Disclaimers: See the Prologue for more information.

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The version I was thinking of for this story, or one version so far, is the 1950 Disney animated movie "Cinderella".

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1:

Felicity, Daughter of Cinderella

Felicity sat in her bed chamber, staring blankly at a small mirror. She had wiped it down before, but now she would have to again. Moving a strand of auburn hair away from her eyes, she continued her polishing, using a clean washcloth one of her mother's servants gave to her.

For some, saying Felicity was happy to be in the house of Cinderella and Prince Charming meant something. To her, she just called them Mum and Dad. Their white castle showed clearly in the daylight, but it was in her room where Felicity kept her most prized possessions and secrets. Her parents taught her well, and their kingdom flourished from it.

And yet, her father kept his activity to his study, finding everything they could about portals and whatnot. Felicity did not know what timeline they were in, and that was good. For all she knew, there were other realms, other timelines, that were playing their own life stories. But what did Felicity want most, besides a reflection of a beautiful freckled princess with a still fair face and blue eyes to counter the red… even she didn't know, and that was fine. At least she was safe in the palace, away from suitors who…

"Felicity," one of the maids said, alerting her back to the present, "your father wishes to speak to you. And if you are good this time, we'll…"

"Thank you. I'll be down soon," Felicity replied, setting her mirror down first before she darted out of her bedroom. The maid closed the door behind her, enough for Felicity to see the pinkish white covers of her four-poster bed. She always did like the colors pink and white… but besides that, she needed to see Father first.

Yes, that was a better idea.

After a long walk down the hallway, complete with its red rugs that stood across the floor, to the many white doors with gold painted designs to her left and right, Felicity finally found the door to the map room. Just entering the study was like walking into the castle's very own library. As it happened, there were scrolls nestled in a bookshelf, right next to the books. In the center of the room was a long table, complete with a map of the kingdom and the surrounding kingdoms.

Felicity hadn't gotten over the fact that their kingdom was next door to the Beast's kingdom… well, before the Beast was Prince Adam again. She wondered what Prince Adam and his wife Belle were like, and if they had any suitors for her… wait, where was she again?

"Father… Dad, you wanted to see me?" Felicity asked, curious.

"Yes, come here." Her father waved her to come closer. Just as Felicity approached him, she looked down at the map. It appeared to be moving to another kingdom she wasn't familiar with… with houses, mansions and a grand palace. "Do you see it, Felicity?"

"It looks like a new kingdom, but… are you asking me to go and live there?" she asked, confused.

"It's a school, a college." Her father continued, "It's called the Heroes' University. It'll be just the right place for you to go to school. And prepare for the time when you're ready to become queen one day."

"What? When am I going?" she asked, shocked. "Today?"

"Yes, this morning." He added, "Everyone in the kingdom is traveling to the Heroes' University. But not at the same time. Your mother and I went there for two days."

"Two days?" she asked, concerned. "Why? You didn't like it?"

"Yes, we did. Your mother and I are making a return trip tonight," he explained.

"But why do I need to go?" Felicity asked, curious. "Is it just to learn how to be queen or…"

"No. That's not the only reason you're going, but yes you will leave today for the Heroes' University. We'll meet you there," he said last.

"Okay." While she didn't understand what was the point in heading off to a college, Felicity couldn't help but wonder if this new experience would be good for her. If there was one thing her parents taught her, it was humility and being kind to others. As shocking as events were turning out to be, she would make sure to see the best in others.

x-x-x

Around ten in the morning, Felicity was finally ready to begin her journey to the Heroes' University. She stopped upon seeing her mother Cinderella, the blonde-haired princess, standing next to her Prince Charming with his dark hair. She would miss them, but then she had to remember that she was starting the next chapter of her life. As she reached the limousine, Felicity waved to her parents. It wasn't a goodbye. She felt sure she would see them… oh, why did it matter?

Felicity rushed towards her parents and gave them a hug, one they couldn't forget. She stayed that way with her parents, for a few moments. That is, until she saw the parrot that flew into the limousine, right as the door was opened. She turned to her parents, asking them in confusion:

"Mum, Dad, who's the parrot that just flew into that limo?"

"His name is Seamus. He's Iago's son," Cinderella said, calmly. Felicity was worried. The parrot was Iago's son? As far as she knew, Iago had been helpful, but also was annoying, in some ways. Surely Iago's son was better trained and less obnoxious. Her attention returned when her mother Cinderella reminded her, "Now Felicity, I know you are friends with the royal mice. Show Seamus the same respect as you do the mice."

"But he's a parrot." Felicity wasn't certain if this was such a good idea. She was used to the royal mice: Jaq, Gus and the other mice, as well as their children. Could she handle being near a parrot? It was a step up from mice, but then… she wasn't sure if this was such a good idea. "What if Seamus is as annoying as her father? I can't…"

"Felicity," her father said, getting her attention, "your mother is right. And as your father, I trust you will do what feels right. Follow your heart and your head. You'll make a fine queen someday."

"Thank you Dad, Mum." Felicity embraced them both for a moment. The second she released them, she dashed over to the limo. She waved to her parents one last time, before stepping inside the car.

It was the moment the car started to move. She peered over at the parrot, only to see he had fallen asleep on his branch perch. Felicity huffed. It was going to be a long drive. But what she would see remained a mystery.

"Felicity, Felicity," she hummed softly to herself, "what have you gotten yourself into?" The car's hum was so soft. She felt like sleeping…

She awoke to Seamus' squawking. "We're here! We're here! I recognize this building. We're here."

"Are we?" A thought creeped into Felicity's head. Maybe she should… no, no, no. Remember what her mother taught her about honesty. She couldn't let the parrot down.

The door swung open, allowing Seamus to fly out into the fresh air first. Now it was Felicity's turn. Sliding over to the door, Felicity stepped outside, with help from a guard wearing a blue and white uniform. She gave a small smile to the guard, before stepping out of the limo completely. And she wasn't alone. There were other princes and princesses throughout the kingdoms here as well.

Felicity stopped upon seeing a man with hairy feet, short pointy ears, and curly brown hair come out to greet them. She crossed her arms, but it was more in awe. The elf – or hobbit – whoever he was certainly looked cute.

"We'll meet in the auditorium," the hobbit called, gesturing to the castle doors. Felicity understood orders. Not wanting to wait for anyone else, she followed the royal crowd inside the building.

Now, if she got through the first day, she was good. But who else was here that she should know? Was this the school her parents were telling her about? And where were they, if they were in the same dimension?

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Chapter 2 Teaser:

Frodo gazed out the window. There were so many princes and princesses gathered outside. He had a feeling they had also come for… wait. Aslan? He couldn't stop looking out the window at them. Was everyone expecting him to do great things? That was how it looked, and yet… he lowered his head, unsure what to do… he was relieved when Ebony wrapped her arms around him, if not making things more awkward between the two.

"Why don't you go and talk to them?" Ebony asked him, curious.

Frodo huffed. "Ebony, I wouldn't know what to say."

"You did on the first day, with the assembly," she answered.

"There's been a lot of assemblies since the first day," he admitted. He leaned up against the wall, right in front of Ebony. "I don't know how many more I can handle."

"Would you like me to go with you?" she asked, concerned.

"No. I can do this." He looked back at her, curious. "Watch my back."

She nodded. "I will."

"Thank you." Frodo breathed deeply. On cue, he walked outside the castle, across the rugged floor. With a small gesture, he called to the princes and princesses, "We'll meet in the auditorium." Without another word, he returned inside. He did it. He succeeded, and yet the meeting had only just begun.

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Thanks for reading. :) More is to come…