Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic
Chapter 26: Help From Unexpected Places
November 8, 1872
It was an early Friday afternoon at Scarlett's palace in Cinnibar. Scarlett sat in her study when the window opened and in flew a peregrine falcon that morphed into a beautiful woman in a black dress.
"I had a feeling I'd find you here," the woman said as Scarlett smiled and turned to her.
"It's been a while, Alma," Scarlett smiled, standing up. "I see you've switched to basic black."
"I thought it was time for a change," Alma smiled back.
The woman standing before Scarlett was Alma Peregrine, a Peculiar with the ability to change into a peregrine falcon.
"So, what brings you here?" Scarlett asked, curious.
"News travels fast between loops," Alma stated.
"So, you know that Bethany and Louise Cooper are Peculiars?" Scarlett wanted to know.
"Yes," Alma confirmed. "I understand they are to be taught in the use of their gift."
"Headmaster Merlin at the Wendarby Institute has been teaching them after school as best he can," Scarlett revealed. "Merlin's been looking for a skilled Peculiar to take over their teaching, but finding skilled Peculiars is a difficult thing at best."
"Yes," Alma agreed. "The vast majority of us stick to our loops. It's safer that way."
"Ah, yes," Scarlett remembered. "Each loop is home to a colony of Peculiars who live out their lives there."
"How well you know us," Alma remarked.
"Are you here to have Bethany and Louise live in the Ever Realm Loop?" Scarlett wanted to know.
"No," Alma answered. "Their future lies elsewhere. What I am here for is to teach them how to use their gift. Who better than a skilled Perculiar to be a teacher to them?"
"You make a good point, as always," Scarlett agreed.
"I'm glad we agree," Alma smiled. "If you'll make the necessary arrangements with Headmaster Merlin, I can start Monday after school."
"Consider it done," Scarlett promised.
"Good," Alma acknowledged, pleased. "One more thing to cross off my list of things to do."
"What else have you been up to?" Scarlett asked, curious.
"Inspecting a loop located on the Boiling Isles," Alma explained.
"You have a way to get to the Boiling Isles through the Loop Network?!" Scarlett asked in shock.
"The Boiling Isles is home to a community of Peculiars," Alma revealed.
Meanwhile in Enchancia, in Hexley Hall's great hall, Doc was walking with eighteen-year-old Lita Mizuki. Lita had graduated from Hexley the previous school year and was now the school's Junior Tourney coach.
"I'm quite impressed with your Tourney skills, Doc," Lita praised.
"Thank you, Miss Mizuki," Doc responded, pleased. "I'm really liking Junior Tourney. Thank you for suggesting I join the team."
"Anytime, Doc," Lita smiled.
As Lita and Doc passed the Pepperton House table, they noticed Timothy slumped over, asleep, as other Pepperton students were trying to wake him up. Timothy then opened his eyes but was in a hyper-dream state.
"I'll protect you, Sammie!" Timothy said in a trance.
"Sammie?" Lita asked Doc, not understanding the reference.
"I have no clue," Doc responded, also not understanding the reference.
At that moment, Samantha "Sam" Cook walked over.
"I got this," Sam said as she turned to Timothy. "It's okay. It's me, Sammie. I'm safe."
"You're ... safe?" Timothy asked, puzzled.
"Yes, I'm safe," Sam said in a reassuring voice as she snapped her fingers, breaking Timothy's trance.
"Sam," Timothy acknowledged as he woke up. "I did it again, right?"
"Yes," Sam acknowledged. "But, you're awake now. No harm done."
"What exactly was going on?" Doc asked Sam, curious.
"Sometimes, Timothy has dreams about a past life the two of us had a very long time ago on the Mystic Isles," Sam explained.
As Sam and Timothy talked, Lita and Doc continued walking.
"Getting back to Junior Tourney, are you ready for tomorrow's away game?" Lita asked Doc.
"I'm ready," Doc confirmed. "I'm looking forward to seeing Ornburgh and taking on the Ornburgh Junior Dragons."
"That's the spirit!" Lita smiled at Doc.
Later that afternoon in Ornburgh, Dorrie and Candice arrived back at Ornburgh Castle after attending Hogsmeade Medical College. As they stepped off of their flying carriage, a man approached Dorrie and Candice.
"Official courier," Candice remarked to Dorrie.
"Princesses," the man addressed Dorrie and Candice. "Sealed information for you from Ornburgh Intelligence."
"Of course," Dorrie acknowledged as the man handed a sealed envelope to Dorrie and a sealed envelope to Candice.
"I'll need each of you to sign for the envelopes," the man announced.
Dorrie and Candice signed for the envelopes, then the man departed.
"We've better open these as soon as possible," Candice suggested.
"Let's go to the Tardis," Dorrie remarked. "We'll have privacy there."
Dorrie and Candice walked down to the basement of the castle and entered the First Story Keeper's Tardis. Once inside, Dorrie and Candice opened the envelopes.
"There's been crystal ball chatter from the WRF," Dorrie reported as she read the contents from her envelope.
"The Witch Revolutionary Front?" Candice asked as she started reading the contents of her envelope.
"The WRF keeps referring to tomorrow's match between the Ornburgh Junior Dragons and the Hexley Hall Junior Conjurers," Dorrie noted.
"Why would the WRF be interested in a Junior Tourney match?" Candice thought out loud. "Isn't the Junior Conjurers the team Doc recently joined?"
"Yes," Dorrie confirmed. "As a Left/Right Defender."
"It can't be good that the WRF is interested in a Junior Tourney match," Candice pointed out. "They could be planning something big at the match."
"But what?" Dorrie wanted to know.
"The Ornburgh Security Directorate is increasing security at tomorrow's match," Candice reported as she read the contents of her envelope.
"The match should have been canceled," Dorrie said, concerned. "But, that would go against Ornburgh policy on threats - never show weakness where an enemy is concerned. It's a source of kingdom pride."
"We'll have to keep our eyes open at tomorrow's match," Candice suggested. "Good thing we'll be attending the match in the royal box. Meanwhile, I have an idea."
"I'm listening," Dorrie acknowledged, interested.
The next day
In Ornburgh, just outside of the Village of Maltena, it was early afternoon at the local sports arena. Near the top of the arena was the royal box. Sitting in the royal box was King Jonathan, Queen Mira, Princess Lissa, Prince Frederick, Princess Dorrie, Prince Everett, and Princess Candice.
"I understand you know somebody on the opposing team?" Jonathan asked Dorrie and Candice.
"Yes," Dorrie confirmed.
"A girl we call Doc," Candice added.
"Oh, yes," Mira remembered. "She's the one who can bring toys to life, correct?"
"Yes," Dorrie answered.
"I imagine the two of you must be torn between which team to cheer for," Jonathan theorized.
"To be honest, yes," Candice admitted as Dorrie nodded her head in agreement.
"Well, that's easy to solve," Jonathan smiled. "You can cheer for each team's scoring. That way, you'll be loyal to our team, and show respect for our rival at the same time."
"It's really a tried and true diplomatic remedy," Mira added. "It gives both teams the respect they deserve."
At that moment, a male announcer stepped onto the field.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer started. "Let's welcome our home team, the Ornburgh Junior Dragons."
People in the stands clapped and cheered as the Ornburgh Junior Dragons stepped onto the field.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer continued. "Let's welcome the visiting team, the Hexley Hall Junior Conjurers from Enchancia."
People in the stands clapped and cheered as the Hexley Hall Junior Conjurers stepped onto the field. In the royal box, King Jonathan stood up.
"Welcome Junior Dragons and Junior Conjurers," Jonathan greeted. "We're very happy to have you here. Let the match begin."
As the announcer stepped off of the field, the players from both teams took their positions on the field. In a few moments, the Tourney match began. For the first few minutes, both teams expertly played against each other, with both teams being equally matched. Suddenly, there was an explosion off to the side of the field as people in the stands cried out in shock. At that same moment, Ornburgh security personnel raced onto the field as both Tourney teams were ordered away from the field. In the royal box, the Ornburgh royal family looked upon the sight in shock as a half dozen witches on broomsticks flew up and pointed their wands at those in the royal box.
"Everybody stay seated and you won't get hurt," one of the witches ordered as another witch looked at Candice.
"Well, well, well," the witch looking at Candice cackled. "If it isn't Princess Candice. The one who declined an offer to join our ranks."
"You know my feelings toward people like you," Candice responded in disgust.
"You arrogant Batarka!" the witch barked as she pointed her wand at Candice.
"Enough!" another witch warned. "We want the royals as insurance ... not dead."
As the group of witches held the royals at bay, another witch walked onto the playing field.
"We are the Witch Revolutionary Front," the witch announced to the stunned onlookers. "We exist to bring witches back to their rightful place in society. Our demands will be met, or the Ornburgh royals will pay the price."
The security personnel on the playing field stepped back in shock. Meanwhile, in the royal box, Candice looked down at the playing field and caught the eye of a woman standing on the sidelines. The woman looked back at Candice and nodded in understanding.
"Sit back in your seat!" one of the witches barked at Candice.
"Whatever," Candice acknowledged.
The woman who Candice was looking at, wearing a cloak, stepped out onto the playing field and started walking toward the witch addressing the crowd. A few witches on broomsticks flew toward the woman. The woman then produced a sword and quickly cut down the witches.
"Get down there and take care of that woman!" one of the witches at the royal box ordered four of the witches at the royal box. As the four witches flew down to the playing field, only the witch giving orders and another witch remained to guard the royals. Dorrie and Candice stood up.
"Back in your seats!" the witch ordered.
Dorrie and Candice raised their Enchantlets and fired upon the two witches. The lassos from the Enchantlets grabbed each of the two witches by the neck. Dorrie and Candice dragged the two witches into the royal box and disarmed the witches.
"As Protectors of the Ever Realm, we place you under arrest," Dorrie announced to the two witches who quickly surrendered given the circumstances.
On the playing field, the woman with the sword continued to cut down witches as Crimson Force agents rushed up. The woman then approached the witch who had been addressing the crowd.
"I am Dima Genevieve of Accord," the woman with the sword announced as some Crimson Force agents joined her. "Surrender immediately."
"I think not!" the witch spat at Genevieve.
Before anybody could stop the witch, the witch raised her wand to her head and shouted "Avada Kedavra". A green flash of light came from the witch's wand, killing her immediately.
"Die before being taken prisoner," Genevieve thought to herself. "At least you have some honor." Genevieve then looked up at the royal box. "Everybody okay up there?"
"We're fine," Dorrie reported.
Ornburgh security personnel and Crimsom Force agents rounded up the remaining witches and escorted the witches to jail. In the royal box, the two witches taken care of by Dorrie and Candice were taken away by security personnel. King Jonathan then stood up and addressed the crowd.
"The situation has ended," Jonathan announced. "Let the match continue."
Everybody in the crowd clapped and cheered as both teams returned to the field and the match continued. Both teams were equally strong during the match. By the end of the match, both teams were tied. Then, the Hexley Hall Junior Conjurers caught a break and scored the winning point as those in the stands cheered for the winning team. King Jonathan then stood up in the royal box.
"I'd like to give my best to the Ornburgh Junior Dragons," Jonathan started. "You did your best, and you can always be proud of that. I'd also like to congratulate our winners, the Hexley Hall Junior Conjurers. As is tradition, the winning team and their families will be treated to a fine celebration supper tonight at Ornburgh Castle."
That evening at Ornburgh Castle, the Hexley Hall Junior Conjurers, and their families enjoyed a fine meal. After the meal, an informal meet and greet was held. At one point, Lita walked up to Dorrie and Candice.
"Princess Dorrie, Princess Candice," Lita said as she curtsied. "A pleasure to see the two of you again."
"The pleasure is ours, Lita," Dorrie smiled. "Congratulations on your win."
"Thank you, Princess," Lita acknowledged, pleased. "There's somebody who would like to say hi to the two of you."
"Who?" Candice asked, curious.
Lita motioned Doc to come over.
"Doc!" Candice exclaimed in happiness. "It's so good to see you again."
"Princess Candice, Princess Dorrie," Doc smiled as she curtsied. "It's wonderful to see you again."
As Candice, Dorrie, Lita, and Doc had a pleasant conversation, they were watched by somebody who was invisible - sixteen-year-old Rachel, who was invisible thanks to a small device Rachel wore on her wrist.
"Good old Colonial Tech," Rachel thought to herself about the device she wore. "Good thing we were able to reverse engineer the technology. Being invisible really helps to observe history without being noticed."
Rachel smiled as she looked at Candice, Dorrie, Lita, and Doc happily talking. Rachel then left and walked into a vacant room where she became visible. Rachel then pulled out her Omni.
"Time to be leaving," Rachel thought to herself as she opened the cover of her Omni, and her Omni's green light flashed on. "Green light. Everything is normal here."
Rachel pressed a button on her Omni and disappeared into thin air. After passing through a time vortex, Rachel arrived in the Ornburgh village of Maltina which was close to Ornburgh Castle. Rachel opened her Omni and her Omni's red light started flashing.
"Red light," Rachel thought to herself, worried, as she looked at the dials of her Omni. "Maltina, October 15, 1877. My God! This is the day! The day my younger self arrives in Maltina!"
Rachel examined her Omni and discovered she had accidentally set it to automatic mode. Her showing up on this particular Monday morning was an accident. Or was it? It was often said that an Omni set to automatic mode would take its user to where he or she was needed most.
Rachel looked around and soon noticed a seven-year-old girl in the distance. The girl was a younger version of Rachel who had been on her own for a few months after her parents had been murdered by the Witch Revolutionary Front. It had been a rough few months for the younger Rachel, having to get by in whatever way she could - begging and living off of the land.
As younger Rachel walked into the village, she was tired and hungry.
"I can't continue like this," younger Rachel thought to herself in desperation. "Winter is just around the corner, and I can't survive on my own when Winter comes. Better to just turn myself in to the authorities and wind up in an orphanage."
Older Rachel's heart went out to her younger self. Older Rachel activated the device on her wrist and became invisible. Older Rachel then walked over to younger Rachel who was having trouble walking.
"You can do this," older Rachel said to her younger self.
"Who are you?!" younger Rachel asked in shock, not seeing anybody near her.
"A friend," older Rachel said in a reassuring voice. "A guardian angel if you like. I'll help you. You just need to walk a little further."
"Thank you," younger Rachel said in a grateful voice.
Older Rachel helped younger Rachel walk to the village square which was a short distance away. As older Rachel helped younger Rachel walk, younger Rachel became weaker and weaker.
"I can't ... go on ... much longer," younger Rachel declared in a weak voice.
"It's okay," older Rachel said as she comforted her younger self. "You lay down and rest. You're where you need to be."
Younger Rachel dropped to the ground, catching the attention of those nearby who ran up to help. Older Rachel, still invisible, stepped away from the approaching crowd. As some in the crowd tried to help younger Rachel, two royals raced up. The two royals were King Everett and Queen Candice.
"What is happening here?" Everett asked in concern.
"This girl just fell unconscious, Your Majesty," a woman reported. "It looks like she's seen better days."
"Let me check her," Candice requested as she examined the younger Rachel. Candice, being a midwife, had nurse training.
"Candice?" Everett asked, worried. "How is she?"
"Malnourished and exhausted," Candice reported, shocked. "We should get her to the castle where she can be looked after."
Everett motioned the driver of the royal carriage to bring the carriage over. As the carriage approached, Everett carefully picked up the younger Rachel.
"We'll take good care of her," Candice promised the crowd as Everett gently placed the younger Rachel aboard the carriage. Candice then stepped aboard the carriage. In a few moments, the carriage raced off to Ornburgh Castle.
As the carriage raced off, older Rachel stood nearby away from everybody as she became visible. Older Rachel then opened her Omni. The green light on her Omni flashed on, indicating that everything was normal.
A few hours later, at Ornburgh Castle, younger Rachel was laying in a bed in a guest room. Sitting next to her were Everett and Candice. Younger Rachel then slowly woke up.
"Where ... am ... I?" younger Rachel asked, puzzled.
"You're in Ornburgh Castle, young lady," Everett gently answered. "I'm Everett, and this is my wife, Candice."
"Everett? Candice?" younger Rachel asked herself. "You must be King Everett and Queen Candice. Your Majesty. My Queen."
Younger Rachel tried to rise from the bed to give a proper greeting to the king and queen but was stopped by Everett and Candice.
"You just lay down," Everett gently directed.
"You need to rest," Candice gently added. "How did you get this way?"
Younger Rachel explained how her parents had been murdered by the Witch Revolutionary Front when they refused to join the Witch Revolutionary Front. Younger Rachel also explained how her parents beforehand had told her to run when the Witch Revolutionary Front approached, and how she had spent the past few months living on her own.
"You poor thing," Candice said in sympathy as she held younger Rachel's hand. "Do you have any other family?"
"My parents were the only family I had, My Queen," younger Rachel sadly reported.
"What is your name, young lady?" Everett asked younger Rachel.
"Rachel, Your Majesty," younger Rachel answered. "Rachel Delphtor."
"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Delphtor," Everett smiled. "Get some sleep. You've had an exhausting journey."
"What happened to the girl that was with me, Your Majesty?" younger Rachel wanted to know.
"What girl?" Candice asked, curious.
"When I walked into the village, I was very weak, My Queen," younger Rachel answered. "Then, an invisible girl helped me walk into the village. She said she was a guardian angel."
"Candice?" Everett asked, puzzled.
"Divine intervention, or something inside of young Rachel helping her to get through this," Candice theorized. "The important thing is that she's here and we can help her."
"Indeed," Everett agreed. "Get some sleep, young lady. We'll check in on you later."
"Yes, Your Majesty," younger Rachel acknowledged as she fell asleep.
Everett and Candice left the room and walked down a hallway. As they walked, Candice turned to Everett.
"Everett, I know this is a lot to ask," Candice began.
"You want us to adopt young Rachel, don't you?" Everett wanted to know.
"Yes," Candice answered.
"Then we both want that," Everett smiled as he took Candice's hand.
The next few days brought an official investigation into what had happened to young Rachel. After it was determined that young Rachel indeed had no family, Everett and Candice made arrangements to adopt young Rachel. A week later, the adoption was made official and it was time for young Rachel to meet her new extended family. It was decided that an official dinner at Ornburgh Castle was the way to go. In young Rachel's room, young Rachel was getting ready as Everett, Candice, and Violet walked in.
"Almost ready?" Candice asked with a smile.
"Just finishing up, Queen Candice," a maid responded who was brushing young Rachel's hair.
"I hope I'm ready for this, Your Majesty, My Queen ... I mean, Dad, Mom," young Rachel said, nervous.
"You'll be fine, Rachel," Everett said in a reassuring voice.
"Just be yourself," Candice advised young Rachel.
"Thank you, Dad, Mom," young Rachel acknowledged, pleased.
"Time to be going down to the dining hall," Violet advised. "The others will be here soon."
"I'm not sure I'm ready for this, Grandmother," young Rachel said, concerned.
"Don't worry," Violet smiled as she hugged young Rachel. "They are going to love you."
Everett, Candice, Violet, and young Rachel walked down to the royal dining hall where young Rachel's new extended family was already seated.
"Rachel, meet your new grandparents on my side of the family," Everett smiled as he pointed toward former King Jonathan and former Queen Mira of Ornburgh. "This is my father, King Jonathan, and my mother, Queen Mira."
"Retired, my dear," Jonathan happily said to young Rachel.
"It's so nice to meet you," Mira smiled at young Rachel.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir, ma'am," young Rachel acknowledged as she curtsied.
"No need for that," Jonathan warmly pointed out. "We're family here."
"Thank you, Grandfather, Grandmother," young Rachel smiled. "I hope I live up to your expectations?"
"You do indeed," Mira smiled back. "Allow me to introduce you to our daughter, Princess Lissa; our son, Prince Frederick; and Frederick's wife and Candice's sister, Princess Dorrie."
"Hello, Prince," young Rachel nodded. "Hello, Princesses."
"Just call me Uncle Frederick," Frederick happily directed.
"And you may call me Aunt Dorrie," Dorrie smiled. "Welcome to the family."
"Welcome, Rachel," Lissa warmly greeted. "You may call me Aunt Lissa. We're going to get along famously."
"Thank you, Uncle Frederick, Aunt Dorrie, and Aunt Lissa," young Rachel acknowledged, pleased.
"And now for my side of the family," Candice announced. "You've already met your Grandmother Violet and your Aunt Dorrie. Allow me to introduce you to Grandmother Violet's husband, King Erik of Corona."
"A pleasure to meet you, King Erik," young Rachel acknowledged as she curtsied.
"No need for that," Erik smiled as he took young Rachel's hand. "You may call me Grandfather. I'm very happy to meet you, Rachel."
"Thank you, Grandfather," young Rachel smiled back.
"These are Grandmother Violet's other daughters, Princess Bethany and Princess Louise of Corona," Candice happily said.
"It's nice to meet you, Princesses," young Rachel happily nodded.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rachel," Bethany smiled. "You may call us Aunt Bethany and Aunt Louise."
"We're going to get along famously," Louise winked.
"Well, I think we're going to all get along nicely," Violet said with pride. "Let's have a fine meal and a fine night."
Everybody had a fine time and enjoyed a fine meal as they got to know young Rachel better. Meanwhile, at Voyager Command of the future, older Rachel was arriving via a time portal.
"Incoming Voyager," a female computer announced. "Incoming Voyager."
In a few moments, older Rachel appeared out of thin air at a Voyager Command arrival point. Waiting for her was older Candice.
"I guess I'm in for it now, Mom?" older Rachel asked older Candice, concerned. "Helping my younger self had to be against some rule or rules."
"Not really," older Candice said in a reassuring voice. "You were put into a unique situation, and you performed beyond expectations."
"But, I had contact with my younger self," older Rachel pointed out.
"Yes," older Candice agreed. "But, you were invisible, and your younger self never discovered who you were. Everything worked out well. Meanwhile, we have to get to a meeting with Commissioner Spencer."
"The other shoe is about to drop," older Rachel noted, concerned.
"Not at all," older Candice smiled. "You're about to become a first in Voyager history."
"A first?" older Rachel wondered.
"I've been given permission to tell you," older Candice began. "With how you handled your younger self, it has been decided that you'll be the first Auxiliary Voyager to receive a Transformation Manipulator. With it, you'll be able to change your appearance when needed."
"Wow!" older Rachel exclaimed, impressed.
"We've better get going," older Candice advised. "Commissioner Spencer wants to debrief you concerning what happened with your younger self. Not to worry - it's quite routine."
As older Rachel and older Candice walked to Commissioner Spencer's office, a blond-haired white woman looked at the scene and smiled. In a few minutes, the woman arrived at a Voyager departure point. As the woman arrived at the departure point, a female computer activated.
"Scanning," the female computer started. "Voyager identity confirmed. Miss Phoebe Figalilly. Upcoming assignment - undercover mission to the Wendarby Institute in November of 1872."
"Thank you, computer," Phoebe happily said in a British accent as she adjusted the dials on her Omni. "Time to be going, then."
November 11, 1872
It was a Monday afternoon at the Wendarby Institute. In Headmaster Merlin's office, he and Phoebe were having an official discussion.
"Well, Miss Figalilly," Merlin started, "I see you are highly qualified to fill the position of head housekeeper here at the Wendarby Institute."
"Does that mean I get the job?" Phoebe asked, hopeful.
"It does indeed," Merlin smiled. "I'd be very foolish to turn away such a highly qualified candidate."
"I'm sure we'll get along famously," Phoebe smiled back.
"I'm sure we will," Merlin agreed, before turning serious. "I do expect, however, a certain level of honesty from my staff."
"Whatever do you mean, Headmaster?" Phoebe responded, taken off guard.
"Your Omni," Merlin pointed out. "You've hidden it well on your person, but I can sniff out an Omni at a moment's notice."
"I suppose you wouldn't be the famous Merlin if you weren't aware of your surroundings," Phoebe acknowledged. "I suppose I should leave, considering I've been found out."
"That won't be necessary," Merlin said in a reassuring voice. "I would, however, like an explanation about why you are here. I can't find any mention of a Phoebe Figalilly in the current Voyager ranks."
"That's because I would not appear in the current Voyager ranks," Phoebe explained. "I'm from Voyager Command's future."
"I see," Merlin said as he sat back in his chair. "It's quite unusual for a future Voyager to jump her timeline."
"But not unheard of, Headmaster Merlin," Phoebe countered. "I'm here because the Voyager Council of my time wanted somebody to keep an eye on things here. This is, quite frankly, an interesting point in history, full of firsts ... including two Peculiars being connected to the House of Cosmarune."
"Ah!" Merlin suddenly understood. "Lady Bethany and Lady Louise."
"Exactly, Headmaster," Phoebe acknowledged with a nod. "We simply want to make sure that things go as planned with the two of them. Being head housekeeper here will put me in a position to keep an eye on things while staying in the background as it were."
"Yes, I can see where that would be an advantage," Merlin admitted.
"Then, we have an arrangement?" Phoebe asked, curious.
"We have an arrangement," Merlin agreed as he and Phoebe shook hands. "As far as I'm concerned, officially, you are our new head housekeeper. Any knowledge of you being a Voyager will stay between us."
"I appreciate your confidentiality, Headmaster," Phoebe responded, pleased.
Meanwhile, in an empty room in the Wendarby Institute, Scarlett and Alma were waiting when fourteen-year-old Bethany and twelve-year-old Louise walked in.
"Ah! There you are," Scarlett smiled at Bethany and Louise. "Allow me to introduce you to Alma Peregrine. She'll be your official Peculiar teacher from this point forward."
"Why don't you train us yourself?" Bethany asked.
"Because my friend here is a Peculiar. I'm a sorceress," Scarlett pointed out. "I can't train you in your gifts the way she can."
"I know we'll get along wonderfully," Alma smiled at Bethany and Louise.
As Bethany, Louise, Alma, and Scarlett talked, two men were watching the Wendarby Institute from a distance. The two men were followers of Drake.
"So, this is the Wendarby Institute," one of the men noted.
"Yes," the other man acknowledged. "Drake may no longer be here, but we can continue his work. This point in time is ripe for the plucking. We'll bring the other followers of Drake here, and then we can get started."
(To be continued in Chapter 27).
Behind the scenes
In this installment of "Behind the scenes", we look at what a Transformation Manipulator is.
A Transformation Manipulator is a small device implanted inside some Voyagers who would be famous enough to be recognized in certain time periods. The Transformation Manipulator allows the Voyager in question to change his or her appearance so he or she can appear as a completely different-looking person.
How does the Transformation Manipulator work? A Voyager who has such a device implanted inside his or her body uses his or her brain to control the device. Simply by thinking, such a Voyager can change his or her outward appearance. The change of appearance comes about as a result of the device projecting a realistic "new" appearance over the person's body (think of it as a wearable hologram that looks so realistic that nobody can tell the person's appearance has been faked). While the person's appearance is changed, the person's voice and clothing remain the same.
The Transformation Manipulator can store up to three "appearances" giving the user more than one choice to choose from. While the Transformation Manipulator is a powerful device, it can only be used for a maximum of twelve hours before it needs to be recharged using the body's electrical system.
Author's notes
As Candice, Dorrie, Lita, and Doc had a pleasant conversation, they were watched by somebody who was invisible - sixteen-year-old Rachel, who was invisible thanks to a small device Rachel wore on her wrist. "Good old Colonial Tech," Rachel thought to herself about the device she wore. "Good thing we were able to reverse engineer the technology. Being invisible really helps to observe history without being noticed." - the small wrist-worn device is a reference to a similar device worn by Colonial Warriors in "Galactica 1980".
Avada Kedavra is from "Harry Potter".
Alma Peregrine, loops, and Peculiars are from "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children".
Batarka: cleaned-up slang word used in place of swearing.
Dima Genevieve is an original character created by Brigade701 and is used in this story with the permission of Brigade701.
Doc McStuffins is based on the same character from "Doc McStuffins" but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe. Having Doc appear in "Ever Realm Chronicles" was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Drake, Omni, and Voyager, are from the "Voyagers!" TV series.
Gabriel Snyder wanted something of "The Owl House" in this chapter, so I came up with the idea of a loop being on the Boiling Isles.
Having Alma Peregrine visit Scarlett was the idea of Jake H Voronkov (who also provided some of the dialog for that scene). Meanwhile, I came up with the idea of having Alma teach Bethany and Louise about their Peculiar power.
Having Crimson Force appear in this chapter was the idea of Brigade701.
Having Dima Genevieve appear in this chapter was the idea of Brigade701.
Having Timothy dream about his and Sam's past life on the Mystic Isles was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury (who also provided some of the dialog for the scene). Meanwhile, I added on to the scene by having Lita be the Junior Tourney coach, and Doc being a player on Lita's team.
Having younger Rachel arrive in 1877 Maltina was a request by CarlaSwenKnight108.
King Erik Fitzherbert of Corona, and the House of Cosmarune, were originally created by Skyrimfan for Skyrimfan's stories "Lucinda the First" and "Rise to Power: Queen of Corona". Skyrimfan has given me permission to use King Erik Fitzherbert and the House of Cosmarune in my stories, and I have given Skyrimfan permission to use Dorrie and Candice in "Lucinda the First" and "Rise to Power: Queen of Corona".
Lita Mizuki was created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and myself.
Phoebe Figalilly is a younger version of Phoebe Figalilly from "Nanny and the Professor".
Queen Mira Beckenbauer of Ornburgh, and Mira, Royal Detective (from "Mira, Royal Detective"), are two different characters who are not related in any way, shape, or form.
Samantha "Sam" Cook and Timothy O'Toole are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Tardis is from "Doctor Who".
The Boiling Isles are from "The Owl House".
The conversation between Bethany, Louise, Alma, and Scarlett was the idea of Jake H Voronkov (who also provided some of the dialog for that scene).
The Hogsmeade Medical College is from Chapters 1, 2, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, and 23 of "Ever Realm Chronicles" and is something I created for "Ever Realm Chronicles". The Village of Hogsmeade itself is from "Harry Potter".
The Kingdom of Accord is from "Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S."
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 Corona is from "Tangled", and also from "Tangled: The Series" (also known as "Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure").
The Kingdom of Enchancia is from "Sofia the First".
The Kingdom of Ornburgh is where Prince Frederick and his family live. The kingdom was never given a name in "Sofia the First", so I named it Ornburgh.
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.
Tourney is from "Disney Descendants". I decided to come up with a Junior Tourney for younger players for this chapter.
Disclaimer
Dima Genevieve and the other original ideas from Brigade701 are the property of Brigade701 and are used in this story with the permission of Brigade701.
"Disney Descendants" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Doc McStuffins" and everything associated with it © Brown Bag Films, and Disney.
"Doctor Who" and everything associated with it © BBC.
"Galactica 1980" and everything associated with it © Universal Studios, and Glen Larson Productions.
"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.
King Erik Fitzherbert of Corona and the House of Cosmarune are the property of Skyrimfan and are used in my stories with the permission of Skyrimfan.
"Mira, Royal Detective" and everything associated with it © Wild Canary Animation, Technicolor Animation Productions, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.
"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" and everything associated with it © Chernin Entertainment, Tim Burton Productions, TSG Entertainment, Scope Pictures, St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Commission, Ingenious, and 20th Century Fox.
"Nanny and the Professor" and everything associated with it © ABC-TV and 20th Century-Fox Television.
Samantha "Sam" Cook, Timothy O'Toole, 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.
"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 Owl House" and everything associated with it © Disney Television Animation, Disney-ABC Domestic Television, and Disney Channel.
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.
"Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S." and everything associated with it © Boss Fight Studio.
"Voyagers!" and everything associated with it © James D. Parriot Productions, Universal Television (MCA), and Scholastic Productions.
I only own Batarka, Bethany Cosmarune-Cooper, Boiling Isles Loop, Candice Cosmarune-Beckenbauer, Crimson Force, Dorrie Cosmarune-Beckenbauer, Ever Realm Loop, Hexley Hall Junior Conjurers, Hogsmeade Medical College, King Jonathan, Louise Cosmarune-Cooper, Ornburgh Intelligence, Ornburgh Junior Dragons, Ornburgh Security Directorate, Pepperton House, Prince Everett, Princess Lissa, Princess Rachel, Queen Mira, Transformation Manipulator, Village of Maltena, and the Witch Revolutionary Front.
