Lost and Found

by zelmar428

What will happen when Alex is raised by Ezmia? She is powerful, but her name has changed. Her heart is as hard as stone and she has never known love. Is there still hope for both worlds? Is there still hope for the Bailey family? Will she find true happiness and finally learn to love?

12. Chapter Eleven

Disclaimer, I do not own the Land of Stories series. This magical tale was written by Chris Colfer.

Chapter Eleven: Frog and Shining Armour

The news of the break-in at the Charming palace had spread throughout the other kingdoms in a matter of hours. As soon as Sir Lampton and his men were released from the enchanted dome, they contacted the leaders of the other kingdoms, telling them to alert their soldiers to look out ⠿ for three people that looked like guards, but sounded like young children wandering in the area. Before the sun had even risen, Sir Lampton and his men, exhausted though they were, set out to find the thieves who had stolen Queen Cinderella's slipper. Naturally, when the news got out about the missing slipper, the kingdom was outraged, and were eager for the thieves to be caught and rightly punished. For the Fairy Tale World, the previous night's events was a seal of confirmation that the evil enchantress had returned. Who else but her would commit such an atrocious act of thievery, and if this was only the beginning, what other horrors did she have in store? Gradually, the sun rose higher into the sky, lighting up the kingdom inch by inch. Froggy, Connor, and Emilia were sleeping peacefully in the tent, savouring every minute of rest. Connor opened his eyes and looked around. A hazy fog filled his brain, and for a moment, he forgot why he couldn't see anything or anyone around him. He sat up, wincing as a dull ache stabbed through his arm. Carefully, he felt around him, and found Emilia and Froggy still fast asleep. After a few minutes of crawling around in the tent, he located their rucksack. He checked that the slipper, the hair, and the journal were still tucked away safely, then proceeded to eat an apple after a few loud growls from his stomach. As he ate, thoughts of home filled his mind, and he began to think about what he'd be doing if he was with his parents. If it was a week day, he'd have skipped breakfast altogether as he usually overslept, and the hectic morning didn't give him enough time for a bite to eat. If it was a weekend, he certainly wouldn't be up at this hour. To him, it was a crime to wake early on weekends. Instead, he'd stumble sleepily down to the kitchen at about midday, where his mom would hug him, and on the table, would be a home cooked delicious brunch of waffles, bacon, eggs and sausages. Connor looked out wistfully at the vast fields around him. Homesickness was surely setting in, and he couldn't wait to get home. He couldn't wait to tell his parents and grandma all about the adventures he would have on collecting The Wishing Spell. Connor even missed doing homework, and getting detention for not doing his homework. He even missed Mrs Peters, and after this thought, Connor seriously feared for his sanity. But despite his longing, Connor had to admit that he'd seen some incredible things. Who else in his class could say that they'd been inside Rapunzel's Tower? Could they say that they'd met a bridge-troll, seen a gingerbread house made of actual sweets? Could they say that they'd met a kind talking frog under a curse, or a powerful fairy in training? Connor was certain that he'd remember this place forever, and that he'd forever treasure his experiences here. With that thought in mind, Connor vowed to enjoy every moment he spent here, to take it all in, so that when he did leave, he'd leave with no regrets, but new friends and experiences to carry with him. He stood up, finished his apple, and threw the core into the fields. But just as he made to sit again, he felt some sort of vibration beneath his feet. Moving slowly and quietly, Connor peeped out of the tent. In the distance, he could see small dots coming towards them. He blinked, thinking that losing so much blood from his injured arm had made him confused. But the dots were getting bigger. They became the size of marbles. Then tennis balls. After several minutes, the shapes were close enough that Connor could finally make them out.

"Oh no!" he called.

"Em! Froggy! Wake up! There are soldiers coming! We're about to get trampled to death!"

To Connor's dismay, the other two didn't budge. He leapt over to them, shaking them frantically until Emilia mumbled,

"What do you want?"

"There are soldiers coming towards us," he said right into her ear.

At these words, they both jolted upright, sleep completely vanishing from their minds. Quickly, Connor grabbed the rucksack, and did a quick check that everything was still safely inside. The clatter of hooves pounded their ears, increasing their anxiety levels.

"We need to leave now," Froggy said, grabbing their hands.

Without hesitation, Emilia pulled out her wand, vanished the tent, and gripping Connor's and Froggy's hands, she got ready to disappear.

"What about Cornelius?" Connor asked, looking over at the still sleeping unicorn.

"Oh right! Come on!"

The soldiers were pelting towards them, and if they didn't hurry, there would be a terrible collision. They scrambled on to Cornelius' back, and after some coaxing, he awoke. As soon as Cornelius was awake, Emilia waved her wand around them, and with a bright flash, they vanished into a ball of light.

Connor wasn't surprised that when he looked around, elm trees stood in every direction. Once again, they were on a deserted dirt path, and although Connor wasn't thrilled at the scenery, the hope and longing for home won over his initial desire to moan and complain.

"Where are we?" he asked.

"We're in a northern village of the Charming Kingdom," Emilia said. "This path should take us to the wall of the Red Riding Hood Kingdom, and hopefully one of the entrances."

They travelled down the path at a steady pace, and deciding it was safe to reveal themselves as they no longer looked like guards, Emilia removed their invisibility enchantment.

"Why don't I read the journal on the way," Froggy suggested.

"Sounds good," Connor said, handing it over.

—

As everyone knows, the Red Riding Hood Kingdom is surrounded by a tall wall to keep out the wolves. There are garden entrances into the kingdom along the perimeter of the wall. There is a North entrance, a South entrance, an East entrance, and a West entrance. Each entrance has its own path that goes to the centre of the kingdom where the town is. There is only one town in the Red Riding Hood Kingdom. The rest is farmland. Unlike every other palace or castle, Red Riding Hood's isn't very difficult to enter. The castle was built so quickly after the CRAWL Revolution that the builders forgot to add some basic necessities. The kitchen windows located at the back of the castle have no locks. The Red Riding Hood Kingdom is the safest and smallest of all the kingdoms, therefore they are short on soldiers and guards. The halls of the castle are only patrolled until midnight, and the guards don't return until dawn. Sneak into the castle between midnight and dawn through the kitchen windows, avoid the main halls, and you should be fine. Queen Red Riding Hood has a special room in her chambers where she keeps all the baskets she's received over the years. Find this room and you'll find her very first basket, the one she took to her grandmother's house all those years ago. You don't need to collect the whole basket, just a small chunk of the tree bark that surrounds the rim. It should be easy to identify as there is already a chunk of tree bark missing from when I collected it.

—

"Okay, cool," Connor said optimistically. "This should be easy."

"Nothing's ever easy," Emilia said sharply.

"Just being positive," Connor said, giving her a strange look.

The three continued down the path in silence. Emilia sat with her shoulders hunched avoiding eye contact with both of them. Although the day was early, it was hot, and sun beat mercilessly down on them. Sticky sweat poured down Connor's back and face, and his skin felt like it was being seared in a frying pan.

"Cornelius, can you hurry up," Emilia groaned. "It's so hot."

The unicorn gave a sad puppy-dog look that made Froggy and Connor melt, but Emilia glared ahead.

"Come on," Emilia urged, giving the unicorn a firm nudge with her foot.

She didn't do it particularly hard, but the unicorn reared slightly, shocked by the abrupt unexpected touch. Without hesitating, Cornelius sped up to a canter, confusion clouding his majestic features.

"Are you okay Emilia?" Froggy asked.

"Yeah, you're so moody today," Connor said, and immediately regretted it.

"I'm fine," she snapped. "Just don't talk to me for a while."

An awkward silence fell over the group, and Connor and Froggy exchanged uncertain glances. Occasionally, they met a deer or rabbit on the path before it quickly dashed away. After several hours of travelling, the trio reached the wall at last. The wall of the Red Riding Hood Kingdom was thirty feet tall and was made of bricks. It loomed over them just as Rapunzel's Tower had done, but unlike the tower, the wall made Connor feel dwarfed and intimidated, instead of the awestruck feeling that Rapunzel's Tower gave off. In front of the wall, was a large sign which said, "WOLVES BEWARE. All wolves of every species are forbidden to enter the Red Riding Hood Kingdom. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. If you are caught, you will be made into a rug, coat or some other item."

"Well, it definitely keeps out the wolves," Connor commented as they came closer. "I don't see any of the entrances the journal talked about."

"Looks like we might have to walk to the nearest one," Froggy said.

"I'll just create a door," Emilia said, retrieving her wand.

For some reason, this annoyed Connor. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate her help, Emilia's magic had certainly saved them numerous times, and after last night, there was no denying that her magic had saved him. But for some reason which he couldn't figure out, Connor wanted to prove that you didn't need magic to do everything. Ever since Connor was little, his dad had always told him that if he worked hard, persevered and believed in himself, he could achieve feats he didn't know he was capable of.

"I have a better idea," he said.

Connor looked around, surveying all the elm trees around them. He nodded, then quickly walked over to one, and immediately began to climb.

"Connor! You'll break your neck! Get down!" Froggy shouted from below.

"Connor, if you fall, I'm not saving your but again!" Emilia called.

"Didn't ask you to before, and I'm not asking now!" he called back.

Now, he had reached the top most branches which were level with the top of the wall. Taking a deep breath, Connor braced himself for what he was about to do. Images of his mom, dad, grandma and friends flashed through his mind, and his stomach squirmed unpleasantly at the thought of not returning to them.

"Okay, I'm gonna jump!"

With one giant leap, Connor jumped from the tree.

"Aaaaaah!"

It seemed as though Connor soared through the air in slow motion. His arms and legs flailed wildly through the air like malfunctioning propellers.

"Connor!" Froggy and Emilia yelled.

Apparently, Connor had jumped a little too high. He missed the wall by several inches, and was rapidly descending to the ground on the other side.

"Quick!" Froggy said urgently. "We need to get to him."

"Well its his own fault," Emilia said, glaring at the wall.

Begrudgingly, she pointed her wand at the wall, and instantly, a small doorway appeared for them to walk through. They quickly made their way through, and found that their path was completely blocked with a large pile of hay.

"Hey guys," Connor said, lying on a hay stack and grinning up at them.

"Connor! You scared me!" Froggy exclaimed, putting a hand to his heart.

"I wouldn't have jumped if I didn't know for sure it was a safe landing."

"I guess your not as stupid as I thought," Emilia said, flicking her wand and causing the hay stack to topple.

"Hey!"

With some effort, Connor got to his feet and brushed his clothes off.

Froggy, Connor and Emilia made their way into the town. It was a totally different world to the Charming Kingdom. There were rolling hills of farmland as far as the eye could see, and in the fields, were shepherds with long staffs and shepherdesses in bonnets herding their cattle. A sign in the distance proclaimed that this was "The Bo Peep Farms."

In the centre of town was a large square park with a cascading water fall. There were swings, slides, monkey bars, and other play equipment scattered in the grounds. Next to the water fall was a tall statue of a boy with water coming out from its mouth. Beside it, there was a plaque that said, "In memory of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. You were a liar, but you were loved."

Beside the statue, was another plaque in silver that said, "In memory of Humpty Dumpty."

The streets were lined with cottage homes made of stones or bricks and hay roofs. There were shops and bakeries, and Connor saw signs for Jack Horner's Pie Shop and the Henny Penny Bank. It was so dainty and delicate that it made Connor feel like he was in a theme park.

"Wow, this reminds me of the rich neighbourhoods back home."

They kept walking, Connor taking in the picturesque sight before him.

"Look! There's the castle!" Froggy said excitedly pointing.

Red Riding Hood's castle had four towers and was very vast. It was appropriately a red brick building and a mote could be seen at its entrance. However, as they made their way closer, they realised the castle was only made to look big. From a close vantage point, it was very small, and Emilia and Connor could've easily stepped over the mote.

"It's not as grand as Cinderella's palace is it," Emilia observed.

"I guess like the journal said, it was built in a hurry," Froggy said.

Something far off in the distance had caught Connor's eye.

"Um, guys, is that really what I think it is?" Connor said enthralled.

In the distance, Connor could see something abnormally tall, much taller than Rapunzel's tower. It seemed to reach up to the heavens, coming up to an impossible height.

"Okay, I've never seen Jack's bean stalk before," Connor said.

"And you want to take a look," Emilia said, rolling her eyes.

Without responding, Connor sprinted towards the bean stalk, not waiting to see if the others would follow. At last, Connor stopped short. The bean stalk was a thrilling sight. It was something unlike anything Connor had ever seen in his life. It was enormous, with wild leaves and branches that pointed in all directions, twisting, turning and intertwining with each other. There was a small shabby old shack close by, its paint peeling and the windows cracked. Beside the shack was a large manor, that contrasted the shack in every way with its pristine glass windows, and immaculate appearance.

"It must take someone very brave to climb that," Froggy said transfixed.

"Which house is Jack's?" Connor asked.

"I think the shack is where Jack and his mother lived when they were poor. After the bean stalk, they became rich and wealthy, and probably moved to the manor," Froggy answered.

Connor nodded, he didn't see any reason to doubt Froggy's solution.

"You'd be stupid to climb that," Emilia said. "Let alone keep it. Jack and his mother deserved to be in the slums. I mean, he's so gullible. What person with a brain would blindly believe someone was genuinely trading them magic beans. If you ask me, that bean stalk did nothing, but cause trouble."

"No one said you had to like it, and if you don't have anything good to say, maybe don't say anything. We'd really appreciate it," Connor retorted annoyed.

"Hmph," emilia huffed, and turned away, folded her arms, and looked sullenly down at the ground, her lips pressed together in a thin line.

Just then, they heard the sound of a door slamming. They turned, and saw a tall handsome man with broad shoulders exit the manor. He had blue eyes, dark hair that flopped over his eyebrows, and was carrying an axe.

"Are you Jack?" Connor asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

"Yup," Jack said, his voice a flat monotone. "Can I help you with something?"

"Is this your bean stalk?" Froggy asked.

"Yup. I have to cut it very often."

"Sorry to bother you," Emilia said. "We were just stopping by.

"Most people do."

All three watched Jack as he walked into the shack, and began chopping a log with his axe. As he worked, his face remained expressionless, and he greatly resembled a zombie Connor had seen in one of his favourite movies.

"That's interesting, he seems so much more upbeat in the books."

"Do you guys here that?" Froggy asked, looking around. "I think I hear singing."

Through one of the manor windows, they saw a golden woman gazing out and singing. Music played as she sang, but they couldn't see where it was coming from.

"Oh the day is here and so am I,

To wistfully watch the birds that fly.

Oh how I wish I had an audience which to play,

But here in this manor,

With only my melodies to keep me company,

Is where I shall stay."

Her soprano voice was breathtaking, and after the song finished with a grand chord, Froggy, Connor, and even Emilia, although a little begrudgingly, applauded enthusiastically.

"Well hello there!" the woman called. "Who might you be?"

"I'm Connor, and these are my friends, Emilia and Froggy."

They moved closer to the window, and could now see that the woman was not a woman, but a beautiful golden harp. A set of strings attached to her back played as she sang, and she looked a magical sight.

"Its very nice to meet you," she said energetically.

"Are you the harp Jack took from the giant's castle?" Froggy asked.

"Indeed I am. You wouldn't believe the songs the giant made me sing. It was all about eating people, trampling villages, and breaking things. I was glad to get out. It was such a relief when Jack saved me. I thought I'd never get out of there. But one day, I saw him walking by, and I was like, "kid come get me out of here" and the next I knew, we were zooming down the bean stalk being chased by the giant. Jack chopped down the bean stalk, and the giant fell to his death. Splat! He fell right over the Bo Peep farms. It was quite a fiasco! But they said he turned out to be good fertiliser."

The harp was evidently very chatty, and it was clear to see that she lacked attention. Company for the harp was definitely overdue.

"Where are you all from? Are you planning on moving? You should move here and come and visit me everyday. I just love it here. All the people are friendly farmers, and there are no wolves."

"We actually came to see the palace. We're travelling around, and we've never been before," Connor told her.

"Hey! I'll ask Jack to take you. He's going to the castle to see Queen Red Riding Hood. Every week, he goes to the castle to give her a hand made basket."

"That's very sweet of him," Froggy said.

"Oh poor thing has been in love with him for years."

"Will Jack and Queen Red Riding Hood get married?" Emilia asked.

"Oh heavens no!" the harp exclaimed. "His heart belongs to someone else."

"Who?" they asked together.

"No one knows. But he's never been the same ever since she moved away."

The sound of a door slamming made them look round. Jack walked out of the shack carrying a basket that he'd made out of the pieces of log he'd chopped.

"Hey Jack! Why don't you take these three to the castle. They've never been before."

Jack hesitated, "I don't know Harper."

"Please Mr Jack," Emilia said, giving her first smile of the day. "We promise we'll be no trouble."

"Alright."

They set off at once, Jack leading the way.

"Come back and visit me, please!" Harper called out to them.

"Thank you for your help," Emilia said, waving.

They walked with Jack through the rolling hills, Connor and Emilia finding it difficult to keep up with Jack's long, quick strides.

"Thanks so much for taking us," Connor said. "We really appreciate it."

Jack just nodded, and continued walking.

"You're not much of a talker are you?"

"I don't have much to say."

Before long, the castle came into view. They entered, Jack leading the way, nodding at the guards as they passed. Jack knocked on the oak doors, and a guard quickly answered.

"Who are they?"

"Oh right, these are my friends-"

He stopped short, and turned to them.

"What are your names again?"

"I'm Emilia, and these are my friends, Connor and Froggy."

"They're accompanying me to the castle today."

They walked into a hallway with dark red tiles. On both walls, numerous portraits were hung on the walls of Queen Red Riding Hood, each one grander and more extravagant than the last. A handmaiden led them down several corridors, some narrow, some wide, until they came upon a small door with a red basket ornately carved into the wood.

"This always takes a while," Jack told them.

They could hear muffled sounds of scurrying from inside the room.

"Okay, how do I look? Does this look alright? Hand me that cape. No, not that one, the other one. Okay, I'm ready. Let him in, quickly."

The door opened, and they walked into a spacious drawing room with more portraits of the queen on the walls. Perched on a high gold throne was Queen Red Riding Hood. She wore a floor length red gown, decked with sparkly sequins with a dark red cape to match. On her feet, she wore a pair of six inch heels that were neon pink. Her face was a little too powdered, and her cheeks were red with too much roche. Her lips were painted the colour of plums, and it was obvious to see, that she was dressed too nicely for the middle of the day. Undoubtedly, Queen Red Riding Hood was beautiful, with long wavy blond hair, and big blue eyes.

"Jack!" she cried, a little too energetically. "It's so good to see you! What a pleasant surprise!"

"I come every week," Jack said, slumping into the chair the handmaiden brought.

The other three sat down, and eagerly watched.

"You've brought guests," the queen said, failing dismally to hide her disappointment that her and Jack were not alone.

"This is Froggy, Connor and Emilia."

"Frog! A frog!" red yelped, moving her throne away from Froggy.

"My apologies," Jack said, giving Froggy a pained look.

"Here you go," he said, leaning forward to hand Red the basket.

"A basket! For me! Oh Jack, thank you! I'll cherish it."

"You always do."

"So, what's new with you?" Red asked, leaning as far forward in her throne as she could without falling off.

"Not much. How's the kingdom?"

"Oh you know I don't bother myself with all that talk of security and economy, and bla bla bla. My granny does all that for me. She's much better at it than I would be."

She snapped her fingers, and a handmaiden took the basket from Red's hands. However, before Connor could ask if they could take a look at the other baskets, the handmaiden quickly left the room.

"You know Jack," Red said. "This kingdom isn't really a kingdom without a king."

"Maybe you should call it a queendom."

"Oh Jack! You're so funny!" Red laughed, a little too loudly. "No, what I mean is, I'm ready to get married. Do you know anyone, anyone at all, who I could marry?"

Jack slumped even further into his chair, his face as blank as ever. Red, and the others, held their breaths. Was this the moment Red had been waiting for all her life? Would Jack propose? Just then, a white dove flew to the window and sat on the sill, its wings fluttering slightly. The moment Jack saw the dove, his expression brighten considerably. He sat up immediately, looking more animated than Connor had ever seen him.

"Red."

"Yes Jack," Red whispered.

"I have to go."

"What? Where?" Red asked, aghast.

"Home," Jack said simply, getting up and walking out of the room.

He seemed to walk with a bounce in his step, and his shoulders were rolled back in apparent ease.

"What's up with this guy." Connor muttered, as they quickly followed Jack.

They made their way out of the castle, crossed the mote, and walked through the rolling hills back to Jack's manor.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Froggy, Connor, Emilia," Jack said, shaking their hands vigorously. "I hope to meet you someday soon."

Then, he turned, and went inside his home.

"How does a guy go from zombie to a guidance counsellor in a matter of seconds!" Connor exclaimed.

"That's not the point," Emilia moaned. "We don't have bark from Red Riding Hood's basket."

"Looks like we'll have to sneak in at midnight after all," Froggy said. "Now, why don't we stay at the Shoe Inn. We can rest, freshen up, and have a hot meal."

The other two agreed without protest, and so, that's what they did.

—

The room they stayed in had a large bathtub for which they were all grateful, and took turns using. They ordered a hot meal of roast beef, gravy and potatoes, and tall ice cream sundaes for dessert. From this, they discovered that full stomachs made considerably better spirits. Emilia scowled less, Connor's complaints vanished, and Froggy was as jovial as ever. The delicious food also made them feel very sleepy, so they all took naps before midnight arrived.

—

They awoke 15 minutes before midnight, got dressed, and took account of everything in their rucksack.

"Lets see," Froggy said. "We have bread, fruit and vegetables, a journal, a slipper, a lock of Rapunzel's hair, a map, and a dagger."

"We can use the dagger to cut a chunk out of the basket," Connor suggested.

"And I can provide light. It'll be dark in there."

"Looks like we're ready," Connor said.

They walked back to the castle, keeping low, and pulling hoods over their heads. The streets were dim, and their only source of light was moonlight. Several minutes later, they reached the castle, following the journal's instructions, and climbed through the castle's kitchen window which was unlocked. Froggy leapt over easily, then Emilia, and then Connor. Unfortunately, he misjudged his landing, and kicked over a stack of pots which fell to the ground with an echoing clatter.

"Connor!" Emilia whispered. "I'm going to kill you."

"Sorry, sorry."

They replaced the stack of pots, and made their way out of the kitchen. The castle halls looked very eerie at night, which didn't help their nerves at all. Cautiously, they tiptoed, avoiding windows, and keeping a sharp eye out for approaching guards. Like the Charming Kingdom, the soldiers here seemed to be on high alert for any signs of chaos, but due to the small number of guards, the trio's task was still possible with no need for disguises, or any such tricks. They entered, dining rooms, ballrooms, drawing rooms, and several other rooms. But as time ticked on, they grew anxious that they wouldn't find the basket room in time. Desperately, they entered a chamber which they all thought had to be the room with the baskets. The room was pitch black, and there wasn't a sound within.

"Where are we?" Emilia asked.

Her question was answered moments later when a voice spoke behind them, making them jump.

"Oh granny, what big ears you have."

"We're in the queen's chambers!" Froggy cried.

"Oh granny, what big eyes you have. Oh granny, what big teeth you have!"

The queen sat up abruptly, gasping for air. The three dove to the floor, not wanting to be seen.

"Oh no! That was terrible!"

Queen Red lay back down, rolled over, and was fast asleep once more in minutes.

"Oh Jack, what strong arms you have."

Connor and Emilia mimed gagging into their hands, sharing a grin as they stood up.

"Oh Jack, what soft lips you have."

To Connor and Emilia's great amusement, Froggy was blushing profusely, and they did their best to stifle their laughter.

"Come on, lets get out of here before she describes anything else," Emilia said, leading the way.

"And before Froggy's face turns as red as Red's cape."

"Connor!"

"Hey, you laughed at my beard. We're even."

After what seemed like an age, they finally found the basket room, which was located beside a particularly memorable portrait of a scantily dressed Queen Red. As soon as they entered, they stared. Connor had never seen so many baskets in one room in his life. Inside, were tall piles of baskets in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes, designs and woods.

"How are we suppose to find the original basket in this?" Emilia asked.

"Well, we have to find one with already a chunk missing," Froggy said, scanning the room. "Let's split up. I'll take the left piles, Connor, you take the centre, and Emilia can take the right."

At once, they all proceeded to sort through the piles and piles of baskets. Connor kept giving himself splinters, and yelped ouch every time.

"Isn't there some kind of enchantment for this?" he asked, after his thousandth splinter.

"No Connor," she said, smiling innocently at him. "You don't need magic for everything. We can do this with hard work and resilience. It builds character, you know."

"I hate you, you know that," he said, glaring at the mountain of baskets they still had to sort through.

"Look up there," Froggy said pointing. "There's more. I'll jump on the shelf to see if the basket made of tree bark is up there."

Froggy stood, took a well measured leap, and landed quite gracefully on top of the highest shelf.

"Smooth," Connor muttered.

He turned carefully, inspecting each basket closely.

"I've found it," froggy said triumphantly, holding up a basket.

Its rim was made of tree bark, and a chunk was definitely missing.

"Here," Connor said, and tossed Froggy the dagger.

The two stood and watched from below as Froggy began sawing the dagger back and forth to cut out a piece of tree bark. This proved to be quite difficult, and they could hear Froggy grunting with concentration and effort. After a couple more minutes of sawing, froggy finally managed to cut off some tree bark. He leapt off the shelf, and landed carefully next to them, a piece of bark held proudly in his hands.

"Three down, six to go," Emilia said.

"You're the best Froggy," Connor said, giving him a hug.

Connor placed the bark into the rucksack with the other Wishing Spell objects and after doing their best to put the room back in some sort of order, they left, hoping they'd manage to find their way out without getting too lost. But before they'd even gone five paces, the floor shook violently. The walls around them began to rumble, and they stumbled, gripping each other in an attempt to remain upright. The tremors grew stronger and more violent. The castle began to rock and tilt, like a ship sailing in a stormy sea. One by one, the portraits of Queen Red were crashing to the ground, one almost landing on Connor's head. Glass from chandeliers, vases, and windows fell, and they dove to the ground, covering their heads with their arms. Distant screams echoed as soldiers and servants did their utmost to prevent damage, and keep themselves safe. But just as quickly as it had all started, it stopped, leaving the castle in an eerie, ominous silence, brimming with fear and suspense. Connor, Froggy and Emilia sat crouched closely against the wall, hoping and waiting that it would not get any worse. Minutes passed, and several small after shocks came. Slowly, they stood up, and began picking their way through the debris. As they walked, they heard distant footsteps throughout the castle. The maids were beginning to clean up, and the soldiers looked for any signs of intruders no matter how subtle. They walked slowly, and rounded each corner with caution. Several times, soldiers passed them, but they had manage to dart into the shadows, or the soldiers had not noticed them as they rushed passed.

"Oh dear," Froggy said.

They had rounded a corner, and found that their path was completely obstructed. The walls on either side of the hallway had collapsed like a tower of blocks, and the ground was littered with shattered glass and wood from the windows.

"Where are we?" Connor asked.

"I have no idea," Emilia said, looking helpless.

"Do you hear that?" Froggy asked, his head tilted to one side.

Connor and Emilia stood still, straining their ears to listen. Froggy was right. Somewhere, they could hear muffled cries, and far off screams.

"I think someone may be trapped under the rubble," Froggy said, looking concerned. "I'm going to check it out."

Before they could stop him, Froggy took a gigantic leap, jumping clear over the collapsed wall and debris.

"I suppose we'd better follow him," Emilia said, clearing the rubble with her wand, vanishing the walls. "I think character building can wait, don't you?"

As they walked down the hall, they could now hear and see what was happening. Queen Red Riding Hood was trapped in her chambers. Her ceiling had completely caved in, and the only objects that stopped her from being crushed, were her many tall chests of clothes, jewelry, shoes, and other accessories. They could also hear the Queen's piercing, terrified, screams.

"Help me! Help me! Someone help me! I'm going to die down here in this reck! This is no fit end to a queen's reign!"

"Gee, she sure has a good set of pipes," Connor muttered, covering his ears.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Hold on!" they could hear Froggy call as they drew closer.

Connor and Emilia stopped at where the doorway used to be, and there, stood Froggy, pushing, pulling, and heaving at the large chests. Connor came over to help, and glanced back at Emilia, who winked at him, took out her wand, and elevated the ceiling just enough to give the chests more room to move. Connor pushed and pulled with Froggy, all the while holding back a chuckle at Froggy's determined, sweaty face. It was pain's takingly, agonizingly slow progress. It took them well over five minutes to move one chest, and they were panting heavily by the end.

"I think you guys could use a hand," Emilia said, smiling.

To Connor's great annoyance, she wasn't even breaking a sweat, and was holding up the ceiling effortlessly.

"We're fine," Froggy grunted, as they began on another chest.

"Character building can wait," Connor said to Emilia through gritted teeth.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her extend her other hand towards the chests, and to Connor's amazement and relief, the chests became considerably easier to push, although not too easy that Froggy noticed. The process sped up significantly, and as they worked, they could hear the queen sobbing and moaning about scratches scarring her face permanently.

At long last, all the chests had been moved, Emilia vanished the ceiling, and Queen Red Riding Hood was free. As soon as she could stand, Red ran to Froggy, and flung her arms around him.

"Oh thank you! Thank you! You saved me!" she cried, half sobbing.

She then began planting wet kisses on Froggy's cheeks, and Connor and Emilia grinned at seeing Froggy's face growing redder and redder.

"It was a pleasure," he finally said, taking a few steps back.

"Ehem," Connor cleared his throat loudly. "We helped too."

Red turned to them a little surprised.

"Oh yes, of course," she said. "Thank you." Suddenly, they heard the sound of rushing footsteps coming towards them.

"Your Majesty, your safe! Thank goodness!" a handmaiden exclaimed. "Who are you?"

"I'm Emilia, a fairy in training. The Fairy Council sent me as soon as they found out about the earthquake. We're also friends with Jack. We accompanied him to the castle this morning."

Connor was impressed at Emilia's ability to think on her feet and lie so smoothly. If he could do that, he could totally go out more without the knowledge of his mom. The handmaiden scrutinized them carefully, but nodded, recognition filling her expression.

"Yes, I remember you. So where are you taking the queen?"

"To the Fairy Kingdom of course."

"Has the enchantress really returned?" she asked quietly.

"Well, I don't know much, but they're not sure, but the break-inn at the Charming palace had them convinced, and this probably confirms it."

All of them gasped. Froggy and Connor turned to Emilia their eyebrows raised. Queen Red and the handmaiden had their hands over their mouths.

"Very well," the handmaiden said finally. "Take the queen to the Fairy Kingdom. She won't be well protected here with no place to live." Red gathered her belongings with the help of the handmaiden, and Emilia packed it all into another rucksack she'd produced. The handmaiden escorted them out of the destroyed castle, Queen Red complaining about not being able to take all of her clothes the entire way. As soon as they were outside, Emilia whistled for Cornelius. This time, it took several tries. But just as they were getting concerned, Cornelius came trotting towards them. Judging by Cornelius' drooping head, they new instantly that something was very wrong.

"I don't think we'll all fit," Connor said. "Cornelius' back might break."

Emilia twirled her wand through the air, and the others gasped as another unicorn appeared before their eyes. Like Cornelius, this unicorn was also tall, but it was slim with a long curly tail, and jet black mane. Its horn was long, smooth, and slightly curved.

"It's beautiful," Queen Red breathed.

Emilia and Connor rode Cornelius, and Froggy and Red rode the other unicorn, which Red had decided to call Cherry Blossom.

"We'll go to the East entrance, it's the closest," Connor said, looking at the map.

"Okay Cornelius, you heard the man."

The kingdom was another world at dawn. It didn't feel dainty or delicate, but like a cage squeezing you and trapping you inside its small, but lethal bars. The small park made Connor feel claustrophobic, and the statues seemed to frown down upon them with disapproval as they passed. The unicorn moved quickly, just as eager to leave as their riders. But the most worrying sight would soon greet them. The gate at the East entrance lay in pieces on the ground, reduced to a pile of metal. But worst of all, the wall that should've been on either side of the gate was completely gone. They looked left, then right, then at each other, and even up at the sky and down to the ground.

"The wall is gone!" Red shrieked in despair. "That wall kept us safe!"

Froggy touched her shoulder gently, "Please calm down Your Majesty," he soothed. "As soon as we get to the Fairy Kingdom, we'll let the Fairy Council know."

Connor didn't know much about the Red Riding Hood Kingdom besides what Froggy had told him, but it was clear to see, that to Queen Red and her people, the wall was not just a wall. It was clear to see that it meant more to them.

Just then, they heard footsteps coming towards them. Quickly, Emilia performed her invisibility charm, and they disappeared from sight. A tall figure was walking cautiously, looking around frequently as if waiting for someone. His face changed slightly as soon as he saw the fallen gate, and the absence of the wall. He shifted from foot to foot, his brow furrowed gravely. After a few moments, they heard the sound of hooves, and soon, they could see a hooded figure riding towards them.

"Jack," the figure on the horse whispered.

"Goldi."

Slowly, Goldilocks took off her hood, and looked at Jack hungrily, taking him in.

"I've missed you more than words can describe."

"Likewise."

"Let me come with you," Jack pleaded.

"I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself Jack."

"But every second without you is pure torture. If my life is to be lived without you, then I'd rather not live at all."

"Jack," Goldilocks said. "Don't say that. I'm sure you'll find someone, someone you can spend your life with without having to fear imprisonment or losing your life. Someone you can be with without having to be constantly on your guard and running from the law."

"You say that every year, and yet, here I am. I'd give it all up for you Goldi. The safety, the security. I'd risk everything for you."

"You can't come with me Jack. The whole world would despise you. This kingdom needs you more than ever now," Goldilocks said, gesturing at the broken gate.

"I suppose you're right," Jack said sadly.

They stood there, gazing into each other's eyes, their expressions filled with longing, and overflowing with love.

"I need to get going," Goldilocks finally said.

"I love you Goldi."

"I love you too Jack."

Behind him, Connor heard a small sob, and he turned to see Queen Red, tears streaming down her cheeks.

At the same time, Jack and Goldilocks reached out for each other, and they fell into a passionate embrace. With their arms tightly wrapped around each other, their lips met into a long, tender kiss, that seemed to stop time. As Connor was thinking they would never let go, Goldilocks turned away, breaking the embrace.

"Wait for the dove."

"I will, always."

With a final smile at her lover, Goldilocks leapt onto her horse, and rode off without a second glance. Jack stood and watched her go until she was completely out of his sight, and afterwards, he turned around, walked back the way he had come, each step draining the life out of his body and expression. As soon as Jack was out of sight, Red let out a loud sob that she'd been holding in.

"I just wanted him to love me," she said, hiccupping. "Why doesn't he love me? What does she have that I don't?"

Now it was Connor and Emilia's turn to turn red, and they looked away awkwardly.

Froggy looked directly into her eyes, his kind eyes full of sympathy.

"I'm so sorry you feel this way," Froggy said gently. "And I know I can't take away your pain. But you can use the pain in two ways. You can cry for years, hide yourself away, and rightfully so, or you can take the pain and use it to learn, and make yourself better, and stronger than ever before."

"How would I do that?"

"Well, maybe try other things, and get to know yourself more. Learn to love yourself and be happy without depending on another person to give you that love and happiness."

"You're very smart for a frog," Red said sniffing, managing a wobbly smile. "Maybe I should try to put more energy into running my kingdom especially now. I am queen after all."

"I think that's a splendid idea," Froggy said touching her arm. "If you'd like, I'd be very happy to help you in any way, whenever you want to start."

"Well, as my granny always said, there's no time like the present."