Ayla's First Day as a Princess
Note: This chapter in another original. You'll see seeing lots of these in-between the games.
(KC Undercover Theme Song)
(Third-Person POV)
*It was a peaceful day in the city of New Mobotropolis. Many of the citizens were enjoying their new peaceful lives, now that Robotnik had been defeated for good. Two people especially were enjoying their freedom. Cyrus (look up "Sonic Underground Redesigns" by "phantomgirl2510" on "DeviantArt") was working his new job as a delivery boy & Mindy LaTour (look up "Sonic Underground Redesign: Mindy LaTour" by "rinkunokoisuru" on "DeviantArt") was out shopping for new clothes, now that the Queen had restored her family's aristocratic title. Suddenly, the sound of trumpets blaring made everyone stop in their tracks. To many people in the city, those trumpets could only mean one thing*
Cyrus & Mindy: Ayla's back!
*The sound of the trumpets woke up Bartleby Montclair (look up "Sonic Underground Redesign: Bartleby Montclair" by "rinkunokoisuru" on DeviantArt), who was napping in the parlor of the Castle*
Bartleby: Oh dear! She's back!
*A brown female wolf with dark blue eyes, a tan muzzle, her dark brown hair in a bun, & wearing a red long sleeved dress with black trim, white gloves, & black high heels (look up "Minerva the Wolf" by "SwanGirl24" on "DeviantArt") was in the Royal Library when the trumpets sounded*
Minerva: She's back!
*In the Royal Science Lab, Uncle Chuck was working on a new invention when he heard the trumpets*
Uncle Chuck: She's back!
*In the kitchen, Sonic's Adoptive Parents, Bryce & Stella (look up "Sonic Underground adoptive parents redesign" by "Cyclone62" on "DeviantArt"), were cooking up some chili dogs for their foster son when they heard the trumpets*
Bryce & Stella: Ayla!
*Up in her new Royal Quarters, Lady Windermere (look up "Sonic Underground adoptive parents redesign" by "Cyclone62" on "DeviantArt") was fixing her makeup when she heard the trumpets*
Lady Windermere: Ayla's back! How wonderful!
*In the Royal Treasury, Ferrell (look up "Sonic Underground adoptive parents redesign" by "Cyclone62" on "DeviantArt") was going over the royal budget when he heard the trumpets*
Ferrell: The kid's back!
*Up in her study, Queen Aleena (look up "Queen Aleena - Redesign" by "SwanGirl24" on "DeviantArt") was signing some Royal Documents when they all burst into the room*
All: She's back!
*She was so startled by their shouts, that she fell backwards in her chair*
(Ayla's POV)
*It's been a few days since we rescued Sally's Dad. My brother decided I should spend some time with my other family in the other Mobius. Right now, I was in a limo with my other world older siblings, Sonic, Sonia (look up "Sonic Underground Redesign: Sonia " by "rinkunokoisuru" on "DeviantArt") & Manic (look up "Sonic Underground Redesign: Manic " by "rinkunokoisuru" on "DeviantArt"), (believe it or not, they were actually waiting for me with the limo when I arrived). I looked out the window to see the Castle coming into view*
Ayla: I see it!
Sonic: Welcome home.
Ayla: I still can't believe this is really happening. Are you guys sure I'm not dreaming?
Manic: Hey, come on. Would we lie to you? In this world, you're a Princess.
*Sonia hugged me*
Sonia: And our adorable little sister!
(Third-Person POV)
*Aleena, Minerva, Uncle Chuck, Bryce, Stella, Lady Windermere, Ferrell, & Bartleby were all walking down the hallway, on their way to welcome Ayla*
Queen Aleena: This is Ayla's first time being a Princess, so I don't want her overwhelmed. You have to make sure she's prepared.
*Bartleby stopped when she said that*
Bartleby: My Queen, *he started to bow* I am honored -
Queen Aleena: Oh, sorry Bartleby. I was talking to Minerva.
Minerva:*to Bartleby* Of course, not you. She wants the job done right the first time.
*Bartleby glared at her*
Queen Aleena: Also, I've decided to put Ayla in charge of this year's Royal Banquet.
*This time, Minerva stopped, looking completely shocked*
Minerva: The Royal Banquet!?
*The group started going downstairs*
Queen Aleena: You'll teach her everything she needs to know.
*Minerva went after them*
Minerva: But, my Queen! She won't know anything about planning a Royal Banquet!
(Ayla's POV)
Ayla: I don't know anything about planning a Royal Banquet. Oh, well. It can't any harder than planning a regular party.
Sonic:*chuckle* Well, no matter what happens. We'll be right by your side.
*That's what he said, but once we got there & as soon as the hugs & hellos were done, Mom dropped a bombshell on us*
Sonic: We have to go!? Now!?
*The servants were already packing luggage into the limo*
Manic: But, Ma! We can't just leave Ayla hanging! Not with the Royal Banquet only two days away.
Queen Aleena: I'm sorry, dear. But there are important matters of state that need to be tended to. And as the Council of Four, they expect us all there.
*She started heading towards the limo*
Sonia: But, Mother - *a servant walked past her, carrying some tennis rackets* She's hasn't had time to prepare! She's never been a Princess before!
*I was then faced with a stern looking lady wolf. She nodded her head to me*
Lady Windermere: Your Highness, I agree with Sonia on this. It's a big job, and it might be too much for the poor dear.
Queen Aleena: Nonsense. I have complete confidence in her.
*I now felt like I had a giant boulder on my shoulders*
Minerva: Your Majesty. I'll take care of the preparations as I always do.
Queen Aleena: Thank you, Minerva, but just show her what to do. I'm positive she can handle it. *she turned to me* Isn't that right, darling?
*I started to get nervous as everyone looked at me*
Ayla: Uh . . . Sure, Mom.
Queen Aleena: That's my girl. *she hugged me & kissed my forehead* We'll see you tomorrow night. I'm sorry to leave as soon as you arrive. But I promise, we'll all do something special together when we get back.
Ayla: Ok. Bye, I love you.
*She kissed my forehead one more time & then got in the limo. My older siblings turned to me*
Sonic: Sorry to rush off like this, Ayla.
Ayla: Don't worry. I'll be okay. I'll have Uncle Chuck, Bryce, Stella, Lady Windermere, and Ferrell here in case I need help.
Sonia: I just know you're going to surprise us all with an incredible feast.
Ayla: I just hope you guys aren't too surprised.
*All four of us did a group hug (look up "Ayla, Sonic, Sonia, & Manic - Group Hug" by "SwanGirl24" on "DeviantArt") & then they got in the limo with Mom. I waved them goodbye. But I started feeling a little scared once they were out of sight. I then went up the steps leading to the front door of the castle. I went inside & looked around. It was so big that it made me feel smaller than usual. I then saw a portrait of my Mom with my older siblings (look up "Royal Family/ Redraw" by "RisziArts" on "DeviantArt"). I felt even smaller now. I know they welcomed me into their family, but I felt like a stranger that was intruding into their lives. I mean, I'm not even from this world. I'm starting to wonder if they only adopted me out of pity*
Minerva:*off-screen* Ahem!
*I turned around & saw the stern looking lady wolf from earlier*
Ayla: Oh, uh . . . Hey.
*She gave a hard look*
Minerva: Hay is for horses, young lady. And stand up straight. Your posture is atrocious. *I straightened up* Good. Now then, I am Minerva, the Chief of Staff here at the castle, Your Highness.
Ayla:*in her mind* I don't think I'll ever get used to being called that.
Minerva: Now, allow me to show you to your quarters.
*I followed her up a few flights of stairs. My eyes wandered as we walked, but I tried to keep up with her. We soon arrived at two big doors. Minerva opened them & soon I found myself in a very big fancy bedroom (look up "Princess' Room [day]" by "JakeBowkett" on "DeviantArt")*
Ayla: This is my room? It's so big.
Minerva: Looks like the standard Princess suite to me. You've got your canopy bed, window seat, reading nook, and in here, *she opened a door, revealing a huge closet filled with gowns, fancy shoes, & tiaras* you'll find all your gowns and royal accessories.
Ayla: Whoa.
*She closed the door*
Minerva: Now, if you need anything at all, anytime of day, all you have to do is ring this bell.
*She pulled a big rope & two seconds later, a maid rushed into the room*
Maid: Yes, Miss. You rang?
Minerva: Do you need anything?
Ayla: Well, no. Not right now.
Minerva: Very well, then. *she shooed the maid away* I'll see you in the dining room for dinner at 6 PM. Sharp.
Ayla: Alright. See you then.
Minerva: . . . Indeed.
*She left, leaving me alone in this huge room. I felt really small now*
(Third-Person POV)
*The next morning, Minerva knocked on the doors leading to Ayla's bedroom. Next to her were two maids. One was a red-orange female red panda with a white muzzle & brown eyes & the other was a light orange female hamster with a white muzzle & blue eyes. Both wearing the same uniform (look up "Ginger & Phoebe" by "SwanGirl24" on "DeviantArt"). She knocked on the on the door, but there was no answer. She opened the door & found a bump under the covers of Ayla's bed. She & the two maids went up to the bed*
Minerva: Good morning, Your Highness. *Ayla didn't answer* Your Highness?
*She pulled back the covers, only to reveal, instead Ayla, there was a pile of pillows. She screamed*
(Ayla's POV)
*I had gotten up really early & went down to the kitchen. I was making getting ready to make my breakfast*
Ayla: Now, I'm thinking . . . Pancakes this morning.
*Just then, the kitchen staff came in*
Head Chef: Your Highness! What are you doing!?
Ayla: I'm making breakfast. My famous chocolate chip pancakes. One bite, and you'll be on Cloud 9.
Note: She's gotten better at cooking.
Head Chef: Uh . . . Your Highness. If you want breakfast, you can just ask us to make it for you.
Ayla: Thanks. But I can handle it.
Head Chef: But . . . Your Highness . . .
Minerva:*off-screen* The Princess is missing! *she stomped into the kitchen, looking angry**on-screen* Has anyone seen the Princess!?
*The Head Chef pointed at me. She looked at me & her eyes went wide*
Ayla: Good morning, Minerva.
Minerva: Oh, I thought you - But those awful clothes. I didn't recognize you, Your Highness. Allow me to introduce your Ladies-in-Waiting. Ginger and Phoebe.
Ayla: Hello. You're just in time for breakfast.
Phoebe: Breakfast? Ooh! With toast and jam?
*Minerva glared at her & she looked down, ashamed*
Minerva: Your Highness, a Princess never prepares her own meals. That is not how things are done.
Ayla: There are rules about breakfast?
Minerva: Of course there are rules, Your Highness. But it's certainly not your fault that you don't know the traditions of the Castle. That's what the Queen, Your Mother, expects me to teach you.
Ayla: Well . . . I'll do my best.
*Minerva looked unimpressed*
Minerva: Come along. There's no time to waste. Just do as I say, and everything will be fine. *she pushed me out of the room & turned to the kitchen staff* As you were.
*When we got back to my room, the first thing they did was tie my hair back with a big red bow. Then Phoebe began to tighten a corset around my chest, making it hard for me to breath*
Minerva: The Queen would be horrified to see the hostess of the Royal Banquet dressed like a street urchin. A Princess must be attired like Royalty.
*Phoebe put a white skirt on me & then a cage skirt*
Ayla: Do I have to wear this all the time?
Ginger: Oh, of course not, Your Highness. *she handed me a pair of pink high heels* You'll need something much more formal for dinner.
*She put the shoes in front of me*
Ayla: Couldn't I just wear some of my own clothes?
Minerva:*chuckle* Very amusing, Your Highness. But it simply isn't done.
*I stepped into the shoes, but had trouble balancing. Then they put me in a puffy pink dress (look up "Ayla - Puffy Pink Dress" by "SwanGirl24" on "DeviantArt"). When I looked at myself in the mirror, I didn't recognize myself. Then Uncle Chuck, Bryce, Stella, Lady Windermere, & Ferrell didn't recognize me either until I told them who I was*
*We went into the ballroom*
Ayla: It's really nice day today. Why don't we open the curtains?
*I went to open some curtains, but Minerva stopped me*
Minerva: No, no, no! These curtains are never opened.
*She closed them*
Ginger: And certainly not by a Princess.
Minerva: It most definitely isn't done.
*I was surprised at this. Uncle Chuck & Lady Windermere gave each other strange looks*
*Next we went to the dining room, where the servants were getting everything ready*
Ginger: Dukes and Viscounts sit nearest the Queen unless there is a Marquis present.
Ayla: Wouldn't it be better if people could just sit wherever they want?
Ginger: No, you must never seat a Duke above a Marquis or below a Baron.
*We were stopped by Phoebe. Next to her was another maid, holding two napkins*
Phoebe: Which colour is correct, Your Highness? Cream or ecru?
Ayla: Um . . . Ecru?
Minerva: Goodness, no. Cream.
Ayla: But they both look the same.
Minerva: Oh my. So much to learn. So little time.
*Bryce & Stella glared at Minerva*
*Soon, we were back in the kitchen. On the table were lots of dishes, covered by domes*
Minerva: At the Banquet, as always the Royal Menu shall consist the rarest roast beef, *as she said each dish, Ginger & Phoebe took off a lid* french onion soup, tarragon mashed potatoes, freshly baked baguettes, the finest truffles in the Kingdom, and for dessert . . . Stewed prunes.
Ayla: Prunes!? For dessert!?
Minerva: It is expected. It is a tradition that has never broken, even when Dr. Robotnik was in charge. Besides, I like them.
*I looked at the prunes & felt a little queasy. Uncle Chuck, Bryce, Stella, Lady Windermere, & Ferrell also looked a little green*
Ayla:*in her mind* I think I'll be skipping dessert.
*We went outside & walked to the front gates of the Castle*
Minerva: Your Highness shall pause here to greet her noble guests.
Ginger: Remember, curtsy to royalty, wave to nobility.
Ayla: I know I can do this right. *I began to do a Princess wave. just then, I heard voices calling my name. I saw a crowd of people from town gathered at the front gate. I smiled when I recognized them* Hey, everyone! *I ran up to the gate* It's great to see all you guys! Just a minute! *to the Gatekeeper* Open the gates!
Minerva: No, no, no! These gates are only opened for Royal visitors. You must remember the rules. *to the crowd* Commoners are never allowed in the Castle. It simply isn't done.
*My friends started to leave. I wanted to stop them, but Ginger pulled me away. Uncle Chuck, Bryce, Stella, Lady Windermere, & Ferrell all looked sad for me*
Ayla:*in her mind* Why do I feel like a bird in a cage?
*We went back to the ballroom. Ginger & I started to do a really slow dance to boring music. A stack of books had been placed on my head. Uncle Chuck, Bryce, Stella, Lady Windermere, & Ferrell all stood off to the side*
Minerva: At the very least, one must learn to dance with poise and grace.
Ayla: I'm trying. *I moved to keep the books balanced* I-I-I just need more practice.
Minerva: It must be perfect. It is a favorite dance at the Royal Banquet. *I heard one of the musicians & Ferrell yawning* No, no, no, Your Highness. It must be slower and more formal.
*Phoebe put a pointer under my chin to keep it up. A servant came up behind Ginger with two napkins*
Ginger: Your Highness, eggshell or bone?
Ayla: Eggshell?
Minerva: Bone
*A different servant came up behind Phoebe with a scroll*
Phoebe: Now, who sits next to the Count?
Ayla: The Duke?
Minerva: The Marquis.
*Suddenly, servants began to crowd us, each holding a different object*
Ginger: Gold or silver?
Ayla For what?
Phoebe: Baron or Viscount?
Ayla: Who?
Ginger: Pekoe or Darjeeling?
Ayla: I don't know!
*All their voices were starting to mix into one*
Phoebe: Braised or broiled?
Ginger: Fish or fowl?
Phoebe: Stand or sit?
Minerva: Mind the music!
Ginger: Hair up or down?
Phoebe: Left or right?
Ginger: One or two?
Minerva: Your Highness! *suddenly, I tripped & fell on my bottom. the servants all stood around me as I sat on the floor with a book on my head* Your Highness, the dance is best performed on one's feet. *once she said that I felt tears forming in my eyes. I stood up & ran out of the room. as I was leaving, I heard Minerva say something that hurt* This is a disaster.
*I ran upstairs in tears*
*I ran to my room & sobbed into my pillow. Uncle Chuck, Bryce, Stella, Lady Windermere, & Ferrel soon came in*
Uncle Chuck: Ayla? Sweetheart? Are you alright?
*I looked up at him*
Ayla: Uncle Chuck, what am I going to do? I'm a complete failure as a Princess! *Lady Windermere handed me a handkerchief & I dried my eyes* Why can't I learn to do this right? *I got up & looked at myself in the mirror* Ugh! Look at me! *I then realized something* Hey, something's not right here.
Ferrell: You mean like, stewed prunes?
Ayla: Exactly! And why do they have to keep the Castle do dark? And that awful dance. And those boring colors that all look the same.
Ferrell: And stewed prunes!
Uncle Chuck: Ok, Ferrell, we get it.
Ayla: Especially those rules about keeping commoners out of the Castle. I was living in a cabin in the woods when Mom, Sonic, Sonia, & Manic adopted me! And they love me . . . Because I'm me. I've been trying to follow someone else's rules about who I should be and how I should dress. *I went behind a folding screen & took off the pink puffy nightmare* This hair. Ew! *I took the ribbon out of my hair & came out, back in my usual clothes* I know I can do this. I just have to stop trying to be someone else.
Uncle Chuck: So . . . What are you going to do?
Ayla: Uncle Chuck. I'm going to plan this Banquet my way.
Uncle Chuck: That's my girl.
Follow your heart - lyrics by Karly Emily on YouTube
*I knew I was going to need help with this so I called my Freedom Fighter friends from my world, even my brother (under the condition that nobody from the Castle sees him). So, later that day, me, Sally, Cream, Cheese, & Amy were standing in front of the Castle gates. I looked up at the Gatekeeper*
Ayla: Open the gates!
*We went around New Mobotropolis, giving out invitations to everyone there. Just then, Minerva appeared next to me*
Minerva: Your Highness! Your Mother would not approve of this! You're suppose to be inviting Dukes and Counts and other aristocrats.
Ayla: I am inviting them, along with all of my friends here in the city.
Minerva: Your Highness, I strongly advise against it. It's simply not the way things are done.
Ayla: Perhaps the time has come to try something new.
*I went past her & continued handing out invitations*
*I went to the kitchen, where Antoine & Bunnie were waiting for me*
Ayla: This party needs help, starting with dessert.
Antoine: Indeed. Stewed prunes! What are zey zinking!?
Bunnie: Alright, let's calm down. Now, Ayla-Girl, do you have any ideas?
Ayla: Well, I was thinking something with chocolate. Like a chocolate cake. With a little something mixed inside. *we looked through a dessert cookbook that Antoine brought with him until we found something I liked* Chocolate fudge cake! Now, that sounds good.
*Antoine & Bunnie both high-fived & we all started to make the cake together*
*Next, me & Phoebe were in the ballroom, dancing a new dance to more exciting music*
Phoebe: We never get to dance like this!
*Ginger then came in with two books. I took the books & put them on & then pulled her into dance. At first she looked nervous but then she smiled & began to dance with Phoebe. Minerva then came in*
Minerva: It simply isn't done! It simply isn't done!
*She ran out of the room. I almost didn't hear her because I was having too much fun*
*I stood on on a balcony overlooking the main hall has the servants set everything up for tonight. All my friends & brother had already gone back to our world. Ginger then came up to me with two new napkins*
Ginger: Your Highness, sand or buff?
Ayla: Which color do you like?
Ginger: Hmm . . . Sky blue!
Ayla:*giggle* Perfect. Hmm, something's still missing. *I went to a window & opened the curtains, letting the sunshine come in* Now that's more like it.
*The servants all smiled in awe. Minerva then ran up to me in a panic*
Minerva: AGH! What will the Queen say!?
Ayla: I know this is a big change. But I have to try this my way.
Minerva: Well then. I certainly hope you know what you're doing.
*She left in a huff*
*That night, I changed into a turquoise dress & my tiara (look up "Ayla - Turquoise Dress" by "SwanGirl24" on "DeviantArt"). Just then, I heard noises outside. I looked out the window & saw limousines & pick-up trucks coming towards the Castle*
Ayla: Well, it's too late to turn back now.
*As I went down the stairs, I felt nervous. But when I entered the ballroom, I was surprised to what I saw. The orchestra was playing music that seemed to be meant for square dance & The Aristocrats & townspeople were all dancing together like old friends. Uncle Chuck, Bryce, Stella, Lady Windermere, & Ferrell were also dancing. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Except Minerva, who was wearing a blue ball gown (look up "Rosalina - Princess" by "Katlime" on "DeviantArt")*
Minerva: Ah! This dance is horrifying! *after a few minutes of dancing trumpets were sounded* The Queen has arrived.
*My Mom entered the ballroom, but stopped when she saw what was going on*
Queen Aleena: Oh my . . .
*Minerva ran up to her*
Minerva: Your Majesty! I can explain! This is all Princess Ayla's doing! I tried to teach her, but she simply refused to listen! It's a scandal!
*Mom sniffed the air*
Queen Aleena: What is that delightful smell?
Ayla: That would be the dessert I made for tonight.
*I snapped my fingers & the servants brought out a giant chocolate cake*
Minerva: Wha . . . What happened to the prunes!?
Ayla: Oh . . . I sorta . . . Kinda . . . Threw them out.
Minerva: Absolute outrage!
*Minerva was about to scold me, but Mom stopped her. She then went to the cake, picked up a fork & took a bit. Her eyes went wide & then she smiled*
Queen Aleena: Mmm! This is delicious! *I smiled & Minerva looked shocked. Mom laughed* What happened to the music? Everybody dance! *the music started again & everyone danced. just then, Sonic, Sonia, & Manic entered the room, dressed in their best (look up "Sonic, Sonia, and Manic - Formal Clothes" by "SwanGirl24" on "DeviantArt"). when they saw me, they ran over to me & pulled me into a group hug* I thought we needed some new traditions. That's why I put Ayla in charge. I thought she could spice it up a little.
*We were all surprise at this, especially Minerva*
Sonia: Very sneaky, Mother.
*Mom giggled*
Queen Aleena: Well, come on, Minerva! You're missing all the fun.
*She handed Minerva off to Mindy's Father, Mr. LaTour. They were surprised at first, but them smiled at each other & started to do a tango together*
Sonic: Did we miss something?
Ayla: Surprise.
*Mr. LaTour dipped Minerva in front of us*
Queen Aleena: Wonderful job! Simply wonderful!
Minerva: It is the Princess who deserves your praise, My Queen. And I am honored to be at her Highness's service.
*Mr. LaTour pulled her away*
Ayla: I'm think we're going to be great friends.
*The dancing continued. Mom turned to me*
Queen Aleena: You did a wonderful job, Darling. I'm so proud of you.
*She kissed my forehead & went to join the party*
Manic: Great job, little sis.
Sonic: We're really proud of you too.
Ayla: Someday I'll get this Princess thing right.
Sonia: I think that day is today.
*We all did another group hug. Then we summoned our instruments & began to play a song*
*Ayla singing*
Take the world
Shake and stir
And that's what I got goin' on
I throw my cares up in the air
And I don't think they're comin' down
Yeah, I love how it feels right now
This is the life
Hold on tight
And this is the dream
It's all I need
You never know where you'll find it
And I'm gonna take my time
Yeah
I'm still getting it right
This is the life
Takin' in a whole new scene
And I'm swimmin' with a new crowd
(Crowd)
Breakin' down the old four walls
And I'm building them up from the ground
Yeah, I love how it feels right now
This is the life
Hold on tight
And this is the dream
It's all I need
You never know where you'll find it
And I'm gonna take my time, yeah
I'm still getting it right
This is the life
*After the Banquet was over, it was just me, my Mom, Sonic, Sonia, & Manic*
This is the Life - Hannah Montana