Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic
Song in this chapter: "Back in the Saddle Again".
Chapter 4: Dark Times
The great sickness of 1867. The sickness that had raged across the Ever Realm and had made its way to Enchancia. The sickness that had taken many lives including the lives of Lucinda's birth parents. Now, in 1871, a similar sickness was making its presence known in the Ever Realm. It was once again a period of dark times.
November 13, 1871
It was a Monday morning at Enchancia Castle. In King Roland's study, Roland was meeting with Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, Baileywick, and Miranda.
"This new illness is spreading across Enchancia at an alarming rate," Baileywick reported. "Symptoms include fever, chills, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, and congestion."
"My God!" Dorrie thought to herself in worry, with her Voyager knowledge of the future kicking in. "This could well be an 1870s version of Covid."
"Are you okay, Dorrie?" Miranda asked in concern.
"Yes, Queen Miranda," Dorrie responded. "Just worried about this illness that is going around."
"I'm worried as well," Roland revealed. "We'll need to take precautions. We don't want a repeat of 1867."
"Should we bring Candice back?" Dorrie wanted to know.
"Considering what is going on, Candice is probably safer where she is at," Roland answered. "Let her finish her vacation."
"What precautions should we be taking, Dad?" Sofia asked, concerned.
"Well, we have 1867 as a guidebook," Roland started. "When in public, people should wear face masks to limit the spread of the disease, as well as standing six feet apart to further limit the spread of the disease. We can't be too careful."
"Agreed," Lucinda spoke up. "We don't want to lose lives this time around."
"We'll try our best not to let that happen," Miranda gently said as she got up and gently hugged Lucinda. Miranda knew that Lucinda was still remembering the loss of her birth parents back during the 1867 illness.
"Thanks, Mom," Lucinda said gratefully as she leaned into Miranda's touch.
At that moment, Miss Nettle floated into the room.
"With your permission, King Roland, I'll like to start work on finding a cure for this current sickness," Nettle requested.
"You have my permission, Miss Nettle," Roland gratefully agreed. "Is there anything you need?"
"I have almost all the ingredients I could need," Nettle reported. "But, I could use an assistant. Might I request Princess Lucinda? Her knowledge of plants would be quite helpful."
"I'll be more than happy to help," Lucinda agreed.
"That's settled, then," Roland acknowledged. "I'll have some blood samples from those affected sent to your lab, Miss Nettle. Then you and Lucinda can get started."
In the servants' area of the castle, eleven-year-old Hikari was getting to know the castle kids (fourteen-year-old Calista, twelve-year-old Marie, eleven-year-old Elizabeth, eleven-year-old Kiera, eleven-year-old Catalina, and eleven-year-old Timothy).
"Let's get a snack," Marie suggested. "The servants' area always has a wide variety of things to choose from."
"Sounds good," Hikari smiled.
Everybody sat down at a long table after getting their snacks.
"So, what do you do around here?" Hikari asked of Marie.
"Elizabeth and I are maids," Marie answered.
"Catalina and I are being taught by Constable Miles to be guards," Kiera spoke up.
"I'm an apprentice cook," Timothy added.
"And you?" Hikari asked Calista.
"I'm a royal magician," Calista answered. "With the current illness that's going around, that's pretty much put on hold right now. Sofia and Lucinda let me help out in their workshop. It's ever so much fun."
"I'm supposed to start attending Royal Prep," Hikari started. "But, because of the illness going around, Royal Prep's been closed for the time being."
"The same thing is going on at Hexley Hall," Elizabeth reported.
"Hexley Hall?" Hikari wanted to know, before remembering. "Oh, yes. The magical school."
"I miss Hexley Hall," Catalina commented. "I hope things get back to normal soon."
"You miss the Hexley Hall library," Kiera kidded Catalina.
"Busted," Catalina smiled. "I love reading. Lucky for me, the castle has an impressive library of its own."
"We have a library?" Hikari wanted to know, excited.
"Oh, yes," Timothy happily responded. "Abby's mother is the castle librarian."
"I can show you around the library, Princess Hikari," Catalina offered. "It has a wide variety of books, plus it also has the latest newspapers and magazines. You'll love it."
"I'd like that," Hikari agreed. "And just call me Hikari. That goes for all of you."
"Then Hikari it is," Catalina acknowledged as Queen Miranda walked in. "Of course, during formal occasions, we'll address you as Princess Hikari."
"There's no need to be formal," Miranda happily pointed out. "You're all young people who are becoming friends. Friends don't need titles. And I'm happy that Hikari has all of you in her corner."
Calista, Elizabeth, Marie, Kiera, Catalina, and Timothy smiled in gratitude.
Elsewhere in the castle, Sofia was walking down a hallway with Dorrie when Baileywick ran up.
"What is it, Baileywick?" Sofia asked, concerned.
"It's Princess Jade's mother - her condition has gotten worse," Baileywick reported. "It appears she is close to death."
Sofia and Dorrie gasped in shock at the news.
"Your father has arranged a carriage to take you to the Satu embassy in Dunwiddie," Baileywick informed Sofia. "But, due to the nature of the situation, he doesn't want you going alone."
"I'll go with Sofia," Dorrie spoke up.
"Very good," Baileywick acknowledged, relieved.
"Please inform the carriage driver that Dorrie and I will be out shortly," Sofia instructed Baileywick, before turning to Dorrie. "Let's get our face masks."
"I'll get mine, and be with you shortly," Dorrie said as she quickly walked away.
In a little while, Sofia and Dorrie had reached the Satu embassy. As they climbed off of the carriage, a male guard from the embassy raced up.
"Princess Sofia, Lady Dorrie," the guard began, sadly. "I'm afraid I have bad news. Princess Jade's mother died a few minutes ago. There was nothing we could do."
"Oh my God!" Sofia and Dorrie gasped in shock.
"Where is Princess Jade?" Sofia wanted to know.
"She's in her mother's room," the guard answered. "She's grief-stricken, and doesn't want to leave her mother's body."
"Lady Dorrie and I will go up and see what we can do," Sofia informed the guard.
In a few minutes, Sofia and Dorrie walked into the room where nineteen-year-old Jade was crying over her mother's body.
"Oh, Mom ... Mom," Jade sobbed.
"Jade," Sofia gently announced herself. "I'm so sorry."
Jade rushed over to Sofia and started crying as Sofia held Jade.
"She's gone, Sofia!" Jade cried out.
"She's not truly gone, Jade," Sofia comforted Jade. "She'll always be around ... in our memories."
At that point, a male guard walked into the room.
"Excuse me for intruding, Princess Jade," the guard apologized. "The mortician is here for your mother's body."
"Please, no," Jade said in grief.
"We have to let her go," Sofia gently said to Jade. "We'll see her again at the funeral. Let's go to the embassy sitting room and sit you down."
"I'll come with you," Dorrie spoke up. "I can give a hand to the embassy staff as they attend to those gathered."
Sofia gently walked Jade out of the room as Dorrie followed. Jade then slowly turned around to take one more look at her mother's body. "Goodbye, Mom," Jade sadly said before walking away with Sofia and Dorrie.
Elsewhere in Dunwitty, at the home where Miss Elodie lived with her thirteen-year-old adopted daughter (Lisa), Miss Elodie was seated at Lisa's bedside where Lisa was sick with the illness. Lisa was asleep. Miss Elodie then looked up toward Heaven.
"Please, God," Miss Elodie pleaded. "Please don't take my daughter."
"Lisa's not going anywhere, Gloriana," a man's voice gently said from the other side of the room.
"Who are you?" Miss Elodie asked the man, puzzled. The man's body then started glowing with a soft white light.
"My name is Andrew," the man answered. "I'm an angel."
"Please tell me you haven't come for Lisa," MIss Elodie cried.
"I'm not here for Lisa, or you," Andrew reassured Miss Elodie. "I just wanted to drop by and tell you that Lisa is going to recover from the illness."
"Oh, thank you!" Miss Elodie cried out in relief.
"You and Lisa each have a long life ahead of you," Andrew revealed. "Lisa does you proud. You might want to know that Lisa will eventually follow in your footsteps. When she grows up, she'll become a teacher ... like you."
Miss Elodie smiled in gratitude at the news.
"I've best be going," Andrew announced. "My best to the two of you."
Andrew then slowly disappeared into thin air.
"Mom?" Lisa called out as she slowly awoke.
"Lisa," Miss Elodie said as she held Lisa's hand. "How are you feeling?"
"A little tired, but better," Lisa reported. "Is there anything to eat? I'm a little hungry."
"I'll get you something, my precious Lisa," Miss Elodie smiled. "You being hungry is a good sign. I'll be back in a little bit. Will you be okay?"
"I'll be fine, Mom," Lisa said in a reassuring voice.
Back at the Satu embassy, the ghost of Jade's mother was walking the halls. She tried to get the attention of those passing by, but was unsuccessful since those passing by could not see or hear her.
"I guess this is what being dead is?" Jade's mother thought to herself.
"Hello, Emma," a man's voice came from behind her.
"Hello?" Jade's mother responded as she turned around. "You can see me?"
"Oh, yes," the man smiled. "My name is Andrew, and I'm an angel. I'm here to take you home."
"To Heaven?" Jade's mother asked.
"Yes," Andrew responded.
"I'm not sure I can leave," Jade's mother started. "There's so much I haven't done yet."
"Your family will be fine," Andrew said in a reassuring voice. "They will grieve for a while, but eventually they will move on. It's time for you to embark on a new purpose."
"What purpose?" Jade's mother wanted to know.
"You've been chosen to be a guardian angel for children and teens who are in need of guidance," Andrew announced. "You'll be working under me."
"I'm not sure I'm ready for such a thing," Jade's mother said, unsure.
"You're a mother," Andrew pointed out. "You already have experience."
"There's no going back, is there?" Jade's mother asked, hopeful.
"I'm afraid your life as you've known it is over," Andrew gently said as he held out his hand. "Time to come home."
Jade's mother took Andrew's hand, and an image of Heaven flashed into her mind.
"It's beautiful!" Jade's mother exclaimed in joy.
"More beautiful than one image could ever convey," Andrew smiled as he and Jade's mother slowly disappeared into thin air.
Early that evening
At Enchancia Castle, Dorrie was inside her bedroom with her Enchantlet in communications mode. Within the rope circle that the Enchantlet had created was a live image of Dorrie's Aunt Colette.
"Sorry I can't be with you right now, Dorrie," Colette apologized. "Cinnibar is under extremely strict lockdown since the illness hit. The whole kingdom is completely domed by the best forcefield Queen Scarlett and Hematite have ever created. It's been tested rigorously. No one can enter or leave Cinnibar."
"Sounds impressive," Dorrie said in awe. "I'll be happy when this illness is dealt with."
"As will I, Dorrie," Colette agreed.
In another part of the castle, in Miss Nettle's workshop, Miss Nettle and Lucinda were going over plans in their search for a cure for the illness. As the two talked, two visitors arrived at the workshop: eighteen-year-old Princess Nella of Castlehaven and eighteen-year-old Sir Garrett of Castlehaven.
"We have the Vodettle you requested," Nella announced. Vodettle was a flower with healing properties that was native to Castlehaven.
"We've brought two boxes of Vodettle for you to use," Garrett added. "Castlehaven is working on picking more Vodettle for your use."
"Thank you, Princess Nella, Sir Garrett," Miss Nettle acknowledged, grateful.
"We've arranged a guest bedroom for each of you," Lucinda said to Nella and Garrett. "We've also arranged supper for the two of you."
"Thank you, Lucinda," Nella said on behalf of herself and Garrett.
"It's the least we can do for you, considering you are helping us by providing Vodettle," Lucinda smiled as a male servant walked into the workshop. "This servant will take you to where your supper will be served to you. Afterward, you'll be taken to your rooms. I'm sure the two of you are tired after your journey from Castlehaven."
"Nella and I appreciate your hospitality, Princess Lucinda," Garrett said on behalf of himself and Nella.
"If you'll follow me, Princess Nella, Sir Garrett," the servant directed as the three left the workshop.
Elsewhere in the castle, Hikari had just left the castle library after being shown around it by Catalina. Hikari had found a book of interest and had checked it out, a novel called "Legend Of Enchanter Empire Book 1: Rise Of Mephistopheles". The novel was about the power-hungry warlock, Mephistopheles, who was threatening the Enchanter Empire. As Hikari walked down a hallway, she saw a man walking toward a wall. In a few moments, the man vanished into the wall.
"What the?!" Hikari exclaimed in shock.
"Oh my!" a man's voice came from behind Hikari. "You weren't supposed to see us until the time was right."
"Who are you?" Hikari wanted to know as she turned around.
"I am Sir Reginald Daxter Sircliff the Fourth," the man introduced himself. "You may call me Sir Dax."
"A pleasure to meet you, Sir Dax," Hikari acknowledged. "Why are you transparent?"
"Well, you see, darling," Dax started, "the fact is ... I'm a ghost."
Hikari was taken off guard by what Dax had just revealed.
"Please don't be frightened, my dear," Dax said in a reassuring voice. "I'm a friendly ghost. We all are."
"There are more of you?" Hikari wanted to know.
"Oh, yes," Dax smiled. "There's me, then my bat, Boo. There's also Queen Melinda, as well as Princess Lucinda's birth parents, plus Violet's sister. We all get along famously."
"Dax," a woman's voice came from behind Dax and Hikari. "I thought we all agreed we wouldn't introduce ourselves to Princess Hikari until the time was right."
"Princess Hikari saw me by accident, my Queen," Dax responded.
"Well, what's done is done," the woman said to Dax, before turning to Hikari. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm the ghost of Queen Melinda. I was King Roland's first wife."
"A pleasure to meet you, ma'am," Hikari responded.
"You're not frightened?" Melinda asked, concerned.
"No, ma'am," Hikari smiled. "The two of you are quite nice."
"I'm glad you aren't frightened of us," Melinda said, relieved, before turning to Dax. "Are you ready for our singing session."
"I am, my Queen," Dax happily responded.
"Singing session?" Hikari wanted to know.
"Yes," Melinda smiled at Hikari. "We get together on a regular basis and have a singing session in the attic."
"May I attend?" Hikari asked, hopeful.
"We'd love to have you," Melinda happily informed Hikari.
In a few minutes, Melinda and Dax had led Hikari to the castle attic where the rest of the castle ghosts were waiting.
"Hello," Melinda greeted her fellow ghosts. "We have a visitor this evening. Allow me to introduce Princess Hikari."
"Nice to meet you, Hikari," Boo greeted as he appeared out of thin air.
"Princess Hikari," Marla (Lucinda's birth mother) smiled as she approached. "I'm Marla Magwin, and this is my husband, Godric."
"A pleasure to meet you, young lady." Godric greeted.
"Marla and Godric are Lucinda's birth parents," Melinda informed Hikari before motioning a female ghost over. "And this is Megan Cooper, Violet's older sister."
"A pleasure to meet you, young princess," Megan happily greeted.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Hikari smiled.
"Let's say we get started, shall we?" Melinda suggested as she and the other ghosts stood together. In a few moments, they started happily singing.
"I'm back in the saddle again. Out where a friend is a friend. Where the longhorn cattle feed on the lowly jimson weed. I'm back in the saddle again."
"Ridin' the range once more. Totin' my old forty-four. Where you sleep out every night where the only law is right. I'm back in the saddle again."
"Whoop-pi-ti-yi-yo. Rockin' to and fro. Back in the saddle again. Whoop-pi-ti-yi-yay I go my own way. Back in the saddle again."
Hikari clapped in happiness as Melinda and her fellow ghosts took a bow. Then, everybody present heard somebody walking up the stairs to the attic. In a few moments, nineteen-year-old Amber walked into the attic.
"I thought I heard singing up here," Amber smiled. "Mind if I listen?"
"Please join us, Amber," Melinda happily invited.
As Melinda and the other ghosts prepared to sing another song, Amber walked up to Hikari and hugged Hikari. Melinda smiled at the touching scene.
November 15, 1871
It was a Wednesday morning in the Village of Dunwiddie. At the village cemetery, it was time for the funeral of Jade's mother. Since it was an official royal event, it was a tradition for representatives from each kingdom to attend. However, because of the current illness, only one representative from each kingdom would be allowed to attend, and face mask-wearing and social distancing would be enforced. Regarding Enchancia, it was decided that Sofia would be the kingdom's representative since she and Jade were best friends.
At Enchancia Castle, in Sofia's room, Dorrie was helping Sofia get ready for the funeral.
"Your gown, Sofia," Dorrie said as she brought out a black gown meant for such occasions.
"Such a sad occasion," Sofia quietly remarked. "As Voyagers, we knew this day was coming. But, you've been a Voyager far longer than I have. Does knowing bad things are coming get any easier over time?"
"Not really," Dorrie sadly remarked. "But, there are things that are meant to happen. I know that's cold comfort. Welcome to the downside of being a Voyager."
Dorrie helped Sofia into the black gown and proceeded to brush Sofia's hair. As Dorrie was finishing up, a knock came at Sofia's door.
"Come in," Sofia invited.
The door opened and in walked Baileywick.
"Your carriage is ready to take you to the funeral, Princess Sofia," Baileywick quietly announced.
"I'll be right there," Sofia acknowledged as she put on her face mask. Sofia then left with Baileywick.
"There are times I'd truly love to change history," Dorrie sadly thought to herself.
In a little while, Sofia's carriage had arrived at the cemetery in Dunwiddie. As she stepped off the carriage, Sofia noticed several royal representatives standing in the cemetery, each wearing a face mask and social distancing. Outside of the cemetery, citizens of Dunwiddie were standing, each wearing a face mask and social distancing. As Sofia was ready to walk into the cemetery, eighteen-year-old Ruby walked up to Sofia.
"Sofia," Ruby quietly greeted.
"Ruby," Sofia quietly acknowledged. "Shouldn't you be in medical school?"
"I took a few days off," Ruby informed Sofia. "My best friend's mom has died. I had to be here. Please pass on my condolences to Jade."
"I will, Ruby," Sofia promised as she walked into the cemetery.
In a few minutes, a white man in his 40s walked up. The man was Reverend Williams of the village church. As Jade and her father stood by the dug grave where Jade's mother would lay, Reverend Williams started speaking.
"We are gathered here to honor Princess Emma Chen, beloved wife of Prince Liang Chen, and beloved mother to Princess Jade Chen," Williams started. "Princess Emma was much loved here in the village, and will be missed very much."
"In this present moment, grief and memories live side by side in our hearts," Williams continued. "In the days and months ahead, grief can move from numbness and pain, settling to a deeper place in our hearts; so it may be that the memories of that which was best in her can shine forth more fully. Let us pause in silence for a moment, taking time to remember our favorite memories of Princess Emma's life. So we may honor that which was best in Princess Emma's life."
After a few moments of silence, Williams went on. "There is a finality in placing Princess Emma's remains in this place. Yet in so doing, we can release ourselves to grieve more fully, to feel more deeply, to remember more clearly, and to let ourselves learn to live out what was best in her life. Now we place these remains in the ground; what has come from the earth goes back to the earth; so the cycle of life turns yet again."
Jade and her father stepped forward, and each put a flower on Emma's casket. As Jade and her father stepped back, a few men gently lowered Emma's casket into the ground.
With the casket now in the ground, Williams concluded the funeral. "May you be at ease. May you be free from suffering. May you be healed. May you know the joy and lightness of being. May you dwell in comfort and compassion. May you be a source of comfort and compassion for all whom you meet. Go in peace."
After the service, royal representatives gave their condolences to Jade and her father. Sofia then walked up to Jade and her father.
"Prince Liang, Jade," Sofia started. "On behalf of Enchancia and myself, I want to express our sincere condolences on your loss. Princess Emma will be greatly missed."
"Thank you, Princess Sofia," Liang acknowledged, grateful.
"Ruby wanted me to express her condolences," Sofia added.
"Ruby?" Jade wanted to know. "Ruby's here?"
"Yes," Sofia answered. "She's standing outside of the cemetery with her mother."
Jade looked to where Ruby and Mrs. Hanshaw were standing. Jade smiled and waved Ruby and Mrs. Hanshaw over.
"We're so sorry for your loss Prince Liang, Princess Jade," Mrs. Hanshaw said in sorrow.
"Thank you," Liang said in gratitude. "Most kind. I'd like to invite you, Ruby, and Princess Sofia over to the embassy. We're having a small gathering of family and close friends over there. Jade and I would be honored if you'd attend."
"We'd be honored, Prince Liang," Mrs. Hanshaw said on behalf of herself and Ruby.
"I'll be more than happy to attend," Sofia added.
"Then it's settled," Liang acknowledged. "If the three of you will follow Jade and me, we'll get started."
A few hours later in the ancient Elvin community of Rivendell, Candice was relaxing in her tent when she heard footsteps approaching.
"Candice?" Professor Lowe called out. "Are you in there?"
"Yes, Professor," Candice responded. "Come in."
"Candice," Lowe started, "there's a guest to see you."
Lowe motioned the person to come into Candice's tent. It was eighteen-year-old Princess Dianna of Yensid.
"Dianna," Candice smiled. "It's nice to see you."
"I'll leave the two of you alone," Lowe said as he walked out of Candice's tent.
Candice and Dianna sat down on folding chairs while Candice's cat (Creamy) laid down on Candice's cot. Since Candice and Dianna were a little bit of a distance apart, the two were free to remove their face masks.
"I realize we have to wear these because of the illness," Diana said of the face masks. "I wear mine because the situation demands it, but I'm happier when I can remove it."
"Agreed," Candice admitted. "I hear they buried Princess Emma today. I would have liked to have been there, but King Roland thought it best that I stay here."
"Probably for the best," Dianna remarked. "Only one royal representative from each kingdom was allowed to attend due to social distancing rules. My father attended on behalf of Yensid."
"Princess Emma - may she rest in peace," Candice quietly said as she looked off into space.
"I may have something to cheer you up," Dianna announced as she brought out something wrapped in cloth and handed it to Candice. "I made some peanut butter cupcakes."
"Thank you, Dianna," Candice said in appreciation as she undid the cloth around the cupcakes. Candice then broke off a piece of a cupcake and handed the piece to Creamy. Candice and Dianna then each ate a cupcake.
"How is it?" Dianna wanted to know.
"It's good," Candice answered, pleased. "Did you change the recipe?"
"Yes," Dianna admitted. "I adjusted the cake recipe. It now has two sticks of butter and the option of adding more flour if needed."
"You're a good cook, Dianna," Candice praised.
"Thank you, Candice," Dianna acknowledged, pleased.
"I have an idea," Candice announced. "How about a cupcake toast to Princess Emma?"
"Sounds good," Dianna responded as the two each raised a cupcake.
"To Princess Emma Chen," Candice started. "A good woman. She will be missed."
A surprise for Jade
At that same moment in Dunwiddie, at the Satu embassy, Jade was in her room laying in bed. Jade was gently sobbing, still suffering from the loss of her mother. As she sobbed, Jade felt a presence in her room. Jade looked to see a man standing there. The man was surrounded by a soft white light.
"Don't be afraid, Jade," the man said in a reassuring voice. "My name is Andrew, and I'm an angel."
"An angel?" Jade asked, unsure.
"Yes, Jade," Andrew confirmed. "I'm here to bring you hope during your time of grief."
"My mom has died," Jade pointed out. "How can you bring me hope?"
"I'm here to show you that death is not the end ... but the beginning," Andrew said in a gentle voice as he motioned somebody to come into the room.
Jade looked to see a woman walk into the room. As the woman came closer, Jade could see the woman was in fact her mother, only surrounded in the same soft white light as Andrew was.
"Mom?" Jade asked in surprise.
"Yes, my dear Jade," Emma smiled. "I'm an angel in training. Andrew here is my supervisor."
"Your mother and I didn't want you suffering," Andrew explained to Jade. "We thought it would be best to let you know what is going on."
"Heaven is a beautiful place, Jade," Emma happily said. "You'd like it. But you have a long life to live first."
"I'll leave the two of you alone to talk," Andrew said to Emma and Jade before disappearing into thin air.
"Is this ... goodbye?" Jade wanted to know.
"I'll be watching from time to time," Emma reassured Jade. "I want to see you grow into the fine woman I know you'll become."
"Your supervisor said you were an angel in training," Jade started. "What are you being trained for?"
"I'm being trained to be a guardian angel for children and teens who are in need of guidance," Emma explained.
"That's right up your alley," Jade smiled, pleased, before turning serious. "I'll miss you, Mom. It won't be the same without you."
"I'll miss you too, my precious one," Emma acknowledged as she gently hugged Jade. "Be sure to be there for your father, as well as Ling Wei, Yue Lan, and Kim Lin."
"What about my training at Duel Academy?" Jade asked.
"Of course you'll need to continue your training," Emma approved. "Just be home during holidays."
"I'll be there for Dad, as well as my little brothers and little sister," Jade promised. "I'll also be home during holidays while attending Duel Academy."
"That's my good girl," Emma smiled. "I should be going. Are you going to be all right?"
"Knowing you're out there somewhere is all I need," Jade smiled back.
"I think it would be best if you kept my existence as an angel between the two of us," Emma requested. "Don't want people thinking you're nuts, do we?"
"No," Jade admitted.
"We'll all be together again someday," Emma promised. "Meanwhile, I'll stop in for a visit with you every so often."
"I'd enjoy that, Mom," Jade happily acknowledged.
Emma hugged Jade one more time, then stood up. "Until we meet again, my precious Jade."
"Until we meet again, Mom," Jade responded as Emma disappeared into thin air.
A wave of happiness washed over Jade as she looked up toward Heaven and smiled. Jade's mother had died but had also been reborn as an angel. The thought gave Jade great comfort.
(End of Chapter 4).
Behind the scenes
In this edition of "Behind the scenes", we have a special surprise from dbug27: Dianna's peanut butter cupcakes recipe.
Ultimate peanut butter cupcakes:
2 sticks butter
1.5 c peanut butter
1 and a quarter c sugar
1.5 c buttermilk
4 eggs
1 bag peanut butter chips and 1 bag Reese's Pieces chopped small
2.5 c flour
1 tsp each baking soda and baking powder
Combine butter and half the peanut butter in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until thick. Add sugar, then put the mixture into a bowl. Then immediately add buttermilk and rest of peanut butter and stir. Add eggs, baking soda, and baking powder (mix well). Add chopped peanut butter chips and chopped Reese's Pieces. Then add flour until the mixture is thick (you may add more flour if needed).
Put in prepared muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees until toothpick comes out clean. Makes 3 dozen cupcakes.
Author's notes
Andrew is an earlier version of Andrew from "Touched by an Angel".
Catalina and Kiera are originally from "Tangled: The Series" (also known as "Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure"). Readers of my story "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that Catalina (Red) and Kiera (Angry) showed up in Enchancia and are now living at Enchancia Castle. Readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will note that here in "Ever Realm Chronicles", the two are now using their real names of Catalina and Kiera at the request of Brigade701.
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 my story "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that King Roland is no longer allergic to Creamy, and Creamy is now allowed inside Enchancia Castle.
Duel Academy is from "Yu-Gi-Oh! GX", but adapted in this story for the "Sofia the First" universe.
Elizabeth West-Chadwick, Hematite, Kim Lin, Ling Wei, Marie Perkins, Timothy O'Toole, and Yue Lan are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
For more about how the ghost of Violet's sister is now at Enchancia Castle, see Chapter 44 of my story "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".
Gloriana is the first name for Miss Elodie that Jolly Roger Brat came up with for use in Jolly Roger Brat's stories as well as in my stories.
Having Hikari meet the castle ghosts was based on a suggestion by Jolly Roger Brat.
Having Nella and Garrett play a role in what is going on in this chapter was a request by Battlefieldfan. Nella and Garrett are originally from "Nella the Princess Knight".
Hikari is an alternate universe version of Kari from "Digimon: Digital Monsters". Having Hikari appear in this story was the idea of Shaddowridder221. I decided to use Kari's original Japanese name of Hikari to avoid confusion with Princess Kari from "Sofia the First".
"I realize we have to wear these because of the illness," Diana said of the face masks. "I wear mine because the situation demands it, but I'm happier when I can remove it" - having this line here was based on a suggestion by dbug27.
Kim Lin Chen, Ling Wei Chen, and Yue Lan Chen were all born shortly before Chapter 6 of my story "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". Ling Wei and Yue Lan and boys, and Kim Lin is a girl. The three are only four-years-old and would have been too young to attend Princess Emma's funeral.
"Legend Of Enchanter Empire Book 1: Rise Of Mephistopheles" is a reference to a story by SailorWednesdayMercury available for reading over on the Fiction Press website. Having Hikari read it (as a novel) was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Princess Dianna of Yensid is a character created by dbug27 and is used in this story with permission from dbug27. Princess Dianna of Yensid is from dbug27's story "a special princess".
Queen Melinda is a character created by Jolly Roger Brat. Queen Melinda is used in my stories with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat. Even though we now know Amber and James' birth mother's name (Lorelei, thanks to "Sofia the First: Forever Royal"), both Jolly Roger Brat and myself have decided to continue using Melinda as Amber and James' birth mother for consistency in our stories.
"Sorry I can't be with you right now, Dorrie," Colette apologized. "Cinnibar is under extremely strict lockdown since the illness hit. The whole kingdom is completely domed by the best forcefield Queen Scarlett and Hematite have ever created. It's been tested rigorously. No one can enter or leave Cinnibar." - this scene was the idea of Jake H Voronkov (who also provided the dialog for this scene).
The ancient Elvin community of Rivendell is from "The Lord of the Rings".
The death of Jade's mother is tied to events coming up in the next installment of MisuteriTenshi's story "From Villager To Princess To Duelist". Having Jade's mother be a guardian angel for children and teens who are in need of guidance was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
The Kingdom of Castlehaven is from "Nella the Princess Knight".
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 Yensid is a kingdom created by dbug27 and is used in this story with permission from dbug27.
The Scarlett Warrior (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. Meanwhile, the character of Colette (A.K.A. Lady Colette Cosmarune) is a character that I and Jake H Voronkov 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).
Voyager is from the "Voyagers!" TV series.
Disclaimer
"Bayonetta" and everything associated with it © PlatinumGames, Sega, and Nintendo.
Creamy, Queen Melinda, the first name of Gloriana for Miss Elodie, 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).
"Digimon: Digital Monsters" and everything associated with it © Akiyoshi Hongo, Bandai, and Toei Animation.
Elizabeth West-Chadwick, Hematite, Kim Lin, Ling Wei, Marie Perkins, Timothy O'Toole, Yue Lan, 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.
"Nella the Princess Knight" and everything associated with it © Christine Ricci, Brown Bag Films, Channel 5, and Nick Jr.
Princess Dianna of Yensid and the other original ideas from dbug27 are the property of dbug27 and are used in this story with the permission of dbug27.
"Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"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.
"Tangled: The Series" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"The Lord of the Rings" and everything associated with it © New Line Cinema, New Line Home Entertainment, Wingnut Films, The Saul Zaentz Company, and Tolkien Enterprises.
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.
"Touched by an Angel" and everything associated with it © Moon Water Productions, CBS Productions, and CBS Television Distribution.
"Voyagers!" and everything associated with it © James D. Parriot Productions, Universal Television (MCA), and Scholastic Productions.
"Yu-Gi-Oh! GX" and everything associated with it © Roadshow Entertainment, 4Kids Entertainment, and Konami Cross Media NY.
I only own Abby Cosmarune-Murphy, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Dorrie Cormarune-Cooper, Lisa Elodie, Megan Cooper, Professor Lowe, Reverend Williams, and Vodettle.
