The atmosphere at the base of the Pixie Dust Tree that evening was mesmerizing. Lightning bugs fluttered and flitted through the air, adding to the mystical and magical vibe created by the soft lights hung on faraway trees and the golden glow radiating from the Pixie Dust Tree itself.
The light reflected upon the stream that wound its way past the tree, where the Pixie Dust Mill stood nearby.
The mill had a single tall tower with a cone-shaped roof, one window, and a single door. At its base turned a watermill — though instead of water, it spun a river of sparkly golden Pixie Dust, delivering it straight to the millhouse.
Here, the Dust-talent fairies — the Dust-keepers — sifted, packed, and distributed Pixie Dust to all of Pixie Hollow for their daily needs and activities.
At this moment, however, everyone was at rest. The Hollow was calm and quiet, save for the gentle murmur of the flowing stream and the hum of night critters, occasionally broken by the croak of a frog.
It was peaceful — beautifully so.That is, until a blue figure suddenly darted across the sky, disturbing the tranquil air and startling the little creatures into silence. Wherever it passed, it left behind a trail of sparkling blue light!
It swooped past the Pixie Dust Mill, then soared toward the great Pixie Dust Tree. But as it passed the mill tower, it brought something unexpected with it — two dozen tiny blue lights that leaped from the tower window and followed playfully in its wake.
Their destination: the Pixie Dust Tree.
"Oh no!" Queen Clarion gasped, halting mid-flight as she watched the lights dart upward.
She and the others immediately raced after them. Clarion was just behind Vidia and Nyx, with Vidia leading the way.
"Why did you gasp, Your Majesty? And what are those little blue lights from the tower? They looked just like the ones that grabbed him!" asked Tinker Bell, who had caught up, curiosity and concern on her face.
Clarion's expression was tight with worry. "Quickly, we must catch up! I'll explain on the way — I only hope nothing is wrong."
The fairies nodded and shot upward beside her.
"You see," Clarion began as they flew, "our Pixie Dust from the tree is not infinite — but it is replenishable, with the help of the Blue Dust. It's collected once every eight years."
Tinker Bell's eyes widened. "Every eight years?"
Clarion nodded. "Yes. The Dust-keepers add exactly twenty-six grains each day to keep the Pixie Dust flowing. You can imagine how powerful just one grain must be."
Tinker Bell's amazement quickly turned to worry as Clarion added softly, "And those lights that came for him — and the ones we saw follow him just now — those are the twenty-six grains of Blue Pixie Dust."
They soon caught up with Nyx and Vidia, who stood frozen on a high platform near where new fairies were born.
"What's wrong?" Fawn asked anxiously.
Nyx pointed ahead. "You'll want to see for yourself."
There, floating just above the platform floor, was Sargon — the Star Fairy. Around him danced the two dozen Blue Dust grains, swirling playfully as though to welcome him. But when they noticed he remained unresponsive, one grain began to circle above his head, as if thinking.
Then, as though deciding together, they separated — half moving before him, the other half behind his back. In a flash, they shot forward from both directions, colliding into him at once!
A brilliant blue light exploded outward, enveloping Sargon completely. His entire form glowed as if he were evolving into something greater, the dust thickening until he was encased in a shell of shimmering blue — a cocoon made entirely of Blue Dust.
The fairies could only cover their mouths in shock.
Except for Silvermist."So sparkly and beautiful!" she sighed, drifting closer in awe.
"Silvermist!" the others cried, pulling her back.
"We don't know what's happening!" Tinker Bell warned. "Any contact could make things worse."
Clarion chuckled softly at their antics. "Patience, my dears. You shall see him again soon."
Her calmness surprised them. There was no danger in her heart — only curiosity and something else she couldn't name.
They waited, the cocoon pulsing with light like a living star. The air shimmered, and then — the dust began to vibrate faster and faster before bursting outward in a radiant wave!
The particles didn't disperse but hung suspended, slowly rotating and glowing even brighter. It was as though a cluster of stars had descended into the heart of Pixie Hollow.
Silvermist clasped her hands dreamily. "He's so beautiful… so mystical…"
Rosetta fanned herself, swooning. "Sugar, that's the mightiest divine sight ah've ever laid eyes on!"
Iridessa gasped. "It's like a thousand tiny suns!"
Every fairy stared, breathless, as the dust began to move again — gathering inward, drawn as if by gravity. From within came the sound of footsteps.
The glowing dust pulled back, spiraling toward the center until, at last, a figure emerged — surrounded by radiant white light.
When the glow dimmed, they saw him.
Sargon stood renewed — transformed. His presence was overwhelming yet graceful, powerful yet serene.
He looked every bit a king descended from the stars.
His great feathered wings had changed. Once golden-white, they now shimmered with divine hues of sapphire and violet, the feathers layered and edged in faint silver light. They glowed softly, regal and otherworldly, as though each plume was brushed with starlight.
His hair had grown long and metallic silver, cascading past his waist. Two braids framed his face on each side, decorated with purple ornaments that caught the light.
A crown rested upon his brow — elegant yet commanding. Its twin crests curved above his forehead, with two fang-like designs running down his temples, black gems glinting along their length, and a single amethyst-like jewel glowing between them.
Golden earrings adorned his long, elven ears. His irises shone deep purple, filled with the mystery of the cosmos. Two glowing blue marks framed the gem upon his forehead.
A golden belt with a navy gem clasped his waist, above a flowing purple battle-skirt trimmed in blue and gold. His feet were shod in golden boots patterned in the same royal hues. Matching gold bracelets and arm bands gleamed on his sculpted arms.
Across his bare, chiseled chest rested a large violet gem edged in gold — but marred by a faint crack running from top to bottom.
He was breathtaking. Regal. Ethereal.Even silent, his very presence declared: I am the King.
Every fairy stared in stunned admiration. Queen Clarion's eyes widened, and a faint blush warmed her cheeks before she could hide it. The sparrow men behind her instinctively straightened, wings tensing in respect, their hearts echoing the same wordless vow:
For him, in battle, I would give my life.
Sargon smiled gently — serene, kind, radiant.
"I am…" he began softly, then suddenly winced, clutching at the gem in his chest. His body faltered, knees buckling.
Thud.
"Sargon! Are you all right!?" Silvermist cried, eyes wide.
"Tell us what's wrong, sugar! We'll help ya!" Rosetta shouted.
"Command us, my lord!" one of the sparrow men called.
"Please be okay!" Fawn pleaded. "I still want those head pats!"
Even through the pain, Sargon managed a weak laugh.
'Yep… I'm going to love this place,' he thought.'Even if this form… stings a little.'