Note: Sorry for the late update. It was a mixture of writer's block, other stories to work on, and procrastination. I'll try to update quicker, but since I have other stories on the go, it may take a bit.

James and Sofia continued walking until they got to the Dark Forest. Sofia looked at James, who looked scared.

"You don't have to do this, James," Sofia said. "We could go home and tell our parents everything."

James shook his head. "I promised that I'd help you," he said. With that, they started walking.

"Do you think the rumors about the Dark Forest are true?" Sofia asked nervously.

"I don't know," James answered. "There's a lot of different stories about it, so they can't all be true." He looked around. "But this place is spooky."

Sofia looked around. It was spooky. True to it's name, it was dark, even though it was the afternoon. She could hear the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves, which, although was familiar, sounded scary.

"Yeah," Sofia said. "I've heard stories of ghosts that make sure that no one escapes by distracting anyone who enters."

"I haven't heard that one before," James said. "I heard that there was an ogre who is always looking for new servants."

"Maybe we're wrong," Sofia suggested. "Maybe there's nothing dangerous about this place and everyone just believes it to be scary."

"That can't be it," James said. "The forest is dark, even though it's the afternoon. There had to be some spell on it."

They kept walking in silence, staying close to each other so they do not get separated. Just then, their stomach rumbled.

"Man, I'm hungry," James said. "Do you know what type of plants are good for people to eat?"

Sofia thought for a moment. "No," she said. "But I might be able to find out."

"Really?" James asked. "How?"

"My amulet gives me the power to talk to animals," Sofia explained. "That's how I knew where to find Dad when he was lost in the snow storm on Wassailia. The forest animals spread the word and helped look for him."

James thought for a minute. "I was wondering how the animals helped lead us to Dad," he said. "What else can you amulet do?"

"It usually summons a princess when I'm in danger," Sofia said. "But it's not now for some reason."

James thought for a minute. "Maybe the Dark Forest blocks magic," he suggested.

"Yeah, maybe." Sofia said. "But maybe I could try to talk to animals."

"It's worth a shot," James said.

"Hello?" Sofia called out. "Is anyone around?"

"Haven't you noticed me yet?" a male voice asked. "I was following you for a bit."

"We can't see well in the dark," Sofia explained.

A figure flew close enough for James and Sofia to see. It was a bat.

"Well, then you picked the wrong place," the bat said. "It's always dark here."

"An evil fairy put a curse on me," Sofia said. "And the only way to reverse it is to find a gem that lies in a cave in this forest."

"I see," the bat said. He flew towards James. "Did the fairy put a curse on you to?"

James looked at Sofia. "What's the bat saying?" He whispered.

"He's asking if you were cursed to," Sofia answered back.

"No," James said to the bat. "But Sofia's my sister, and I needed to help her."

The bat looked at Sofia. "Why was he whispering to you before answering me?" He asked. "Are you two keeping secrets?"

"No," Sofia answered. "I have an amulet that allows me to talk to animals, so I'm the only one who can understand what you're saying."

"I see," The bat said. "My name's Barry. What are your names?"

"I'm Sofia," Sofia said. "And this is 's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you to," Barry said. "I think you two are brave to go in here alone. Is there anything I can do to help?''

"Actually, yes," Sofia said. "Do you know of any fruit nearby that are safe for us to eat? We're pretty hungry."

Barry laughed. "You two are in the right place, actually," he said. "This area is covered with edible fruit. Just feel around the trees and bushes. Other than the leaves, everything around this area is edible."

"Thanks," Sofia said. She told James about the fruit, and they started looking for fruit."

"Maybe I should help you on your mission," Barry said. "You two could use someone who can find their way in the dark."

"Really?" Sofia said. "You'll help us?"

"Sure," Barry said. "I've seen people come into here for many reasons, but many of the reasons are about showing that they're more brave than anyone else. You two, on the other hand, have a good reason for coming here."

"Thanks," Sofia said. She turned to James. "Barry offered to help us," she said.

"Cool," James said, eating a piece of fruit. "Thanks, Barry."

"Of course," Barry answered.

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Meanwhile, Miranda and Roland were just in their living room when Baileywick came in. "Excuse me, your majesties," he said. "But the headmistresses of Royal prep are here to see you."

"O.K," Roland said. "We'll be right there."

They went to the door, where the fairies were waiting for them. "Hello," Miss Flora said. "We were wondering if James and Sofia were here."

"Sorry, they're with friends right now," Miranda said. "Why?"

"An evil fairy put a curse on Sofia, and when she and James came to our office, we couldn't undo the spell," Miss Fauna explained. "We told them that there was a gem that could break the curse, but it's in the Dark Forest, so we suggested that they ask you and your royal sorcerer for help."

Roland and Miranda looked at each other. "They never told us that," Miranda said. "James said that Sofia had a sleepover and that he wanted to play with his friend."