What Makes a Friend
Chapter 2

Summary: When Sofia gets kidnapped by Miss Nettle, her siblings and closest confidants will stop at nothing to rescue her.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First or any of the characters from the show.

Sofia sighed, beginning to feel defeated. Her bonds were no closer to being completely loosened. The only good thing was that Nettle had finally decided to go to bed. The princess slumped, feeling exhausted but frightened at the same time. Unlike so many other encounters with mean-spirited people, she actually felt threatened by this fairy and she wasn't sure why.

"I just want to know why," she said quietly, closing her eyes. "And I just need someone to help me." She opened her eyes again slowly before realizing her amulet was glowing. She gasped. A princess was going to show up? Thank goodness!

Sofia looked around as the amulet's glow faded, but she didn't see anyone. "Hello?" she asked quietly, trying to avoid waking up the blonde fairy. She gasped again as a much smaller fairy flew in front of her, tossing her long black hair over her shoulder and dusting off her purple outfit. "Who are you?"

The fairy smirked. "Never heard of me, huh, Sofia?" she asked slightly sarcastically with a shrug before laughing lightly. "I guess I can't say I'm surprised. You've heard of Tinker Bell?"

"Of course! One of the best fairies to ever grace our text book pages…"

"Right… Well, I'm Vidia. I'm one of her closest friends. And honey, you look like you could use some help."

"I could," she replied, sighing in relief. "But I can't wake up Miss Nettle."

"Who's that?" Vidia asked, blinking, before looking in the direction Sofia pointed.

"She's a really mean fairy who kidnapped me and tried to steal my amulet."

"Oh, really? Let's take a look at this bully and maybe I can talk—or knock—some sense into her." She flew over to the other sleeping fairy and gasped, zooming back to Sofia and hiding in her hair. "That is the hugest fairy I've ever seen! What'd she do—scarf down some 'Eat Me' cakes?" She shuddered and stepped onto Sofia's shoulder, determined again. "Don't worry, Sofia. I'll get you out of this."

The princess smiled gratefully as the fast-flying fairy landed on her hands and began working to loosen the ropes. "Thanks, Vidia… By the way, why did my amulet summon you and not a princess like it normally does?"

The pint-sized fairy smirked as she kicked the remaining ropes from the girl's hands and flew up to her. "I guess it's because it takes a fairy to beat a fairy. Besides, I used to be kind of tough and mean before I changed my ways. Sometimes, all you need is a friend." She shrugged as Sofia pondered this statement. "By the way, try moving your arms now."

Sofia sighed in relief as she felt blood rushing through her arms again, the stiff feeling wearing off slowly but surely. "Thank you. If I could hug you without crushing you, I would." She giggled.

"Well, that's not necessary," Vidia said, laughing nervously and holding up her hands. "By the way, do you see what I see?" She glanced at the table where the wand from earlier was left behind.

"You're right…" Sofia jumped up quietly and sneaked over to the table, grabbing the wand and grasping it tightly. "Now what do I do?"

Vidia shrugged. "Stand up for yourself. Don't let anyone push you around. And of course, believe in yourself. You're a princess, kid. You can do anything you set your mind to." She grinned as the girl giggled and nodded. "Good. Now make me proud. I'll check on you later." She winked and disappeared via the amulet.

The princess sighed and clutched the wand in her hands, determined. "Bring it on, Miss Nettle."

Meanwhile, the others in the search party had decided to rest for the night. Well, 'rest' was a bit of an arbitrary word. Rather, they were no longer walking and instead decided to rest their bodies before continuing on.

Amber had taken her brush from Baileywick's bag and run it through her hair a few times before putting it back, and she'd fallen asleep maybe half an hour ago. James joined her soon after.

That left Cedric and Baileywick, who didn't seem to want to talk very much. However, as minutes passed, they finally broke their silence.

"I can't believe I let the princess get kidnapped," Baileywick confessed, sighing and putting his head in his hands. "King Roland must be furious with me."

Cedric raised an eyebrow at his companion and spoke, "It wasn't your fault, Baileywick. It was that crazy, hyperactive, conniving fairy. She's the one to blame for this, not you. Not any of us." He waved his wand around and created a fire on a set of logs to keep the four of them warm. "Besides, if I know Sofia, and I do, she can actually take pretty good care of herself."

The castle steward smiled. "I suppose she learned a little bit of that from you, eh?"

The sorcerer blinked. "Me?"

"Of course, Cedric. It's no secret that you two work well together, and you both have developed a bond and a friendship that I really didn't see coming. At first glance two years ago, one would have assumed you detested the young princess—despite her fascination with you."

Cedric shrugged. "Well, could you blame me? She was inquisitive and ever-so irritating at times, but I think her adjustment to the castle and princess life has changed her a bit…not that there was ever actually anything wrong with her before. I just find her more tolerable and even relatable now."

Baileywick smirked. "In other words, you like her. She keeps you on your toes and makes you think positively about yourself."

"Y-Yes, I suppose you could say that. But I'm sure she does that for everyone."

"Of course, but you're her favorite. You always have been." He stood and yawned. "I think I'm going to get some sleep. You should do the same. Good night, Cedric." He moved over to his sleeping bag near the twins and slipped inside, falling asleep almost immediately.

Cedric pondered Baileywick's words and gasped quietly when Wormwood nuzzled him, a strangely affectionate move for such a usually detached raven. "Ready for bed, Wormy?"

Wormwood cawed sleepily and floated down to the ground, looking up at Cedric.

The sorcerer lay inside his own sleeping bag and sighed as Wormwood nestled under the flap of the fabric, trying to stay warm. "Night, Wormwood." He gazed up at the stars for a few minutes before finally falling asleep.

Sofia had managed to hide in a broom closet most of the night. She was shivering slightly as the nightgown was short sleeved and she still had no shoes. But that wand was clutched tightly in her hand just in case the unpredictable fairy tried anything.

She did manage to get a few hours of sleep, so she was alert the next morning just before the sun rose. Sofia watched, her heart thumping in her ears, as Miss Nettle flew into the room and paused where the princess was supposed to be.

The wicked fairy grinned and held up her own wand, calling in a saccharine voice, "Oh, Princess Sofia! Where are you, dear pesky girl?"

Sofia held the extra wand toward the fairy through the crack in the door and whispered a modified version of a spell she knew all too well: "Somnibus Persona Celae."

Nettle had turned at the moment of the spell and gasped as the magic hit her, causing her to fall asleep where she stood.

Sofia grinned, blew the end of the wand, and crawled out of the closet. She folded her arms. "I guess she isn't immune to spells. Now I've got to get out of here..."

She turned and grasped the door handle, frowning when it appeared to be stuck. "Oh, no... What was that spell Mr. Cedric taught me about locks..?" She smiled and waved the wand. "Porta Resera." She cheered silently as the lock fell off before she quickly made her exit.

Cedric and Baileywick walked behind the twins yet again as they continued on their way. Cedric felt they were getting closer, because his compass was showing strange signs of magical reactions. This news was appealing to the lot of them, especially Amber.

"Good!" she stated firmly. "Because I'm tired, I long for a real bath and a real nap in a real bed…and I have a party to plan for Hildegard's birthday, so I can't afford to be out here much longer."

James frowned. "But, Amber, we have to find Sofia first."

"I know, James. I'm just saying…"

Baileywick pointed ahead. "Look," he told them, his eyes widening a little bit. "Is that who I think it is?"

Cedric looked up and gasped. "Princess Sofia!"

The young girl turned upon hearing her name and smiled widely. "Mr. Cedric!" She ran toward him and hugged him tightly before losing her balance and knocking them over. She laughed and continued hugging him. "I'm so happy to see you!"

Amber blinked at her sister and made a noise of disapproval. "Sofia, are you seriously not dressed yet? And have you seen your hair?"

James rolled his eyes. "Amber, she can't help that she was kidnapped… Give her a break."

Baileywick chimed in to keep them from arguing, "Princess Sofia, where is Miss Nettle? And how did you get free?"

She smiled as Cedric helped her to her feet. "She's in the cabin down the hill. I used a spell Mr. Cedric taught me—with a wand Miss Nettle conveniently left out on a table—and made her fall asleep."

Cedric grinned. "That's my girl." He blushed even as the words left his mouth and stuttered, "U-Uh, I mean… That's why you're my apprentice. Y-You catch on quickly." He pulled out his Family Wand and willed away his nervousness. "Let's go make sure this rotten fairy doesn't bother you again, shall we?"

James and Amber exchanged glances while Sofia smiled up at Baileywick, who returned the smile and followed her down the hill.

"Why did she kidnap you exactly?" Amber wondered.

"She wanted my amulet…again."

"Hmph! That woman has a lot of nerve." The blonde girl tossed her hair behind her shoulder. "I sure hope you are able to blast her to another century, Cedric."

He laughed lightly and shook his head. "That's…not exactly how it works, Princess Amber. It's easier said than done."

When they arrived to the cabin, Baileywick kept the kids outside as Cedric entered, the wand pointed ahead of him. He blinked upon glancing around and called out to Sofia, "Where is she?"

Sofia froze. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, she's not here. See for yourself." He opened the door more and allowed the girl to look inside. He watched her face pale immediately. "Sofia, what spell did you use again…?"

"The sleeping spell I said by accident my first dance at the castle—the one you later told me that you gave me by accident, remember?"

"Oh, uh, right…" He thought to himself, 'Yeah, best she not know the truth about that one…' "Well, I don't know where she went, but you're safe now and we can go hoooome-!" He faltered as he felt a blast of power behind him, causing him to drop his Family Wand.

"Mr. Cedric!"

"Cedric!" the others called in unison.

Miss Nettle cackled as she reeled in her powers and grinned as Cedric collapsed to the floor. "You're still quite the meddlesome sorcerer, aren't you?" she asked with a chuckle. "Come to save the dear princess? But why? We were having so much fun." She pointed her wand at the princess. "By the way, that spell? It doesn't fully work anymore; it wears off after a minute. The Magic Board repealed it. Isn't that a shame? Now hand over the amulet!"

"Never!" she said firmly, clasping her hands over her treasured necklace.

"Then say goodbye to your friend." She lifted her wand and aimed it at Cedric.

Wormwood cawed as he flew inside, pecking at the woman's head and grabbing her wand in his beak in the process.

"Wormy!" Cedric sighed in relief, happy to see the raven. He smirked as Wormwood landed on his shoulder and dropped the fairy's wand into his hand. He also grabbed his Family Wand and proceeded to aim them both at Nettle. "I think you're outnumbered."

"Hmm… It would appear so." She scowled and held up her hand. "Don't worry—I'll be back! The moment you let down your guard, I'll be there." She grinned wickedly and vanished in a screen of varying colors.

Sofia let out a sigh, glancing at the other castle dwellers. "Is everyone okay?"

"Yeah," James responded with a thumbs up. "We're good. Well, Amber's cranky, but what else is new?"

The other princess squeaked and lightly hit his shoulder.

Baileywick observed the fairy's wand as he stood at a fair distance. He never much cared for the uncertainty of magic, so he was very wary. "So what are you going to do with her wand?" he asked Cedric.

"I haven't the slightest idea. But I do know it should probably be locked away… I don't want it getting into the wrong hands." He sheathed both wands in his robe and blinked when he felt arms wrap around him again. He smiled patiently and placed a hand on Sofia's head. "Let's go home, hmm?"

Sofia nodded with tired eyes. "Please… I'm sure Mom and Dad are worried sick."

Amber gasped. "Oh, no! We forgot all about them. Ugh, if only we had a telecommunication device to let them know that Sofia is all right."

James rolled his eyes as Sofia giggled. "Keep dreaming, Amber."

Word eventually made it to the king and queen that Sofia was rescued and home safe and sound. Things went back to normal—or as normal as things could be in Enchancia. Clover had practically tackled the princess to the ground when he saw her, welcoming her home with a round of affection he once loathed.

It was one sunny morning a few days later when Sofia was sitting on her bed and flipping through a book. She came across a picture of Tinker Bell and smiled. "I just wish I could let Vidia know that I made it," she mumbled to herself.

"I know," Vidia responded as she appeared next to her, startling the princess. "I'm proud of you, kid."

Sofia seemed surprised. "When did you get here?"

The fast-flying fairy just grinned. "You know, I usually detest humans, but you're pretty cool. After I found out that you were okay, I decided to investigate this Enchancia of yours. It's pretty neat, but nothing compares to Pixie Hollow."

"Is that where you live?"

"Of course. Maybe someday…eh, I don't think you'll fit in Pixie Hollow actually." She laughed.

"Miss Vidia?" another voice called, making the black-haired fairy sigh in annoyance.

"It's just 'Vidia,' for the fiftieth time," she snapped, whirling around to see a rather interesting looking sparrow man (male fairy) floating up to her. "Sofia, this is Bobble. Bobble, Princess Sofia."

Bobble laughed, clutching his sides. "Miss Vidia, everyone knows humans can't understand us!"

"This human can," Sofia replied with a grin, making him gasp in fright. "Don't worry! It's my amulet. It allows me to talk to anyone…or any animal…or fairy." She giggled. She looked toward Vidia and asked, "So is this your boyfriend?"

Bobble blushed and stuttered as Vidia scoffed and flipped her hair defiantly. "He's not that lucky." She smiled at the princess. "Glad to see you're okay, Princess. Maybe we'll meet again sometime. Bobble, let's go." She grabbed the still-embarrassed sparrow man and dragged him out of the room through the opened window.

Sofia giggled and looked to the door as she heard a knock. "Come in!" While surprised at her visitor, she smiled happily. "Hi, Mr. Cedric! What brings you here?"

He shrugged and leaned against the door frame. "I was just wondering if you wanted to come with me to my father's birthday party today. My mother asked about you quite a lot, you know."

She lit up. "You want me to go with you? Really?" She slid off her bed and hurried over to him. "I'd love to!"

"Well, you can't very well go like that," he said sarcastically with a chuckle as he indicated her pajamas.

"Oh, right! Let me get changed and—"

"Princeps veste purpurea," Cedric interrupted, pointing his wand at her and watching as a new purple dress appeared in place of her night clothes.

Sofia looked at the dress and then back at her mentor, smiling happily. "Is this for me?"

"As a thank you, Princess Sofia, for all you've done for me." He smiled at her.

"B-But what about you? You saved me! How can I thank you, Mr. Cedric?"

"Distract my father if he starts babbling on again about how spells should be spoken if I want to cast a spell?" he suggested.

She grinned. "You got it!" She left with Cedric and shut the door behind them, and they set out for a new adventure.

The end

(A/N: I apologize for the huge delay in getting chapter two out! We got blasted by some bad weather down here, tornado and all that good stuff, and I've been without power for a few days. I'm staying with a family member, who thankfully has Internet, and I was finally able to finish this and upload it. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter/story. I'll be working on another story soon enough. Take care! ;) ~AquaTurquoise)