Rigoletto

Summary: *Loosely based on the movie* During a stormy evening, Cedric tells Sofia the story of Rigoletto, an outcast who was often underestimated based on his outward façade with a heart hidden away from everyone, except from one remarkable girl who saw him for who he really was. (Similar to my "Read Me a Story" series)

Disclaimer: I don't own Sofia the First or Rigoletto.

A/N: Just a bit of a heads up—this chapter is intentionally sad/emotional/tragic in some places and happy in others. There's a reason for everything. I guess it's also a reminder not to judge a book by its cover. ;) Enjoy!

*Story*

Chapter 5: Triumph and Incursion

For months, Cedric and Sofia trained spell after spell, potion after potion, and anything remotely related to sorcery. It got to the point where Sofia could recite a spell without stumbling over it at all. She'd grown confident in her abilities and knew very well that she was finally a formidable opponent against Lucinda at the next competition…which was now next week.

"I can't believe we've been working on this together for almost a year now," Sofia breathed in awe as she packed up her items for the day. She'd just finished a particularly difficult lesson, and she was relieved it was completed.

"It has been that long, hasn't it?" Cedric asked thoughtfully. "I suppose time flies when one is preoccupied with the field of sorcery."

Sofia grinned and put her hands on her hips. "I thought the saying was, 'Time flies when you're having fun.'"

"That would imply that I am fun, and I can assure you that I am most certainly not." Cedric smirked at the girl, who rolled her eyes playfully. They'd gotten far more comfortable around each other over time, and so he found himself breaking down his walls each time she was near. She was a breath of fresh air in his somewhat lonely and unbearable world.

"Well, I have fun when I'm learning with you, Mr. Cedric. Magic and sorcery and all of that is so…different and unique. I guess that's why I took to it so well."

He nodded. "I can understand that. I myself have always found a bit of solace in magic. It's pretty amazing what we're able to conjure when we give ourselves that chance."

She smiled. "Yeah…" She looked toward the door when she saw Greylock peep in and give her a signal. "My dad's here." She stood and brushed her dress down. "Same time tomorrow?"

Cedric nodded again and gasped in slight surprise when she hugged him tightly. He was getting used to her hugs, but they still took him off guard sometimes. He chuckled and patted her back. "Off you go. Nicely done today, by the way."

She grinned as she released him. "Thanks, Mr. Cedric." She hurried to the door and waved toward him. "See you tomorrow!" With that, she left.

Greylock entered the room fully once the girl was headed home. "How much longer do you think her training will take, Master Cedric?"

The other sorcerer gave him a knowing look. "Her training is complete. It has been for a few weeks now… I'm just fine tuning some things before she attends this 'competition' she keeps mentioning."

"But isn't she going up against a witch?"

"Yes, and?"

Greylock spluttered momentarily before gathering his thoughts. "That little girl has been studying magic since she was born. Dear Sofia has only taken to it more recently in her life. Whom do you believe has the upper hand?"

Cedric gave his friend a fixed stare. "Sofia."

The brunette raised his eyebrows at this response. "Really now? Do tell."

"There's a difference between inheriting something and striving for something. Often times, those who work hard for something they weren't gifted with naturally end up surpassing the ones who never asked for it in the first place. I'd think after all this time, you'd have realized that, Greylock."

The other sorcerer laughed softly. "I suppose I should have. Am I to attend the competition with her when she goes?"

"Naturally."

"And you…?"

Cedric shook his head. "It's better if I stay here. My very presence in this village causes a stir. If I were to actively participate in something, attention will be drawn from Sofia to me, and that may not be such a wonderful thing, if you catch my drift."

"Hmm. She'll be disappointed if you aren't there."

"I'll make it up to her. After all…" He glanced toward the portrait of himself, Greylock, and Elena. "She's done more for me than she realizes."

Sofia climbed into the bed she and Amber shared and snuggled down into the covers. She turned on her left side, toward the center, and closed her eyes.

"Sofia," a voice whispered urgently.

Sofia opened her eyes and yelped at seeing Amber directly in front of her. She lost her balance and fell out of bed, landing not-so-gracefully on the floor. "Ow… Amber! What is it?"

The blonde giggled as she peered over the side of the bed. "Well, I was just going to ask if you were awake, but I guess I got my answer." She held out a hand and helped pull her younger sister onto the bed yet again. As Sofia settled in once more, the older girl sighed and leaned against her pillows. "You haven't said a word about your training all day."

"I thought you'd be happy about that. Normally you seem a little annoyed when I talk about Mr. Cedric and the magic."

"I'm not annoyed. I'm actually interested…and kind of jealous, honestly."

Sofia raised an eyebrow at this. "Jealous?" Amber didn't get jealous of other people. She quite considered herself more enviable than envious. She didn't understand. "Why?"

"Well…" The blonde twisted her fingers together and sighed. "You have something you really love doing, and it shows. You're pursuing it with a passion not many others have. And I…still don't know what my passion is. James has his sports and explosions…"

Sofia smiled and rolled her eyes at that mention.

"I just wish I knew what I was good at."

"Um, a lot! Amber, you sewed all the clothes when we put on that play a few years ago. And you know all the constellations by heart. And I don't know anyone more well-versed in royal history than you."

Amber smiled brightly. "You mean it?"

"Of course! Don't get so down on yourself, Amber. You have nothing to be jealous about." Sofia grinned.

The older girl nodded and giggled. "Thanks, Sofia. So…going back to your training again tomorrow?"

"Yes, after school…and after I meet up with Vivian. I promised her we'd get some pastries first."

The next day was rather uneventful as far as school went. Sofia and her siblings did pretty well academically, but school was still…school.

Needless to say, they were relieved when the school day ended, thus beginning the weekend. While the twins headed off to meet up with their own friends, Sofia actively sought out her own best friend.

"Vivian!"

The dark-haired girl turned and smiled when she saw Sofia hurrying up to her. "Hey, Sofia. Long time, no see."

"I know, sorry… I guess I didn't realize when I started training with Mr. Cedric that it was going to take so much of my time…" She smiled apologetically.

"It's all right. Are we still getting pastries?"

"Yes. And I have a surprise for you too."

The girl's eyes lit up. "Oh, really? What is it?"

Sofia giggled. "It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, silly!" She grabbed her hand and hurried to the bakery, where they indulged in all the sweet treats they could handle.

Afterward, Sofia trekked the familiar path to Cedric's mansion; however, this time, she was leading her best friend on her small journey.

"Where are we going?" Vivian asked curiously.

"To Mr. Cedric's home."

"What? Wait, Sofia…" She stopped and nervously fidgeted with her dress. "I don't—um… I'm not exactly dressed up to meet someone of such…esteem, I guess. And Mom always taught me that when I meet new people, I need to make a good impression." She sighed. "I just wish…I could afford to make a good impression."

Sofia smiled and took her friends hands gently into hers. "Vivian… I don't think you understand. Mr. Cedric is a sorcerer first and a businessman second. He cares more about magic than he does riches and fancy things. He couldn't care less about high-class outfits or things like that. In a way, he is more grounded as a rich person than most of our small-village friends and family."

"Really?" She paused, seeing Sofia nodding affirmatively. "Well, if you say so, Sofia… I just don't want to offend him."

"Don't be silly. Come on!" They carried on with their journey and finally arrived at the familiar mansion. Sofia reached up and knocked before grinning happily as the lovable sorcerer/servant opened the door. "Good afternoon, Mr. Greylock."

"Ah, Sofia! I'm pleased to see you this fine evening. Oh, and who is this?" He eyed the other girl curiously.

"This is my best friend, Vivian. I haven't been able to spend a lot of time with her recently, and I wanted to show her what kind of magic we've been practicing." She gestured simply. "Vivian was my most encouraging 'fan' when I was up against Lucinda last year, so I wanted to return the favor by including her in all of this."

Vivian blinked in surprise. "Sofia…"

"I think it's marvelous!" Greylock announced as he led the girls inside and shut the door. "Master Cedric has been in a cheerful mood today too, so—"

"Merlin's Mushrooms! Greylock! Did you dye all of my bowties PINK?!"

"…Well, he was in a good mood…" The brown-haired sorcerer smiled sheepishly. "I'd better begin looking for a color correcting spell. You know the way, Sofia."

Sofia giggled as he took off just as Cedric slammed the door to his sitting room open.

"You can run, but you can't—oh, Sofia!" Cedric quickly collected himself and sighed, straightening his stature. "I do apologize for my outburst. It's just that someone evidently had a little too much fun with the laundry…" He glanced away from his giggling student to the new and shy girl beside her. "And who might your friend be then?"

"This is my friend Vivian. Vivian, this is Mr. Cedric. He's my…mentor." She smiled. She'd wanted to ascribe the title to him for a while now, but she wasn't sure how he'd take it. Obviously, he liked it, because he actually smiled. Cedric the Sensational, notoriously bad-tempered and reclusive, smiled. She felt as though she'd just been given a treasure chest filled with gold and jewels. …Okay, maybe that was a little excessive. Still, she was pleased.

The sorcerer extended his hand gently in the other girl's direction. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my dear. Any friend of Sofia's is a friend of mine."

Vivian smiled shyly before taking his hand. "It's an honor, Mr. Cedric."

Once the introductions had been taken care of, the training began again. Vivian sat and watched their interactions and lessons, and she was fascinated by the level of accomplishment her friend had made. It was like seeing an entirely different person. She may actually outshine Lucinda next week.

A few hours later, the lessons ended and the girls stood at the entrance ready to leave.

"You are more than welcome back any time," Cedric told Vivian, surprising pretty much everyone in the foyer at that moment.

She smiled happily. "Thank you, Mr. Cedric…"

"Well, we need to go," Sofia advised her friend. "It's getting late. Mr. Cedric, I'll see you tomorrow. Try not to hurt Mr. Greylock, okay?"

He chuckled. "No promises, but I'll do my best." He saw them off as they left on their path that led back into the village. "Hmm."

"I saw that," a teasing voice remarked.

"You saw nothing."

"You are more than welcome back at any time… That's not the Master Cedric I know. Since when did you become so accommodating?"

Cedric turned and smirked at Greylock. "Probably about the time I decided to dye all of your robes bright yellow."

Greylock's eyes widened. "You didn't…"

"With green and pink polka dots."

"M—Cedric! I—agh! My precious robes!" He took off in a panic to see to his clothing.

Cedric laughed once before shaking his head. "Practical jokes? Silliness? This isn't me… Makes me wonder what's wrong with me." And he could have sworn he heard a playful voice that sounded exactly like Sofia's in his head respond with, "Makes me wonder what's right."

The following week was a break for the students. Sofia met up at Cedric's mansion early one morning to prepare to leave for the big competition; since her parents were going to be working, Greylock had graciously volunteered to chaperone her. Only then did she find out her mentor was not going to be in attendance.

"What?" she asked sadly, her eyes beginning to water. "But…why? I can't do this without you, Mr. Cedric." She couldn't hold back anymore. She stood in the foyer, tears leaking down her face.

Cedric watched her briefly before walking forward and kneeling down to her level. "My dear girl, you don't need me. You've far surpassed any expectations I ever had of you last year. You've grown exponentially and are sure to outshine any who wield a wand." He lifted one gloved hand and wiped her tears away. "You're always giving me pep talks, so here's mine to you: you can do anything you set your heart on, Sofia. Don't ever let anyone talk you out of what you truly desire to accomplish. There is nothing better than a pure heart with a willing soul—one who can turn a callous shut-in sorcerer into a…smiling, sentimental fool every now and again." He chuckled softly as she giggled. "You, young one, are to go to that competition, and you'll win. If you stay here now and depend on me, it will be as if nothing were accomplished, and everything will have been for nothing. When you return, I don't want you to seek me out; I won't be here. You must go on with your life with the knowledge that you can and you will be fantastic in all that you do."

Sofia's eyes widened. "So… We'll never see each other again?"

Cedric gave her a solemn gaze, something heartbreakingly secretive in his brown orbs. "It's the way it has to be, my young apprentice. But know that no matter what happens, I'll always be with you." He gently stroked her hair as her body wracked with sobs.

Sofia lunged into his hold, crying and hugging him tightly. She didn't want to say goodbye. It wasn't fair and it wasn't right. She'd finally found someone who understood her and her passion, and now their friendship wasn't enough to keep them together?

Greylock sniffled a bit and dabbed his eyes with his handkerchief at the scene. He always was a bit of an emotional guy.

"So, where will you go?" Sofia asked with a sniff as she leaned back and looked at her friend.

"Where I belong," he responded simply as she lowered her head. He tilted her chin up and smiled softly. "Make me proud."

She nodded. "I will." One more hug resulted, and after what seemed like forever, Sofia finally left with Greylock and headed out in a carriage to the competition a few towns away.

Cedric watched them until they were out of sight. He folded his arms thoughtfully. "You can do it, Sofia…"

As Sofia was gearing up for the competition, Vivian had made her way over to the distant sorcerer's mansion again. She had wanted to see Sofia's event so badly, but her mother wouldn't let her go. Feeling down about it, she'd decided on a second best option.

"Vivian?" Cedric asked as he opened the door after hearing a knock. "Whatever are you doing here, little one? Shouldn't you be at home?"

"I just…got kind of lonely. Sofia's gone on her trip, and I don't really have a lot of people I can talk to." She shuffled her feet nervously.

Cedric observed her, recognizing those shy traits, before smiling softly. "Do your parents know where you are?"

"No…"

"Hmm. Come on. It's getting a bit late. Let me walk you at least part of the way home."

She nodded silently and followed him back to the village.

Meanwhile, Sofia arrived at a large arena where she saw many young sorcerers, sorceresses, witches, warlocks, and everything in between. They all had wands and were practicing. She saw Lucinda entertaining a group, flawlessly executing spell after spell and drawing applause.

"Everyone here is so good," she mumbled to Greylock, who smiled comfortingly and placed one hand on her shoulder.

"So are you."

She gave him a grateful smile as the speaker announced for everyone to find their places and prepare for the event. "That's my cue… I'll find you when it's over."

He nodded. "Good luck, Sofia. I'll be cheering for you."

Sofia hugged him and hurried off to get ready.

Back in Dunwiddie, Cedric and Vivian were approaching the outskirts of the village when the girl suddenly let out a scream of pain.

"Vivian?" he asked in concern. "What is it?"

"My ankle! Something bit me!" She glance down and saw that she had walked directly in line of what appeared to be a venomous snake, which had already latched itself to her, its fangs sinking deeply into her flesh. "Mr. Cedric, help!"

"Interficio!" A stream of hot magic left his wand and encircled the snake, vanquishing it entirely. He picked up Vivian and quickly began hurrying to the village.

"M-Mr. Cedric," she mumbled in a slight slur, her eyelids drooping and her body become lax.

"Vivian, stay with me. Please stay responsive! You'll be all right. I just need—to perform the correct spell." He spotted the store the girls frequented and entered, practically banging the door open and startling everyone (and there were many) who happened to be present.

Cecily and Marcus saw their limp daughter in his arms and immediately assumed the worst, their faces filled with anguish and shock…and anger.

"Vivy!" Cecily cried as her hands flew to her mouth. "Oh, my dear daughter!"

"What did you do to her?!" Marcus demanded as he reached for the girl.

"Please, there's no time to explain," Cedric pleaded. "I have to perform a spell so she can survive!" He felt the girl ripped from his arms and all eyes on him.

"Haven't you caused enough trouble?" Magnus finally challenged as he advanced the much smaller sorcerer. "We know you're the one who's been causing all the magical mishaps around here. None of it started until you arrived! People are getting hurt! Our way of life is being destroyed. And now—now this? Harming an innocent girl?"

"But it wasn't—" He looked helpless as a group of men grabbed him, holding him still.

Roland and Miranda watched in shock. It was a good thing their daughter wasn't there to see this…she'd be mortified.

Magnus yanked the wand from his fingers and snapped it in half. "I think it's time for payback."

Sofia stood in the arena, the sound of cheers and applause erupting from the crowds. A look of surprise was etched into her features. The challenges had been difficult but not impossible. She'd utilized her wand perfectly, just like Cedric had taught her. Her words were immaculate. Her potions were flawless. And best of all: she'd outshone Lucinda for the first time in her life.

Oh, and she'd won the competition.

Greylock whooped and cheered loudly, proud of the girl's accomplishments. He couldn't have been prouder if she'd been his own. When all of the congratulations and announcements had settled, he held his arms open as she ran to him and embraced him. "Oh, I'm so proud of you!" He even picked her up, spinning her around as she laughed.

"I won! I can't—oh, my gosh, I won! Ahh!" She squealed as Greylock spun her again before placing her onto her feet.

"This calls for a celebration! We must have a celebratory meal before we return you to your village. What do you say?"

She nodded excitedly. She found herself dazed—still thrilled, of course, but… Somehow she almost felt as if the moment weren't real. It was like a fantasy, this victory. It felt even more surreal since the one who'd helped her get this far wasn't even present to share her victory. Still, she wasn't going to let it bring her down. Cedric would be proud of her and would want her to acknowledge their hard work. And that's what she did.

The next morning when Greylock and Sofia returned to Dunwiddie, the village was eerily silent. Something wasn't right, and they could tell almost immediately.

"Where is everyone?" she asked softly, mostly to herself.

"I've no idea," Greylock responded as he glanced down at her. "Perhaps we should try your home?"

She nodded as they traversed in that direction. Upon arrival, she pushed the door open and walked inside. "Mom? Dad?"

Roland walked toward the door from the kitchen and gave his daughter a forced smile. "Sofia! You're back. H-How did it go?"

"Great, Dad; I won! But…well, why is it so quiet?" She noted his saddened features and felt her blood run cold when he knelt to her eye level. "Dad…what's wrong?"

He looked at his daughter, over to the brown-haired sorcerer, and then back again. "Sofia…something happened that you should know about." He cleared his throat before beginning. "Last night, Cedric brought Vivian back to the village after she'd gone to visit him. She was bitten by a venomous snake." Seeing her look of terror, he said quickly, "She's okay. Someone knew the anti-venom spell, and she's recovering. But um… Well, it turns out quite a few people had grown weary of Cedric and had evidently not trusted him for whatever inane reason."

Sofia frowned in concern. "Dad…what aren't you telling me?"

"They blamed him for all the magical problems that have been occurring the last year around here. They accused him of magical misuse and endangering peoples' livelihoods and lives…and for putting Vivian in mortal danger. Despite the fact that we eventually discovered it was actually Slickwell causing all the trouble, no one wanted to hear it anymore and…" His blue eyes met her own as he concluded in one shuddering breath, "He's gone, Sofia."

"G… Gone? H-He can't be gone. I-I just saw him yesterday…" She backed away and into Greylock, who appeared just as stunned as she did. "It—it's not true! I can't-! …I can't…" The last thing she recalled before fainting into Greylock's arms was Cedric's previously prophetic words…and how they'd chilled her to the core.

"When you return, I don't want you to seek me out; I won't be here…"

Sometimes life was just not fair.

To be continued…