Over the past ten years, Baxter has mastered his newly acquired magical powers. He has also grown stronger with his own friendships.

We currently find him at home. While in his office, a servant knocks. Baxter permits him to come in. This servant says he is politely alerting Baxter of the mayor arriving. Baxter goes downstairs to welcome the mayor.

“Your Honor, why did you come visit me?”

“I came because I knew you could help. I was given a note. It was after reading it that I immediately had to come here.”

Baxter then examined this note.

“You were right to come here. I will do whatever I can. These eight penniless guests seem like they deserve another chance. But I will, of course, truly see if they do.”

The next morning, Baxter arrives at the hotel.

With his equipage (horses and carriage) outside, he asks the hotel front desk employees about the strangers. They say that eight people looked dirt poor by their clothing. They, themselves, had confirmed this.

Baxter schedules a meeting. He had a lunch meeting but was free after that in two days’ time. The front desk worker confirms what was said. They write down Baxter’s Mansion at two in the afternoon in two days.

It is soon after that he has written a letter informing the shops to secretly send him a bill so he can pay for these strangers.

“Please give them this when you see them.”

It is not long since Baxter’s departure that the eight come down and are stopped by the same worker. Without wanting them to open the letter detailing the bills, he asks them to show it to each shopkeeper.

These people head to do some shopping. All return with bags of clothing and some other things.

Baxter happens to be in town in a few meetings the next day. He heads into the hotel and talks with the owner who takes their bill upon himself and asks his worker to deliver the good news.

A town coach from Baxter arrives the day of the meeting. It takes them to a mansion they had not seen. Chalking it up to coming from another direction, they stop at the front door. Baxter comes out with some servants. He greets them. Each one looks great compared to their previous attire.

After introducing themselves, they all go inside and head into the small dining room. A meal of delicious food awaits all.

The nine chat and eat dinner. During this time, Baxter learns a lot about their lives and why they come. It soon grows later than expected and Baxter has his town coach take them back.

Two days passed by. A letter comes from the hotel. The eight thank Baxter for his hospitality and then ask about them living in this area.

It is this plea that makes Baxter use the town coach and a coachman for a quick run into town. His coach halts in front of the mayoral office.

The mayor is told of the situation. He asks for Baxter’s opinion. Baxter says they are kindred spirits.

Baxter and the mayor eat lunch at Miss Cayce’s Comfort Diner. Then Baxter goes back home. In the letter, Baxter proclaims they are welcomed into Clermont Ridge on behalf of him and the mayor. He goes on to explain the “welcome package” which comes from Baxter as a gift.

His welcome package includes a new house built for them and some money to start their new lives.

With the money, he would help them in any other area as well.

The dawn of a new day starts! A servant delivers the letter.

It was that afternoon he went into town. He was on the way into the town hall and records building. All are eating close by and go thank him personally. A note later arrived saying he was their blessing.

By now, it was Friday.

Baxter brought his newfound friends to church on Sunday.

The next few days pass with Baxter helping the eight set up their new lives. Then under the cover of darkness, Baxter attaches a flying horse to his Phaeton. He travels over and surveys the area. He confirms it is good.

Baxter creates their neighborhood.

Each property contains a mews (a combined stable and carriage house) and a house on six acres. This means the neighborhoods’ six houses take up 36 acres. Baxter decides to surprise them with four horses and three carriage types: the Town Coach, the Phaeton Coach, and the Landau.

Two days later, Baxter reveals their houses to the people. They are grateful and happy. They promise to care for their belongings and each other. Baxter purchased twenty-four extra acres in case more showed up.

In May, the group is doing well and active in all aspects. They have planted their roots in town, including at the local church ministry.

These comrades are wondering when Gideon Kendrick Stephenson, a fellow brother, will come. Two weeks later, Gideon shows up looking for the same thing his fellows have found. Baxter grants the request in full and declares him worthy of citizenship.

Right after Gideon comes Mitchell Cloven Wile, a male in his 20’s. Mitchell is part of their family but is estranged.

Mitchell, staying in a camp outside town, is not a hardcore criminal but does steal a few hundred from the bank. Then he gets caught. Mitchell does not resist. The judge sentenced him to community service.

Baxter’s Transportation Manager was there and offered the choice of Mitchell being under him.

Mitchell is tasked with washing all coaches. Baxter, not knowing this, goes down and tries to talk to his main transportation head. But something seems off to Baxter and he finds out it is Mitchell.

Baxter finishes the conversation and goes over to this man he doesn’t know striking up a conversation. During their talk, Mitchell is honest and discloses information about his history of small crimes. Mitchell doesn’t know why but he can’t stop listening to “the dark voice”. Baxter is interested and asks him to explain.

Mitchell explains he can’t and when he grew up it was louder and stronger than it was in childhood. Mitchell reveals his history and anything he can think of related to this voice. Mitchell pleads with Baxter.

The next day, he flies up to North Pole City. Father Winter sees him and asks why he is here. Baxter asks him to go and urgently let Nicholas know there is a problem. Father Winter finds Nicholas.

Nicholas gets Gertrude and comes home.

“Hey Baxter! What’s so urgent?” “Something which I think you should sit down for.”

All sit to discuss Mitchell and his situation.

“I didn’t know if I should say something to you all, but I felt like something has attached itself to Mitchell. I think it is Dark Magic. And he admitted to a voice telling him to do things. Now, he’s only admitted them to me because I, well I’m not sure why.” “We should go too, Nicholas. Least we can verify this information.” “I’d love to, but the others should know too. We are going as Father Winter can manage the preparations while we’re gone and so could Baxter if he had to come back.”

The Clauses pack while Baxter meets with Father Winter. Gertrude also phones down to the reindeer barns and asks for four reindeer to make a quick trip down south.

Four reindeer and a red and golden sleigh soon appear on their front lawn. After packing, the bags are brought down and packed into the sleigh. Baxter and his guests now leave the cold Artic for hot Texas sun.

Upon arriving in the night, Nicholas lands the sleigh in Baxter’s barn. They walk to a guest home on the property that staff don’t enter as they believe it’s for storage. Yeah, as if that’s the truth!

It is a secret house for otherworldly guests to stay.

Anyway, Nicholas and Gertrude wake up to find breakfast already on the table. They eat until Baxter comes.

“Do all the sleighs have invisibility?” “Yes. And we do too so if it doesn’t, we can make it invisible.” “Ok, I told one of my servants to go tell the carriage driver to go pick someone up at the hotel. We’re going to fly there and you’ll go down to meet the driver. Your names are Nick and Gertie for now. Let’s go!”

It doesn’t take them long to leave. Baxter helps them get into the hotel and down into the lobby. Then he goes back up and flies home.

Soon, all three are reunited and Baxter requests Mitchell to come and greet two people. An hour passes. Baxter returns and the conversation is concluded. Baxter and the Clauses go back into the small house where openness can occur.

 “I think you’re right, Baxter. Mitchell does seem like a kind man but there’s something holding him back. And it’s not him. There’s something attached to him.” “I agree, Baxter! We can research more when we return but he’s been cursed or something.” “I’m coming too! We have to the others now!”

All of them return to the barn. Baxter calls for his staff and all soon leave for the Artic Circle. Upon landing, the reindeer soon go and all three call for the others.

“What’s going on here?” “Didn’t we just meet?”

 Father Time and Mother Nature calm down the group and ask Nicholas what is going on. But he points to Baxter. After all sit, Baxter ends up explaining what is going on. And this alerts the others.

Could Dark Magic infect someone? Could Dark Magic do it to a normal Human? And how? And why? Can Dark Magic be taken out of a mortal?

All questions best left until they can bring him here. Since this is urgent, it can’t wait until after Christmas. But they do decide to hold off until after the Summer Solstice Ceremony.

After the ceremony, Baxter is reminded that this compromises the safety of Santa’s Realm but all thirteen give him the chance to allow a Mortal with no knowledge whatsoever of Magic to come up (albeit with certain limitations of course). However, the mortal in question must be asleep while traveling.

Mother Christmas speaks, “In this instance, it is our sacred duty to help. Also, no one else can and the betterment of Humankind deems it appropriate for us to help.” “And when did you speak like those in government?” “Probably after spending too much time with you guys!”

Baxter asked Sandman for his Sleep Sand. Then left. He guides his team to the hotel’s roof. He goes to retrieve Mitchell Wile but stops to blow some dust on Mitchell to ensure he stays asleep. Baxter can’t do anything but teleport him directly to the sleigh.

Baxter does so then leaves the room and goes back to the roof. With the reins in hand, Baxter flies to the Enchantment of Claus Palace-North Pole Christmas Empire. He arrives in the front yard and Nicholas carries the sleeper inside and into a room.

Baxter brings his bags inside.

The Clauses go about their day. Baxter watches over Mitchell. Until he sleeps that night.

The next morning, Baxter goes into the room after breakfast. Mitchell isn’t awake yet but seems like he is starting to. Mitchell slowly wakes up and realizes he is elsewhere.

In a more-awakened state Mitchell asks, “Where am I?” “The North Pole Christmas Empire, if you really wanted to know.” “Why here?” “I sensed something but cannot and do not wish to say anything else.” “Baxter, please least give me something more.” “Ok. I think you have something in you but not sure what. It feels like Darkness. However, give me time and we’ll figure it out. I have thirteen other people that can help you.”

Soon as he is clothed, Baxter and Mitchell go down to the dining room and the four eat breakfast after welcoming Mitchell. The other two leave and Mitchell wonders about the plan. Except there is no plan.

Mitchell is asked to stay. Baxter must go out.

Mother Nature, Father Time, and Baxter gather in the headquarters.

“I have him here. How do we proceed?” “Carefully. Very carefully. But truthfully, he must have some information before we try.” “Okay.”

Baxter and Mitchell then converse about Ancient Power. And more on the next day. Baxter and Mitchell wait for nighttime. Nicholas and Gertrude back up what Baxter says is true.

The next day, Mitchell is driven around the city on a tour while Baxter meets with Mother Nature, Father Time, and Father Winter in the Claus Palace. It is here that they say all of them should be up in the headquarters the next day to see what the problem is.

As Baxter teleports himself and Mitchell, the others await them in the chamber. Mitchell breathes as both walk in. After introductions and welcoming him, all fourteen warn him they must feel him to get a clear picture of what is going on.

The Guardians all place a hand on Mitchell’s hands, arms, and head. Eyes close and all say a spell. Not much time passes but they do realize there is Dark Magic within him. Of course, there is no known spell to undo it.

But they all sit down back at the dais.

“Mitchell, we are sorry to say this but you have Dark Magic within you and so you’re cursed. We can’t do anything about it yet.” “But I think we should try something. Not sure what though.”

Mitchell is glad to know and thanks them. But Baxter will continue to research. As will Nature and Time.

All head back home except for Mitchell, Baxter, and Father Time.

Father Time says he will ask the Sands of Time to let them go back to when the curse was first placed on Mitchell.

All three travel back through time. They discovered that Mitchell was born with Dark Magic as it was cursed into him from pregnancy. But they did have a way to break most curses.

It only required four Guardians and now only Baxter’s staff and Nicholas’s staffs.

To Reverse A Curse on Mortals

We call upon our powers to undo this spell.

To make it right again and set sail.

We speak these words so evil can soar,

Soar out the door.

By our decree,

Set the mortal free!

Set the mortal free!

Mother Goose, Queen Tooth Fairy, Nicholas Claus, and Baxter use their powers and their items as well as Mitchell’s Tooth Box to rid him of the curse. And after they speak the spell, Mitchell stops hearing the voice.

“You’ve done it! Thank you! I never thought I would be rid of it. But Guardians, what can I do? I have to repay you.” “Mitchell, it is our pleasure. And we don’t expect you to help but if you really want to help then why don’t you help me prepare for Christmas Eve? I could always use a helping hand.” “Then let’s do it. Where did you want me to stay?” “You’re staying with me.” “As you all probably have jobs to do, go.”

The others leave and the three go into the valley. Gertrude is in the kitchen and Mitchell goes straight to excitedly telling her the good news.

Gertrude is glad but wonders what Nicholas’s plans are for Mitchell.

As the months go by, Christmas Valley is busy with Santa’s Global Delivery Trip Preparations. Mitchell is genuinely enjoying himself. Baxter is glad all is well. He’s been down south until Thanksgiving.

Baxter goes back up north.

Weeks pass.

It is now for the Yuletide Ceremony of Release. As Father Winter and the entire assembly of Deities release Winter upon the world, all now focus their efforts into ensuring that Christmas Eve goes right.

It is now Christmas Eve. Both Clauses and Baxter are currently dressing up to send Nicholas into the world. Mitchell and Baxter go ahead and teleport into the Launch Center. They find other Guardians and some elves here. As the reindeer fly in, last-minute checks are performed.

Then each Claus appears in the Christmas Eve Best.

Ncholas does some checks and talks to the elves. Soon, the entire checklist is checked twice. The Clauses and Baxter go out onto the balcony the make their speeches.

Nicholas then gets into his sleigh. As he grabs the reins, he also radios the North Pole Control Tower AKA North Pole Christmas Eve Command Center. They clear him to go. And not long after, Santa flicks the reins.

And he flies out of the Launch Center. The elves cheer as he disappears.

Taking an air tour over the Center of Christmas Empire, he goes around the world returning 30/34 hours later. When he returns, the elves already have been partying for hours.

He goes home to change and find Baxter and Gertrude with Mitchell. All three are ready and Nicholas soon changes clothes. All four go join the party. They spend some time but leave after a few hours.

Nicholas and Gertrude celebrate Christmas before going to bed.

But in Claus Palace, all is calm. All is bright.

After a day of sleeping, Nicholas and Baxter talk about Mitchell. The report says that Mitchell was an outstanding helper and worthy of being Santa’s Helper. Nicholas gives Mitchell the report and a present later. Mitchell thanked him. Then he started to read it.

“Thank you, Nicholas! I am glad I helped you. I am proud of my work. You’ve given me so much!” “You’re welcome.”

Mitchell and Santa hug.

Baxter sits Mitchell down.

“Because you’ve done well, I think you deserve something. Do you want a proper home, a true home in Clermont Ridge?” “Yes. I have felt alone for too long. Santa has made me want to belong.” “Ok. When we get home, you will lay the ground for your new life.”

As the year turns, all is well. Baxter and Mitchell stay for another week. Santa ensures that Mitchell, the only mortal to have been here, can come back to help. Baxter flies them home.

A few days passed.

Mitchell gets his own home. Months pass by and Mitchell Wile gains a well-respected and kind reputation. This includes him doing well in all aspects.

Epilogue:

The Rulers chose not to make themselves known to the wider world (AKA Humankind) just yet. Baxter agrees with this knowing that many would find it difficult to grasp. And yet, life continues without knowledge of the existence of Ancient Power!

However, Baxter successfully navigates life in Clermont Ridge and life as a Guardian of Childhood and Official Apprentice of Santa Claus in the North Pole Christmas Kingdom.