Chapter 2: The Princess of Avalor
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I'm glad to see you all seem interested. Nice to see many people remember the Jing King of Bandits anime. I have quite a few surprises in store for this story and I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves in the beautiful kingdom of Avalor as Migs the jaquin was flying in.
"On your left!" Skylar said flying past him.
"Skylar!" Migs snaps.
"Look out!" Luna said flying past him.
"Luna! It's too early for these shenanigans." Migs groan.
"Oh, what are you so cranky about, Migs? The evil queen is gone, the majesty of Avalor has returned, and we are back on the flag." Skylar said flying up to an Avalorian flag. "Strike a pose."
"Come on let's go see if Princess Elena is up," Luna suggests as they flew towards the castle.
"No way, you two. It's bad enough you woke me up." Migs said following them.
Landing on the balcony outside Elena's room they saw the door was closed.
"Should we knock?" Skylar asks.
"Hey, princess you up?!" Luna calls out.
"Well, she is now." Migs mumble as the door opens to reveal a beautiful Latina girl with long brown hair and a red dress. This was Princess Elena.
"Well, good morning." Elena greets.
"Sorry if we woke you up Princess." Migs apologized.
"Woke me up? I barely slept last night. I mean, how are you supposed to sleep the night before you become queen?" Elena asks.
"So when do you get your crown?" Luna asks.
"Tonight at the royal ball," Elena said.
"We will be there," Skylar said.
"Uh, we were not invited, Skylar." Migs points out.
"Oh, you're always invited. I will see you tonight." Elena said making her way inside.
Grabbing a wrapped present, Elena was about to leave when she sees a spirit fox floating in the air in front of her surprising her.
"Zuzo?" Elena gasps.
"You can see me?" Zuzo said equally surprised.
"Uh yeah," Elena said as Zuzo disappears and reappears around the room.
"Can you see me now? How about now?" Zuzo said reappearing in front of her face.
"A little too closely, but yeah. Um, I thought I couldn't see spirit animals unless a wizard conjured them up." Elena said.
"I thought so too." Zuzo agrees.
"So why can I?" Elena asks.
"I have no idea. Do you?" Zuzo asks.
"Well, I have felt a little different since I was freed from the amulet," Elena admits.
"Now that you mention it you were in that amulet for a long time. Maybe when you got out you took some of its magic with you." Zuzo assumes making Elena gasp.
"So I'm magical now?" Elena realized.
"I'm just throwin' out guesses. But whatever's goin' on, it's all good, 'cause now, you can get an extra helping of animal spirit wisdom any time you like. In fact, I'm gonna hit you with some right now. If you don't get downstairs right away…you're gonna be late for breakfast." Zuzo declares making Elena smirk.
"Ha ha, that's spirit wisdom?" Elena mocks.
"Oh, go on. You don't want it to get cold now. Go on, go on." Zuzo urged.
Making her way to another room, Elena knocks on the door.
"Isabel. Time for breakfast." Elena calls out.
"I know." Said girl appearing behind her.
Turning around Elena sees a young girl with long brown hair and a blue dress. This was Princess Isabel, Elena's little sister.
"Oh wow, you're awake already?" Elena said surprised.
"How can I sleep after being trapped in an enchanted painting for 41 years? That's 14,965 days. There's so much stuff I wanna do." Isabel said before noticing the gift in Elena's hands. "Ooh, what's that?"
"Well, since I'm getting a crown today, I wanted to get you something, too," Elena said giving her the present.
Excitedly opening it Isabel finds a journal inside.
"A journal?" Isabel said excited.
"Yeah, and you can use it to design all your inventions," Elena said as Isabel opens it to see she wrote something in it.
"To my little sister, for your big ideas. Love, Elena." She read aloud before hugging her. "Thanks, Elena. You're the best big sister."
"But am I the fastest sister? Race you to breakfast!" Elena said running ahead with Isabel right behind her.
In the dining room, we see three people waiting at the table for Elena and Isabel.
One was an elderly woman in a pink dress, one was an elderly man in a formal blue outfit and the final was an adult man with black hair and a mustache. These were Luisa Flores, Francisco Flores and Chancellor Esteban. Elena's Grandparents and cousin.
"The food is getting cold Abulea," Esteban said impatiently.
"Oh, we can wait a little longer, Esteban," Luisa said when the two girls came running in laughing.
"On your left!" Isabel said running past a butler.
"On your right!" Elena said coming in from the other side.
"Racing through the palace? This is no way for Princesses to behave." Esteban points out.
"Don't worry cousin. After today Elena won't be a princess anymore. She'll be queen." Isabel said.
"Um…" Pausing their grandparents looked at each other with worried looks.
"Should I tell her?" Esteban grins eagerly.
"Tell me what?" Elena asks.
"Elena, you're not becoming queen tonight," Francisco admits.
"I was looking through the Kingdom's by-laws last night, and discovered that you are too young to be queen," Esteban explains.
"Uh too young? I was trapped in that amulet for 41 years." Elena reminds.
"But you did not age, mija. Technically you're still 16." Luisa said.
"Your grandmother is right. According to our laws, you must rule Avalor as Crown Princess until you come of age with the help of a Grand Council who must approve all your major decisions." Francisco states.
"I have to get permission to rule?" Elena cringed not liking this.
"Uh, not exactly. It's like having a group of advisors who can help you make the best decision." Francisco corrects.
"But look on the bright side," Luisa said.
"There's a bright side?" Elena asks.
"There's always a bright side. You get to pick the 4 members of your council tonight at the Royal Ball." Luisa said.
"And may I be the first to offer my grand counsel services?" Esteban recommends standing up.
"That's a kind offer, Esteban, but I don't think I need a grand council. I'm ready to rule now." Elena insists making her grandfather chuckle.
"This is how I know you're still a teenager. You think you're ready, but ruling a kingdom is not so simple. It reminds me of a story." Francisco said standing up and grabbing his guitar.
"It always does," Luisa smirks at her husband's antics.
There was once a king who lost his new crown
He frantically searched for it all over town
Alas, he did not hear the shouts as he sped
Of everyone saying it was right on his head
Oh, he thought he was ready to rule
But he still had some learning to do
If you listen up more than you speak
You will soon gain the wisdom you seek
So there's no need to rush
Keep your cool
And one day, you'll be ready to rule
Seeing what he was putting down, Elena decided to show her grandpa up at his own game and grabbed her own guitar to join in.
I fully intend to take your good advice
But the years I spent watching my dad should suffice
To teach me the things I should have down
Like how to know when I am wearing a crown
Oh, I know I'm ready to rule
Though you think I have learning to do
So I'll have to come up with a way
I can prove it to you on this day
Then you will see
When I'm through
That I am already ready to rule
As the two of them stop playing Elena looks up at a portrait of her parents the former King and Queen.
"Oh, Papa, how will I show them I can be as good a leader as you?" Elena asks when she noticed the city in the background of the portrait and gets an idea. "The city. Of course! Today, I will meet with all the city leaders, and make sure they have what they need to restore our kingdom to greatness. Can you arrange that Armando?"
Looking at the door we see the chunky, small man turn his attention to Elena.
"Uh, is the chief of the castle supposed to arrange such things? I'm still getting used to the job." Armando admits.
"I know everyone who's anyone in Avalor. I will take care of everything." Esteban assures.
"Then what are waiting for?" Elena asks before she began playing again.
I'll take charge like the leader
I know I can be
And take care of all those who are counting on me
Even though I hold you in the highest esteem
There's more to good leadership
Than it may seem
So I know I'm ready to rule
But you still have some learning to do
Now I really must be on my way
Even though I am begging you, stay
Soon you will see what I say is true
No, it's you who will see when I'm through
Oh, one day, you'll be ready
I am already ready
You almost are ready
I'll show you
I'm ready, so ready
To rule
"Good luck Mija!" Luisa calls out.
"I'll be back in time for the ball!" Elena said as Esteban and Isabel joined her in the carriage. "Let's go."
"Just to warn you Elena a lot has happened in the 41 years since you've been sealed away. The world has changed." Esteban warns.
"Oh don't worry cousin. With Shuriki gone there is nothing the world can throw my way that I can't handle." Elena smirks as the carriage drove off to the city below.
Little did Elena know on the outskirts of Avalor a small boat was sailing towards it.
Standing atop the sails a teenage boy around Elena's age with slightly tan skin, medium-length dark blue hair, a black shirt over a dark bronze jacket, and a purple bandanna around his neck.
Looking down below, we see a young boy around 11 years old with brown skin, messy green hair, a teal long-sleeve shirt, gray pants that had a few pouches on the belt, and a blue bandanna around his neck.
"Avalor dead ahead!" Flying in the black bird with the red bandanna flew in and landed on the teenager's shoulder.
"Uh, guys. We got a problem." The younger boy said.
Pausing both looked down to see the bottom of the boat had a hole and water was coming in.
"Oh no! Not when we're so close! What did you do?!" The bird snaps.
"Why do you always assume it was me?" The boy asks.
"Ugh, I knew we shouldn't have listened to that Postino." The bird whines.
Looking around the older boy had to come up with a solution fast.
Dropping down, he grabbed a bundle of rags and shoved them into the hole to slow it down.
"That's not gonna hold it for long." The boy said.
"I know." The older boy said before handing the boy their bags. "You first."
A half-hour later, as the boats were loading supplies, a bucket floated to the ship confusing the sailors.
Looking out they were surprised to see the two boys atop the crow's nest of their ship as it all but submerged in the water but it kept sailing until they stepped onto the dock.
"Excuse me." The dockmaster said approaching them. "It's one coin to tie up your boat at the dock."
Pausing the three of them looked to see there wasn't really much boat left.
"And I shall need to know your name." He said.
"What do you say to 3 coins and we forget the name?" The older boy suggests handing him the coins.
Seeing this a smile appears on the man's face. "Welcome to Avalor, Mr. Smith."
As the three of them walked away they noticed the man left his coin bag on the table.
"It's like they're begging for it." The boy mocks.
"Alright, guys remember to keep it to a minimum. At least not until we find what we're looking for." The older boy said.
"So this is Avalor huh? Hmm not as magical as the stories say." The bird said looking around.
"What do you expect Kir? That witch Shuriki sucked up all the fun for decades." The boy said.
"So what should we do first? Find a place to stay or get some food?" The older teen asks.
"I could eat." The boy said.
"Honestly Caleb next time can you pick a place with more chicks?" Kir said when the royal carriage pulls up nearby.
"Hey there's one," Caleb said as a girl with blonde hair and marine clothes approached them. This was Naomi.
"Hello, nurse!" Kir said with hearts in his eyes.
"Can I help you with something?" Caleb asks.
"Is that your boat down there?" Naomi asks pointing to the sunken sail.
"Don't worry about it. A friend gave it to us." Caleb said.
"Oh well, my name is Naomi and I wanted to welcome you to Avalor," Naomi said.
"Hmm a pleasure," Kir said leaning in.
"Whoa. Cool bird. Never seen anything like you before." Naomi said examining him.
"That's because sweet cheeks I am one of a kind," Kir said brushing back his head feathers making the two boys roll their eyes.
"You know anyone we can talk to about getting a boat for when we leave?" Caleb asks.
"Oh yeah, my dad's the Harbor Master. We can see about getting you something, but I should warn you it might cost a little." Naomi warns.
"We can handle it," Caleb assures.
Naomi was about to reply when a sailor approached her.
"Naomi we have a problem." He said getting their attention.
"Here let me get that for you princess." A young guard said opening the door for Elena.
"I haven't seen you in the castle before." Elena noticed meeting him for the first time.
"Yeah, it's my first day. I mean, it's my first day being your royal guard. I am Lieutenant Gabriel Nuñez. But you can call me Gabe." He introduced.
"Okay Gabe," Elena said getting off.
"Right this way," Esteban said following.
"There are so many ships," Isabel said amazed.
"A lot has changed while you and your sister were gone. Avalor is now the busiest port in the world. Merchants come from all over to trade in the marketplace at the Via Mercado. We'll go there next." Esteban said when a large muscular man approached them.
"Your Majesty, I am Captain Turner, harbor master. What can I do for you this fine day?" He asks.
"Actually, I came here to see what I can do for you. Is there anything you need to make the port run better?" Elena asks.
"Anything I need? Well, I suppose we could use a few more docks. A bigger lighthouse." Captain Turner said before continuing with his list.
"Wow, I feel like I should be writing this down," Elena said
"Here you are," Esteban said giving her a scroll and pencil.
"Dad! Another ship's gone missing!" Naomi said running in.
"I'm with the Princess, Naomi." He hints.
"Oh, even better. She should know what's going on. It's the third ship that's been stolen today." Naomi said.
"3 Ships in one day?" Elena said in disbelief.
"Well we also had one sink but that's another story," Naomi said.
"Wait which ship sunk?" Captain Turner asks.
"Ours." Turning around they saw Caleb, Kir and the little boy approach them when Elena noticed their bags.
"Oh, are you three visiting Avalor for a while?" Elena asks.
"Something like that. We were trying to figure out a few details when she ran off to talk to you." Caleb points.
"Sorry, but I'm about to lead a search party for Ships. Do you mind leaving and doing this later?" Elena asks.
"It's impossible to leave such a beauty even if she is telling us to scram." Kir flirts.
"Oh my what a nice bird you have there," Elena giggles.
"Kir at your service." Kir states.
"Excuse me, but we're new in town. You mind pointing us in the direction of the Royal Palace?" Caleb asks.
"Why do you ask?" Esteban asks suspiciously.
"Oh no reason," Caleb said arousing suspicion.
"What's your name?" Elena asks.
"I told you, already it's Kir." Kir raised his wing.
"We meant you two." Elena gestures.
"I'm Caleb, and this is my little buddy, Dante." He gestures.
"Hi there." Dante waves.
"Well, Caleb what's your field of expertise?" Esteban asks.
"I'm a Bandit," Caleb said casually.
"Oh a Bandit," Elena said before they realized what he said. "Wait, Bandit?!"
"Freeze! You're under arrest." Gabe said drawing his sword and pointing it at them.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Hold up!" Kir panics as Dante got behind Caleb and Caleb was using Kir as a shield.
"But I haven't stolen anything." Caleb points out.
"Yeah well you're planning to, aren't you?" Elena asks.
"Hmm maybe," Caleb smirks.
"Is that why you wanted a boat?" Naomi asks.
"Don't worry I was gonna pay you for it. Relax." Caleb assures.
"Elena this young man is clearly just messing with you," Esteban said stepping in. "No bandit in their right mind would admit to being one in front of so many people."
"He makes a good point." Captain Turner said.
"Princess we can't let him just go wandering around the city. If he is a Bandit he could rob this whole city blind." Gabe said.
"We can't arrest someone for a crime they haven't committed yet. Or can we?" Elena asks getting confused. "Ugh, can this wait until after I help search for the ships?"
"Just a moment, Princess Elena. It is time for you to meet with Doña Paloma, the magister of the trading guild." Esteban reminds.
"I can meet with her after I find the ships and deal with these new guests," Elena said.
"No, no, no. The Harbor Patrol will deal with the ships." Esteban said.
"I already sent out a search ship." Captain Turner said.
"See? Now as for this so-called "bandit," unless he starts causing trouble, we don't even have to acknowledge him. Not planning to steal anything are you?" Esteban glares.
"Not at the moment." Caleb shrugs.
"See? Your help is not needed. Elena, you said you wanted to meet with the leaders of the city, and Doña Paloma is the most important leader of them all. We cannot keep her waiting." Esteban said.
"Of course, you can. You're the one in charge. So if you wanna stay and help, stay and help." Naomi said.
"Hmm, I don't think it's as simple as that. Royalty comes with a lot of responsibility. You gotta know how to prioritize." Caleb said.
"Prioritize." Elena pauses considering that. "For now, let's have the Navy join the search. I'll come back right after I've met with Doña Paloma, I promise. And as for you." Elena said looking at Caleb. "If you really are a bandit please don't try and steal anything today."
"We'll see Princess," Caleb smirks.
"Can I stay? I wanna finish sketching the boats." Isabel calls out from her spot.
"Sure. Uh, Gabe, can you stay with Isabel?" Elena asks.
"It would be my honor." Gabe nods.
"Thank you. Esteban." Elena said as they both made their way to see Doña Paloma.
"Dante, why don't you stay here and rest? I'll go get us something to eat and then we can figure out our boat situation." Caleb suggests.
"Sounds good to me." Dante nods.
"Just wait until I get back before you try selling us anything," Caleb said as he and Kir walked away.
"Uh, the market is that way." Captain Turner said pointing in the opposite direction.
"Thank you," Caleb said turning around.
As Dante sat down near Isabel, Gabe was looking at him suspiciously when he reached into his pocket and pulls out a metal wire puzzle to solve.
"So…" Gabe turns his attention back to Isabel. "What was it like when your sister battled that sorceress?"
"Weird," Isabel said noticing something.
"Weird?" Gabe said confused. "What was weird about it?"
"No, that's weird." Isabel points.
Glancing up, Gabe and Dante notice several purple dogs running onto a ship.
"Why are all those dogs boarding that ship?" Isabel asks.
"Whoa cool. Maybe Caleb and I can sell one?" Dante said interested.
"Let's go investigate," Isabel said running to the ship.
"Hey back off! Don't ruin this!" Dante said running after her.
"Princess wait!" Gabe said following them.
Sneaking onto the ship, the three of them hid behind a barrel as the dogs changed into strange pig-like creatures.
"Whoa," Dante said in awe.
"What are those things?" Gabe asks.
"I don't know," Isabel said when one of the creatures noticed them.
"Get him!" The leader orders.
"Uh oh, busted," Dante said about to make a run for it.
"Don't worry I'll protect you both," Gabe said drawing his sword but the mysterious creatures surrounded him.
Minutes later, the three of them were tired to the mast.
"Wow, I feel so protected. Great job." Dante said sarcastically.
"Give me a break. It's my first day." Gabe whines.
'If this is their best Caleb and I could rob these idiots blind.' Dante thought.
As one of the creatures turned to the sails it took a deep breath making a gust of wind strong enough to move the ship.
From the docks, Naomi spotted the ship and gasped seeing the three hostages.
Meanwhile, at the market, we see Elena talking to a woman with a blue dress and a fan in her hand. This was Doña Paloma.
"And let me, Doña Paloma, personally make all trade deals from now on." She said as Elena added that to the list.
"Wow, that's a long list." Elena cringed as Doña.
"Oh there's more but we can discuss it tonight at the ball," Doña said when Elena noticed Caleb and Kir grabbing some fruits and some grilled kebabs.
"Hey there, you better not think of robbing these people," Elena smirks getting his attention.
"Are you kidding? With these prices? She's the one doing all the robbing." Caleb said making Elena giggle.
"He's not wrong," Esteban smirks finding that amusing.
"So Princess got any recommendations on what to snack on from this stuff? We haven't eaten for a while?" Kir asks.
"Hmm, that's an interesting bird. And he can talk? I don't suppose you'd be willing to negotiate a deal?" Doña asks interested.
"For you baby I—" Before Kir could finish Caleb covers his beak.
"Sorry Kir's not for sale," Caleb said.
"Pity. Pay up." Doña said making him pay for what he did want.
"Princess Elena! Another ship was stolen!" Naomi said running to them.
"What?" Elena gasps.
"Don't look at us," Kir said quickly.
"Young lady." Esteban scolds.
"And your sister and your little buddy were on it," Naomi said.
"Isabel?!" Elena gasps.
"Dante?!" Caleb and Kir gasp.
"And your guard. They were tied up." Naomi said.
"They just made a very dangerous enemy," Kir said as Caleb gave Doña back the food.
"Where did they go?" Caleb asks.
"I don't know," Naomi said.
"I will alert the navy right away," Esteban said before turning to another servant. "Higgins, alert the navy right away."
"I just got Isa back. I can't lose her again. What was I thinking? I never should have left the harbor." Elena panics.
"Pull yourself together Princess. You can blame yourself later, right now we have a boat to catch." Caleb said.
Pausing Elena tried to think of something when three shadows flew over them.
Looking up she saw it was the Jaquins.
"Skylar! Skylar!" Elena calls out getting their attention.
"Is everything okay, Princess?" Skylar asks as the jaquins landed near them.
"Whoa talking, flying cheetahs?" Caleb said surprised.
"Big whoop. I'm way cooler than those things." Kir mutters.
"No, my sister was taken," Elena said making them gasp.
"No." Skylar gasps.
"Isabel?" Luna gasps.
"Just when I thought things were safer." Migs groaned.
"Climb on, we'll search from the air," Skylar said as Elena got on Skylar.
"Elena, it is far too dangerous for you to go after boat thieves," Esteban warns.
"If I'm gonna rule this kingdom, I can't be afraid of taking on a few thieves," Elena said.
"Exactly." Naomi agrees.
"Naomi you're coming too," Elena said surprising her.
"Wait you want me to come with you? On one of those things?" Naomi asks nervously.
"Hello. We are jaquins, national symbols. You may have seen us on the flag." Skylar gestures.
"You're the only one who knows what the ship looks like," Elena assures.
"I'm coming too," Caleb said. "They took Dante and we are not letting them get away with this."
"Well lucky for you we have a third jaquin. Hop on it'll be fine." Elena said.
Soon they were flying through the sky and Naomi was not handling it well.
"This is so not fine!" Naomi screams riding on Luna.
"Hey watch the feathers, would ya?!" Luna asks.
"I don't know why you're complaining. This is awesome!" Caleb cheers as Kir flew alongside them.
"Oh yeah, flying is the best!" Kir said.
"Do you see the ship?" Elena asks as they looked out at the sea.
"No, but that's impossible, they just left," Naomi assures.
"Did you see who stole it?" Caleb asks.
"They were these weird purplish creatures. And one of them was breathing huge gusts of wind." Naomi recalls.
"Sounds magical," Kir said.
"Don't suppose you have any idea what they could be?" Caleb asks.
"No, but I know someone who might," Elena said as they turned the jaquins around.
Arriving at a house, the door opens to reveal a teenage boy with brown skin, dark hair, and a green robe over his clothes. This was Matteo.
"Princess Elena!" Matteo smiles.
"Matteo?" Naomi said surprised.
"Naomi?" Matteo said equally surprised.
"You two know each other?" Elena asks.
"We go to school together," Matteo said before noticing Caleb and Kir. "Uh, who are you?"
"Not important," Caleb said.
"I need your help, Matteo. It's an emergency." Elena said as Matteo led them downstairs.
"So what's with the bathrobe?" Naomi asks.
"Matteo is a wizard." Elena declares.
"Really?" Caleb said interested.
"In training," Matteo emphasized.
"Since when?" Naomi asks.
"Since always. I just always kept it a secret before. My grandfather wrote a book about all the magical creatures in the kingdom when he was a royal wizard." Matteo said.
As he climbed the bookshelf, Matteo struggled with a really heavy book and falls back luckily Elena caught him before he fell.
"Thanks," Matteo said putting the book on a table,
While the girls gathered around him, Caleb was eyeing the room looking for something else, and noticed a map of the forest area surrounding Avalor making him grin. Slowly reaching into his bag, Caleb grabs something and puts his hand on the bookshelf.
"So what did these creatures look like?" Matteo asks.
"Uh they were purple, with pointy ears," Elena recalls.
"And spots," Naomi said.
"Hmm that sounds familiar," Matteo said as Caleb joins them.
"Wait there they are." Naomi points.
"Noblins?" Caleb read aloud.
"Uh-huh. Noblins are magical shapeshifters. They can transform into dogs, and have the power to turn objects into gold." Matteo said.
"Ooh, baby I wish had that power. I'd be rich." Kir grins surprising Matteo.
"Uh is this yours Elena?" Matteo asks.
"Nope." Elena shook her head.
"Hey Wizard boy less questions more answers," Kir said pointing to the book.
"Look here. It says that the Noblins live deep in the jungle, and never stray far from home." Elena read.
"But if that's the case what were they doing in the city?" Caleb asks.
"Besides stealing ships," Naomi said.
"If they don't like leaving home then maybe that's where they're heading. The reason we didn't see them on the ocean was because they took them up the river. That's where we should look. Matteo, can you come with me? We might need some magical assistance." Elena said.
"I'm your wizard," Matteo said grabbing a tambourine.
As Elena left Zuzo appeared in front of her.
"Hey, I got some advice for you," Zuzo said.
"I'm sorry Zuzo I'm kind of in a hurry," Elena said.
"Well, that's part of the advice," Zuzo said but Elena ran past him.
"We'll talk later," Elena said.
"Okay suit yourself," Zuzo said before leaving.
As they all ran out nobody noticed 2 small creatures barely bigger than a cup running through the room.
Turning his head around Caleb smirks before following the others.
Meanwhile, on the stolen boat, Gabe, Dante, and Isabel saw the Noblin steering the ship down another path.
"Uh oh this isn't good," Gabe said.
"What isn't good?" Isabel asks.
"They're turning down a side river. The more twists and turns we make, the harder it'll be for anyone to find us." Gabe explains.
"Hmm, I have an idea," Isabel said when suddenly the ropes around them loosened. "What the? How did?
"Sorry didn't mean to interrupt but I undid most of the knots," Dante said.
"How did you do that?" Gabe asks.
"I have a few secrets," Dante smirks. "Now what was your idea?"
Flying down the river, Elena, Caleb, Matteo, Naomi, and Kir were on the lookout for the ship when they approached a fork in the river.
"Which way do we go?" Matteo asks.
"We could split up and cover more ground," Naomi said when Kir noticed something.
"Hey, what's that?" Kir asks pointing to a trail of paper floating in the water.
"How dare they litter our beautiful kingdom!" Skylar said.
"These papers are from Isabel's journal! She must be showing us the way." Elena said.
"But wait how is she able to do this while tied up?" Naomi asks but Caleb just smirked.
"Dante." Caleb smiles.
Following the paper trail, they arrive in a harbor to see the boat floating in the middle of the water.
"There they are," Elena said.
"So what's the plan?" Caleb asks.
"First we save Isabel, Dante, and Gabe. Then we get our ship back." Elena said before diving down.
"Yeah but how?" Naomi asks.
"Don't worry I have a few tricks up my sleeve," Matteo smirks.
"You've been wanting to say that all day huh?" Caleb asks.
"Maybe." He admits.
"Elena!" Isabel smiles as Elena flies in on Skylar.
"Isa!" Elena smiles hugging her sister.
"You came for me." Isabel smiles.
"I'm never losing you again." Elena declares.
"Dante." Caleb smiles dropping in.
"Caleb, Kir." Dante smiles.
"I knew they couldn't hold you," Kir said.
"Taught him everything he knows," Caleb smirks when the Noblins noticed they had escaped.
Reaching out Gabe grabs his sword. "Get on the jaquins. I'll hold them off until you're safe."
"Skylar keep Isabel safe!" Elena said putting her on his back.
"You got it." Skylar nods.
"What are you doing?" Isabel asks.
"Taking back our ship," Elena said turning to the Noblins. "As the future queen of Avalor, I order you to leave this vessel at once."
"I will not let my Noblins be captured again!" The leader said.
"Again?" Elena said confused.
Turning into a dog, the leader attacked them.
"Vetzi!" Matteo smacks his tamborita and a wave of magic knocks them all back.
Shaking it off the Noblins attacked them jumping all over Matteo's body.
"Hey let me go!" Matteo yells.
"Oh great now everyone wants a ride!" Migs said as several jumped on him.
Backing up, Luna and Naomi tried to avoid them.
"Nu-uh I know you're not getting on my back," Luna said.
Nearby Kir whacked one away with his wing while Caleb and Dante ran to the upper deck of the ship.
"Come on Caleb, let's sink this boat," Kir said.
"While we're on it?" Dante raised an eyebrow.
"You know what I mean. Let's cut our losses and ditch these guys." Kir said.
"We can't leave them Kir, they helped us find Dante," Caleb said.
"Oh fine," Kir grumbles.
"I'm serious, princess, you should go." Gabe insists.
"I'm not going anywhere." Elena counters.
"It's my job to protect you," Gabe said.
"And it's my job to protect everyone," Elena said smacking one away with a bucket.
"Well, right now neither of you are protecting anyone," Caleb calls out.
Surrounding Elena the Noblins grab her and hold her up.
"Throw her overboard!" The leader orders.
"What?!" Elena panics.
"Oh boy." Standing up, Caleb grabs a rope.
Jumping off Caleb swings in and scoops Elena up before landing on the mast above the sail.
"It's okay Princess I've got you." Caleb smiles.
Looking up at him, Elena was speechless. As the sun reflected off his smiling face a small blush formed.
"You sit tight here until things calm down. Be right back." Caleb said stepping off the mast and swinging back down.
"Whoa," Elena said still in a trance.
"Well I gotta say he's got style," Zuzo said appearing next to her. "So, you have time for my advice now?"
"Zuzo, you have to help me save my friends," Elena begs.
"First things first. Why are you in such a rush?" Zuzo asks.
"Because they're in trouble," Elena said.
"No, no, I mean, why have you been rushing around all day?" Zuzo clarifies.
"Oh, uh...I was trying to prove that I'm ready to rule now." Elena said.
"And how's that working out for you?" Zuzo asks.
"Not so well," Elena admits.
"Hmm. Did you ever stop and think why the noblins took the ships in the first place?" Zuzo asks.
"No, but you're right. I should've. Ugh, I was so busy trying to prove I could be a great queen, I forgot to act like one." Elena groans. "My grandfather was right. I'm not ready to rule."
"But are you ready to learn? Because that's all that matters. Just take your time, and you'll do great." Zuzo assures.
"Thanks for the advice, Zuzo." Elena smiles.
Aw, giving advice is easy. Taking it is the tough part." Zuzo said before disappearing.
Looking down Elena saw the fights were still going on.
"Hey give me back my wand!" Matteo yells.
"Back off!" Naomi said.
"Hey, hands off the feathers you little freaks!" Kir yells.
Gasping Elena drops down.
"Wait! Don't hurt my friends!" Elena said getting in between them. "I'm just coming down to talk."
Muttering the noblins were unsure.
"I am Princess Elena." She introduced.
"I am Jiku, Leader of the Noblins." The leader stepped forward.
"Jiku, I should've asked before, but why are you taking their ships?" Elena asks.
"We are just trying to get home. The old queen took us and locked us up in your city for many years." Jiku explained.
"Shuriki imprisoned you? Why?" Elena asks.
"Because we have the golden touch. Shuriki forced us to turn all sorts of things into gold to make her rich. But then, one day, the bars of our prison vanished. We were free. But we were so far from home, in a strange city, and I had to get my fellow noblins to safety. The ships were the quickest way." Jiku explains.
"I had no idea," Elena said surprised.
"The reason you're all free is because Elena defeated that evil queen." Gabe points out.
"I had no idea," Jiku said amazed.
"Well, now that we know what's really going on, I have a royal decree to make. Jiku, you can borrow our ships to take you home, as long as we get them back after." Elena declares.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Noblins, we're going home!" Jiku said making them all cheer.
Smiling Naomi, Matteo, Gabe, Caleb, and Dante joined Elena.
"Not bad Princess," Kir said.
"Speaking of home we should probably return home for the ball." Gabe points out.
"The ball. Of course." Elena remembers.
"Oof sounds like your day is still far from over Princess," Caleb smirks.
"Would you like to join us? You did help us…and me." Elena offers.
"Thanks but the three of us have other plans for the night. Like finding a place for said night." Caleb said.
"We'll meet up about your boat situation later." Naomi promises before they all headed back.
As the sun was setting we find ourselves back at the palace as Esteban was explaining the problem to Luisa and Francisco.
"And what was I supposed to do? She just took off on the jaquin." Esteban said when Fransico noticed the jaquins flying in.
"Look. It's Elena and Isabel!" He points as they landed nearby.
"Abuela!" Isabel smiles hugging her grandma.
"I'm so glad you're safe." Luisa smiles.
"Elena saved us. She tracked down the ships and fought the noblins, but then she figured out they weren't mean at all, and then she made a deal to get them home safely." Isabel explains excitedly.
Looking at Elena, Francisco was so proud of her and the choices she made.
That night, the ball had officially begun and Elena was being sworn in with a huge crowd of people here to see it.
"Princess Elena Castillo Flores, do you swear to protect and defend the kingdom of Avalor?" Armando recites putting the crown on her head.
Elena was about to say yes when she noticed her grandfather looking at her and realized something.
"Um... before I answer that, there's something I'd like to say. Today, I set out to prove that I was ready to be the queen of Avalor, and I learned that I have a lot to learn before I become queen. So with that in mind, I am ready to appoint my Grand Council." Elena declares and Esteban clears his throat eager for her to pick him.
However, the first person she approached was her grandmother.
"Luisa, my grandmother, because you always find a way to look on the bright side of things, no matter how dark it gets." Elena declares.
Walking past Esteban, Elena approaches Naomi next.
"Naomi Turner." Elena declares.
"Me?" Naomi said surprised.
"Her?!" Esteban said equally surprised.
"Today you gave me great advice, and wouldn't stop trying to get me to take it. I could use your common sense and resolve on my council." Elena said.
"I'm on the Grand Council. I am on the Grand Council!" Naomi cheers.
"That's my Naomi." Captain Turner smiles.
Next, Elena approaches Esteban. "Chancellor Esteban. You know so much about the kingdom and everyone in it. I would be foolish not to seek your expertise." Elena said.
"Yes, this is true," Esteban said accepting the role.
Finally, Elena approaches her grandfather. "And finally, my grandfather, Francisco. The wisest person I know."
"Today you acted like a true queen." He smiles.
"And one day I hope to be. But today, I vow to protect and defend the kingdom of Avalor as Crown Princess." Elena declares approaching the throne.
Reaching for her scepter Armando hands it to her and as Elena raised it up the jewel in the middle began to glow making everyone gasp.
"Uh, is it supposed to do this?" Elena asks.
"It's never glowed like that before," Francisco said in awe when suddenly Skylar, Migs, and Luna flew in.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived!" Skylar declares.
"We're still invited, right?" Migs asks making everyone laugh.
"It is my honor to present Crown Princess Elena of Avalor." Armando declares as the people applauded her.
Smiling Elena felt like a real princess when suddenly Zuzo appears next to her. "Not bad for your first day. But are you ready for day two?"
"Are you?" Elena smirks.
"Oh, this is gonna be fun." Zuzo grins.
Little did Elena know someone was watching this from the rooftops.
Flipping a jacket inside out we see a familiar leather, padded jacket as the figure puts it on a familiar black Cheshire mask.
'Okay what's the easiest to get attention?' The Bandit King thought before noticing Isabel walking out of the room. 'Perfect.'
After walking out of the bathroom, Isabel was making her way down the hall when she heard a noise.
"Huh?" Slowly making her way down the hall, she looked in to see the masked figure casually picking up a vase and admiring it.
"Oh hey kid what's up? Don't mind me just seeing if you have anything worth stealing." The Bandit King said casually but a look of horror appeared on Isabel's face before let out a loud scream that echoed through the palace.
"What was that?" Mateo gasps.
"Isa!" Elena gasps as she came running into the ballroom.
"Thief! There's a thief in the palace!" Isabel screams surprising everyone.
"A Thief?!" Luisa gasps.
"Not if we have anything to say about it!" Gabe said as he and his fellow guards drew their swords.
"Get to the royal vault if he's not there search every corner of the palace!" Esteban orders as most of the guards ran out.
"Why would a thief crash your ball?" Naomi asks.
"I don't know but if he thinks he can rob us he's got another thing coming," Elena said.
Running through the halls, the guards arrive to see the Bandit King was long gone.
"Where did he go?!" One asks.
As they searched the halls nobody noticed a letter leaning against the face the Bandit King had picked up earlier.
After a half hour of searching the castle, they found no trace of him.
"Did you find anything?" Elena asks as she, her friends, and family approach Gabe.
"He's gone!" Gabe growls.
"Oh no. What did he steal?" Luisa asks as Francisco came in.
"I checked the vault, nothing's missing," Francisco said.
"So we stopped him before he could steal anything," Elena said.
"Just great. Now we have a thief in Avalor? What do we do?" Luisa asks when Esteban noticed the letter nearby.
"Does anyone have any idea who that guy was?" Mateo asks.
"Princess, can you tell us what this thief looked like?" Gabe said as Esteban opens the letter and his eyes widen.
"I couldn't get a good look at him. He wore this weird mask over his face." Isabel said.
"When I find that thief, I'll make him regret scaring my little sister," Elena said.
"Elena, I don't think that's ever going to happen," Esteban said getting their attention. "We're not dealing with a normal thief. We're dealing with…The Bandit King." Esteban declares.
"The Bandit King?!" Gabe said shocked.
"He's real?!" Naomi gasps as Francisco took the note.
"He's real and these notes are his calling card,"Esteban said.
"I'll steal Shuriki's Last Secret." Fransico read aloud making Elena freeze at the mention of that name.
"Shuriki? What are you guys talking about? Who is the Bandit King?" Elena asks.
"I've never heard of this King," Lusia said.
"The Bandit King isn't the King of any country. It just means he's the best Bandit in the entire world." Esteban declares.
"My dad's heard stories about him from other sailors. They say he can steal the stars right out of the sky." Naomi said.
Looking out the window, Elena had a worried look. What started as her first day as Princess has turned into a mess as she now has a new kind of danger sneaking around Avalor and the worst part is she had no idea what to do.
But what they didn't know was that hiding in the corner down the hall a few small creatures were watching them.