Chapter 5.

As Madam Cladessence glanced out the window, a little girl dressed like a princess approached her. The little girl curtsied to her. Madam got out of the chair and curtsied back. Madam and the little girl exchanged smiles, before the little girl ran back to her family's table. At that moment, an instrumental song played on the radio. Madam remembered the magic that existed everywhere, and the love in her heart. She spun her dress, clapped her hands, shook her head, and swayed her hips. She began singing a song, as she danced around the room. She danced with many people. The spirits in the room were lifted. Chefs in the kitchen made beats from banging on their pots and pans. The cashier grooved behind the register. The customers of the restaurant line danced, danced on tables, and danced in circles around the whole building. It was a happy place. 

Pixie dust flew into the air, birds flew into the building, and sparkling stars flung from wall to wall. The people were astonished. Many were speechless. As previous customers danced their way out the door, Madam Cladessence twirled her way out the door as well. She continued singing and dancing until she accidentally bumped into someone. It was difficult to see who the man was, because the person was fully covered in a black cloak and mask. 

Refilled with enthusiasm, Madam Cladessence did not want to give up on her search. So she asked the masked man, “Have you by chance seen three orange bears roaming around? They are my friends, and truly do miss them.”

The masked man didn't say anything. He grabbed Madam Cladessence’s hand and ran down the street. Madam was scared for her life, and attempted to yank herself free from the man, but her attempts did not work. Moments later, they approached a dark and eerie lake. 

Madam shouted, “Why did you bring me here?”

“Help! Help! Help!” 

Madam heard voices screaming for help. They sounded like the three jackal bears. She ran towards the voices screaming for help, until she came across the three jackal bears tied up to a tree, near a river stream. They had fear in their eyes, and were surprised to see Madam Cladessence at their rescue.

As Madam attempted to until the jackal bears from the tree. The masked man pointed a bronze wand in her direction, lighting up a spark under her feet, causing her to lose her balance and trip. He aimed his wand to the sky, causing multiple thunderstorm tornadoes and heavy rain to fall from the sky.

Madam shouted at him, “Why are you doing this?”

The masked man replied, “Not all of us gets a happily ever after, and you don't deserve yours, little miss perfect.” As Madam tried to get up and get to the jackal bears, the masked man commanded one of his tornadoes into the direction of Madam. 

“STOP!” Madam Cladessence pleaded. “Who are you?”

The masked man lowered his hands from the sky and yanked off his mask. He starred in Madam’s startled eyes.

“Brother?,” Madam said. She was confused. She muttered, “Why?”

“You were always the favorite child. Everyone loved you, and now you're the chosen ruler of our kingdom… That kingdom should have been mine!”

“...But you always showed up to every morning feast with a cheerful smile. You would tell amusing jokes and delightful stories. You always looked so happy and fulfilled with life.”

“It's called acting…”

Madam’s brother aimed his wand in her direction with deep anger and hate displayed on his face. 

“You don't have to do this,” Madam said. 

“I WISH YOU WERE NEVER BORN,” her brother said as his grip on his wand became firmer and he pointed the wand at Madam Cladessence's heart.

Struck with sadness and hope, Madam Cladessence sang a cheerful song of family love and friendship to the river stream. She sang and sang to the river stream until it sparkled, glowed, and sung back. 

Madam’s brother continued aiming his wand at Madam Cladessence, but nothing came from his wand. He became angrier and angrier, causing his tornadoes to increase in size and the rain to get heavier. Madam ran to the stream and dipped her hand inside, and felt something tug her hand. She reached her hand deeper into the stream in hopes that a miracle would happen.