Chapter 5: Preparations for War.

(*PRESENT DAY IN THE ENCHANTED FOREST*)


Snow White and Clara rode on Snow's horse all the way from the forest to Snow's castle. Clara was worried the entire way back. The Doctor was heading into danger without her. She had heard nasty things from the Doctor and Snow about the Sontarans and even more evil things about the Evil Queen Regina from Snow on the ride back. What if the Doctor didn't return? How would she live? She didn't mean live in the Enchanted Forest, she meant live without him. Her feelings for the Doctor were becoming complicated. She didn't want to lose him. However, she was determined to represent the Doctor at the meeting.

The council of the forest was aware that there was a danger to the Enchanted Forest and assembled in Snow's castle, waiting for their princess to return to start a meeting to determine what must be done. Eventually, Snow and Clara arrived at the castle, departed from the horse, and entered. They walked about the castle together before entering the meeting chamber. Once, they entered Clara was shocked by all the fairytale creatures who were part of the council. The Blue Fairy, Jiminy Cricket, and even Grumpy, the unofficial leader of the dwarves were all members and sitting at a large round table. Prince Charming was also there and greeted them at the door. He then kissed Snow White passionately. Evidently they were married.

"Snow, thank goodness you're alright." He told her and then shifted his gaze towards Clara. "Who is this?"

"My name's Clara." She said.

"She's here with the Doctor." Snow told him.

"The Doctor? The man you told me about? With the magic blue box? He's returned?" he asked.

"Yes," Snow said. "And I fear the Sontarans have returned also."

Snow White and Regina were the only inhabitants of the Enchanted Forest who had seen Sontarans before. However, Snow White took it upon herself to tell the realm about these creatures in the possible event of their return. The Enchanted forest inhabitants knew of the Sontarans brutality and ruthlessness. They hoped never to meet one. Yet the day had arrived when they would.

"Come to the table with the council, you must fill us in." Charming said.

"Sorry, I don't mean to be rude," Clara began. "but is your name actually Charming?"

"No," he replied with a laugh. "It's Snow's nickname for me. It sort of stuck."

Charming, Snow, and Clara took seats at the table and started a conversation.

"I'm afraid I have terrible news." Snow began. "The Sontarans have returned to the Enchanted Forest. That large portal in the sky was them. They came in larger numbers than three this time. As we speak, about one hundred Sontarans are one their way to Regina's castle. We can only assume that they are working together to plot something large and dangerous against us all."

Immediately after these words were said, there was a large puff of purple smoke that appeared near the table and when the smoke cleared, the Doctor, Red, and the Evil Queen were standing there.

"Don't be alarmed." The Doctor said to the council. "Regina's here to help. The Sontarans aren't working with her. In fact, they tried to kill her. The Sontarans threaten every life in this realm. So you need to put aside your differences and accept her help." He stared at all of them and then realized that he didn't know them and they didn't know him. So, he said "I'm the Doctor by the way."

Red then stepped forward and began to speak.

"The Sontarans have stolen the red diamond from Regina. We know that they plan to use it to bring the rest of their fleet into the Enchanted Forest. Also someone," she glanced over at Regina. "told them that Snow White was the one who killed the three Sontarans that were here previously and they are on their way here right now planning revenge."

"We won't stand a chance." Charming said.

"That's where you're wrong my friend." The Doctor interjected "We do have a chance. Regina is going to put up a force field around the castle. However, I realize that since, they have the red diamond, it won't last very long."

"How does that mean we have a chance?" The small Blue Fairy asked while floating elegantly.

"It buys us time and time is everything. Snow was able to kill the Sontarans last time with the element of surprise. That's exactly what we're gonna do this time as well. Regina almost single handedly destroyed them. Imagine what could happen if we all team up." The Doctor responded.

"That's not going to work." Regina intervened. "My roof fell on me, and I'm weaker now. There's no way we can stop them if they have the red diamond. Especially since my strength is down."

"Well, there is someone who can help." Jiminy Cricket said.

"Who?" Clara asked.

"Rumplestiltskin." The Cricket replied.

"No." The Doctor said. "He won't help."

"Why not?" Clara asked.

"I tricked him the last time I was here, and he swore vengeance against me." The Doctor said.

"He'll help if you can make a good enough deal with him." Snow said. "Promise him that he'll get the red diamond if he helps us defeat the Sontarans."

"Excuse me," Regina interrupted. "but that's my jewel. You can't just auction it off."

"Don't be so selfish Regina," Jiminy said. "We're all going to die if we don't do this. I'm sure that your life is much more important to you."

"I still don't think it will work." The Doctor said.

"Have faith Doctor. Even Rumplestiltskin won't just let the Sontarans conquer this world. I'm sure you two can work out a resolution, just try for all of us. Please." Snow begged.

The Doctor examined all the faces and the innocent lives just in this room. He also thought about the innocents of the entire planet and he couldn't refuse anymore.

"Alright." The Doctor said.

The Blue Fairy magically transported the Doctor and Clara to the TARDIS. Afterwards, she worked with Regina to form a stronger force field around the castle. The Sontarans were coming and they needed all the protection they could get.

"So what happened between you and Rumplestiltskin?" Clara asked the Doctor as they entered the TARDIS.

"I don't want to talk about it." The Doctor replied as he started pressing buttons and pulling levers on the TARDIS console.

"Doctor please. No more secrets. I'm just as much a part of this as you are." Clara begged.

"Alright then. If you really want to know…"

The Doctor told his story to Clara and then she understood. She understood why Rumplestiltskin actually might not help them.