Once Upon a Time in Enchancia
Welcome to Chapter 37 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". This is a chapter designed to promote the 2019 American Red Nose Day.
In Britain, Red Nose Day has been a yearly charity event for a number of years. And it is a pleasure to announce that the United States, for the fifth year in a row, is putting on its own Red Nose Day which will include a special fund raising broadcast on NBC-TV the night of Thursday, May 23rd of 2019.
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Now, let's have our chapter which is a retelling of my story "Reunited", with some things reworked, and some new things added.
Chapter 37: The Return
June 19, 1869
It was a Saturday morning at Enchancia Castle, and the sun was already shining bright. In Sofia's room in the castle, a sixteen-year-old Sofia was getting ready for the day.
"Now, where is that uniform?" Sofia thought as she went through her large walk-in closet. "It was just in here yesterday." After looking around for a few moments, Sofia spotted it. "Ah! Here it is!"
Sofia closed the door as she changed. When Sofia emerged, she was wearing an adult Buttercup uniform much like what Mrs. Hanshaw wore. Sofia, along with Lucinda, had recently volunteered to be Buttercup Aids. They would help Mrs. Hanshaw keep track of the latest Buttercups in the troop, and also help with teaching various things to the latest Buttercups.
Sofia left her room and walked down the hall. As Sofia walked down the hall, she was met by sixteen-year-old Lucinda who was also wearing a Buttercup Aid uniform.
"I'm really looking forward to this," Sofia smiled.
"So am I," Lucinda smiled back.
Sofia and Lucinda walked out into the castle courtyard where King Roland and Baileywick were talking.
"Good morning, girls," Roland said in greeting to Sofia and Lucinda.
"Good morning, Dad," Sofia and Lucinda happily responded.
"Well, don't the two of you look nice today," Roland commented.
Sofia and Lucinda smiled. In a few moments, the Buttercup wagon, being driven by Mrs. Hanshaw and carrying the latest troop of Buttercups, pulled up.
"Good morning, ladies," Mrs. Hanshaw smiled at Sofia and Lucinda.
"Good morning, Mrs. Hanshaw," Sofia and Lucinda smiled back as they climbed aboard the Buttercup wagon.
"Good morning, King Roland," Mrs. Hanshaw greeted with a nod.
"Good morning, Mrs. Hanshaw," Roland smiled.
"And how are you doing this morning, Groundhog?" Mrs. Hanshaw asked Baileywick.
Sofia chucked to herself. Even after a few years, Mrs. Hanshaw's nickname for Baileywick still stuck.
"I'm doing fine, Mrs. Hanshaw," Baileywick happily responded.
"Well, everybody." Mrs. Hanshaw announced to everybody on the Buttercup wagon. "Time to get going."
With that, the Buttercup wagon left Enchancia Castle. Before long, the wagon arrived at the Peppertree Forest. As Sofia and Lucinda hitched the horses to a nearby hitching post, Mrs. Hanshaw and the latest Buttercups gathered at the edge of the forest.
Sofia and Lucinda, after hitching the horses, joined Mrs. Hanshaw and the latest Buttercups. As they started their hike through Peppertree Forest, Sofia noticed something out of the corner of her eye - a gray rabbit staring at them from a distance.
"Funny," Sofia thought. "That rabbit looks a lot like Clover. But it can't be. Clover has been dead the past few years now."
Sofia's attention shifted back to the hike through the Peppertree Forest. Throughout the day, Sofia, Lucinda, Mrs. Hanshaw, and the Buttercups hiked through the forest, with the Buttercups learning about nature, and doing on the spot projects. A good time was had by all.
Late afternoon came, and Sofia, Lucinda, Mrs. Hanshaw, and the Buttercups arrived back at the Buttercup wagon. Sofia and Lucinda unhitched the horses from the hitching post, then everybody climbed aboard the wagon.
As they were leaving, Sofia saw out of the corner of her eye the same gray rabbit, again staring at them from a distance. As the wagon moved along, Sofia kept her eyes on the rabbit. It just stood there looking at the wagon as it traveled away from the Peppertree Forest.
"It's as if that rabbit wants something," Sofia thought. "But what?"
Since the wagon was on the move, Sofia's attention soon shifted to those aboard the wagon. In a short while, the wagon arrived at Enchancia Castle. Sofia and Lucinda got down from the wagon, and then the wagon started leaving the castle.
"Buttercups Buttercups! We sure had fun!" the Buttercups chanted from the wagon. "Buttercups Buttercups! Goodbye everyone!"
Sofia and Lucinda waved to the wagon as it left.
Night came, and Sofia was getting ready for bed. The gray rabbit stuck in Sofia's head. There was something about that rabbit, but Sofia could not put her finger on it. Sofia then climbed into her bed and fell asleep.
June 20, 1869
Morning came, and Sofia slowly woke up. Sofia then got up out of bed, got dressed, and went downstairs for breakfast.
After breakfast, Sofia returned to her room. Suddenly, she heard some light thumping on the floor behind her. Sofia spun around to see ... the same gray rabbit she had seen the day before.
For Sofia, this was the first time she had seen the rabbit close up. The rabbit looked just like Clover, so much so that it could be Clover's twin. Obviously, the rabbit wanted something. So, Sofia decided to talk to the rabbit.
"Hello," Sofia greeted. "My name is Sofia. What may I do for you?"
The rabbit just stared at Sofia.
"It's okay," Sofia reassured the rabbit. "I can talk to and understand animals, thanks to my amulet."
The rabbit kept staring at Sofia. Then, the rabbit spoke.
"Promise me you won't freak out, kid," the rabbit said. It was Clover's voice.
"Clover?!" Sofia exclaimed in shock. Then, Sofia thought "It can't be. Clover died a few years ago of old age. Oh my God, Sofia! Your going nuts!"
"I was afraid of this," the rabbit responded. "It's me, Sofia ... Clover."
"Clover?" Sofia again exclaimed, half dazed.
Sofia then held out her arms, and Clover jumped into Sofia's hands. Sofia then sat down on the bed, putting Clover on her lap while she scratched his head.
"Oh!" Clover said with delight. "I've missed that!"
Sofia smiled, then asked "How is this possible?"
"You didn't think I'd leave you forever, kid?" Clover smiled.
"But, how?" Sofia wanted to know.
"Well," Clover started. "We animals who serve princesses ... we have a special ability. We live, we die, then sooner or later we're reborn to start the whole thing over again."
"Oh, Clover!" Sofia said in happiness. "I've missed you so!"
"I've missed you too, kid," Clover responded. "Although, I can't really call you kid anymore, can I? Look at you! You've grown into a lovely teenager."
"Why, thank you Clover," Sofia smiled. Sofia then looked over at her dressing table. "I brought some cake up with me from breakfast. It's your favorite - carrot cake. Want some?"
"You even have to ask, Sofia?" Clover smiled.
Sofia went over and got Clover a piece of cake, then sat back down on the bed.
"Oh! That's good!" Clover said as he enjoyed the cake. "You're the best, Sofia!"
Sofia smiled.
"By the way, Sofia?" Clover asked. "Have Mia and Robin showed up yet?"
"They're reborn too?" Sofia asked.
"Yes" Clover answered. "I'm sure they will be along before too long."
At that moment, Sofia's Mexican Spotted Owl, Hector, flew into Sofia's room through Sofia's opened window.
"Clover," Sofia smiled. "This is Hector, my owl. Hector, this is Clover."
"A pleasure to meet you, Clover," Hector happily greeted. "I've heard so much about you. But how can you be here? Aren't ... you dead?"
"I was," Clover explained. "But, I'm back now."
"Well, I'm glad for Sofia you're back," Hector smiled.
"And how did you wind up here?" Clover asked Hector, curious.
"Hector was a gift from Princess Isabel of Avalor," Sofia explained.
"Ah!" Clover acknowledged, impressed.
As the morning continued, Sofia and Clover sat on Sofia's bed reliving old memories, as Hector sat on his perch happily watching the scene. Sofia also brought Clover up to date on what had been going on at Enchancia Castle while he had been gone.
"So," Clover started. "Lucinda is now your sister. And look at you two! Official royal sorceresses. You've done good, Sofia!"
Sofia smiled. She then noticed activity near her open window. In a few moments, Mia and Robin flew into the room.
"Mia, Robin!" Sofia exclaimed in happiness.
"Sofia!" Mia and Robin both joyfully said as they flew over to Sofia.
"It's so good to see the two of you again," Sofia smiled.
"I see Clover is already here," Robin observed.
"And who is this?" Mia asked, looking at Hector.
"This is my owl, Hector," Sofia answered. "I think the five of us are going to get along nicely."
"Any friend of Sofia's is a friend of ours," Mia smiled at Hector.
That afternoon
In Enchancia Castle, it was time for lunch. As the royal family sat down at the dinner table, Lucinda noticed that Sofia looked especially happy.
During lunch, the family had a pleasant time eating together and talking among themselves. As lunch was ending, Sofia motioned Lucinda to follow her into the hallway. The two walked down the hall until they were alone.
"What's going on, Sofia?" Lucinda asked, curious.
"Something absolutely wonderful has happened," Sofia answered with a smile.
Sofia then told Lucinda about the return of Clover, Mia and Robin. Lucinda smiled as she hugged Sofia. Sofia and Lucinda then went up to Sofia's room.
"Oh, guys," Sofia called out. "Come on out. It's okay - it's just Lucinda."
Clover, Mia and Robin emerged from hiding as Lucinda smiled.
"I haven't seen you guys in a while" Lucinda happily acknowledged. "Sofia told me about how you guys are reborn. It's so wonderful to have you back."
"Nice to be back, Lucinda," Clover responded with a smile.
Lucinda smiled back. She had seen them before during her and Sofia's childhood, but thanks to Lucinda's amulet, this was the first time she was able to talk to them.
Sofia, Lucinda, Clover, Mia and Robin spent the afternoon talking to each other and having a good time.
"There's somebody else who is going to be very happy to know your back," Sofia announced.
"Who?" Clover asked.
"Crackle," Sofia informed Clover.
"Crackle?" Clover exclaimed with a smile. "She's still alive?"
"Oh, yes," Sofia happily replied. "She's a dragon, and dragons have long life spans."
"And we're in luck," Lucinda announced. "Vivian is coming over for dinner tonight, and she's bringing Crackle with her."
Sofia smiled, then turned to Clover. "Just to let you know, Vivian can talk to and understand animals too. Lucinda and I discovered a spell that allowed us to enchant a pendant with that ability. And we gave that pendant to Vivian as a gift. Her and Crackle have been talking to each other ever since."
Soon, it was late afternoon, and sixteen-year-old Vivian arrived at Enchancia Castle with Crackle. Sofia and Lucinda met Vivian and Crackle in the courtyard.
"Good afternoon, Sofia, Lucinda," Vivian greeted as she stepped off her long flying carriage.
"Good afternoon!" Crackle joyfully exclaimed as she flew off the carriage toward Sofia and Lucinda.
Sofia and Lucinda greeted Vivian with a hug, then hugged Crackle.
"Have some fun flying around the castle," Vivian smiled at Crackle.
"Okay, Vivian," Crackle smiled back.
Vivian smiled at Crackle, then went inside the castle looking for James. At that point, Sofia and Lucinda smiled. Vivian and James had become a couple, and it was obvious that the two of them would get married some day.
As Vivian disappeared into the castle, Sofia motioned Crackle to come over.
"What, Sofia?" Crackle asked.
"Lucinda and I have a surprise for you," Sofia answered.
"Oh, boy! Oh, boy! Oh, boy!" Crackle said with excitement. "What is it?"
"Something wonderful," Lucinda smiled.
Sofia and Lucinda then took Crackle up to Sofia's room. As Sofia, Lucinda, and Crackle entered Sofia's room, Sofia turned to Crackle.
"Close your eyes, Crackle," Sofia instructed.
"Alright," Crackle said, closing her eyes.
Sofia then motioned Clover to come over.
"You can open your eyes now, Crackle," Sofia happily said.
Crackle opened her eyes, and standing before her was ... Clover.
"Clover?" Crackle asked in amazement. "My ... Clover?"
"Yes," Sofia smiled.
"Well," Clover said with a smile. "Ya gonna get over here and give me a hug, or what?"
Crackle raced over and hugged Clover.
"I can't believe this!" Crackle said to Clover. "How?"
"Clover will explain everything," Sofia said to Crackle with a smile. "We'll leave the two of you to get reacquainted."
As Sofia and Lucinda left, they both turned around to look at Clover and Crackle happily catching up with each other. Sofia and Lucinda smiled at the happy scene, then left for dinner.
Another return
The next morning at Enchancia Castle, Lucinda was in her room getting ready for the day when Sofia and Clover came in.
"Good morning, Lucinda," Sofia cheerfully greeted.
"Good morning Sofia, Clover," Lucinda greeted back with a smile.
"Should I tell her?" Clover asked Sofia.
"Tell me what?" Lucinda asked, curious.
"Well, we have another arrival," Sofia announced as she looked toward the door.
Lucinda turned to look at the door, and in came a squirrel.
"Lucinda, this is Whatnaught," Sofia smiled. "Now, the entire gang is back - Clover, Robin, Mia, and Whatnaught".
"I remember you," Lucinda smiled at Whatnaught. "Nice to see you again."
Whatnaught chittered in happiness.
"And, he's brought somebody with him," Clover announced.
At that moment, a black and gray female rabbit hopped into Lucinda's room.
"Hexie?" Lucinda asked, not believing her eyes. "Is that you?"
"Yes, it's me, Lucinda," the female rabbit answered.
"Hexie!" Lucinda exclaimed in happiness.
"Lucinda!" Hexie exclaimed in glee as she jumped into Lucinda's waiting arms.
"Oh, Hexie!" Lucinda cried with tears of happiness. "It's so good to see you again. But how is this possible? You died when I was twelve."
"Like Clover, Mia, Robin, and Whatnaught, I've been reborn," Hexie answered with a smile. "And thanks to your amulet, Lucinda, we can now talk to each other."
Lucinda held Hexie for the longest time, happy to see her old friend once again. Sofia, Clover, and Whatnaught smiled at the touching scene.
"Oh, Hexie!" Lucinda smiled. "I've missed you so much. It's so good to have you back."
"And it's good to be back with you, Lucinda," Hexie smiled back. "And look at you - you're a princess now. Not bad, girl."
"Clover, Whatnaught, and I will let the two of you get reacquainted," Sofia smiled as she and her two animal friends left Lucinda and Hexie to be alone.
"Well, would you like the grand tour?" Lucinda asked Hexie.
"I'd love that," Hexie smiled.
Lucinda showed Hexie around the grand room that was Lucinda's bedroom. Hexie was in awe with what the room had to offer - a grand bed, a reading nook, a spacious window seat, and a huge walk-in closet which included a spacious bathroom off to one side.
"Your room is absolutely wonderful," Hexie said, impressed.
"Our room, you mean," Lucinda happily pointed out.
"You mean that, Lucinda?" Hexie asked, hopeful.
"Oh, yes," Lucinda smiled. "When I was a child, we shared the same room, and we got along famously. Now that you're back, I'd love us to share a room again."
"Then, I accept," Hexie smiled back.
"Good," Lucinda happily responded. "In fact, I'll have Candice bring up a large round cushion just for you."
"Is Candice still here at the castle?" Hexie asked.
"Oh, yes," Lucinda answered. "As you'll remember, she has the ability to talk to animals as well." Lucinda then brought out her wand, and pointed it at the floor. A bowl of strawberries then appeared. "For you, my dear friend," Lucinda smiled at Hexie.
"Thank you, Lucinda," Hexie smiled back as she started eating. "These are delicious."
At that moment, Baileywick entered the room.
"Breakfast will be ready in fifteen minutes, Princess Lucinda," Baileywick announced.
"I'll be eating up here this morning, Baileywick," Lucinda responded. "I have an old friend here I want to catch up with. And could you have Candice bring up a large round cushion?"
"Consider it done," Baileywick smiled.
In a little while, a knock came at Lucinda's door.
"Come in," Lucinda invited.
The door opened, and in walked a sixteen-year-old Candice rolling a food cart.
"Your breakfast, Lucinda," Candice smiled. "There's also a breakfast for your guest as well."
"Thank you, Candice," Lucinda happily acknowledged.
"Where is your guest anyway?" Candice inquired as she looked around Lucinda's bedroom.
At that moment, Hexie hopped up on a table, and smiled at Candice.
"Oh! What a cute rabbit!" Candice exclaimed with a smile. Then, it hit Candice who she was looking at. "Lucinda! Is that ... Hexie?"
"Yes," Lucinda answered with tears of happiness in her eyes. "She's come back to me, and Clover, Whatnaught, Robin, and Mia have come back to Sofia."
"How?" Candice wanted to know.
"Apparently, animals who serve princesses have a special gift," Lucinda started. "They live, they die, then sooner or later they are reborn to start the whole thing over again."
"But Hexie lived and died before you became a princess, Lucinda," Candice pointed out.
"That's true," Hexie pointed out, "but Andrew explained to me why I was brought back."
"You've met ... Andrew?" Lucinda asked Hexie, taken off guard.
"Oh, yes," Hexie answered. "Andrew told me that since you're now a princess, it was only logical to bring me back as well, and give me the same regenerative ability that Clover, Whatnaught, Robin, and Mia have."
"If you don't mind me asking, who is this Andrew?" Candice inquired.
"He's an angel I met when I was a child," Lucinda answered with a smile. "A kind man."
"Andrew also told me to tell you something," Hexie announced to Lucinda. "He said that God is still very proud of you."
Lucinda looked up toward Heaven, and smiled.
"I'll set up breakfast for you and Hexie," Candice said to Lucinda before reaching under the food cart. "And I believe you ordered a large round cushion?"
"Oh, yes," Lucinda happily answered. "Please put it next to my bed - it's for Hexie."
"There you go, Hexie," Candice smiled as she put the cushion down, and Hexie tried it out.
"Thank you, Candice," Hexie said in appreciation.
"You're welcome, Hexie," Candice happily responded. "It's nice to have you back."
"And it's nice to be back," Hexie smiled at Candice.
As Candice left Lucinda's bedroom after setting up breakfast, she looked back to see Lucinda and Hexie happily catching up with each other. It was wonderful seeing two old friends back together.
Early that evening, in Lucinda's bedroom, Lucinda was sitting in an overstuffed chair with Hexie on her lap. As Lucinda gently petted Hexie, Lucinda's German Shepherd, Rex, walked in.
"Big dog!" Hexie exclaimed, taken off guard.
"It's okay, Hexie," Lucinda smiled. "This is my friend, Rex. We've known each other since I came to live at the castle. Rex, this is my dear Hexie."
"A pleasure to meet you, Hexie," Rex happily greeted as he gently sniffed Hexie. "Any friend of Lucinda's is a friend of mine."
"I like you," Hexie said to Rex with a smile.
Lucinda, Hexie, and Rex looked out at the sunset outside. In a little while, the sun had disappeared, and night came on. Lucinda raised her wand, and magically lit the gas lights in her room.
"That's better," Lucinda announced. "Let's have a nice time talking to each other."
Lucinda, Hexie, and Rex had a pleasant time talking to each other, with Lucinda and Rex filling in Hexie on various aspects of life in the castle, as Hexie listened in interest. In a while, it was time to go to bed. Lucinda put out the gas lights, and climbed into bed. Hexie laid down on her cushion, and Rex laid down next to Lucinda's bed.
During the night, as Rex slept, memories from a past life started filling Rex's head. Rex had memories, as another dog, of hanging around the castle kitchen getting scraps of food from Chef Andre, and a strange memory of Rex finding a large book, then burying it. Rex then woke up with a start.
"This can't be!" Rex thought to himself, taken off guard. "I've lived here before ... in a previous life."
June 22, 1869
It was now the next morning. In Lucinda's room, Rex woke up to find Lucinda getting ready for the day.
"Lucinda," Rex said. "There's something you need to know."
"What is it?" Lucinda asked, curious.
"I had a revelation last night," Rex started. "I remembered things from a past life of mine. I remember living here at the castle as another dog. As James' dog."
"Whoa!" Lucinda exclaimed, taken off guard.
"When James' dog, Rex, died, I was reincarnated as a German Shepherd puppy," Rex explained. "I was named Rex in honor of James' dog. I remember being James' Rex. I remember how I would hang around the kitchen and get scraps from Chef Andre. I remember burying Cedric's spell book. I remember chasing cats. And I remember getting under Clover's skin. Thankfully, when I became a German Shepherd, I was rid of those silly habits. I'm a different dog, now. But, I still have those memories."
"You know what this means?" Lucinda started. "We have to tell James."
"I'm not sure how he'll handle it," Rex said cautiously. "It's gonna be a shock."
"I know," Lucinda admitted as she gently petted Rex. "But, I'll be right there with you."
"And I'll come along, too," Hexie spoke up.
In a little while, Lucinda, Rex, and Hexie arrived at the door to James' room. Lucinda then knocked on the door.
"Come in," seventeen-year-old James cheerfully invited.
Lucinda opened the door, and she walked into James' room, followed by Rex and Hexie.
"I heard your rabbit was back," James smiled as he looked at Hexie. "It's nice you have her back in your life. And it's nice that Sofia has Clover, Robin, Mia, and Whatnaught back in her life. I only wish ..."
"Wish what?" Lucinda gently asked.
"I just wish that my Rex was back," James admitted. "I know that he and Jagger would get along famously."
"Well, that wish can come true," Lucinda smiled.
"What do you mean?" James asked, puzzled.
"As you know, my amulet allows me to talk to animals," Lucinda explained. "Your medallion that Sofia and I enchanted allows you to talk to animals. Well, last night, my Rex ... our Rex ... had memories return to him from a previous life. He's your Rex, reborn as a German Shepherd."
"Whoa!" James exclaimed, not sure if he believed what was happening.
"It's true," Rex said as he walked up to James, and gently licked James' hand.
"Oh my God!" James said with tears of happiness streaming down his face. "It is you. My Rex use to lick my hand like that."
James then kneeled down, and happily hugged Rex, as Rex licked James' face.
"You have to understand, James, that I'm a different dog now," Rex explained. "I'm much more serious now. But, I'll be your loyal friend, as I was back then."
"That's all anybody could ask for," James smiled, before thinking of something. "But, you're Lucinda's dog."
"There's no reason why we can't both have Rex as a friend," Lucinda happily pointed out.
"Then it's settled," Rex said with a smile.
"Hexie and I will let the two of you catch up with each other," Lucinda said to James and Rex.
As Lucinda and Hexie left James' room, they turned around to see James and Rex happily talking to each other. It was a very pleasant sight.
That afternoon, in back of the castle, Clover, Robin, Mia, Whatnaught, Hexie, and Rex were relaxing in the castle gardens. As they relaxed, Creamy walked up.
"Cat!" Hexie cried out, alarmed.
"It's okay, Hexie," Clover said in a reassuring voice. "That's just Creamy, Candice's cat."
"Sorry to have alarmed you," Creamy apologized to Hexie. "I won't hurt you. I wanted to say hi, and introduce you to my friends."
At that moment, Creamy's fellow castle cats, Luna and Maverick, emerged.
"These are my friends, Luna and Maverick," Creamy announced.
Clover, Hexie, Robin, Mia, and Whatnaught were a bit nervous, not having met Luna and Maverick before.
"We live in the castle, like Creamy does," Luna explained.
"We mean you no harm," Maverick said in a gentle voice. "We get three square meals a day, and occasional scraps from the kitchen. We have no need to hunt for food."
"I can vouch for them," Rex smiled. "They are among the best residents of the castle."
"Well, then, it's a pleasure to meet you," Clover smiled at Luna and Maverick.
"And it's a pleasure to meet you," Maverick smiled back. "And let me assure you, if anybody goes after you, Hexie, Robin, Mia, and Whatnaught, they'll have Creamy, Luna, and me to deal with."
"That's wonderful," Hexie happily acknowledged.
"You three live in the castle?" Clover questioned. "I thought King Roland was allergic to cats?"
"It's a special situation," Creamy explained. "There is a special potion out there that rids cats of cat allergens. Me, Luna, and Maverick had the potion poured on us, and no more cat allergens from us. And, because of that, King Roland lets us live in the castle."
Clover, Hexie, Robin, Mia, Whatnaught, Rex, Creamy, Luna, and Maverick spent the afternoon relaxing in the castle gardens. At one point, Rex explained how he was the reincarnated version of James' Rex.
"Who would have thought?" Clover said, impressed. "You're not gonna do that crazy stuff like James' Rex did, are you?"
"I'm a different dog, now," Rex reassured Clover. "Although, just for old times sake ..."
Rex then slobbered Clover with his tongue.
"Rex!" Clover exclaimed in a half joking manner.
"Sorry! I couldn't help myself," Rex laughed. "Forgiven?"
"You're forgiven," Clover smiled as he and Rex high fived each other.
"Oh! That was a good one, Rex," a male voice came from behind everybody. In a few moments, another dog walked up - an Irish Red and White Setter.
"Everybody, this is Jagger, James' current dog," Rex announced.
"A pleasure to meet you all," Jagger smiled. "It's gonna be nice to have new friends to hang out with."
Clover, Hexie, Robin, Mia, and Whatnaught smiled back, happy to meet Jagger. At that same moment, Dorrie's owl, Arnan, and Sofia's owl, Hector, flew down.
"Hey, guys!" Luna smiled at Arnan and Hector. "Nice to see you!"
"Arnan," Clover greeted. "Nice to see you're still here."
"And it's nice to have you and the others back," Arnan smiled. "It's gonna be like old times."
Inside the castle, sixteen-year-old Sofia and sixteen-year-old Lucinda were in King Roland's study having a private meeting.
"Sofia, Lucinda," Roland started. "I've called the two of you here because I have something to discuss with each of you."
Sofia and Lucinda sat in their chairs, wondering what their father had in mind.
"Lucinda, I'll start with you," Roland explained. "The Enchancian Council has concluded that it needs a special representative for all the witches and warlocks living in Enchancia. The Council has come up with a candidate, and that candidate is you."
"Wow!" Lucinda exclaimed, impressed.
"As King of Enchancia, I have the legal power to immediately appoint you to such a position," Roland started. "Before I do so, I want to ask if you want the position?"
"What would my responsibilities be?" Lucinda wanted to know, curious.
"You would be available to listen to the needs of the witch and warlock population here in Enchancia, then pass along those needs to the Enchancian Council during official sessions," Roland answered. "As a special representative for all witches and warlocks in Enchancia, you would also be given the special title of First Witch of Enchancia. Are you interested?"
"It would be a great honor to represent my fellow witches and warlocks," Lucinda smiled. "I accept the position."
"Great!" Roland exclaimed, pleased. "By kingly authority, I hereby name you special representative to all witches and warlocks living in Enchancia."
"Congratulations, Lucinda," Sofia smiled as she and Lucinda hugged.
"Dad, I promise to set up the position so that I, and those who come after me, will have a proper foundation to work off of," Lucinda pledged.
"Of that, I have no doubt," Roland acknowledged with pride, before turning to Sofia. "And now, I have something to discuss with you, Sofia."
Sofia sat at attention, wondering what Roland had on his mind.
"Sofia," Roland began, "Councilman Benjamin Byrne, representative for Dunwitty, will be retiring after many years of distinguished service. Under Enchancian law, he is entitled to choose his successor. And, he has chosen ... you."
"Me?" Sofia asked, taken off guard.
"He's quite impressed with your volunteer work at his office," Roland smiled. "He told me you know the pulse of the people of the village, and that you would make a fine successor."
"I'm honored," Sofia acknowledged, touched.
"Will you accept the position?" Roland asked, hopeful.
"Yes, I will," Sofia smiled. "I'll do my best everyday to serve the good people of Dunwitty."
"Excellent," Roland smiled back. "As King of Enchancia, I hereby appoint you to be the new representative for Dunwitty."
"Congratulations, Sofia," Lucinda happily responded as she hugged Sofia, and Sofia returned the hug.
Roland looked at the touching scene, and smiled in happiness. Lucinda and Sofia had come far in their lives, and the future was bright.
(End of Chapter 37).
Behind the scenes
In this edition of "Behind the scenes", in the spirit of American Red Nose Day, I present our first ever blooper reel ...
From Chapter 2 of "Dorrie":
After having Wassailia breakfast with the castle staff, Dorrie set about to do some straightening up around the castle. As she was straightening up, Dorrie heard Sofia singing a Wassailia song on the next floor.
"Oh, Wassailia Day is here. The most magical time of the year. La la. La la. La la ... oh, shoot! I forgot the words!"
From Chapter 22 of "Dorrie":
"Now that I have your attention," a woman's voice came from behind Maleficent.
Maleficent swung around to see ... Lucinda's mother hovering above the ground on a broom, and pointing a wand at Maleficent.
"Don't you have a home to go to?" Lucinda's mother sharply asked Maleficent.
"I could ask you the same question," Maleficent retorted.
"Well, I was out getting some Rosroot," Lucinda's mother responded. "Its most potent when picked at night, and is good as an antiseptic."
"Spare me the domestic details of your life," Maleficent groaned.
"And here I was gonna give you my berry pie recipe," Lucinda's mother snickered as everybody off camera started loudly laughing.
"Cut!" the directed laughed.
From Chapter 9 of "Dorrie: Book Two":
At a point outside of the castle, Scarlett, Colette, Hematite, Cordelia, and Maleficent stood outside the wall which surrounded the castle. Hematite then brought out a hammer, and carefully tried to chip away at the wall.
"What in Cinnibar are you doing?!" Scarlett exclaimed in a whisper.
"We're coming in where no one is expecting it," Hematite explained.
"No, you're not! Even if you got through the concrete, there's three inches of steel! You won't even make a dent!" Scarlett pointed out.
Hematite then pulled away a few stone bricks from the wall, and punched her fist through a few layers of cardboard, causing everybody to laugh loudly.
"I guess they don't make em like they use to," Scarlett chuckled.
"Cut!" the director ordered.
From Chapter 32 of "Dorrie: Book Two":
"Let the girl go, Grimtrix!" Timothy demanded as he brought out his training wand.
Grimtrix turned to Greylock. "Now, Greylock, use the Dream Crystal I gave you to send this young hero wannabe to the World of Sweet Dreams! Make Morpheus hold him in his arms eternally!"
Greylock looked through his pockets looking for the Dream Crystal, which was suddenly gone.
"Um ... I seemed to have misplaced it," Greylock confessed.
"Do you have any idea how many boxes of cereal I had to go through to get that?!" Grimtrix barked as everybody off camera started laughing loudly.
From Chapter 10 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia":
The action against the village ended after a short while. On the hill overlooking the village, Hematite, Constance, and Zahida brought up two male prisoners.
"The Order of the Wand has fled the village," Hematite reported. "But, we were able to capture these two."
"Well, well, well," Scarlett smirked at the two prisoners. "If it isn't Baron Von Rocha and Snively Sage."
"You'll pay for your interference!" Snively barked at Scarlett.
"Fine," Scarlett grinned. "Do you take credit cards?"
"Good one, Scarlett!" Hematite chuckled as everybody off camera burst out laughing.
"Cut!" the director ordered.
From Chapter 30 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia":
Everybody clapped as the winter carnival began. Meanwhile, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice were looking off toward the village Quidditch arena.
"I'm really looking forward to the exhibition game," Lucinda smiled. "Dunwitty was lucky to be chosen to host a game connected to the professional Quidditch exhibition tour."
"And we got two of the best teams out there," Dorrie happily added. "The Holyhead Harpies, and Puddlemere United."
"Who are you rooting for, Dorrie?" Lucinda wanted to know.
"I've always been a big Puddingmere fan," Dorrie answered. "Wait! Did I say Puddingmere?"
"Pudding sounds good right about now," Candice joked as everybody started laughing.
Special note
Just a reminder that there will be a special fund raising broadcast for American Red Nose Day on NBC-TV the night of Thursday, May 23rd of 2019. You may also support American Red Nose Day by purchasing a Red Nose at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations across the United States.
Author's notes
About Rex being reincarnated as a German Shepherd, the idea is based on what happened in the movie "A Dog's Purpose" where a dog is reborn a few times, each time as a different breed of dog, complete with his past memories intact.
Andrew is an earlier version of Andrew from "Touched by an Angel".
Arnan (Dorrie's owl) is the same owl who appeared in the "Sofia the First" episode "Holiday in Enchancia".
"As you know, my amulet allows me to talk to animals," Lucinda explained. "Your medallion that Sofia and I enchanted allows you to talk to animals" - since James won't discover until 1871 that his badge is like Sofia and Lucinda's amulets, I decided to give James an enchanted medallion so he can talk to animals now.
Creamy is a character created for Candice by Jolly Roger Brat. Creamy is used in this story with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat. Readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that King Roland is no longer allergic to Creamy, and Creamy is now allowed in the castle.
"Dad, I promise to set up the position so that I, and those who come after me, will have a proper foundation to work off of," Lucinda pledged - having Lucinda setting up the position so there would be a proper foundation to work off of was the idea of Brigade701.
During the night, as Rex slept, memories from a past life started filling Rex's head. Rex had memories, as another dog, hanging around the castle kitchen getting scraps of food from Chef Andre, and a strange memory of Rex finding a large book, then burying it" - the memory of the large book is a reference to events in the "Sofia the First" episode "Two Princesses and a Baby".
Gas lights: readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that gas lighting was added to Enchancia Castle in Chapter 18.
"Good afternoon, Sofia, Lucinda," Vivian greeted as she stepped off her long flying carriage - this would be the same long flying carriage Vivian used in the "Sofia the First" series finale, "Forever Royal".
Hematite, Snively Sage, Timothy O'Toole, and Zahida are character created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Hexie is originally from the "Sofia the First" book "A Magical Match" (Disney Press, published December of 2014, ISBN 978-1-4847-2165-0).
I added in Hector to bring this chapter up to speed with what has been going on in "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".
"If you don't mind me asking, who is this Andrew?" Candice inquired. "He's an angel I met when I was a child," Lucinda answered with a smile. "A kind man" - this is a reference to events in my story "An Act of Kindness".
Jagger is an original character created by Jolly Roger Brat for Jolly Roger Brat's stories. Jagger is used in this story with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat.
Lucinda and Sofia getting positions on the Enchancian Council is originally from my story "Getting To Know Tilly". Meanwhile, the Enchancian Council itself is something like the United States Congress, with each community in Enchancia represented by a council member. Lucinda will represent all witches and warlocks kingdom wide, while there is also an existing representative for the witch and warlock village of Wendarby.
Luna and Maverick are characters created by Brigade701, and are used in this story with the permission of Brigade701. Readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that King Roland is not allergic to Luna and Maverick, and the two of them are allowed in the castle.
Maleficent, as mentioned in this chapter, is the Maleficent of old from "Sleeping Beauty". In regard to Maleficent, readers of my stories might recall that Maleficent of the Moors is mentioned in Chapter 2 of my story "A Royal Rift". To clear things up, we'll consider Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty", and Maleficent of the Moors from "Maleficent", to be two separate characters. To further clear things up, Maleficent in my stories is mostly the "Sleeping Beauty" version, but also has some elements of Maleficent from "Disney Descendants" added in (such as Maleficent with a child).
Puddlemere United, Quidditch, and The Holyhead Harpies are from "Harry Potter".
Princess Isabel of Avalor is, of course, Isabel from "Elena of Avalor" and "Elena and the Secret of Avalor".
The Kingdom of Cinnibar is a kingdom created by Ben10Man, and is used in my stories with permission from Ben10Man.
The Scarlett Warrior (A.K.A. Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett Katherine Felchenerow) is a character created by Ben10Man, and is used in my stories with permission from Ben10Man. Meanwhile, the character of Colette (A.K.A. Lady Colette Cosmarune) is a character that I and Ben10Man created, and is based on Bayonetta from the video game "Bayonetta" (please note that Colette, and Madam Collette of Enchancia Castle, are two different characters who are not related in any way, shape, or form).
The scene in Lucinda's room with her, Hexie, and Candice was a change on my part. In my story "Reunited", I had Dorrie seeing to Lucinda and Hexie's needs. In this chapter, I changed it so Candice would see to Lucinda and Hexie's needs, since Candice (among her other duties) is now Lucinda's Lady in Waiting (since Chapter 50 of "Dorrie: Book Two").
Disclaimer
"A Dog's Purpose" and everything associated with it © Amblin Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment, Walden Media, Pariah Entertainment Group, and Universal Pictures.
"Bayonetta" and everything associated with it © PlatinumGames, Sega, and Nintendo.
Creamy, Jagger, and the other original ideas from Jolly Roger Brat are the property of Jolly Roger Brat, and are used in my stories with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat (under an agreement that the two of us may use things from each other's "Sofia the First" fan fiction stories).
"Disney Descendants" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Elena and the Secret of Avalor" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Disney Television Animation, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.
"Elena of Avalor" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Disney Television Animation, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.
"Harry Potter" and everything associated with it © J. K. Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing, Arthur A. Levine Books, Little Brown, Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures, Patalex IV Productions, and Warner Brothers Pictures.
Hematite, Snively Sage, Timothy O'Toole, Zahida, and the other original ideas from MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury are the property of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Luna, Maverick, and the other original ideas from Brigade701 are the property of Brigade701, and are used in this story with the permission of Brigade701.
"Maleficent" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Sleeping Beauty" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Sofia the First" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Jamie Mitchell, Disney Television Animation, Toiion Animation Studios, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.
The Scarlett Warrior and the other original ideas from Ben10Man are the property of Ben10Man, and are used in my stories with the permission of Ben10Man.
"Touched by an Angel" and everything associated with it © Moon Water Productions, CBS Productions, and CBS Television Distribution.
I only own Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Constance, Councilman Benjamin Byrne, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Hector, James' medallion, Lucinda's Amulet of Tlara, Rosroot, the Dunwitty Quidditch arena, the Dunwitty Winter Carnival, the Enchancian Council, and the witch and warlock village of Wendarby.