Chapter Text
As of right now, if anyone were to ask where the most beautiful place beyond the EverRealm was and what time of day it was best to view it in person, Princess Sofia of Enchancia would happily tell them that it was ANYWHERE on the Mystic Isles at sunrise. Nothing could beat witnessing the clouds here turn from light shades of pink, purple, blue, peach and gold to bright shifting shades of red, orange, and gold from the rising sun. Of course, when the sun rose high enough she’d always put on a pair of sun spectacles that were gifted to her by her witch friends, Lily and Indigo, though its green tinted lenses had since then been replaced with magical ones for a very particular purpose. “Beautiful morning as always, Mr. Apollo!” she called out to the golden yellow, fire blazing god. He, like with everyone else who has shown appreciation for his work, waved at her with a grin.
Sofia, with a grin of her own, had of course waved back, then made her way back to Chrysta's cottage—where it can be seen in the window that any morning activity post last night's sleepover was only now occurring. About six young Protectors-in-training, most of whom being nearly the same age as Sofia when she became one herself, were gathering around the large dining table, which the fairy has had in her possession ever since she started volunteering in looking after their fellow Protectors’ children. It was at that same moment Sofia couldn’t help but reflect how much time has passed since Vor’s final defeat—twelve years. She tried not to show how much certain memories bothered her as she proceeded to take off the spectacles, especially as a fairy had approached, which Sofia had addressed with a semi-traditional greeting of the isle, “Good morning and glittery greetings.”
“Good…morning.” the fairy said through a yawn, obviously exhausted.
“You must have just got back from helping the Tooth Fairy, huh?” Sofia assumed. At first, the fairy had looked bewildered by what she said but then proceeded to nod in a quick motion. “Then you've got to be starving. Come join me for breakfast.” Stunned by the offer, the fairy pointed to herself in question. “Yes, you.”
“Well, if you insist.” With her consent, Sofia had taken her by the arm and led her to the cottage, which by now it seemed like everyone inside—especially those visible through the window—had turned their attention towards them out of curiosity.
This proved to be obvious enough when they were let in after Sofia had knocked on the door, as all the children had immediately greeted her with, “Good morning, Princess Sofia.” Some had even stood from their seats as they said this.
“Good morning.” Sofia greeted back with a warm smile.
Chrysta—who was prepping breakfast—proceeded to turn around for a quick moment to greet Sofia back, “Mornin’!”, then addressed the presence of the younger fairy once she had followed the princess all the way inside, “And I see you brought a guest.”
“Yep. She just got back from helping the Tooth Fairy.”
Chrysta fully turned towards the other fairy, “Make yourself comfortable.” She then looked towards Sofia, “But I'm going to need your help with breakfast.”
“Sure thing.” At once, Sofia and Chrysta got to work on the large meal, making small talk as they did, which the older Protector couldn't help but bring up something important in the process.
“You prepared to go on that courtesy call today?”
“I…” was the only word Sofia could seem to get out. Of course, Chrysta—being her former trainer and all—had quickly picked up on her emotions.
“Hey,” Chrysta began, to which Sofia had stopped cutting fruit and merely turned her head towards her, “I know things didn’t go as well as they should’ve with Princess Pirlipat because your amulet sent you there without some needed backup, but I can promise you that as long as you remember everything that makes Wonderland what it is you’ll be fine.”
“Of course.” Sofia replied, putting on a brave face to go along with her slightly more confident words, “And that’s why I’ll give it all I got.” Chrysta proudly grinned in response.
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Eating all that she could stomach for the time being—mostly toast, which had been spread with either honey, olive oil, or cheese gifted to her by Apollo’s son, Aristaios—Sofia was now ready to travel to the planet that housed Wonderland: heading there with Orion and Vega, who were to be here soon. While saying her goodbyes, three of the young Protectors and the dog-like creature that accompanied them had gotten up and walked toward her. The younger boy of the trio was Orion’s son, Dryas, and he and his father's pet, Sirius, while the other two—twins—were Vega's son, Tarazed, and daughter, Alshain. Orion, Vega, Skye, and a female winged horse had arrived soon after, which the three children and the dog had hurried outside to at least interact with the chief Protectors. Meanwhile, Sofia had approached the winged horse, “Hi, Valerie. How have you and your dad been?”
“Good.”
“And?” Sofia asked, sensing she was holding back on telling her something.
“Uncle Minimus wanted me to let you know that his wing examination went well, so I guess that means your next mission is going to be with him after all.”
“Are you disappointed?” Sofia carefully asked.
Valerie chuckled out of embarrassment, “I'll admit that I have like getting to fill in for him as one of your Protector Steeds.” She turned her head towards Sofia just as she finished checking her hooves and wings, “Should I not feel that way?”
“Well...if you haven't been bragging about it -”
“No. Not at all.”
“Then I don't see why not.”
Valerie, who now felt devoid of guilt for the time being, had collectively trotted in place for a brief moment due to the excitement of the mission at hand. “Alright! Let’s get going!” Sofia proceeded to swing up onto her, then looked towards the chief Protectors for confirmation to take off, however they still happened to be in conversation with their children—as the young Protectors-in-training were begging to tag along, which she knew Orion and Vega viewed as not yet being a good idea due to them still tending to be a bit too trigger happy with their enchantlets. Perhaps, this would give her time to focus on a personal mission regarding the Isle of Crystals. She knew that when she could fully focus on it she was going to need some additional advice on finding the perfect piece of jewelry from there, which the Isle of Fairies could offer due to their love of accessorizing.
This had at first worried her, as there are so many fairies she could discuss this important matter with. However, as she drew her attention to the one she invited to breakfast—who was now standing in the direct sunlight near the sink—a spectacular shine coming from the crystal medallion she was wearing had given Sofia an idea of who that should be…which even the magic of her amulet had seemed to agree upon by letting off a faint blue glow in a hard-to-catch moment.
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“So…” was how Chrysta began to chat with the only guest who had the patience to help her effectively clear the dishes and wash them.
“So…” the other fairy repeated, even more unsure of how to make small talk. They both glanced at each other then laughed. “Sorry, I -”
“No need. I get it. Was about your age when fitting it with other fairies was the toughest.”
“So I've heard.” the much younger fairy had quietly said, unknowingly setting the cup she'd been washing back back down in the sink due to her mind now focused on something else. “But you changed their minds, didn't you? Proved that our kind don’t always have to be delicate and gentle…”, she had then looked confused, “...or was it gentle and delicate?”
“Probably the second way ya said it, but you're right.”
She now looked hopeful, “About proving an entire isle wrong?”
Chrysta nodded, then got back to work on the dishes. It was just as this fellow fairy was about to do the same that Sofia appeared at the front window, which she of course took notice of and proceeded to excuse herself from the chore to talk with the princess. “Your Highness, I thought you were leaving. Is something the matter?”
“We seem to be having a bit of a hold up.”
“Oh. Do you need some help?”
Sofia looked back towards the chief Protectors, who had finally gotten through to their children. “It seems not.” The fairy’s smile had fallen. “But that’s not why I came back here. The reason is…I was hoping that a fairy could go to the Isle of Crystals for me, while I’m busy in Wonderland.”
“For your sister’s upcoming coronation?
“Uh-huh. And I may not get back till dusk. Because of this I could really use a fairy’s help.”
“Oh! So you want me to get Chrysta for you? Sure, I'll -”
“No, not Chrysta.” Sofia interjected. The young fairy, not seeing any other magical creatures like her in close enough proximity, had once again pointed to herself—this time with an obvious struggle to do so. Sofia nodded, “I mean you…again.”