Chapter 7 - Strangers Here
Back at Pixie Hollow, even more chaos and mysterious happenings were going on. The most mysterious one, was the presence of a stranger in there. He appeared much bigger in stature than the other residents of the island, infinitely so. He moved with agility and speed, and continually looked over his shoulder as he walked. He surveyed his new surroundings, drinking it all in in sheer amazement. Everything looked so- so small! Why, there were houses the size of the palm of his hand! How could any being that tiny possibly survive? He knew with certainty that this place was called Pixie Hollow, so he knew pixies lived there, but he had never actually seen one before. In fact, the pixies were the only creatures in all Never Land he had never seen. While he was curious to see what one looked like, there was much bigger business at hand at this time.
After what seemed like walking for an eternity, the young stranger stumbled upon a tree -but by far, this was no ordinary tree. In fact, it was like no tree he had ever seen before - it was golden! Every inch of the tree was covered in gold - and was pouring out some kind of - powder, was it? Golden powder? The stranger came closer to the tree to get a better look at this 'powder.' It was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen- but alas, he could only get so close without being discovered. He had been hovering and hiding in bushes and behind trees -but this tree greatly tempted him to blow his cover. One clear thing the tree did to his disadvantage, though, was emit a great amount of light - and that light would surely land on him. Perhaps, on top of that, he had forgotten for a moment his task at hand - the stranger held tightly to his chest, a wooden box - covered in red jewels and shut tightly with a clasp. Here, he was looking for the perfect hiding place for this box -and it looked like he had found it.
He tried his best once more to peer out of his hiding place to see the tree and just what that strange stuff coming out of it was. Slowly, slowly, gently, he snuck a foot outside of the bush, followed by the fingers of each hand, ever so slowly pushing away the sides of the bush. He made a clearing through the bush about the size of a quarter, then spread his hands to make the hole wider. Now, the upper half of his face was visible - the stranger had green eyes, and impish red hair. He couldn't help but let out a small giggle at this- no one had seen him yet; he was so clever! Feeling empowered and bold now, he emerged his free hand out of the bush in an attempt to completely come out of the bush, when he heard a voice.
Not sure who this voice belonged to -the stranger decided he wasn't taking any chances of being seen by anyone. Quickly he moved from place to place with that same speed until finally, he had done it- he hid the box in the bottom layer of the tree he had been admiring. He stepped back with a self -satisfied smirk, then dashed off and ran away when he hear the sounds of voices again. He ran as fast as his legs would carry him until he was off the island. But the image of that tree never left his mind - and would never have to.
…...
''Please, I know it sounds ridiculous, but you have to believe me - I have to tell Queen Clarion!'' Just then, Terence and a royal guard fairy were flying by the Pixie Dust Tree. Terence had been fortunate to find her once he left Tinkerbell's house, and was now desperately pleading with her to tell the Queen of what he saw.
''Terence,'' the royal guard asserted. ''even if I did believe you, Queen Clarion simply cannot be disturbed at this time. She's busy with the Minister of Summer making preparations for Midsummer Night.''
''Well, forgive me, but I think this is a little more important, don't you think?'' said Terence, slightly annoyed. The guard caught his sarcasm, and resented it.
''I'm sorry, Terence, I simply cannot allow you to see the Queen.'' She displayed a haughty look on her face for emphasis, as if to say 'and that's final.'
Terence hung his head low and slumped his shoulders. No, I can't give up now, he thought; everyone's in danger if I don't say anything. He raised his head a little bit as he asked,
''Not even for a minute?''
''NO!'' the guard puffed, that same haughty look on her face.
The same sad look returned to Terence's face, but after a moment, was replaced by a look of determination.
''Well, you don't have to!'' With that, he whizzed off, ahead of the guard fairy as fast as his wings would carry him to the Royal Palace.
''Hey!'' exclaimed the royal guard. ''Get back here! Where do you think you're going?''
…...
Tinkerbell paced uneasily across the room of her tiny teapot home. Terence said that he would come back for her as soon as he knew it was safe -but that seemed like an eternity ago. Her eyes flew up to the cricket crock for what seemed like the millionth time- was time going backwards? She heaved a heavy sigh, worrying dominating her emotions all the more as each second passed. Naturally, she was worried for what Terence had said, but even more than that, she was worried about him himself. What if no one believed him - what if Queen Clarion didn't believe him? What would he do then? The fairies of Pixie Hollow might not believe just one young pixie, but if there were two, then they would be less likely to think Terence was crazy -right? Of course! That's it -no more waiting - I'm coming to you. All these thoughts and more swam through Tinkerbell's head as her hand flew to the doorknob. A look of determination graced her face as she grabbed it.
''Hold on, Terence. I'm coming.''
…...
''Terence! Come back here! Wait, stop!'' the royal guard called after him.
''Not until I see the Queen!'' he called behind him. By this time, he landed hard on his feet right in front of the Queen's quarters. This was it. Now or never; the point of no return. Terence looked just behind him at the royal guard still trying to catch up with him. He didn't care what kind of trouble he might -and probably would- find himself in. His home and everyone in it was in trouble. With that knowledge, he took a deep breath, and pushed the doors to the Queen's quarters open.
''Terence! Get back here!'' the royal guard caught the collar of his vest when he burst through the doors.
''Your Majesty!'' Terence exclaimed. Terence bowed, and removed his hat. Queen Clarion and the Minister of Summer looked up from several blueprints at a rather frazzled Terence - his eyes full of fear. They also noticed the guard hot on his heels and looking rather displeased.
''By the Second Star, what is the meaning of this?'' Queen Clarion asked in her ever-mellow voice.
''Oh, Your Majesty,'' the guard began. She released Terence's collar, and gave him a rather disdainful look. ''I greatly apologize. I told him you were not to be disturbed at this time. But- he insisted on seeing you. He claims that he saw something.'' At this, she gave him a slight push.
The Minister and the Queen exchanged surprised glances. The Queen's glance turned into something of an understanding smile.
''It's all right, Stella.'' She then turned her gaze to Terence, and a certain look of tenderness came upon her face. ''Rise, Terence.'' He looked up at the two authority figures a little uncertainly, and replaced his hat. Clarion placed a gentle hand atop his shoulder.
''Is this true? Have you seen something?'' Well, at least she's willing to hear me out, Terence thought. This is out. He looked from the Minister to the Queen, and back.
''Go on, son,'' urged the Minister. ''Tell us what you saw. It wasn't anything bad, was it?''
Terence gulped hard, wringing his hands a bit.
''Actually, it is bad. Very bad. I was out on the beach, and I saw a pirate ship - a real pirate ship!''
Queen Clarion and the Minister gasped in horror, while Stella merely rolled her eyes. No one in the room knew quite what to say. Little did any of them know, though, that Tinkerbell was at this very moment standing just outside the doors listening in on all of this. Oh, how she wanted to fight for Terence, to defend him with all her might! But, being as she didn't actually see the ship, there was nothing that she could actually say. Never had she felt so- powerless; so helpless. ''Oh Terence,'' she whispered.
Before Terence could allow anyone to say anything, he stopped them by saying, ''I know it sounds completely ludicrous, Your Majesty, but I promise you that I saw it, and it looked like it was coming close this way!''
''Honestly, Your Majesty, how could pirates be anywhere near here?'' spat the guard. ''Terence is obviously suffering from some sort of - delusion.''
''What?'' Terence said, infuriated. ''I am NOT delusional! I really saw it!''
''It's true, Your Highness!'' Tinkerbell intervened. At this point, she couldn't take it anymore. All eyes landed on her as she burst through the doors. All other eyes held surprise in them, but Terence's eyes - well, they held tenderness and affection. Wow, he thought.
Stella sighed. ''Doesn't anyone knock anymore? Don't you both know that the Queen is busy and can't be bothered with your silly nonsense?''
''That will be quite enough, Stella. You are dismissed.'' For the first time anyone ever heard, Clarion used a certain amount of sharpness and a firm tone in her voice. Unaccustomed to hearing it, Stella turned to the two young fairies and flew out of the room in shame, like a dog with its tail between its legs.
The Queen focused her attention back on the two young fairies at hand.
''Come forth, Tinkerbell,'' she calmly commanded. Tinkerbell at first seemed reluctant to do so, but then she glanced at Terence. He gave her a small nod of his head and a smile; a smile that said, 'You can do this.' It was all the courage she needed to approach.
''Did you see the pirate ship as well, Tinkerbell?'' asked the Minister. Tinkerbell hesitated at first, not sure what to say, but she just kept telling herself that there was no going back now.
''Well, no, no I never saw the ship - but, but Terence has no reason to lie! He's one of the most honest, decent sparrow men I know, and if he says there's something out there, then, well, then I believe him, and you should too - uh, your Majesty.'' and with that, she gave a tiny curtsy.
Queen Clarion smiled at Tinkerbell's courage and loyalty. If only the two of them could see what she could see clearly see of the future.
''Terence,'' she began, ''if you really and truly believe there is a ship out there, then there is indeed cause for concern. I believe you.''
Terence did a double take, exchanging relieved glances with Tinkerbell.
''You do? Well…thank you, your Highness!''
''No, Terence, thank YOU - for having the courage to come forth with this information. Not many would have what it takes to do so.'' At that, she gave him a loving smile, one that made Terence feel -warm-inside.
Next, Clarion called Stella back, who returned with a rather sheepish look on her face.
''Y- Yes, Highness?''
''Call the guard together. Lead them down to the beach in search of the ship. If one is indeed headed this way, find out how close and how much time we have to stop it. If not headed this way, find out which way it's going.''
Stella began to object, but Clarion gave her a look advising her not to go there. So, she surrendered with a simple bow of her head.
''Of course, Your Illustriousness. And in the meantime, I'll have the lookouts surround your quarters.''
''No,'' Clarion said firmly. ''Protect my fairies first.''
''Yes, Your Majesty,'' and with that, she flittered off to call the guard.
''Well, Tink whispered to Terence, ''Queen Clarion sure put her in her place,''
''You got that right,'' Terence chuckled. But, it seems, their joke would remain short lived. Queen Clarion glared down at them both.
''Terence, you come along with me. We will be joining the guard on their search.''
''Right,'' and Terence went to her side.
''Tinkerbell, I want you to gather the everyone by the Pixie Dust Tree. All will be safe there. Try to do it in an orderly fashion, and don't alarm anyone. And by all means-'' Clarion placed a loving hand on Tinkerbell's cheek as she said this, ''please stay there.''
Wow, Tinkerbell thought, Queen Clarion's never actually…touched me before… Still, she managed to say, ''I will.'' A small laugh escaped from Clarion then. ''Good girl.''
''Off you go, everyone,'' she politely ordered. And everyone left the room, except for Tink and Terence. Terence- just stood there, stupefied, amazed, and well, surprised. Where to even begin to express his thanks?
''Tink,'' he started. ''How - I mean why-why did you do that?''
''You said that you would come back for me; you never did.'' She placed her arms behind her back, almost in embarrassment. This made Terence laugh a little.
''Yeah, I said I would come back when it was safe -as far as I know, it's still not.''
''Well, a fairy can grow old just waiting around, you know. I had to do something.''
Terence gave her a half smile, trying not to laugh at her assertion of independence. Tinkerbell just gave him a tender look.
''But Tink, you didn't have to do that; I mean stand up for me. You didn't have to.'' He placed a warm hand on her shoulder while he said this, sending a shiver - a good shiver -down Tink's spine.
''Yes I did.'' she asserted. ''I had to do something - Stella might've had you thrown out, and then all of Pixie Hollow could be in danger. This is our home, Terence.'' Again, Terence was struck speechless. All he could manage to do was give her a look as if to say, 'could you be any more amazing?' He held out his arms to her, beckoning her to come to him. She did, and the two hugged tightly. Terence squeezed Tink gently but firmly, placing his hand on the back of her head. Tinkerbell herself closed her eyes at the feel of his touch on her head -how she loved the feel of his embrace. If given the chance, they both could have stayed that way forever.
''Wow,'' Terence said over Tink's shoulder. ''You really do believe me, don't you?'' He still help onto her, but broke apart to look at her face. Tink stared into his eyes.
''You've never given me a reason not to.'' Oh, that did it. Every string on Terence's heart was now being pulled. Truly, he had to overcome the urge to kiss her right then and there, but he did settle for another hug as he picked her up, and swung her in a circle. As they broke the hug, Terence reached for her hand, which Tink gladly took. They smiled at each other, when suddenly, the spell was broken.
''Terence?'' Queen Clarion had come back in the room looking for him. His smile faded, and he immediately dropped Tink's hand; much to her dismay. He cleared his throat, and took a step back from her.
''Well, I gotta go. But I promise, I will come find you when I come back.''
He followed Queen Clarion out the door, about halfway, when he turned around. He looked at Tinkerbell, and the light returned in her eyes.
''Be safe,'' he said.
Tink smirked. ''You too.'' At this, Terence had a somewhat cocky smile on his face. ''Oh always.'' He took another step back from her, then said. ''And Tink?''
''Yeah?'' she said expectantly.
''Thank you - for what you did. You're the best friend a sparrow man could ever ask for.'' And with that, he flew off with the Queen to defend the greater good of Pixie Hollow.
Tinkerbell lowered her head and sighed in great disappointment. ''Yeah. 'FRIEND.' '' At that moment, she despairingly flew out of the Queen's quarters to go do her own job.