Ever Realm Chronicles Chapter 32: Return of a Familiar Face, a sofia the first fanfic

Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic

Chapter 32: Return of a Familiar Face

August 20, 1885

It was a Thursday afternoon at Ornburgh Castle. In a basement room of the castle, fifteen-year-old Rachel was in her Tardis when a knock came at her Tardis door. Rachel looked at the viewscreen in her Tardis control room to see fifteen-year-old Angela, thirteen-year-old May, Faith, and a now twenty-one-year-old Skylar standing outside of Rachel's Tardis. Rachel pressed a button on her Tardis console and the Tardis door slid open. Angela, May, Faith, and Skylar then stepped inside.

"I'm in the control room," Rachel called out.

Angela, May, Faith, and Skylar walked into the Tardis control room where Rachel was waiting.

"Good afternoon, guys," Rachel smiled. "Where's Kendra?"

"On a historical observation mission with Gayle Lovegood," Angela announced. "They are observing Clara Barton during the American Civil War."

"Sounds like an interesting mission," Rachel happily noted. "Any word on Holly, Ying, and Cassie?"

"They've started beginner classes at Voyager Academy," Skylar reported. "They wanted me to thank you for giving them pointers about what to expect."

"I was happy to help," Rachel acknowledged, pleased.

"Your mom told us you were down here," Faith said. "Something we should know about?"

"I'm just doing a routine check of the Tardis systems," Rachel answered. "Now that I'm fully familiar with flying a Tardis, I do a routine check from time to time."

"An amazing ship," May admitted. "I can see why Voyager Command has put Tardis technology aboard its cruisers, including a Tardis console aboard each. Their not bigger on the inside than the outside, but it's a start."

"My people's legacy lives through that," Rachel proudly admitted. "They may have viewed my segment of society with suspicion, but it's still nice to know that the Time Lords exist in a new form thanks to Voyager Command."

At that moment, a beeping noise came from Rachel's Tardis console.

"Ah!" Rachel smiled. "The check is over. All systems are at one hundred percent."

As Rachel double-checked the Tardis console, the console suddenly fully powered up.

"What's going on?" May wanted to know.

"Don't know," Rachel responded as she checked some instruments.

As Rachel was checking the instruments, the Tardis quickly started to dematerialize. Before anybody knew it, the Tardis was in flight.

"Um mm, Rachel?" Faith asked, becoming concerned. "Where are we going?"

"I wish I knew," Rachel answered.

In a few moments, the Tardis rematerialized in an unfamiliar place.

"We've arrived," Rachel began as she checked the instruments on the Tardis console. "Today in the Kingdom of Bukaria."

"I've heard about Bukaria," Faith revealed. "A place as far off the map in the Ever Realm as one can get."

"But why did your Tardis bring us here?" Angela wondered.

"I have heard of the occasional Tardis taking its occupants to where they are needed," Rachel explained. "We must be needed here for some reason."

"Your Tardis can fly itself?" Skylar asked.

"You have to remember that each Tardis is an entity onto itself," Rachel pointed out. "A living being as it were, capable of independent thought."

"At least we're still in the present in the Ever Realm," May observed.

"Faith," Rachel started. "Any more you can tell us about Bukaria?"

"It's basically a third-world kingdom," Faith answered. "Not much in the way of wealth. Some farming, some mining. Just enough to bring in some small income for its people."

"Any danger in going out there?" Rachel wanted to know.

"There have been no reports of anything dangerous," Faith reported. "We should be okay as long as we keep a low profile."

"Okay," Rachel acknowledged. "We'll magically transform our clothes to blend in with the locals. It might be best if we split up into two groups so we can cover more ground. We'll look for anything that would stray from what the norm is around here."

"Sounds good," Skylar agreed. "Faith and I will be one group."

"Angela, May - you'll be with me," Rachel directed. "I'll change the appearance of the Tardis to blend in with the local surroundings."

After magically transforming their clothes, the group left the Tardis which had been transformed into a tree. They then proceeded to walk into a village where Skylar and Faith walked in one direction, and Rachel, Angela, and May walked in the other direction. The village was in an unkempt state.

"How can people live like this?" Angela wondered, concerned.

"I know," Rachel acknowledged, equally concerned.

Rachel, Angela, and May soon came across a building that had seen better days. As they looked closer at the building, they discovered it was a general store which was closed at the moment. The three decided to keep looking around the village when something caught Rachel's attention.

"Wait a minute," Rachel thought to herself. "Is that who I think it is?"

"Are you okay?" May asked Rachel.

"Into the alley," Rachel directed May and Angela. "I think I've discovered something."

The three quickly entered a nearby alley as Rachel kept watch on the general store. In a few moments, a man approached the store, unlocked the door, and walked inside.

"If I'll be damned!" Rachel exclaimed. "I know that man from a painting I've seen."

"Who is he?" Angela wanted to know.

"Cedric," Rachel answered. "An escaped prisoner from Azkaban, and former royal sorcerer of Enchancia. The authorities have been looking for him for years. We've better get in there, but play it cool."

"Isn't he going to recognize you, considering you're a princess?" May wanted to know.

"I'm after his time," Rachel answered. "He's never seen me before."

"If we're going to do this ..." Angela said as the three walked toward the store.

In a few moments, the three walked into the store.

"I thought I told you local urchins to stay out of my store?!" a man's voice barked.

Rachel looked to see Cedric standing there.

"We have money, sir," Rachel quietly responded. "Our parents want us to buy some supplies."

"Well, since you're paying customers, that's a different matter," Cedric responded. "Pick up what you need, and I'll cash you out at the register."

"Yes, sir," Rachel acknowledged as she, Angela, and May pretended to shop.

In a few minutes, Rachel walked up to Cedric. "Do you have any spices?"

"Yes," Cedric answered. "Against the wall over there."

"Thank you, sir," Rachel said as she started to walk away. Cedric then quickly grabbed Rachel's arm. "What are you doing, sir?!"

"You filthy little spy!" Cedric spat. "Did you think I wouldn't notice your Enchantlet? You're a Protector! Come to arrest me?!"

"Something like that," Rachel responded, before turning to Angela and May. "LADIES!"

Angela and May rushed over with their wands drawn.

"So, three Protectors," Cedric noticed. "Who are you?"

"Princess Rachel Beckenbauer of Ornburgh," Rachel identified herself. "You're under arrest."

"I'd like to see you try it," Cedric responded as he raised his wand. Suddenly, May grabbed his wand with her Enchantlet lasso. "What?!"

At that same moment, Angela fired a magical blast at Cedric, knocking him unconscious, as Skylar and Faith rushed in through the door.

"We heard a commotion in here," Faith said. "What's going on?"

"Lock the door before we get onlookers," Rachel ordered. "We just captured Cedric the criminal."

"Whoa!" Skylar exclaimed as Faith locked the door and closed the curtain on the front window.

"What do we do now?" Angela asked. "We can't just carry him through the streets without being noticed."

"I have a solution," Rachel announced as she brought out a small device from her pocket. "I can teleport us back to the Tardis using this."

At that moment, some banging came from the outside of the front door.

"The locals are here!" Faith exclaimed.

"Everybody, stand around Cedric," Rachel directed as she activated the device. In a few moments, the group disappeared into thin air. A few moments after that, the group reappeared in the Tardis control room as May walked over to the Tardis console.

"We have an incoming message," May said to Rachel. "It looks like it's coming from your mom's Tardis."

"Put it on screen," Rachel directed as a transmission from Candice appeared on a viewscreen on the wall.

"Rachel Celeste Beckenbauer!" Candice sternly started. "I thought we had an agreement you wouldn't take your Tardis out without our permission!"

"It wasn't our doing, Mom," Rachel countered. "The Tardis on it's own brought us to Bukaria."

"What in the Ever Realm for?" Candice asked, calming down a bit.

"To capture the criminal Cedric," Rachel answered. "He's unconscious here in the Tardis as we speak. He's going to be out for a while."

"Well, if I'll be damned," Candice said, impressed. "Take your Tardis to the royal palace in Cinnibar. I'll alert Scarlett you're coming."

"Setting coordinates for Queen Scarlett's palace," Rachel said as she adjusted some controls on her Tardis console.

"I'll see you there," Candice acknowledged as the transmission ended.

"So, your middle name is Celeste?" Angela wanted to know.

"A part of my human persona which I kept when I reverted to being a Time Lady," Rachel smiled. "We've better get going. We have a prisoner to deliver."

Later, in Cinnibar

Cedric slowly woke up. As he looked around, he noticed he was in a cell.

"Well, you're awake," a female voice came from the other side of the cell bars.

Cedric looked to see Sultana Sofia standing there.

"Princess Sofia," Cedric said in recognition.

"It's Sultana Sofia now," Sofia remarked. "I married Zandar."

"My apologies, Princess ... I mean, Sultana," Cedric apologized. "You've grown into a fine woman."

"Thank you, Cedric," Sofia responded, trying to keep an emotional distance.

"Where am I?" Cedric wanted to know.

"In a holding cell in Queen Scarlett's palace," Sofia answered. "Authorities from the Ministry of Magic are on their way to collect you."

"I can't go back to Azkaban!" Cedric cried out. "I just can't!"

"You're quite captured, now," Sofia explained. "There's not much of anything I can do at this point."

"I've changed, Sultana," Cedric began. "I've spent years building a new life. A life where I'm a changed man. The Cedric you knew all those years is gone."

"Words are cheap," Sofia pointed out. "I imagine you'd say anything to get out of returning to Azkaban."

"I'm telling you the truth, Sofia," Cedric pleaded. "Please, hear me out."

"Okay, I'll hear what you have to say," Sofia acknowledged.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Scarlett's palace, Candice and Rachel were in a room together.

"I apologize for getting cross with you earlier," Candice said in a gentle voice. "It's just I didn't know where you had gotten to. The cosmos is a big and dangerous place. You could have accidentally encountered the Daleks, the Cybermen, or the Sontarans. It's just a lucky thing the only place you wound up was Bukaria. I can see Dorrie and I will have to put a failsafe device on your Tardis console so your Tardis can't take off on its own without your permission."

"Thank you, Mom," Rachel quietly acknowledged. "I know this only added to what happened a few months ago."

"Well, technically, you were acting in an official capacity as an agent for Ornburgh Intelligence," Candice admitted. "And, you did break up an illegal drug operation being run by the Witch Revolutionary Front. It was lucky there were only a handful of them there at the time. You obviously got the jump on them."

"And blew up the place after they had run off," Rachel added.

"Yes," Candice started. "It was a good thing you magically transformed yourself into a forest monster. If I had been them, I would have run off, too."

"That was good, wasn't it?" Rachel chuckled.

"I have to admit, it was," Candice said proudly. "That, and you grabbing a chest with their ill-gotten gains in the form of a little over seven thousand Ornburgh marks. Quite the nice nest egg for your future. Even a judge ruled that it was legal compensation for the loss of your birth parents."

At that moment, a male servant walked into the room.

"Queen Candice, Princess Rachel," the servant started. "Queen Scarlett would like to see the two of you in her study."

"Tell Queen Scarlett we'll be there shortly," Candice responded.

"Very good, Queen Candice," the servant acknowledged as he walked out of the room.

In a short while, Candice and Rachel arrived at Scarlett's study. Sitting in the study were Scarlett and Sofia.

"Candice, Rachel," Scarlett greeted. "Come in and sit down."

"Where are Angela and May?" Rachel asked, curious.

"They used their Omnis to go back to Voyager Command," Scarlett answered. "Meanwhile, we have a pressing matter to discuss. Sofia, the floor is yours."

"Thank you, Scarlett," Sofia acknowledged. "I've had a chance to talk to Cedric. As impossible as it may seem, he has totally reformed. He wants to start a new life free of his past. And, I believe him."

"Forgive me for saying this, Sofia," Candice began, "but you've always had a soft spot for Cedric. Is it possible he's taking advantage of that?"

"Yes, I've always had a soft spot for Cedric," Sofia confessed. "But I've come here with an open mind, setting the past aside. And after listening to Cedric, and taking everything into account, I believe that he has reformed."

"If there only was a way we could believe that," Candice countered.

"There is," Scarlett announced. "I have a truth seeker stone. We could use it to probe Cedric's mind, see whether or not he's actually telling the truth."

"Then we should do it," Sofia urged.

"Guard," Scarlett called out as a male guard entered Scarlett's study. "Have a guard detail bring Cedric here. We need to interview him."

"At once, Queen Scarlett," the guard acknowledged as he left.

In a little while, a guard detail arrived with Cedric. Two guards remained with Cedric while the rest of the detail waited outside.

"Cedric," Scarlett started, "you've claimed to have reformed."

"Yes, I have, Queen Scarlett," Cedric confirmed, hopeful.

"They want to probe your mind with a truth seeker stone," Sofia said to Cedric. "As much as I want to believe you, we have to have proof that you're actually telling the truth."

"A wise precaution, Sultana," Cedric agreed, before turning to Candice. "You're looking well, Lady Candice."

"Actually, it's Queen Candice of Ornburgh, now," Candice corrected.

"Ah!" Cedric acknowledged. "Then Princess Rachel must be your daughter."

"Yes," Candice confirmed.

"I wasn't kind to you in the past," Cedric confessed to Candice. "I apologize for that."

"Well, that's a first," Candice admitted. "To be fair, I'll consider whether or not to accept your apology. Of course, it all depends on how your session with the truth seeker stone goes."

"I understand, Queen Candice," Cedric acknowledged.

"I suggest we get started," Sofia said. "The sooner we know the truth, the better."

"What do I have to do?" Cedric wanted to know.

"Stand there and keep your mind open," Scarlett directed. "You make any attempt to fight the truth seeker stone and I'll consider you to have lied about everything."

"I can assure you I want the truth to come out," Cedric responded.

"Then let's get started," Scarlett suggested as she held the truth seeker stone over Cedric's head. "This stone will let me see into your mind."

"Then proceed," Cedric requested.

Scarlett held the truth seeker stone over Cedric's head as the stone glowed. Scarlett then concentrated as she used the stone to probe Cedric's mind. After a few minutes of intense probing, Scarlett stepped back, exhausted.

"Scarlett!" Sofia cried out, worried.

"I'll be okay," Scarlett said in a weak voice. "I just need some rest. Cedric ... is telling the truth."

"Thank God," Sofia said, relieved, before turning serious. "But, authorities from the Ministry are on their way here as we speak. What are we supposed to tell them?"

"I have an idea," Candice spoke up. "When the authorities show up, we can have one of them use the truth seeker stone to see inside Cedric's mind. Let the truth speak for itself."

"You're ... helping me ... Queen Candice?" Cedric asked in puzzlement.

"Scarlett just found out you were telling the truth," Candice answered. "At this point, it's only fair that I give you a second chance ... and accept your apology."

"Oh, Candice!" Sofia cried out in joy. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet, Sofia," Candice cautioned. "We still have to convince the authorities."

August 22, 1885

It was a Saturday morning at Scarlett's palace. In a large conference room, a special magical tribunal was gathered to decide Cedric's fate.

"Bring in Cedric," a man who was head of the tribunal ordered.

In a few moments, a male guard escorted Cedric into the conference room.

"Cedric," the head of the tribunal started, "your mind has been probed and you are indeed reformed. However, we simply cannot set you free."

"Then it's back to Azkaban for me," Cedric sadly remarked.

"Not at this time," the head of the tribunal countered. "King Everett and Queen Candice of Ornburgh have offered an alternative. But, the King and Queen must discuss it with others first. You will remain locked up here in this palace until an accommodation can be reached. This tribunal will reconvene at four this afternoon to see if any such accommodation has been reached."

In a little while, Everett and Candice entered another conference room in Scarlett's palace. Waiting for them were Roland, Miranda, Lydia, Hikari, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, James, and Vivian, as well as Cedric's parents, and Calista, Cordelia, Constance, and Corbett. Violet and Dorrie were also there.

"Thank you for coming," Everett addressed those in the room. "Candice has an idea of what to do with Cedric, and I've agreed to it. All that's left is to discuss it with all of you. Candice, the floor is yours."

"Thank you, Everett," Candice began as she turned to everybody gathered. "I have an idea of what to do with Cedric. I realize it might not be everybody's cup of tea, but I have given it considerable thought."

"Whatever you have in mind, I'm sure it is logical," Goodwin theorized.

"And you are a fair person," Winifred added.

"Whatever it is, let's have it," Roland requested.

"Very well," Candice began. "The Royal Sorceress of Ornburgh is retiring. I was thinking of filling that position with ... Cedric."

"You've got to be kidding?!" James exclaimed.

"After all that Cedric has done?!" Amber scoffed.

"And remember that Cedric tried to steal Sofia and Lucinda's amulets," Lydia pointed out.

"I'm not proposing giving him free rein," Candice countered. "I'm proposing keeping him under close watch until he has fully proven himself."

"Why would you do this?" Lydia asked Candice, puzzled. "It's not like he treated you and Dorrie well."

"Being a clone of Dorrie created by Maleficent has been a thorn in my side," Candice responded. "Even now, I have some people who look at me with an eye of suspicion. But, years ago, King Roland offered me a new life rich with possibility. And now I can give Cedric the same. If I can't be the better person, who can?"

"Thank you, Candice," Calista mouthed, grateful.

"My sister has always had a big heart," Dorrie praised. "Despite what Cedric has done in the past, I'll support Candice on this."

"Violet?" Miranda asked. "What do you think of this?"

"It's something I wouldn't necessarily do," Violet answered. "But, I've raised Candice and Dorrie to be strong and logical women. If they think this has merit, then as their mother I'll support them."

"A new beginning has to start somewhere," Vivian pointed out. "Rule over others as you'd have them rule over you. That seems to fit this situation well."

"Sof?" Lucinda asked Sofia. "What do you think of this?"

"I support Candice's plan," Sofia answered. "I also know that Cedric didn't have it easy growing up. I'm not saying that's an excuse. But perhaps this is a way to right things."

"It would appear we have a plan," Roland admitted, not happy with the situation, but seeing the logic of it.

"Thank you for coming up with a fair solution, Queen Candice," Goodwin said, grateful, on behalf of himself, Winifred, Cordelia, Calista, Constance, and Corbett.

"If it would please everybody here, I could help Cedric get back on his feet, royal sorcerer speaking," Corbett offered as everybody nodded their heads in agreement.

"Then that leaves one last thing," Sofia thought to herself.

At four that afternoon, the tribunal reconvened as Cedric was brought in.

"Cedric," the man who was head of the tribunal started, "the alternative that King Everett and Queen Candice have suggested has been agreed to."

"And what exactly would that alternative be?" Cedric asked cautiously.

"The royal sorceress of Ornburgh is retiring," the head of the tribunal announced. "You will replace her as the new royal sorcerer of Ornburgh, under strict watch, of course, until such time as you are considered to be trustworthy."

"I understand, sir," Cedric acknowledged. "I thank the tribunal very much for this."

"It is Queen Candice you should thank," the head of the tribunal revealed. "It was her idea, and King Everett approved."

"Queen Candice," Cedric started, touched. "I am in your debt. How can I ever repay you?"

"A wise man once gave me a second chance at life," Candice answered, referring to King Roland. "I used that chance to build a new life for myself. I worked hard to prove his trust in me and worked my way up to where I am today. I have a life I am very proud of. All I ask is that you follow my example."

"I promise you, my Queen, that I will make you proud of me," Cedric promised. "It's been a while, however, since I've been a royal sorcerer."

"That will be taken care of as well," Candice smiled. "Your clone, Corbett, will help you get back into the swing of things. He's been the royal sorcerer of Cariza for several years."

"We'll get through this together, Cedric," Corbett said in a reassuring voice as he walked up. "King Joaquin has given me a leave of absence to help you get back into the swing of things."

"Now that this has been settled, there's one last piece of business to take care of," the head of the tribunal announced. "Sultana Sofia, please step forward."

"Sofia?" Scarlett asked in confusion as Sofia stood up. "What's going on?"

"Something I have to answer for, old friend," Sofia quietly answered.

"Sultana Sofia," the head of the tribunal started. "In probing Cedric's mind, we came across something involving you when you were sixteen and you were an Auror and a royal sorceress of Enchancia."

"Yes, sir," Sofia quietly acknowledged.

"We discovered that you had captured Cedric shortly after he escaped from Azkaban ... and you set him free," the head of the tribunal announced.

"Yes, sir," Sofia again quietly acknowledged.

"You let a wanted fugitive go free," the head of the tribunal pointed out. "You did this while acting as an Auror and as a royal sorceress of Enchancia."

"Yes, I did, sir," Sofia admitted. "I saw even then that he had changed, and I thought he deserved a chance to start a new life. I will accept any punishment you deem fit to give me."

"The tribunal has discussed this among ourselves in length," the head of the tribunal revealed. "While Cedric used your good nature to further reform, you still broke the law by letting him go. For that, there must be consequences."

"I understand, sir," Sofia responded.

"Then I will announce sentence," the head of the tribunal announced as the onlookers sat frozen in shock. "Sultana Sofia, this tribunal sentences you to ... a six-month suspension from the Auror Office. You will serve no jail time."

"I'm grateful for such a light sentence, sir," Sofia acknowledged, grateful. "I could ask why?"

"We took everything into consideration, and came to the conclusion that your actions back then helped Cedric to become a reformed man," the head of the tribunal answered. "As unconventional as your actions were, you did it out of the best intentions - to help somebody improve themself."

"There is, however, another part of your sentence," a woman who was co-head of the tribunal announced. "Princess Rachel has expressed an interest in eventually joining the Auror Office. As part of your six-month suspension, you will teach Princess Rachel what is involved in being an Auror."

"I will do so gladly," Sofia promised.

"Then this tribunal is adjourned," the head of the tribunal announced. "Cedric will be remanded to the custody of King Everett and Queen Candice until such time that he is deemed trustworthy."

The tribunal then stood up and left the room and the onlookers congratulated Sofia.

"I promise that I will not betray your trust in me," Cedric said to Everett and Candice. "King Everett, I offer my hand as a pledge of my loyalty."

"And I accept your pledge," Everett said as he shook Cedric's hand as Candice smiled.

That evening at Ornburgh Castle, Candice was in her study as she brought out her Omni.

"I've better get this over with," Candice thought to herself. "I have some explaining to do."

Candice adjusted the dials on her Omni, pressed a button on her Omni, and disappeared into thin air. After passing through a time vortex, Candice reappeared at Voyager Command where a man was waiting.

"If you'll come with me, Queen Candice, Commissioner Spencer is waiting," the man directed.

The man led Candice to Commissioner Spencer's office. The man knocked on the door.

"Enter," Commissioner Spencer called out.

The man opened the door, and he and Candice entered the office.

"You may leave, Lucas," Commissioner Spencer directed the man. "Queen Candice and I need to talk."

"Yes, Commissioner," Lucas acknowledged as he left the office and closed the door behind him.

"Candice, have a seat," Commissioner Spencer said.

"I imagine bringing Cedric to Ornburgh Castle has created some problems for the timeline," Candice theorized.

"Relax, Candice," Commissioner Spencer smiled. "This was always meant to happen,"

"It ... was?" Candice asked, puzzled.

"Yes," Commissioner Spencer acknowledged. "It was a part of your destiny, so everything turned out just as it should. The timeline is unaffected because there was nothing to affect it. It was a part of normal history."

"Well, that's a relief," Candice responded, pleased.

"Come, join me for some tea," Commissioner Spencer offered. "Now that this has taken place, we have something to discuss."

"What, Diana?" Candice wanted to know.

"Cedric's future," Diana answered as Candice sat down. "As impossible as it might seem right now, Cedric is destined to eventually become one of us."

"You're serious, aren't you?" Candice questioned.

"Yes, Candice," Diana confirmed. "When the time is right, he'll be approached by Voyager Command. Until that time, the existence of Voyagers is to be kept from him. We mustn't upset the schedule as it were."

"Understood, Diana," Candice acknowledged. "He's bound to have questions about how the girls managed to get him to Cinnibar."

"Of course," Diana admitted. "I'm sure you can come up with a plausible explanation. I'll leave it in your capable hands."

"Then consider it taken care of," Candice promised as she and Diana enjoyed some tea.

August 23, 1885

It was a Sunday morning at Ornburgh Castle. In the rear portion of the castle grounds, Candice watched from a distance as Corbett updated Cedric on the latest royal sorcery protocol.

"Above all else, royal sorcerers and sorceresses need to be on guard from threats posed by the Witch Revolutionary Front," Corbett instructed. "They've become quite a thorn in the side of the Ever Realm."

"Yes," Cedric agreed as he looked over at Candice talking to Rachel. "From what I understand, even Princess Rachel has suffered at the hands of the Witch Revolutionary Front."

"They murdered Princess Rachel's birth parents," Corbett confirmed. "The poor girl was on her own for months before King Everett and Queen Candice discovered her and adopted her."

"And that was the beginning of a new life for me," Rachel said as she walked up.

"Princess Rachel," Cedric acknowledged as he and Corbett bowed.

"Gentlemen," Rachel returned the acknowledgment. "The Witch Revolutionary Front was the reason me and my friends were in Bukaria. Crimson Force had intelligence that the Witch Revolutionary Front had a base of operations there."

"Crimson Force, Princess?" Cedric asked.

"An elite security force operating out of Cinnibar, recognized by all Ever Realm kingdoms," Rachel explained. "We were doing undercover reconnaissance when we stumbled across you."

"Then, you finding me was an accident," Cedric theorized.

"Yes," Rachel confirmed. "We made arrangements for a nearby Crimson Force ship to transport you to Cinnibar. Sorry for knocking you unconscious. No hard feelings, I hope?"

"I put up a fight, Princess," Cedric acknowledged. "You did what you had to do. And my capture brought me the chance to redeem myself. For that, I am quite grateful, Princess."

"I hope we can put this behind us, Mister Cedric?" Rachel asked, hopeful. "I for one would like your life here at Ornburgh Castle to be a pleasant one."

"Consider it put behind us, Princess," Cedric smiled as he and Rachel shook hands. "I could ask, if I may? Why didn't Queen Candice take over as the royal sorceress of Ornburgh? She's quite powerful, magically speaking."

"I'm sure my mom would appreciate your praise," Rachel smiled back. "The truth be told, my mom already has her dream position - as head of Ornburgh Intelligence."

"Ah, I see," Cedric acknowledged, pleased. "Everything works out in the end ... for all of us."

"Exactly," Rachel agreed.

As Corbett continued instructing Cedric on the latest royal sorcery protocol, Rachel walked back to Candice.

"Mission accomplished, Mom," Rachel winked. "Mister Cedric bought the story about why I was in Bukaria hook, line, and sinker."

"Good," Candice acknowledged, pleased. "As long as we're careful about keeping our Voyager and Tardis activities from Cedric, everything should work out fine."

"Ladies," Dorrie greeted as she walked up. "We discussed slight modifications to Rachel's Tardis control room. You'll want to see for yourself."

Dorrie, Candice, and Rachel walked into the castle and down into a room in the basement area where Candice's Tardis and Rachel's Tardis were stored. The three walked into Rachel's Tardis and found themselves in the control room. The control room appeared to be the same as it was.

"Look closely," Dorrie advised. "The Tardis console is now light blue instead of gray, and the Tardis console now has a more advanced time rotor. In addition, there's a new viewscreen, and the Tardis console now had a switch to prevent the Tardis from taking off on its own."

"Nice job, Dorrie," Candice praised.

"I can't take credit," Dorrie confessed. "It was like this when I walked in a little while ago."

Rachel's Tardis console then made some beeping noises as Rachel listened.

"Ah!" Rachel acknowledged. "I see, old friend. Thank you."

"What did she say?" Candice asked regarding Rachel's Tardis.

"She said she apologizes for taking me and my friends to Bukaria," Rachel revealed. "To make it up to me, she made some changes to the Tardis control room."

"I like the new time rotor," Candice praised. "The blue light tubes inside the rotor are a nice touch."

"The rotor is like a mini version of the rotor used by the eleventh and twelfth Doctors," Dorrie added. "Very impressive."

Rachel's Tardis console made some more beeping noises.

"She says the switch to prevent her from taking off on her own is set to the on position," Rachel translated. "The only way to deactivate it is for somebody to manually switch it off. She can't switch it off on her own. And again, she apologizes for the Bukaria trip."

"Well, no harm was done," Candice admitted about the trip. "And I can understand why you took Rachel and her friends there. I accept your apology."

Once again, Rachel's Tardis console made some beeping noises.

"She says thank you," Rachel again translated.

"Very impressive," Violet said, impressed, as she walked in. "Sofia is upstairs."

"Then we've better get up there," Candice acknowledged.

In a few minutes, the group walked up to the castle sitting room where Sofia was waiting.

"Ah!" Sofia smiled. "There you are."

"Just taking care of some personal business," Candice greeted Sofia.

"I understand you'll teach me what's involved in being an Auror, Sultana," Rachel remarked to Sofia.

"Yes," Sofia happily acknowledged. "And just call me Sofia."

"You're an adult, and I'm a teenager," Rachel pointed out. "I don't think that would be appropriate."

"It's okay," Candice gently directed Rachel. "Sofia has requested you call her by her first name, and in this case it's appropriate."

"Then Sofia it is," Rachel agreed.

"Excellent," Sofia smiled.

At that moment, a maid brought in some tea and lemon coconut bars.

"Are these what I think they are?" Sofia asked, eyeing the bars.

"Yes, they are," Candice happily confirmed. "Lemon coconut bars."

"Oh, these bring back memories," Sofia fondly remembered. "I remember when you and Dorrie would make these for my mom or Amber when they had friends over."

"They were always a joy to make," Dorrie happily remembered.

"And I've been teaching Rachel how to make them," Candice revealed. "This batch is by Rachel's hand."

"Then I shall have to try one," Sofia responded as she tried one of the bars. "My God! This is absolutely delicious. Rachel has the makings of a fine confectioner."

"Thank you, Sofia," Rachel acknowledged, pleased.

"Let's all sit down and get reacquainted," Sofia suggested. "It's been a while."

As Sofia, Rachel, Candice, Dorrie, and Violet enjoyed the tea and lemon coconut bars, they had a pleasant conversation. It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday. Everything was right with the Ever Realm.

(End of Chapter 32).

Behind the scenes

In this installment of "Behind the Scenes", the recipe for lemon coconut bars compliments of jolly roger brat.

Lemon Coconut Bars

¾ cup butter or margarine
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
½ cup bottled lemon juice
1 cup coconut
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter or margarine, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir in vanilla extract and flour. Press into 9x13 baking pan. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Beat eggs slightly. Add sugar and beat until thick. Add lemon juice and coconut. Pour on baked crust. Bake 30 minutes longer. Sprinkle top with powdered sugar when cool. Makes 24 bars.

Author's notes

Angela, May, Patrick, and Shelagh Turner are slightly older versions of the same characters from "Call the Midwife". Yes, I took artistic license regarding Angela and May having magical powers, but considering we don't really know much about Angela and May's birth families, it's not outside the realm of possibility.

Auror, Auror Office, Azkaban, and Ministry of Magic are all from "Harry Potter".

Commissioner Diana Spencer originally appeared in Chapter 49 of my story "Dorrie". See that chapter for her origins as a Voyager.

Confectioner: a person whose occupation is making candy and other sweets.

Cybermen, Daleks, Sontarins, Tardis, Time Lady, and Time Lords are all from "Doctor Who".

Gayle Lovegood is originally from my stories "Dorrie", "Dorrie: Book Two", and "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia", and is an ancestor of Luna Lovegood from "Harry Potter".

Having Rachel and company come across Cedric is based on an idea by CarlaSwenKnight108.

Hikari is an alternate universe version of Hikari from "Digimon: Digital Monsters". Having Hikari appear in this story was the idea of Shaddowridder221. I decided to use Hikari's original Japanese name of Hikari to avoid confusion with Princess Kari from "Sofia the First".

Lydia is from GradGirl2010's stories "My Sister's Keeper", "My Sister's Teacher", and "My Sister's Acceptance", and is used in my stories with the permission of GradGirl2010. Readers of my stories will remember that Lydia (in my stories) is Queen of the Kingdom of Lacorinth (being married to King Graham of Lacorinth), and is also the royal sorceress of Lacorinth.

Omni, Voyager, and Voyager Command are all from the "Voyagers!" TV series.

Maleficent is from (in order of appearance) "Sleeping Beauty", "Maleficent", "Disney Descendants", and "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil".

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

Queen Scarlett's daughter, Skylar, is an original character created by Jake H Voronkov for my stories (the fact that Scarlett's daughter, and Elena of Avalor's Jaguin, share the same name is simply an interesting quirk of fate).

The Kingdom of Bukaria is a kingdom I created for this chapter.

The Kingdom of Cariza is from "Elena of Avalor".

The Kingdom of Cinnibar is a kingdom created by Jake H Voronkov and is used in my stories with permission from Jake H Voronkov.

The Kingdom of Enchancia is from "Sofia the First".

The Kingdom of Ornburgh is where Prince Frederick and his family lived in "Sofia the First". The kingdom was never given a name in "Sofia the First", so I named it Ornburgh.

The Scarlett Warrior (A.K.A. Priscilla) (A.K.A. Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett Katherine Felchenerow) is a character created by Jake H Voronkov and is used in my stories with permission from Jake H Voronkov.

Disclaimer

"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.

Lydia is the property of GradGirl2010 and is used in my stories with the permission of GradGirl2010.

"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 Jake H Voronkov are the property of Jake H Voronkov and are used in my stories with the permission of Jake H Voronkov.

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

I only own Constance, Corbett, Crimson Force, Gayle Lovegood, King Everett, Lucas, Princess Cassie, Princess Dorrie, Princess Holly, Princess Kendra, Princess Rachel, Princess Ying, Queen Candice, the Kingdom of Bukaria, Truth seeker stone, and the Witch Revolutionary Front (WRF).