Once Upon a Time in Enchancia

Welcome to Chapter 29 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". This is a special chapter that features some short stories involving Candice, and therefore takes place at various points in time. Song in this chapter: a rewritten version of "The Hero of Canton" from the "Jaynestown" episode of "Firefly".

Chapter 29: The Tales of Candice

November 12, 1868

At Enchancia Castle, it was the Enchancian Day of Thanks. In the ballroom of the castle, there were many invited guests enjoying a fine holiday meal. At one table, a delegation from the Kingdom of Borrea was sitting as Baileywick stood before everybody gathered.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Baileywick started, "the delegation from Borrea has made a request to sing a song in honor of one of their heroines. I now give you the delegation from Borrea."

"Ooh!" Queen Miranda remarked to King Roland. "Maybe we'll finally find out exactly what happened in Borrea last year."

A man with a guitar stood up, and started playing as he sung. "Candice! The girl they call Candice!"

"Oh, God!" fifteen-year-old Candice exclaimed under her breath as she facepalmed herself. "I'm sunk!"

(Man) "She robbed from the rich and she gave to the poor. Stood up to the man and she gave him what for. Our love for her now, ain't hard to explain." (Borrea delegation) "The heroine of Borrea, the girl they call Candice!"

Violet and Dorrie looked at Candice in confusion, not knowing what to think.

(Man) "Now Candice saw our people's backs breakin'. She saw our people's lament. And she saw Prince Roderick takin' every dollar and leavin' five cents. So she said, you can't do that to my people! You can't crush them under your heel! Candice picked up her wand, and in five seconds flat, stole everything Prince Roderick had to steal."

(Borrea delegation) "She robbed from the rich and she gave to the poor. Stood up to the man and she gave him what for. Our love for her now, ain't hard to explain. The heroine of Borrea, the girl they call Candice!"

"Candice?" Violet asked.

"Yeah, Mom?" Candice responded, nervous.

"Is there any light you'd like to shed on this development?" Violet wanted to know.

"No, Mom," Candice answered, still nervous.

(Man) "Now here is what separates heroines, from common folk like you and I. The girl they call Candice, she turned 'round her flying wagon, and let that money hit sky. She dropped it onto our houses. She dropped it into our yards. The girl they call Candice. She turned round her wagon, and headed out for Enchancia."

"Okay," Candice admitted. "I was flying Holly to Wildwing Valley when Prince Roderick's men tried to steal Holly from under me. Holly and I managed to give them the slip, and we landed in a village. We saw how Prince Roderick was stealing from the people. I was already mad at him for trying to steal Holly. So, I decided to get even. I snuck into the palace, and found hidden bags of money that Prince Roderick had stolen from the people. I took the bags, loaded them onto a flying wagon, and took off. I then dumped the bags over the village. It was shortly after that that Roderick's father, the King of Borrea, stripped Roderick of his power, and sent Roderick to jail."

"Here we go!" the delegation from Borrea shouted out in glee as they sang. "She robbed from the rich and she gave to the poor. Stood up to the man and she gave him what for. Our love for her now, ain't hard to explain. The heroine of Borrea, the girl they call Candice!"

The man walked up to Candice.

"Lady Candice," the man smiled. "On behalf of the people of Borrea, we thank you for your brave act. There is somebody here who has something for you."

An older man wearing a hood stood up. The man lowered his hood, and revealed himself to be ... King Tristan of Borrea.

"Your Majesty!" Candice gasped in shock as she curtsied.

"Lady Candice," Tristan smiled. "My kingdom is in debt to you."

"You do realize that I stole money from the palace?" Candice pointed out.

"It was money that belonged to the people," Tristan reminded Candice, "money that you gave back to the people. We prefer to think of your act as repossession. And, to honor your act, I have a framed certificate of appreciation for you."

"Why, thank you, Your Majesty," Candice said, stunned, as she accepted the certificate. At that same moment, everybody in the ballroom stood up and clapped in Candice's honor.

"My son won't be bothering the people of Borrea, or visitors to Borrea, ever again," Tristan promised. "He's going to have many years in jail to cool his heels. Meanwhile, we were hoping that you could return to Borrea so an official portrait could be painted of you."

"I don't know," Candice shyly responded. "It's not like I was ever looking for any recognition for what I did."

"She'll do it," Violet spoke up.

"Excellent!" Tristan said in glee. "I'll see to the arrangements."

"Well, girl," Carol of the Arrow smiled at Candice, "you really came to the aid of those in need."

"That's my sister for you," Dorrie gleefully said as she hugged Candice.

"A bit unorthodox," Roland said as he walked up, "but understandable, given the circumstances. I was quite proud when Tristan told me a while back."

"You knew?!" Miranda, Candice, Dorrie, and Violet all asked at the same time.

"Yes," Roland answered. "Tristan and I kind of figured that Candice wasn't looking for publicity. However, in Borrea, Candice was rapidly becoming a folk legend, so Tristan and I decided that the time was right to honor Candice. And we decided that the Enchancian Day of Thanks was the perfect opportunity to do so."

"Then ... you're not angry?" Candice asked Roland, nervous.

"Well, as Tristan said, you simply returned the money to the people it had been taken from," Roland smiled. "So no, I'm not angry."

People gathered around Candice, praising her and shaking her hand. It would be an Enchancian Day of Thanks that would be remembered for a long time.

January 8, 1866

It was a Monday morning at Enchancia Castle. Twelve-year-old Candice was in twelve-year-old Dorrie's room. Dorrie was in bed sleeping, recovering from a mild cold, as Candice sat next to Dorrie's bedside.

"Hello?" Dorrie asked as she slowly awoke.

"I'm here, Dorrie," Candice gently said as she held Dorrie's hand.

"What time is it?" Dorrie wanted to know.

"A little past eleven," Candice answered.

"Aren't you suppose to be in school?" Dorrie wondered.

"Mom said I could stay home from school today ... to look after you," Candice smiled. "I'm not just gonna go to school and leave my sister to fend for herself."

"I'm lucky to have you as a sister," Dorrie smiled back.

"And I'm lucky to have you as a sister," Candice happily responded. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit tired, but better," Dorrie answered as Candice got up, and poured Dorrie some tea.

"Here's some tea for you," Candice said as she handed Dorrie a cup of tea.

"Thank you," Dorrie said, appreciative, as she started drinking the tea. "Ooh! Peppermint. One of my favorites."

Candice poured herself some tea, then sat back down next to Dorrie's bedside. As the two sisters talked, a knock came at Dorrie's door. Candice got up, opened the door, and saw Baileywick standing there with a cart of food.

"Mr. Baileywick," Candice smiled. "What may I do for you?"

"I brought you and Dorrie an early lunch," Baileywick smiled back as he wheeled the cart into Dorrie's room. "Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches."

"Excellent! Thank you," Candice said with glee as she walked over to Dorrie, helped Dorrie to sit up, and placed a bed table on Dorrie's bed. "How's that?"

"That's nice, Candice," Dorrie happily said, as Candice smiled. "Thank you."

Baileywick looked at the touching scene, and smiled himself. It always made him happy to see the close bond between Dorrie and Candice. It was true about what was said of sisters: to have a loving relationship with a sister is not simply to have a buddy or a confident - it is to have a soulmate for life.

As Candice started placing Dorrie's lunch on the bed table, Baileywick helped.

"Have yourselves a good lunch," Baileywick smiled at Dorrie and Candice. "You'll find dessert on the bottom of the cart."

"Thank you, Mr. Baileywick," Candice said on behalf of herself and Dorrie.

"You are very welcome," Baileywick acknowledged, before turning to Dorrie. "I hope you feel better soon."

"Thank you, Mr. Baileywick," Dorrie said, appreciative, as Baileywick left.

As Dorrie ate lunch in her bed, and Candice ate lunch using Dorrie's desk, the two had a pleasant conversation. Soon, it came time for dessert.

"I wonder what we have for dessert?" Dorrie wondered.

"Let's find out," Candice suggested as she walked over to the cart, brought out two covered plates, and uncovered them.

"A slice of chocolate cake for each of us!" Dorrie exclaimed in glee.

"Excellent!" Candice smiled.

Dorrie and Candice enjoyed the cake. As Candice was putting away the dishes on the cart, Dorrie yawned.

"Tired?" Candice asked.

"A little," Dorrie answered. "If you don't mind, I think I'll get some sleep."

As Candice removed the bed table from Dorrie's bed, Candice smiled at Dorrie.

"What?" Dorrie asked, curious.

"This has been the best day," Candice said with a smile.

"In what way?" Dorrie wanted to know.

"Being able to look after you," Candice happily answered as she helped Dorrie lay back in bed.

As Dorrie fell asleep, Candice stood looking at Dorrie for a few moments.

"Have a good sleep," Candice whispered. "Love you, Sis."

September 28, 1866

(Author's note: this is a rather sad short story, so prepare yourselves).

It was a Saturday morning at Enchancia Castle. Thirteen-year-old Candice had been assigned to morning maid duties. As Candice worked, she noticed less and less maids around.

"I wonder what's happened?" Candice thought to herself.

As Candice was taking a break in the servants area of the castle, one of the bells on the bell board in the servants area rang.

"Throne room," Candice thought to herself. "Since I'm the only one here at the moment, I've better go and see what's needed."

As Candice walked into the throne room, she noticed Violet and a number of the maids standing there. Candice could tell by Violet's expression that something was wrong.

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

"Princess Sofia and Dorrie went to wake up Clover ... and he didn't respond," Violet sadly started. "Candice, Clover died in his sleep last night."

"Oh, no!" Candice cried out, putting her hands to her face. After coming to grips with the situation, Candice turned to Violet. "Sofia must be devastated."

"Yes," Violet quietly answered. "We're going to bury Clover in the castle gardens. It's a beautiful spot where he'll be at. It's near a patch of carrots, and you know how much Clover loved carrots."

"He did," Candice managed to smile.

Violet, Candice, and the other maids walked out to the castle gardens where Sofia, Dorrie, Amber, James, King Roland, Queen Miranda, Baileywick, and a few male servants were gathered.

"We now commit the body of Clover, beloved friend to all, to the earth," Baileywick quietly announced as some of the male servants lowered a small box with Clover's body into the ground, and started covering it with dirt. Everybody then stood quietly for a few moments in silent reflection.

As Amber, James, Roland, and Miranda comforted Sofia, Dorrie walked up to Candice.

"I need you to do something, Candice," Dorrie requested.

"Of course," Candice agreed.

"Sofia and I are going into the village to order a small headstone for Clover's grave," Dorrie explained. "The thing is, Crackle is flying over this afternoon. She doesn't know about Clover's death. If you could break the news to her ..."

"I will," Candice quietly promised.

That afternoon, Candice waited as Crackle flew into the castle gardens.

"Good afternoon, Candice," a young teenage Crackle smiled. "I'm here to see Clover."

"About that," Candice quietly started, "there's something you should know."

"Let me guess?" Crackle laughed. "He's taking a nap, right?"

"I wish it was only that," Candice sadly said, with tears forming in her eyes.

"What's going on, Candice?" Crackle wanted to know, concerned.

"There's no easy way to tell you this," Candice quietly announced. "Clover ... died in his sleep last night."

"Clover's dead?" Crackle asked, not believing what she was hearing. "No, you must be mistaken."

"I'm so sorry, Crackle," Candice sadly apologized. "I'm so very sorry."

"No!" Crackle cried out. "It can't be!"

As Crackle sobbed in sorrow, Candice walked over, and gently hugged Crackle's neck. The two then cried until they could cry no more.

"You know, Clover and I were suppose to be together forever," Crackle sadly pointed out. "I loved him."

"I know you did," Candice sadly acknowledged. "Perhaps you would like to see where he's buried. It's a beautiful spot."

"Then take me there," Crackle quietly requested.

Candice walked Crackle over to a spot in the castle gardens where Clover was buried. It was a shady area of the garden - the perfect place Clover would have enjoyed taking an afternoon nap.

"I'm glad he's in a shady spot," Crackle managed to smile. "Clover would have liked that."

Crackle looked around, and noticed a small headstone near to where Clover was buried.

"Yes, we buried Clover next to James' dog, Rex, who died a few months back," Candice acknowledged.

"Clover would have liked that, too," Crackle admitted. "Clover wouldn't admit it, but he kinda liked Rex."

"I know," Candice smiled.

"Crackle," a girl's voice called out. Crackle and Candice looked to see thirteen-year-old Vivian racing up. "I just heard, Crackle. Queen Miranda sent me a crystal ball message. I'm so sorry, Crackle."

Vivian and Crackle sadly hugged each other for the longest time.

"Is this where Clover is buried?" Vivian asked Candice.

"Yes, Vivian," Candice answered. "Sofia and Dorrie are in the village ordering a headstone for the grave."

"It's a nice spot," Vivian sadly admitted. "Clover will be right at home here. I imagine Sofia must be devastated."

"Yes," Candice quietly admitted. "Sofia and Clover were the ultimate best friends. It's hard to imagine life here at the castle without him."

"You miss him, too," Vivian quietly observed.

"I do," Candice acknowledged. "We had a friendship, he and I. He always knew when I was working in the castle kitchen. He'd sit there and watch me work, and when nobody was looking, I'd sneak him a treat."

Flashback:

Candice was working in the castle kitchen on a huge cake which was to be decorated with various berries. When nobody was looking, Candice scooped up a few berries, and handed them to Clover.

"Oh, yum!" Clover exclaimed in glee as he ate the berries. "You're the best, Candice! Thank you!"

"You're welcome, Clover," Candice smiled as she continued working on the cake.

End of flashback, and back to the present.

Vivian and Crackle smiled hearing Candice's memory. At that same moment, Baileywick walked up.

"Princess Sofia and Lady Dorrie have sent a message saying they will be returning shortly," Baileywick announced.

"Thank you, Mr. Baileywick," Candice acknowledged. "Would it be possible to have some refreshments brought to the gazebo? I think it would do Princess Sofia good to be with friends right now."

"An excellent idea, Candice," Baileywick agreed. "I'll see to it immediately."

When thirteen-year-old Sofia returned with Dorrie, they were taken to the gazebo where Candice, Vivian, and Crackle were waiting.

"I hope you don't mind, Sofia," Candice started, "but I thought it might do you some good to be with friends right now. I thought maybe we could talk about our memories of Clover ... make this a celebration of Clover's life."

"That would be nice, Candice," Sofia said, appreciative, as she wiped a tear from her eye.

As the afternoon passed, Sofia, Candice, Dorrie, Vivian, and Crackle remembered things from Clover's past. It was an afternoon that was a mix of sadness over Clover's loss, and happy memories from Clover's past. Yes, Clover was gone. But, he would continue to live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. And that meant that he wasn't really gone ... but just living on in a different sort of way.

October 4, 1865

It was a Wednesday evening at Enchancia Castle. Twelve-year-old Candice was walking to her room when she heard talking coming from five-year-old Timothy's room. Timothy's door was open a bit, and Candice snuck a peek inside Timothy's room. Timothy was talking to a boy his age.

"I wish I knew about my birth parents," Timothy said to the boy.

"I'm sure that will come in time," the boy smiled. "Right now, you have a home here in the castle, and you have Gwen as an adoptive mother. There are children out there that don't have what you have."

"True," Timothy agreed.

"How about a game of checkers before you go to bed?" the boy suggested to Timothy.

"Golly, I'd like that," Timothy happily agreed.

As Timothy and the boy started playing checkers, Candice decided the time was right to leave.

"That's interesting," Candice thought to herself as she walked to her room. "I've never seen that boy at the castle before. A ghost, perhaps?"

"You would be half right on that, baby," a woman's voice came from behind Candice.

Candice turned around to see a heavy set black woman standing there.

"Who are you?" Candice questioned. "And how can you read my mind?"

A soft glow then surrounded the black woman. "My name is Tess, and I'm an angel."

"Your Eminence!" Candice said in awe as she curtsied.

"Well, Your Eminence," Tess chuckled. "I kinda like the sound of that. But lets just stick to the fact that I'm an angel. You don't have to curtsy in my presence, Candice."

"But, I do," Candice pointed out. "You're a servant of God. I'm honored to be in your presence."

"And I'm honored to be in yours," Tess smiled. "Please stand, and face me as a friend."

"Yes, ma'am," Candice complied as she stood up. "What may I do for you?"

"Well, for starters, God has a special message for you," Tess started. "He's very proud of you, and the young woman you've become. He smiles when he looks down upon you. Your goodness makes him very happy."

"I make him happy?" Candice asked.

"Oh, yes," Tess happily answered. "The truth be told, you are one of his shining points of light here on earth, along with Dorrie and your mother."

"I'm honored," Candice said, impressed.

"There is something else I have to tell you," Tess continued. "Children who die at a young age are given a very special role in Heaven: they become invisible friends, assigned to living children who need them here on earth. The boy you just saw with Timothy is one such invisible friend."

"Wow!" Candice gasped in awe.

"The boy's name is Jerry," Tess explained. "He's here to help Timothy adjust to his new life here at Enchancia Castle."

"And, after that?" Candice asked.

"Jerry will disappear as it were," Tess answered. "To Timothy, it will be like a dream you wake up from. Timothy will have hazy recollections about Jerry for a little while afterward, but eventually Jerry will disappear from Timothy's memory. That's the way these assignments work."

"I see," Candice acknowledged. "It allows the living to continue on with their lives as if nothing happened."

"You're quick," Tess smiled.

"Will I remember Jerry?" Candice wanted to know.

"Yes, you will," Tess confirmed, "but because you're special. Your genetic makeup, as a clone created by Maleficent, allows you to remember such things, where other humans would forget. That's one reason you've been selected for service down the line."

"Come again?" Candice asked, confused.

"Right now, you have a life to live," Tess started. "But, after your life is over, you'll start a new life ... as an angel. We upstairs have great faith in you, along with Dorrie and your mother. Of course, it would be best to keep that information to yourself. That way, Dorrie and your mother will live normal lives. Then, in the afterlife, the three of you, along with others, will serve in Heaven."

"I understand," Candice confirmed. "Thank you for your confidence in me."

"Thank you," Tess smiled, "for being the wonderful young woman you are. Until we meet again."

"Until we meet again," Candice smiled back as Tess faded into thin air.

Candice walked to her room in the castle, with a peace like she had never felt before. It was really quite a wonderful feeling. Candice got ready for bed, and went to sleep for the night.

As time went on, Timothy adjusted to his new life at Enchancia Castle, and Jerry faded away as Tess had foretold. Everything was right with the world. Meanwhile, many, many years later, Candice had grown old and had passed from the living world, becoming an angel in the process. There was a period of training for Candice, going from being trained to be an angel to being assigned to search and rescue operations where she helped rescue the living from life threatening situations. Candice was eventually promoted to the coveted position of case worker, and was assigned to various living people who needed help with their lives. Then, one day, Candice was further promoted to a more advanced kind of case worker who helped living people get a second chance at life by helping them go back in time and correct situations in their past.

It was now the early 21st Century. In Heaven, Candice walked down a hallway to a door. Waiting for Candice was a female white skinned angel named Monica.

"Ah, Candice," Monica smiled. "There you are. I take it you had a successful assignment?"

"Very successful," Candice smiled back. "I guided Miss Pitari back to her past, and she convinced her younger self to take a different path in life, changing her future for the better in the process."

"That's wonderful to hear, Candice," Monica happily approved. "You've better get in there. Judge Othniel is waiting for you."

Candice opened the door, and walked into a fancy office. Waiting for Candice was Judge Othniel, an older white skinned heavy set man with balding hair.

"Candice, another successful assignment, I see," Othniel smiled. "But, now for the reason I sent for you. I'm assigning you an angel to train. We can use all the help we can get here."

"Of course," Candice agreed as Othniel motioned a white skinned man wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, a tan jacket, and a baseball cap to approach.

"Candice, allow me to introduce you to Mark Gordon," Othniel started. "He's been a case worker for a little while, and he's now being promoted to help us in our work."

"A pleasure to meet you, Mark," Candice greeted as the two shook hands. "Wait a minute? Aren't you the same Mark Gordon who assisted Jonathan Smith?"

"Guilty as charged," Mark chuckled. "Although, I've been working solo ever since Jonathan regained his wings. He's now spending a well deserved life here in Heaven with his wife."

"Candice," Othniel started, "you'll train Mark here in how to help people go back in their past and correct their past mistakes."

"You'll find our work to be challenging, but rewarding," Candice said to Mark. "It is quite a privilege to be able to help people go back to their past, and change things for the better."

"It sounds quite enjoyable," Mark smiled.

"Why don't you and Mark get together, and you can explain to Mark exactly how we operate," Othniel suggested to Candice.

"I'm meeting my mother and sister for lunch," Candice said to Mark. "They are angels assigned to our work as well. You're welcome to join us."

"I'd like that," Mark happily accepted.

"Then let's go," Candice smiled as she and Mark left. "You can meet my husband who is also an angel, and Dorrie's husband who is an angel as well. And you can meet my angel friends, too - Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and James."

As Candice and Mark walked down the hall, having a pleasant conversation, Othniel smiled. Candice and Mark were going to get along famously. Another perfect day in Heaven.

July 11, 1868

It was a Saturday morning at Enchancia Castle. Fifteen-year-old Candice had the day off, and had slept in. As Candice woke up, she looked around her room, and noticed that her cat, Creamy, was nowhere to be seen.

"Creamy?" Candice called out. There was no response. Candice then made her staff magically appear in her hand. "Good thing Elena taught me how to use the Envision spell," Candice said to herself. "I can use it to see where Creamy is." Candice outstretched her staff, and said "Envision Creamy."

To Candice's horror, she saw Creamy in a cave, locked up with other cats.

"Got to save him!" Candice exclaimed in worry as she quickly got dressed, grabbed her broom, and quickly flew away from Enchancia Castle. As she flew, Candice looked down to the ground. "I recognize that cave," Candice thought to herself. "It's the cave near the Dunwitty rapids."

Candice quickly arrived at the cave, dismounted her broom, made her staff magically appear in her hand, and raced into the cave which was large and extended into the earth for about a mile and a half. Once in the cave, Candice came across Creamy and fourteen other cats who were locked up in a variety of cages.

"Creamy?" Candice asked. "What happened?"

"I was in your room last night," Creamy started. "Suddenly, I fell into a trance, and was magically transported here. The next thing I knew, I was locked in a cage. The other cats here have the same story."

"Don't worry, guys," Candice assured Creamy and the other cats. "I'm gonna get you out of here."

"Not so fast, girl!" a female voice growled.

Candice turned around to see a hairy human-sized female creature approaching, carrying a brown wooden magical staff.

"Who are you?!" Candice demanded to know.

"I am Sheynok, of the Fralmiery," the creature answered.

"Fralmiery?" Candice asked, not recognizing the reference.

"An alien race of magical beings," Sheynok answered. "I was sucked into The Rift, and I was transported here ... wherever here is."

"The Kingdom of Enchancia," Candice informed Sheynok. "The planet Earth."

"I've heard of your planet," Sheynok sneered. "A backward place."

"Hey!" Candice exclaimed. "I don't go to your planet and poke fun at it!"

"So, you're aware of what is out there," Sheynok noticed with an evil grin. "At least I won't have to talk down to you."

"I understand the fact that you are stuck here, with The Rift only offering a one way trip," Candice started. "But why have you taken cats and put them into cages?"

"Well, one has to eat, doesn't one," Sheynok chuckled.

"We don't eat cats here!" Candice barked. "Release them immediately!"

"I will not!" Sheynok barked back as she pointed her staff at Candice.

"If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get!" Candice exclaimed as she pointed her staff at Sheynok.

"Bring it, girl!" Sheynok growled.

At that moment, fifteen-year-old Dorrie, fifteen-year-old Sofia, fifteen-year-old Lucinda, fifteen-year-old Abby Murphy, and fifteen-year-old Valentina Androcasia raced into the cave, with their wands drawn.

"Need some help?" Sofia asked Candice.

"We saw you hightail it out of the castle, and we figured something was up," Dorrie explained to Candice.

"And I was looking for my cat, Inky, when I came across Dorrie, Sofia, Lucinda, and Abby," Valentina added. "We heard commotion coming from this cave, and we decided to check it out."

"What's going on, anyway, Candice?" Lucinda wanted to know.

"This creature has taken a number of cats from the surrounding area, including Creamy," Candice explained. "Apparently, this creature eats cats."

"Yuck!" Dorrie, Sofia, Lucinda, Abby, and Valentina exclaimed in disgust.

"Time for you to go, whoever you are," Sofia ordered.

Candice, Dorrie, Sofia, Lucinda, Abby, and Valentina all started firing on Sheynok, who returned fire. As a magical battle raged in the cave, Sheynok was forced to retreat further into the cave because of the combined firepower being delivered by Candice, Dorrie, Sofia, Lucinda, Abby, and Valentina. At one point, Sheynok put up a magical force field around herself. However, the combined firepower being delivered by Candice, Dorrie, Sofia, Lucinda, Abby, and Valentina was rapidly draining that magical force field.

Suddenly, a bright white light came from where Sheynok was standing. As the bright white light flooded the cave, Sheynok disappeared into thin air. The bright white light then faded.

"Where did she go?" Lucinda asked of Sheynok.

"Hopefully far away," Abby wished.

"Well, she's gone for now," Sofia pointed out. "But, she could very well return some day. We'll need to keep our eyes out for her from this point forward."

"Thanks for your help, guys," Candice said, grateful.

"Anytime," Lucinda smiled.

"Candice and I will inform Colonel Martinsen and Enchancian Intelligence about this," Dorrie spoke up.

Candice raised her staff, aimed it in the direction of the caged cats, and said "Alohomora" which caused the locks on the cages to unlock. Candice and the others then opened the doors of the cages, freeing the cats in the process.

"Inky!" Valentina exclaimed in joy as she released her cat, Inky, and hugged him.

"Creamy!" Candice happily exclaimed as she released Creamy, and hugged him.

The other cats, once released, ran from the cave on their way to their homes. A fair distance away, Sheynok stood looking at the cave.

"You've won this round, girls," Sheynok glared in anger at the cave. "Time for me to explore this world I'm trapped on. But, mark my words - one day, I'll come back to this place to get my revenge!"

"I've best be getting Inky home," Valentina said to Candice, Dorrie, Sofia, Lucinda, and Abby. "See you guys later."

"See you later," Candice, Dorrie, Sofia, Lucinda, and Abby smiled back at Valentina and Inky.

Candice took off the backpack she was wearing, and opened it up.

"Hop in, Creamy," Candice invited. "We'll get you home, and I'll get you some tuna fish."

Creamy climbed into the backpack, and then Candice put the backpack on. Candice, Dorrie, Sofia, Lucinda, and Abby then mounted their brooms, and flew off to Enchancia Castle. Everything was right with the world.

August 29, 1863

It was a Monday morning at Enchancia Castle. Ten-year-old Candice had recently arrived at the castle, after turning good. Candice now had a family in Violet and Dorrie, and also had a position as a maid in training at the castle. Candice, being a clone of Dorrie, had Dorrie's maid knowledge, and also had Dorrie's work ethic. What Candice was still learning was getting around the castle. It was a big place, and it was easy to get lost.

That morning, Candice was making her way to a storage room on one of the castle floors. However, because Candice was still new at the castle, all the doors in the area she was in looked the same.

"Oh!" Candice said to herself in dismay. "Where is that storage room?!"

"It's the fifth door to your right," a female voice came from behind Candice.

Candice turned around to see Queen Miranda standing there.

"I'm ever so sorry, Queen Miranda," Candice apologized. "You'd think I'd have the hang of the castle by now."

"Not to worry, Candice," Miranda said in a kind and reassuring voice. "Enchancia Castle is a big place. It's going to take you a while to get to know your way around. I'll be more than happy to walk with you while you do your duties."

"I don't want to be a bother, ma'am," Candice said.

"You are no bother," Miranda reassured Candice. "I'd love to help you get your bearings. I like you, and I would like to help you settle in."

"Thank you, ma'am" Candice smiled, grateful.

"Anytime," Miranda smiled back.

Miranda and Candice walked to the storage room. Once there, Candice got some bed sheets and pillow cases, and she and Miranda walked to James' room. James was away for the day, so Candice could work without being interrupted. As Miranda watched, Candice did a very professional job in changing the bed sheets and pillow cases on James' bed.

"An excellent job, Candice," Miranda praised.

"Thank you, ma'am," Candice smiled in appreciation. "I'm grateful to be able to live and work here at Enchancia Castle. It's a life I never dreamed I'd have. And, I want to put my best foot forward."

Miranda gently put her hand on Candice's shoulder in a sign of understanding.

"I'm very grateful to King Roland for giving me a second chance at life," Candice confessed. "I could be in jail, or out on the streets."

"King Roland is an excellent judge of character," Miranda acknowledged. "He sees you for the good person you are, as do I."

"Why, thank you, ma'am," Candice said, touched, with a tear of happiness in her eye.

"Candice?" Miranda asked. "What duties do you have after you're done with James' bed?"

"After this, I'm on stand-by duty, ma'am," Candice answered.

"I could use some help in my study," Miranda requested. "There are official letters that have piled up the past few days, and I could use an extra pair of eyes and hands in sorting them. And I think you would be perfect for the job."

"I'm honored, ma'am," Candice said, pleased.

Miranda and Candice walked down a hallway. After Miranda had shown Candice where to put the dirty bed sheets and pillow cases, Miranda took Candice on a tour of the castle. Afterward, the two arrived at Miranda's study. It was an impressive room, suited for somebody of Miranda's status.

"Wow!" Candice said under her breath, impressed.

"Yes?" Miranda asked.

"Sorry, ma'am," Candice apologized. "Most informal of me."

"Candice," Miranda gently said as she smiled, "you need not apologize. I'm quite pleased you have Dorrie's wide eyed view of life. It's a trait I highly value. I'd rather have real people working with me, instead of those who are stiff and wooden. It makes for a much more pleasant working experience if you ask me."

"Then I'll do my best to live up to that standard, ma'am," Candice said with a smile.

"I think you and I are going to be fast friends," Miranda smiled back. "Shall we get started?"

"Yes, ma'am," Candice acknowledged.

Miranda and Candice got started on sorting the letters. In a little while, Violet, and ten-year-old Dorrie, passed by Miranda's study on their way to perform some duties. The two, unknown to Miranda and Candice, snuck a look inside of Miranda's study.

"This one is a letter requesting a birthday greeting, ma'am," Candice announced. "The person's birthday is in three weeks."

"Put it on the to do as soon as possible pile," Miranda directed.

"Yes, ma'am," Candice acknowledged as she placed the letter on the pile.

"Our Candice is going to do fine here, Dorrie," Violet happily whispered to Dorrie.

"Way to go, Candice," Dorrie thought happily to herself as she smiled. "You make Mom and I so proud."

As Violet and Dorrie walked away from Miranda's study, Miranda and Candice continued to sort the letters while having a pleasant conversation. It was another fine day at Enchancia Castle.

January 16, 1869

It was the present day at Enchancia Castle, specifically a Saturday morning. Fifteen-year-old Candice woke up in her room to find Creamy standing on her bed.

"Good morning, Candice!" Creamy happily greeted. "Have a good sleep?"

"Yes," Candice answered. "I dreamed of some things from the past - last year's Enchancian Day of Thanks, me taking care of Dorrie, me meeting an angel, and me when I first came here to the castle. There were also two bad things. I remembered Clover's death, and that time that creature captured you."

"I miss Clover," Creamy quietly acknowledged. "And, if I never see the creature who captured me ever again, it will be too soon for my taste."

"Agreed ... on both accounts," Candice quietly admitted.

At that moment, a knock came at Candice's door.

"Come in," Candice invited.

"Good morning, Candice!" fifteen-year-old Dorrie happily said as she walked in. "Breakfast is in a half hour. Blueberry waffles are on the menu today."

"Yum!" Candice exclaimed in glee. "I've better get ready, then."

Candice got ready for the day, and walked down to the servants area with Dorrie and Creamy. As they walked along, Dorrie and Candice had a pleasant conversation.

"I'm looking forward to this afternoon's winter carnival in the village," Dorrie happily announced.

"So am I," Candice happily agreed.

"Did somebody mention the winter carnival?" fifteen-year-old Abby Murphy asked as she walked up. "That's always so much fun."

"We've been looking forward to it all year," sixteen-year-old Amber beamed as she walked up with sixteen-year-old James, fifteen-year-old Sofia, and fifteen-year-old Lucinda.

"I'm looking forward to the games!" James said in an excited voice.

"I'm looking forward to the snowman making contest," Sofia happily said.

"And the winter carnival Quidditch match," Lucinda added with glee.

Soon, it was time for Amber, James, Sofia, and Lucinda to turn toward the royal dining hall.

"We'll see you this afternoon, guys," Sofia said to Dorrie, Candice, and Abby.

"See you this afternoon," Candice happily said as Amber, James, Sofia, and Lucinda went off toward the royal dining hall. At the same time, Dorrie, Candice, Abby, and Creamy walked toward the servants area.

As both groups happily walked to their destinations, Queen Miranda watched from a distance, and smiled. It was nice seeing the young people of the castle happy. It was truly a wonderful time to be alive.

(End of Chapter 29).

Behind the scenes

In this edition of "Behind the scenes", a look at three of the TV series that were referenced in this chapter.

"Highway to Heaven" aired on the American television network NBC from 1984 to 1989. In "Highway to Heaven", Jonathan Smith (played by Michael Landon) is an angel who had been stripped of his wings and was now "on probation", having been sent to Earth. At the beginning of the series, Jonathan met Mark Gordon (played by Victor French), a retired policeman now bouncing from job to job. Each episode typically began with Jonathan and Mark arriving in a new city and assuming the identities of business employees or civil service workers. In each episode, Jonathan and Mark would help people facing problems in their lives.

"Touched by an Angel" aired on the American television network CBS from 1994 to 2003. In "Touched by an Angel", the episodes revolved around Monica (played by Roma Downey), a young angel recently promoted from the search and rescue division of Heaven, who worked under the guidance of Tess (played by Della Reese), an older angel who acted as Monica's supervisor. As "Touched by an Angel" went on, more angels were added as regular cast members: Andrew (played by John Dye) who was the angel of death, and Gloria (played by Valerie Bertinelli) who was a technologically savvy angel. In each episode, Monica, Tess, Andrew, and Gloria would help people facing problems in their lives.

"Twice in a Lifetime" aired on the Canadian television network CTV, and the American television network PAX (now Ion Television), from 1999 to 2001. In "Twice in a Lifetime", the episodes revolved around the mysterious Mr. Jones (played by Gordie Brown) who was an angel, and Judge Othniel (played by Al Waxman) who was a high ranking angel in charge of God's court. In each episode, a person would die, usually by accidental means. Once in Heaven, the person would appear before Judge Othniel, and be given the opportunity to go back in time to convince his or her younger self to change for the better. If the person was successful, the person's life would be changed, and the person's original death would cease to happen. The person would be accompanied to the past by Mr. Jones who would act as a guide. In the second season of "Twice in a Lifetime", Mr. Jones was replaced by Mr. Smith (played by Paul Popowich) who was a human recruited by Judge Othniel to do the work of Mr. Jones. In the second season, not only would somebody be allowed to go back and change his or her past, but Mr. Smith (because he was human) would also learn an important lesson from the experience as well.

Author's notes

Alohomora, and Quidditch, are from "Harry Potter".

Creamy is a character created for Candice by Jolly Roger Brat. Creamy is used in this story with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat. Readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that in Chapter 11, King Roland is no longer allergic to Creamy, and Creamy is now allowed in the castle.

Envision is from "Elena of Avalor".

Jonathan Smith and Mark Gordon are from "Highway to Heaven", with Jonathan having regained his wings, and Mark now being an angel in his own right. Judge Othniel is from "Twice in a Lifetime". Monica is from "Touched by an Angel", who is now a supervisor as was portrayed in the final episode of "Touched by an Angel". And Tess is an earlier version of Tess from "Touched by an Angel". I've always wanted to combine "Highway to Heaven", "Touched by an Angel", and "Twice in a Lifetime" into one universe, and this chapter was the perfect way to do so.

Maleficent, as mentioned in this chapter, is the Maleficent of old from "Sleeping Beauty". In regard to Maleficent, readers of my stories might recall that Maleficent of the Moors is mentioned in Chapter 2 of my story "A Royal Rift". To clear things up, we'll consider Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty", and Maleficent of the Moors from "Maleficent", to be two separate characters. To further clear things up, Maleficent in my stories is mostly the "Sleeping Beauty" version, but also has some elements of Maleficent from "Disney Descendants" added in (such as Maleficent with a child).

Sheynok is the result of discussions between myself and Brigade701. Brigade 701 wanted to see a villain with bizarre eating habits. In response, I created Sheynok (who I designed as a "Doctor Who"-type villain). Consider Sheynok's appearance in this chapter to be her introduction to "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". The plan right now is for her to appear again in a future chapter.

Timothy O'Toole is a character created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and is used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

The bell board in the servants area of Enchancia Castle was inspired by the bell board seen in "Downton Abbey".

The Rift is from "Torchwood". The Rift is a tunnel in space and time. One theory is that one end is fixed (with one end being on Earth), and the other end wandering in a seemingly random progression across the universe. Another theory is that there are many access points to The Rift, fixed in various times and locations, but they may not be open all the time. Candice would have known about The Rift from her travels with The Doctor (from "Doctor Who").

The short story in this chapter about Clover's death was based on a suggestion by Gabriel Snyder. Meanwhile, that same short story was helped along by a conversation with Brigade701.

The short story in this chapter which included Timothy revolves around Timothy first coming to Enchancia Castle (which took place in Chapter 13 of my story "Dorrie: Book Two").

Disclaimer

Creamy and the other original ideas from Jolly Roger Brat are the property of Jolly Roger Brat, and are used in this story with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat (under an agreement that the two of us may use things from each other's "Sofia the First" fan fiction stories).

"Disney Descendants" and everything associated with it © Disney.

"Doctor Who" and everything associated with it © BBC.

"Downton Abbey" and everything associated with it © ITV, Carnival Films, WGBH Boston, and PBS.

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

"Firefly" and everything associated with it © Joss Whedon, Tim Minear, Mutant Enemy Productions, and 20th Century Fox 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.

"Highway to Heaven" and everything associated with it © Michael Landon Productions, and CBS Television Distribution.

"Maleficent" and everything associated with it © Disney.

"Sleeping Beauty" and everything associated with it © Disney.

"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.

Timothy O'Toole and the other original ideas from MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury are the property of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

"Torchwood" and everything associated with it © BBC.

"Touched by an Angel" and everything associated with it © Moon Water Productions, CBS Productions, and CBS Television Distribution.

"Twice in a Lifetime" and everything associated with it © CTV.

I only own Abby Murphy, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Colonel Martinsen, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Enchancian Intelligence, Holly, Inky, Jerry, King Tristan, Sheynok, the Enchancia Castle servants area, the Enchancian Day of Thanks, the Fralmiery, and Valentina Androcasia.