The Watchmaker's Gift

by Charles Zitta

  Just like clockwork, and as Charlie had patiently anticipated, his mother came out of the bathroom and immediately began to baby-talk her youngest to the fullest degree—her long, wet hair dangling down just enough to tickle Michael’s exposed cheek.

  Unable to take it anymore, he jumped out of bed, grabbed his clothes from the dresser, and stumbled to the shower to clean up. Charlie continued to take in the morning from the balcony. He quietly celebrated another small victory over his brother.

  Their meeting with Frank was only minutes away, as Charlie and his family approached the meal checkout line at Sunshine Seasons in the Land pavilion of Epcot. Looking around, he tried hard to spot his eccentric, Patron friend amongst the crowded dining area, as his parents paid for their meals. Though such a task—even for the sharpest of eyes, was quite the challenging.

  “Excuse me.” Charlie heard a voice from the right as they were wandering to find a table. “I’m finished eating if you and your family would like this table.” It was an older man wearing a Yankees baseball cap, orange bird t-shirt with red suspenders, khaki pants and dark blue Converse All-Star tennis shoes.

  “Are you sure?” Mr. Zastawits replied, “we don’t mean to rush you.”

  “Absolutely, I was just getting ready to leave anyway, I have a FastPass to use for Spaceship Earth in just a few minutes. Here, have a seat,” the man said, as he got up and motioned with his arms for Mr. and Mrs. Z to sit down. “Right on time, Charlie,” Frank quietly mumbled, before turning his attention back to the parents. “Hey, have you seen the latest necklaces they’re selling over in the Mouse Gear store? They’re really kind of neat,” he said, pulling out the light charm necklace out from underneath his orange bird t-shirt to wave in front of their parents. Instantly they fell into a memory knot, a powerful, yet harmless memory-blocking spell the Patrons of WONDER used quite often on park guests to protect their secrecy of operations.

  “So now what?” Charlie asked.

  “We sit down so I can tell you what I learned yesterday at the Patron Council meeting.”

  “Really? And our mom and dad won’t remember a thing?” Michael asked.

  “Not a thing,” Frank said, motioning the boys to sit.

  Their parents proceeded to eat and talk as if they were alone.

  “Now, where do I begin. Oh yes, the watch, as you know, does not work because it was struck by lightning. After yesterday’s meeting with the Council, I can confirm, unfortunately, that the source of the lightning did indeed come from the black magic of a shadow villain pulled out of WONDER by the Dark Thorn’s mysterious Queen.”

  “So who is this Queen of the Dark Thorns?” Charlie asked.

  “We don’t really know yet, but we have a small task force specifically assigned to find out.”

  “You mentioned shadow villains the other day, and told us they are basically reimagined by Dark Thorns and this ‘mysterious leader’ of theirs in the shadows of WONDER. But what exactly are these shadows?” Charlie asked.

  The shadows of WONDER are like small, concentrated spots of evil, created and hidden by the Dark Thorns throughout WONDER. Since the Dark Thorns and their superior cannot create new realms within WONDER, nor permanently alter any of their existing characteristics—such as the themed lands or the attractions, they have created hidden shadows throughout WONDER to plant and grow their evil ideas, including shadow villains. And it is for this very reason they wish to gain control of the Objects of Magic we possess and find the five Kingdom Crystals. This would allow them to access a key element, which, when paired with the Magic Dream Expander I told you about last year, can penetrate the Dream Core of WONDER. Ultimately, they wish to control all of WONDER—a nightmare of a thought at the very least, as you already know quite well from your past experiences. Including the one you just had yesterday.

  “Talk about a bad dream, I can’t imagine what it would be like to deal with that every day,”Charlie said.

  “Wonderful,” Michael added.

  “But Frank, last year the Dark Thorn leader of the Animal Kingdom was able to control the entire park when we were searching for the Vision Stones to help rescue you. So why would they need to go through all the trouble you just mentioned, if they can already control entire realms, parks or whatever of WONDER?” Charlie asked.

  “You’re correct Charlie, Dark Thorn Kunn did control the entire park. But, that type of dark magic only lasts for a short period of time, it is not a permanent spell. If you had gone back and visited that particular realm of WONDER the next day, you would have found that everything had returned back to its normal state.”

  “Hmm, interesting,” Charlie replied while scratching his head.

  “So, I have a question. Why didn’t we run into any of these shadow villains last year?” Michael asked.

  “Good question, Michael. The Patrons and I can only assume it was because the Dark Thorns and their superior did not see the two of you as a big enough threat to warrant the use of shadow villains. But I assure you, that has now changed. Worse yet, as I already mentioned, the lightning that struck the watch came from a shadow villain called out of WONDER by the Dark Thorn’s Shadow Queen. Which means the dark forces have found a way to bring them into our world, where they can actually interact with physical reality. Something we didn’t think they were capable of doing until now. In fact, it’s quite concerning, being we, as in the Patrons, are still unable to do such a thing.”

  “The Patrons can’t bring animated characters into reality?”

  “Precisely, Charlie. It’s a technology we still have not perfected. And since the Thorn Order has, that makes them even more dangerous than we expected.”

  “Terrific, looks like this is going to be one big jolly hoot of a vacation,” Michael replied.

  “Unfortunately, you’re probably right, Michael,” Frank replied with a sigh.

  “Well, at least we were lucky enough not to come across any shadow villains yesterday on the Pirates attraction,” Charlie said, attempting to change the mood.

  “Yeah, our hands were full enough as it was, with all those pirate ghosts and crazy skeletons,” Michael added.

  “That’s right, thank you for reminding me, Michael. Why don’t the two of you tell me more about your run-in with the pirates and skeletons yesterday. That’s a story I’d really like to hear.”

  “Oh, Frank, it was the strangest thing,” Charlie said. “We went on the Pirates of the Caribbean with our parents. They rode in one boat and Michael and I took another. Everything seemed normal until we got to the skeleton captain just before the waterfall, and that’s where things got weird.”

  “Yeah, the skeleton guy started to follow us, and the next thing you know, we went shooting down a giant water fall that seemed to last forever,” Michael added.

  “And when we finally hit bottom,” Charlie said, “we were in this creepy cove. I think I heard one of the ghost pirates call it ‘Pirates Cove’, or something like that? But anyway, it was one of the creepiest looking islands I’ve ever seen.”

  “There were flying ghost ships filled with pirates, other ships filled with skeletons, and crazy looking glow-in-the-dark sharks, squids, eels and other weird sea creatures,” Michael said.

  “Yeah, and flying ghost dogs, skeleton seagulls, partially-decayed bats, and even a boat made out of skeletons,” Charlie added. “Luckily, Alexios showed up to help us get out of there before they could take the watch from us.”

  “Well you can thank your old friend, Ben, for that,” Frank said with a smile. “He’s the one who told me to send Alexios to help you.”

  “I’ll have to remember to thank him,” Charlie replied.

  “I’m sure you will,” Charlie. Anyway, you said ‘they’ were trying to get the watch from you?”

  “Yes, three of the pirates hijacked our boat and were trying to take the watch out of my pocket, but Alexios swooped down from the sky and set off a chain reaction that knocked all three out of our boat just before we plummeted dow
n a waterfall, and back to reality.”

  “Ah, good ‘ol Alexios. He sure knows how to get things done,” Frank said with a chuckle. So, from what you’re telling me, it sounds like the Thorn Order knows we’ve given you the Watch of WONDER. But I’m quite sure they have no idea what we plan to do next.”

  “I sure hope you’re right,” Michael said.

  “Well, whether I’m right or wrong, we still need to be ready for them, no matter if we’re in WONDER or on the Magic Rim.”

  “What’s the Magic Rim?” Charlie asked.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I thought I had told you. Evidently I haven’t. The Magic Rim is the outer ridge of WONDER, where inanimate objects in the real world can temporarily come to life—such as the sun on the Small World attraction, the tree at the Shoot’n Arcade and the tiger and snakes on the Jungle Cruise attraction you encountered last year—by way of magical powers. But of course, those powers can come from forces of good, or forces of evil.”

  “Now I see,” Charlie replied. “So really, no matter where we are, there’s a chance the Dark Thorns could throw something wicked our way.”

  “Exactly, Charlie,” Frank replied. “So please, make sure to always, and I DO MEAN ALWAYS, be aware of your surroundings, who’s around you, etc., when you are here at Walt Disney World. Especially now that they know you are a formidable threat. The Dark Thorns do not like to be outdone.”

  “Well they better get used to it, cause me and my kid brother here aren’t going to be scared off that easily. Right, Michael?”

  “Speak for yourself,” Michael replied, stone faced.

  “Really?” Charlie challenged his brother.

  “You know I’m here for ya,” Michael said, cracking a smile.

  Charlie and Frank laughed heartily at Michael’s comment.

  “Now that’s what I like to hear. I knew the Patrons made the right choice when we picked you as our outsider, Charlie. And Michael here is the icing on the cake.” Frank said, while patting the boy on the shoulder. “Oh, speaking of cake, does anybody want a piece?”

  The boys jumped at the opportunity without hesitation.

  Frank returned with two scrumptious slices of chocolate cake for the boys and a tasty slice of carrot cake for himself. He closed their conversation with a few more words of wisdom, while they all enjoyed desert. “First, as I mentioned earlier, we’ve confirmed that a shadow villain was the source of the lightning strike that damaged the watch. Why the Thorn Order would want to destroy it is beyond our knowledge at this time. They need it as much as we do to obtain a key element required to penetrate the Dream Core, by way of the Magic Dream Expander.”

  “That’s unsettling,” Charlie replied.

  “Yes, it is Charlie, and quite concerning for the Patrons as well. Secondly, speaking of the Magic Dream Expander, in recent months, several Dark Thorns have attempted to locate the whereabouts of this device by way of casting truth spells upon some of our best Patrons. Fortunately for us, none of those affected by the spells knew where it was hidden. Regardless, this tells us the Dark Thorns and their superior are now aware of its capabilities and that they need it to penetrate the Dream Core.”

  “So it sounds like they have two things they are chasing after at one time now? Objects of Magic and the Magic Dream Expander?”

  “Exactly, Charlie. Which means they have more than likely doubled up on their forces—so you will be twice as likely to face a dangerous situation when you’re out there searching for the watchmaker to get the watch fixed. I thought it only fair to tell you this upfront, though some of the Patron Council disagreed with my views, thinking it may scare you off.”

  “We’re here to help, Frank,” Charlie said with commitment in his eyes.

  “I know you are, young man. And you as well, Michael,” Frank said with a kind smile. “Which brings me to one more thing.” The old man leaned in close to the boys and whispered, as not to let any unfriendly ears around them hear what he was about to say. “Tonight at 8:15, meet me by the Neptune fountain in the Italy Pavilion. From there, we will begin our search for the watchmaker. Until then, be safe my young friends.” Frank leaned back and began to talk in a normal tone—playing the role of a solo tourist. “Well, it was nice to meet all of you. Thank you so much for letting me share time with you and your wonderful family.” As he stood up, he turned and faced their parents, snapped his fingers three times, then said quietly to the boys as he leaned in. “They’ll be back to normal in a jiffy.” Frank tipped his cap, winked, then turned and walked towards the escalators.

  “It was nice meeting you too, Mr. Smith,” Charlie said as his friend walked away.

  “So who’s up for Soarin’?” Their father asked, having just snapped out of his memory knot.

  “We have FastPasses, right Ed?” Their mother replied with a smile.

  “It’s the only way the this family does attractions,” he said jokingly.

  “I’m ready for a little Soarin’,” Michael replied. He turned and looked at his brother with a smirk—making fun of the fact their parents had no idea what had just taken place.

  Charlie smiled back at this brother and gave him a little shoulder bump. “Yeah, me too, I’m up for it,” he replied, while finishing off the delicious chocolate cake Frank had bought for him.

  Chapter Eight

  Charlie and his family had just come off Test Track, his mother’s hair—frazzled from humidity and wind, looked like a nest of mess. It was their third attraction in a row. If there was one thing riding attractions did, it was eat up time. Noon was rapidly approaching.

  Having had a late breakfast at Sunshine Seasons, both parents were still plenty full. But growing boys with hollow legs never stay full for long.

  “Mom, can we eat lunch? I”m starving,” Michael said in his best whiney voice.

  “Really? We just ate breakfast a couple hours ago.”

  “But all those rides are making me hungry.”

  Thinking quickly, as all good mothers do, she scanned the area and came up with a solution to make them both happy. “Listen, it’s hot, you’re hungry, and I’m, well, in need of a makeover. How about the three of you go over to Test Track Cool Wash and grab a few frozen raspberry lemonade slushies and a bag or two of chips? That should tide you over for a little while. Besides, it’ll give me a chance to freshen up a bit.”

  “A nice cold raspberry slushy would sure help take some stickiness out of this humidity, don’t you think, boys?”

  “Yeah Dad, slushies,” Michael replied.

  “What about you, Charlie? You need something cold to drink? You are starting to look a little pink in the cheeks,” his mother added.

  “Yeah, a slushy would hit the spot, Charlie replied.”

  “OK, honey, you go freshen up and we’ll meet you inside the Mouse Gear store. C’mon boys, let’s go, so we can get out of this heat.”

  Charlie and Michael enjoyed a cool break inside the Mouse Gear store while slurping on their ice cold beverages. Their mother, who had just returned from freshening up, was busy gift hunting for their nieces and nephews. There were, cups, pins, stickers and keychains—princess clothes, pirate clothes, candy and toys. Everywhere you turned, something playful and fun was strategically placed to catch the eye of those passing by. In fact, much of it did for Mrs. Z. With her husband aimlessly following along, she picked up and awed at one thing after another.

  “I can’t believe how well Dad is dealing with Mom’s shopping addiction,” Michael said jokingly.

  “It’s OK, I think he actually enjoys looking with her. It makes her happy, and I think that’s what he cares about most,” Charlie replied. “I’m actually more worried about those guys over there by the candy wall that keep staring at us.”

  “Over where?” Michael replied, turning to see for himself.

  “Don’t turn around, just keep looking straight ahead. Besides, one of them is a short fat guy with a sunburned head and flip flops. And it looks like”—Charlie squinted as he look
ed closer, “like he’s grabbing candy right out of the dispensers with his hands and eating it. How disgusting is that?”

  “Well I guess I’m not getting any candy,” Michael replied.

  “How are my boys?” their mother asked. “You see anything you like?”

  Michael was about to speak, but his brother headed him off.

  “No, I think we’re good Mom.” Then he turned and whispered to his brother. “We need to keep an eye on these guys, Michael. We can’t be shopping right, now.” Then he turned back towards his parents. “Do you think we have time to go on one more ride before lunch?”

  “Sure, Charlie. We can eat lunch whenever and wherever we want,” his father replied. “Did you have something in mind?”

  “How about Frozen?”

  “That would be fun, but we don’t have FastPasses for it, and I bet the wait time for the regular line is pretty long. But, let me check the Disney app on my phone.”

  While his father checked the app for wait times, Charlie peeked over to see if the fat guy and his two suspicious friends were still by the candy. Surprisingly enough, they were gone—which put his mind at ease.

  “It looks like there’s a ninety minute wait for Frozen, so maybe we shoot for that attraction later this evening? Unless you guys want to wait? But then we won’t be eating lunch for at least a couple hours,” Mr. Z said.

  “So which rides have short wait times?” their mother asked.

  “Journey into Imagination with Figment has a ten minute wait, Spaceship Earth is fifteen minutes, and O Canada is only five minutes.”

  “That sounds good,” Charlie said.

  “Which one, Charlie?”

  “O Canada. One of my teachers at school said that I should go see it. She said it was really cool,.”

  “That does sound good,” his mother added. “That gets us out into World Showcase. Then after the show, we’ll have plenty of choices for lunch.”