Shadows at Augury Academy
Summary: An enchanted school called Augury Academy is shrouded by an ominous mystery: professors and students vanish without a trace, casting a shadow over the once-harmonious halls. Cedric, Sofia, and Butterford are summoned to go undercover at the school, where they unravel a web of secrets, puzzles, and missing people. As they delve deeper into the mystical academy's secrets, the trio must guard their true identities while unearthing the truth behind the disappearances, lest they become the next targets to vanish in plain sight. (Takes place 6 years after my Season 5)
Disclaimer: I only own Jas Butterford, Serena and Charlie (mentioned), and the other OCs as well as Augury Academy. MarionetteJ2X owns Nana and Tanya (mentioned).
Chapter 8: Fading Masks
By now, it was clear that the trio would require more time for their investigation. They were too involved not to solve it, especially considering the fact that eleven people—eleven people who had families, friends, and loved ones who were sure to be distraught about their status—were still missing. Some of them were even young and deserved someone to fight for them. So, Sofia reached out to Chrysta and asked her to contact their families, informing them of this decision. Of course, Muscles was able to take care of Lauren on his own, though Serena and Charlie were allowed to stay with their grandparents for a bit longer since everyone at the Enchancian castle was rather busy right then.
"Perhaps in the future, we should just bring the children with us and allow them to be undercover as well," Cedric suggested as he stretched out on the bed he shared with Sofia.
Sofia smiled lightly as she finished unbraiding her hair, playfully tossing her wavy locks toward him so they smacked him in the face. She giggled as he sputtered a bit before gently brushing her hair aside, leaning up to press a kiss to the side of her neck. "Cedric, you know you'd worry about them if we brought them along. So would I. We have to wait until they're at least ten… Maybe twelve."
He scoffed, trailing his lips to just behind her ear, whispering, "Need I remind you that you went on dangerous adventures before that age? And you were perfectly fine."
"Because I had you looking out for me," she returned softly, leaning her head to the side to give him more access to her neck, which he took. She hummed in pleasure as she felt his fingers trailing down her arm. "And you and I can both do the same for our children, Cedric… But only once they're older. It's different now that I'm a mother. I want to know they're safe…"
"I know, my love," he mumbled, grasping her chin and turning her face to his, placing a soft kiss on her lips. "Very well. I can respect your wishes."
She grinned. "I thought you'd see it my way." She turned fully toward him and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply.
In the lavatory, Butterford stood under a steady magical stream of heated water, allowing both the heat and moisture to relax his tired body from the day. His hair was already washed, shampooed, and fully rinsed clean, and so now he was just leaning against the wall of the lavatory room, his aquamarine eyes watching as streaks of water rushed down his arms, torso, and legs.
The recent realization that they would need to remain longer had hit him much harder than his friends. While they did miss their children, they at least had each other. Butterford's family was hours away in the Mystic Isles, probably wondering when he would come home. He missed Muscles, Lauren, his own bed, his own home… His regular job in the isles… He missed being himself too. While disguised as Riley, his reflection sometimes saddened him. It had taken him years to accept who he was and overcome his father's abusive words and physical violence to become 'Jas Butterford.' Now, though temporarily, he was covering himself up again, and…it had shaken him more than he had originally thought it would.
Once he'd finished showering, he closed the tap to the water and moved the heavy curtain aside, stepping onto a plush towel. Using another towel, he dried his body first before wringing out his hair, the excess water falling onto the fabric below his feet. He then used a heavy ribbon to tie his hair up in a makeshift bun as he finished drying off and dressing for the evening. A simple pair of gray pants and a matching long-sleeved shirt that practically engulfed him made for a comforting outfit for the night, though he was still feeling a bit down.
He opened the door and entered the colder room, shivering a bit as he did. He walked toward his bed, sitting down, noticing that the married couple across from him was now cuddling together while Cedric was reading a book. Despite his low mood, Butterford couldn't help smiling. "Aren't you two cute?"
"Well, we certainly try," the sorcerer remarked calmly as he chuckled. He looked down to see Sofia had drifted off to sleep, so he carefully shuffled her to her side of the bed, covered her up with the blankets, and kissed her forehead, whispering something to her. He then set the book aside and turned to face Butterford, whose smile clearly didn't reach his eyes. Frowning in concern, Cedric asked, "What's wrong, Jas?"
The Guardian almost spoke, but he stopped himself, shaking his head, his tattooed hands clasped in his lap. "It's nothing."
"I know I'm not Sofia, but I do consider us friends. If you need to talk, I can lend an ear." Cedric smiled in a warm, comforting manner that he reserved specifically for Sofia, his children, Calista, and his mother. "I'm listening."
A bit taken aback but still touched at the sorcerer's words, Butterford inhaled slowly before telling him, "I miss home, Cedric… I miss my family, my job… I love being able to spend time with you guys, but… This is a lot, even for someone whose job is sometimes to pursue villains and protect Sofia…"
"Well, you're more than your job, Jas. And while we appreciate all you've done for Sofia, keeping her safe and protected, that isn't your only identifier. You're…creative, intelligent, empathetic…" He gestured vaguely as he saw the look of appreciation pass on his friend's features. "You're a talented piano player. You're selfless and kind… And I really enjoyed your cooking that one time we all met up at your house."
Butterford blushed softly at the recognition, smiling lightly. "Really? Thanks, Cedric, that means a lot…" He breathed in slowly before looking up at his friend again. "It's kind of…more than just homesickness, honestly. This…" He gestured around and toward himself. "Disguising myself for a long period of time… Pretending to be someone I'm not… That's hard for me, Cedric—harder than I thought it would be." He traced one finger over his bare foot, tapping his fingernail to his toenail in thought. "I don't know if it's some psychological torment on my part or what, but… It's weird. I hate looking in the mirror and not seeing me. Even though I can shed the disguise here, it's exhausting the rest of the day."
Cedric nodded. "And when you've lived in your father's dark shadow for such a long time, and you've been forced to change who you are to literally fit in with others… When you finally find that person you're meant to be and then have to cover him up once again…" He hummed, smiling sympathetically. "I think I know precisely where you're coming from. I was similar as a child, though my circumstances were quite different from yours. I lived in my father's shadow since he was a powerful and respected sorcerer, and while I wanted to be like him, I was always told I never would be."
Butterford frowned, pulling his legs to his chin. "That's awful, Cedric."
"Bungler—I was called that often. Awkward, incompetent, foolish… I just assumed those were titles bestowed to all children who 'tried a little too hard.' Imagine my surprise when I discovered how untrue that was." He shook his head. "Don't get me wrong. I dearly love and still admire my father, but those were some dark years. So, to finally be out of those shadows and discover myself—my true self—was a relief. Granted, Sofia played a large role in that." He smiled as he glanced back at his wife, who was fast asleep. "I fear I would have fallen into a deeper abyss without her interference and constant encouragement. Her unwavering commitment to making me a better person and her unconditional love saved me from a life of solitude or worse." He looked back at Butterford, who had given him his undivided attention. "I honestly don't know where I'd be without her, Jas…"
"Don't…take this the wrong way…again…" Butterford smiled sheepishly as Cedric tossed him a playfully pointed look. "But I don't know where I'd be without her either. I was fully expecting to be imprisoned for my role on the galleon, but instead she insisted I get another chance. She gave me a new life."
"She saved me from a lifetime of imprisonment too. When I finally took over her kingdom all those years ago, she defended me against her father and protected me from that outcome. She's always had a good heart, and she's always protected those she loves." He nodded toward his friend. "She deeply loves you, Jas, which was why I was so jealous… For years, she'd only shown that level of attention to me, but then you came into our lives and… How was I supposed to compete with someone literally made to be her Guardian? Someone who had quickly become her best friend when I used to occupy that role before we married?"
"You're still her best friend, Cedric," Butterford assured him. "And you're her husband, her partner, her love… While I do love her, I'll never fill that role like you have. I can't. I have my own love. What Sofia and I share is… It's different."
"I'm aware," Cedric agreed, a soft smile on his lips. "Still intimate, but in a different way… Right?"
A light blush crossed the Guardian's features again as he nodded shyly. "Yeah… Besides, I don't think she and I would ever… I mean, I don't exactly, um…" He threaded his fingers together, sighing. "I can't say I'm not…physically attracted to her, because she's beautiful, but… Well, I…"
"You don't have to explain. I already know." He nodded toward his princess's sleeping form. "If you had a preference for women, you would easily fall for her."
Butterford tugged at the hem of his pants and sighed. "Yeah… Though I would never disrupt the sanctity of marriage, even hypothetically—mine or yours. I respect the two of you far too much since you've both done so much to help me. I care about both of you so much and always want you in my life, because I consider both of you not only friends, but also family in a way… But on a different and much deeper level, I guess."
Cedric chuckled quietly. "I think, perhaps, that was the kindest thing you could say on our behalf. Meanwhile, I can sympathize with your loneliness and mindset right now. Just don't forget that you're still Jas, regardless of what mask you wear in front of these others. A disguise won't change who you are on the inside."
The younger guy nodded, sighing. "Thanks, Cedric…" He blinked when he felt the right side of his bed move a bit, and before he knew what was going on, he was wrapped in a hug from the older sorcerer. Deciding to literally embrace the moment, he turned a bit, returning his friend's hug. He was fine until he felt Cedric gently rubbing his back, whispering, 'It's all right,' very softly, which was something Muscles would do. Unable to keep his emotions at bay anymore, he sniffled, tears spilling from his eyes as he hugged Cedric tighter.
"Shh… It's okay, Jas." Cedric's eyes darted to his bed as he heard a soft shuffling from the sheets and blankets, and he smiled gently when he saw Sofia had lifted her head, frowning in confusion. Keeping one hand on his friend's back, he used the other to gesture calmly to her, voicelessly assuring her that her friend was okay. He quietly beckoned her over, seeing that she was still worried.
"What's wrong?" Sofia wondered as she knelt beside the guys, her left hand on Cedric's leg and right hand on Butterford's back.
"He's just having a bad night, my love," Cedric told her, patting Butterford's back a few times. He smiled as he caught his wife's eye, and he carefully maneuvered to where they swapped places, and Sofia was now the one holding her friend, whispering gentle reassurances to him.
Butterford soon calmed down and sat back, sighing with a tired smile as Sofia reached out, brushing her thumbs under his eyes and wiping away his tears. "I'm so sorry, you guys… I'm a mess right now."
"It's okay, Jas," Sofia assured him, cupping his face in her hands. "And it's all right to cry. I know this whole thing is stressful, and I know you're probably really missing home and having your own life back. This undercover stuff is hard. It's also why we don't do it for a living. But don't worry. We'll be done with this mission soon and be back home before you know it."
The Guardian nodded as he tried to compose himself, wiping the rest of his tears away as he sighed deeply. He managed a small smile as he observed the couple before him. "I owe you both more than gratitude, but until I'm not an absolute emotional mess, just…thank you for everything. For the kind words, the patience…"
"We love you, Jas," Sofia told him, reaching down and taking his hand. "You're our friend, and we'll always look after you."
"I concur," Cedric agreed. "If you're feeling upset, talk to us. We'll listen."
Butterford laughed softly as Sofia hugged him from the side, rubbing his back just like Cedric had done. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."
They stayed up a little longer just to talk before finally calling it a night. While the couple was sleeping, Butterford let his hair down to dry better and snuggled under his blankets, holding onto the same stuffed bear Sofia had let him cuddle the first night. He pondered how fortunate he was to be with two people who loved each other unconditionally, but also cared so much about him. They'd really come a long way the last several years…
His mind finally settled, and Butterford felt himself welcomed into the sleepy dreamworld at last, worries eased for a while as the next day's events were set aside for now. Sleep enveloped him openly, and he went willingly.
To be continued…
Next Chapter: Triple Threat