Chapter 10

Mischief and hard truths

"Wh-where'd you get that from?" Puck frowned.

"You said I'd be stuck on Avalon if I went there." I explained.

"No, I said you didn't want to be stuck on Avalon." He insisted.

"Goliath had a boat. So what would be different with me?" I asked.

"He wouldn't let you use it." Puck said.

"Why not?" I growled and I felt magic spark in my hands.

"Talia… I interfered with your life and we're not supposed to do that." He explained.

"You broke the law?" I calmed down.

"I broke the law. The one law we all follow. If Oberon ever finds out, I'll be punished big time. And I don't know what will happen to you. All I know is that he wouldn't be happy." He frowned.

"I'm trapped here! Because you couldn't let me die!" I growled and power crackled under my skin.

"Not forever! Just until after Oberon starts the Gathering." Puck assured.

"Fine. I'm not happy about this." I frowned.

"I know, kiddo. But I won't change what I did." He smiled. "We need to reignite that passion for mischief."

"Wait, wh-" I asked as he whisked me away.

We were in a city, but it wasn't Manhattan. I went up to someone and tried to get their attention. They didn't hear me and kept texting. I frowned and tried again. It didn't work.

"WHERE AM I?" I yelled.

"Wa- Washington. Seattle, Washington." He stammered.

"We're really far from Manhattan." I said.

"What was that?" He asked himself.

"Not the approach I would have used, but it's a start. Let's see what you can do." Puck smirked.

I looked around. He wouldn't let me go home until I pulled some pranks? Then so be it. I summoned a gun and pointed at him.

"Ok, Tal-" A shot rang through the air and he winced.

He opened his eyes as he realized he wasn't hurt. "You know, it's funnier when you can actually read the flag."

Curiously, he edged toward me and read the flag. "Bang?"

"Yeah, this joke is probably older than me." I shrugged.

"Well, I didn't expect it for sure. Not many people would have the gall to point a gun at me." He smiled.

"Since you won't let me die again, I might as well have fun." I made it disappear and started looking around.

"What are you looking for?" He watched me.

"Not sure yet… Ooo." I ran across the street and petted the tiny dog.

"That's not very exciting." He pouted.

"Watch this." I summoned a treat and the dog watched me. "Get the treat, c'mon, get it!"

The dog took on its hind legs and spun around. Its owner was confused now. "Emma? What's gotten into you?"

"Sit." I told the dog and she sat. "Good dog." She ate the treat.

"Cute." He snorted.

"You want flashier? You'll get flashy." I said before gathering energy and made David appear on the street corner in his favorite suit.

"Hmm?" He hummed.

My eyes blazed with power as I made him dance. People gathered around in wonder. And taking videos. Perfect. I let it go on for a little bit longer before speaking in his voice, "Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the show." Then I made him disappear right before their eyes. They awed.

"The press is going to have a field day." Puck smiled.

"That's the point, Puck." I sighed. "Remembering his speech pattern was really hard."

"You hardly talk to the guy except when you're mad." He said.

"I… Ok, yeah, but can you really blame me?" I asked.

"I'm guessing we won't see the payoff for that just yet, huh?" Puck folded his legs under himself.

"Let's see if Youtube has anything to say." I pulled out my phone and searched. I found a good one and waved him over.

We watched from the crowd's perspective as "David" danced. I frowned as I noticed my illusion flicker toward the end. "That's pretty good for your first illusion, Tai. Not a lot of people could keep that movement up. Or remember the little things like his suit becoming wrinkled."

"I could do better." I said, suddenly tired.

"I know, kiddo. You hungry?" He handed me a slice of pizza.

"Sure." I ate the warm cheese pizza as we walked around. I looked in a window and noticed my reflection. There were slivers of brown in my eyes. "Puck…"

"You used too much magic with that last trick." He told me. "You have to take it slow."

"What does it mean, Puck?" I turned to face him.

He uncomfortably held my gaze. "You're being kept alive with your magic. If you use too much at once, you'll become how I found you again."

"I… what?" I frowned.

"The only way I could keep you alive is with magic." He said. "You were too close to death. So, I fixed you up and enticed your soul to stay."

"I was supposed to die that night, wasn't I?" I glared.

"…" He stayed quiet.

"Puck." I said forcefully.

"Talia, you have to understand-" He started.

"Answer me, Puck!" I shouted.

"Yes, you were supposed to die. But I couldn't let you. Tai, I meant what I said about you. You're a trickster. Tricksters are a rare breed." He moved closer and brushed a strand of hair back.

I smacked his hand away and grabbed his wrist, pulling him close. "I'm not your pet."

"You're not my pet. You're my daughter." He said softly, looking me straight in the eyes.