Once Upon a Time in Enchancia Chapter 34: Rites of Passage, a sofia the first fanfic

Once Upon a Time in Enchancia

Welcome to Chapter 34 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". Just to let you know, in this chapter, I've moved up an event first seen in my story "New Beginnings", specifically Lucinda getting back her birth parents estate in the Village of Wendarby. Since I'm moving this event up, I'm also changing the event to fit within "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

Song in this chapter: "To The City Of Wind" from "Tsubasa Chronicle".

Chapter 34: Rites of Passage

April 17, 1869

Far away from Enchancia Castle, inside Lovisa's lair, Lovisa was studying a book about magical objects. As she read the book, Lovisa's eyes smiled with delight.

"That will do nicely," Lovisa said to herself with evil glee. "Now all I have to do is to find out where it is ... and figure out how to get my hands on it."

"Get your hands on what?" a woman's voice asked. Lovisa turned around to see Leanne, her slightly younger sister, standing there.

"The Amulet of Justice," Lovisa answered, "created by Caradoc Lovegood a few years ago. It is a powerful magical amulet which could serve our needs well."

"Where is it now?" Leanne asked, curious.

"Unknown," Lovisa revealed. "It was made for Elizabeth West, the daughter of Orwin West and Edyn Windsong-West. The problem is, according to the book, the three of them have left Fairyardia, and their current location is unknown."

"Is there any way of finding out where they are?" Leanne wondered.

"The book will tell us in its own time," Lovisa pointed out. "The book is much like the Book of Secrets used by Queen Scarlett, only our book focuses specifically on magical objects. It is said that our book comes from the same creator who created the Book of Secrets."

"And who created the books?" Leanne inquired.

"That remains a mystery," Lovisa informed Leanne. "The books were created ages ago, and information on who created them has been lost to history."

April 24, 1869

It was a Saturday morning at Enchancia Castle. In the courtyard of the castle, sixteen-year-old Sofia, fifteen-year-old Candice, and nine-year-old Timothy were standing in the courtyard when fifteen-year-old Lucinda walked up.

"Thank you for letting me come along," Lucinda said, grateful. "It's been so long since I've seen Wendarby."

"You're welcome," Sofia smiled.

"We've better be going," Candice suggested as she, Sofia, and Timothy transformed into dragons.

Candice, Sofia, and Timothy took flight in their dragon forms, as Lucinda took flight on her broom. In a little while, the four reached the Enchancian witch and warlock village of Wendarby. They landed on the outskirts of the village, as Candice, Sofia, and Timothy transformed back into humans.

"Lucinda," Sofia gently started. "Look behind you."

Lucinda looked behind her to see ... the estate which had belonged to her and her birth parents when they lived in Wendarby. The estate included a large two story house, a large area of land that stretched out for acres, and some barns off to the side.

"Oh, my!" Lucinda gasped in awe. "Its my ... old home."

"Its yours, now," Sofia smiled as she produced a folded piece of paper from her purse. "Here's the deed."

"But, how?" Lucinda wondered. "I thought the estate was a thing of the past. I thought we had lost it due to taxes not being paid when we fled from Neila."

"Dad took care of it," Sofia announced. "He paid the back taxes, and bought the estate back for you. The taxes from this point forward will be paid by Dad on a yearly basis. Welcome home."

"Oh, Sofia!" Lucinda cried in joy. "This is the best gift I've ever received. I am going to thank Dad over and over when we get home."

"Go inside," Sofia urged. "An old friend is waiting for you."

"Enjoy yourself," Candice smiled at Lucinda. "Get reacquainted with your past. We'll see you later."

Candice, Sofia, and Timothy transformed once again into dragons, and flew off toward the other end of the village. Meanwhile, Lucinda walked up to the house on the estate, and found the front door unlocked. Lucinda walked in, and looked around as a flood of happy memories filled her mind.

"Lucinda," a man's voice happily called out. "It's so good to see you again."

Lucinda turned around to see a man standing there: Ronald Castaellis, the Mayor of Wendarby.

"Mayor Castaellis," Lucinda smiled in joy as the two hugged.

"Lucinda," Ronald smiled back. "Look at you. You've become a lovely young woman, and a princess of Enchancia."

"Things have changed," Lucinda admitted.

"Indeed, they have," Ronald admitted. "We were so sorry to hear about the death of your birth parents. How are you holding up?"

"It's become easier over time," Lucinda revealed. "There are times where I still miss them terribly. But, the royal family have become my family, and I love them very much."

"I imagine you will want to look around the house," Ronald suggested. "I would be honored to walk with you."

"I'd like that," Lucinda happily agreed as she and Ronald started walking around the house.

At the other end of the village, Sofia, Candice, and Timothy (in dragon form) landed on a large grassy area where a number of other dragons were gathered, talking to each other in small groups.

"Ah!" a woman's voice cheerfully called out. "Princess Sofia."

Sofia, Candice, and Timothy turned to see a large female dragon approaching. The dragon was The Duchess, leader of all dragons.

"Duchess," Sofia smiled. "It's good to see you again."

"And it's good to see you, and Lady Candice," The Duchess smiled back as she looked at Timothy. "Who is this?"

"This is Timothy O'Toole, Duchess," Candice introduced Timothy. "He is a friend of ours. He has the ability to borrow a power from somebody he knows, including Sofia's and my ability to change into dragons."

"I hope you don't mind I tagged along, ma'am?" Timothy asked, hopeful. "I heard about your annual dragon Roast N Toast, and I so wanted to see it. Sofia and Candice said I could come along as their guest."

"Then I welcome you to our annual Roast N Toast, Timothy," The Duchess happily responded. "Any friend of Princess Sofia and Lady Candice is a friend of ours."

"Thank you, ma'am," Timothy acknowledged, grateful.

"It was nice of the people of Wendarby to let you have the Roast N Toast here," Sofia remarked.

"Witches, warlocks, and dragons have always gotten along in peace," The Duchess smiled. "When Mayor Castaellis extended an invitation to us on behalf of everybody in the village, we were more than happy to accept."

"Sofia, Candice," Crackle happily greeted as she flew up. "And ... Timothy?"

"It's me," Timothy smiled.

"Looking good," Crackle praised. "You make a fine dragon."

At that moment, Crackle's dragon friend, Sizzle, flew up.

"You remember Sizzle?" Crackle asked Sofia and Candice.

"Hi, Sizzle," Sofia smiled.

"Looking good," Candice happily said to Sizzle.

"Thank you," Sizzle proudly acknowledged. "And who do we have here?"

"This is Timothy O'Toole," Sofia introduced Timothy.

"A pleasure to meet you," Sizzle smiled at Timothy, before turning back to Sofia and Candice. "Is Timothy a human who can transform, too?"

"Yes," Sofia proudly answered.

"Well, stick with me, kid," Sizzle happily said to Timothy. "I'll introduce you to the other dragons here."

"Wow!" Timothy exclaimed in awe. "Thank you."

In the Village of Wendarby itself, there was activity on the village streets. Wendarby had been a thriving village of witches and warlocks. However, when Neila was around, a lot of people had left in fear because Neila had a habit of coming to the village to forceably recruit followers. Now that Neila was gone, people were returning to the village, and Wendarby was rapidly returning to its former glory.

On a street in Wendarby, Sir Maxwell and Marcy were taking a walk, looking at the various stores that were in the village. House Chadwick was near the village, and the house was where Maxwell and Marcy were spending their honeymoon.

"It's getting time for lunch," Maxwell happily said to Marcy. "I know a good restaurant up the street."

"Sounds good," Marcy smiled.

In a few minutes, Maxwell and Marcy reached a restaurant with a sign on the front that read Orinda's. Maxwell and Marcy walked inside, where some customers were already seated.

"Sir Maxwell!" a woman's voice called out in glee.

Maxwell and Marcy turned to see a white skinned woman in her thirties, dressed in a witch outfit. The woman was Orinda Gemanina, owner of the restaurant.

"Orinda," Maxwell smiled. "It's good to see you. Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Marcy."

"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Marcy," Orinda smiled as she curtsied.

"You don't need to curtsy on my account," Marcy smiled back. "And please, just call me Marcy."

"Then, Marcy it is," Orinda happily acknowledged, before turning back to Maxwell. "You've gotten yourself a fine wife. May the two of you have a joyful life together."

"Thank you," Maxwell and Marcy acknowledged, pleased.

Orinda motioned a waiter to come over, as Maxwell and Marcy took a seat at a table.

The silence is broken

Back at the estate that now belonged to Lucinda, she and Ronald were walking around the second floor of the house when Lucinda came across her old bedroom.

"My old room," Lucinda smiled. "Everything is the same as when we left. In fact, the whole house is the same as when we left."

"Nobody has lived here since you and your parents left," Ronald explained. "We were always hoping that someday you would return."

"And I've come back," Lucinda happily remarked. "And I'll be back more often."

"That's good to hear," Ronald smiled.

At that moment, Lucinda and Ronald heard wand fire in the distance.

"Was that ... wand fire?" Lucinda asked.

"It was," Ronald answered, concerned. "I'd best check it out."

"I'll come with you," Lucinda responded as they both left the house.

In the grassy area where the dragons were gathered, the dragons had heard the far off wand fire as well.

"We'd best check that out," The Duchess suggested to the other dragons as they all took flight.

Meanwhile, in a house a short distance away from Wendarby, Lovisa and some of her witches had managed to track down the West family. As Lovisa, her sister, and a small group of Lovisa's witches stood in the front room, they looked down on three people laying down on the floor. Two of the people (Orwin West and Edyn Windsong-West) were dead. The third person, a nine-year-old girl (Elizabeth West) was laying on the floor in a coma.

"Leanne," Lovisa directed her sister. "Take the Amulet of Justice from around Elizabeth West's neck."

"Yes, Lovisa," Leanne complied as she bend down over Elizabeth's unconscious body, and touched Elizabeth's amulet.

As Leanne touched the amulet, it suddenly glowed. At the same time, Leanne fell to the floor, unconscious.

"Leanne!" Lovisa cried out in shock.

In a few moments, Leanne regained consciousness. As Leanne stood, she felt a strange sensation traveling through her body. Suddenly, Leanne transformed into a human with dragon skin, and a dragon tail.

"She's cursed!" one of Lovisa's witches exclaimed. "That amulet did it to her!"

"What's going on?!" Leanne asked in total shock.

From outside of the house, Lovisa and her witches heard people approaching - people from Wendarby.

"This is Mayor Castaellis of Wendarby," Ronald called out. "What's going on in there?"

"Oh, great!" Lovisa said in disgust. "The locals have shown up!"

"I repeat, what's going on in there?" Ronald again called out.

Lovisa pointed her wand out a window, and started firing at those outside. As those outside scrambled for cover, Lovisa's witches also started firing through windows at those outside.

"I recognize that woman," Lucinda said to Ronald. "That's Lovisa. When I knew her, she was one of Neila's lieutenants."

"Lovisa!" Ronald shouted. "You and yours are surrounded. Surrender immediately."

"Get stuffed!" Lovisa shouted back as she and her witches continued firing.

Leanne raised her wand, and attempted to fire at those outside, but found that in her human/dragon form, her magical powers were gone.

"What the?!" Leanne exclaimed in shock.

Those outside returned wand fire, firing magical bursts into the house, as Lovisa and her witches ducked for cover.

"Sorry, Sis," Lovisa said to Leanne. "You're on your own."

Lovisa and her witches mounted their brooms, and quickly flew from the house, leaving Leanne behind. At the same moment, a group of people burst into the house, and pointed their wands at Leanne.

"Hold it right there!" a man ordered.

"I give up," Leanne said in defeat as she raised her arms.

"What happened to you?" a woman asked Leanne, puzzled, as she noticed Leanne's human/dragon appearance.

"That stinkin amulet cursed me!" Leanne barked, pointing at the unconscious Elizabeth. Suddenly, Leanne sneezed, shooting a puff of fire and smoke from her mouth for a second. "Oh, great!" Leanne said in disgust. "This is all I needed!"

"Take her to the village jail," Ronald ordered a group of warlocks as they led Leanne away.

Outside, Sofia (as a dragon), Candice (as a dragon), Timothy (as a dragon), and the other dragons were in hot pursuit of Lovisa and her band of witches.

"Timothy," Candice directed. "Land, and sit this one out. I don't want you getting hurt."

"Yes, Candice," Timothy complied as he landed.

"Lovisa!" Sofia ordered. "As a royal sorceress of Enchancia, I order you to surrender!"

"Fat chance, sweetheart!" Lovisa laughed. "I don't recognize your authority!"

"Maybe you'll recognize mine, then!" Candice barked. "I'm with Enchancian Intelligence!"

"I don't recognize your authority, either!" Lovisa continued to laugh.

Sofia, Candice, and the other dragons rapidly caught up to Lovisa and her band of witches. When they were in range, the dragons started spitting fire at Lovisa and company.

"Oh, slark!" Lovisa exclaimed in shock. "Let's get out of here!"

Lovisa pointed her wand behind her, and shot off a bright flash of light which temporarily blinded the dragons. As the dragons eyesight returned to normal, Lovisa and her band of witches were nowhere to be seen.

"We've lost them," The Duchess observed. "We'd better get back to the house, and see if we can be of any help."

As the dragons returned to the house, Sofia, Candice, and Timothy transformed into their human selves. At that same moment, Sir Maxwell and Marcy raced up, as Lucinda came out of the house.

"A man and a woman are dead in there," Lucinda announced. "There's also a girl Timothy's age in there, in a coma. She's going to need medical attention."

"We can take her to Enchancia Castle," Maxwell suggested. "She'll be looked after well there. I'll go back to House Chadwick, and get a flying carriage."

"I'll go," Marcy spoke up. "I can get there faster."

Marcy concentrated, and transformed into an glowing angel with wings. Marcy then took flight on her way to House Chadwick as Orinda Gemanina walked up to Maxwell.

"Your wife is Angeloran," Orinda observed, impressed. "You are truly blessed."

April 27, 1869

It was now Tuesday afternoon at Enchancia Castle. In a guest room, the girl slowly opened her eyes. As she looked around the room, she saw a man and a woman sitting at her bedside. The man and woman were Maxwell and Marcy.

"It's alright, sweetheart," Marcy assured the girl. "You're safe."

"Mother! Father!" the girl cried out.

"I'm afraid I have bad news for you," Maxwell gently announced. "Your mother and father ... are dead."

"No!" the girl sobbed as Marcy held her.

The girl sobbed until she could sob no more.

"What is your name, sweetheart?" Marcy asked.

"Elizabeth," the girl answered. "Elizabeth West. Where am I?"

"You're in Enchancia Castle, my dear," Maxwell smiled. "I'm Sir Maxwell, a knight of Enchancia. And this is my wife, Lady Marcy."

As Maxwell and Elizabeth talked, Marcy summoned the royal doctor. After examining Elizabeth, the doctor declared that Elizabeth was recovering.

"That's good to know," Marcy smiled as Timothy walked into the room.

Elizabeth looked at Timothy, and smiled. "Timothy? Timothy West?"

"Actually, it's O'Toole, now," Timothy smiled back. "But, yes, I'm Timothy West. How do you know me?"

"I'm your cousin. I remember you from when we swam together in the Mermardia Lagoon when we were four," Elizabeth fondly remembered. "Don't you remember?"

"My village was attacked by Neila," Timothy revealed. "My parents were killed in the attack, and I was knocked out, losing my memories in the process."

"I guess we're both orphans, now," Elizabeth reckoned. "But, at least we have each other."

"I have another relative," Timothy said to himself.

"Another relative?" Elizabeth asked, puzzled.

"Yes," Timothy answered. "Marie Gray is here, too. She's Marie Perkins, now. Her birth parents are gone, too."

"I remember Marie," Elizabeth recalled.

"Just lay back in bed," Marcy gently said to Elizabeth. "You don't want to overdo it. You just woke up from being in a coma. You and Timothy can keep talking. Meanwhile, I need to talk to my husband outside."

As Elizabeth and Timothy continued their conversation, Marcy and Maxwell walked out into the hall.

"Is Dorrie or Candice in the castle?" Marcy asked.

"Dorrie is in the village on an errand," Maxwell recalled. "But, Candice is in the castle, doing some dusting in the throne room."

"Please get Candice, and have her bring her memory seeker," Marcy requested. "I'd like Candice to confirm Elizabeth's identity."

"Of course," Maxwell agreed as he left to get Candice.

In a little while, Candice arrived with her memory seeker, which was a device which looked like a crown.

"Hello," Candice smiled at Elizabeth. "I'm Lady Candice. It's nice to see you're awake. If you don't mind, I'd like to use a magical device to scan your mind. I just want to make sure your mind is functioning properly. You just woke up from a coma, and I want to make sure you're okay."

Candice had decided to use the excuse of making sure Elizabeth's mind was okay as a cover. The last thing Candice wanted to do was to insult Elizabeth by making Elizabeth think her story was in doubt.

"Will it hurt?" Elizabeth asked, concerned.

"No," Candice assured Elizabeth. "You won't feel a thing."

Candice put her memory seeker on her head, and concentrated. Soon, memories from Elizabeth's mind were showing up in Candice's mind.

"Ah, there we go," Candice smiled. "You're Elizabeth West, daughter of Orwin West and Edyn Windsong-West. You're half Fairyardian and half Angeloran. You're Fairyardian on your father's side. Your father's brother was Timothy's father. Your mother was from Angelor."

As Candice continued to concentrate, she smiled. "I'm seeing you and Timothy swimming together when the two of you were four. A pleasant memory."

"Am I okay?" Elizabeth wanted to know.

"You're right as rain," Candice happily responded. "Everything is okay with your mind, Elizabeth West."

Marcy smiled at Candice, who had just confirmed Elizabeth's identity.

"We've better let this young lady get some rest," Marcy suggested. "She's been through a lot."

"I'll see you later, Elizabeth," Timothy smiled as he left with Marcy and Candice, while Maxwell stayed with Elizabeth.

As Elizabeth laid in bed, she started humming a tune. Maxwell recognized the tune, and started singing.

"Floating beyond time, there's a city made of wind. Please dear take me there."

Elizabeth sung the next verse. "Where dreams draped in white flowers come true. Floating beyond time, there's a city made of wind. Please dear take me there."

Maxwell and Elizabeth then took turns singing.

(Maxwell) "Where dreams draped in white flowers come true. Holding anxious hands, calm me with a kiss and then. Please dear guide me there."

(Elizabeth) "Where love that was forgotten can bloom. And darling in the afternoon we'll sleep in the sun. And wake to a time when the hunting is done. And then when I see you I know in my heart what I've won."

(Maxwell and Elizabeth) "And darling in the afternoon we'll sleep in the sun. And wake to a time when the hunting is done. And then when I see you I know in my heart what I've won. Please dear take me there."

"You have a lovely voice, my dear," Maxwell smiled at Elizabeth. "How do you know that song?"

"My father and his brother sang it to me and Timothy when we were little," Elizabeth smiled back, becoming sleepy.

"You've best get some sleep," Maxwell suggested as he gently tucked Elizabeth into bed. "I'll check in on you later."

In a little while, Candice was in her room, pacing back and forth in anger.

"Evil attacks, and we fall back," Candice said to herself. "Evil takes innocent lives, and we fall back."

Candice continued to pace back and forth, becoming angrier in the process.

"Evil is allowed to roam unchecked," Candice said to herself in anger. "Evil kills good people like Elizabeth's parents. This will no longer be tolerated. No longer! Not on my watch!"

"Candice?" Creamy (Candice's cat) asked, concerned.

"I'm sorry," Candice apologized. "But, something has to be done."

"Perhaps I can be of assistance," a woman's voice came from behind Candice.

Candice looked behind her to see the ghost of a white skinned woman with brown hair.

"Who are you?" Candice wanted to know.

"My name is Jessica Swalwell, and I represent a group of ghosts who keep an eye on things," the woman explained. "We call ourselves The Watchers."

"How can you be of assistance?" Candice asked, curious.

"You want to make Lovisa pay for what she has done," Jessica responded. "You will, first, need to know where Lovisa's lair is. We can tell you where her lair is."

"I'm listening," Candice said, interested.

April 30, 1869

In a far off forest on the edge of Enchancia, it was a Friday night. Candice stood with Princess Faith and a group of Crimson Force agents.

"We're set," Faith announced to Candice. "We strike at ten this evening."

Suddenly, Candice and Faith heard movement coming toward them. In a few moments, Queen Miranda and Scarlett emerged from the darkness.

"Queen Miranda?" Candice asked, taken off guard. "Scarlett? What are you doing here?"

"Scarlett found out what you were up to, and told me," Miranda explained.

"Ma'am, please don't try to stop us," Candice requested. "Lovisa and her vermin must pay for what they've done."

"I'm not disputing that," Miranda acknowledged.

"We've come to help," Scarlett revealed.

"Scarlett, you're more than capable of handling yourself in a fight," Candice started. "However, Queen Miranda, unless you're ready to use your you-know-what, I don't know how you can help."

"The fact is, Candice, I'm ready to use my abilities to help you," Miranda smiled. "To tell you the truth, I'm as ready for some retribution as you are."

"Mom?" Faith asked Scarlett, puzzled. "What is Queen Miranda talking about?"

"One of Queen Miranda's relatives is Glinda of Oz," Scarlett explained. "Like Glinda, Miranda has magical abilities."

"I don't want to brag," Miranda started, "but I'm an advanced spell caster, level vermillion to be exact".

"Wow!" Faith exclaimed in awe.

"We'd like to help as well," a woman's voice came from the darkness.

Everybody looked to see Violet, Dorrie, and Dorrie and Candice's Aunt Colette step out of the darkness.

"Mom? Dorrie? Aunt Colette?" Candice asked, taken off guard. "You knew about this?"

"Well, I wouldn't be much of a mother if I didn't know what you were up to," Violet cheerfully announced. "I told Dorrie and your Aunt Colette, and the three of us decided to come and help."

"As Queen Miranda would say, the more, the merrier," Dorrie smiled.

"Well said," Miranda approved.

"You do realize this is, shall we say, an off the record mission," Candice pointed out. "I imagine King Roland is going to be furious when he finds out."

"He knows," Miranda revealed. "As of now, consider it to be an official mission, with you in charge, Candice."

"It's almost ten," Faith announced as she looked at her watch.

"Then we've better be moving," Candice suggested as everybody, including Miranda, produced their wands.

Everybody silently approached Lovisa's lair, which had two witches guarding it. Two male Crimson Force agents pointed their wands at the two witches, and knocked them out with a magical blast. Everybody then quickly entered Lovisa's lair, and started firing on any of Lovisa's witches that were in sight.

"I'm Lady Candice Cosmarune-Cooper!" Candice shouted at the top of her lungs. "We're here to avenge the deaths of Orwin West and Edyn Windsong-West!"

Some of Lovisa's witches fired their wands at Candice and her people. Miranda raised her wand, concentrated, and fired off a powerful magical blast which sent the attacking witches falling backward. The attacking witches then quickly got up, and made a hasty retreat.

As the witches ran from Lovisa's lair, they encountered wand fire from three teenage girls who had just showed up - Sofia, Lucinda, and Abby. The witches managed to avoid the wand fire from Sofia, Lucinda, and Abby, only to encounter additional wand fire from three other teenagers - Indigo, Lily, and Matilda Honey. The witches, now completely panicked, ran for their lives.

"Indigo," Lucinda smiled. "I know you and Matilda are Crimson Force agents. But, what is Lily doing here?"

"Princess Faith brought me aboard a few weeks ago," Lily smiled back. "I've been in Crimson Force ever since."

Inside the lair, Colette and Lovisa found themselves face to face.

"Well, well, well," Lovisa mocked. "If it isn't Lady Colette of Cinnibar."

"And proud of it!" Colette mocked back. "You want to party? Let's party!"

Lovisa and Colette physically took on each other, trading punches. At first, the two were equally matched. But, Colette quickly gained the upper hand, and sent Lovisa crashing into a wall. As Lovisa regained her composure, Colette raced up and karate kicked Lovisa in the legs, sending Lovisa to the floor. Lovisa suddenly brought out a fist full of magical powder, and threw it on the floor, creating a blinding flash of green light. When the light dissipated, Lovisa was gone.

"Coward!" Colette spat.

Outside of the lair, Candice and those with her fired upon the witches who were left, sending them running into the surrounding woods. The witches, along with Lovisa, then quickly retreated from the area.

"We've driven them away!" Dorrie exclaimed in glee.

Suddenly, a lone witch emerged from a tree, aiming her wand at Miranda.

"Die!" the witch shouted.

Before the witch could fire, Indigo jumped in front of Miranda, raised her wand, and fired a magical blast at the witch. The witch fell over backward as a result. As Indigo lunged toward the witch, the witch waved her wand over her head, and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Queen Miranda, are you okay?" Indigo asked, concerned.

"I'm fine," Miranda assured Indigo. "Thank you. But, you could have been hurt."

"You're my queen," Indigo said as she curtsied. "I have the deepest respect for you. You've always been good to me, and I'd do anything for you."

Miranda hugged Indigo, as everybody smiled at the touching scene.

With Lovisa and her witches gone, Candice and those with her started searching the lair. In a little while, Candice and Scarlett came across the book of magical objects that had been left behind in the confusion. Candice and Scarlett studied the book, and realized what it was.

"Scarlett," Candice started. "This book is like the Book of Secrets, only it deals with magical objects. Since you already have the Book of Secrets, you should have this book as well."

"Thank you," Scarlett said as she accepted the book. "I'll give it the same safekeeping I give the Book of Secrets."

After searching the lair, everybody stood a long distance away from the lair.

"Just one last thing to do," Scarlett smiled as she lit a torch. "With your permission, Candice?"

"Let's light this candle," Candice smiled back.

Scarlett used her torch to light a trail of gunpowder that was on the ground. The flame traveled along the trail of gunpowder until it went inside the lair. In a few seconds, the lair exploded with a tremendous blast as everybody cheered.

A mile away from what was the lair, Lovisa and her witches had witnessed the destruction.

"There will be payment for this!" Lovisa fumed as she and her witches departed the area in defeat.

Later that night, Candice, Dorrie, Violet, Sofia, Lucinda, Abby, and Miranda arrived back at Enchancia Castle. Waiting for them on the castle steps were King Roland, Colonel Martinsen, and Baileywick.

"Report, Candice," Roland requested.

"Lovisa's forces have been driven off, and Lovisa's lair has been destroyed," Candice reported with pride, before turning somber. "I imagine you're upset with me. In my defense, I've grown sick and tired of what the forces of evil have been doing, and I felt something had to be done. Still, I did this on my own, and I now submit myself for any disciplinary action you deem appropriate."

"That won't be necessary," Roland happily said. "As far as I'm concerned, you did what had to be done."

"Most kind, sir," Candice acknowledged, relieved.

"Next time, however, run it by King Roland and I first. You might be surprised how fast we would approve such an action," Colonel Martinsen smiled at Candice.

"Baileywick," Roland directed. "Make sure the papers get a news release of what has happened tonight."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Baileywick acknowledged.

As everybody walked into the castle, Roland walked with Miranda.

"How are you doing, Miranda?" Roland wanted to know.

"I'm fine, Rollie," Miranda happily reported. "I've got to admit, it was nice stretching my legs, magically speaking, that is."

The next morning, the following news item appeared in newspapers across Enchancia:

Assault on Lovisa and her followers.

Last night, in a raid led by Lady Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, an elite force of fighters attacked and destroyed the lair belonging to the terrorist Lovisa. Lovisa and her followers were driven off as a result of the attack.

A ceremony to honor Lady Candice and her elite force of fighters is set to take place at Enchancia Castle on Saturday, May 8th.

May 8, 1869

It was now a Saturday morning at Enchancia Castle. As people gathered in the castle courtyard for the ceremony to honor Candice and the elite force of fighters, Sofia, Dorrie, and Abby stood talking.

"I didn't know you were a member of Crimson Force, Abby," Sofia remarked.

"Faith signed me up a few months ago," Abby smiled. "With me being a Protector, Faith thought it would be natural to have me be a member of Crimson Force as well."

"It was nice having Abby come aboard," Dorrie happily added.

At that moment, King Roland walked up, and stood on a makeshift stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Roland started. "We are here to honor Lady Candice and those who fought by her side on April 30th. First of all, I call Lady Candice to the stage."

Everybody clapped as Candice stepped up on the stage.

"For leading the assault that has driven Lovisa and her followers off, I hereby award you one of the highest awards Enchancia can bestow upon someone ... the Sword of Gallantry," Roland announced as he handed Candice a very fancy sword. "Thank you for your service to Enchancia."

"Thank you for this honor," Candice gratefully acknowledged as she took the sword. "I shall always strive to be worthy of such an honor."

Everybody clapped as Candice left the stage. Miranda, Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, Abby, Indigo, Lily, Matilda, Scarlett, Faith, and Colette then stepped up on the stage, and each were awarded a Sword of Gallantry. Afterward, the rest of the force came up on stage, one by one, and were awarded a Sword of Gallantry.

After the ceremony, everybody went inside the castle, and gathered in the ballroom where food and drink had been set up. As everybody enjoyed the food and drink, Baileywick walked up to Indigo and her parents.

"Miss Castellion," Baileywick started. "If you and your parents will follow me, King Roland and Queen Miranda would like to see you in private."

Indigo and her parents followed Baileywick to Roland's study. Baileywick then showed them inside.

"Indigo Castellion," Roland smiled. "I've been told that you protected my wife during the assault. And I thought you deserved something special. We're doing this in private since we don't want to alarm the people of Enchancia. They might be alarmed if they knew my wife had been in danger."

"They might never let me leave the castle again," Miranda joked.

"Miss Indigo Castellion," Roland started, "it is with sincere gratitude that I award you the Enchancia Cross for protecting my wife."

Roland handed Indigo a small jewelry box. Indigo opened the box, and discovered a very fancy medal.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Indigo acknowledged, grateful.

"You are most welcome," Roland smiled. "In a half hour, we're going to have a private meeting, which will include you and your parents. Baileywick will escort you there at that time."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Indigo's father acknowledged as Roland and Miranda left,

"I wonder what the private meeting is all about?" Indigo wondered.

"We'll find out soon," Indigo's father reasoned.

"That's beautiful," Indigo's mother said in awe of the Enchancia Cross. "The Sword of Gallantry, and now the Enchancia Cross. You've made us so proud, Indigo."

"So very proud," Indigo's father added.

A private meeting

Indigo and her parents stepped into a conference room in the castle. As they entered the conference room, they noticed that the room was already filled with familiar faces. Dorrie and Candice were there with Violet. Abby was there with her parents. Lily was there with her parents. Matilda Honey was there with her adoptive mother. Also there were Miranda, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and James.

As everybody stood waiting, King Roland and Colonel Martinsen entered the conference room.

"Thank you for coming," Roland acknowledged. "This meeting is for Crimson Force members who are Enchancian citizens, and who took part in the assault against Lovisa."

"But, I wasn't involved," James spoke up. "I had an overnight event to attend at Chivalry Hall."

"And I had an overnight event at Ever Realm Academy," Amber added.

"Prince James, Princess Amber," Colonel Martinsen started. "True, you were unable to attend the assault against Lovisa, but the two of you are still Crimson Force members, and this meeting involves you as well."

"Colonel Martinsen has something to offer each of you," Roland announced. "Amber, James, Sofia, Lucinda, Abby, Indigo, Lily, and Matilda ... please step forward."

"What about Dorrie and Candice?" James asked, curious.

"We've already been granted the honor you're about to receive," Candice smiled.

"Prince James, Princesss Amber, Sofia, and Lucinda," Martinsen began, "Lady Abby, Miss Indigo Castellion, Miss Lily MacRaven, and Miss Matilda Honey. All of you are Enchancian citizens who are members of Crimson Force. As head of Enchancian Intelligence, I now offer each of you the opportunity to become an Enchancian Intelligence agent. You would have official intelligence standing here in Enchancia, and you would have your Crimson Force standing when you are outside of Enchancia. All of you, as teenagers, can access places we adults can't. We at Enchancian Intelligence would love to have you. What do you say?"

The group talked it over for a few moments. James then stepped forward.

"On behalf of all of us, I've been authorized to say yes to your offer," James announced.

"Excellent!" Martinsen exclaimed in joy. "We'll have all of you get together with Lady Dorrie and Lady Candice, and the two of them can fill you in on how we operate."

A small celebration then took place in the conference room. Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, Sir Maxwell and Marcy were sitting in a room with Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth," Marcy gently started. "Sir Maxwell and I have something we'd like to ask you."

"What?" Elizabeth asked, curious.

"Marcy and I have come to love you," Maxwell started. "If you're agreeable, Marcy and I would like to adopt you."

Elizabeth sat back for a few moments, and thought it over. Elizabeth then sat up, and faced Maxwell and Marcy.

"I'd like that," Elizabeth smiled.

"Then Marcy and I will see Mrs. Tweedle, who is the local adoption agent, and get the ball rolling," Maxwell happily announced.

(To be continued in Chapter 35).

Behind the scenes

In this edition of "Behind the scenes", an update on what is coming up in "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

As it stands right now, here is what I have planned for the next few chapters (in the order I'd like to do them in) ...

- Sir Maxwell and Marcy adopting Elizabeth, and Elizabeth starting school at Hexley Hall. At the same time, Sam finds an artifact in the Hexley Hall library that she discovers must be returned to a "Sofia the First" version of WITS Academy from "WITS Academy" (both ideas by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury).

- The long awaited royal visit to Castlehaven by King Roland, Queen Miranda, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, James, Violet, Dorrie, Candice, Scarlett, Faith, and Colette (with some ideas suggested by Luiz4200).

- Sofia meeting Going on and on and on's character of Makayla at a festival (a request from Going on and on and on) (this would be a separate story that would be completely different from Jolly Roger Brat's and Going on and on and on's story "The Lost Memories").

- Clover, Robin, Mia, Whatnaught, and Hexie returning from the dead to live a new life (as originally told in my story "Reunited").

After the above chapters, here is what else I have currently have planned (in no set order) ...

- A royal visit to Enchancia by Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf from "Frozen".

- Candice recounting how she met Lwaxana Troi (as alluded to in Chapter 23 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia") (a request from Jolly Roger Brat).

- Violet, Dorrie, Candice, and Amber (as Voyagers) having an adventure with Madam Vastra, Jenny, and Strax from the Matt Smith episodes of "Doctor Who".

In the do I or don't I? category, here are two ideas for future chapters I'm toying with in the back of my mind ...

- Doing some kind of spoof of the "Doctor Who" episode "The Witchfinders" (with Violet, Dorrie, and Candice, as Voyagers, taking the place of the Jodie Whittaker Doctor, Graham, Ryan, and Yasmin with comical results).

- In 1851 London, Violet, Dorrie, Candice, and Amber (as Voyagers) finding themselves in and around the palace of Queen Victoria during the final episode of the recently wrapped up season of "Victoria" ... and Candice (wearing an invisibility cloak) giving The Duke a well deserved comeuppance.

Finally, a look at other "Sofia the First" writing ideas I have planned (in no set order) ...

- A separate "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" story featuring Sheynok (from Chapter 29 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia"), along with Dorrie and Candice, and also featuring the Jodie Whittaker Doctor, Graham, Ryan, and Yasmin from "Doctor Who" (a request from Brigade701).

- Doing an rewritten version of my story "Enchancia Castle" (a request from allyrwhitney).

Author's notes

About Marie's connection to Timothy (from Chapter 44 of my story "Dorrie: Book Two"): "My father was your mother's older twin brother, which means I'm your cousin," Marie informed Timothy. "My name is Marie, Marie Elise Gray."

About Timothy's birth parents (from Chapter 13 of my story "Dorrie: Book Two"): "Timothy's father was Milton West, a Fairyardian wizard, hero, and warrior" Dorrie started. "Timothy's mother was Adelaide West, a Humermaid from the Kingdom of Mermardia who had the power to switch from human to mermaid and back again. Timothy is at an age where he will start developing magical powers. These powers will start out with sleep/sweet dream magic, and then his powers will increase with age and experience. Such powers will include the ability to transform from a human to a merman and back again".

Caradoc Lovegood, Edyn Windsong-West, Elizabeth West, Marie Gray-Perkins, Orwin West, Orwin's brother (Milton West), and Samantha "Sam" Cook are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Castlehaven is from "Nella the Princess Knight".

Comeuppance: an outcome (good or bad) that is well deserved.

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 not allergic to Creamy, and Creamy is allowed in the castle.

Faith (Scarlett's adopted daughter) is an earlier version of Faith seen in the "Torchwood" episodes "Dead Man Walking" and "Fragments".

Glinda of Oz (A.K.A. Glinda, the Good Witch) is from "The Wizard of Oz".

Having Candice use her memory seeker on Elizabeth was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Having Elizabeth and Sir Maxwell sing together was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury (who also provided the lyrics to the song).

Having Lovisa and her band of witches attacking the West family was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Leanne being cursed by the Amulet of Justice was based on discussions between myself and Brigade701.

Leanne sneezing and producing a puff of smoke and fire was based on discussions between myself and Brigade701.

Lwaxana Troi is from "Star Trek: The Next Generation".

Makayla is a character created by Going on and on and on, and will be used in "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" with the permission of Going on and on and on.

Matilda Honey is inspired by Matilda from the "Matilda" children's book and movie. The version of Matilda in my stories has retained her powers, and currently attends Hexley Hall as a student. Matilda's adopted mother is Jennifer Honey, who teaches at the local school in Dunwitty.

Miranda being related to Glinda of Oz, and having magical abilities of her own, was first mentioned in Chapters 34 and 35 of my story "Dorrie", and was mentioned again in Chapter 2 of my story "Through a Mother's Eyes".

Retribution: a justly deserved penalty.

Slark: a curse word I created for use in my "Sofia the First" stories - a way of swearing without actually swearing as it were.

Somber: grave or even gloomy in character.

The Amulet of Justice is the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and is used in this story with permission from MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

The Book of Secrets mentioned in this chapter is an earlier version of the Book of Secrets from "Ghost Whisperer". Dorrie and Candice (as well as Sofia) have known about the Book of Secrets since Chapter 32 of my story "Dorrie".

The Kingdom of Cinnibar is a kingdom created by Ben10Man, and is used in my stories with permission from Ben10Man.

The Kingdoms of Angelor and Mermardia were created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury for my stories.

The memory seeker is originally from Chapters 7 and 9 of my story "Dorrie", and was an idea for "Dorrie" suggested by A.t. (Candice had a memory seeker of her own as of Chapter 16 of my story "Dorrie: Book Two").

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 Sword of Gallantry is an award I created for this chapter, and is equal in status to receiving the Shield of Valor. Dorrie, Candice, and Abby already had been awarded Shields of Valor (in Chapter 12 of "Dorrie: Book Two"), so I needed an equal award for this chapter. The Sword of Gallantry is what I came up with.

The Watchers mentioned in this chapter are earlier versions of The Watchers from "Ghost Whisperer" (with the earlier version of the group having different ghosts than the later version of the group seen in "Ghost Whisperer").

Voyagers are from the "Voyagers!" TV series.

Disclaimer

Caradoc Lovegood, Edyn Windsong-West, Elizabeth West, Marie Gray-Perkins, Orwin West. Orwin's brother (Milton West), Samantha "Sam" Cook, 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.

Creamy 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).

"Ghost Whisperer" and everything associated with it © Sander/Moses Productions, Touchstone Television, ABC Studios, CBS Television Studios, and Disney-ABC International Television.

Makayla and the other original ideas from Going on and on and on are the property of Going on and on and on, and will be used in "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" with the permission of Going on and on and on.

"Nella the Princess Knight" and everything associated with it © Christine Ricci, Brown Bag Films, Channel 5, and Nick Jr.

"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.

"Star Trek: The Next Generation" and everything associated with it © Paramount Domestic Television, and CBS Television Distribution.

The memory seeker and the other original ideas from A.t are the property of A.t, and are used here with the permission of A.t.

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.

"Tsubasa Chronicle" and the original Manga it is based on, "Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle", and everything associated with them © Clamp, Weekly Shōnen Magazine, Madman Entertainment, Funimation Entertainment, and Revelation Films.

"Voyagers!" and everything associated with it © James D. Parriot Productions, Universal Television (MCA), and Scholastic Productions.

I only own Abby Murphy-Cosmarune, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Colonel Martinsen, Crimson Force, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Enchancian Intelligence, House Chadwick, Jessica Swalwell, Leanne, Lovisa, Lucinda's family estate outside of Wendarby, Mayor Ronald Castaellis, Mrs. Tweedle, Neila, Orinda Gemanina and her restaurant, Slark, the book about magical objects, the Enchancia Cross, the Kingdom of Fairyardia, the Sword of Gallantry, and the Village of Wendarby.