Work Text:
A Christmas Morning Miracle
The dinner party luau was in full swing. There were dozens of fancy dishes including a whole roast pig. The Hapia was lovely basically a chicken and long rice dish that was Des's specialty. Tink's favorite was the Kalua Pua a roast pig. She was blissfully tearing into a piece when she noticed Saber's eyes on her. They were were filled with laughter. She chewed quickly and swallowed fast.
"Why are you amused now?"
He laughed softly then smiled.
"You should see yourself. There is grease dripping down your chin."
She smiled back at him and then looked uncertain. Her stomach shifted and churned queasily. Tink's face then went pale and she bolted too her feet towards the nearest bushes one hand over her mouth. Saber followed her alarmed. They had been sitting with Desire, Dodger, Strongwood and Rainy who had stopped talking and looked with concern in the direction they had left from.
Tink dry heaved after losing the dinner she had so enjoyed. She was still shaky and pale when Saber found her. She was using some palm leaves to clean her face.
He knelt beside her and wrapped his arms around her.
"What is wrong hon?"
"I don't know. I just all of a sudden felt ill. I hope there isn't a sickness going around."
"I don't think it was the food" He frowned.
"We ate the same things."
"Do you want to go back to the feast or would you rather go back to our cave?"
He helped her gently to her feet. Then attempted to lift her up. Tink placed a hand on his arm.
"Listen Sir Galahad My noble knight. I was just sick. I can still walk if you lend me an arm. We better go back first or people will worry."
He held out his arm and she hugged him quickly instead.
"Have I told you lately what a wonderful husband you are? He didn't answer but just hugged her back.
"We better go this way a bit. There is a The Guyabano tree. You could use some leaves for a tea to settle your stomach and freshen your breath." After they collected the leaves they headed towards the feast again.
Des and Rainy were talking closely huddled together. Saber and Tink headed towards them.
"What happened ?" Des said sounding concerned.
"I just felt sick." Tink smiled weakly at Saber when he helped her to sit down on the mat.
Rainy took the leaves from him.
"Good idea. I think we could all use some tea. Strongwood will be right back. He is just peering into the other realm to clarify some things."
Most people seemed to be dispersing taking the dishes that they had prepared with them. Dodger was talking to a group of his leaders.
Des was cleaning up. She came to sit with Tink and put her arm around her.
"How are you feeling?
"Better I think. Probably just a bug. I hope everyone else does not get it."
At that moment Rainy approached carrying a tray with coconut shell cups.
Rainy spoke looking at Tink and Saber smiling.
"Oh this is not contagious. You should be completely cured in nine months.
Talk exploded at once.
"You mean a baby!" Des said as if this were a novel idea.
Saber looked stunned then incredulous and happy.
"We are having a baby! Tink is pregnant?" Wow! "
He grabbed her and hugged her.
Tink looked anything but happy. She was startled and a little frightened by the news.
"Is it possible? I mean we are so different even here. I am a fairy. I wrote a poem with lines like dancing on autumn breezes moving every way she pleases."
"What will I write now?
Dancing with the birds and bees.
Soaring graceful through the trees
Tinkerbell steps out through the leaves to dance.
She is so fat she breaks the branch.
I can title it Tink Two Ton Fairy."
Des chuckled.
Rainy scowled.
"You are human first and you transform into a fairy." She looked a little amused. "I assure you it happens all the time. If it didn't we would not be here."
"But what will it be? What if it is like another magical baby born on the islands? What if it is evil?"
Saber made an exasperated sound and pulled Tink closer.
"I have heard pregnant women get all sorts of ideas. How could our child be anything but wonderful. I am taking Tink home. She is not feeling well. The food was wonderful. Thank you."
Desire hugged Tink. "Everything will be alright"
Rainy said: "I guess that is good but Strongwood was checking the portents for this child and he is not back yet."
"Okay thats enough! It is news but wonderful news and Tink needs rest".
They left the fire and headed back to the cave. Tink was not happy but filled with a sense of forboding and impending doom. Something was wrong she felt but what?
Tink felt like she was smothering to death. Her heart was racing and she felt a scream rise in her throat. It was choked by the feeling of wings beating against her face. Some evil being was close and trying to murder her. She felt his sharp beak graze her throat. A screechy voice hissed
"I am Pouakai and I will kill you. Magic is for the Gods not feeble flesh and bone creatures such as you." Its sharp beak gleamed dripping blood.
Then Tink did gasp and she sat bolt upright in bed and screamed in terror. Saber roared after he awakened instantly. Tink was huddled in a ball at the end of the bed. He changed quickly back to human form and reached out a hand to touch her.
"Tink sweety it was just a dream. Everything is alright. We are in our home." He reached out to touch her but she shuddered and pulled away from him to the extreme corner of the bed.
She got shakily to her feet. "I, I will be alright. I just need some air. Go back to sleep."
"What do you mean you will be all right? You are not eating enough. You hardly sleep and this is your third nightmare this week. And now you pull away from my touch."
His voice was rising now but it was more from frustration than anger.
"I'm sorry" Tink said. Her voice was heavy from the weight of unshed tears. "I don't know what is happening but something is terribly wrong. Someone or something does not want our baby to be born and is trying to twist it while still in the womb."
Tink thought of Wahini Hai who ate little children. The island did not seem to be a safe place for children.
"Please hon come back to bed. We can talk to others and find a solution in the morning."
"Okay I guess we can not do anything about it right now. "
He held her for a while then turned over.
Tink tried to lay quietly until Saber thought she slept.
She lay awake in the dark still frantic with worry and unable to allow sleep to claim her.
She got up at dawn while he was still sleeping. She tried to turn and chant her poem but nothing happened. She felt heavy and sad and could not reach the magic that turned her into a fairy creature of light and joy. She felt so sick. A sharp pain tore at her womb.
She gasped and terrified shrieked in fear
"Saber the baby!"
He came awake still in tiger form.
"Tink on my back."
She complied. Pain still seared through her. He carried her briskly but slowly towards Warrior Beach where there were several buildings one of which was the Witch Doctor hospital. He roared "Help Please." When they arrived. Two women healers Naomi and Leoilani came out to greet them. They helped Tink off Sabers back so he could resume his human form.
"What is wrong asked Leoilani?" She was an elder healer and her wise face was filled with concern. With Naomi and Saber's help she ushered Tink inside. There were no other patients present. Tink explained with help from Saber. They told the healers of Tinks strange dreams and her inability to relax or get proper sleep or nourishment.
Leoilani cleared her throat.
"You actually had a vision that Pouakai wants to kill the baby before it is born?"
Naomi had been preparing something under the direction of the older wiser healer. Steam was rising from the cooking fire. She brought a cup of herb tea to Tink.
"You are to drink this at once."
Tink took the cup from her.
"Thank you."
She drank the tea then said.
"What was that? I feel so sleepy."
"This is very bad. It is always bad when the Gods interfere in the matters of mortals. Tink the tea will help you rest. This is sacred space protected by Haumea Goddess of birth and creation."
Naomi was helping Tink to lay down.
"Saber please I feel so far away."
"I am here hon."
He took her hand.
"Just sleep Tink. You must rest while we decide what should be done." Naomi said soothingly.
Tink felt like she was drifting away on clouds. She was not aware of the people around her or even who she was but she felt peaceful.
Naomi stayed beside her.
Leoilani led Saber away. He did not want to go.
"She will be safe here for now Saber but we will run out of time and ability to protect her. I fear this situation will cost you the life of your wife and unborn child if matters are not resolved."
She guided him to a place near the fire. "Please wait here. I must get our head shamen to consult with."
"Let me go with you." He started to rise
"I will be gone only a moment."
He sat down.
A few moments later she entered with Strongwood and Rainy.
"Saber how is Tink? I feared this might happen." Rainy said.
Strongwood said before Saber could speak.
"I saw that the future was clouded and uncertain for the child Saber. I hoped I was wrong."
"What did you see in your vision Woody?" Saber rubbed his forehead.
He could not think straight. Thoughts
of worry for Tink and the child revolved in his head like a horrid merry go round.
"I saw dark forces moving in the smoke. It was as if some of the lesser Gods had set themselves against the birth of this child."
"What can we do to save Tink and my child?" said Saber.
"That is both difficult and perhaps easy." said Leoilani.
"There is a legend that guides us. In this reality Haumea is the mother of all living. All plants on this island are under her protection.
This story begins with the goddess Hameaa, mother of these islands. It was thought she married the moon God. She had many children including Pele the Volcano Goddess. These are her islands. These hills were especially rich and fertile, and the people were her children when settled on these lands and prospered for a many centuries. However the people forgot her and placed her son over her. She turned the plants on them and the very weather obeyed her commands. The rains began to fall less and less often until the ground became dry and shriveled. The taro planted on the hillsides died. The bananas, sugarcane and sweet potatoes withered and the fruit on the trees did not form. No babies were born as Haumea squeezed the life from the wombs of the women. Eventually, hunger harried the people, then famine, and before long the shadow of death was over the land and the people feared the worst. The Shaman told her people to turn away from the worship of Kane Miloha and back to the mother Haumea. When they honored her again the rains returned and the seed of life returned to the wombs of women."
"I fail to see how this helps my wife and child." Saber said sorrowfully."
"Oh but it does." said Rainy.
"The Gods are a real force of our reality Saber." interjected Leoilani.
"The way is clear Saber. You must travel to Haumea. Her dwelling is in the depth of the Forbidden Jungle. That is the Home of Haumea. She takes the form of a young lovely woman. She may try to beguile you. You must ask her to intercede on behalf of Tink and your child. Also Tink is weak. I fear you have little time and must return by Christmas Eve at dusk."
Strongwood cautioned Saber. "You must be careful. Haumea may try to seduce you. She likes to take human men as her lovers if the tales are true. Also you may meet other strange beings and Gods on the path to your goal."
"Do not be let astray by false offers of help from other Gods and beings. Stay true to your goal and keep the reason for your journey centered in your heart." continued Rainy.
"You must go alone." said Leoilani.
"Go now as there is little time. The forces against the child grow stronger and more certain in their goal of its destruction."
Saber left the hut and headed quickly along the beach towards the Forbidden Jungle.
Saber was weary. He had picked breadfruit to eat and drank at a spring about noon. So much for anyone leading him astray he thought. The area around him was marshlands. He heard a womans voice call out.
"Hello there could you please help me get free of these weeds. A lovely woman seemed to be waist deep in water. She was beautiful with long dark hair and sea green eyes and she was nude! Large breast jutted firmly from her torso.
Saber was confused but he was always the gentleman.
"Miss I don't recall seeing you before?" His voice was a question?
"If you will just come closer and lend me a hand to pull me out of here I can reward you properly. My but you are a handsome man."
Saber flushed with pleasure.
"Well I am always ready to help a maiden in distress."
He started to reach forward his hand but stopped confused. What had Rainy said about this yes do not be let astray. He hesitated.
The woman snapped Give me your hand NOW? " Her voice was commanding and her eyes were hungry but not for physical dallying. She was eying him like a steak dinner. Saber backed away quickly.
The being screamed in frustration. She was not human now but a monster.
"Abere" he gasped! She was a monster and he had almost been dinner!
Saber had traveled a while longer. He was half way to his goal when he heard whispers and raspy screeches from ahead where it looked like a small clearing opened in the jungle. Saber decided to change shape to his cat form so his senses would be keener. He approached the clearing with caution. His lip curled in disgust and he almost released a small growl of distaste. He pulled himself together but ahead the stench of things dying putrid and rotting coated the air with a pall of poison gasses. He crept forward and peered into the clearing from behind a tree. His brown fur coat blended in well with the dappled sunlight and shadows. In the clearing he saw a sight that made him blink several times to clear his vision, A huge filthy black bird of prey seemed to be conversing with the ugliest creature he had ever seen. He assumed Pouakai was the filthy corrupt eagle and the ugly female creature with him he recognized as Wahini Hai. Her face was similar to a frogs with protruding eyes. A drooling tongue fell out of her mouth. They were deep in conversation and did not sense him.
Pouakai crowed "Soon the walls will weaken and I will have the woman. Her child will die with her. After she is buried I will dig her up in the night and feast on the blood and bones of her!"
Wahini Hai drooled and slavered. "And the magical babe will be my supper. Its soft bones will crunch in my teeth and I shall dine on its still warm flesh."
"Yes! crowed Pouakai excitedly. We will break through in the night and the threat of the magical child will be ended. Haumea is all besotted with her latest human lover. Her power weakens over her holy places. The humans are almost powerless to stop us. I convinced Tangaroa to raise an awful storm to sweep that coast. They will be too busy elsewhere to keep mother and baby safe."
It was all Saber could do to not throw himself at the monster demon gods that planned to steal the lives then remains of his wife and child. He forced himself to stay calm and when able slipped away to travel at top speed towards his goal. In tiger form he raced as quickly as he could move. The green fortress of Haumea was deep in the jungle ahead. The way was not easy. Tree trunks, vines and various debri blocked his path. Monkeys screamed and chattered in the trees as well there were strange tropical bird calls.
Ahead he saw a difference in the vegetation. The wreckage between the trees was removed and it looked more like a well kept orchard. He was almost at his goal. Saber turned back to his human form. He even washed quickly at a small pond. If anything now it looked like he was in a tropical garden. There were fruit trees in well kept orchards and ahead a stone house or hut. His vision was caught and held prey by the woman ahead. She was tall and dressed in a green flowing gown. She had long dark hair that fell like silk and deep brown eyes. Her figure was lush with large breasts and soft curves in the right places. Her legs were long and shapely. He stared at her bemused. He soon flushed when he noticed she returned his gaze and was appraising him as well. And she seemed to like what she saw.
"Well human Who are you and why do you dare approach my dwelling place." Her voice was soft with a musical quality. It seemed to reach out and caress him like a lovers touch.
"Please forgive me Goddess. I have come to plead with you to help save my the lives of my wife and child. Evil forces plan to do them harm. She is at the temple of healing dedicated to you."
Haumea seemed surprised. She motioned him to silence and dipped her hands in the water of the fountain near her. It seemed she lifted the ball of water into the air and peered into it.
"It is as you say Saber. I can see those that wish harm to your family but why should I intercede on your behalf? What do you have to trade."
"Nothing Haumea. I ask that you intercede because you are the Goddess of childbirth."
"I think you do have much to trade Saber. You have fathered a very powerful child and I like children so that is my price. I will trade a child for a child."
"What do you mean?" He seemed stunned!
"You know what I mean. You will father a daughter for me with me. In return I will intercede to save your wife and child. That is my price. Come here."
With the general feeling of disquietude that Tink was not going to like this at all. He moved forward and took Haumea in his arms.
An hour later he was on his way. He had parted almost reluctantly from Haumea. She had made a package for him to carry in cat form with instructions on preparation.
"Remember now."she had told him. "My instructions must be followed to the letter if you are to save her and your child."
She reached up and kissed him on the cheek and released him regretfully.
The last thing you must do is eat this fruit." She handed him a fruit shaped like a pear.
"It will make you forget the price you paid for my help except in dreams. One day in the far future our daughter may seek you out. Then you will remember."
"I don't know if I want to forget this."
"You must eat it. You can not be divided in your heart. If you are to save her it will take all of your resolve and strength of will. We will meet again in your dreams."
He traveled by the fastest route possible. He arrived back at the hospital well before dusk on Christmas Eve. He came upon Warrior beach and could see clouds were brewing over the water. The ocean waves were getting choppy. The diversion storm was already well started. He felt the magic weakening and put on a fresh burst of speed. Garlands of flowers and other holiday decorations flapped in the wind. People were frantically securing boats and closing buildings against the storm.
Saber hurtled towards the Witch Doctor hospital. He ended his frantic race at the doors and collapsed on his side. Rainy and Strongwood hurried to meet him and took the precious package off his back. Saber changed back to human form and frantically told them everything that transpired on his journey.
"Yes we know about the storm. Tangaroa's hurt feelings at being neglected will be assuaged and the storm will be snuffed out before it begins. The island Gods feel neglected this time of year when we honor another God with such enthusiasm."
"Hurry though Leoilani has everything ready. You and Tink must take a journey into the spirit world to save your child."
Strongwood had left because he was needed elsewhere to help calm he brewing tempest about to besiege their Island home.
Saber entered the hospital. It had been transformed. There was space now. Beds had been dismantled and pushed against the walls. The floor was covered with diagrams. Smoke from candles and incense filled the air. Leoilani was at the fire and Tink was seated on a mat. She looked much better and her eyes lighted up when they met his and she smiled.
It was all he could do to to stop himself from pulling her into his arms.
Haumea told him the rare herb he carried was reverved Sinicuichi (or Sun Opener) used by the Aztecs and is still used by Mexican shamans as a trance divination catalyst. The herb was regarded as sacred because it enabled vivid recollection of past or distant events. She had reversed it to bring future visions.
Leoilani was in the middle of the circle. The only inside light was the fire glow. She was wearing white robes covered with embroidery in strange swirled patterns. She was chanting and waving her arms in strange ritual forms.
"Oh Haumea Mother of these Islands
We praise you now
for the seed that springs forward
That flower opens up to embrace the sun
That grass grows green and sweet.
We praise you well.
For winds that whisper
Through the shining coconut trees
Through the lively breadfruit trees
Through the mighty cedars that grow so tall
We praise you
For all things
Oh Earth-Mother Haumea who gives life
O Aku Aku, Lord of the Gates to the kingdom of Death, Lord of transcendent Knowledge, open the ways for us
Oh Tangaroa, master of the realm through the seas, grant us
passage to your kingdom.
Oh great God of knowledge, we wish to walk your roads.
Reveal to us your teachings, reveal to us the safe path through
darkness to a safe haven.
Come wash the nighttime clean and make it sweet again.
Come Close the gap of darkness in between. Cause the dreaded
powers of Pouakai and Wahini Hai to vanish like the mist.
We praise you for the brightness of your power.
We praise you for the gift of knowledge.
Guide us to the place we seek."
She motioned to Saber to drink the tea set out on a small table. He drank it down compliantly almost gagging at the bitterness. It seemed to fill him with optimism and vitality. Leoilani then began a dance through the symbols towards Saber. She took his hand without words and led him back through the circle towards Tink. She seated him across from his wife. An herb burned slowly over the fire. The smoke that rose filled the air with dancing shapes that mesmerized the eyes. She handed them cups of a dark tea and took one herself. Leoilani motioned them to drink then she began to chant. Oh Haumea save these two and their child who seek your aid. Send them into the future one year and twelve hours from this time. Give them a vision of their future to strengthen them against evil forces."
She was seated across from both of them to form the point of a triangle. She place their hands together. Tink locked eyes with Saber. Tink felt a rushing and roaring inside her head. She was moving with Saber through a tunnel. In the distance she could hear the healer magic user chanting again.
"I come against every evil power, in the name of Haumea.
I come against every evil strategy against those I protect, in the name of Haumea.
I come against every principality and power that threatens us in the name of Haumea.
I come against every power of darkness and any darkness in our lives
that must now disappear, in the name of Haumea.
I come against all spiritual wickedness among unclean beings that plot against us , in the name of Haumea
I come against every evil spirit. May they be cast into outer darkness in the name of Haumea.
I come against every evil gods that act against Tink, Saber and their child in the name of Haumea.
In their dream, They will not see any evil, in the name of Haumea.
In place I will see clearly and interpret clearly, in the name of
Haumea.
In my their battle against darkness Tink and Saber will be victorious, in the name of Haumea.
In my will I will fight powers of evil and defeat them all, in the sacred
name of Haumea.
In my magic rituals, I am a champion; no battle will I lose, in the name of Goddess Haumea.
If evil Gods threaten us in this place,
Fight Water with the spirit of Water and Fire by holy Fire,
Banish their souls into outer darkness and exile them,
and remove their powers until the last trace is gone.
Let these evil beings flee, Through time and space to far away
places. Be gone from here. You are not welcome.
Tink drifted through the tunnel towards a light in the distance and seemed to land inside herself. She was in her cave preparing the unlit fire for night but it was as if she could do nothing but observe what was happening. She seemed to be adding wood for a cooking fire and deep in thought.
A small wrapped bundle in the center of the bed opened slowly. A tiny furry orange and black shape flipped out. Tink who was inside herself noticed out of the corner of her eye but her future self seemed not to notice. Tink gasped inside. He was beautiful a small golden and black kitten with blue eyes. His sweet face was filled with mischief and his shining blue eyes gleamed with curiosity. On his back were feathered wings like a swans. He stood there a moment tremulous and eager his gaze fixed on the cave opening. With a silken blur his wings unfurled and he flew into the air quick as a wink towards the cave opening. The future Tink seemed to awaken and she dashed forward.
"You little minx!" She said as she started to hurry forward.
Just then a huge golden cat blocked the cave opening. Quick as lighting Saber in cat form reached a paw forward to swiftly and gently scoop his son from the air. The tiger cub bawled and growled but Saber pinned him down and proceeded to groom him gently and firmly with his tongue.
"And just where do you think you were headed you little troublemaker? Saber asked fondly his facial expression seemed a little bemused.
Tink scooped him up.
"You are a going concern little one."
Saber started to transform back to his handsome, masculine human form.
His arms wrapped around his son and wife.
"The Christmas feast is almost ready."
"Are you ready to go?"
Tink hugged him back.
"As soon as I feed this little demon cat." She held him gently in front of her.
"Change back you little helion. Those tiger milk teeth of yours are sharp."
She hung on to him tightly but gently as his small form seemed to bubble and shift.
The tiny winged tiger became a small chubby human infant. Tink cradled him and offered him her breast.
"Aunty Des will be delighted to see you."
The Tink from the past seemed to shift away. The transition shocked her as she had been submerged in her future self. She was now filled with an ecstasy of hope and happiness as the present caught up with her and she was pulled exorably back to the her own time.
Tink awoke slowly. The hut seemed to be lit with morning light. Saber was sleeping beside her. She shifted and touched his face gently with her hand. The morning light called to her with dawns promise of new beginnings. She rose quietly so not to awaken him. She walked to the door of the hut and looked out on the loveliness of morning. Beach and ocean, jungle and sky filled her vision. It was a lovely tropical Christmas morning. She let the peaceful morning fill her with joy. He hands gently cradled her womb.
Tink heard Saber wake and felt him from behind her as he cradled the hands that held their son hugging her to him. His lips brushed her hair. Both of them were filled with future visions.
"Christmas morning." he said softly.
Tink turned in his arms. She hugged him tightly.
"Did you see him? she said exultingly. "He is so beautiful."
"Cute little tyke! Saber said. "So soft and furry."
"That it! said Tink happily. "Not furry but Fury! What a wonderful name."
Every child is a miracle!