Chapter 3: Model Sister
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I saw many of you were curious about Caleb and his mysterious figures and all I can say is you're in for a fun surprise. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
It was a peaceful day in Avalor as we found ourselves at the palace. Elena was in the dining room for breakfast but she had company. Sitting across from her we see Caleb, Dante, and Kir as Elena had a whole breakfast set up for them.
"Well Princess, I was surprised to get an invite from you," Caleb said.
"Hey for free food and a pretty face I would come over any time of day," Kir said.
"It all looks so good," Dante admits.
"Well don't just stand there, dig in," Elena said.
Kir and Dante are about to move in when Caleb stops them.
"Uh I don't mean to sound ungrateful but what's the catch?" Caleb asks.
"Catch? What catch?" Elena asks casually.
"I've learned from travels nothing is ever free, so what do you need?" Caleb asks making Elena sigh.
"Alright fine, I need you to tell me if you know anything about the Bandit King. Since you guys claim to be bandits, I figured you must have heard of him." Elena said.
"Well as it just happens we have," Kir said as they started loading plates.
"So what do you need to know?" Caleb asks.
"He says he's going to steal Shuriki's final secret. Anything related to her is bad news. Do have any idea how I can deal with him?" Elena asks.
Pausing to think Caleb had a thought. "Alright, I might have something. First things first you're gonna need chairs. Enough for everyone in your family." Caleb starts.
"Okay, I can get those. Armando make a list!" Elena orders.
"Yes, Princess." Running in Armando had a paper and pen.
"Okay we need chairs, what else?" Elena asks.
"Then you're gonna need a stack of books, a picnic basket full of snacks, and maybe a guitar." Caleb lists.
"Books, basket, guitar," Armando repeats.
"And you're gonna want to take all of that stuff and bring it outside the castle or a nice open area. Preferably something with a nice view." Caleb said.
"Uh, how does this help me catch the Bandit King?" Elena asks.
"It doesn't. But at least you'll be comfy and out of the way while he robs you." Caleb said making his whole team laugh.
"I'm being serious!" Elena snaps.
"Listen, Elena, I understand that, but the fact is the Bandit King cannot be beaten. The things he's done, the situations he's escaped from, when he wants to steal something, he steals it." Caleb said taking a big bite of eggs.
"No one's ever tried," Elena said making Kir chuckles.
"Oh, people have tried. Everyone tries. A few guys even came close." Kir said getting her attention. "You wanna know the three most successful attempts at capturing the Bandit King? First up, the Bronze Medal goes to Queen Margo and her amazing jewel-encrusted dresses. It was said she had a beautiful dress with different jewel patterns for almost every day of the year. She had set up traps for all her dresses thinking one of them would catch him. She got closer than any living soul before her, but by the time he was done with her all she had left to wear was a barrel and her birthday suit."
Hearing that Elena couldn't help but grip her dress close fearing it might get taken.
"The second most successful attempt was Prince Fredrickson and his forge of rare weapons. He kept them all on him. Said if the Bandit King wanted them, he would have to go through him first. He actually managed to injure the Bandit King in their little scuffle. Of course, he was in a coma for 3 weeks after that fight." Dante said.
"And the most successful attempt anyone has ever had at capturing the Bandit King was the Madam Dubonnet of the Kingdom of Zaza. They got the Bandit King cuffed and was set to execute him the next morning. They captured, he escaped, and he stole the Vintage Smile right off the Madam's face." Caleb finishes.
With each story, Elena was becoming less sure of her chances against him.
"How does someone like that get around so easily?" Elena asks.
"Why do you think he wears a mask sweet cheeks? So, no one knows who he is under that thing." Kir asks.
"Elena, may I make a suggestion?" Caleb suggests.
"Is it to stay out of the way?" Elena deadpans.
"Not this time. Instead of trying to do the impossible and catch the Bandit King, why don't you just try figuring out what he's trying to steal and get to it first?" Caleb said making her eyes widen.
"That's perfect. I'll find whatever Shuriki's secret is first and then drive Mr. Bandit King out of Avalor for good." Elena smiles happily.
Getting up out of her seat she ran over and grabbed Caleb by the shoulders.
"And you're going to help me." She declares.
"I'm sorry what?" Caleb said confused.
"Come on Armando we need to go talk to the council," Elena said as she headed to the door before turning around. "Oh and feel free to relax and enjoy your meal while I'm away."
"Well she's different," Dante said.
"Yeah, that's for sure," Caleb said before glancing upwards at several small shadows hiding in the rafters. "Kir you mind?"
Flying up Kir dropped some sunflower seeds for the figures to grab.
"Keep your eyes out for anything we need to know and whatever happens if they catch you play innocent." Kir reminds as the figures scurried away.
Making her way down the hall, Elena was on her way to the council room.
"Is everyone ready for the meeting, Armando?" Elena asks.
"What meeting?" Armando asks.
"The Grand Council meeting we have every morning," Elena said.
"That's every morning?" Armando asks.
"Starting today." Elena nods.
"I'll have to add that to my schedule. Now where's my—" Before Armando could finish Elena had his pen in her hand. "Oh. Thank you. That reminds me. I need you to sign this very important proclamation for the royal visit tomorrow."
"Okay." Elena was about to sign it when they heard a loud tapping noise.
"What's that racket?" Armando asks.
"My little sister," Elena said amused.
Hearing that noise one of Caleb's shadowy figures looked in the direction of the noise interested. Slowly emerging from the shadows, we see the figure was a small gray hamster with tan glasses and a red bow tie. This was Dexter.
Opening the door, Elena and Armando see Isabel working on what appears to be a clothes cabinet.
"How's it going, Isabel?" Elena asks.
"I just finished," Isabel said.
"Finished what?" Armando asks interested as Dexter quickly scurries in before anyone sees him.
"My latest invention. The presto changer. It puts your clothes on for you. Think of how much time everyone would save." Isabel declares.
"Oh, I'll never have mismatched socks again," Armando said looking to show his socks were mismatched.
"Isabel's entering it in the Invention Fair today. Inventors from all over the kingdom are presenting their latest creations." Elena said.
"And Elena's gonna be my helper," Isabel said.
"Ooh let's test it out," Elena said.
As Elena stood in the presto changer, Isabel changed the setting to a dress before getting on a bike and began to pedal pulling Elena in as the door closed.
A few seconds later, Elena came out wearing a white dress but with a flower in her mouth. From his hiding spot, Dexter was in awe at the genius and creativity.
"No! The flower's supposed to go in your hair." Isabel said disappointed.
"Well, the point of a test run is to work out the kinks. Now you know the kink." Elena said spitting it out.
"True, but what if something else goes wrong?" Isabel asks.
"I'll be right by your side to help fix it. I promise." Elena assures.
"Thanks, Elena," Isabel said hugging her sister.
In the Grand Council room, we see Elena's council waiting for her.
"Morning, everyone. Sorry, I'm a little late. I was with Isabel." Elena said finally arriving allowing Esteban to bang a gavel.
"The Grand Council meeting is called to order." He declares.
"Esteban, the crown princess is supposed to do that," Fransico said.
"Of course. What was I thinking?" Esteban said handing it over to Elena.
"The Grand Council will now come to order," Elena said banging the gavel but she did it much louder to Esteban's annoyance. "So, big week. As everyone knows, King Toshi is visiting us from the kingdom of Satu. How are the preparations coming?"
"The royal chef will be serving an Avaloran feast. But since this is a special occasion, I am making the tamales myself." Luisa said.
"And I have prepared a special song," Fransico said grabbing his guitar.
"No, no, no, no. This is King Toshi's first visit to Avalor, and we must show him that we understand his ways. We must prepare Satu food. We must play Satu music." Esteban insists.
"But if this is his first time in Avalor, wouldn't he be interested in how we do things here?" Elena suggests.
"No. I have been to the kingdom of Satu many times, and I know it better than anyone. What will impress King Toshi most is doing things the Satu way." Esteban said.
"But what about my tamales?" Luisa asks.
"Oh they won't go to waste," Naomi said having no problem with eating them.
"If Esteban is right we can't afford to offend King Toshi," Francisco said.
"And I'm sure Elena wants her first royal visit as crown princess to go well." Esteban assumes.
"I do. All right, let's put it to a vote. All in favor of doing everything the Satu way, raise your hand." Elena said and all but Luisa raised their hands much to her frustration. "Great. Now since you're the expert, Esteban, you can teach us the Satu ways."
"Oh, you do not have to worry about that. I will handle everything." Esteban assures.
"But if the point is to do things their way, we should all know them." Elena points out making him stammer.
"Um yes but I am incredibly busy," Esteban said when Higgins stepped in.
"Actually, you're free all afternoon chancellor," Higgins said.
"Thank you, Higgins." Esteban growls.
"Perfect," Elena said before banging the gavel. "Meeting adjourned."
Soon they were in the dining room and Esteban had a few dresses lined up.
"These are the gowns worn in Satu," Esteban said.
"Ooh, I'll take that one," Elena said pointing to a red one.
"Now we will learn to eat using chopsticks, like they do in Satu." Gesturing to the table Esteban set up a plate of peas for them to practice with. As all of them struggled to make sense of this Esteban chuckled. "Do not worry if you cannot do it right away. It took me years to…"
"Hey, I think I got it," Naomi said eating one with ease much to his frustration.
As Elena tried to pea flung out of her sticks and across the room into Higgins' mouth.
"What is going on here?" Caleb laughs walking in.
"Trying to learn how to make sense of these things," Elena said showing the chopsticks.
"Well it helps if you're holding them right," Caleb smirks getting her attention.
"Caleb? You've been to Satu?" Elena asks.
"A few times," Caleb said walking over.
"Young man this is royal business. We do not need any outside inference." Esteban insists.
"Oh let him help. It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion." Fransico insists.
"Here what you want to do is hold on as if you're holding a pen," Caleb said as Elena did that with one. "Now place the second one atop the fingers while still in that position."
Using his notes everyone took a bite with ease.
"Hmm, clever young man." Luisa smiled as Isabel walked in.
"Elena?" Isabel said getting her attention.
"Keep practicing. You still have a few hours before King Toshi arrives." Esteban said trying to keep her focus.
"Wait he's coming today?!" Elena gasps.
"Today? But what about the Invention Fair?" Isabel asks.
"Oh, Isabel, don't worry. I'm still going with you." Elena said.
"Elena, I know you want to help your sister, but it is your royal duty to host King Toshi," Fransico said as Isabel ran out.
Frowning Caleb couldn't help but feel bad for the little girl.
"Wait. Isabel." Elena called out but she was long gone. "I thought King Toshi was coming tomorrow."
"He left a day early. I thought I told you." Esteban said.
"You didn't tell any of us," Luisa said.
Hearing this Caleb narrowed his eyes.
"Well since you guys are busy I'll leave you to your business," Caleb said walking out.
"Well, he's not here yet. So I'll just go down to the Invention Fair, help Isa set up, and be back before he arrives." Elena said standing up.
"I don't know, Elena. Do you have enough time?" Fransico asks.
"Oh, she has plenty of time. King Toshi's not expected until this afternoon." Esteban said.
"Great. I'll be back before you know it." Elena said running out.
"I better run home and let my father know I'm meeting a king later," Naomi said leaving excited.
As everyone left, Esteban and Higgins were the last to leave.
"This is turning out better than I'd hoped, Higgins," Esteban said.
"What is, chancellor?" Higgins asks.
"I wanted Elena to be unprepared for King Toshi's visit, so I could show off my expertise. But now, she might not even be here at all." Esteban said.
"So that's why you didn't tell them King Toshi was coming today." Higgins realized.
"You catch on quickly, Higgins," Esteban noted.
"Thank you." Higgins smiles.
"Once King Toshi sees how well I know his ways, he will entrust me to make the trade agreement, and it will be clear to everyone who is the real power behind the throne," Esteban said.
"Princess Elena?" Higgins guesses.
"Me," Esteban said before leaning in to whisper. "And I have a special surprise for King Toshi that will close the deal."
"Ooh, what is it? Tell me, tell me." Higgins begs.
"You'll see soon enough," Esteban said walking away.
Little did he know Caleb, Dante, and Kir heard everything.
"Well seems someone in this castle is trying to have all the fun," Caleb said.
"What should we do with him?" Kir asks.
"Hmm, this isn't like previous ones. They need this trade. Hmm, any ideas Dante?" Caleb asks as the young boy pauses to think.
"What if his special surprise didn't turn out the way he hoped?" Dante asks making Caleb grin.
"That outta teach him," Caleb said as they headed off.
In Isabel's room, we see the poor girl in her room.
Slowly peeking out from behind a corner, Dexter scurries closer but when the door opens he quickly changes route and jumps into the Presto Changer to hide.
"Alright let's pack up and get going," Elena said walking in with Gabe right behind her.
"But I thought you didn't have time to help me," Isabel said surprised.
"Isa, I always have time for you," Elena said.
(Play Sister Time)
Things may be different now
Since I became crown princess
But one thing will never change
You mean more than all the rest
And even though I must rule
I promise you from the start
I'll always make time for you
Because you are in my heart
Running in Armando held out a document from earlier. "Princess Elena, I still need you to sign this."
However, Elena was more focused on Isabel.
Sister, sister, sister time
You can put your doubts away
Sister, sister, sister time
By your side, I'll always stay
Sister, sister, sister time
Nothing will stand in the way of
Sister, sister, sister time
It's the best part of my day
As Gabe loads the Presto Changer onto the carriage with Dexter inside it both sisters happily danced off with Armando right behind them.
"But Elena?" Armando sang
"It'll have to wait!" Elena sang
"But Elena!" Armando sang.
"We cannot be late!" Elena sang.
"But Elena!" Armando sang.
"So if you don't mind I'm having some sister time." Elena sang getting into the carriage with Isabel and Gabe. Seeing he had no choice, Armando threw the documents into the carriage, luckily Elena signed it and threw it back out for him.
Sister, sister, sister time
Off we go without delay
Sister, sister, sister time
Our adventure's underway
Sister, sister, sister time
Nothing will stand in our way
Sister, sister, sister time
You're the best part of my day
Sister, sister, sister time
Sister, sister, sister time
Sister, sister, sister time
By your side, I'll always stay
(Song End)
At the Invention Fair, the royal carriage pulls up front.
"I'll grab a cart for the…thing," Gabe said unsure what the invention was.
"Thanks, Gabe," Elena said as he ran off.
"Elena, this is for you. I made you a necklace out of spare parts." Isabel said revealing a pretty necklace.
"I love it," Elena said putting it on before hugging her sister.
"Thanks for always be there for me," Isabel said.
However, this beautiful moment was ruined when Elena noticed a carriage arriving with the Satu flags on the side.
When they separated Elena looked in horror. "King Toshi. He's here." Elena whispers.
"I got a cart," Gabe said returning.
"Cart. Great. Let's get this thing inside and set up." Elena said trying to keep it together.
After they put the Presto Changer onto the cart, Elena rushed in pulling the cart and making the device swerve and poor Dexter was bouncing all over the interior.
"There's no need to rush. We have plenty of time." Isabel said.
"Not really," Elena mutters.
"This is her spot," Gabe said pointing to a room, Elena passed.
"What? Oh." As Elena backed up the Presto Changer slid off the cart and hit the ground hard causing the back to open up and parts to fall out.
"My invention!" Isabel gasps.
"Isa I'm so sorry," Elena said worried. "Is it…"
"It's okay I can fix it. I just need my twist hook." Isabel went into her bag but couldn't find it. "I must have left it at the palace."
"The palace? No problem. I'll go get it." Elena said seeing this as an excuse to meet King Toshi.
"No need. I'll grab it and be back before you know it." Gabe offers.
"Oh, no, no, no. It would be way easier for me to find it. I know exactly where it is. It's blue, right?" Elena asks.
"Red." Isabel corrects.
"With a flat handle?" Elena asks.
"Round." Isabel corrects.
"Got it," Elena said running off.
Inside the Presto Changer, the poor little hamster was laying atop some parts groaning.
Slowly getting up, Dexter rubbed his head to see the parts were everywhere.
Cringing he picks up one screw and puts it back on the bolt it fell off and screwed it in himself.
It was a small start but at least Isabel had some help in fixing the machine.
Meanwhile, Elena had the carriage race up the hill back to the palace.
"We're not gonna make it," Elena said when Skylar flew in.
"Race you to the palace, princesa." Skylar said making her gasp with joy.
"Skylar! Yes. I have a better idea. How about you give me a lift, and we race that coach?" Elena points.
"You got it. There's no time to stop. On the count of three, jump. One..." However, before he finished counting down, Elena jumped onto his back from the carriage. "I said on three."
"No time for 2 and 3. Let's go!" Elena said as they flew to the palace.
At the front gates, Armando, Luisa, and Francisco see the carriage arrive.
"King Toshi? King Toshi is here?!" Armando gasps.
"Already?" Luisa gasps.
"Where is Elena?" Francisco asks as Esteban walks in wearing a blue Yukata.
"Not to worry. I will greet King Toshi on her behalf." Esteban smirks.
On Isabel's balcony, Skylar lands allowing Elena to run in.
"Uh, mallet, screwdriver, no idea what this is. Twist hook!" Elena smiles grabbing it.
Running to her room, Elena grabs the red kimono and shoes picked out for her.
Down below, King Toshi made his way up.
"Ah King…" Esteban began when Elena ran past him to greet the king.
"Toshi. On behalf of my kingdom, welcome to Avalor." Elena greets.
"We are honored to be here, Princess Elena. This is Soji, my royal advisor." Toshi said gesturing to the man next to him. "Please accept this gift on behalf of my kingdom. A fan made from the finest silk in Satu." He said holding it out for her.
"It's beautiful. Thank you. This is my grandmother Luisa, and my grandfather Francisco. And you already know my cousin Esteban." Elena introduces.
"Chancellor Esteban." He corrects before noticing the Twist Hook in her hand. "Oh, and is that something for King Toshi in your hand?"
"This? Yes. It's a twist hook. Made from the finest iron in Avalor." Elena said as she was forced to hand the tool over to King Toshi.
"Ah. I have never seen anything like it. Much like the architecture of this palace." Toshi said gesturing to the palace.
"Oh, would you like a tour? My grandparents can lead you on one. They know all about its history. Let me hang onto this for you so you don't have to carry it around." Elena said taking back the tool.
"You are the crown princess, Elena. You should lead the tour." Francisco insists much to Elena's annoyance.
"Oh, yes. Of course. Right this way." Elena said much to her disappointment. 'Just hang on a little longer Isa.'
At the Inventor's Fair, Isabel was hard at work trying to fix the Presto Changer but it was proving to be difficult.
Using a wrench, she tried fixing it herself. "If I move a bolt over here, and another one over there, the piece should snap back into place. No, it's stuck." Isabel said pulling the wrench out. "I really need that twist hook."
Inside the machine, Dexter tried pushing the bolt himself when Gabe approached it from the outside.
"You know, when the drawbridge gets stuck, we have a trick to get it moving again." Walking up to the machine, Gabe hits it causing Dexter to bounce around the machine causing it to beep and whirl.
"Wow, that actually might have worked. Alright, let's try testing it out. Do you mind?" Isabel asks looking at Gabe.
"Not at all." Gabe shook his head.
As they made their way to the front, Dexter slowly walked out rubbing his head softly.
Changing the setting to male, Isabel started pedaling but when Gabe was pulled in he came out wearing his shoes on his hands, a brown vest over a white dress, a big fancy hat, and just like with Elena the flower was in his mouth.
"Uh was it supposed to do that?" Gabe asks.
"There must be something else that's still broken. What is taking Elena so long? She should be back by now." Isabel asks.
Back at the palace, Elena was doing everything she could to try and rush through this so she could get back to her sister.
"And here's the parlor, the music room, drawing room, sitting room, which is the perfect place to sit and take a nap. You must be exhausted from your journey." Elena offers.
"Thank you, but I am not tired at all," Toshi assures.
"Now, Elena, there are no siestas in Satu. I have planned a full afternoon of festivities, a lovely Satu feast, followed by a concert of Satu music. And last but not least, a special surprise a special surprise I know you will love. So let us begin, shall we? Coming, Elena?" Esteban asks leading them down the hall.
"Coming cousin." Elena sighs.
As she was about to follow, she noticed Kir flying by.
"What the?" Elena asks when Caleb walks out. "Caleb? What are you still doing here?"
"Funny, I was about to ask you the same thing. Weren't you with your sister?" Caleb asks.
"I was, but then King Toshi showed up early. And now I'm trying to find a way to get back to help Isabel and somehow make sure the meeting goes well." Elena said.
"Elena you gotta make a choice. I mean it's not like you can be in two places at once." Caleb said when Elena noticed Naomi walking in.
"Or maybe I can," Elena said running past him.
"Hey Armando, sorry I'm late," Naomi said.
"Oh hi Naomi—" But just as he was about to look in her direction Elena yanks Naomi out of the way causing Armando to look around confused. "Naomi?"
Pulling her into a closet, Elena shuts the door.
"I need your help," Elena said getting Naomi's attention.
A few minutes later, Elena came out wearing Naomi's clothes and Naomi was wearing the kimono.
"There is no way this is going to work," Naomi said.
"Sure it will. You just have to sit at the table and pretend to me. I'll give this twist hook to Isabel and be back in no time." Elena said.
"Are you sure no one will recognize me?" Naomi asks.
"Not if you wear this hood over your head and this fan in front of your face," Elena said handing her the fan and fixing the hood.
"But I can't see anything." Naomi points out.
"Perfect, then that means they won't be able to see you," Elena said.
"You better hurry," Naomi mutters.
None of them were aware that Caleb was watching them nearby.
"Well, props for creativity but this is not going to end well." Caleb shook his head.
In the dining room, everyone was sitting around waiting for Elena.
"Is Elena coming?" Francisco asks when the door opens revealing the disguised Naomi.
"Oh Elena," Esteban said clearly not glad she was here.
"Oh good you're here. We can start now." Francisco said happy she was here.
"Where is Naomi?" Luisa asks.
"We cannot afford to wait any longer," Esteban said snapping his fingers and the staff brought in food. "A Satu feast with all your favorite dishes. Princess Elena, why don't you show King Toshi your chopstick skills."
However, Naomi happily dug in much to Esteban's shock.
"Impressive," Toshi said impressed with her skills.
"But this morning…" Esteban said confused.
"My granddaughter is a fast learner. Plus that nice boy Caleb showed her a good trick." Fransciso said while Luisa was unsure about this.
But while all eyes were on this nobody noticed Dante put something in the bowl that was brought to Esteban and placed in front of him.
Sighing Esteban took a bite of his hood but when he did his face turned bright red as felt like his mouth was on fire.
"Water!" Esteban said gulping down a pitcher.
"Huh? I didn't think it was that spicy." Toshi smirks as everyone in the room laughs.
Snickering Caleb, Dante, and Kir were going to enjoy this.
At the Inventor's Fair, Skylar lands outside allowing Elena to run inside.
"I'm here," Elena said getting their attention.
"What took you so long? And why did you change?" Isabel asks noticing her change of clothes.
"Uh, wardrobe malfunction. I got your twist hook." Elena said holding it out.
"I already fixed that part, but the cogs are out of alignment. I have to move 50 different bolts to get them back." Isabel said when one bolt fell out much to her annoyance. "Make that 51."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Elena asks.
"Not unless you can shrink down and fix it from the inside. I have to do it myself." Isabel said.
"Great," Elena said happily confusing her sister and Gabe. "I mean, okay. If that's what you want. I'll just be right back."
"Where are you going now?" Isabel asks.
"Um, to get drinks. Anyone want one?" Elena asks coming up with an excuse.
"No," Isabel said.
"I'll take a horchata," Gabe said.
"One horchata coming up," Elena said running off.
As Isabel looked back inside she saw she was down to only 48 bolts.
"What the? I thought I counted 51?" She said confused and unaware of her little helper inside the machine.
Back at the palace, we find ourselves in the ballroom as a traditional fan dance is going on and everyone is watching.
On the upper balcony, Dante and Kir were watching it and Esteban.
"You know this isn't as boring as I thought it would be," Dante admits.
"That Esteban sure knows how to suck up and kiss butts," Kir said. "Just wait until Caleb puts the final touches. Then it'll be a show."
In the front row, a fly was buzzing around Naomi much to her annoyance.
Using her fan, she tries swatting it away but hits herself on the nose.
"Ow." Quickly recovering Naomi covers her face so King Toshi doesn't see her.
"Psst Naomi." Glancing over Naomi saw Elena hiding behind a plant.
Seeing it was finally time to switch, Naomi began fake coughing. "Uh excuse me."
Meeting up with her in the closet, the two of them changed outfits.
"What did I miss?" Elena asks.
"Me, almost getting caught. Do you know how hard it is to use chopsticks with a fan covering your face?" Naomi asks.
"But you made it look so easy, Naomi," Luisa said leaning against the door revealing she knew the whole time.
"Abuela?" Elena gasps.
"You went back to the Invention Fair, didn't you?" Luisa accuses.
"Yes, I'm sorry." Elena apologizes.
"Mija this is your first royal visit." Luisa reminds.
"I know, I know. But Isa's having trouble with her invention." Elena said surprising her grandmother.
"She is?" Luisa asks.
"I need to be there for her." Elena pleads.
Knowing how much this meant to both sisters, Luisa sighed. "All right, go. I'll cover for you. But no more of this silly swapping. Just hurry back before your cousin's big surprise."
"I will. Thank you." Elena said kissing her grandmother on the cheek before running out.
As she changed back into her normal outfit, Elena was about to meet Skylar.
"You got a clever Grandma." Startled Elena turns to see Caleb leaning against the wall. "Not sure I can say the same for you though."
"Caleb I don't have time for this," Elena said.
"Just listen. You have to make a choice. One or the other? But you can't do both." Caleb said.
"It's not that simple. I mean if you were in my shoes and had to choose between meeting King Toshi or helping Dante and Kir who would you pick?" Elena asks.
"Dante and Kir. No contest." Caleb said almost instantly.
"Wait seriously? You would blow off a king for them?" Elena asks.
"In a heartbeat. The three of us have always looked out for each other. And I know that if I was the one in need of help they'd be there for me too. So it's only right that I be there for them too. Now I don't know much about your family but I think your sister means a lot to you." Caleb said.
"More than anything." Elena nods.
"Then you should be honest with King Toshi and with yourself," Caleb said.
Elena was about to answer when she noticed the time.
"Sorry Caleb gotta run," Elena said running off.
Rolling his eyes, Caleb decided it was time to sabotage Esteban.
Going back into the room, everyone was enjoying the music when Luisa stepped forward.
"Elena will be right back. But look who's here. Naomi." Luisa introduced her so they couldn't do this swap thing again.
"Hey your majesty," Naomi said trying to play it cool.
At the Invention Fair, Elena and Skylar land just outside.
"Be right back," Elena said running inside.
"Take your time," Skylar said tired from flying to and from the palace.
Making her way over, Elena saw Isabel pedaling and seconds later Gabe came out wearing a pair of pants on his head.
"No! It should be working!" Isabel said frustrated.
"It's okay. I'm sure we can fix it." Elena said walking over.
Narrowing her eyes, Isabel looks in her sister's direction.
"Where have you been?" Isabel asks.
"And where's my horchata?" Gabe asks getting the pants off his head.
"Uh…" Pausing Elena was unsure how to answer that when Isabel noticed Elena was wearing some fancy-looking slippers.
"Hey, you weren't wearing those slippers before. You went back to the palace. That's where you've been going." Isabel realized.
Sighing Elena knew she had to tell the truth since she was caught. "Yes. A king is visiting, Isa. I want to be here with you, but I have to be there for King Toshi, and our kingdom."
"You said you would always make time for me." Isabel reminds.
"I know, I know. But today…" Elena starts.
"You have more important things to do," Isabel said walking back to her machine.
"No, I…" Elena starts.
"It's okay. I can fix the machine myself." Isabel said.
"Isabel." Elena tried to tell her.
"Just go, Elena." Isabel insists on not needing to hear any more excuses.
"I'm sorry Isa." Frowning Elena leaves the room.
In the ballroom, Esteban was preparing for his surprise when Caleb silently walked up to him.
Activating his hidden blade, he made a quick slash but Esteban seemed fine.
'Break a leg, Esteban.' Caleb thought taking out a millipede and dropping it on the back of his sleeve.
As he made his way up he stood next to Dante and Kir.
"Well?" Kir asks.
"Just sit back and enjoy the show," Caleb smirks when he notices Elena coming back in. "Huh. She's back quicker than I expected."
"Oh, hi. You're just in time for Esteban's big surprise." Armando said as Elena took her seat.
Walking up on stage, Esteban looked at King Toshi.
"King Toshi, to show our honor and respect, I have learned to perform the most cherished and difficult Satu dance. The Dance of the Fluttering Fans." Esteban said taking out two fans and began dancing surprising everyone.
"Esteban is dancing?" Francisco said surprised.
"Whoa. Definitely didn't see that coming." Naomi said.
"It's like he's begging for it," Dante said as backup dancers joined Esteban.
"So how long until he notices our little surprises?" Kir asks.
"Hmm." Narrowing his eyes, Caleb saw the millipede scurry up Esteban's back. "I'd say any minute now."
As the millipede crawled onto his shoulder Esteban looked at it and gasped in horror.
"Get it off! Get it off!" He swung his fan around violently trying to swat it off, but ended up bumping into a backup dancer.
Pulling away Esteban swings causing his sash that was revealed to be ripped and fall off revealing a decent-sized square hole in his robes to show his underwear.
Snickering with big puffy cheeks, it was taking every bone in their bodies for Caleb, Dante, and Kir not to burst into laughter.
Struggling he swats the bug off and tries to fix his robes but stumbles off stage and the whole dance is turned into a mess.
"Just tell me when it's over," Francisco said covering his eyes.
"I can't. I'm not looking either." Luisa said covering her eyes.
Looking over to King Toshi, Francisco leans in.
"We can make him stop." Francisco offers.
"No, no. I promised the chancellor he could show me his surprise. And in Satu, it is very important to keep your promises. No matter how painful they are to watch." Toshi said gesturing to the stage.
Hearing this Elena couldn't help but think about what Caleb told her.
"Dante and Kir have always been there for me so I'll always be there for them." Caleb's words rang in her head.
'Isa's always been there for me. I need to be there for her.' Elena thought standing up. "You're right, King Toshi. Promises are important in Avalor, too. I think we'd make great trade allies, and I'm really sorry to do this, but I made a promise to help my sister at the Invention Fair, and I must put my family first. I hope you understand."
As she turns to leave, she looks up at Caleb and smiles running out the door.
"Way to go, Princess," Caleb said.
"Invention Fair? That sounds kinda fun. Can we go?" Dante asks.
"I don't see why not. Kir?" Caleb asks.
"Beats sitting around this trainwreck," Kir said as they followed after.
Looking to Soji, Toshi whispers something to him and they both nod standing up together.
"Thank you for hosting us, but we must go," Soji said as both men bowed before walking out.
Confused the entire council was unsure how to handle this.
"Ay, no. This is a diplomatic catastrophe!" Esteban said struggling to get off stage. "Elena is clearly not ready for the responsibility that comes with the crown. King Toshi, wait!" Esteban calls out unable to keep up.
At the Invention Fair, Dexter was scurrying around inside the machine when he noticed a broken golden chain, but apparently, Isabel didn't see it.
"All right, two more inventors, and then you're up," Gabe said as Isabel got up to pack. "Hey, what are you doing?"
"Packing up." Isabel simply states.
"You can't quit." Looking up Isabel saw Elena had returned.
"What are you doing here?" Isabel asks.
"Keeping my promise," Elena states.
"Wha about your big royal visit?" Isabel asks.
"No royal duty will ever be as important as you," Elena assures grabbing her sister by the shoulders. "Now let's get this thing fixed."
"There's no way I can fix the machine in time," Isabel said.
"Maybe you can't, but we can." Elena smiles. "All we need is a little sister time."
As the two of them hugged, Dexter peeks out smiling happy for her.
Just before he scurried out, Dexter hit the golden chain loose so Isabel could see the problem.
"Now where do we start?" Elena asks revealing she had Isabel's tool bag.
"Well, I need the pliers," Isabel said but Elena had no idea what she meant. "The pincher thingy."
"Got'em," Elena said showing them.
As she got to work Elena had her tools ready.
"Squiggly bolt. Silver flat doughnut thingy. Six-sided pinky ring." Isabel lists and Elena handed her each one before noticing the chain. "Oh. This is why the cogs keep coming loose. The chain is broken, and I don't have another one."
"Okay, don't panic. We can figure this out. We just need to get creative." Elena said trying to think of something when she felt the necklace Isabel gave her. "Hey, what about my necklace? It kinda looks like a chain."
"You're right! It's the right length. But I don't know if it's strong enough." Isabel said as Elena took it off.
"Well only one way to find out," Elena said handing it to her to put into the machine.
"Here comes the judge," Gabe said as the judge walked over.
"Are you ready to present your invention?" The judge asks as the two princesses walk out.
"Yep, she sure is. Let's do this." Elena winks at her sister.
As Isabel began to pedal, Elena was pulled into the Presto Changer which beeped and whirled getting everyone's attention.
Walking in, Caleb, Dante, and Kir look with interest when Elena comes out wearing a new white dress, and this time the flower went in her hair.
"Whoa, that's pretty cool," Kir said impressed.
"Cool? That's amazing." Dante smiles. "How did she do that?"
"You'll have to ask her sometime," Caleb smirks.
"Princess Elena." Behind them, King Toshi and his advisor walked in with Esteban trying to catch up.
"King Toshi." Elena gasps surprised. "Please allow me to explain your excellency."
"Family is first in Satu as well, which is why I always travel with my brother." Toshi declares gesturing to Soji.
"So you're not upset I left?" Elena asks.
"Not at all. I already know what Satu is like. The purpose of my trip is to experience the sights and sounds of Avalor. But what has really impressed me is how you value your family as much as your kingdom. This is exactly what I look for in an ally." Toshi explains.
"So you'll be our new trade partner?" Elena asks hopeful.
"I would be honored." Toshi smiles.
As Elena's grandparents congratulated her, King Toshi noticed the Twist Hook in the tool bag.
"Oh is that my twist hook?" Toshi points making Elena chuckle nervously.
As Dexter slowly climbs out, Caleb's eyes widen. While everyone was focused on Isabel and Elena, he snuck around and grabbed the little guy.
Back up at the palace, we see Isabel using her invention on King Toshi and his brother.
Pedaling, the Presto Changer had King Toshi emerge in Avaloran clothes.
"Not bad brother." Soji chuckles.
"What a marvelous invention." Toshi smiles.
Bringing them to the dining room, Luisa presented a tray of tamales.
"Please enjoy the tamales my dear Luisa has prepared for you," Francisco said as they all sat down.
"Thank you." Toshi sand Soji smiled.
"You open it like a present. And then dig in." Elena said showing them how before eating.
"Oh my. This is delicious." King Toshi smiles loving it.
"And now I will play one of my favorite Avaloran songs," Francisco said grabbing his guitar.
Looking over, Toshi noticed Esteban still in his yukata and struggling to eat his food with chopsticks.
"Chancellor Esteban, when in Avalor, perhaps you should do it the Avaloran way," Toshi suggests handing him a fork making Esteban sigh.
This was not his day.
"Thank you, Elena. You were really there for me today." Isabel smiles.
"That's what sisters do." Elena smiles happily.
Little did any of them know, Caleb was walking up the stairs as a small shadowy figure raced down.
"There you are, Dexter." A squeaky voice said as Caleb placed him down.
Turning around they saw a small orange and white hamster.
"I caught Dexter inside Isabel's invention. Dexter, you can't just go rogue on us like that." Caleb said.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. It was so interesting." Dexter said revealing he could talk.
"Well, all that matters is that you're okay." The orange one said.
"How's the search going Hamtaro?" Caleb asks.
"We're looking but so far nothing yet. We think we found the area where they stashed all the stuff about Shuriki." Hamtaro said.
"Well be careful guys and try to keep a low profile. And remember not wander off too far from the others." Caleb said as both hamsters nod.
"Alright, Dexter let's get back to the others. They've been worried about you." Hamtaro said.
"Good idea," Dexter said.
"Good luck guys. Gimme some paw." Caleb smiles holding up his index finger.
Smiling both hamsters high pawed him before running off.
Elena had figured out how to solve the issue with King Toshi, but her problems with the Bandit King weren't even close to being solved.