Note from William "Blissey" Raymer: As a kind reminder, this story is the same as 30 Worlds, Episode I: "Sofia's Destiny" until the designated scene in the next chapter.
30 Worlds: The Soul Bond Chronicles
Episode I: "A New Destiny"
Chapter One
William had been given the identity of the son of Princess Melody, daughter of King Eric and Queen Ariel of the kingdom of Mordovia. In the seventh year of the union of Enchancia's King Roland II and Queen Miranda, Princess Melody was sent to Enchancia to act as Mordovia's ambassador.
During his mission in Enchancia's World, William would be enrolled in the Royal Training Academy, colloquially known as "Royal Prep," alongside King Roland and Queen Miranda's three children: Princess Amber, Prince James...and Princess Sofia.
Remembering Yen Sid's admonition, William maintained his cover as Princess Melody's son for three years without any indications of the A.I.C.'s intentions.
That is where our story resumes...
THREE YEARS LATER
William smiled as he walked into the castle that was home to Royal Prep. One of his classmates smiled at him.
"William, how are you doing this morning?" she said. William recognized the voice as belonging to Princess Sofia I, the step-daughter of King Roland II and Queen Miranda of Enchancia. William smiled back at Sofia.
"Oh, I'm doing fine, Sofia," William said. "I'm looking forward to Flying Rally practice this afternoon."
A red flash of light approached where William and Sofia were standing. It resolved into Headmistress Flora, one of Royal Prep's three co-headmistresses. "William, Sofia, I must inform you that Flying Rally practice has been canceled due to security concerns—at least for you two," she said.
"May I ask what security concerns you are alluding to, Headmistress?" William asked Flora. "A mysterious being, identifying itself as the Great Leader, has issued a threat to both of you," Flora said, producing a small crystal from the folds of her robe.
Sofia recognized the crystal as a Frism, a mysterious and magical object that could store recorded sounds in its Frozen Forme. Then, when warmed, the sounds could be played back.
Flora tapped her magic wand against the Frism. Its milky white color turned transparent. Then, a voice began to speak. "This is the Great Leader of the Army of Inter-universal Chaos," the voice said. "This is a message to all in the kingdom of Enchancia. If we encounter Prince William of Mordovia and Princess Sofia I of Enchancia, we will do what we can to destroy them."
"Your parents have already been notified, Sofia, as have your mother, William," Flora said. "I am afraid that until this threat is nullified, I must ask you to leave Royal Prep...and never return."
"But, ma'am, if we leave, we'll be fair game for the A.I.C," William said. "My sisters and I have anticipated this," Flora said. "Deep under this castle, there is a hidden fortress where you two can reside until we deem it safe for you to return. It has been fortified against all known magical spells. Your personal effects have already been transported there. Please follow me."
Flora turned and began to float away. William and Sofia shared concerned looks as they began to follow her.
In a small closet just off of one of Royal Prep's stables, Flora tapped a button with the tip of her magic wand. A panel on the ground parted to reveal a long, dark, downward tunnel. A ladder ran the height of the tunnel, while torches ignited to light the way down.
"Ladies first," William said, gesturing for Sofia to proceed down the ladder. "I sure hope you know what you and your sisters are planning," Sofia said to Flora.
"I hope so, too," Flora said as William began his own journey down the ladder. Then, as the panel slid closed once more, Flora started crying then repeated, "I hope so, too."
Once Sofia finished her descent, she stepped aside to allow William to step off the ladder. Suddenly, a voice could be heard. "Presence of authorized individual detected," it said. "Activating all systems."
Lights flared into life all over the chamber, revealing a long metallic corridor. Sofia cocked an eyebrow. "There is something you're not telling me," she said.
"There is, Sofia," William said. "E.R.I.N., prepare for new user authorization." A black panel next to where Sofia stood appeared, then glowed into life. "New user, please identify for hand-print, voice-print and retinal scan," the computer voice spoke.
William gestured for Sofia to touch her hand to the panel, then to lean in towards the panel. "Princess Sofia I of Enchancia," she said. A light glowed against Sofia's face. Finally, a magnified image of Sofia's eye—down to the blood vessels—appeared on the panel. Then, the words "PRINCESS SOFIA I—New User Registration Confirmed" appeared.
"Welcome aboard, Princess Sofia. I am E.R.I.N. It is my duty to serve the needs of the crew and passengers of this vessel," the voice said. "E.R.I.N.?" Sofia said. "Electronic Reconnaissance and Intelligence Network," William said.
"And what vessel is this?" Sofia said. "Follow me, and all your questions shall be answered," William said.
Sofia shook her head, then followed William down the mysterious corridor.