Once upon a time, not very long ago, in a country desolate and hidden in the enchanted woods was a tower. An ivory tower inlaid with precious stones and gems. The tower only had one inhabitant, a skilful magician by the name of Howl. Howl only had one desire, and that was to spread happiness using his magical prowess. He only wanted to make everyone happy, but being the magician he was, he was feared by many.
It so happened that one day, the neighbouring country was facing a problem. Their Dowager had taken ill and fallen into a deep state of sleep. Doctors after doctors, physicians after physicians were called in to diagnose the Dowager’s state. Sorcerers and alchemists tried their luck but to no avail. No one was able to determine what ill-luck had befallen the Dowager.
Howl, knowing all this from his all-seeing crystal ball, told the castle’s officials, Tico-tico, Nya and Tan-jie, in their dream that the Dowager can only be awaken from her deep slumber by a display of true, pristine love so pure and untainted that it will brighten the darkest of days, and that even the sun bow down to its light. Howl, not disclosing his identity, also mentioned that only he can help them.
Braving all odds, and fearing nothing, the Chief of the Dowager’s Household, Chor Chor decided to venture into the enchanted woods and sought the help of Howl. To protect herself from the unforeseen dangers of the woods, she brought along a Straw, Chopstick, Spoon, Toothpick and a Fork. This she did after being advised by the castle’s sorceress Niang, who could vaguely see the future. It was said that these items would somehow help her.
To reach the woods, Chor Chor had to cross the Sea but there wasn’t a boat in sight. Suddenly, the Seacame to life, and a wave appeared, in the form of a very pretty girl. Chor Chor rode the wave and eventually reached the woods in no time, safe and secure.
Meanwhile, in the hidden tower, with the help of his amulets and enchantments, Howl could sense that Chor Chor was out there trying to seek his help. Seeking not to reveal himself to her, he created a couple, and not knowing any suitable names, he called them Sweetheart and Honey. He made them in a way that Sweetheart dearly loved Honey, but Honey, being a man, and like all other men, was confused and unsure of his true feelings.
Eventually, Chor Chor encountered Honey and Sweetheart as they were wandering aimlessly in the woods, and immediately thought them to be the fearful wizard Howl, and his apprentice. She manage to persuade them to follow her back to the castle and help cure the Dowager. Along the way, they found a Stud protecting a Baby from the attack of a big, evil Belly. With the help of the Fork and the Chopstick, Chor Chor managed to defeat the Belly and save Stud and Baby.
Upon reaching the Sea, the group realized that the Sea spirit had ventured off to the horizon with her true love, and not even the might of Howl can bring her back. With their combined powers, the group gave life to the Straw, Toothpick and the Spoon, turning it into a boat, with the Spoon as the body, the Straw and the mast and the Toothpick as the oar. Together, the group sailed back to the country.
Back in the castle, everything was in chaos and disarray as without the help of the Dowager, the castle’s enchantment had disappeared and enemies are already attacking them. Stud, who had taken a liking for the enchanted Straw, volunteered himself to fend off the attacking enemies. The remaining group members continued their journey to cure the Dowager. Along the way, the magic in the Spoon and the Toothpick eventually evaporated and they turned back into lifeless things they were initially.
Chor Chor led Baby, Sweetheart and Honey into the Dowager’s chambers. In the chamber, with Chor Chor as the witness, Sweetheart professed her undying love to Honey, and her confusion and uncertainty, and immediately, the love enveloped them in a cocoon of white light. Chor Chor watched in awe as Sweetheart and Honey, who were fusing into one, eventually turned into Howl. He transferred the undying love Sweetheart had for Honey into Baby, and she became the epitome of true love, most powerful of all magic, beyond the might of any creature in the kingdom.
The Dowager’s spell was broken and she regained consciousness. Baby remained by the Dowager’s side, embodiment of the great power that restored balance to the kingdom and a reminder to everyone to love with all their heart, even if it is not returned back to them, because eventually, true love can alter even the strongest will. Chor Chor disappeared after the whole event and couldn’t be found. All that was left of her was her hair which was kept in a glass reliquary. Stud took over as the Chief of the Dowager's Household. TheChopstick, Toothpick, Fork, Spoon and Straw each was framed up and glorified in a chamber specially built for them.
Throughout the kingdom, the commoners and officers alike held celebrations in memory of their Dowager’s return back to health. Tico-tico, Nya, and Tan-jie organized a banquet for the people of the kingdom and everyone was invited. Niang, the sorceress, also joined in the celebration. Even though Sweetheart and Honey disappeared, their spirit lingered on in the Dowager’s chamber, united once and for all in afterlife.
As all this took place, Howl smiled benignly, looking at all the happiness in the kingdom from his all-seeing crystal ball. He was glad that he did the right thing by putting the Dowager to a deep sleep, and caused everything. In the end, everyone lived happily ever after=)