Dinner at Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria was a big hit for the Zastawits family.
As the waiter took orders for desert, Charlie texted his brother: Reminder: Frank, Neptune fountain, 8:15.
Michael texted back: Over and out.
Moments later, the waiter returned with four scrumptious Zeppole di Caterinas, which consisted of ricotta cheese fritters covered with whipped cream and tasty chocolate sauce. A perfect way to end a great meal before heading out to find the watchmaker. At least that’s what Charlie was thinking.
A large group of fifty or more guests were gathered near the Neptune fountain. All were colorfully dressed in Venetian-styled outfits with wildly decorated masks they randomly held up to their faces as the mood struck them. They were dancing, talking and laughing in celebration, while enjoying music piped in from all around the Italy Pavilion.
Charlie’s parents were amused by the enthusiasm and positive energy the Venetian group was spreading throughout the area, and stopped to watch the celebration.
The boy looked at his phone, it was 8:13; only two minutes before their meeting with Frank. Quickly, he thought of a reason to walk up to the fountain. “Hey Mom, Dad, is it alright if we go over by the fountain, so I can take a picture?” Charlie asked politely.
“Of course, I was actually thinking of doing the same thing myself,” his father replied.
As they moved closer towards the fountain, Charlie scanned the area, trying to spot anyone that may look, or that was acting, a little different compared to the rest of the group. The only possibility appeared to be two men sitting on a bench next to the stone wall, who were having a private conversation. Had Frank forgotten about their meeting? Charlie thought to himself, then he texted his brother: see anything?
Michael walked over to his brother. “I wasn’t really looking.”
“What? I told you back at the restaurant we were meeting Frank at 8:15,” Charlie replied.
“Yeah, but I figured you already knew exactly where he would be, so we wouldn’t have to look.”
“Well, he said to meet him by the Neptune fountain at 8:15. It’s actually 8:18 now, so he should be here. Since you haven’t even tried to look, why don’t you take a peek around and tell me if you see anything.”
“OK, fine,” Michael said reluctantly. Turning slowly, the younger brother searched the area, analyzing each person that came into view. Then he spotted a possibility. “What about the guys on the bench, Charlie?
“Hmmm, you might be onto something, Michael.”
“So what do we do now?”
“I guess we go over and see if one of them is Frank?”
The boys slowly approached the two men, not knowing if what they were doing was right or not. As they edged closer, Charlie mumbled to Michae, “If we’re wrong, then what? Will we get in trouble?”
“I don’t know, it’s your idea,” Michael replied quietly.
They reached the two men on the bench, who turned to look at the boys. Both with masks held to their faces—concealing their identities.
“Excuse me, I know this may seem kind of weird, but, we are supposed to meet somebody by this fountain and we thought you might be who we’re looking for?” Charlie said with a confused look on his face.
The two men broke into laughter as they dropped their masks—speaking rapidly in Italian. Neither was obviously Frank. Back and forth they bantered with each other in their native tongue, while the boys just stood and stared, not knowing what to do or say next.
“Why don’t the two of you come dance with us,” a voice called out from behind the boys—who immediately turned to see who it was. “Come, join the fun.” It was a thin man sporting a long white wig of curly hair. He appeared to be a little older, but very spry and full of happiness. His outfit, including his shoes, was mostly purple with shiny silver and white accents. The mask which hid his face was white with floral swirls—also purple and silver. And though they could not see his face, his eyes and voice seemed very inviting in a non-threatening way.
“And how do we know we can trust you?” Charlie asked. “We were told by a very wise friend of ours to trust no one.”
“Ah, it sounds like you have a very caring friend. If he were here now, I’m sure he would approve.”
“And why is that?” Michael questioned.
Suddenly, another man, a shorter, more portly man, jumped out right in front of the boys—making them flinch. “Because, he is your friend.”
“What?” Charlie said—finding it hard to follow the short man’s words.
“Because, he is your friend lads. Take a closer look,” the jolly little man said with a giggle and a twirl.
“Hey, I know that laugh,” Michael said, smiling.
“Yeah, me too,” Charlie added. “Is that you, Ben?”
“As sure as a pickled pickle,” Ben replied, as he removed his gold mask and continued to dance around the boys in his outfit of white and green with a 3-point hat.
“Do you trust me now?” The man in purple asked, as he lowered his mask, then flung it high into the air, which burst into silvery-gold dust.
“Oh, hello, Frank,” Charlie said.
“Now come along boys and dance with us, we have to keep moving to avoid any complications,” the wise Patron advised.
Charlie and Michael each took a hand of Ben’s, who led them towards Frank and into the fray of celebration. Around and around they went, dancing and humming to the music surrounding them. Blurred streaks of color and light passed by their eyes, as they continued to dance, while Frank explained how their parents had been brought into the Venetian party using the magic of a memory knot. He assured them they would be happily occupied until the boys returned.
“So now what?” Michael asked.
“We’re about to transport into WONDER,” Ben replied with a big smile.”You’re gonna really love this one, boys. See the dolphin on the right side of Neptune? We’re gonna fly into his mouth.”
“His mouth?” Charlie said, as they continued to spin faster and faster. “My head wouldn’t even fit into that dolphin’s mouth.”
“Not to worry boys, Frankie here is going to fix that,” Ben replied.
“Huh?” Michael replied with a confused look.
“Hold on boys, it’s time to go,” Frank said. The light charm around his neck rose up and floated weightlessly in the air—glowing brilliantly.
Round and round they went, each boy holding a hand of a Parton to form a complete circle. They continued to spin, faster and faster, until everything around them was one continuous blur with no definable shapes.
“Aghhhh, spinning fast!” Michael hollered.
“OK, when I say GO, Charlie, you let go of our hands,” Frank shouted.
“What? Really?”
“Yes, Charlie, really.” Are you ready?”
“Ha-ha, sure.”
“GO!”
Putting all his trust into Frank’s words, Charlie released his grip and was launched towards the dolphin’s mouth from fifty feet away. Half way there, Neptune came to life and blew a series of magical notes on his conch shell, which made Charlie feel as though he was shrinking. The closer he flew towards the dolphin, the smaller he became, until finally he was no more than four inches tall—allowing him to easily fit through the dolphin’s open mouth. A split second later, he came to an abrupt halt in Franks apartment—again, full size, where he was quickly joined by Michael, Ben, and finally, Frank.
Fibs, Duke and Grim had just come out of Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar.
“That’s right dark leader,” Fibs said into his wristband device. “We were just walkin’ out of the wine cellar, and there they were—all of ‘em, being sucked right into the mouth of Neptune’s dolphin.”
“Ahhh, well done. You’ve redeemed yourself, Captain,” Dark Thorn Senkrad replied. “You know where they have gone, don’t you?”
“I would imagine to find the watchmaker, sir?”
“Precisely. I want you to follow them int
o WONDER, just to make sure our assumption is correct. Then report back to me once you have confirmation that it is true.”
“Yes sir, right away, Senkrad. But uh, how are we supposed to know where they transported to?”
“No need to worry about such details, Fibs. I have already activated a dream dot and set its coordinates for the watchmaker’s realm in Deep WONDER. Just walk over to the fountain and you will instantly be transported.”
“Thank you, sir, thank you.”
“Once there, locate them and find out their intentions. But do it without giving yourselves away. We don’t want to alarm them just yet. It may be wiser for us to let them first find the watchmaker and allow him to fix the watch, before we TAKE it away,” Senkrad advised with an evil laugh.
“Yes, Senkrad, we understand,” the captain replied with a nervous chuckle. He disconnected his wristband device. “C’mon boys, we’re going fishing.”
“Huh? What?” Grim said with a perplexed look on his face.
“We’re going after the Patrons and those kids.”
“You mean we’re gonna get sucked up by that dolphin? Ain’t that gonna hurt?” Duke asked.
“Oh, for goodness sake man, it’s a dream dot. You ain’t gonna feel a thing. Now come on, we’ve got work to do. Or would you rather tell Senkrad you don’t want to do it?”
“No-no-no-no. We’ll do it, Captain,” Grim replied.
“Very well then, time’s a wastin’. Let’s get a move on,” Fibs hollered while leading his men to the fountain. Seconds later, they exited reality through the dolphin’s mouth, while the large group of Venetian partiers continued on with their celebration.
“Hey there, Midnight,” Charlie said to Frank’s large, black cat with electric green eyes, “it’s good to see you.”
“So good to see you again as well, Charlie,” Midnight replied. “I hear we’ll be traveling together?”
“Traveling together?” Charlie questioned.
“Yes, to find the watchmaker.”
“You mean you’re coming with us?”
“Most certainly.”
“Hey, Michael, did you hear that,” Charlie shouted to his brother, who was admiring all the artwork on Frank’s desk.
Excited to hear the news, Michael turned and quickly replied, “No way, you’re coming with us?”
“Yes sir. Fortunately it looks like you’ll be stuck with me during your journey to find the watchmaker,” Midnight replied.
Frank broke away from the conversation he was having with Ben on the other side of the apartment and walked over to the boys. “That’s right, Midnight is going to assist the two of you and Ben with your journey.”
“Wait, what about you, Frank?” Charlie asked. “Aren’t you coming with us?”
“Unfortunately no. I have to attend a meeting with the Parton Council later today regarding whoever, or whatever, may have tried to destroy the watch.”
“But Frank—”
“No buts, Charlie, this is serious. We need to get to the bottom of it. Shadow villains are nothing to sneeze at.”
“But—”
“It’s for your own safety,”Frank replied with a concerned look. “And the safety of all others who are involved as well—including Michael and your parents.”
“Our parents?” Charlie questioned.
“Now that the Thorns are aware who your parents are, there is always a chance they may try to use them as leverage against you. In other words, hold them hostage to get what they want—such as the watch.”
Charlie’s demeanor became very placid. “I understand now.”
“But no need to worry,” Frank replied in an upbeat manner, “with Ben and Midnight at your side, I’m VERY confident you will succeed in finding the watchmaker.”
“Absolutely, why Midnight and I are two of the best trackers in all of WONDER.”
“I’d have to agree,” Frank added. “With these two on your team, finding Raphael should be like a walk in the park.”
“Raphael? Who is Raphael?” Michael asked.
“He is the watchmaker,” Frank replied.
“I see,” the boy replied.
“Very cool,” Charlie added.
“OK, fellas, are we ready?” Frank asked, as he gave everyone in the room a look for confirmation.
“I was created ready,” Midnight said in a jokingly smug tone.
“Ha! Indeed you were,” Frank replied—being he was the one who dreamt up the cat to keep himself company in his apartment.
Everyone enjoyed a laugh, then put a hand or paw on Frank’s magic lamp.
Then Frank recited the words, “Light so bright and grand, take us to the watchmaker’s land.”
The light from the charm around his neck grew large and bright, encompassing the circle of friends. Spark trails raced around its parameter, faster and faster, until its core burst into a brilliant array of light. SHWOOP, they were gone.
The animated countryside was filled with rolling hills, covered with trees and lush grass—all set before enormous snow-capped mountains. Everything, highlighted by a brilliant blue sky with only a whiff of cloud. The birds chirped in unison with the clear stream, which rushed over countless century old stones as it traveled down the mountainside and through the flower covered valley below.
Charlie, Michael, Ben, Midnight and Frank were now, animated as well—resembling their real selves, but in a stylized, cartoon-like way.
“Welcome back to Deep WONDER,” Frank said. “Your search for the watchmaker begins here. There is a trail leading through the woods just over that hill,” he said while pointing. “It will get you headed in the right direction.”
“Huh? Oh, I’m sorry Frank, it’s just I’m always amazed at what we look like when we turn into animated figures. I mean, look at my hands—my fingers are so plump and fat compared to normal. What were you saying, again?”
Frank let out a chuckle. “That’s quite alright, Charlie. I was just saying, there’s a trail leading through the woods just over that hill.” He pointed again. “That will get you headed in the right direction.”
“OK, that’s all we need to know? You’re sure?”
“Pretty much, well, yes,” Frank replied. “Just follow the trail and trust your instincts, which from what I can gather, are very good.”
“Really, that’s it?” Michael snipped. “Two kids, a little round guy and a fluffy cat are supposed to wander their way through a strange land and find somebody they’ve never even met before?”
“Whoa-whoa-whoa, lad,” Ben said. “There’s no way I’m round. I’m more like, oval shaped.”
“Oh you silly little man,” Midnight replied. “Michael, I think what Ben was going to eventually say is, you are in very good hands, or paws, and have absolutely nothing to worry about.”
“Well, alright. I guess?” Michael said with little confidence.
“It’s all about trust, Michael,” Charlie said.
“Precisely,” Frank added, with a humble smile. “It’s time for me to go. Take care of the boys, will ya, fellas.”
“Indeed we will,” Ben replied.
“You can count on us,” Midnight added.
Frank nodded, and touched the light charm. “I’ll see you real soon.” There was a flash of light and he was gone.
Little did they know, that just over the hillside, beyond the edge of the woods, danger was lurking.
Chapter Nine
Far beyond the reaches of light, a meeting of evil intentions was taking place. It was hidden in a dark place—a shadow, which to the knowledge of the Patrons, did not exist, and was sure to remain a secret from all believers of good intentions. Populated by a densely wooded forest made of twisted trees with partially rotten trunks, moss-covered rocks and leaf-covered terrain, it was a dark and foreboding place—lying somewhere in WONDER between the simulated realms of the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. It was here, in a secret cave buried deep under an enormous old oak tree, that the Dark Thorns arrived one-by-one, so they
could devise a plan for taking the magic watch.
First to arrive, via a giant purple ball of flames, was Dark Thorn Oltar, ruler of Hollywood Studios.
Next was Dark Thorn Kunn, mighty master of Animal Kingdom, who burst onto the scene through a bolt of lightning.
Immediately following Kunn, Dark Thorn Tanion, overseer of Disney Springs, arrived as a stormy-blue cloud of smoke which swirled in, then all at once, broke up—revealing its creator.
Next to arrive was the evil leader of Epcot, Senkrad, who flew in as a vulture, then transformed into his his recognizable self.
Last to arrive, but most certainly not the least powerful of the Dark Thorns, was Elontra, supreme ruler of the Magic Kingdom. Twisting like a mini tornado, she came storming into the cave before coming to an abrupt, and thunderous halt.
All five leaders of darkness took their respective seats in chairs made of twisted wood, forming a circle in a cathedral-like area of the cave.
Being the only female in the room, and the natural center of attention with her long, flowing white hair, Elontra took control of the meeting. She grabbed everyone’s attention with her wickedly charismatic personality. “Of course, we all know why we are here. It appears, our little guest with the watch has transported into the watchmaker’s realm. Is this true, Senkrad?”
“Very much so. In fact, my captain and two of his best spies have followed them in. I am expecting an update at any time. But if someone deems it necessary to check on them, let’s just say, it would not offend me.”
“I would be more than glad to do so, replied Dark Thorn Tanion.”
“Be my guest,” Senkrad said.
“Very well, let us take a peek, shall we,” Dark Tanion replied. He stood up from his chair, turned to the green flame torch on the wall, and pulled from it a stream of flames that spiraled into the center where the Dark Thorns were seated. As the stream of flames gathered in the circle and continued to swirl, they formed an egg-like shape which crystalized and revealed images of what appeared to be Charlie, Michael, Ben and Midnight, walking over a grass-covered hill towards the woods.
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