Chapter 5:

A Word of the Reunion

Modern Enchanted Fairy Tale


In the kingdom, Adoria. The old witch and Mistress Lila are in the throne room, watching the events unfold through a crystal ball. The witch watched Elara was laying down in the bed in the modern world, her heart was filled with anger and jealousy. "That foolish girl," she cackled, "Thinking she can escape our wrath."

Mistress Lila looked at the witch with a stern expression. "Patience," she said, "We need to find a way to kill her and nothing for that idiot fucking princess, why do I have swear words?"

The witch cackled again, "Because, you have bad words like your heart," she shot back at Mistress Lila, who rolled her eyes but couldn't argue with the truth. The two of them had been planning this for weeks.

Then, there was NBI drone was spying to the old witch and Mistress Lila, it sends the live feed to NBI.

"It seems that the evil witch and the queen are plotting to something." One of the agents asked to the chief.

The Chief nodded gravely. "We need to keep an eye on Elara. She's not safe while they're still out there."

"None of that." One of the agents responded, but the old witch and Mistress Lila looked at the drone with surprise as it hovered just outside the window. They hadn't noticed it earlier. "What is that?" the witch hissed.

Mistress Lila's eyes narrowed. "It's from the modern world. Technology," she spat the word out as if it was something foul. "It's no match for us."

The witch waved her hand and the drone's camera went haywire, spinning around erratically before it crashed to the ground outside. "They're watching us," she said, her voice filled with malice. "But let them watch. It will only make their failure that much sweeter."

It's Tuesday, in the small guest house, Elara was already woke up. Also Mia wears her own school uniform, preparing to leave for school. She looked at Elara, who was still in bed, and said, "You need to get up, Elara. I'll show you around the neighborhood and teach you the basic stuff."

Elara sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Basic stuff?" she questioned, the phrase sounding foreign to her.

Mia nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "You know, like how to use a phone, get around the city, and not look like you just stepped out of a time machine." She handed Elara a simple outfit that closely resembled her school uniform, except it was a few sizes larger. "Here, put this on. It's one of my old school uniforms. It should fit you well enough."

"Okay, this time, they won't never know." Elara whispered to herself as she wears the school uniform. It felt strange, the fabric was softer than what she was used to, and the shoes were like slippers for her. She followed Mia outside, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the modern world.

Mia noticed Elara's fascination and couldn't help but smile. "You're going to love it here," she said, leading the way. They walked down the cobblestone streets, passing by colorful houses and bustling shops. Cars honked in the distance, a stark contrast to the quiet whispers of the enchanted forest Elara had left behind.

Soon they arrived at school, a sprawling building that seemed to have no end. The sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air as students of all ages spilled out of the doors. Elara clutched Mia's hand tightly, feeling like a fish out of water in this sea of unfamiliar faces and modern contraptions.

Mia introduced Elara to her friends, who were equally curious about the newcomer. They whispered among themselves, casting glances her way, but Mia's confidence seemed to reassure them. "Don't worry," she said, giving Elara's hand a squeeze, "They're harmless."

Elara tried to mimic Mia's smile, but it felt forced. She was overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment, the smells of gasoline and fast food, the cacophony of voices and machines. The school was a world unto itself, with its own rules and customs that she would have to learn.

As they walked through the hallways, Mia pointed out the different classrooms and explained the schedule. "You'll have to blend in, Elara," she said. "Pretend you're just a transfer student. We'll say you're from a small town and not used to the city."

Elara nodded, trying to absorb everything Mia was telling her. The thought of going to school was both terrifying and exciting. Soon they entered the classroom, and Mia helped her find a seat. The room was filled with teenagers, all of them looking at her with curiosity and a touch of suspicion. The teacher, a stern-looking woman, introduced Elara as a new student who had just moved from the provinces.

The day passed in a blur of unfamiliar faces and strange subjects. Elara struggled to keep up, scribbling notes on paper, something she hadn't done in years. She was used to learning from scrolls and books, not electronic devices that seemed to hold all the knowledge of the world. Mia noticed her distress and offered gentle guidance, whispering explanations in her ear during breaks.

Then, in the library, Elara found solace amidst the books that were more like the ones she knew from home. The scent of old paper and ink was faintly familiar, a comforting reminder of her previous life. She picked up a book titled "History of the Philippines" and began to read, eager to learn about the world she now inhabited. As she turned the pages, her eyes widened in amazement at the tales of ancient kings and queens, wars, and conquests. The modern language was a challenge, but the stories were universal.

Mia caught up with her after her last class. "How was your first day?" she asked, a mix of concern and excitement in her voice.

"It's fine, Mia." Elara replied with a sigh, her eyes still glued to the book. "It's just... a lot to take in." Then, Elara saw another page, it shows the words was 'ssecnirp eht fo rehtom a si 'anadA arieM'

"Strange words...." Elara murmured, tilting her head slightly to read the reversed letters.

Mia leaned over, peering at the page. "Oh god, the words are reverse. That's just some dumb prank the librarian probably played on us. Let me check it out." She grabbed the book and pulls a blank sheet of paper, then writing it down quickly.

It says that 'Meira Adana' is a mother of the princess. Mia realized it was her name in reverse. "Meira Adana?" Mia read out loud, her eyes widening.

"My mother...." Elara whispered, her heart racing. She snatched the paper from Mia's hand, staring at the name she hadn't heard in what felt like an eternity. The revelation sent a shiver down her spine.

Mia looked at her, a hint of confusion in her eyes. "Is that your mom's name?"

"Yes.....my mom got entered to the another world, when I was 5." Elara said, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Oh Elara....I know that feeling," Mia said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Elara looked up at Mia, surprised by the sudden change in her tone. "You do?"

Mia nodded, her expression softening. "My mom and dad are now having work overseas. They left when I was young. I still miss them, even if I have to pretend I don't." She took a deep breath. "But we can't dwell on the past. We have to focus on the present and maybe find a way to get you back home."

Elara smiled with her own hope, after school. Elara and Mia are walked to the small guest house, but they found a mail envelope slipped under the door. It was addressed to Elara. "This wasn't here when we left," Mia said, raising an eyebrow.

Elara carefully opened the envelope, her heart racing. Inside was a single piece of paper with a map and a message scrawled in the same reversed script. "Meet me at the old cabin in the woods at midnight," it read. "I have information about your mother."

"Who could have sent this?" Elara whispered, her eyes darting around the room as if expecting someone to appear.

"I don't know, but let's drive the car." Mia suggested, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "It's probably just a prank, but better safe than sorry."

Elara's stomach knotted with anxiety as they approached the cabin. The moon cast eerie shadows through the trees, and the crunch of leaves under their feet echoed in the stillness. The cabin looked ancient, as if it had been abandoned for centuries. The door was slightly ajar, and a faint light flickered from within.

Mia parked the car a safe distance away and they approached on foot. "Remember, if anything happens, we stick together," she whispered, her hand resting on Elara's arm.

Elara nodded, clutching the paper tightly. The anticipation was almost unbearable as they reached the cabin. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open. Inside, the room was dimly lit by candles, and the air was thick with the scent of incense. A figure emerged from the shadows, dressed in a hooded cloak.

"So, you have come." A cloaked figure spoke in a low, mysterious tone. The voice was feminine.

"Okay, now you delivered the mail. Who are you?" Elara asked, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hand.

Soon, the figure opened the cloak to reveal a beautiful, albeit tired, woman with long flowing hair that matched Elara's own. Her eyes searched Elara's, as if looking for something lost, the beautiful woman was Meira Adana, Elara's mother.

"Mother!" Elara gasped, rushing forward to embrace her. But Meira held up a hand, stopping her. "Not so fast, child," she said, her voice filled with a sorrow that seemed to carry the weight of time itself. "I need to explain what happened, and why I am here."

Elara stepped back, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "But how did you find me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Meira sighed, her hand dropping to her side. "The same way I've always found you, my dear. Magic. I've been searching for you ever since the queen sent you away."

"Then, how do you got entered in the modern world?" Elara questioned, her eyes never leaving her mother's face.

"I was trying to keep you safe, then I pulled the portal that enters to the modern world. Then I entered it, this place was so different, so fast-paced," Meira began, her eyes misting over. "I've been living here in secret, without getting caught by the NBI that are looking for any sign of magic. They don't know I'm here, but I've heard rumors of someone asking about a princess. I had to find you before it's too late."

Mia's eyes widened in shock. "So, you're a real-life princess?"

Elara nodded and said. "You spent the modern world to keep yourself to be safe?"

"Yes," Meira replied, her voice heavy with regret. "But now that I've found you, we must act quickly. The queen will not rest until she has both of us back under her control."

"Okay, whatever it takes." Elara said, her voice firm with determination.

Then Meira pulls a gold sword from the shadows, it's blade glinting in the candlelight. "This is your inheritance, Elara. It's time you learn to use it."

Mia's eyes widened. "Whoa, is that...?"

Elara nodded. "It's the Royal Sword of Adoria, isn't it?" she whispered, reaching out to touch the hilt. The moment her hand made contact with the gold, a warmth spread through her body, as if the sword recognized its rightful owner.

"You must learn to harness its power," Meira said, her eyes intense. "We don't have much time. The queen's minions are searching for you, and they will not be as subtle as I have been."

"Okay." Elara said, taking a step back and studying the sword with a mix of awe and trepidation. "So what did you do in the modern world?"

Meira realized how does she spent in the modern world and said. "I just living in, I played Pokémon Red, when I was your age, the game was about the trainer who wanted to be the best in the world, and I worked as a barista to blend in, and I've been watching you from afar, making sure you're safe."

Elara couldn't believe her ears. Her mother, a barista? It was so...normal. "What about my father?"

Meira's expression grew sad. "The king... he was battling in each other places in the magical kingdom, but the old witch and evil queen are too powerful, I fear for his safety every day. We must find a way to return to Adoria and free him from their clutches."

Mia, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "I can help you both. I have friends who know about the magical community here. They might know a way to get you back without being detected."

Elara and Meira exchanged a hopeful glance. "Thank you, Mia," Meira said, her voice filled with gratitude. "By the way, are you dating with my daughter, Mia?"

Mia blushed, stumbling over her words. "W-what? No, no, we're just friends!"

"Of course, Mia. You love my daughter, it does having price to pay for every wish to takes her from her kingdom," Meira said with a knowing smile.

Mia's face grew hotter, and she quickly changed the subject. "We need to focus on the plan. We'll need to find any portals with technology that can detect magical energy. It's risky, but it's our best shot."

"Okay, we could find some scientist or a student." Elara suggested, her mind racing with possibilities.

Mia nodded, "Yes, the university might have someone who can help us. They have a folklore and mythology department that studies the occult. They could have some leads on magical portals."

"Well mom, thank you." Elara said, trying to keep her emotions in check. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves. First, we need to find a way to get home without being caught."

Meira nodded solemnly. "Indeed, we do. But we cannot do this alone. We need allies, people who can help us navigate this strange, modern world."

Soon, Elara and Mia are walked away outside, leaving Meira behind. "Okay, good luck." Meira whispered as she handed Elara a locket with a miniature version of the map inside. "Keep this close, it'll help you find your way back here."

Elara nodded, tucking the locket into her pocket. "We won't be long," she promised.

Soon they are ready to fight the old witch and evil queen, as Elara and Mia are walked to their small house, their destiny for tomorrow is clear. The house was quiet, and the lights were off. They crept inside, not wanting to disturb anyone.

Patjan2006
Author:
MyAnimeList iconMyAnimeList icon