Sofia the protected

Chapter 26

Hugo's perspective.

"I have a feeling this is what it's going to be like from now on." I watch the most adorable redhead I've ever seen climb onto the back of a short purple horse and take off to the sky to go rescue an unsuspecting person who has no idea how lucky they are. With brush in hand, I finish grooming Buttercup and make my way out to the carriage waiting to take me home.

I have a skip in my step as I'm anticipating ice dancing practice with Sophia. Oh, wait, her mission. She might not have time today. I slammed the door shut as I contemplate this unhappy thought.

Sophia's perspective.

My story-keeping mission led me to Hugo's kingdom. Ivy was attacking and from the illuminated pictures of the unfinished story, it looked as if King Garrick and Prince Axle could use my help. Minimus and I took off and raced towards Hugo's kingdom. We arrive at the same time Hugo did. He looks excited, probably thinking I was arriving for ice dancing practice.I land right next to his carriage. A scream from inside the building shatters the air.

Of course, I am much more prepared for the sights and sounds than he is.

His face changes from excitement to anxiety as he turns away from me and looks toward his Palace.

The entire right column of the main entrance to the palace is completely demolished. Black and white butterflies swarm around everywhere. And the once colorful garden has dimmed. Screams are coming from inside. Hugo looks aghast.

"It's Ivy."I inform him hopping off Minimus.

" What do we do? Desmond isn't here to help us with the plan he created."

" I don't know what we can do except for help your father and brother."

Hugo nodded his head and together we run inside. We quickly find King Garrick and Prince Axel.

The king is knocked out. His sword glints on the ground. His head is tilted all the way back. He is clearly unconscious, maybe even dead. .Axel is in a corner covered in blood, his arm at an odd angle. Princess Ivy is sitting on the throne triumphantly.

"Sophia, so glad you can join us. Although you are a little late." Ivy used her right hand to motion to the carnage around us.

Hugo immediately runs to Axel, shaking his shoulder "Big bro. Get up."

Axel raises hishead groggily and looks around panicked for a moment before his eyes seem to focus on Hugo's face. "Lil bro?"

"Axle, can you get up?"Hugo jumps straight to the point.

" Yeah, I think so, what's going on?"

" Get Dad to safety." Hugo commands in the voice I've never heard before. He takes his brother's sword and makes his way to my side."

Hugo's Perspective

"Ivy, why are you doing this?" I stare down the woman who is responsible for the destruction of my home.

" That, Prince Hugo is a long story." Her eyes glaze over for a second.

"But not as long as the story of how Sofia got her memory back. That is one I'm quite intrigued to hear."

" We did not come to chat, Ivy. You invaded Hugo's home." Sophia states matter of factly.

"I invaded your home just a week ago Sophia.You must hate me for that princess." Ivy stands up from my father's throne.

"A lot of good it did you. Sophia points to the scars on Ivy's arms."

"Well I'm sorry dears. Well, if you're not here to chat then... I must kill you!"A giant green orb appears in Ivy's hand and she hurdles it towards Sofia. I lunge and push her out of the way. I feel the heat from the green ball on my face as I barely dodge it myself.

"Prince Hugo, you are truly a marvel. I would love it if you decided to switch to the winning side."

" No thanks, lady!" I raise my sword and charge at her. Unfortunately, I leave my underbelly exposed. A green bolt of lightning comes straight for me!

Sophia throws a portrait of my great great uncle Herbert perfectly, intercepting the lightning bolt. The picture explodes. But I'm okay.

"Thanks Sof!"I yell.

"Yep, no problem."She responds.Ttaking the form of a griffin, she lifts more pictures off the wall and proceeds to hurl them at Ivy. This provides excellent cover for me and I attempt to get close enough to the witch to use my sword.

Ivy is cornered. I expect her to be like a wildcat I once cornered in an alleyway. Once cornered the cat become more fierce. Instead the enchantress clad in black and white gives up and disappears in a flurry of butterflies.

"She's gone?"Looking around the room, I can tell that obviously. She fought hard to win my palace and yet against me and Sophia, she flees. It doesn't make sense.

" We need to go check on your father and brother." The urgency in Sophia's voice urge me to run after her to find Axle and Dad. We follow the trail of dripping blood all the way down the grand entrance steps.

Axel had his good arm under Dad's arm. He is trying to haul my father into the carriage that I had just arrived in. Sofia and I immediately come to help him. Together , we boost my father up the many steps and into the carriage seat. Sophia propels herself into the driver's seat of the carriage and flips the rains violently.

"Sofia, where are we going?"I ask.

"Your father and brother need a hospital like now."

"What about the castle paramedic?"

" He took off at the first sign of Ivy. We have no idea where he is or if he'll even come back."Axel informs us.

"Our best bet is to hurry to Enchancia."Sophia says, her eyes trained ahead on the sky.

"All right, Sof. Keep her steady." I find a blanket in the glove compartment and wrap it around my father's shoulders. His forehead feels cold which is not a good sign.