year old girl know these kinds of words? She was still young and he bets that she doesn't really understand what love is.
"No. No. No. You're just confused. I have been with you in a short while. You're just infatuated with me." He said trying to clear the confusion but tears fell from her eyes.
"I knew it. You won't believe me. I love you Ced. I do." She said as she moved her hand to touch his face. The same tingling feeling that he felt the first time she did this was there again. It sent gentle volts of electricity throughout his body.
This girl. She loves him. If it was true then maybe he should also tell her his true feelings.
"I love you too." He then confessed without thinking. There was no use of keeping it as they felt the same. His feelings weren't unrequited. Avery stopped sobbing and looked at him, her eyes questioning. Asking for confirmation of what he just said. "I love you too; I have loved you the first time we met." He said as he gently stroked her cheek. Funny that they both fell for each other at the same time.
But then, this relationship won't be fruitful. He knows that if Avery's parents will know about their feelings for each other she will be disowned. She will lose her family, her honour, her wealth, her land and status. And he can't provide her with anything. He was just a penniless man.
"You know that your parents will disown you if they know this right? You are already betrothed to Phobos." He told her, she nodded.
"I know. I don't have feelings with that arrogant boy! I don't even like him! He thinks that he is so perfect and handsome but he is not! He is a cruel person!" He was shocked by her words and almost laughed at her admission. He never thought that Avery actually hates Phobos. Well, he was the only one who can tolerate his attitude, that's why Phobos likes him.
"Don't say that in front of him. He will likely punish you." He joked. Avery frowned.
"You'll say that to him?" She asked. He laughed and shook his head. So naïve. Yet it was the reason why he likes her. Their gazes then met and he felt that her purple eyes are somehow melting him. He just wanted to stay like this forever. Avery smiled at him and quickly gave him a smack on the lips which took him in surprise. But before she can move her head away, he hurriedly captured her lips, his hand moved to the back of her head to keep her in place.
She gave out a soft gasp and it gave way for his tongue to enter her soft lips, tasting and licking her wet cavern. He then nibbled her lower lip and she gave out a soft moan. At first she wasn't responding, it was her first kiss so does not know what to do, but after a few seconds she started responding to his kiss, slowly at first until she was able to keep up with his pace.
Something stirred inside him. He wanted more. But not now. She was still young and he does not want stain her purity. They only let go of each other when they were already running out of breath. He smiled as he saw her heavily stained face and her swollen lips.
"D-does this mean that were l-like a c-couple?" She stuttered as she caught her breath.
"Yes." He quickly said and pulled her towards his chest. His heart was just filled with happiness that he almost forgot that he will need to go to the capital tomorrow and he will stay there for almost a year.
"I will miss you." It was the second time that she said that.
"I know. I will miss you too." He said and he kissed her forehead. He will surely miss her so badly.
"Promise me that you'll write to me often." She said as she looked to his eyes. The expression of her eyes seems to mirror his.
"Of course. I will." His lips found hers again and shared a passionate kiss.
"Uhhm. Ceddie?" His mind froze when he heard what she just called him. Ceddie? It was her nickname for him. Does she remember? "Sorry. Uh. Cedric?" She said again, her tone was a bit of surprise, like she was surprised that she called him that.
"Yes?" He asked.
"Why are we here?" She asked, her forehead creased. Right. He just dragged her nowhere without any explanations.
"Do you want to ride or something?" He asked trying to make it casual. He doesn't want her to know that he is running away from the rebel leader who was now with the guardians. That was why they are having a hard time finding him; he was here on Earth, maybe hiding in one of the guardians' house.
"Is this like a date?" She suddenly asked and then nodded, his eyes widen, it was one of her mannerism, and she always does that when she was embarrassed. He bets that her face was now heavily tinted. He just gave out a wide smile.
"Yes. It's a date." He answered, Avery looked up and her violet eyes were sparkling like stars and her lips formed into a sweet smile. His heart started beating rapidly. They haven't seen each other after fourteen years yet she still makes his knees weak. He asked Avery what ride she wants to try first before going to the ticket booth. In the back of his mind, he was feeling nervous, what if the guardians defeated the larvec and the lurden? What if Elyon already knew? He sighed.
Everything was silent except for the loud rumbling sound of the thunder. After a few minutes the guards stationed at the Queen's chamber will change and Cedric took a deep breath before finally concentrating. Shape-shifting as another person, individual or another creature was a hard thing. Learning it will take years to perfect but lucky for him, it only took him a month. And it wasn't an easy task; he broke a lot of bones and injured himself in the process.
Yet because he was already a Naga and they strong healing abilities it made things a lot easier. And he badly needed to learn it as soon as possible. The war broke out a few months ago and after his parents' capture, Phobos sat on the throne. However his title was still "Prince" and not yet king. He can only change that if he becomes the heart of Metamoor, and he isn't. The powers of the heart of the land only belong to the firstborn female members of the family.
And somebody already owns the power, Phobos' younger sister. It was one month ago that they found out about the Queen's pregnancy and it was a girl she was carrying. It caused chaos but it was quickly subdued by Phobos' supporters. Rebellion began yet even without his sister's power, Phobos' power was strong enough to stop them. His ability to drain the life force of others and convert it to power gave him this big advantage.
The Queen and Consort were now in grave danger. He felt pity for them; Phobos was slowly draining the Queen's life force as hers was equal to thousands of men because of her current position as the heart of Metamoor.
After knowing about the Queen's pregnancy, he quickly and secretly sent a raven to Wayfort to inform Lady Agatha about it so that they can do something. Lady Agatha quickly sent a reply, telling him that the Queen and Consort must be secretly shipped to West Nubar without Phobos' knowledge and he must need to help them as they don't have any friend in the capital. Phobos supporters will turn on them soon.
However he needed time to help them; he will need to learn how to shape-shift. That way his identity won't be revealed and he will be safe. He found an old sorcerer in the depths of the Meridian forest. The old man was one of Queen Weira's supporters. When the man found out about the situation he was glad to help saying that it would be an honour to help the Queen and the Consort before he perishes from the land.
But magic always comes with a price, for payment, the sorcerer made him his apprentice thus he was able to learn a lot of magic tricks aside from shape-shifting.
The shifting was now complete and he transformed into one of the guard creatures of the castle. He took a deep breath first before he went into the door of Queen Weira and Consort Zanden's room.
"Change of guards." He said in a deep voice. The guard nodded and quickly went away. When he was sure that there was no one around he quickly went inside. He found the Queen and Consort standing on the balcony. Even if they tried to escape, Phobos had set up a binding spell so that they can't get away.
"Queen Weira, Consort Zanden." He said as he went in. The two looked at him, their eyes were full of fear. "No. Don't be afraid. It's Cedric; I just learned a few tricks in shape shifting. Lady Agatha sent me." He quickly said. The two were still confused, with a sigh he transformed into his real self.
"Cedric! It's too dangerous!" Queen Weira said. He shook his head.
"No. You should go. This land is in danger and the only hope is that child you are carrying. You must go." He said. Consort Zanden gave him a supporting look and turned to his wife.
"We must go." The consort told her.
"But our son!" She exclaimed. He and Consort Zanden sighed at the same time. The Queen still thinks that there is hope for her son.
"It's useless Weira. Phobos' won't change. Even if we use Avery to persuade him we won't be sure if he will listen or not!" Zanden said to his wife who was still battling with her thoughts. Cedric with his heightened sense of hearing felt that someone was outside the door and it might be a guard.
"We must hurry!" He almost shouted at the Queen. After a few seconds she nodded. Phobos' spell was only intended to negate the Queen's powers so anyone with magic can still break- in the spell. He closed his eyes as he converted his energy as force. A blinding light flashed and the three of them were now inside the great hall of Wayfort castle, surprising Lady Agatha and Lord Sebastian.
"Cedric!" They both shrieked as they saw him. Lady Agatha came to hug him before going to her friend. He left them to talk and went around to check on Avery. They haven't seen each other for months and he missed her so much. Unlike Meridian, West Nubar was currently sunny and bright; it means that Phobos' power is still not strong enough. And it relieved him. He asked some guards and handmaidens and they told him that Avery was nowhere to be found.
The lake! He thought. Avery was in the lake and he quickly went there to confirm.
He was right. She was there, sitting on top of a rock, her eyes were focused on the clear blue waters. She winced as she felt another presence. She slowly turned to his direction.
"Cedric!" She happily exclaimed and ran towards him, tackling him with a hug and they both fell on the grass. She laughed as she kissed his face. She must have missed him that much! Well, he misses her too.
"I missed you!" She said. He smiled before kissing her. "Why are you here?" She then asked.
"I accompanied the Queen and Consort here. They escaped from Phobos." He answered. Her face creased.
"How can you come here fast?" she asked. She doesn't know about him learning to wield powers. He sighed.
"It's a long story. What's important is I'm here with you and you are safe." He told her and claimed her lips again. As always, kissing her felt like heaven. When they stopped he slowly studied her face.
The past sixteen years have been so good to her, she grew up as a slender young woman, her face became a little bit mature but her other features even improved. Yet it was still the same silver hair and purple eyes that gave her away.
They stood up and Avery playfully ran from him, he ran to catch her and they both fell into the water. Avery transformed as a Naiad and she started glowing. He smiled at the sight of her. She was a goddess!
"You sure you're not disgusted with my Naiad form?" She asked. He shook his head. How would he be disgusted? She was a very beautiful Naiad. "You're kidding me." She then added.
"Of course not. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen." He said before claiming her lips again. This time it was a very passionate and hot kiss. Her Naiad form woke his desire for her. Avery gave out a moan of pleasure and it made him ask for more and she responded to the pace and intensity of his kisses. His lips moved to her neck and Avery gasped, her eyes closed in pleasure. He stopped.
"If you won't stop me, this will lead to another thing." He said. He needs to be sure first before doing what he wanted to do for a long time now. To make her his. Avery gently shook her head and reached for his face.
"I want this Ced." She said and this time initiated the kiss.
They laid there on the soft grass, naked. Avery was laying her head on his chest playing while playing with his hair that was splayed on his chest. He sighed. What happened earlier was so wonderful and it felt so good. He did his best to be gentle as it was Avery's first time and he didn't want to hurt her. Good thing that this part of the forest was secluded, it would be a scandal if someone caught them, thinking that Avery was still engaged to Phobos.
"My parents are thinking of breaking my engagement to Phobos after what happened." She said as if reading his thoughts.
"He will be angry if you do. He is the most powerful man in Metamoor right now and he is in love with you." He said as he looked at her eyes. It didn't register fear only determination. Like she wants to fight.
"And I'm not in love with him. There is one man that I love and it's you." She said as she reached for his lips. He smiled. However he only planned for the worst, he and Lady Agatha already talked about what they must do if something bad happens. When the time comes he needs to let go of Avery. It's painful but he needs to do it. For Avery's safety.
"I love you too." He said before kissing her forehead. He will miss her. He needs to go back to the castle to be an undercover and then after that he'll be assigned to Northern Meridian. Phobos won't know his part on the Queen and Consort's escape. He then noticed a tear escape Avery's eye.
"Why are you crying?" he asked softly. Avery sat up and he followed her, she turned away from him. "Avery?"
"This war. I don't know what will happen. What if Phobos knows that you're working with us and helped his parents escape? And what if he knows about us? He'll kill you Ced. He will." She said, her eyes turn red as she cried. He gently touched her chin and slowly turned her face towards him. His fingers brushed the tears as it falls from her eyes.
"Hush love. I'll be fine. Don't worry about me." He said and as he tried to comfort her.
"I don't want to lose you Cedric."
"I don't want to lose you too." He answered. He sighed. Maybe he should tell her what Lady Agatha has planned. "There's something I need to tell you."
"What?" She asked, her voice sounded a bit worried. He took a deep breath before speaking.
"Once Phobos will know that the Queen and the Consort disappeared, they'll surely suspect that your family is keeping them. They'll turn on you and might name your family as a traitor. His counsel will surely advise him to kill your household, given that you are the only family left that is still supporting the Queen." He started. "When that happens, your mother will need to send you away. Far away. Where Phobos can't reach you."
"W-what do you mean?" she asked confused.
"You will be sent to another dimension with the Queen's daughter. So that you'll be safe." He said painfully. Avery's eyes widen.
"No. I won't leave you here! I won't go without you or mother and father! I won't!" She shrieked. He already expected this to happen. It was hard yet there are things that they'll need to sacrifice.
"There is no other choice. I need to stay here. If Phobos knows that I went with you, he'll have the idea that we have a relationship and would probably hunt for us. I need to stay here to prevent that from happening and to save the people of West Nubar." He explained. Avery shook her head in disagreement.
"I won't leave you!" She said stubbornly. He sighed.
"Look at me Gabrielle." Avery stopped to look at him when he called her by her pet name; her real name was Avery Denise Gabrielle von Heinrich. To all, she was just Lady Avery but to people close to her she was Avery Gabrielle. "I will still be with you. Here." He said as he touched the part of her chest where her heart was. He can feel it beating rapidly.
"I will miss you." She said as she hugged him. He flicked his hand and necklace with a star pendant adorned with Amethyst gems appeared. Avery gasped. "How did you do that?" She asked in surprise. He just smiled at her and put the necklace on her neck. "It's beautiful." She said as she touched it.
"This necklace will protect you when you travel to another dimension. Keep it safe." He said before kissing her lips again. "I will always love you." He murmured.
He personally made the necklace with the help of his new knowledge of sorcery. He added some enhancements to keep the owner safe. It may be minor but it will keep her safe on earth and it will also prevent Phobos from taking her as he added a spell of passing. Phobos can't force her to come back to Metamoor without her own consent. Aside from that, it will also suppress her Naiad form so that the other creatures from the dimension she will go won't see her real form. He sighed. He hopes that everything will be over quickly.
*Contains scenes from Season 1 Episode 12: The Princess Revealed
A/N What do you think? I think I have overused the *sigh* word a bit. Sorry, English is not my mother language so it's not really as good as others. Anyway if you like this story hit Follow or Favorite and don't forget to review! Phobos demands it or you'll be thrown in the Abyss of Shadows! LOL