This chapter is dedicated to Tessa, whom I promised this chapter would be uploaded this
weekend and anyone else who has been waiting for this chapter. Sorry ? Here it is a new
chapter..hopefully I'll be able tow rite one THIS weekend without any interruptions.
Enjoy!
Aduis whistled as he got to the Gate, which was the control room of the afterlife.
It was the size of a three-story mall but inside it looked like an old fashion train station
with "Knocking on Heaven's Door," by Guns & Roses playing in the background. Aduis
floated through the gilded doors to see two archangels standing by the doorway to the
Director of Placement's office. "Hey guys."
The one archangel nodded, "Hey Aduis. How's the nursery?"
"Good. Hopefully the next batch of kids will turn out alot better than my Flower
children."
The other archangel, snorted, trying to suppress a laugh. Aduis crossed his arms,
"Something funny, Michael?"
"Nope. You wanna see Chuck now?"
"Yes please."
Michael opened the door behind him, letting out a good hard laugh as he went
further into the office. Aduis shook his head, "HE needs to get out more."
The remaining archangel shrugged, "Hey we've been on a 24/7 work schedule for
the past 200 hundred years. We BOTH need a break."
Aduis nodded, "When do you change guard?"
The angel looked up to the transparent ceiling in thought, his feathered wings
flickering, "I think another decade."
Aduis smiled, "That's not too bad. It will go by quick."
"Yeah." He nodded as Michael returned. HE was composed and calm. He nodded
to Aduis, "Chuck will see you now, but only for a few minutes."
Aduis nodded, "Thanks." Aduis nodded and walked into the dark wooden hallway.
The floor was a lush green grass, roses and daisies along the wall. He came to a door and
walked in smiling, "Hey Chuck, I got a question for you."
Chuck was a skinny man, looking for like father time than anything else. HE smiled
at Aduis, "Question? Ask and I shall see if I know the answer."
Aduis sat down next to the old man, "A woman died, with child, roughly 500 years
ago. Her name was Cheri Vitale. Where did she go?"
The old man placed his hands together, closing his eyes. His body floated up to the
ceiling. He took a book out, looked in, and came back down, "She crossed over into
heaven. She is given the choice of being reborn but she has declines the offer ever year.
Her child went back to the valley of souls to await placement. If you want she walks past
the clock tower everyday at 3."
"Why?"
"She said it was the time when her husband proposed to her."
Aduis smiled, "You don't know how happy that makes me. I have to go, thanks
Chuck."
"No problem."
Aduis ran out to the clocker tower just at it tolled 3. He looked around the
bustling area not seeing anything. Then he saw a young girl standing with her arms
crossed, looking up at the clock. She had soft blonde hair and a porcelain dolls face. She
was beautiful to Aduis. He moved towards her, "Cheri?"
She turned her blonde head, "Yes?"
Aduis smiled, "My name is Aduis. I'm Puck's father."
Cheri's eyes grew wide, "But he was Fey."
"As I was at one time, but became mortal for love. I've come to ask you to come
with me. Puck is depressed without you. His thoughts are cluttered with bad memories.
He needs to remember the good times if he is going to defeat his brother. Do you have any
days on your time card?"
Cheri gave Aduis a sly smile, "I have 581 days."
"How?"
"I never went back to Earth after my death. I thought it would hurt Puck too much
and he wouldn't be able to get over me."
Aduis smiled, placing his hands on her shoulders, "He never has and it is his grief
that is making him weak. Fey need to be relatively happy in order to perform extreme
magick. Please, come with me. Help your husband.
Cheri's eyes glistened with tears, "I tried to stay alive for him and our child, but I
failed them both."
Aduis hugged her, "No, you didn't. This is your chance to let him know you still
love him. It may kick him out of his depression."
Cheri smile returned, "I'll try."
Puck sat next to the mirror, "Mom?"
"Yes?"
"Do you really think we can defeat Oberon?"
"Yes. Your brother is not as strong as he appears. I promise you we will win."
"Over my dead body."
Mab and Puck looked up to see Oberon standing with his hands behind his back.
Puck quickly stood, "Uh-oh."
"So, you found our dear mother."
"No thanks to you." Puck said, standing protectively in front of the mirror.
Oberon started to walk over but he heard Mab yell, "Oberon! Stay away from your
brother. Please, let him be."
"So you can plan my devise. Don't look so shocked, I can hear you both through
the mirrors."
Puck swallowed hard, there was something Oberon was hiding but it could be
anything. Puck extended his hand creating a green field over them. Oberon touched the
force field and recoiled. "I see mother has restored your powers."
Puck gave a smile, "Again, no thanks to you."
Oberon moved something in his hand and punched the force field, sending Puck
down. He held his stomach, feeling sick. He took his hand away to see he was bleeding.
"How?"
He watched Oberon stand over him, waving an iron knife in his gloved hands, "I
always win Puck."
Puck tried to move but he could feel the iron running through his veins. It wasn't
enough to kill him, but he felt like Oberon was going to change that very soon. He
grabbed a shield just as Oberon jumped on him. The knife made contact with the shield,
making a horrible clang. Puck pushed Oberon back.
Mab was screaming, banging her mirror. She was stuck. Aduis and Cheri came to
see her crying. "What is it?"
"It's Oberon! He's going to kill Puck!" she screamed weeping, leaning on the
mirror.
Cheri gasped, "No." She jumped through the mirror and into the room. She could
see Puck on the ground, bleeding. He still looked as handsome and young as he did when
they first meet. She saw the man called Oberon, holding a knife dripping with blood. Cheri
balled her hands into fists, "Please let this work." She ran straight into Oberon's body.
Puck watched Oberon's hard face become soft and caring. He jumped back,
throwing the knife to the floor, "Puck, are you ok?"
Puck shook his head, trying to clear his vision. The iron was deeper than he
thought and he could feel himself becoming sick with fever. Sweat fell from his brow as he
whispered, "Excuse me?"
"Are you ok?"
"I'm not sure, I'll tell you when I can see straight." He heard Oberon laugh before
he passed out.
Cheri in Oberon's body looked at Mab. "What do I do with him? Make it fast he's
stronger than I thought," she said pointing to herself.
Mab smiled, "You must be Cheri? I'm very happy to meet you. I'm Mab, Puck's
mother. As for the body you inhabit, touch his cheek to the mirror. I may not be able to
defeat him now but I can send him back to Avalon."
Cheri nodded Oberon's head. She could feel the man fighting her from his prison
deep within his subconscious. She leaned against the mirror, watching the woman called
Mab raise her arms above her head. An eerie green glow formed around her hands and
eyes. She touched the mirror's surface and Cheri felt it enter the body. Cheri phased out of
the body just before it disappeared. She watched Aduis catch Mab as she collapsed. Mab
looked down at Puck, "Cheri, is he ok?"
Cheri, once more as a spirit, walked over to Puck's unconscious body. She
swallowed hard as she traced her face over his cheek. "He lives."
Mab looked at Aduis, "How did you catch me? I thought you were an untouchable
mist"
"I become solid for a few moments after returning from the center. It's so
concentrated with energy it clings to any form that does not." No soon had he finished did
Mab fall through Aduis, landing on the garden's floor.
"See," Aduis stated, shrugging.
Mab turned her head to see Cheri carrying Puck's form to the bed. "Is that how
she can touch him?"
"No, she is a spirit. She's different from ghosts like me. She is solid when she
wants to be solid. It was close this time. Oberon knows now that we are here."
"He does not about you."
"Soon he will know."
Cheri looked at the wound in Puck's side. It was still bleeding. She took a crystal from her
pouch and touched it to his wound. Within seconds it was healed. She looked at Aduis and
Mab's surprised looks. She shrugged, "Hey when you hang out with angels long enough
they teach you a few tricks." Cheri's attention was brought back to a groaning Puck. He
put his hand over his eyes, "I'm dead."
Cheri smiled, "Not yet."
He moaned, moving his eyes to see Cheri wearing a white toga and gold bracelets
on her arms and in her hair. She looked like a Greek goddess. He was speechless for a few
moments before saying, "I'm in Heaven."
Cheri chuckled in the bell-like laugh that he remembered so clearly. He reached
out, sitting, to touch her cheek. His shaking hand touched her solid cheek and he laughed,
"You're real!" He saw her face fall, "What is it?"
"Puck, I'm dead. I have been for over 500 years. I'm a spirit. Your father said that
you have been more depressing than a drunk man."
"I've missed you so much. The years keep going by but you are all I think about."
Cheri sighed, taking Puck's hand in her own, "I have caused you so much pain but
don't you remember we had so much fun. Your father said you always remember the bad
times, what about our good times: the day we first meet, our wedding, the pranks we
played on the guards, don't let those times die in vain."
Puck smiled, "You were always so smart. How long can you stay?"
Cheri shrugged, "A little bit over a year. Then I must return to heaven."
Puck's smile faded, squeezing her hand, "What happened to our child?"
Cheri smiled, "He waits until the day he can be reborn. He looks just like you but
he has my smarts."
Puck laughed, "Of course."
"Your parents have called me to you hoping I can help you remember the good
times. You need to beat that Oberon guy, I won't be here all the time to save your arse."
"I got it."
Mab laughed, "Puck, we will see you soon. Block the mirrors so Oberon cannot surprise
us like he did again."
Puck jumped off the bed, placing his hand on the mirror. Mab touched her hand to
the mirror, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"You got it." He saluted as the mirror rippled. When the image was gone he
turned back to Cheri. She was looking at the picture of Alex on his nightstand. "That's
Alex. He's my charge."
"A halfling?"
"Quarterling, actually. If you want to meet him I can call him."
Cheri stood with one swift floating motion, "No, I'm still getting used to being
back on Earth. I never thought I'd come back."
Puck frowned, walking to her side. It was weird having her right here again. He
touched her cheek again, "Why? Was I that bad?"
Cheri let transparent tears fall down her cheek, "You were too wonderful. I
thought..I thought if I came back it would hurt you too much to see me. It would bring
back bad memories, but I see not coming back did a lot worse."
Puck wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder. She still
smelled like cookies, yet her light and delicate appearance was caused by the fact she was
a spirit now. HE lifted his head up, kissing her on the lips. They were cold like the rest of
her body but her lips none the same.
Cheri touched his cheek, running her hand to the back of his neck, deepening the
kiss. He still tasted the same to her. His tender kiss speaking volumes to her heart. She
pulled away, "I love you. I never stopped loving you."
Puck kissed her neck, "I love you too. Could I show you how much?" he smiled
evilly.
Cheri knew exactly what we wanted to do. She gave him an evil smile back, "I
think we can."
Puck lifted her into his arms, jumping on the bed with her. He laid on top of her,
kissing her stomach. She undid his tunic, pulling it over his head. Something hard hit her
hand. She moved the tunic away to see her cross around his neck. She touched it, "You
kept it?"
Puck smiled, "Yes. It's the only thing I had left of you that didn't fade or crumble
to dust."
Cheri took the chain and pulled Puck down, kissing him passionately. She kissed
his chin, "For tonight, let's forget about everything except us. Let's pretend we're back in
Paris and this is just one more night we have together."
Puck smiled, nodding, kissing her against this time undoing her toga. Soon they
were making love as they did over 500 years ago.
The next morning, Puck woke with a start. He looked to see Cheri was gone. "No!" he
screamed, hitting the bed. "It wasn't a dream!" HE jumped out of bed, grabbing a pair of
jeans he wore occasionally. He walked over to the mirror, placing his hand on it. HE
moved the energy blocking it from Oberon as his mother had told him to do. HE stomped
over to his balcony, looking over the city. He was starting cry when something touched
his head. He looked up to see Cheri's cross find its way around his neck. Cheri appeared
from a mist, "I think it belongs with you now."
Puck jumped up, hugging her, "I thought you were gone or worse a dream."
Cheri hugged him, "I needed to go to the other side. You tired me out so much I
didn't think I was going to have enough energy to stay on Earth."
Puck laughed, "I'll remember that." Cheri touched Puck's temple and he got a rush
of images. He closed his eyes, touching her wrist, "What are you doing?"
Cheri smiled, "I'm giving you happy memories."
Puck opened his eyes looking into her faded blue eyes. HE closed them again and
let the images rush into his mind.
Paris..
Cheri was walking in the market looking for the right ingredients for dinner. Puck and her
had been dating for over a year now and they were so in love Cheri knew it would keep
poets occupied for years. Although, she was in love Puck, he was hesitate to actually say
the words. How could she blame him? He was an immortal being living with a mortal
woman. It was strange. She got a head of lettuce, heading towards the center. When she
got there she froze, Puck was sitting throwing a coin into the fountain. HE looked up,
smiling. She smiled, walking to him, "Hello, what are you doing here? I thought you had
business to take care of with your Lord?"
"Sitting and I did. I wanted to tell you something?"
Cheri frowned, "You're leaving me aren't you? Your Lord has called you home."
Puck frowned, "No! Nothing like that at all." He took her hands in his, sitting her
down on the fountain, "I wanted to tell you that….I love you."
Cheri furrowed her brow, with a small grin, "What? I'm sorry, I couldn't hear
you."
Puck grunted, smiling. She was just as much a trickster as he was and it was now
why he felt confident saying, "I love you."
Cheri squealed hugging him, "I love you too."
Puck hugged her tight, kissing her neck, "How would you like to be Mrs. Robin
Goodfellow?"
Cheri pulled away, "Your serious?"
Puck nodded, "Surprisingly, yes."
"It sounds..wonderful." She kissed him, hearing the toll of the clock tower toll 3.
Puck sucked in a breath, looking Cheri, "That was a good memory."
"There is clock tower in heaven just like the one we had in Paris. Every day at 3 I
go and listen to the toll. Each toll singing your words…I..Love…You. It's the only thing
that helps me remember. Heaven makes you forgot about your past life. That clock tower
is the only reason I remembered you."
Puck smiled, "Remind me to sent a thank you card to the person who created that
tower then. So, what other memories do you have for me?"
Cheri smiled, "I started the chain, it's up to you to keep it going. Despite popular
belief, it takes a lot out a spirit to enter someone, especially when they are as powerful as
your brother."
Puck nodded, "I'd believe it. I've already blocked the mirror from him."
"I tried to manipulate his memories, so he may not remember this incident for a
few days."
Puck nodded, getting used to the face his wife had similar powers to the Fey. HE
then
thought about a solution to his little problem, "We need a mirror large enough to throw
Oberon into it."
"Well, you go shopping and I'll go back to limbo to talk with your parents. Maybe
they have an idea."
Puck nodded, "Agreed." HE kissed her nose before disappearing. Cheri faded
away to limbo.
Cheri materialized in limbo next to Mab. Mab smiled at her, "Welcome child." She
extended her arms and Cheri walked into them, accepting the hug. "You did very well
against Oberon. It's good to know my son found someone with beauty and brains."
Cheri smiled, "Thank you." She looked over at Aduis, "What are we to do now?
Puck went to find a mirror."
Aduis shrugged, "I don't know. How did Oberon find out about Mab's contact?"
Mab released Cheri, "I know all to well how he found out. His creations, the Weird
Sisters, can see past, present, and future. They wanted Oberon to destroy Puck when he
was born but he suppressed his powers instead. They were watching the time stream for
any disturbance that might destroy their Master's rule."
Cheri shook her head, "I still cannot be believe I'm standing here in front of the
past and future rulers of Avalon. Although I knew Puck was Fey I never truly believed it."
Aduis placed his hands on her shoulders, "It is something to get used to but you
have done well. I might add for someone who never visited Earth once since your death,
you handled the possession very well too."
"Possession is easy, but the mind manipulation was more difficult. They taught us
how to use the gifts we are given as spirits. Of course, I never thought I'd actually use
them."
Mab frowned, "Mind manipulation?"
Cheri nodded, "I made Oberon forget he came to Earth to destroy Puck. He was so
strong. I don't think it will take more than two or three days before he realizes what
happened."
Mab nodded, "Then we don't have that much time. Aduis, is there any thin veils of
time and space where I can move so when the time comes I'll still have some power left."
Aduis nodded, "I'll go look." He floated away.
Cheri looked at Mab, "What can I do?"
Mab gave her a sweet smile, "I want you to do exactly what you've been doing.
Make Puck happy by reminding him of the good times. The happier he gets the more
powerful he will become. I have no words to thank you for helping him or loving him the
way you have over these years."
Cheri nodded, "You just did." She jumped into the mirror, returning to Earth.
Puck walked, as Owen Burnett, into a mirror discount outlet in Paramus, New Jersey. He
was browsing through the large mirrors when Cheri popped up, "Hi."
Owen sucked in a breath, jumping back. When he realized it was Cheri and not
Oberon, he smiled, "Cheri, you shouldn't surprise me like that I thought you were
Oberon."
Cheri gave Puck an evil smile, "I'm not doing anything you haven't done to me
thousands of times."
Owen nodded, she had a point. He used to do the same thing to her. He picked up a
hand mirror, "So, which one do you think will work?"
Cheri moved from mirror to mirror until Owen saw her entire body. She tapped the
surface, "This one."
Owen nodded, "Good choice." His face became stoic, more a custom to his alter
ego's demeanor, "How long did you say Oberon wouldn't be able to remember?"
Cheri frowned, "Two..maybe three max."
"So, since he's on Avalon..two days means he won't remember for two months, give
or take."
Cheri smiled, "That's plenty of time."
"Yeah, but not if he's stronger than we think and he could break it any moment."
Cheri pounded the surface, making the glass wobble, "Well, then what are you standing
around here for...get your little cute butt in gear."
Owen grinned, "Yes, dear."
Cheri smiled and vanished. Owen walked over and paid for the mirror, instructing
it to be shipped to the castle by tonight.
Oberon sat on his throne. He had awoken from his nap feeling like hw had failed at
something, yet he couldn't remember. HE watched Titania dance around with her fairies
forgetting about the thing he forgot to do.
Cheri appeared in front of Mab, bowing. "Puck has found a wonderful mirror."
Mab smiled, "Child, please stand. I'm not a Queen yet."
"Yet being the word."
Mab smiled, "I was wondering about your mind manipulation. Can you do it to
anyone?"
"Sure. I have to be able to touch them though. The more direct the better."
Mab waved her hand over her mirror, revealing three identical women, save their
hair color, asleep on a patch of grass. "These are Oberon's creations. My suspicions were
correct, they were the ones who told Oberon that Puck found me. Can you erase their
memories too?"
Cheri nodded, "With pleasure."
Cheri reached into the mirror, touching each of the women's foreheads. A blue ball
of light surrounded their heads, fading as quickly as it had appeared. She returned her
hand into limbo "Done. They weren't nearly as strong as Oberon. Their manipulation will
last a lot longer."
Mab smiled wide, "Excellent."
Aduis appeared next to Cheri, "What did I miss?"
Mab placed her hand on Cheri, "Our little Princess here just erased the Weird
Sisters memories, and so they won't be a bothersome for awhile."
Aduis smiled, "That's wonderful and to add to this happy occasion I found a thin
veil to which you could pass through my dear."
Mab clapped her hands together, "This is wonderful. Everything is coming
together."
Brooklyn walked into the Great Hall as Puck undid the mirror. Brooklyn chuckled, "Are
we that obsessed with ourselves?"
Puck stuck his tongue out, "No, I leave that to you."
Brooklyn chuckled, "What is it for?"
"Picking a fight with Oberon." Puck said, not looking at his gargoyle friend.
Brooklyn shook his head, angry, he said, "I know you're crazy, but I didn't know
you were insane too."
"It's not like that..I found my mother."
Brooklyn touched the mirror's surface, his beak hanging open, "How?"
"Alex showed me. Somehow my mother AND my father found Alex and told him to
tell me. Unfortunately, Oberon found out too."
Brooklyn placed his hand on Puck's shoulder, "Hey, if you need any help let me
know."
Puck smiled, "Thanks, I might need you."
Cheri appeared in the mirror to see a big red demon with his hand on Puck's shoulder. She
was going to panic but she saw the two laugh. Puck must know this demon, maybe it was
one of Oberon's children. She glided to the surface, "Hi Puck."
She saw the demon just up in surprise, standing in a fighting stance. Puck laughed,
"Brooklyn, this is Cheri."
Brooklyn's heart leapt into his throat as a young woman appeared in the mirror's
surface. He was about to break the mirror when Puck laughed, stating it was Cheri.
Brooklyn swallowed, "Cheri? The Cheri?"
The girl laughed, "I'm a celebrity!"
Puck smiled sweetly, towards the young woman, "Don't encourage her. Cheri,
Brooklyn."
Brooklyn watched the girl float through the mirror, extending her hand. He tried to
take it but his talon fell through her. Cheri laughed, "Opps, sorry I forgot that only Puck
can touch me on this side."
Brooklyn saw the Fey blush. Brooklyn tucked that idea away for teasing later on
=, but for now there was a ghost in the Great Hall. And she was looking at him, nervously.
Brooklyn cleared his throat, "I'm a gargoyle, if you didn't know."
Cheri smiled, "I was wondering. I thought you were some sort of demon, no
offense."
"None taken, we get that a lot."
Puck was watching the interactions between Cheri and Brooklyn when he saw the mirror
begin to swirl as if black ink had been dropped into its watery surface. Puck yelled,
causing Cheri and Brooklyn to turn to see the possessed mirror. Puck was about to bang
on it when Brooklyn grabbed his arm, "I'm not magickal inclined but I'm pretty sure
touching that is a big no no."
"I agree." Cheri said, placing her hands on Puck's shoulders.
Puck let his head fall, "The mirror is corrupted."
Cheri frowned, "It seems Oberon knew you might try this type of attack…"
"So, he jinxed not only all the mirrors in the castle, but any new ones to enter."
Finished Brooklyn.
Puck sighed, "Then we'll just have to find another way."
Cheri smiled, "There's my stubborn Puck."
Brooklyn chuckled, "Oh, you are so cute."
Puck smiled, "Back off, Brooklyn, get your own spirit."
Brooklyn put his hands up defensively, "Cool. So, what do you suggest?"
Cheri looked at the mirror, "We need to talk to Mab. I heard Aduis say he found a
thin veil to which Mab could enter this world. If we can find this location we can use a
mirror outside."
"As long as Puck does not touch it." Said Mab, as her bright figure appeared,
breaking through the black surface.
"Me?" Puck said, heartbroken.
"Oberon paced the spell on you and unfortunately it is too complex for even I to
undo. Any mirror surface you touch with the touch of battle against your brother triggers
this binding."
Puck crossed his arms, angry. Cheri say this change in mood and quickly wrapped
her arms around him. Puck shivered at first, her cold touch attacking his warm skin. She
smiled at him, "No sad faces, remember it rains on everyone."
Puck gave her a soft grin, caressing her cheek, remembering when he told her
those words. "As always, you are right. We'll have to start looking for umbrellas. Mother,
we need to know about the veil."
Mab nodded, looking at the gargoyle, whose jaw nearly touched the floor. "My
dear gargoyles, have you never seen a lady in a mirror before?"
Brooklyn regained his composure, "Nah, Puck does it all the time, he bowed, "I'm
Brooklyn, Second in Command of the Manhattan Clan, and at your son and your service,
my lady."
Mab curtsied, "I am Mab, past and future Queen on Avalon, and Puck's mommy."
Brooklyn smiled, Looking at Puck, "I like her."
Puck, who wrapped his arms around Cheri, grinned, "Well, I'm so happy you
approve."
weekend and anyone else who has been waiting for this chapter. Sorry ? Here it is a new
chapter..hopefully I'll be able tow rite one THIS weekend without any interruptions.
Enjoy!
Aduis whistled as he got to the Gate, which was the control room of the afterlife.
It was the size of a three-story mall but inside it looked like an old fashion train station
with "Knocking on Heaven's Door," by Guns & Roses playing in the background. Aduis
floated through the gilded doors to see two archangels standing by the doorway to the
Director of Placement's office. "Hey guys."
The one archangel nodded, "Hey Aduis. How's the nursery?"
"Good. Hopefully the next batch of kids will turn out alot better than my Flower
children."
The other archangel, snorted, trying to suppress a laugh. Aduis crossed his arms,
"Something funny, Michael?"
"Nope. You wanna see Chuck now?"
"Yes please."
Michael opened the door behind him, letting out a good hard laugh as he went
further into the office. Aduis shook his head, "HE needs to get out more."
The remaining archangel shrugged, "Hey we've been on a 24/7 work schedule for
the past 200 hundred years. We BOTH need a break."
Aduis nodded, "When do you change guard?"
The angel looked up to the transparent ceiling in thought, his feathered wings
flickering, "I think another decade."
Aduis smiled, "That's not too bad. It will go by quick."
"Yeah." He nodded as Michael returned. HE was composed and calm. He nodded
to Aduis, "Chuck will see you now, but only for a few minutes."
Aduis nodded, "Thanks." Aduis nodded and walked into the dark wooden hallway.
The floor was a lush green grass, roses and daisies along the wall. He came to a door and
walked in smiling, "Hey Chuck, I got a question for you."
Chuck was a skinny man, looking for like father time than anything else. HE smiled
at Aduis, "Question? Ask and I shall see if I know the answer."
Aduis sat down next to the old man, "A woman died, with child, roughly 500 years
ago. Her name was Cheri Vitale. Where did she go?"
The old man placed his hands together, closing his eyes. His body floated up to the
ceiling. He took a book out, looked in, and came back down, "She crossed over into
heaven. She is given the choice of being reborn but she has declines the offer ever year.
Her child went back to the valley of souls to await placement. If you want she walks past
the clock tower everyday at 3."
"Why?"
"She said it was the time when her husband proposed to her."
Aduis smiled, "You don't know how happy that makes me. I have to go, thanks
Chuck."
"No problem."
Aduis ran out to the clocker tower just at it tolled 3. He looked around the
bustling area not seeing anything. Then he saw a young girl standing with her arms
crossed, looking up at the clock. She had soft blonde hair and a porcelain dolls face. She
was beautiful to Aduis. He moved towards her, "Cheri?"
She turned her blonde head, "Yes?"
Aduis smiled, "My name is Aduis. I'm Puck's father."
Cheri's eyes grew wide, "But he was Fey."
"As I was at one time, but became mortal for love. I've come to ask you to come
with me. Puck is depressed without you. His thoughts are cluttered with bad memories.
He needs to remember the good times if he is going to defeat his brother. Do you have any
days on your time card?"
Cheri gave Aduis a sly smile, "I have 581 days."
"How?"
"I never went back to Earth after my death. I thought it would hurt Puck too much
and he wouldn't be able to get over me."
Aduis smiled, placing his hands on her shoulders, "He never has and it is his grief
that is making him weak. Fey need to be relatively happy in order to perform extreme
magick. Please, come with me. Help your husband.
Cheri's eyes glistened with tears, "I tried to stay alive for him and our child, but I
failed them both."
Aduis hugged her, "No, you didn't. This is your chance to let him know you still
love him. It may kick him out of his depression."
Cheri smile returned, "I'll try."
Puck sat next to the mirror, "Mom?"
"Yes?"
"Do you really think we can defeat Oberon?"
"Yes. Your brother is not as strong as he appears. I promise you we will win."
"Over my dead body."
Mab and Puck looked up to see Oberon standing with his hands behind his back.
Puck quickly stood, "Uh-oh."
"So, you found our dear mother."
"No thanks to you." Puck said, standing protectively in front of the mirror.
Oberon started to walk over but he heard Mab yell, "Oberon! Stay away from your
brother. Please, let him be."
"So you can plan my devise. Don't look so shocked, I can hear you both through
the mirrors."
Puck swallowed hard, there was something Oberon was hiding but it could be
anything. Puck extended his hand creating a green field over them. Oberon touched the
force field and recoiled. "I see mother has restored your powers."
Puck gave a smile, "Again, no thanks to you."
Oberon moved something in his hand and punched the force field, sending Puck
down. He held his stomach, feeling sick. He took his hand away to see he was bleeding.
"How?"
He watched Oberon stand over him, waving an iron knife in his gloved hands, "I
always win Puck."
Puck tried to move but he could feel the iron running through his veins. It wasn't
enough to kill him, but he felt like Oberon was going to change that very soon. He
grabbed a shield just as Oberon jumped on him. The knife made contact with the shield,
making a horrible clang. Puck pushed Oberon back.
Mab was screaming, banging her mirror. She was stuck. Aduis and Cheri came to
see her crying. "What is it?"
"It's Oberon! He's going to kill Puck!" she screamed weeping, leaning on the
mirror.
Cheri gasped, "No." She jumped through the mirror and into the room. She could
see Puck on the ground, bleeding. He still looked as handsome and young as he did when
they first meet. She saw the man called Oberon, holding a knife dripping with blood. Cheri
balled her hands into fists, "Please let this work." She ran straight into Oberon's body.
Puck watched Oberon's hard face become soft and caring. He jumped back,
throwing the knife to the floor, "Puck, are you ok?"
Puck shook his head, trying to clear his vision. The iron was deeper than he
thought and he could feel himself becoming sick with fever. Sweat fell from his brow as he
whispered, "Excuse me?"
"Are you ok?"
"I'm not sure, I'll tell you when I can see straight." He heard Oberon laugh before
he passed out.
Cheri in Oberon's body looked at Mab. "What do I do with him? Make it fast he's
stronger than I thought," she said pointing to herself.
Mab smiled, "You must be Cheri? I'm very happy to meet you. I'm Mab, Puck's
mother. As for the body you inhabit, touch his cheek to the mirror. I may not be able to
defeat him now but I can send him back to Avalon."
Cheri nodded Oberon's head. She could feel the man fighting her from his prison
deep within his subconscious. She leaned against the mirror, watching the woman called
Mab raise her arms above her head. An eerie green glow formed around her hands and
eyes. She touched the mirror's surface and Cheri felt it enter the body. Cheri phased out of
the body just before it disappeared. She watched Aduis catch Mab as she collapsed. Mab
looked down at Puck, "Cheri, is he ok?"
Cheri, once more as a spirit, walked over to Puck's unconscious body. She
swallowed hard as she traced her face over his cheek. "He lives."
Mab looked at Aduis, "How did you catch me? I thought you were an untouchable
mist"
"I become solid for a few moments after returning from the center. It's so
concentrated with energy it clings to any form that does not." No soon had he finished did
Mab fall through Aduis, landing on the garden's floor.
"See," Aduis stated, shrugging.
Mab turned her head to see Cheri carrying Puck's form to the bed. "Is that how
she can touch him?"
"No, she is a spirit. She's different from ghosts like me. She is solid when she
wants to be solid. It was close this time. Oberon knows now that we are here."
"He does not about you."
"Soon he will know."
Cheri looked at the wound in Puck's side. It was still bleeding. She took a crystal from her
pouch and touched it to his wound. Within seconds it was healed. She looked at Aduis and
Mab's surprised looks. She shrugged, "Hey when you hang out with angels long enough
they teach you a few tricks." Cheri's attention was brought back to a groaning Puck. He
put his hand over his eyes, "I'm dead."
Cheri smiled, "Not yet."
He moaned, moving his eyes to see Cheri wearing a white toga and gold bracelets
on her arms and in her hair. She looked like a Greek goddess. He was speechless for a few
moments before saying, "I'm in Heaven."
Cheri chuckled in the bell-like laugh that he remembered so clearly. He reached
out, sitting, to touch her cheek. His shaking hand touched her solid cheek and he laughed,
"You're real!" He saw her face fall, "What is it?"
"Puck, I'm dead. I have been for over 500 years. I'm a spirit. Your father said that
you have been more depressing than a drunk man."
"I've missed you so much. The years keep going by but you are all I think about."
Cheri sighed, taking Puck's hand in her own, "I have caused you so much pain but
don't you remember we had so much fun. Your father said you always remember the bad
times, what about our good times: the day we first meet, our wedding, the pranks we
played on the guards, don't let those times die in vain."
Puck smiled, "You were always so smart. How long can you stay?"
Cheri shrugged, "A little bit over a year. Then I must return to heaven."
Puck's smile faded, squeezing her hand, "What happened to our child?"
Cheri smiled, "He waits until the day he can be reborn. He looks just like you but
he has my smarts."
Puck laughed, "Of course."
"Your parents have called me to you hoping I can help you remember the good
times. You need to beat that Oberon guy, I won't be here all the time to save your arse."
"I got it."
Mab laughed, "Puck, we will see you soon. Block the mirrors so Oberon cannot surprise
us like he did again."
Puck jumped off the bed, placing his hand on the mirror. Mab touched her hand to
the mirror, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"You got it." He saluted as the mirror rippled. When the image was gone he
turned back to Cheri. She was looking at the picture of Alex on his nightstand. "That's
Alex. He's my charge."
"A halfling?"
"Quarterling, actually. If you want to meet him I can call him."
Cheri stood with one swift floating motion, "No, I'm still getting used to being
back on Earth. I never thought I'd come back."
Puck frowned, walking to her side. It was weird having her right here again. He
touched her cheek again, "Why? Was I that bad?"
Cheri let transparent tears fall down her cheek, "You were too wonderful. I
thought..I thought if I came back it would hurt you too much to see me. It would bring
back bad memories, but I see not coming back did a lot worse."
Puck wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder. She still
smelled like cookies, yet her light and delicate appearance was caused by the fact she was
a spirit now. HE lifted his head up, kissing her on the lips. They were cold like the rest of
her body but her lips none the same.
Cheri touched his cheek, running her hand to the back of his neck, deepening the
kiss. He still tasted the same to her. His tender kiss speaking volumes to her heart. She
pulled away, "I love you. I never stopped loving you."
Puck kissed her neck, "I love you too. Could I show you how much?" he smiled
evilly.
Cheri knew exactly what we wanted to do. She gave him an evil smile back, "I
think we can."
Puck lifted her into his arms, jumping on the bed with her. He laid on top of her,
kissing her stomach. She undid his tunic, pulling it over his head. Something hard hit her
hand. She moved the tunic away to see her cross around his neck. She touched it, "You
kept it?"
Puck smiled, "Yes. It's the only thing I had left of you that didn't fade or crumble
to dust."
Cheri took the chain and pulled Puck down, kissing him passionately. She kissed
his chin, "For tonight, let's forget about everything except us. Let's pretend we're back in
Paris and this is just one more night we have together."
Puck smiled, nodding, kissing her against this time undoing her toga. Soon they
were making love as they did over 500 years ago.
The next morning, Puck woke with a start. He looked to see Cheri was gone. "No!" he
screamed, hitting the bed. "It wasn't a dream!" HE jumped out of bed, grabbing a pair of
jeans he wore occasionally. He walked over to the mirror, placing his hand on it. HE
moved the energy blocking it from Oberon as his mother had told him to do. HE stomped
over to his balcony, looking over the city. He was starting cry when something touched
his head. He looked up to see Cheri's cross find its way around his neck. Cheri appeared
from a mist, "I think it belongs with you now."
Puck jumped up, hugging her, "I thought you were gone or worse a dream."
Cheri hugged him, "I needed to go to the other side. You tired me out so much I
didn't think I was going to have enough energy to stay on Earth."
Puck laughed, "I'll remember that." Cheri touched Puck's temple and he got a rush
of images. He closed his eyes, touching her wrist, "What are you doing?"
Cheri smiled, "I'm giving you happy memories."
Puck opened his eyes looking into her faded blue eyes. HE closed them again and
let the images rush into his mind.
Paris..
Cheri was walking in the market looking for the right ingredients for dinner. Puck and her
had been dating for over a year now and they were so in love Cheri knew it would keep
poets occupied for years. Although, she was in love Puck, he was hesitate to actually say
the words. How could she blame him? He was an immortal being living with a mortal
woman. It was strange. She got a head of lettuce, heading towards the center. When she
got there she froze, Puck was sitting throwing a coin into the fountain. HE looked up,
smiling. She smiled, walking to him, "Hello, what are you doing here? I thought you had
business to take care of with your Lord?"
"Sitting and I did. I wanted to tell you something?"
Cheri frowned, "You're leaving me aren't you? Your Lord has called you home."
Puck frowned, "No! Nothing like that at all." He took her hands in his, sitting her
down on the fountain, "I wanted to tell you that….I love you."
Cheri furrowed her brow, with a small grin, "What? I'm sorry, I couldn't hear
you."
Puck grunted, smiling. She was just as much a trickster as he was and it was now
why he felt confident saying, "I love you."
Cheri squealed hugging him, "I love you too."
Puck hugged her tight, kissing her neck, "How would you like to be Mrs. Robin
Goodfellow?"
Cheri pulled away, "Your serious?"
Puck nodded, "Surprisingly, yes."
"It sounds..wonderful." She kissed him, hearing the toll of the clock tower toll 3.
Puck sucked in a breath, looking Cheri, "That was a good memory."
"There is clock tower in heaven just like the one we had in Paris. Every day at 3 I
go and listen to the toll. Each toll singing your words…I..Love…You. It's the only thing
that helps me remember. Heaven makes you forgot about your past life. That clock tower
is the only reason I remembered you."
Puck smiled, "Remind me to sent a thank you card to the person who created that
tower then. So, what other memories do you have for me?"
Cheri smiled, "I started the chain, it's up to you to keep it going. Despite popular
belief, it takes a lot out a spirit to enter someone, especially when they are as powerful as
your brother."
Puck nodded, "I'd believe it. I've already blocked the mirror from him."
"I tried to manipulate his memories, so he may not remember this incident for a
few days."
Puck nodded, getting used to the face his wife had similar powers to the Fey. HE
then
thought about a solution to his little problem, "We need a mirror large enough to throw
Oberon into it."
"Well, you go shopping and I'll go back to limbo to talk with your parents. Maybe
they have an idea."
Puck nodded, "Agreed." HE kissed her nose before disappearing. Cheri faded
away to limbo.
Cheri materialized in limbo next to Mab. Mab smiled at her, "Welcome child." She
extended her arms and Cheri walked into them, accepting the hug. "You did very well
against Oberon. It's good to know my son found someone with beauty and brains."
Cheri smiled, "Thank you." She looked over at Aduis, "What are we to do now?
Puck went to find a mirror."
Aduis shrugged, "I don't know. How did Oberon find out about Mab's contact?"
Mab released Cheri, "I know all to well how he found out. His creations, the Weird
Sisters, can see past, present, and future. They wanted Oberon to destroy Puck when he
was born but he suppressed his powers instead. They were watching the time stream for
any disturbance that might destroy their Master's rule."
Cheri shook her head, "I still cannot be believe I'm standing here in front of the
past and future rulers of Avalon. Although I knew Puck was Fey I never truly believed it."
Aduis placed his hands on her shoulders, "It is something to get used to but you
have done well. I might add for someone who never visited Earth once since your death,
you handled the possession very well too."
"Possession is easy, but the mind manipulation was more difficult. They taught us
how to use the gifts we are given as spirits. Of course, I never thought I'd actually use
them."
Mab frowned, "Mind manipulation?"
Cheri nodded, "I made Oberon forget he came to Earth to destroy Puck. He was so
strong. I don't think it will take more than two or three days before he realizes what
happened."
Mab nodded, "Then we don't have that much time. Aduis, is there any thin veils of
time and space where I can move so when the time comes I'll still have some power left."
Aduis nodded, "I'll go look." He floated away.
Cheri looked at Mab, "What can I do?"
Mab gave her a sweet smile, "I want you to do exactly what you've been doing.
Make Puck happy by reminding him of the good times. The happier he gets the more
powerful he will become. I have no words to thank you for helping him or loving him the
way you have over these years."
Cheri nodded, "You just did." She jumped into the mirror, returning to Earth.
Puck walked, as Owen Burnett, into a mirror discount outlet in Paramus, New Jersey. He
was browsing through the large mirrors when Cheri popped up, "Hi."
Owen sucked in a breath, jumping back. When he realized it was Cheri and not
Oberon, he smiled, "Cheri, you shouldn't surprise me like that I thought you were
Oberon."
Cheri gave Puck an evil smile, "I'm not doing anything you haven't done to me
thousands of times."
Owen nodded, she had a point. He used to do the same thing to her. He picked up a
hand mirror, "So, which one do you think will work?"
Cheri moved from mirror to mirror until Owen saw her entire body. She tapped the
surface, "This one."
Owen nodded, "Good choice." His face became stoic, more a custom to his alter
ego's demeanor, "How long did you say Oberon wouldn't be able to remember?"
Cheri frowned, "Two..maybe three max."
"So, since he's on Avalon..two days means he won't remember for two months, give
or take."
Cheri smiled, "That's plenty of time."
"Yeah, but not if he's stronger than we think and he could break it any moment."
Cheri pounded the surface, making the glass wobble, "Well, then what are you standing
around here for...get your little cute butt in gear."
Owen grinned, "Yes, dear."
Cheri smiled and vanished. Owen walked over and paid for the mirror, instructing
it to be shipped to the castle by tonight.
Oberon sat on his throne. He had awoken from his nap feeling like hw had failed at
something, yet he couldn't remember. HE watched Titania dance around with her fairies
forgetting about the thing he forgot to do.
Cheri appeared in front of Mab, bowing. "Puck has found a wonderful mirror."
Mab smiled, "Child, please stand. I'm not a Queen yet."
"Yet being the word."
Mab smiled, "I was wondering about your mind manipulation. Can you do it to
anyone?"
"Sure. I have to be able to touch them though. The more direct the better."
Mab waved her hand over her mirror, revealing three identical women, save their
hair color, asleep on a patch of grass. "These are Oberon's creations. My suspicions were
correct, they were the ones who told Oberon that Puck found me. Can you erase their
memories too?"
Cheri nodded, "With pleasure."
Cheri reached into the mirror, touching each of the women's foreheads. A blue ball
of light surrounded their heads, fading as quickly as it had appeared. She returned her
hand into limbo "Done. They weren't nearly as strong as Oberon. Their manipulation will
last a lot longer."
Mab smiled wide, "Excellent."
Aduis appeared next to Cheri, "What did I miss?"
Mab placed her hand on Cheri, "Our little Princess here just erased the Weird
Sisters memories, and so they won't be a bothersome for awhile."
Aduis smiled, "That's wonderful and to add to this happy occasion I found a thin
veil to which you could pass through my dear."
Mab clapped her hands together, "This is wonderful. Everything is coming
together."
Brooklyn walked into the Great Hall as Puck undid the mirror. Brooklyn chuckled, "Are
we that obsessed with ourselves?"
Puck stuck his tongue out, "No, I leave that to you."
Brooklyn chuckled, "What is it for?"
"Picking a fight with Oberon." Puck said, not looking at his gargoyle friend.
Brooklyn shook his head, angry, he said, "I know you're crazy, but I didn't know
you were insane too."
"It's not like that..I found my mother."
Brooklyn touched the mirror's surface, his beak hanging open, "How?"
"Alex showed me. Somehow my mother AND my father found Alex and told him to
tell me. Unfortunately, Oberon found out too."
Brooklyn placed his hand on Puck's shoulder, "Hey, if you need any help let me
know."
Puck smiled, "Thanks, I might need you."
Cheri appeared in the mirror to see a big red demon with his hand on Puck's shoulder. She
was going to panic but she saw the two laugh. Puck must know this demon, maybe it was
one of Oberon's children. She glided to the surface, "Hi Puck."
She saw the demon just up in surprise, standing in a fighting stance. Puck laughed,
"Brooklyn, this is Cheri."
Brooklyn's heart leapt into his throat as a young woman appeared in the mirror's
surface. He was about to break the mirror when Puck laughed, stating it was Cheri.
Brooklyn swallowed, "Cheri? The Cheri?"
The girl laughed, "I'm a celebrity!"
Puck smiled sweetly, towards the young woman, "Don't encourage her. Cheri,
Brooklyn."
Brooklyn watched the girl float through the mirror, extending her hand. He tried to
take it but his talon fell through her. Cheri laughed, "Opps, sorry I forgot that only Puck
can touch me on this side."
Brooklyn saw the Fey blush. Brooklyn tucked that idea away for teasing later on
=, but for now there was a ghost in the Great Hall. And she was looking at him, nervously.
Brooklyn cleared his throat, "I'm a gargoyle, if you didn't know."
Cheri smiled, "I was wondering. I thought you were some sort of demon, no
offense."
"None taken, we get that a lot."
Puck was watching the interactions between Cheri and Brooklyn when he saw the mirror
begin to swirl as if black ink had been dropped into its watery surface. Puck yelled,
causing Cheri and Brooklyn to turn to see the possessed mirror. Puck was about to bang
on it when Brooklyn grabbed his arm, "I'm not magickal inclined but I'm pretty sure
touching that is a big no no."
"I agree." Cheri said, placing her hands on Puck's shoulders.
Puck let his head fall, "The mirror is corrupted."
Cheri frowned, "It seems Oberon knew you might try this type of attack…"
"So, he jinxed not only all the mirrors in the castle, but any new ones to enter."
Finished Brooklyn.
Puck sighed, "Then we'll just have to find another way."
Cheri smiled, "There's my stubborn Puck."
Brooklyn chuckled, "Oh, you are so cute."
Puck smiled, "Back off, Brooklyn, get your own spirit."
Brooklyn put his hands up defensively, "Cool. So, what do you suggest?"
Cheri looked at the mirror, "We need to talk to Mab. I heard Aduis say he found a
thin veil to which Mab could enter this world. If we can find this location we can use a
mirror outside."
"As long as Puck does not touch it." Said Mab, as her bright figure appeared,
breaking through the black surface.
"Me?" Puck said, heartbroken.
"Oberon paced the spell on you and unfortunately it is too complex for even I to
undo. Any mirror surface you touch with the touch of battle against your brother triggers
this binding."
Puck crossed his arms, angry. Cheri say this change in mood and quickly wrapped
her arms around him. Puck shivered at first, her cold touch attacking his warm skin. She
smiled at him, "No sad faces, remember it rains on everyone."
Puck gave her a soft grin, caressing her cheek, remembering when he told her
those words. "As always, you are right. We'll have to start looking for umbrellas. Mother,
we need to know about the veil."
Mab nodded, looking at the gargoyle, whose jaw nearly touched the floor. "My
dear gargoyles, have you never seen a lady in a mirror before?"
Brooklyn regained his composure, "Nah, Puck does it all the time, he bowed, "I'm
Brooklyn, Second in Command of the Manhattan Clan, and at your son and your service,
my lady."
Mab curtsied, "I am Mab, past and future Queen on Avalon, and Puck's mommy."
Brooklyn smiled, Looking at Puck, "I like her."
Puck, who wrapped his arms around Cheri, grinned, "Well, I'm so happy you
approve."