TINKERBELL 'GROWS' UP
PART I
by chuckiboo
TinkerBell and all related characters ©Disney.
In the world of mystics and magic, there exist a set of myths that a child grows up with. Known as 'fairy tales', these stories of myth and lore encompasses the mind of a young one, and enlightens their imagination. Some grow up still believing in these tales, and make them part of their everyday lives. Thus, the phrase 'a child at heart' is mentioned for those who maintain this seperate thinking from stark reality. Yet on the other side of the world, this does indeed exist, in the mystical realm known as Neverland. It is here that the most believed of myths is an actual reality: the existence of fairies.
There are fairies for every talent, from taking care of woodland creatures, the maintainence of the four seasons, and those who maintain these fairies and all they do. In the little nook of the world known as Pixie Hollow, it is here that these creatures live out their relatively long lives. Considered 'little humans', they are inches in height, and fly with wings, with some pixie dust. They barely age, and actually are very cute. Yet only one has come in contact with their gigantic counterparts: TinkerBell. Considered the most gifted fairy to ever arrive in Pixie Hollow, TinkerBell has a gift that created devices for the other fairies to make their work easier. Immensely innovative, intelligent, yet kind of impatient, she has more of an itch to invent and fix more than anything else. Along with her friends Silvermist, Rosetta, Fawn, Terrence, Vidia and Iridessa, these fairies are the core of the realm. And it is here where the story begins.
Clarion, the queen of all fairies, is a just and good ruler, overseer of the realm and its workings. When TinkerBell first arrived, she assisted her in finding her talent. And it almost came crashing down when the 'catastrophe' happened, nearly causing spring not to arrive on time. But with Tink's innovation and the fairies' cooperation, it was saved. Along with two other adventures, she has made herself a household name in Pixie Hollow. As time passed, and the seasons changed, leadership changed hands as well. Fairy Mary, the head of the tinker fairies, moved on, as well as Fairy Gary, head of the dust fairies. In a surprising move (surprising to the recipients), Queen Clarion appointed the two most qualified fairies to take their places: Terrence over the dust fairies, and over the tinkers, none other than TinkerBell.
Not too long after the arrival of summer, the Queen called a particular fairy for a serious conversation.
"TinkerBell," the Queen started, "since your arrival, you have done more to make everyone's job easier with your inventions and the way you tinker." TinkerBell couldn't help but be flattered at the comment. "And the scepter you built for the fall equinox gave us more pixie dust than we could ever imagine. All in all, you have earned a special place in my royal court."
The shock on TinkerBell's face was unforgettable as she heard what she said. "Uh," she stuttered, "what did you say?"
"You now have a place in my royal court."
For a minute, TinkerBell had to think of the implications of being given such a studious honor. Yet, when it comes down to it, inventing and tinkering is what she does best. And it's what she loves to do. So, her decision is simple.
"Your majesty, it would be an honor to serve in your court, but," stopping short, "it's not me. I'm a tinker, it's what I do. And for me not to tinker, well, I don't know if I can live without doing it."
The Queen was quite surprised at the reply she received, yet she knew this fairy did what was right.
"I respect your decision, TinkerBell, yet it's still open for you if you still want it." TinkerBell smiled. "I understand, you love what you do. You're dismissed."
With that TinkerBell bowed in respect to the Queen, and departed. Though she turned down a lucrative offer, it is best for the rest of the fairies that she remained the head of the tinker fairies. Besides, she has a lot of new devices to build before the next changing of the seasons, from summer to fall. Yet something will happen to change all that in an instant.
The next few weeks were tedious and bitter work for the fairies in Tinkers' Nook, as they worked on the new line of wares for the nature fairies in preparation for autumn. Though Clank and Bobble were pretty strung out from assembling and supervising, TinkerBell was just as much, as she had more work on her than anyone else. Her mind worked flawlessly but feverously, as different inventions came to mind. And the wear slowly showed on her.
As the days went by, TinkerBell's condition started to worsen, as she slowly lost the color in her face, as well as her energy level. At one time, someone made her mad, and for the first time ever, she did not get mad, not even turn red. Yet the most noticable symptom was at the pixie dust distribution hub, as they received their daily ration of pixie dust.
"Are ya'll ready for fall?" asked Rosetta, dipping her puff into the dust.
"Uh, summer just came!" replied Iridessa, as Terrence poured a cupful over her.
"I don't want summer to end," added Silvermist.
"The animals are having such a good time," concluded Fawn.
"There's hardly no wind, and it's boring the bejebbers out of me," mused Vidia as she too was covered in dust.
"Well, I'm satisfied," replied Terrence, head of the dust fairies. "What about you, Tink?"
Everyone turned to TinkerBell, as she yawned. None noticed that her vibrant wings had faded to where they were not even seen.
"Still busy at the nook, too much to do," as she stifled another yawn. Terrence poured the dust over her.
"All you need is some rest, you'll be just fine later on."
"Yeah, you've been working too hard, Tink, take it easy," added Silvermist, "let Clank and Bobble handle the orders while you rest."
"You're right, Sil," replied TinkerBell, "I think I will."
As the others took off, strangely, TinkerBell barely got off the ground. With her wings very weak, even with pixie dust, she made it out of the area and into the sky, keeping aloft. Getting into the open, she slowly floated toward Tinkers' Nook, dropping near the ground every now and then. Arriving at the center, her energy gave out and she fell to the ground. The other tinker fairies saw what happened, and rushed to her aid. Clank arrived first, followed by Bobble, as his bubble lenses nearly burst along the way.
"Tink, you alright?" Clank asked as he helped her to her feet.
"You had a nasty fall there," added Bobble, "what happened?"
"I don't know," she replied, sounding groggy and shaking her head. When she opened her eyes, the guys noticed her beautiful blue eyes were fading to white. Something didn't seem right.
"We better take you home, you need to rest," he said as they let her go. When they did, her legs gave out, sending her down again. TinkerBell definitely was not in the best of shape. So, being the kind fairies they are, Clank and Bobble took her by the arms and flew her to her house near the top of Tinkers' Nook. Upon entering, they immediately deposited her onto her bed, and tucked her in.
"You'll be fine, Tink," Clank said softly, bringing a leaf over her body.
"Yes, you will," added Bobble, shutting some shades to make a bit darker. "You'll be feeling better in no time."
TinkerBell gazed at the two and lightly smiled. "Thanks guys," she said wearily. "Do you think-"
"Don't worry about us," corrected Clank, "we've been doing this for quite a while now, and we're used to it. You just rest, okay?"
"Okay," she replied as she nodded off to sleep. "Sweet dreams, Tink," Bobble whispered as both of them exited.
A new day dawned, and with it, new energy. Yet something, or someone, was missing. As the tinker fairies busied themselves with the work allotted, Clank and Bobble orchestrated the operation as only they could. It was only yesterday when took their leader, TinkerBell, home because she was not feeling well, and it was obvious that she might feeling the same this day. As soon as some free time came about, the two headed to her house, and knocked on the door.
"Tink?" Bobble called, but no answer. He knocked on the door again.
"Tink?" he repeated, concern growing.
"You think we should go in?" asked Clank.
"We might have to, the door hasn't been touched since we were here yesterday."
"Okay."
Bobble turned the knob, and opened the door. Looking around, everything was the same, but what they saw next shocked them. Though her green dress was still there, TinkerBell was now a ghost white. Her beautiful blonde hair was gray, and so was her red lips. The two couldn't run fast enough to see about her, yet it shocked them more when they saw that her wings had disappeared!
"Tink! Wake up!" Bobble pleaded, shaking her, but getting no response.
"This is not good," panicked Bobble, "not good at all. Clank, go get-"
Before he could finish, Clank was already gone to get help. Flying like a mad man through the nook and everything else, he attracted the attention of the girls. Silvermist stopped him quick enough to get an answer.
"What's wrong, Clank?" she asked calmly. Huffing and puffing, Clank shocked them.
"It's Tink! She's lost her wings! And she won't wake up!"
All five girls quickly hurried to her house, while Clank went to get help. Not long after the girls arrived, the royal council came in, and Queen Clarion appeared. Making her way to TinkerBell's bedside, she was struck with sadness.
"What happened, your Majesty?" asked Iridessa.
"I'm afraid it's not good," Clarion spoke. She turned around to face all who were present.
"Every five years, during the summer months, a disease spreads through Neverland, and seeks to take the life of one magical being. Not much is known of it. And this time, TinkerBell is its next victim." The group is shocked to hear that one of the most talented fairies in Pixie Hollow is about to be taken from them. This made all of them sad. "There is no known cure for it. If it's not reversed within two days, TinkerBell will be lost forever."
Suddenly, one of the members of the royal council spoke up.
"There is a possible cure," he said, "it lies with the former leader of the Lost Boys."
"You mean-" Rosetta started.
"Yes, the one formerly known as...Peter Pan."
"But," piped up Vidia, "where does he stay?" Silvermist speaks up.
"I remember Tink telling me that after he left Neverland, he settled down on the other side of the world, in America."
"Yeah," added Iridessa, "during her journey to find the Mirror of Enchanta, she met Peter when Captain Hook was after him. They became great friends after that, and never lost contact."
"So that's where she went after the changing of the seasons," Rosetta thought out loud. Clarion quieted everyone.
"It is settled. Silvermist, Iridessa, Vidia, Rosetta and Fawn, you will be given all the pixie dust you can carry to fly to the other side of the world and bring back Peter Pan. There will never be another TinkerBell. She's done far too much for us for this to happen to her. You will leave immediately. Clank and Bobble, tend to TinkerBell, and inform me on any changes."
As everyone departed, all realized that this is a matter of life or death for a fairy they consider more than a friend, and the risk is well worth every sacrifice TinkerBell has made to help them. For the fairies in Pixie Hollow, it's a chance to return a favor.
Flying over the Pacific Ocean at frightening speed, Iridessa, Fawn, Rosetta, Silvermist and Vidia flew toward North America, and to the state of Michigan. Coming in from the west coast, over California, Arizona, Nevada, before heading up north, over Wyoming, North Dakota, and finally arriving in Michigan, flying slow to sense his whereabouts.
The city of Detroit is big and industrious. Hard to find someone as special as this man. Slowing down, Silvermist picked up something in her fairy sense.
"Hold up, guys," she said suddenly, "he's-" pointing south, "this way."
Iridessa picked it up as well. "She's right. Let's go."
The five fairies and their sense led them to an upscale suburban neighborhood, lined with beautiful houses. They then came to a two-story house made from brick, lined with aromatic flowers and different plants.
"This has to be it," Vidia said, heading to the chimney. "Come on, time's a wasting," calling as the other four fairies followed suit, and headed down the chimney and into the house. Scoping out the place, they split up to find Peter. Time is of the essence right now.
In his study Peter Philips sat at his desk working on a presentation. Looking around for inspiration, he is reminded from a single picture what he once was so long ago. On his wall was a picture of him in his youth, in completely different clothes, with his close friend TinkerBell, whom he missed dearly. Formerly known as Peter Pan, he swore to himself that he would never grow up. Yet, he had to, and moved away from Neverland, and settled down in the States. Now in his late fourties, married with two beautiful children who are now teenagers, he's proud of his decision. Michael and Ashley somewhat remember what happened when they were little kids, when they were lured back to the realm by Peter's arch nemesis, Captain Hook. Through manipulation, Michael was nearly taken away from his father by Hook, until his former crew, the Lost Boys, stepped in and helped him put an end to his devious plans. He's snapped back to reality by a noise somewhere inside the house. Getting up, he takes a gander around his study, looking closely. He suddenly spies dust, but where's it coming from? Turning around, he sees it again. He opens up the window, letting in the illustrious summer breeze that blew at his hair. Going back to his desk, he sees- a fairy? Yes, a fairy, but it wasn't TinkerBell though. Being as bold as he's been since his childhood, he speaks up.
"Who, are you?" he asked.
"I am Silvermist," she replied, "a close friend of TinkerBell. Girls, come out."
In seconds, Fawn, Rosetta, Vidia and Iridessa appeared before the man, smiling.
"Are you the one known as Peter Pan?" she asked.
"Yes, I was, though I still believe in fairies," Peter said, smiling. Iridessa stepped forward.
"Peter Pan, your help is urgently needed," she started, then Fawn spoke.
"TinkerBell is in serious trouble, she is very sick."
"That's right, hun," Rosetta continued, "Queen Clarion said you would be able to help."
"Bcause if you don't, TinkerBell will be lost forever," Vidia concluded.
The look on Peter's face said it all, as he heard these five fairies tell of his best friend's plight. Though he thought about what he had to do come Monday, he knew his longtime friend needed him more.
"If it's for Tink, I'll do it. Hold on a minute." Peter went to his bookcase, and pulled a book from one of the shelves, placing it on the desk. He then went to his room and brought back a blanket. The five fairies were befuddled at what he was doing, yet they had to trust him. Long ago, he was once the savior of Neverland, protecting it from outsiders who wanted to ruin it. Once done, he came back with a bag and placed the items inside.
"Now, how do we get there?" he asked.
Iridessa pulled out her pouch, as well as the others. Scurrying around, they sprinkled the pixie dust over Peter, as he closed his eyes, and thought back to the days when he would be soaring through the skies of the magical realm, without a care in the world. As he did, his human body slowly lifted off the floor, and into midair.
"Follow us," called Fawn, as the fairies headed out his window.
"I hope I can remember how to fly, it's been so long!" grabbing his bag, and slowly floating out the window behind them. And so, the flight for a fairy's life begins.
Through the summer sky and crossing the international dateline, the five fairies and one human male flew over Great Britian, Scotland and Ireland, to magically arrive over Neverland, and to Pixie Hollow. As Peter gazed from above, he's amazed at how much things have changed since he left years ago. Sitting down in a meadow, the five fairies hover around him.
"We'll go get the queen," Rosetta said, "you stay right here, hun," and they flew off. In minutes, the royal council arrived, and Queen Clarion appeared, as only she can make an entrance like that. She then floated toward Peter.
"Peter Pan," she said smiling, "it's been so long since we've seen each other."
Peter bowed his head in respect to her. "It has, your Majesty," he replied. "Things have changed so much in Pixie Hollow. So, what happened?"
Queen Clarion explained the situation to him, and he was saddened at his friend's condition. "Bring out Tink, I need to see her."
With that, Clank and Bobble brought out a large leaf, and there laid his dear friend TinkerBell, white as a ghost, no wings, and gray hair. This was not good at all. Peter held out his hands, and picked up her little body. He fought back tears as he held her like this, not expecting this to happen. He stood up, and walked to the middle of the meadow. Laying her down, still on the leaf, he opens his bag and pulls out the book, and a blanket. Placing the blanket over her, covering her, he went down on his knees, and opened the book, turning it to a certain page. Closing his eyes, many fairies gathered around him as he recited an incantation.
"Esolandro, cosminotrio, indrinoko, removao osaong."
Shimmers of sparkles appeared over the blanket, as something was happening. The blanket started to move, as if something was growing was under it. In fact, it wasn't something, but someone! In the span of two minutes, the body of TinkerBell grew from a few inches in height to enormus proportions filling the void under the blanket. At its end, she was now the size of a human, yet a bit shorter than Peter. The good thing was, her color returned to her skin, as well as her lips. Her hair became blonde again, yet loose as it was when she first arrived. Peter opened his eyes, to see the result of the spell. Terrence was the first to speak.
"What happened?"
Peter started. "The spell I chanted removed the disease from her, yet it had to grow her body to make her permanently immune from it. This side effect is unfortunately irreversable."
Many of the fairies understood what had to be done, and if Queen Clarion trusted Peter, they trusted him as well.
"With TinkerBell like this now, she cannot stay in Pixie Hollow no longer. I will appoint someone to replace her. She was striken with this disease for a reason, and she now has a new destiny to fulfill." She then turns to the group of fairies. "Bobble," calling him, "I now appoint you the leader of the tinker fairies."
Bobble couldn't believe what he heard, but just like the others, it wouldn't be the same without TinkerBell.
"I accept, your Majesty," bowing his head in respect. Turning to Peter, she looked sad herself. No one has seen the queen like this.
"TinkerBell has brought us much joy, many useful innovations, and plenty of laughs. She will be missed." She then flies up to TinkerBell's sleeping face. "Born of a baby's laugh, you will bring joy and protection to those you will meet. And through true love's kiss, your destiny will be shown. Push yourself to the limit, and you will know." Queen Clarion then placed her hand to her now large cheek, and left an imprint of dust there. "Take care of her, Peter," she smiled, "train her in the way of humans. She will never forget us, and we will never forget her. She is free to come visit us. And where she is going, she will find great happiness."
"You have my word, your Majesty," Peter replied as he stood up. Terrence then flew up and gave him a small bag, filled with pixie dust.
"This should be enough to get you home. And tell Tink that we'll miss her." Terrence was very sad, at the fact that his best friend was going away, not by her will, but because it was necessary to save her life.
"I will," he again replied, kneeling down and picking up the full grown girl into his friendly and fatherly embrace, wrapping her wholly and securely in the blanket. With a sprinkle of dust from the bag, he closed his eyes, thinking of happy thoughts, and started to float. His pack on his back with his things, he slowly rose in flight, with Silvermist, Fawn, Rosetta and Iridessa leading the way out, and Vidia guiding the winds. Giving a fond farewell, the man formerly known as Peter Pan flew off into the summer evening sky, with his best friend, now a full grown human girl, in his arms. When TinkerBell wakes up from her slumber, she will be immensely surprised at what was done to bring her back to life. And that a completely new destiny awaited her; now not as a fairy, but as a magical human. Her life will not ever be the same again.