Chapter Text
A cold wind blowed through the forest tress as the sun began to set in the horizon announcing the beginning of the night time.
A lone figure could be seen walking thought the woods looking all around in confusion.
"oh no really is late" the voice of a scared young girl souned through the forest. "ohh how is that I got lost? I was sure this was the direction" the owner of the voice was a beautiful young girl with fair skin, rosy cheeks, thin pink lips, light blue eyes, and shoulder-length wavy auburn hair. she was dressed on a dark purple hooded cloak over a lilac dress with a bodice adorned with two lines of pearls in the front and along the neckline, a lilac petal skirt with pearl hem and studs with a row of large lace drops and trumpets, each one arranged like four - clover leaf and yellowish petticoat with a lilac band; a swirling tiara inlaid with pink sapphires, white pearls and a turquoise diamond; purple slippers with bows and mid heels, and the purple charm around her neck. on her arm she carried a basked with sweet goods.
This was Princess Sofia...and she was lost.
Just some hours ago she was on route to visit her witch friend Lucinda in her home deep in the woods. However, it seems directions failed the princess as soon she found herself walking mindless in the forest not knowing to where to go.
"ohhh what i will do now?" she wondered in fright sitting on a log "it will soon be dark and i dont know where am I!"
Not far from the from the princess, deeper into the dark forest in a clearing; a powerful light and portal sprung to life from the air dropping a prone form on the ground that groaned in displeasure as the portal disappeared as quickly as it came.
The form growled as he sat up on his knees and got up from the ground revealing a handsome man with long blonde hair in braids, green eyes, and wearing royal robes of black and crimson.
This form was none other than the disposed tyrant prince of the world of Meridian Phobos; Who had ultimately lost his throne and power to his sister the rightful ruler of Meridian Elyon thanks to his enemies the Guardians of Kandrakar, and would have been imprisoned for the rest of his days following that humiliating defeat. If not for the desperation of his enemies against a new foe a fallen Guardian from the generation of their predessors Nerisa.
Allowing the prince to exploit his enemies weakness while playing along manipulating and playing things just right in order to gain Nerissa magical scepter which had the heart of Meridian incorporated into it thanks to her own schemes and manipulations of Elyon.
He managed to gain the Scepter dubbing it the Scepter of Phobos and used it to reclaim his domain over Meridian. Afterwards he set out to lay waste to all that would stand in his way starting with the source of his enemeis power Kandrakar itself, but just when he stood on the crisp of his ultimate victory his former servant Cedric that backstabbing snake betrayed him swallowing him whole and stole his power!
The very memory of which caused Phobos to growl with deep rage and his hands to spark with magic, though fortune was still on his side as he was never so easily disposed of. He managed to retain his power though imprisoned in that snakes stomache he was able to observe the events that played out including the traitors clash with the guardians on Earth and in the climax managed to use the weak link he still had to the heart to allow him to escape from Cedric stomache and from Earth, though sadly without the heart.
Phobos growled.
"And now..now my rightful kingdom is lost to me again, while i'm potentially stranded who knows where across the infinite dimensions!" He let loose a bellow of rage as he sent a magical blast toward a tree destroying it.
KABOOM
"ahhhh" Sofia jumped inf right hearing that explosion "what was that?!" she wondered "it sounded close by..." part of her wanted to run away however her curious nature won at the end. plus it could mean she isnt alone in the forest and she could ask help.
Although the sound of more explosions did gave her a fright she gather her basket and walked in that direction.
The little princess walked for a bit (the explosions thankfully stoped) coming across a meadow with multiple fallen/destroyed trees and what it looked like a long haired sorcerer dressed on a red and black tunic breathing hard in the floor.
slowly the princess began approaching with caution.
"eh?...excuse me...sir?" she called in low tone
Phobos after letting loose his power and vented his rage on the surrounding flora had sunk to the breathing hard as he tried to gather his thoughts and plan his next course of action.
Though the sound of a voice took him by surprise causing him to whirl around and face it's source. He arched a brow seeing a young girl though unsure of her age he'd place her younger than the guardians somewhere between her eleventh or thirteenth years, as for her physical features he'd call her cute with potential to grown into quite a beauty.
But what really caught his attention was her clothing which easily let him deduce whoever this girl was she was nobility perhaps even royalty of wherever he was.
But his earlier frustration and anger returned replacing his initial surprise he growled showing some of his displeasure as he grumble to himself getting up.
"As if this day wasn't bad enough, now I've become a show for a child to gawk at" He focused his attention to apparent young noble or royalty, "What is it girl?" He gesture around the clearing, "Because if you can't tell I'm not exactly in the mood to entertain children
"i ummm sorry" she said with nervous tone "i..i wanted to see if you....ummm you ok sir?" she finally asked "sorry you probably arent if you blasting trees like this...but is there anything i could help you with maybe?" she said lowering her hood allowing her tiara to glimmer with the sunset´s light
Phobos arched his brow in slight disbelief but his eye caught eight of the tiara all but confirming his initial theory about the girl. As well as letting him realize after small bits of his anger faded a opportunity had knocked at his door.
As much as it galled he had no kingdom, no resources, no followers, and finally no knowledge of where his gambit took him. But he still had his magical power and knowledge, more than that he had his cunning.
He mentally smirk realizing if this girl is indeed nobility or better yet royalty than she's his window of opportunity to rebuild his power base in this new dimension.
All those thought raced through in mind in seemingly a blink of a eye as he replied back to the girl.
"Unless you could restore my throne not like likely." He said that cutting remark with roll of his eyes, but rolled them after with a sigh. "But I suppose I would settle for some information starting with the name of this land I find myself in, and where we are" Phobos said gesturing to their surrounding's.
I..wait...did you say throne?" asked Sofia "im sorry, you a king or something like that?" he didnt looked familiar to her and she was certain to know at least all the rulers that were allies with her kingdom
Phobos gave a formal bow at the waist with a smirk.
"Indeed I am Prince Phobos rightful ruler of Meridian" Then his face fell, "And still would be if if wasn't for treachery and the interference of outsider's." He growled coming out of the bow and clenched his fists which gave off crackling magical energy responding to his rage.
"oh..ummm sorry" Sofia then open her cloak making a curtsy "i am princess Sofia of Enchantia" she introduce herself "and you said Meridian? sorry to said i dont know that kingdom...and what do you mean treachery and the interference of outsider's? did something happened to you?" she asked a bit nervous noticing the cracking energy in his hand
Though his face didn't change on the outside internally Phobos was smiling wide sat the confirmation and revelation of the girls no Sofia's identity. Oh yes he thought he can work with this as he mentally prepared to share his tale with the girl.
He signed sadly his expression going from rage to deep sorrow as he let the energy fade from his hands with a unclench of his fists.
"Much...much has happen to me your highness" He said with deep sorrow in his voice that turned regretful, "And I apologize for my rudeness, I had no right to lash out at someone who was offering aid" He sent a slight flirty smirk, "Especially not at such a beautiful lovely princess like yourself"
Sofia giggle a blushed feeling more at ease at the "king"
"its ok dont worry" she said walking to his side "it seems that you had a rough day" she pulled out a muffin from her basket "want one? my mom made them and they are good to ease problems" she smiled at him "and you can tell me what had you so angry about, it sounded serious"
Phobos blinked in slight surprise at the offer but feeling peckish gave a mental shrug, as he accepted the offered muffin with a warm smile toward Sofia.
"Than you my dear you are as kind as you are cute." Phobos said as he took a bite out of the muffin and gave a him of pleasure at the taste and replied back to her as he swallowed. "I'll be happy to share my story my lady,." He gave false sorrowful look, "But must warn you it's not a happy one."
Sofia smiled and both walked and sat on one of the fallen trees
"its ok" the princess said with a smile "they said the best way to solve problems is talk about them so dont worry"
Phobos gave a smirk.
"Wise advice it seems you've got brain's to go with your cuteness" He said as he took another bite out off the muffin.
Sofia blushed...it felt really nice how he said that.
"so what is Meridian and what happen there?" she asked.
Phobos finished off the muffin and prepared himself to give award winning performance.
"Meridian." He gave a sad forlorn sigh, "Meridian is a kingdom that resides in a separate dimension from your own." He locked eyes with Sofia as began to spoke grandly, "It is and has been ruled by the Escanor line" he gave a bitter growl "the matriarch line that is" He sighed in frustration, "Because for reasons that many speculated to the line of Escanor always gave birth to females, making the kingdom unofficially a matriarchy." he explained "It was this way for thousands of years since the very beginning, at least it was till I was born." He said putting his hand on his chest.
Another realm?
Sofia had heard about different realms thanks to the three faries but never thought about meeting someone of one.
"so you were the first male born on your family?" said Sofia "that must have being quite a surprise"
Phobos let out a dark bitter chuckle.
"A surprise." He spat bitterly as long buried memories rose to the surface, "Oh I was a surprise, a surprise and a curse according to many in the kingdom, noble and peasant alike" He growled clenching his fists, "After all what else would call the ill omen of the legacy of Escanor Queens being tainted with my birth." He let out another dark laugh, "My birth caused many to fear for the kingdoms future. He gave a mocking smile, "So what better name to give the new prince than that which meant fear in Meridian, Phobos"
Sofia looking in horror
"but...but thats not fair...i mean you were only a baby what could you do?" sofia said not understanding how people could fear a baby "i mean im a princess now but i was born commoner and no one said anything bad when my mom marry my dad" in her head it didnt manner if you were born boy or girl, commoner or royal all were just babies
Phobos shook his head sadly as he walked past Sofia taking a seat on a nearby log.
"Ah if only more people had your wisdom my dear." He sent her a warm smile, "Truly your people are blessed to have a princess of your caliber." he added "But alas. Phobos sighed, "Many of my people weren't as wise as you, which lead to a difficult childhood growing up, despite being the technical crown prince. He glared at the ground, "Nothig but glares, schemes, and whispers behind my back, the best companionship I had were greedy fools seeking favor from the royal family or trying to manipulate me into their pawn." He held up his hand which alit with magical power, "And thing's only seemed to get worse when I discovered my passion and talent for magic. As the mystical arts were rare in meridian usually only seen in the royal family, but all in females, till once again I came along."
"its that rare?" asked sofia "i mean here in enchantia there are dozens of magic users and not only witches..there are also wizards, fairies, magical creatures" she grabbed her amulet unconsiusly "amulets too...in fact royal kids learn magic in school"
Phobos arched his brow humming in interest at this new piece of knowledge.
"Really? now fascinating bit seems your realm is quite blessed by magic." He rubbed his chin muttered to himself, "And it seems I'm going to have a lot of research to later." He shook his head regaining focus, "But yes while I can't speak accurately of other realms magic in meridian was indeed rare and before my birth only seen in females." he continued "In fact, the only other magic user that I knew of in meridian during my childhood outside my mother and myself was a powerful sorceress simply known as The Mage."
Sofia blinked
"the mage? thats quite a name" she really didnt know what to think about that...after all was like calling her "the princess" although legendary Belle knew someone called "The Beast" so who was her to judge "so you knew this mage? did he teach you how to do magic?" she asked with curiosity
Phobos merely shook his head.
"No I was mainly self taught as it were. As for The Mage she was a bit of a reclusive figure, the rare times I ever saw her face to face it was because my mother had need of her wisdom, or she had business of some sort with the royal family" He a snort, "Of course theres now the question if the Mage in any of those instances was really the mage." He glanced over at Sofia, "As it recently came to my knowledge that the Mage had been killed about 18 years ago or so, with her killer disguising herself and taking her Identity."
"what?!!!" cried Sofia in shock/horror.
Phobos nodded his head at her shock look.
"Yes I was quite shocked to learn it as well. He let a slight smirk cross his face, "Though while it gall me at first to learn of this imposter playing manipulator in the shadows, it did work to my advantage ultimately allowing me my freedom and regain what's mine. At least at first he growled.
Sofia looked at him in confusion
"i dont get it...how is that a good thing?" she asked "if the mage was an impostor the that means it was a bad person right? or how it helped you?"
Phobos sighed.
"Because it allowed me my chance to regain my freedom and what I lost" A smile of amusement grew on his face, "All because the enemies that imprisoned me and took my kingdom away had gotten desperate enough to seek my aid against the woman who had schemed and manipulated from the shadows Nerissa." He arched a brow, "Though I might be getting ahead of myself a bit."
Sofía looked at him still confused
"So someone took over your kingdom? Who and why would someone do that?" She asked with child innocence
Phobos growled and sat,
"The Guardians of Kandrakar the so called protectors of the infinite dimensions, but in reality the enforcers of Kandrakar that help maintain their order and control across the realms. He growled, "The new generation of guardians chosen by Kandrakar worked with the rebellion that formed because they saw me as a tyrant, abomination, and usurper to the throne." he growled "And than after imprisoning me put my sister who was kidnaped as a infant on the throne with no training or preparation, but because she was born female she I the eyes of those traitor was the rightful ruler." He rubbed his forehead as if warding off a headache, "Meanwhile Kandrakar likely me saw me as a threat to their maintain order, while their guardians and pawns just saw me as some villain to vanquish and themselves the brave heroes who saved another world."
Phobos spat bitterly.
"Thats not fair!" said Sofia in anger "just because you are a man that doesnt give the right to do that. and if your sister really wasnt train for the throne then what right she had for it?" Sofia knew that both her siblings James and Amber train really hard to be ready to take the throne when they get older...so putting somone in charge just because it was a girl didnt made sense to her "and those guardians...guardians should protect not act like that..did they tried to talk to you at least and get your side of things?"
Phobos let out a bitter snort and laugh.
"Ha! My side of the story, as far as they were concerned I was a tyrant oppressing a kingdom."he spatted "While as far as the rebellion was concerned I was nothing more than the evil usurper who finally showed his colors when he murdered his parents after his sister was born." He expressed bitterly, "And while wasn't exactly thrilled at Elyon's birth I certainly didn't murder my parents, as my mother felt I should be given a chance to rule despite my gender and tradition." He growled, "Only before she could make any formal declaration that I was still her chosen heir, she and my father were killed and shortly after my sister was spirited away to another realm." He sighed rubbing his face, "Not long afterwards Kandrakar raised a mystical veil around Meridian preventing anyone from freely traveling out or into meridian beyond tears in the veil.'
"how could they..that doesnt sound fair" said Sofia "they didnt had the right to do that to your kingdom" no kingdom had the right to threat another like that...that was more that obvious for the princess "then what happen?" she asked with a sad tone
Phobos mentally smirked though he wasn't enjoying having the buried memories being dig up it was helping wonderfully in gaining this princess trust. He gave forlorn sigh.
"What happen next was over the next 13 years Meridian was put through a civil was with a rebellion raising up to overthrow me and bring me to justice." He growled, "Over the course of those years I gained some followers including a shapeshifter by the name of Cedric who I thought I could trust." "Eventually the war changed when the guardians entered the picture and began to fight for the rebellion, I had sent Cedric to the realm my sister was taken to find her." he sighed "We managed to retrieve her and gain her trust, to regain my sister and eliminate the threat to the security of the throne." another sigh "Ultimately Elyon eventually turned against me siding with her friends the guardians against me and in the final battle I was overthrown and imprisoned."
"Cedric?" Sofia said thinking on her royal wizard "But how could your sister do that? Didnt you tell her the truth of what was happening?" sure they were separate at birth but siblings should listen to each other right?
Phobos sighed.
"I admit I was cautious around my sister after all she had been raised by traitors who saw me as a tyrant and usurper, so I had no idea what they could have told her about me." he rubbed his face, "What's worst I wasn't in best state of mind letting paranoia taking control, so believe it was best to put Elyon at ease and gain her trust, and wait till I could safely neutralize her magic till reveal the truth." he added sounding remorse "Cedric convinced me it was best course of action and I had feared she would believe the horror stories about me and that I had truly killed our parents for the throne."
He let a internal smirk remembering the saying the best lies are always mixed with truth.
"wait what? but thats a horrible advise" said Sofia "i mean i get you were worry but why would...ehh cedric" she felt really weird saying that name and not be talking about her wizard "suggested that?"
Phobos growled from the memory that traitor snake.
"Looking back he likely wanted to manipulate me and drive a wedge between my sister and I and prevent any threat to his own raise to power."
"After all it would make sense considering that bastard snake showed his true colors on the verge of my victory by betraying swallowing me whole and stealing my power!"
"what?!!!" cried Sofia in horror her face going pale "thats horrible"
Phobos groaned.
"Tell me about it one of the most unpleasant experiences of my life." "Luckily I was still able to keep control of some my power and recently acquired boost thanks to a mystical artifact." He let cunning smirk cross his face, "So when Cedric clashed with the guardians and was losing his own control slipped allowing me to use what I could to escape from him and the earth realm, though at the cost of previously mentioned artifact. He than gave a shrug, "And that my young princess is my tale at least summarized, and how I came to find myself here sharing it with a lovely young princess."
"thats so sad and so unjust" said Sofia "ohh i wish i could do something to help you your majesty" said the princess trying to think on something. her kind nature immediately trying to come up with a plan to help what she thought was a victim of an injustice
Hook, line, and sinker, as the Earth people would say.
Phobos chuckled in his mind as out he replied back.
"Oh Sofia no not only beautiful and wise but also so generous to. He remarked reaching out and gently brushed against her left cheek with the back of his right hand. He gained thoughtful look, "But I suppose if there's one thing you could help me with is perhaps helping me find a new place to call home."
Sofia smiled (and blushed for a moment)
"No problem king Phobos i think i can help with that" she said happily "im sure my parents will be more that happy to let you stay in our castle until you find a home of your own" she frowned "but you sure you dont want to find a way back and recover your kingdom?"
Phobos let the idea sit in his mind and while the images of reclaiming meridian and making every single last person that crossed him pay was very enticing, he realized for now it was better to make the best of what he had.
Rebuild and reclaim power here in this new realm, and perhaps either striking at his enemies when he was ready, or remembering a saying he heard on Earth try to live well since apparently that was one of the best kinds of revenge. Giving a mental shrug he decided to put a pin in that choice till later as he replied back.
He give a mournful sigh.
"I'm afraid so princess, after all even with my power and knowledge i'm afraid the odds are tilted too much in my enemies favor." he said in sad tone "So the best course for now is trying to put the past behind him and start anew." He gave a flirty wink as she took Sofia hand and kissed it, "Something that might be easier if I have someone like you to keep me company in this potential new life princess."
Sofia blushed
"i will do anything i can do to help" she said with a smile "umm although first i need to find my way back "she added looking around...im also a bit lost so not sure what way is to go back to my castle"
Phobos stood up arching his brow while looking around.
"Hmm yes we'll need to figure out way back to your home, or at least to a suitable shelter for the night." He said glancing up at the moon rubbing his chin, "Yes while a delay finding shelter might be the wiser course of action, when light hits it should be easier and safer for us to find the path to your castle. He gave a shrug, "That is of course if no search party finds us first." then looking down he gave a formal bow and smirk, "Princess please allow me to carry you, after all it's the least I can do for your kindness."
"oh no thats no need" she said blushing "im fine i assure you" she said starting to stand up from the log
Phobos simply laughed, "Oh but it's no trouble at all my dear." He said bending down and cupping her cheek in his hand looking into her eyes with a smirk, "After all you are doing so much for me, the least I can do is treat you like the beautiful princess you are."
"i...ummm really you shouldnt eeeeppp" she cried finding herself carry bridal style off the ground "ummmm really king Phobos is no need"
"Ah, ah, ah." Phobos gently reproached "Not another word princess just enjoy being carried in my arms, and have no fear i'll protect you this dark night."
"ummm ok...we should probably look somewhere to sleep tonight" said the blushing princess with the (secret) evil king nodding and began walking towards the forest