Ever Realm Chronicles Chapter 35: Striking Back, a sofia the first fanfic

Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic

Chapter 35: Striking Back

January 16, 1886

"Candice?" Everett asked.

"We've better get to the situation room," Candice announced before turning to Sofia. "Ornburgh Intelligence and Tangu Intelligence have a close working relationship. As Sultana of Tangu, you should be in on this."

"Let's go," Everett directed, followed by Candice, Rachel, and Sofia.

In a few moments, the four arrived at the situation room where some Ornburgh Intelligence personnel were gathered. One of the personnel, a man, walked up to Everett, Candice, Rachel, and Sofia.

"My King, my Queen, my Princess, my Sultana," the man started. "The WRF has attacked the Village of Koltenburg. There has been heavy destruction, several injuries … and several deaths."

Candice, Rachel, and Sofia gasped in horror as Everett banged his fist against a table in anger. Rachel then composed herself as she started walking from the room.

"Rachel?" Candice asked.

"Koltenburg is where Kristen comes from," Rachel responded. "I should be the one to tell her what has happened."

"Of course," Everett acknowledged.

In a few moments, Rachel reached the entrance to the castle ballroom. Rachel took a deep breath then opened the doors and walked in.

"Princess Rachel," Winifred smiled. "What a wonderful surprise."

"I'm sorry for intruding," Rachel apologized. "I have some bad news."

"What is it, Princess?" Cedric asked, concerned as Rachel gently walked up to Kristen.

"Kristen, I thought you should hear this from me," Rachel started. "The Village of Koltenburg has been attacked by the WRF. There has been heavy destruction, several villagers have been injured, and several villagers have been killed."

"My Koltenburg?" Kristen asked in shock. "Attacked by the WRF?"

"I'm afraid so," Rachel gently acknowledged. "I'm so sorry. The people of Koltenburg are good, hard-working people."

"Thank you for saying that," Kristen said gratefully as Cedric walked over and gently hugged Kristen.

"This won't go unchallenged," Cedric softly promised Kristen.

"Indeed, it won't," Rachel further promised. "I'd better be getting back to the situation room. Will you be okay?"

"Yes," Kristen quietly answered. "Thank you for telling me."

"Anytime, my friend," Rachel acknowledged as she walked out of the ballroom. As Rachel left the ballroom, Constance quickly walked up to Rachel.

"Princess," Constance started. "The WRF could have chosen any community. Koltenburg, I think you'll agree, is an interesting choice considering its remote location."

"Indeed," Rachel agreed. "I've been thinking about that just now. I wonder if attacking Koltenburg isn't a personal swipe at Kristen and me. The WRF knows that's where Kristen comes from. The WRF would also know that I've paid several visits to Koltenburg and have gotten close to the people there."

"The WRF are an evil bunch," Constance thought out loud. "They have no soul. Please know that Scarlett will be more than willing to help Ornburgh in any way possible."

"I know, Lady Constance," Rachel gratefully acknowledged. "Scarlett is a good friend. We're all blessed to have her in our lives."

Constance nodded her head in agreement as Rachel walked off.

January 17, 1886

It was a Sunday afternoon at Ornburgh Castle. Standing a short distance away from the castle was a white-skinned woman with brown hair. As the woman stood near Ornburgh Castle, she spoke into a crystal ball.

"This is Molly McKenzie reporting for the Crystal Ball News Network," the woman started. "I'm standing outside of Ornburgh Castle a day after the devastating attack on the Village of Koltenburg by the Witch Revolutionary Front. Inside Ornburgh Castle, King Everett and Queen Candice are meeting with kingdom officials to determine what steps can be taken against the Witch Revolutionary Front."

Molly stopped for a moment, then continued. "In other news related to Ornburgh Castle, some princesses have arrived this morning to meet with Princess Rachel. The princesses are Princess Holly from Alselle, Princess Kendra from Ladarvia, Princess Ying from Weiling, Princess Cassie from Javella, Princesses Angela and May from Grudelia, and Princesses Faith and Skylar from Cinnibar. It should be noted that all the princesses are Protectors, but their bearing on the current situation is unknown."

Inside of Ornburgh Castle, Everett and Candice were in the situation room with some Ornburgh Intelligence personnel when a man raced into the room.

"We have a current location for one of the WRF cells," the man announced as he handed a piece of paper to Candice. "It's a small cell, located in the western forest of Bukaria. About twenty WRF members total."

"I think it's time to put Operation T into play," Everett suggested. "This is the perfect time to carry out a surgical strike on the WRF."

"I just don't like the idea of sending the girls into a battle situation," Candice pointed out.

"Neither do I," Everett agreed. "But, they are Protectors who have taken specialty battle training. Of course, we could always send along the surprise with them. I know it would make me feel better, and I'm sure it would make you feel better as well."

"Yes, it would," Candice agreed. "I'll make the arrangements."

A while later, Candice found herself outside of a three-story grey stone guest house on the castle grounds. Candice opened the front door and walked into a large living room where Rachel, Holly, Kendra, Ying, Cassie, Angela, May, Faith, and Skylar were sitting.

"Mom?" Rachel asked.

"A small WRF cell has been found in the western forest of Bukaria," Candice announced. "We'd like to carry out a surgical strike on the cell in retaliation for the attack on Koltenburg."

"Consider it done," Rachel approved as Holly, Kendra, Ying, Cassie, Angela, May, Faith, and Skylar nodded their heads in agreement.

"Not so fast," Candice cautioned. "I'm adding some additional members to your team. I know you're all capable young women, but I'd like some adults along, just to be on the safe side."

"Who did you have in mind, Mom?" Rachel asked, curious.

Candice looked out the window and waved three women forward. In a few moments, the door opened and the three women walked into the large living room.

"Aunt Dorrie," Rachel smiled. "Aunt Bethany. Aunt Louise."

"You didn't think me, Bethany, and Louise would miss out on the fun, did you?" Dorrie smiled back. "Just consider us additional members of the team. And I know your Mom would feel better having the three of us along."

"You're more than welcome," Rachel acknowledged, grateful.

"These are the coordinates of the cell," Candice said as she handed Rachel a piece of paper. "There are about twenty WRF members in the cell."

"Then we've better get going," Rachel advised as she, Holly, Kendra, Ying, Cassie, Angela, May, Faith, Skylar, Dorrie, Bethany, and Louise walked into Rachel's Tardis which was parked in a corner of the room. The Tardis door slid shut, and in a few moments, the Tardis disappeared into thin air.

"Goddess speed," Candice thought to herself.

Meanwhile, in Bukaria

In the encampment containing the WRF cell, a strange whirling noise started coming from the middle of the encampment. In a few moments, a cylindrical object appeared out of thin air. As a few WRF witches looked at the object not knowing what to think, the door of the object slid open. Before the few WRF witches knew what was happening, wand fire from inside the object hit the witches standing there. As the witches fell over, dead, other witches standing nearby started to run away. At that same moment, Rachel, Holly, Kendra, Ying, Cassie, Angela, May, Faith, Skylar, Dorrie, Bethany, and Louise piled out of the object and started firing on the remaining WRF witches.

In a few moments, the attack was over and most of the WRF witches had been killed except one. The surviving witch was then dragged over by Dorrie to face Rachel, Holly, Kendra, Ying, Cassie, Angela, May, Faith, Skylar, Bethany, and Louise.

"I'm Princess Rachel Beckenbauer of Ornburgh," Rachel introduced herself.

"I know who you are!" the witch spat in Rachel's direction.

"I imagine you do," Rachel acknowledged.

"Who are you people?!" the witch demanded to know.

"We're Princess Force," Rachel answered. "We're here to avenge the WRF attack on the Ornburgh Village of Koltenburg."

"You realize you've made a deadly mistake," the witch glared at Rachel. "The WRF won't tolerate its members being attacked."

"And we won't tolerate innocent villages being attacked!" Rachel barked. "The WRF are the ones who made a deadly mistake!"

"We will see, young princess," the witch mocked. "I suggest you kill me and get it over with."

"You're not getting off that lucky," Rachel grinned. "You're going back to the WRF and you're going to tell them what happened here today."

"They'll kill me for not dying in battle," the witch said, worried, suddenly realizing the gravity of the situation.

"That's not our problem," Rachel coldly said on behalf of herself and Princess Force. "You may leave now. You're dismissed, underling."

"Beat it, moron!" Dorrie snapped as she fired a wand shot next to the witch. The witch in turn quickly ran away.

"We've better be leaving," Rachel advised. "We don't want to be around when a bunch of locals show up wondering what's going on."

Rachel, Holly, Kendra, Ying, Cassie, Angela, May, Faith, Skylar, Dorrie, Bethany, and Louise walked into Rachel's Tardis. The Tardis door slid closed, and in a few moments, the Tardis disappeared into thin air.

Two hours later in Ornburgh

The news had broken about the attack in Bukaria and people across the Ever Realm were glued to their crystal balls waiting for the latest information. The Crystal Ball News Network then came on to provide that information.

"This is Sean Rhodes of the Crystal Ball News Network," a white-skinned man in his forties reported. "Recapping what we know so far, roughly two hours ago, a force led by Princess Rachel Beckenbauer of Ornburgh attacked a WRF encampment in the Kingdom of Bukaria. We have unconfirmed reports that the attack was in retaliation for the WRF attack on the Ornburgh Village of Koltenburg. We also have unconfirmed reports that several WRF witches are dead in Bukaria. King Everett of Ornburgh is expected to address Ornburgh and the Ever Realm within the hour. The Crystal Ball News Network will offer live coverage when the address takes place."

At Ornburgh Castle, Everett was sitting in his study while a crystal ball link was being established with crystal balls across Ornburgh and the Ever Realm.

"We're ready, Your Majesty," a man reported to Everett.

"Very well," Everett acknowledged. "Send out an attention signal."

Back at the Crystal Ball News Network, Sean Rhodes started broadcasting again.

"This is Sean Rhodes," Sean reported. "We are expecting King Everett of Ornburgh to address Ornburgh and the Ever Realm at any moment. And here is King Everett now."

"This is King Everett of Ornburgh," Everett began. "A little over two hours ago, my daughter and an assault force arrived at a WRF encampment in the Kingdom of Bukaria. Wand fire was exchanged between my daughter's assault force and the WRF witches at the encampment. As a result, nearly all the WRF witches at the encampment were killed. My daughter and her assault force suffered no casualties and left the encampment immediately afterward."

Everett stopped for a moment, then continued. "My daughter and her assault force were in Bukaria on my orders to avenge the WRF attack on the Ornburgh Village of Koltenburg. I felt it necessary that the WRF should be made to pay for the death and destruction inflicted upon Koltenburg. Ornburgh cannot have the WRF attacking innocent villagers without paying a price. As King of Ornburgh, I apologize to the Kingdom of Bukaria for violating its territory. I assure the Kingdom of Bukaria that Ornburgh will offer appropriate compensation for any trouble this has caused you. Meanwhile, there are a few reporters here with me, and I will answer their questions now."

A white-skinned man in his thirties stepped forward. "Daniel Hoch, Ornburgh Journal," the man introduced himself. "It seems like your daughter and her force arrived at Bukaria very fast. Did they get there using your daughter's machine?"

"Yes, they did," Everett confirmed. "It was decided that my daughter's machine, or Tardis as it is called, would be the fastest means to get there."

"A follow-up question, Your Majesty," Daniel requested as Everett nodded his head yes. "Does Ornburgh plan to employ your daughter's … Tardis … in other military operations?"

"In regard to other military operations, my daughter's Tardis will only be used on occasion when dealing with the WRF," Everett answered.

An Indian woman in her twenties then stepped forward, "Radhika Patel, Jalpur Times," the woman introduced herself. "Is it possible to tell me more about this force that was with your daughter?"

"The force under my daughter's command is a group of Ever Realm Protectors who are also princesses," Everett revealed. "They are known as Princess Force, and for legal reasons are officially classified as a division of Crimson Force."

As the news conference continued, about half a dozen people were watching via crystal ball in a house located in a forest in Ornburgh. The owner of the house was a black-skinned woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties. The woman was Lady Myla of the House of Zarella, a small magical house that was shrouded in secrecy. As Lady Myla watched with the others, she turned to those gathered.

"Considering current events, it might be time to reveal who we really are," Myla suggested as those gathered nodded yes in agreement.

At that same moment, at Hanleigh Castle in the Kingdom of Hanleigh, Hanleigh's royal family watched the news conference via a crystal ball. Watching were King Ryan, Queen Hildegard, ten-year-old Prince Drake, and nine-year-old Princess Odette. As they watched the news conference, Odette gazed deeply at the crystal ball.

"What is it, Odette?" Hildegard asked, interested.

"To be brave like those princesses," Odette remarked. "To be such a princess, Mom."

"You survived that orphanage," Hildegard gently pointed out. "You have your own bravery."

"Your mother is correct," Ryan smiled at Odette as Drake walked over and gently put his arm around his sister.

"You can do anything you put your mind to," Drake said to Odette. "I'm sure someday you'll be in the same league as Princess Force."

Ryan and Hildegard smiled at Drake's touching gesture as Odette hugged her brother.

Late that night in another part of the Ever Realm, the WRF witch who escaped from Bukaria arrived at an underground complex that served as the current headquarters for the WRF. The witch was then escorted to an area where Rerana Sharpe was waiting.

"My Mistress," the witch said as she bowed her head.

"So, you're the one who survived the attack at Bukaria," Rerana observed.

"Only because they let me go to tell the tale," the witch explained, nervous.

"Yes, I know about this Princess Force," Rerana acknowledged. "I know it's led by Princess Rachel. Who else is involved?"

"Her princess friends, along with Princess Dorrie, Princess Bethany, and Princess Louise," the witch answered. "Princess Rachel's machine appeared out of thin air. Before we knew it, all of them piled out of the machine and started firing on us. We were taken completely by surprise."

"I imagine you were," Rerana theorized as the witch stood rigid, awaiting her fate. "Why are you standing there stiff as a board?"

"I wasn't killed in battle, My Mistress," the witch answered. "I have brought shame upon the WRF."

"Under normal circumstances, I would agree," Rerana admitted. "But what you faced were not normal circumstances. Princess Rachel used her unnatural machine to mount a surprise attack. There's nothing any of you could have done. Therefore, you live to fight another day."

"Thank you, My Mistress," the witch gratefully acknowledged.

At that same moment, at Ornburgh Castle, Captain Susanne Reinhard walked up to Everett and Candice.

"My King, My Queen," Susanne started. "I have a message from Lady Myla of House Zarella. She and a small group would like to meet with Princess Rachel in the morning."

"Lady Myla?" Candice asked. "She and those connected to her keep a very low profile. Why would they want to meet with Rachel?"

"She sent this to give to Princess Rachel," Susanne answered as she handed a sealed envelope to Candice. "According to the message from Lady Myla, this will prove their good intentions toward Princess Rachel."

"Thank you, Captain," Candice acknowledged. "I'll see that Rachel receives this."

January 18, 1886

It was a Monday morning at Ornburgh Castle. Greta was helping Rachel get ready for the day when a knock came at Rachel's door.

"Come in," Rachel invited.

The door opened, and Candice walked in.

"Mom," Rachel smiled. "I was just getting ready for school."

"You won't be going to school today," Candice announced. "Lady Myla and a small group want to meet with you this morning. They gave your father and me this sealed envelope to give to you."

"I'll take my leave of you, My Queen, My Princess," Greta said as she left Rachel's room.

Rachel walked over to a nearby desk, picked up a letter opener, and opened the sealed envelope. Rachel brought out a folded letter. Rachel then unfolded the letter and slowly read it. Rachel then stepped back, stunned.

"What is it, sweetheart?" Candice asked, concerned.

"It's the last thing I was ever expecting," Rachel answered as a smile came over her face. "It's a letter … from home as it were."

"May I see it?" Candice requested.

"Of course, Mom," Rachel happily agreed.

"Is this lettering what I think it is?" Candice asked, amazed.

"Yes, Mom," Rachel happily acknowledged. "Old High Gallifreyan."

Later that morning, Rachel, Everett, Candice, along with Violet stood waiting in the castle courtyard. In a short while, Lady Myla and a small group walked up.

"Lady Myla," Rachel greeted as she curtsied. "I had no idea until this morning that other Privorans lived here in Ornburgh."

"We've found a home here in Ornburgh, Princess," Myla smiled back, before turning to Everett, Candice, and Violet. "We've kept our true identities a secret for long enough. It's time we lived our lives here … as Privorans. We pledge our loyalty to Ornburgh and the Ever Realm."

"We're happy to have you here," Everett happily acknowledged. "If all of you will follow us inside, we have refreshments ready."

"Thank you, King Everett," Myla acknowledged as she and her companions followed Everett, Candice, Violet, and Rachel into the castle.

"I think it's wonderful that Rachel has fellow Privorans here in Ornburgh," Candice happily said to Myla.

"And it's wonderful that we can reveal ourselves to Princess Rachel and to the Ever Realm, My Queen," Myla happily responded.

As everybody sat down and had a pleasant conversation, Cedric looked in from a nearby hallway as Violet walked up behind him.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, Queen Violet," Cedric apologized. "I was passing by when I noticed the activity in there."

"No apology needed, Cedric," Violet smiled. "The truth of the matter is that we've found out there is a small group of renegade Time Lords and Time Ladies living here in Ornburgh. They are the ones who are in there."

"Amazing!" Cedric said in awe. "I imagine Princess Rachel must be pleased?"

"Very much so," Violet happily answered. "They are Privorans like Rachel."

"We should give them their privacy," Cedric suggested as Violet nodded her head in agreement.

As Cedric and Violet walked away, a maid who had just left the room where everybody was meeting.

"The WRF will be interested in this," the maid thought to herself.

January 22, 1886

It was a Friday afternoon at Ornburgh Castle. Rachel had just returned from school, and she was standing in the castle courtyard with Everett, Candice, and Violet. In a few moments, a flying carriage landed in the courtyard as Violet stepped forward.

"The royal family of Hanleigh," Violet announced. "King Ryan, Queen Hildegard, Prince Drake, and Princess Odette."

Ryan, Hildegard, Drake, and Odette stepped off of the carriage and walked up to Everett, Candice, Rachel, and Violet.

"Ryan," Everett smiled as the two shook hands. "A pleasure to see you again."

"And it's a pleasure to see you again, Everett," Ryan smiled back. "Thank you for allowing us to meet in order to discuss a trade agreement."

"Anytime, old friend," Everett acknowledged. "We'll be more than happy to sell Hanleigh a supply of our Ornburgh steel. I'm sure we can come to a suitable agreement."

Meanwhile, Hildegard, Drake, and Odette walked up to Candice, Rachel, and Violet.

"Candice," Hildegard smiled as the two hugged. "It's good to see you again."

"And you, old friend," Candice smiled back as she turned her attention to Drake and Odette. "You're growing into a fine young man, Drake. And you're growing into a fine young lady, Odette."

"Thank you, Queen Candice," Odette happily acknowledged as Rachel walked up. "Your Eminence," Odette said to Rachel in awe.

"Please, Rachel will do just fine," Rachel said to Odette in a reassuring voice. "I put my shoes on the same as everybody else."

"Odette is a big fan of yours," Hildegard informed Rachel.

"You're a Time Lady and a Protector," Odette said to Rachel. "I'm in awe of you."

"I'm honored," Rachel acknowledged, touched. "But try not to put me on a pedestal. I'm just an everyday person like everybody else."

"Yes, Princess … I mean, Rachel," Odette responded.

"We're going to get along nicely," Rachel smiled.

"If all of you will step into the castle, we have refreshments waiting," Everett announced.

As everybody walked into the castle, they had a pleasant conversation.

Evening at Ornburgh Castle

That evening, Rachel, along with eight-year-old Kristen and nine-year-old Odette, were standing in a tower on the side of Ornburgh Castle taking in the night sky.

"It must be fascinating being the daughter of the royal sorcerer," Odette remarked to Kristen, impressed.

"It is, Princess," Kristen responded proudly.

"Please, just call me Odette," Odette requested. "After all, we're all adopted here."

"It wouldn't be proper," Kristen started.

"It's okay," Rachel said to Kristen in a reassuring voice. "Treat Odette as you would treat me. Plus, you are a Nobel now."

"Really?" Odette asked, impressed.

"Yes," Rachel answered. "Kristen here is now Lady Kristen of House Villanova."

"I'm still getting used to that," Kristen confessed before her gaze turned to the night sky. "What is that?"

Rachel gazed at the area that had Kristen's attention. As Rachel looked, a worried look came over Rachel's face. Rachel then spotted a few guards below.

"Guards!" Rachel shouted. "Raise the alarm! Hostile brooms approaching!"

"Yes, Princess!" one of the guards acknowledged as the group of guards ran off to alert the other guards.

In a few moments, Rachel, Kristen, and Odette ran down the tower stairs into the castle when they bumped into Cedric.

"I've heard," Cedric announced. "Hostile brooms. Princess Rachel, get Kristen and Princess Odette to safety. That's your primary concern right now."

"Yes, Mister Cedric," Rachel acknowledged. "We'll be in my room. Send Prince Drake there as well."

"Understood, Princess," Cedric responded as he ran off.

In a few moments, witches riding the hostile brooms started attacking the castle. The castle guards started firing guns at the witches as Everett, Cedric, Candice, Ryan, and Hildegard arrived on the scene. The gunfire was holding the witches back for the time being.

"These guns aren't going to hold them back forever," Candice remarked.

"Agreed," Everett acknowledged as Candice transformed into her White Maleficent form.

"I'll get on the wall and help out the guards," Candice announced as Hildegard grabbed Candice's arm.

"I'll come with you," Hildegard volunteered. "I can use my ice power against them."

"Let's go," Candice directed as she and Hildegard ran off.

In Rachel's room, she, Kristen, and Odette were waiting as Drake ran in.

"Okay, everybody is here," Rachel acknowledged. "Quick! Into my Tardis!"

"In that thing?!" Drake asked, unsure.

"It's bigger on the inside than on the outside," Rachel answered. "We'll be safe in there."

Rachel, Kristen, Odette, and Drake ran into the Tardis as the door slid shut behind them. Odette and Drake looked in shocked awe at the inside of Rachel's Tardis as Kristen looked on with a satisfied look.

"You're not shocked?!" Odette asked Kristen, puzzled.

"I've been in here before," Kristen revealed with a smile.

As Rachel stood at the Tardis console, her viewscreen activated, showing … Lady Myla.

"Princess Rachel," Myla started. "Considering the circumstances, perhaps it's time to reveal what your Tardis can truly do."

"I thought we agreed we'd keep that a secret?" Rachel wanted to know.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," Myla pointed out. "I and the others will arrive at Ornburgh Castle soon and help with the defense."

"Understood," Rachel acknowledged. "Good luck."

"To all of us," Myla wished as the transmission ended.

"What's going on?" Odette wanted to know.

"No time to explain right now," Rachel responded as she activated a control panel on the wall. "Vida, activate protocol Alpha Theta Eight Seven Four Delta."

"I'll need your security access code, Rachel," Vida, Rachel's Tardis female computer, pointed out.

"Keying that in now," Rachel acknowledged as she pushed some buttons on the wall-mounted control panel. Within a few seconds, Rachel's Tardis made a loud powering-up sound as Kristen, Odette, and Drake stepped back in shock.

In the castle courtyard, Candice and Hildegard were on a wall helping some of the castle guards fend off the attacking witches. A few of the attacking witches managed to land on the wall. Candice formed a fireball in her hand and threw the fireball at the witches, which caused the witches to duck. Hildegard meanwhile used her ice power to freeze the witches.

"Nicely done, Hildi," Candice praised.

"Thank you, Candice," Hildegard smiled.

At that same moment, Lady Myla and her fellow Privorans arrived in their Tardises.

"Lady Myla," Everett greeted, pleased. "We can use all the help we can get."

As the Privorans took defensive positions, Myla looked at Everett. "My King, there's more than just us," Myla revealed as she motioned a group of people to emerge from her Tardis: Holly, Kendra, Ying, Cassie, Angela, May, Faith, Skylar, Dorrie, Bethany, and Louise, along with Scarlett.

"Ladies," Scarlett said to Holly, Kendra, Ying, Cassie, Angela, May, Faith, Skylar, Dorrie, Bethany, and Louise, "it looks like they could use your help on the wall."

Princess Force sprang into action as Scarlett joined Myla and the Privorans. Scarlett, Myla, and the Privorans then raced to join guards on another wall as Cedric followed close behind. A full-fledged firefight then took place between the Ornburgh Castle forces and the attacking witches. Soon, the attacking witches were forced to withdraw to a safer location. As the witches floated on their brooms, Elisena Frost turned to Rerana Sharpe.

"What do we do now?" Elisena wanted to know.

"We all go flying toward that wall," Rerana commanded. "We'll blow that wall to dust as one large unified force. We'll let the Ever Realm know we are a force to be reckoned with."

As the witches started moving forward on their brooms, Rachel's Tardis materialized out of thin air and hovered between the castle and the witches. Rachel's Tardis had slightly changed its shape to include a rotating weapons turret on the top of the Tardis.

"Attention WRF witches!" Rachel's voice boomed. "This is Princess Rachel Beckenbauer of Ornburgh. You are ordered to surrender immediately."

"And if we don't?!" Rerana yelled.

"Then you'll face the consequences of your stupidity!" Rachel responded.

"Attack!" Rerana ordered as the attacking brooms started opening fire on Rachel's Tardis.

Inside Rachel's Tardis, Rachel and Vida were countering the witch attack.

"Shields up at one hundred percent," Vida reported. "Your orders, Rachel?"

"Target the middle of that group of brooms," Rachel ordered. "Fire!"

A powerful laser blast from the weapons turret on the top of Rachel's Tardis hit the group of brooms dead on, taking out three-quarters of the brooms and their witches. The blast sent Elisena's broom downward as Rerana watched in horror. In a few moments, Elisena's broom hit the ground hard, throwing Elisena a fair distance away. As Rerana flew down to tend to Elisena, the remaining witches flew away in fright. At that same moment, Rachel's Tardis gently landed on the ground nearby.

"Stay in here," Rachel commanded Kristen, Odette, and Drake as Rachel walked out of the Tardis.

Nearby, Rerana knelt down next to Elisena's broken body.

"Rerana," Elisena said in a weak voice. "I won't be able to continue the fight."

"Just relax, old friend," Rerana said in a comforting voice.

"I'm going," Elisena weakly said before dying.

"It's over," Rachel said as she pointed her wand at Rerana.

"Batach!" Rerana screamed in anger as she lunged toward Rachel.

At that same moment, Rachel fired her wand at Rerana, knocking Rerana unconscious.

"Princess!" Cedric yelled, worried, as he ran up, followed by Everett and Ryan.

"I'm all right," Rachel said in a reassuring voice. "The kids are safe in the Tardis."

Candice, Hildegard, and Scarlett then ran up, followed by Princess Force.

"Rachel!" Candice cried out, relieved to see that Rachel was all right.

"If I'll be damned," Scarlett said, impressed, to Rachel. "I never dreamed in a hundred years that I'd ever see a War Tardis."

"Just before my birth parents and I escaped from Gallifrey, we discovered an old War Tardis was available in one of the repair bays," Rachel revealed. "We decided to use that as our escape just in case Gallifrey sent people after us. As luck would have it, nobody came after us."

"Probably because the Time Lords didn't want to go toe to toe with a War Tardis, even an old one at that," Lady Myla suggested as she walked up. "They probably figured under the circumstances it was better to let you go than to face an all-out firefight."

"Dad, Mom," Ryan and Odette called out as they raced up to Ryan and Hildegard. The four then hugged, happy to be together again.

"Dad," Kristen smiled as she walked up to Cedric.

"Young lady, it's good to see you safe," Cedric smiled back as he hugged Kristen.

"How do you know about War Tardises?" Rachel asked Scarlett.

"The Doctor told me about them once," Scarlett winked. "Yours must be an undercover model."

"That would be correct, Scarlett," Rachel confirmed before turning to Myla. "Just how did you and yours escape from Gallifrey?"

"A solar storm hit Gallifrey," Myla explained. "The storm disrupted Time Lord sensors. We used that disruption to escape undetected."

"Nice!" Rachel smiled in approval.

As Rerana regained consciousness, Everett directed two guards to take Rerana to the castle.

"I'll catch up with all of you shortly," Rachel announced as she stepped into her Tardis. "I'll get my Tardis back to my room, and I'll be down in a few minutes."

As Rachel's Tardis disappeared into thin air, everybody else walked back to Ornburgh Castle where the maid who was spying for the WRF was waiting.

"I see you caught one of them," the maid observed, seeing Rerana in custody.

"Yes," Candice confirmed.

The maid suddenly grabbed Odette and held a wand to Odette's head.

"Release Rerana immediately or the little princess gets it!" the maid ordered as everybody gathered looked on in shock.

"Nice going, Millie," Rerana praised the maid as the guards released Rerana.

"We'll be leaving now," Millie said with a wicked smile. "We'll release the princess when we're clear."

Millie, Odette, and Rerana slowly backed away. Suddenly, Odette quickly turned around and kicked Millie hard in the leg. As Odette ducked, Kristen brought out her wand and started firing at Millie. Odette quickly got up, brought out her wand, and joined Kristen in firing at Millie who quickly limped away down a hallway. Meanwhile, Rerana tried to make a break for it but was stopped by Cedric.

"You're not going anywhere!" Cedric commanded as he pointed his wand at Rerana. "Guards! Take her to a cell."

In the hallway, Kristen and Odette continued firing at Millie who quickly turned a corner. In a few moments, Kristen and Odette heard a commotion from where Millie had turned. A few moments later, Rachel dragged Millie back to where she had fled from. Two guards then took Millie to a cell.

"Well, looks like two WRF witches are going to Azkaban," Rachel smirked.

"Are you all right, darling?" Hildegard asked Odette in concern.

"Yes, Mom," Odette answered.

"You were very brave," Hildegard praised.

"Thank you, Mom," Odette proudly acknowledged.

"Kristen?" Cedric asked his daughter. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Dad," Kristen acknowledged, pleased. "I, along with Princess Odette, helped take down a piece of WRF trash."

"The two of you did a fine job," Scarlett praised as she walked up to Kristen and Odette, before turning to Cedric and Hildegard. "If you're willing, I'd like to train your daughters in their spare time. I can see them becoming fine Protectors one day."

"You want to train Odette to be a Protector?" Hildegard asked, amazed, as Ryan walked up.

"You would be willing to do that?" Cedric asked, impressed, on behalf of Kristen.

"Yes, I would be willing to train Odette and Kristen," Scarlett happily acknowledged.

"What do you say to that, Odette?" Ryan wanted to know.

"I say yes!" Odette answered in excitement.

"And you, Kristen?" Cedric asked.

"Yes, please," Kristen answered proudly.

"Then it looks like that is settled," Hildegard remarked, pleased.

"Then all that's left is to make the arrangements," Scarlett smiled. "We can meet in a few days to do so."

As Rachel watched the happy scene, a white-skinned boy Rachel's age walked up to her. The boy was Tobin, the son of a renegade Time Lord and renegade Time Lady who had settled in Ornburgh.

"Princess Rachel," Tobin said as he bowed in respect. "That was a fine job you did with your War Tardis."

"Thank you, Tobin … isn't it?" Rachel acknowledged.

"Yes, Princess," Tobin acknowledged. "My name is Tobin."

"A pleasure to meet you, Tobin," Rachel smiled. "I understand you're the only Privoran here my age."

"That would be correct, Princess," Tobin admitted.

"We should get together from time to time," Rachel suggested.

"I would enjoy that, Princess," Tobin smiled.

"And drop the Princess title," Rachel smiled back. "We're the same age, and I'd appreciate a Privoran friend."

"Yes, Princess … I mean, Rachel," Tobin acknowledged.

As Rachel and Tobin talked, Everett and Candice looked on from a distance.

"I believe Rachel has found herself a friend," Candice happily observed.

"They make a nice couple," Everett admitted.

"Indeed, they do," Dorrie smiled as she walked up. "And, they are not the only couple setting up tonight."

"Who else?" Candice asked, curious.

Dorrie pointed over to where Drake and Kristen were having a pleasant conversation. The two were obviously enjoying each other's company. At that same moment, Indigo walked up to Everett, Candice, and Dorrie.

"Excuse me," Indigo apologized. "We have some guests who have just arrived."

"Who?" Everett asked, curious.

Indigo pointed to the entrance of the room as Candice and Dorrie's eyes lit up in joy.

"Tilly!" Candice and Dorrie exclaimed as Duchess Tilly, Sir Bartleby, and their 32-year-old daughter Madeline walked up.

"I hope you don't mind," Tilly started, "but we've started vacationing here in Ornburgh and we were wondering if we could stay the night?"

"You don't even need to ask," Everett smiled. "I'll have guest rooms readied for you."

"Thank you, King Everett," Bartleby gratefully acknowledged.

"You're very welcome, Sir Bartleby," Everett happily responded.

"Look at the two of you," Tilly smiled at Candice and Dorrie. "Your beauty is the stuff of legends."

"Thank you," Candice and Dorrie acknowledged, pleased.

"We couldn't help but notice signs of a recent battle," Madeline pointed out. "I hope everybody is okay?"

"The WRF just tried to attack us," Everett revealed. "We were able to defeat them … with some special help."

"Special help?" Tilly asked, intrigued.

"We'll go into more detail tomorrow at breakfast," Everett answered. "How long are you staying in Ornburgh?"

"One week," Bartleby responded.

"Then you must stay here during your stay," Everett offered. "I wouldn't dream of taking no for an answer."

"Then we accept your kind offer, Everett," Tilly happily accepted. "As a treat, I'll whip up some of my baked batter fruit pudding during our stay."

"Candice and I remember that from our time at Enchancia Castle," Dorrie fondly recalled.

"We're all in for a treat," Candice smiled.

(End of Chapter 35).

Behind the scenes

In this installment of "Behind the Scenes", I give you the recipe for Tilly's baked batter fruit pudding (thanks to Jolly Roger Brat).

Tilly's Baked Batter Fruit Pudding

Ingredients:
2-3 Tablespoons vegetable oil, for coating the pan
3 pounds sweet apples, such as Gala (about 6)
1/2 cup sugar plus 2 T for sprinkling
1 tsp ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
1 1/2 cups milk at room temperature
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

1. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350. Pour enough oil into a 9x13 pan to coat the bottom. Put the pan into the oven to heat, about 5 minutes. While the pan is heating, peel, core, and slice the apples. (A corer/slicer makes short work of this).

2. Pull the pan out of the oven and immediately place the apple slices in the hot pan. Gently shake the pan to even out the layer of apples. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture over the apples, then place back in the oven for 20 minutes.

3. While the apples are in the oven, prepare the batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended. Add the flour and whisk to combine. When the apples are finished baking, give the batter a final stir with the whisk and pour it over the apples. Bake for 45 minutes, until puffed around the edges and the pudding is set. Remove from the oven and sprinkle generously with more sugar.

4. Serve pudding warm or at room temperature.

Author's notes

Angela and May are slightly older versions of the same characters from "Call the Midwife". Yes, I took artistic license regarding Angela and May having magical powers, but considering we don't really know much about Angela and May's birth families, it's not outside the realm of possibility.

Azkaban is from "Harry Potter".

For more about Hildegard's ice power, please see Chapter 14 of "Ever Realm Chronicles".

Gallifrey, Old High Gallifreyan, Tardis, The Doctor, Time Ladies, Time Lords, and War Tardis are all from "Doctor Who".

King Ryan, Prince Drake, and Princess Odette are from Chapters 12 and 13 of my story "Witch Tales".

Lady Myla: It should be noted that Lady Myla is not The Doctor, just another renegade Time Lady.

Madeline is based on Madeline from the "Madeline" book series but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe. Madeline has also appeared in stories written by Sofia2017 planning, as well as my stories "A Royal Rift", "Enchancia Castle", "Getting To Know Tilly", "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia", "Sofia and Lucinda the First - Twice Upon a Princess", "Sofia and Lucinda the First", and "Tales From The Castle". The version of Madeline seen in this chapter is based on Madeline who appeared in my story "Getting To Know Tilly", with that Madeline now adapted to be a part of my other stories.

Old High Gallifreyan is the ancient written language of the Time Lords from "Doctor Who".

Prince Drake of Hanleigh and the criminal Voyager Drake are two completely different characters who are not connected in any way.

Princess Faith (Queen Scarlett's adopted daughter) is an earlier version of Faith seen in the "Torchwood" episodes "Dead Man Walking" and "Fragments".

Queen Scarlett's daughter, Skylar, is an original character created by Jake H Voronkov for my stories (the fact that Scarlett's daughter, and Elena of Avalor's Jaguin, share the same name is simply an interesting quirk of fate).

The Kingdom of Alselle is a kingdom I created for "Ever Realm Chronicles".

The Kingdom of Bukaria is a kingdom I created for this story.

The Kingdom of Cinnibar is a kingdom created by Jake H Voronkov and is used in my stories with permission from Jake H Voronkov.

The Kingdom of Grudelia is a kingdom I created for this story.

The Kingdom of Hanleigh is a kingdom I created for my stories.

The Kingdom of Jalpur is from "Mira, Royal Detective".

The Kingdom of Javella is a kingdom I created for "Ever Realm Chronicles".

The Kingdom of Ladarvia is a kingdom I created for my stories.

The Kingdom of Ornburgh is where Prince Frederick and his family lived in "Sofia the First". The kingdom was never given a name in "Sofia the First", so I named it Ornburgh.

The Kingdom of Tangu is from "Sofia the First".

The Kingdom of Weiling is from "Sofia the First".

The Scarlett Warrior (A.K.A. Priscilla) (A.K.A. Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett Katherine Felchenerow) is a character created by Jake H Voronkov and is used in my stories with permission from Jake H Voronkov.

Disclaimer

"Elena of Avalor" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Disney Television Animation, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

"Harry Potter" and everything associated with it © J. K. Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing, Arthur A. Levine Books, Little Brown, Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures, Patalex IV Productions, and Warner Brothers Pictures.

"Mira, Royal Detective" and everything associated with it © Wild Canary Animation, Technicolor Animation Productions, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

"Sofia the First" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Jamie Mitchell, Disney Television Animation, Toiion Animation Studios, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

The Scarlett Warrior and the other original ideas from Jake H Voronkov are the property of Jake H Voronkov and are used in my stories with the permission of Jake H Voronkov.

"Voyagers!" and everything associated with it © James D. Parriot Productions, Universal Television (MCA), and Scholastic Productions.

I only own Captain Susanne Reinhard, Crimson Force, Crystal Ball News Network, Daniel Hoch, Elisena Frost, Greta, Jalpur Times, King Everett, King Ryan, Lady Constance, Lady Kristen, Lady Myla, Millie, Molly McKenzie, Ornburgh Journal, Prince Drake, Princess Bethany, Princess Cassie, Princess Dorrie, Princess Force, Princess Holly, Princess Kendra, Princess Louise, Princess Odette, Princess Rachel, Princess Ying, Privorans, Queen Candice, Radhika Patel, Rerana Sharpe, Sean Rhodes, The House of Zarella, The Kingdom of Alselle, The Kingdom of Bukaria, The Kingdom of Grudelia, The Kingdom of Hanleigh, The Kingdom of Javella, The Kingdom of Ladarvia, The Village of Koltenburg, The Witch Revolutionary Front (WRF), Tobin, and Vida.