Once Upon a Time in Enchancia
Welcome to Chapter 2 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". Song in this chapter: "Chances" by Five For Fighting.
Chapter 2: Things Revealed
September 7, 1867
In Scarlett's kingdom of Cinnibar, at Scarlett's palace, Faith was in her office in the palace monitoring Crimson Force's progress throughout the world before she glanced at her wrist at the golden Enchantlet that was around it. She had been officially invited to be a Protector about two weeks ago and was being trained by her adoptive mother, and Colette (the Royal Steward of Cinnibar).
Faith then sighed as she switched her crystal ball to see Lucinda's training with Chrysta as she started singing to herself as music filled the air around her.
"Chances are when said and done. Who'll be the lucky ones, who make it all the way? Though you say I could be your answer. Nothing lasts forever. No matter how it feels today."
Faith then switched over her crystal balls to see how Sofia and Dorrie's groups were doing in their Protector exercises as she smiled at them.
"Chances are we'll find a equation. Chances rolled away from me. Chances are all they hope to be."
"Don't get me wrong, I never say never. Cause though love can change the weather. No act of God can pull me away from you."
"I'm just a realistic, ma'am. A bottle filled with shells and sand. Afraid to love beyond what I can lose when it comes to you. And though I see us through, yeah."
She then looked at her Crimson Warrior outfit hanging in a display case in her office. She thought about how dear Crimson Force was to her and how she would do anything for any of her agents.
"Chances are we'll find two destinations. Chances rolled away from me. Still, chances are more than expectations. But possibilities over me."
"8 to 5 or 2 to 1. Lay your money on the sun. Until you crash, what have you done. Is there a better bet than love? What you are is what you breathe. You've got to cry before you sing. Chances. Chances."
"Chance is us. Our hopes, torn up pages. Maybe this time."
Faith then walked over and grazed her hand over the display case of her warrior outfit.
"Chances are we'll be the combination. Chances come and carry me. Chances are waiting to be taken. And I can see."
"Chances are the fascination. Chances won't escape from me. Chances are only what we make them. And all I need ..."
Meanwhile, in another kingdom, Colette was engaged in battle with ... Greylock.
Colette dodged the majority of Greylock's spells before one of them hit her in the shoulder as she grunted from it and glared at him.
"So, who's the better one of us now?" Greylock asked as Colette glared at him with hate.
"You're a disgrace to sorcerer's everywhere ... and to your kingdom!" Colette spat as she briefly adjusted her glasses before she gave out a kick and her pistol heel fired a round into Greylock's arm.
Greylock shouted out in pain before he pointed his wand at her, and shouted "Avada Kedavra!"
The green killing curse zoomed towards Colette before she suddenly turned into a swarm of bats to avoid it before she dodged another of Greylock's blasts by a hair's breadth. Colette then activated her time slowing abilities and the time around her started slowing to a crawl. As she carelessly dodged another one of Greylock's spells, she reached into her pouch, and brought out a thick silver bracelet that she managed to slip on his wrist.
Greylock suddenly gave out a gasp at that before Colette set him down beside a rock as she glared at him hatefully.
"That is a restraining bracelet, complete with a nasty touch," Colette explained as she let go of Greylock. "It is a part of your body until it is released by somebody with the proper abilities. If you try to pull it off, it will kill you."
Colette then adjusted her outfit and glasses before staring down at him. "And, in case you haven't figured it out yet, the bracelet stops you from using your magic." She then pulled out a crystal ball from her pouch and reported to Faith.
"Faith, it's Colette. I've got Greylock down. I'm sending you my location. You can pick him up right away."
"Mom and I are on our way," Faith acknowledged.
A few hours later, at Enchancia Castle, Lucinda returned from her training with Chrysta. At that same moment, Sofia, Amber, Dorrie, Candice, Abby, Amy, Timothy, and Sam returned as well. As they talked among themselves, Baileywick walked up.
"I have news you'll be interested in," Baileywick announced. "Greylock of the Order of the Wand has been captured by Colette of Cinnibar."
"Yes!" Dorrie and Candice exclaimed in glee.
"If anybody could have captured Greylock, it's Aunt Colette," Dorrie smiled at Candice.
"I wouldn't have wanted to be in Greylock's shoes," Candice smirked.
"Greylock is being transported to Cinnibar as we speak," Baileywick reported. "Once there, he'll stand trial for his crimes."
As everybody walked into the castle, Baileywick approached Lucinda.
"I have a special sealed message for you from Princess Faith," Baileywick said as he handed the message to Lucinda. Lucinda then opened the message which read:
"Dear Princess Lucinda of Enchancia. You are hereby invited to join the ranks of the organization known as Crimson Force."
Below the message was a handwritten note:
"Please ask Sofia, Dorrie, and Candice about Crimson Force. Show them this invitation, and they will fill you in on what Crimson Force is about. Hoping to hear from you soon. Signed, Faith."
"This should be interesting," Lucinda thought to herself.
Later, in Lucinda's bedroom
Lucinda had requested Sofia, Dorrie, and Candice to come to her bedroom. When the three arrived, she handed them the invitation.
"Ah!" Sofia smiled. "You've received an invitation to join Crimson Force."
"It's a rare honor," Dorrie pointed out.
"So far, in the Dunwitty area, besides me, Dorrie, and Sofia, the only other Crimson Force agent is Indigo," Candice added.
"What exactly is Crimson Force?" Lucinda asked, curious.
"Crimson Force is a secret organization, outside all governments, operating as an independent force. Fighting for the future on behalf of innocent people everywhere," Sofia explained.
"So, it's like the Protectors?" Lucinda wanted to know.
"No, it's more than that," Dorrie responded. "Being a secret organization, we can operate without the bad guys knowing we're coming. And that gives us an advantage. It helped when we were keeping an eye on Cedric."
"Then you knew about Cedric before he struck?" Lucinda inquired, taken off guard.
"We had indications he was up to something," Sofia answered. "But we didn't know what until he struck. The point is, we kept a watch on him without him ever knowing it."
"And giving him enough rope to hang himself with," Lucinda theorized.
"Yes," Sofia confirmed.
"You should know, Lucinda, that Crimson Force is more than just keeping an eye on the bad guys," Candice revealed. "Crimson Force also protects the portals that connect our dimension to another dimension."
"Run that by me again?!" Lucinda requested, not believing what she had just heard.
"Across the globe, there are natural portals that connect our dimension with another dimension," Dorrie told Lucinda. "In our dimension, there are kingdoms. In the other dimension, there are countries. In our dimension, a lot of what we do is magic based. In the other dimension, a lot of what they do is non-magic based."
"Non-magic folk?" Lucinda asked.
"For the most part, yes," Candice answered. "There are people with magic living there, but those with magic live among their population in secret because ... they would be looked upon as something evil."
"Sounds like a dreadful place," Lucinda frowned.
"Their society doesn't have our level of understanding," Sofia explained. "That is why Crimson Force protects the portals leading to it - to keep our people from going over there and getting into trouble, and to keep their people from coming over here and finding out about us."
"A wise precaution," Lucinda admitted. "How do I go about joining Crimson Force?"
"Simply reply to Faith's invitation, telling her you accept," Dorrie informed Lucinda. "Faith will take care of the rest."
"Understand, though, that since Crimson Force is a secret organization, you can't talk to anybody outside of Crimson Force about it," Candice requested.
"That is something I'll agree to right now," Lucinda affirmed.
"Well, then," Sofia smiled, "welcome to Crimson Force, Lucinda."
September 16, 1867
It was a Monday morning. In a long flying carriage with four rows of passenger seats, Sofia, Jade, Lucinda, Amy, Abby, Dorrie, Candice, Timothy, eight-year-old Marie Perkins (Timothy's cousin who had been adopted by Suzette after Marie's parents had been killed), and eleven-year-old Calista were on their way to Hexley Hall. Amy had on a teacher's gown, while everybody else had on their Hexley Hall school uniforms. In a few minutes, a Weiling flying coach with twelve-year-old Jun and eleven-year-old Jin flew along side.
"Hi, Jun! Hi, Jin!" Jade waved to the two.
"Hi, Jade!" Jun waved back
"Hi, Jade," Jin waved, while off in another world.
"What's the matter with Jin?" Dorrie asked Jun.
"Oh, nothing," Jun responded. "He's just crazy in love with Jade, Dorrie, speaking of which, I have another love poem from him to her."
"Thank you, Jin, I'll read it at lunchtime at Hexley Hall," Jade smiled as she took the poem.
"You're welcome," Jin sighed in love.
As the Weiling flying carriage flew off on its way to Royal Prep, Candice turned to Jade.
"I think it's sweet that Jin is sweet on you, Jade," Candice smiled.
"Jade, what about Prince Zandar?" Calista wanted to know, curious.
"Zandar and I are just friends," Jade answered.
The long flying carriage soon landed at Hexley Hall. As Amy stepped off of the carriage, she turned back to those who had traveled with her.
"Just to let you know, there's going to be a special announcement in the great hall during breakfast," Amy revealed.
As Amy rushed off, Sofia, Jade, Lucinda, Abby, Dorrie, Candice, Timothy, Marie, and Calista looked at each other, wondering what the announcement could be.
An announcement
In the Hexley Hall great hall, everybody sat down at their house tables just in time for breakfast. At the Pepperton House table, Jade and Ruby sat down next to each other, and started talking. As Jade filled Ruby in on the latest news from Enchancia Castle, Dorrie looked upon the sight and smiled. Even though Jade was a princess now, Jade and Ruby were still the best of friends ... and that would never change.
As Jade and Ruby chuckled over a private joke, Professor Silvia Sage stood before those gathered, and rang a small bell to get everybody's attention.
"If I could have your attention for a few moments?" Silvia requested. "First of all, as I speak, all of you are receiving invitations to mine and Professor Yuki Moto's upcoming wedding."
Everybody clapped in celebration.
"And now, I'd like to make an announcement," Silvia continued. "My Maid-of-Honor will be Amy O'Toole, and Yuki's Best Man will be Kurt Montague."
Again, everybody clapped in celebration, not only for Silvia and Yuki, but also for Amy and Kurt who had been a couple for the past few years.
"Also, during mine and Yuki's honeymoon, Amy will be substituting for me, and Kurt will be substituting for Yuki," Silvia announced.
Once again, everybody clapped in celebration. Silvia then walked away as everybody resumed eating breakfast, while opening their invitations.
"Oh my goodness!" Ruby exclaimed as she read her invitation. "The wedding is being held at ... Enchancia Castle!"
"This is the first I'm hearing about this," Jade said, surprised, before turning to Dorrie, Candice, and Abby. "Why didn't you three say anything?"
"Abby, Candice, and I were sworn to secrecy," Dorrie smiled.
"So, that's why the three of you have been keeping a low profile at the castle," Sofia happily said to Dorrie.
"And you three having hushed whispers in the castle when you think nobody is around," Lucinda added.
"What can I say?" Candice joked on behalf of herself, Dorrie, and Abby. "Guess we're busted."
"Oh, by the way, Mister Baileywick told me this morning that the fancy paper napkins for the wedding are arriving this afternoon," Abby informed Dorrie and Candice. "We'll be keeping them with the castle inventory."
"Then, everything is shaping up nicely," Dorrie happily responded.
"That's right!" Jade said to Abby. "I keep forgetting that you're the castle inventory manager in addition to your other duties."
"And she does a fine job of it, too," Candice smiled as she hugged Abby.
That afternoon
At Enchancia Castle, in the castle sitting room, Queen Miranda, Jade's mother (Princess Emma), and Emma's older sister (Eleanor) were having tea.
"It's wonderful being able to meet your sister, Emma," Miranda smiled.
"It's nice to have Eleanor visit, Queen Miranda," Emma smiled back.
"So, I hear you are a collector, Eleanor?" Miranda asked, curious.
"Yes, Queen Miranda," Eleanor confirmed. "I collect one of a kind items. It's sort of a hobby with me."
"Sounds interesting," Miranda commented.
"Well, I needed something to fill my time," Eleanor explained. "My husband died a few years ago in an accident, and it left a hole in my life."
"I'm sorry to hear you're a widow," Miranda sadly acknowledged.
"Jasper and I had a number of good years together," Eleanor remembered. "Those are memories I'll always treasure."
"Yes, of course," Miranda smiled as she turned toward Violet. "More tea, Violet,"
"Right away, milady," Violet responded.
After having tea with Miranda and Emma, and visiting with Emma for a little while, Eleanor walked to Violet's office where Violet had started doing some paperwork.
"May I come in?" Eleanor requested.
"Please," Violet smiled as Eleanor walked in, shut the door behind her, and sat down. Violet then looked at Eleanor. "A collector of one of a kind items? If they only knew the truth."
"Well, hiding in plain sight as it were," Eleanor smiled. "People tend to ignore what is right in front of their face."
"And a good thing, too," Violet agreed. "Warehouse Ten is packed with supernatural artifacts. We wouldn't want the public knowing that such a place exists. The artifacts stored there could be dangerous if they fell into the wrong hands."
"Agreed," Eleanor acknowledged. "Which is why I take my role as Head Regent there very seriously. Speaking of the Warehouse, I believe you have something for me?"
"Yes, Eleanor," Violet confirmed as she brought out a small gem stone, and handed it to Eleanor. "The Gem of Shanobi. It has the potential of being used to make a crystal wand. We can't have something like this being out in the world. Remember when Shuriki used gems in her attempt to retake Avalor?"
"Don't remind me," Eleanor shuttered. "Luckily, she failed."
"Thank God for that," Violet agreed.
"I'm lucky to have you, Dorrie, and Candice as agents for the Warehouse," Eleanor gladly said.
Meanwhile, in a courtroom in Cinnibar, a magical tribunal was passing sentence on Greylock.
"Greylock," the head judge started, "you have been found guilty of betraying your king, been found guilty of belonging to the Order of the Wand, and been found guilty of carrying out terrorist acts while connected to the Order of the Wand. It is now time to pass sentence on you."
Greylock stood as he awaited the judgment.
"This magical tribunal sentences you to spend the remainder of your life in Azkaban Prison," the head judge ordered. "May God have mercy on your soul."
Back at Enchancia Castle, school was over with for the day. Candice had been assigned to the stables that afternoon, and James had volunteered to help her. As they stepped into the stables, James looked into a stall where his male Irish Red and White Setter, Jagger, and Candice's male white cat, Creamy, were laying down next to each other, asleep.
"Candice," James whispered as he motioned her over, "you gotta see this."
Candice walked over, and saw Jagger and Creamy laying down next to each other. Jagger had one of his paws gently on Creamy, in a protective gesture. Jagger and Creamy were clearly the best of friends.
"Oh!" Candice happily whispered. "That's so cute!"
In a few moments, Jagger woke up, followed by Creamy. Jagger raced up to James, and started licking James as Creamy jumped into Candice's arms, and started snuggling Candice's wrist. At that same moment, Baileywick walked in.
"Candice, James," Baileywick started, "Sofia would like to take Minimus for a ride, and Lucinda would like to take Thunderbolt for a ride. Would you see that they are ready?"
"We'll get on that immediately, Mister Baileywick," Candice smiled.
"I'll take care of Minimus, and you take care of Thunderbolt," James suggested to Candice.
As James walked over to Minimus' stall, Candice walked over to Thunderbolt's stall. Thunderbolt was a black female flying horse who belonged to Lucinda.
"Good afternoon, Thunderbolt," Candice greeted. "Lucinda wants to take you for a ride, so I'll get you ready."
"Sounds good, Candice," Thunderbolt happily said.
In a little bit, Thunderbolt and Minimus were ready. As Lucinda and Sofia mounted their horses, and flew off, Candice walked over to the stalls where Holly and Chestnut were. Holly was a tan female flying horse, and belonged to Candice. Chestnut was a dark brown male flying horse, and belonged to Dorrie. As James was on the other side of the stables looking after his male flying horse, Echo, Candice talked to Holly and Chestnut.
"Good afternoon, you two," Candice greeted.
"Good afternoon, darlin," Holly cheerfully responded.
"Good afternoon, lass," Chestnut happily responded.
"Let's get the two of you groomed, then fed," Candice suggested.
Holly and Chestnut whinnied in approval.
Meanwhile, in the castle courtyard, Dorrie was sweeping the steps leading into the castle. As she worked, she looked up to see Sofia flying Minimus, Lucinda flying Thunderbolt, and Hector flying along side them. They were having a good time, and Dorrie smiled at the sight when a snowy owl flew up to Dorrie. The snowy owl was Dorrie's friend, Arnan, who had been the same owl who had found King Roland when Roland was stranded in a snowstorm during Wassailia when Sofia was a child.
"Good afternoon, Arnan," Dorrie smiled as Arnan rested on Dorrie's outstretched arm.
"Good afternoon, Dorrie," Arnan smiled back.
Dorrie gently stroked Arnan, as Arnan happily leaned into Dorrie's gentle touch. As Dorrie stroked Arnan, Violet watched from the castle doorway, and smiled while thinking back to a scene a few years earlier.
Flashback:
It had been a few days after the eventful Wassalia where King Roland had been lost in the snowstorm, and Sofia had recruited the animals in the woods to help find him.
As she and Violet were walking in the courtyard, enjoying the crisp winter air, Dorrie saw the snowy owl that Sofia had told her about. He looked like he was watching them, so Dorrie lifted her arm so he could land on it.
"Well, who's your friend?" Violet asked.
"Remember how Sofia told me about the animals helping to find King Roland?" Dorrie asked. "This owl was the one who found the coach."
Violet smiled as she gently stroked the owl's feathers. "Well, in that case, he's a hero, and he can stay here as long as he likes!"
The owl hooted happily upon hearing that, and leaned into Violet's gentle touch.
End of flashback, and back to the present.
Violet then walked up to Dorrie and Arnan, and started gently stroking Arnan as Roland arrived back at the castle after some business in the village.
"Good afternoon Violet, Dorrie," Roland smiled, before turning to Arnan. "And good afternoon, old friend. You are always welcomed here."
Roland then gently stroked Arnan, as Arnan leaned into Roland's kind touch. Violet and Dorrie smiled at the touching scene.
That night
In Enchancia Castle, Suzette, King Toshi, Prince Soji, Marie, Amy, Timothy, Dorrie, Candice, Amber, Sofia, Lucinda, Jade, James, and Baileywick were sleeping. As they slept, they suddenly found themselves in ... Smurf Village. Timothy had wanted to revisit the village, and Dorrie and Candice had used their magic to make that happen.
"Timothy! Amy! Everyone, it's so grand to see all of you again!" Dreamy exclaimed.
"It's great to see all of you again too!" Sofia said to all the Smurfs in the entire Smurf village.
"I hate reunions!" a gruff voice said.
"Oh! And who do we have here?" Sofia asked.
"This is Grouchy Smurf, Princess Sofia," Dreamy introduced. "Don't let him bug you too much due to his temper."
"Nice to meet you, Grouchy," Sofia said. "I'm Sofia."
"I guess that would make you special or something," Grouchy said to Sofia.
Over at a run-down old castle, the sneaky wizard, Gargamel, was formulating a plan to help him grab the Amulet of Avalor so that he could grab the Smurfs.
"So, Azraeal," Gargamel laughed evilly. "That pesky princess and her friends from the Ever Realm are back in my forest! Well, no matter! I will get my hands on that amulet of hers while she is here!"
As Suzette, Toshi, Soji, Marie, Amy, Timothy, Dorrie, Candice, Amber, Sofia, Lucinda, Jade, James, and Baileywick slept, an adventure started to unfold (author's note: see MisuteriTenshi's story "Return To Smurf Village" for the entire story).
September 17, 1867
It was a Tuesday morning at Enchancia Castle. Dorrie and Candice had just woke up, and were getting ready for school at Royal Prep. Since their rooms connected with each other, the two sisters talked to each other through an open door.
"Well, that was quite the adventure last night," Candice happily remarked.
"Yes, it was," Dorrie agreed. "It was nice for Timothy to revisit the Smurfs. I'm glad we were able to use our magic to do that for him."
"As am I," Candice responded with a smile. "By the way, changing the subject, where are we having lunch today?"
"Since we're going to be at Royal Prep today, Frederick suggested we eat at the Royal Prep cafeteria," Dorrie answered. "Frederick said he and Everett would meet us there."
"Sounds good," Candice happily acknowledged.
Fifteen-year-old Prince Frederick of Ornburgh was Dorrie's boyfriend. Everett was Frederick's fourteen-year-old brother, and was Candice's boyfriend. Frederick and Everett would sometimes eat with Dorrie and Candice at Hexley Hall, and sometimes eat with Dorrie and Candice at Royal Prep. The four would also sometimes eat in the park which connected Royal Prep to Hexley Hall. Frederick and Dorrie were very much in love, as were Everett and Candice. And, it was common knowledge that the two couples planned to marry when they came of age.
As Dorrie and Candice finished getting ready, a knock came at Candice's door.
"Come in," Candice invited.
A castle maid entered, carrying some copies of the morning edition of Enchancia Today.
"Your copy of Enchancia Today, and a copy for Dorrie," the maid smiled.
"Thank you," Candice smiled back as the maid left. Candice then started reading through her copy. "Dorrie," Candice called out.
"Yes, Candice?" Dorrie responded.
"Just going through the paper," Candice started. "Greylock's been found guilty of his crimes by a magical tribunal in Cinnibar."
"Well, well, well," Dorrie remarked as she walked in. "A major player with the Order of the Wand has been brought to justice. Any idea of what his sentence is?"
"Life imprisonment in Azkaban," Candice reported as she read through the paper.
"Not a place I'd want to be," Dorrie commented.
"Nor I," Candice agreed.
A few hours later, at Royal Prep, it was time for lunch. In the Royal Prep cafeteria, Dorrie and Candice walked in and saw Frederick and Everett sitting at a table. Dorrie and Candice walked over, as Frederick and Everett stood up.
"Your table, miladies," Frederick greeted as he pulled out a chair for Dorrie. As Dorrie sat down, Frederick gently pushed the chair to the table. Everett followed suit as he pulled out a chair for Candice, who sat down as Everett gently pushed the chair to the table.
"Roses for two lovely ladies," Everett smiled as he handed Candice a rose, and Frederick handed Dorrie a rose. Dorrie and Candice smiled at the thoughtful gesture.
"These are beautiful," Dorrie commented, pleased.
"Thank you," Candice added, appreciative.
As Dorrie, Frederick, Candice, and Everett started eating, and having a pleasant conversation, Hildegard and Cleo looked on from another table.
"That is so romantic," Cleo said in awe as she looked at Dorrie, Frederick, Candice, and Everett.
"Yes, it is," Hildegard agreed with a smile. "It's nice to see that chivalry is alive and well."
At another table in the cafeteria, Jade was sitting with Jun and Jin.
"I wanted to thank the two of you for being here for me as I started Royal Prep," Jade smiled. "To show my appreciation, I have a gift for each of you."
Jade then handed Jun and Jin each a neatly wrapped package. Inside the packages, Jun found an elegantly knitted pink scarf while Jin found an elegantly knitted blue scarf.
"Thank you, Jade," Jun said, appreciative. "It's lovely."
"I will treasure this always," Jin added, pleased. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Jade happily responded.
Meanwhile, later that afternoon at Scarlett's palace in Cinnibar, Carla Delgado (Faith's maid) walked into a room with her hands behind her back as she twiddled her thumbs together and gave a heavy sigh.
"Hi, Carla," Faith greeted as Carla sighed.
"I've finally come to a decision, Your Highness," Carla announced as she sat down in a chair next to Faith. "Carla Delgado no longer exists. She died the moment she betrayed her father and decided to make a change and come to work for you."
"Are you sure?" Faith asked as Carla nodded, closed her eyes and bowed her head to her Princess.
"The woman you see before you, your personal maid, is Rita Fernandez Iñarritu," Carla (now Rita) revealed to Faith. "From an alias that I used when I was in disguise to spy for Shuriki and when she, Victor, and I revived Fiero."
"As you wish ... Rita," Faith acknowledged as Rita smiled at Faith.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Princess Faith?" Rita asked.
"No, I'm fine," Faith responded.
September 21, 1867
It was a Saturday afternoon in the Kingdom of Cinnibar. At Scarlett's palace, Elena, as well as Naomi Turner, walked into Scarlett's palace as Faith and Scarlett sat on their thrones before them. But the women from Avalor were shocked to see that their old enemy was standing by Faith's side in a Cinnibar maid's outfit.
"Carla?" Naomi asked as Rita sighed at that.
"I'm not Carla anymore. I'm Rita," Rita informed Naomi. "That name holds too many bad memories for me to continue using it."
"She speaks the truth," Faith stated. "Miss Rita Fernandez Iñarritu here is a completely different person than Carla Delgado ever was. That's why she decided to change her name to completely remove herself from her past."
"Anyway," Scarlett said to Elena and Naomi, "I've decided to invite you two here so you could spend a bit of time with Rita so you guys can make up for the past."
"You're certain?" Elena asked. "She did help bring back the woman who killed my parents."
"You're right," Rita admitted with a sigh. "I don't blame you for not trusting me."
"I trust you," Faith said, putting her hand on Rita's shoulder. "You have more than proven yourself to me. However, they're not going to be as easy to win over as I was."
(To be continued in Chapter 3).
Behind the scenes
In this edition of "Behind the scenes", a list of the newspapers available in the Dunwitty area.
Enchancia Today: a kingdom-wide daily newspaper with news about Enchancia, and featuring world news as well. Enchancia Today would be a more upbeat newspaper, obviously inspired by today's USA Today.
The Dunwitty Times: a daily newspaper with news about the Dunwitty area, and featuring some Enchancian and world news as well.
The Enchancia Financial Journal: a daily kingdom-wide newspaper with Enchancian financial news. The Enchancia Financial Journal also has some Enchancia news, as well as some world news, and is obviously inspired by today's Wall Street Journal.
The Enchancia Times: a daily kingdom-wide newspaper with news about Enchancia, and featuring world news as well. The Enchancia Times would be a more traditional newspaper, obviously inspired by today's New York Times.
The Summerset Village Gazette: a daily newspaper with news about the Summerset Village area, and featuring some Enchancian and world news as well. In the "Sofia the First" episode "Finding Clover", Sofia knew about Summerset Village, which would mean that Summerset Village is somewhere near Dunwitty.
The Tri-Kingdom Review: a daily newspaper distributed in the Tri-Kingdom area, and featuring news from Enchancia, Tangu, and Weiling.
Author's notes
Amber, Baileywick, Cedric, Cleo, Echo, Hildegard, Jade, James, Jin, Jun, King Roland, Lucinda, Minimus, Prince Frederick, Ruby, Sofia, Suzette, Violet, and Zandar are reoccurring characters seen in "Sofia the First".
Amy and Kurt are originally from the "Sofia the First" episode "Substitute Cedric".
Arnan, the snowy owl, is originally from the "Sofia the First" episode "Holiday in Enchancia". The owl didn't have a name, so I came up with the name Arnan for him (for those who are wondering, Arnan is a Hebrew name meaning "quick, joyful").
Avada Kedavra!, and Azkaban, are from "Harry Potter".
Calista is originally from the "Sofia the First" episodes "Gone With The Wand", "Through the Looking Back Glass", and "Too Cute to Spook".
Carla Delgado (now Rita Fernandez Iñarritu) and Victor Delgado are originally from the "Elena of Avalor" episodes "King of the Carnaval", "Realm of the Jaguins", "The Jewel of Maru", "Royal Rivalry", "A Spy in the Palace", and "Rise of the Sorceress".
Chivalry: courtesy towards women.
Chrysta is originally from the "Sofia the First" episodes "The Mystic Isles: The Princess and the Protector", "The Mystic Isles: The Mare of the Mist", "The Mystic Isles: A Very Mystic Wassalia", "The Mystic Isles: A Hero for the Hoodwinks", and "The Mystic Isles: Undercover Fairies".
Creamy is a character created for Candice by Jolly Roger Brat, while Jagger and Thunderbolt are characters created by Jolly Roger Brat for use in Jolly Roger Brat's stories. Creamy, Jagger, and Thunderbolt are used here with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat.
Elena and Naomi are reoccurring characters seen in "Elena of Avalor".
Enchancia Today, The Dunwitty Times, and The Enchancia Times are the daily newspapers first introduced in the "Sofia the First" episode "The Amulet and the Anthem".
Faith is an earlier version of Faith seen in the "Torchwood" episodes "Dead Man Walking" and "Fragments".
Fiero is originally from the "Elena of Avalor" episodes "Spellbound" and "Rise of the Sorceress".
Greylock is originally from the "Sofia the First" episodes "Baileywhoops" and "Day of the Sorcerers".
Having Eleanor be the same Eleanor who is Head Regent of Warehouse Ten was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Having Jade and Jin developing a relationship was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Indigo is originally from the "Sofia the First" episodes "Cauldronation Day" and "Too Cute to Spook".
Marie Perkins, Professor Silvia Sage, Professor Yuki Moto, Samantha "Sam" Cook, and Timothy O'Toole are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Ornburgh: since Prince Frederick's kingdom was never officially given a name in "Sofia the First", I came up with the name of Ornburgh for it. In my "Sofia the First" stories, Ornburgh is a kingdom with German influences.
Shuriki is originally from "Elena and the Secret of Avalor", and the "Elena of Avalor" episodes "Realm of the Jaguins", The Jewel of Maru", "Royal Rivalry", "A Spy in the Palace", "Science Unfair", and "Rise of the Sorceress".
Summerset Village is originally from the "Sofia the First" episode "Finding Clover".
The dialog from Smurf Village is from MisuteriTenshi's story "Return To Smurf Village", and is used here with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
The flashback seen in this chapter is from Chapter 3 of Jolly Roger Brat's "Pet Stories", and is used here with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat (under a joint agreement that we're allowed to use things from each other's "Sofia the First" stories).
The Order of the Wand is originally from the "Sofia the First" episode "Day of the Sorcerers".
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 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 at Hexley Hall with Professor Silvia Sage announcing her marriage to Professor Yuki Moto was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury (who also supplied the details about Amy and Kurt's involvement). I added in the part about Dorrie, Candice, and Abby being involved, and having the wedding at Enchancia Castle, to help round out that scene.
The scene at Royal Prep with Jade giving Jun and Jin each a gift was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
The scene with Colette and Greylock battling was the idea of Ben10Man (who also provided most of the dialog for that scene).
The scene with Jade and company flying to Hexley Hall was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury (who also provided most of the dialog for that scene).
The scene at Scarlett's palace with Faith singing was the idea of Ben10Man (who also provided the dialog for that scene, as well as the song used in that scene).
The two scenes at Scarlett's palace with Carla were the idea of Ben10Man (who also provided the dialog for those scenes).
Warehouse Ten is from my stories "Dorrie", "Dorrie: Book Two", "Changes", and "Enchancia Castle". It is a warehouse housing paranormal artifacts which existed before the current Warehouse 13 (as seen in the TV series "Warehouse 13").
Disclaimer
Creamy, Jagger, Thunderbolt and the other original ideas from Jolly Roger Brat are the property of Jolly Roger Brat, and are used in in this story with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat.
"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.
Marie Perkins, Professor Silvia Sage, Professor Yuki Moto, Samantha "Sam" Cook, Timothy O'Toole, 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.
"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.
"The Smurfs" and everything associated with it © Peyo, Hanna-Barbera Productions, SEPP International S.A., Lafig S.A., Warner Bros. Television Distribution, Sony Pictures Animation, and Columbia Pictures.
"Torchwood" and everything associated with it © BBC.
"Warehouse 13" and everything associated with it © Universal Cable Productions, NBC Universal Television Distribution, and SyFy.
I only own Abby Murphy, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Crimson Force, Eleanor Lewis, Hector, Jasper Lewis, Pepperton House, Prince Everett, The Enchancia Financial Journal, the Gem of Shanobi, The Summerset Village Gazette, and The Tri-Kingdom Review.