Partners in Crime
by Nayra Pumar (NAYRA@edi.ulpgc.es) and Erica DeTraglia (nbcgrl13@hotmail.com)
*****blah blah Disney blah blah blah blah blah Buenavista Productions blah blah
blah blah... you know the rest....Nimh Fey copyrighted by us..but if you wish to use
him connects one of us and asks permission.
Note: this story is a continuation of Erica's series, it may be helpful to read
them before this story if you wish to know certain characters' origins... ok that's
it... on with the story...
-Damn those crazy ecologists- numbered the security guard, wagging his head.
As the elevator door opened he could hear the protesters cries become louder.
Owen Burnett, Xanatos' personal assistant approached him.
-What's the matter with all of those people?- he asked, looking at the
street's manifestation through emotionless eyes.
-Ecologists sir, they're protesting about Xanatos Enterprise's policy.
-I see.
-Should I call the police, sir?- suggested the guard, placing his hand on the
phone- They're been there for a few hours and it seems they don't intend to
leave.
-No, don't call the police. That will give them the publicity they want.
Inform me is any disturbance is produced.
-Yes sir.
Owen looked outside a few seconds more, contemplating the protesters; most of
them were youths, between 20 or 30 years old and with a peculiar neo hippie
look. Some of them were very enthusiastic in their role of a protestor, but
there were many small groups talking and laughing between them, for them it
seemed to be only a friendly gathering. Inside, a bodyless Puck smiled.
With an inexpressive face Owen turned back to his business.
-Sorry I'm late, the Subway was crowded- a breathless young man approached
one of the goups, letting himself fall onto a bench, beside a girl talking with
two guys.
-Hi Nimh!- saluted the blond short-haired girl, kissing him on the cheek-
Wow, you're sweating.
-Yeah quite- he cleaned his forehead with his hand with a sigh- I've arrived
running as fast as I could- he leaned towards her- You're resplendant today,
dear Chris, what have you done last night without my permission?- whispered in
her ear with a rascal's grin. She laughed, giving him a soft punch on the
shoulder.
-You were asleep, weren't you?- asked the protester's leader, squatting before
him.
-Huh?- Nimh tried to seem surprised- What?
-You've arrived three hours late- he gave him a sticker, smiling.
-It's impossible, Tom- he took the sticker, placing it on his T-shirt-"Stop
the Xanatos'.."-he started reading the sticker's text.
-Yesterday we left you on the bar at midnight, at which hour did you leave?-
asked the other man sitting on the bench.
-Hey! Stop bothering me!- yelled the last arrived-What's this, a third grade
interrogation?- Nimh gave his three friends an offensive look, making them
laugh- Ok, ok, it's true I'm late because I was asleep, but as far as I know, I
woke up ALONE and came here, ok?
-What happened to the alarm clock we gave you last Christmas?- asked Tom,
turning back to the TV mobile station which parked near them.
-Oh, it's intact, kept in a safe place in my apartment.
-What? You aren't using it? Why?
-No- sincerely answered Nimh- Evan, you know I don't like clocks, you too
Tom, and you- he pointed to Chris- I still don't know why you offered me such a
horrid thing! Do you hate me so stongly?
-Impossible, you're impossible- mumbled Evan- Would you mind to explain to me
WHY do you hate clocks? And what about the phone? Is the cellular phone Axel
gave you last week in the same place as the clock?
Nimh's eyes took a guility look as he nodded.
-Ok, we'll kill him later- joked Tom looking at Evan, placing a hand on his
shoulder- Will you come with me to explain to the TV crew what the hell we are
doing here?
-Of course, what do you want me to do: a radical activist or a worried
biologist?
-Xanatos' worse nightmare.
-Ok, I see.
Evan, leaving, pointed Nimh with a finger closing one of his green eyes as if
he were aiming.
-Bang!- he "shot" at him
Nimh looked at Chris with a worried grimace.
-Do you think they'll really kill me?
-Nah- she denied with a wave, shaking her head- Or at least, not today- she
took his hand, pulling him- Let's join them, don't you wanna be on TV? I've
always wanted to be a TV star- she said brushing her blond hair back.
-I neither have a TV- answered Nimh, taking some pamphlets.
Owen entered David Xanatos' office, shutting the door behind him.
-What happened?- asked David, without raising his eyes from his computer's
screen.
-I think you would know that Travis Marshall arrived a few minutes ago, sir.
-Mashall?- David looked suddenly angry- What is he doing here?
-I suppose he'll be talking to the ecologists and then to you sir as he...
The telephone rang, interrupting Owen.
-Burnett speaking- he answered with his flat modulated voice- Sir?
-Yes Owen.
-It's Travis Marshall, asking for an interview, do you wish to speak to him
or should I have him removed?
-No- Xanatos took his vest from the back of the chair- Today I feel like
being a polite hypocritical, I'll go down to the hall and met him.
-As you wish sir.
Exiting the office they almost bumped into a very busy Abby, entering her
father's office like a tornado, fully charged with dossiers, memorandums, and
folders.
-Let me help you Mrs Avalon- suggested Owen, taking the papers off her hands.
When he did that their hands touched for a while, caressing her hand with a
finger. He placed Abby's stuff onto an auxiliary desk and turned back to the
Xanatos'.
-We were going down the hall. Do you want to come with us?- asked David.
-No, I can't, I'm horribly busy today, and I also need you to overhaul that
for me- she pointed to the papers with a grin.
-We'll do that later, ok? Come with us and relax alittle, I don't want you to
get stressed- smiling David opened the door.
-But I can't stop now, I...
-Shut up Abby, it's an order- joked David, pushing her softly in the back out
the door.
-David Xanatos, in person, will come to visit us- announced ironically Evan
approaching Chris and Nimh- Tom will talk to him.
-Good! We'll make him show his true face- smiled Chris.
-I think what Tom will really like to do is force him to drink his own toxic
waste, not talk to him- affirmed Evan looking at Nimh, absort following with his
eyes a lovely girl who was walking down the street.
-You mean he'll be able to drink 5000 liters per hour?- Nimh's eyes opened
wide, in a pretended surprise, putting his attention back to Evan.
-Silence!- ordered Chris- Here he comes. Look! He has that lap dog with him
too, how nice...
Nimh giggled, hiding his smile under his hand. Suddenly, as he saw the blond
man with ice blue eyes behind David Xanatos, his smile frozened.
Magick, he could feel magick around him.
But...magick on a billionare's personal assistant?
-Chris- he mumbled, pulling her friend's sleeve.
-Shhh, shut up. I wanna hear what they're saying.
-Chris- he pulled her sleeve again.
-What?- she turned back to him, frowning.
-Who's that man? The blond one.
-Burnett, Owen Burnett. Now, shut up, Nimh, please.
-Ok, ok-he stepped back gingerly frowning- How interesting..- he said to
himself in a low voice, sitting on the bench. He stood there, contemplating that
blond man with such a stiff attitude.
Nimh took his sunglasses out of his pocket, wearing them to hide the green
glow which was starting to grow in his eyes. He cased a feeble spell which flew
in the air without being noticed even by the caster, feeling with that spell the
nature of the magick on Burnett.
Faerie magick! That was Fey magic! Nimh's heart started to beat faster. Who
could be disguised as Owen Burnett? All the fae were back in Avalon, since The
Gathering....Somebody on a mission for Oberon? As he knew, he was the only fae
with the express permission from Oberon to come and go as he pleased.
Who could be? He rubbed his chin, intrigued. He'll know that...
-Where do we go for lunch?- asked Evan, yawning while approaching the bench
where Nimh sat.
-Hmmm! What about the vegetarian restaurant Missy told us about?- suggested
Chris, taking off the sticker from her shirt- Tom?
-As you want.
-Err, you must forgive me, but I must leave- said Nimh suddenly, breaking the
trance of silence on which he had been in since Owen Burnett's appearence.
-Why?
-I have a date, I almost forgot that. I'm sorry- explained, starting to
leave- I'll find you this night at the bar, ok?
-But..- Chris started to protest.
-This night! Before midnight! -cried Nimh, starting to run towards the subway
entrance, without allowing her to respond. He descended the steps slowing his
rate, the station was crowded. He headed for the toilet and smiled as he found
nobody there. He stood in the middle of the dirty room and casted a single, non-
spoken spell, transporting him to his apartment.
-Wah! What a smell!- snorted, looking around. He was at home, so he returned
to his natural condition with a delightful whine. His human clothes dissapeared,
letting place to a green moss shorts and a wide cream overblouse- Well, well-
murmured, going to the bedroom.
He stared at the big mirror attached inside his bedroom's closet door,
looking deeply in his grey eyes.
-Oh, good evening, my dear- he saluted a life-size ink drawing of a nude
female dancing faeire attached to the wall over the revolted bed, sending a kiss
to her reflection on the mirror.
He sat on the wood floor, keeping a hand near to the mirror's surface,
feeling the magickal arousal inside himself. His grey eyes began to glow with an
electric green light and a light breeze wiped through his long pale blue hair.
"I must be careful!" Nimh thought, concentrating. "If he has magick, he'll be
able to use magick. And if he's able to do that he can also feel it...He musn't
notice me. Ok, fast and soft, here I go."
-As a fae hiddens under Nimh Fey- he intoned- another one hides under Owen
Burnett by day, his magickal disguise won't ever stay, so show me now his true
way!-saying that he hit the glass mirror with the light from his sight. The
mirror glared with green magickal energy, crackling lightly. The blurry
image of Owen Burnett appeared on it, morphing slowly on a male faerie image
with long white hair, ice blue eyes, and the characteristical long pointed ears,
dressed in a red and purple tunic.
-Puck!- exclaimed Nimh, widely surprised- Puck! It's Puck!- he laughed
merrily at the vanishing image on the mirror- The exiled trixster is here..!- he
floated over the bed, looking at the poster- Do you see, Sheila? That old rascal
is here! At least I've found him again!- Sheila's drawing gave him the same
seductive smile she always had- Yessir!- he clapped his hands, falling on the
bed- Today's gonna be a great day!
-Daddy!- cried Robin running towards the elevator doors as they opened. Owen
changed instantly into Puck and caught the little boy, throwing him near the
ceiling and picking him as he fell in to Puck's arms, tickling his waist. The 6-
year old boy laughed.
-Dad! Stop! Stop! I can't breathe!
-AHA! Does this mean you are defeated?- asked Puck, allowing his son to take
air only a few seconds then tickled him again.
-No! No!- yelled Robin, trying to stop his father's hands.
Puck, fighting with his son, felt a kiss from tender lips on his cheek and
stopped himself. There was Luna, at the end of the corridor, smiling at him
with her father's smile. She was the one who kissed him.
Puck left Robin on the floor, recovering his breath.
-No- he pointed to his other cheek with a long finger, looking at his
daughter as he knelt to be eye level with her -I want a true kiss.
Luna giggled and ran towards her father and into his arms, giving him the
kiss he wanted. While Robin jumped on Puck's back as he picked Luna up. Charging
with both kids he walked into the kitchen, Abby was there, talking to Fox.
-Hey, look what I've found in the corridor- announced Puck, showing the twins
with an evil grin and a wink- Two kids! We can roast them with potatoes and
carrots for dinner!
-Great!- Abby approached them, grabbing Luna- Do you think their parents will
miss them?
-Not at all- Puck placed Robin on the kitchen table- Ok, I'll open this one
up- using his finger like a knife, he traced a line over Robin's tummy- And I'll
stuff him with apple slices and cinnamon, do you agree, my dears?- asked Puck.
-NOOO!- cried Luna in laughs, hiding under the table.
-Ok then, we'll eat your brother first- Abby opened the oven door- Bring the
brat here.
Puck picked up Robin and gave him to Abby.
-Any last words, brat?- Abby asked evilly, ignoring his cries.
-What's all that noise?- asked David entering the kitchen, in his judo suit-
What are you doing with Robin and the oven?
-Puck found two kids and suggested to roast them up for dinner- explained
Fox, giving him alittle welcome kiss on the lips.
-Ah, that explains it all. I'll go fetch the wine. Do you like white or red
with roasted child?
-White- nodded Puck.
-Alex!- cried David, calling his son.
-Yes, dad?-he answered walking into the kitchen also in a judo suit.
-What do you prefer: hamburgers or steaks?
-Why?
-Answer me.
-Hamburger.
-Ok Puck, make hamburgers from Luna, we'll have a barbecue.
-A barbecue? Great!- exclaimed Robin.
-Shut up, dinner- Abby shaked him smiling.
-Luna?- asked Puck, kneeling beside the kitchen's table- What's wrong?- the
little girl was blinking.
-Nothing. Are we really going to have a barbecue for lunch?- she had the
feeling that some magick had occured in the room, but she wasn't sure.
-Well- her father picked her up- Will you like to eat hamburgers made of you?
-No!- her blue eyes opened wide, smiling.
-Neither do I- he adopted a protective postion around her- Nobody will eat my
daughter, do you hear me?- he continued with the joke.
-And if we only eat a leg?- asked Alex, looking at his father.
-Well, Puck, it's different, we won't be eating all of your daughter. Do you
agree?- David leaned on the door.
Puck looked at Luna, as if he were making his decision and grinned.
-Ok, I agree. David, bring me the biggest knife. Which leg do you prefer to
be cut off, Luna? Remember you have two legs.
-And why don't we eat one of your legs?-answered the girl wisely- You're
bigger than me.
-Yes, it's true, but I'm over 2100 years old, my meat isn't tender, you're
only six, you're the tenderest in here.
-No, there's Robin.
-Yes, but Robin is the dinner, you're the lunch.
The telephone rang and David took it.
-Hello? Xanatos speaking- he listened a few moments, then he frowned,
pointing the phone towards Puck- Someone called Niamh Fey or something like that
is asking for Owen.
-What?- Puck placed Luna down- I don't know anybody called Niamh Fey- he took
the phone with strangeness- Yes?- he answered with Owen's voice.
Nimh waved his hand in front of his mirror, which he was using like a
telephone.
-Puck! You old son of a Fae how are ya?
Puck's eyes widened as his smile grew.
-Brother! By Avalon it's been a long time- he chuckled- So now you go by the
name Nimh Fey.
Nimh had been flying his apartment in joy. He stopped in front of the mirror
without touching the ground.
He clapped.
-The Puck does remember! And yes, I call myself Nimh Fey... I didn't think
Cupid was very... what's the word... umm manly enough for these times.
Puck nodded.
-Yeah it is kind of a sissy name.
-Watch it Puck.
Puck laughed but soon realized that he was bring watched by everyone in the
room.
-Ahh Nimh, hold on- he puts his hand over the receiver and spoke in a
whisper- Don't worry it's family business. But could you guys leave so I can
talk to him alone.
-Sure- David nodded. He motioned with a hand towards the door letting the
girls go first. David scooped Luna up and whispered in her ear -Saved my the
phone- licks his lips- For now- Luna was going to scream but Abby put her hand
over her mouth just in time.
-Dad you should be ashamed...I get the first bite.
A muffled scream from Luna and laughter from the others diminished as they
left the room. Puck smiled.
-Ok, were was I?
-Who was laughing?
Puck hesitated.
-Umm maybe we should meet and then I can tell you the WHOLE story.
Nimh scratched his chin thinking.
-Ok, where should we met?
-Planet Hollywood, 10 minutes. Got it?
-YES SIR!- cried Nimh, imitating a military officier.
-See you then.
-Bye- Nimh disconnected his magically "phone" and began to wonder, 'Who is
Puck living with? They know who he really is I could tell my Xanatos' tone.' He
threw his arms up and sighed, 'I guess I'll have to wait and see." He smiled,"
Puck was always good at suspense.'
Puck hung up the phone still smiling. Cupid, no what did he call himself,
Nimh that was it. Oh how he had missed his brother. They were troublemakers
alone but together they had caused disasters. Puck thought back to 1963, when
Nimh and himself were in Cuba and got drunk at a bar. Dressed as American
tourists, they teased the Cuban people in their drunken state, causing a major
argument that eventually lead to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
He looked at the clock and decided that he better get going if he wanted to
met Nimh in time. He walked into the other room where Abby, Robin, and Luna were
sitting on the couch reading. Puck transformed his body into his human attaire.
Short white hair, human ears, khaki pants, and a white shirt. Abby and Luna
looked up to see Puck. Abby spoke.
-Where are you going?
Puck smiled.
-To see my brother... I'll be back before dinner- he opened his arms. Abby
gave him a hug.
-Ok, I'll make sure he's roasted.
Robin, wide-eyed, looked up quickly from his book.
-What?!
Abby and Puck laughed. Puck added.
-Yeah, and make sure you put some stuffing in him too.
Robin got up grabbed Luna and ran out the room.
-You have to catch me first!
Abby looked at Puck. He was glowing he was so happy. She hoped that he would
be in this good of a mood tonight. She kissed him again. He looked at her.
-What was that for?
She shrugged.
-Just because I love you. Be careful.
He smiled and hugged her.
-I always am.
Abby snorted.
-Ok whatever.
Puck gave her a wicked look before leaving the castle.
Puck walked in to the restaurant to see a young man with short light brown
hair and grey eyes grinning and waving madly at him. Puck walked over and hugged
his brother.
-You haven't changed a bit.
Nimh shrugged.
-It's a gift. Sit.
Puck sat and began to look at all the memoribilia on the walls.
-I always liked this place.
Nimh looked around.
-Yeah, reminds me of daddy Oberon's basement. All that junk he has done
there.
Puck sighed and Nimh slapped his head.
-Oh jes... sorry Puck I forgot.
Puck waved his hand.
-It's ok. I got my powers back that's something. So, what have you been up
to?
Nimh cleared his throat.
-Oh you know the usual... pranks, parties, creating natural and some
unnatural disasters... women- at the last word he grinned evily.
Puck laughed.
-Yeah sounds like you.
Nimh sipped his soda, which had just been brought to them by the waiter,
-Umm... remember when you, Coyote, and me went to New Mexico in the 1950's?
Puck nodded.
-Yep. We thought the town needed a pick-me-up so we created the illusion of a
UFO- he said, laughting.
Nimh laughed.
-Roswell still hasn't recovered from it.
A couple at the next table looked at the two brothers with wide eyes which
caused the brothers to laugh harder, bringing tears to their eyes. Puck waved
his arms.
-Ok ok. We did have some good times didn't we.
Nimh looked at Puck seriously.
-What do you mean we did?! We still came. Come on Puck let's throw one of
"our" parties you know the kind we threw back in the 60's.
Puck was now the one to look at nimh seriously.
-I don't know I have responsibilities now.
Nimh fell out of his seat. As he got up he said.
-Puck and responsibility is a sin to put in the same sentence. What is so
important that you, the Puck, one of the great trixsters to come out of Avalon
feel that you have to be- he shuttered- responsible?
Puck looked at Nimh, crossed his arms and smiled.
-You really want to know?
Nimh nodded.
-Ok, well first their is my charge Alexander, who I must train and protect.
-It's a party, one night, the kid will live- Nimh snorted.
Puck continued
-Then there is my wife Abby.
Nimh looked like he had just been slapped in the face with an iron glove.
-Married! You settled down! Are you nuts?!...ok calm down Nimh... Well she
can come too.You just can't "do" anything at the party.
Puck smiled.
-Then there is MY children Luna and Robin.
-Kids! you got Kids?!
Puck nodded.
-Oh man, Puck. How old are they?
Puck took a sip of his soda.
-They are twins and they are 6- Puck looked at Nimh. He looked like a small
child that had just been told that there was no Santa Claus- Nimh?
Nimh looked up.
-Yeah?
-You ok?
Nimh straightened his shirt and hair.
-I'm fine. Stunned but fine- his grin returned- Ok you have a family but that
doesn't mean that you can't have one night of fun. One night like the good old
times.
Puck nodded.
-You're right... maybe we should. But I want t talk to Abby first. Would you
like to met them?
Nimh jumped up.
-You better believe it.
Puck nodded and put some money on the table for their sodas. He leaded Nimh
to a payphone.
-Hello Xanatos residence- said Alex, picking up the phone, wich was ringing
in the kitchen table.
-Alex!
-Oh hi uncla Puck.
-Um, is Abby around?- Alex looked around the kitchen. Luna and Zoe were
playing Go Fish at the table.
Fox and Abby were fixing lunch. Robin was nowhere to be found.
-Yeah hold on- Alex gave Abby the cordless phone- It's Puck.
Abby took the phone
-Hey sweetie.
-Hey yourself. Do you think you have one more room for lunch?
-Yes, why?
-I'm bringing my brother over.
Abby nodded.
-Ok, we'll have it done.
-Love ya, bye.
-Love you too- Abby turned the phone off and looked at Fox.
-He's bringing his brother back here?
Fox looked at Abby.
-Well then I guess we better hurry up with these sandwiches.
Puck hung up the phone.
-Let's go.
-Why do you use these human devices?
Puck smiled as he held the exit door open for his brother.
-You still don't like them.
-No I don't. Us Children never needed them on Avalon, so we don't need them
now.
-True, but it's not like we can use our magic in front of the humans. They
hate each other enough, look what happen to the gargolyes.
Nimh nodded.
-True, damn Oberon's law that we can not interfere with human lives.
-That never stopped us- Puck snorted.
Nimh laughed.
-True again.
The elevator doors opened and Puck and Nimh entered the Great Hall. Nimh
nodded in approval.
-This is definetly my kind of place.
-Come on, the kitchen is this way.
As they walked along Puck noticed movement at the corner of his eye. He
quickly grabbed the shadow and began to tickle it. Nimh heard a young boy's
voice.
-Daddy, stop!- laughs- I give! I give!
Puck pulled out a boy with dark brown hair and eyes. He had Puck's body
structure and ears. Puck said, holding a panting child.
-This is my son Robin. Since he was 3 he has been trying to get the drop on
me. But he hasn't yet. Robin this is your... uncle Nimh.
Robin extended his hand.
-Nice to meet you Uncle Nimh.
Nimh smiled and took the hand.
-Same here kid but don't call me uncle, Nimh's fine.
Puck put Robin down.
-Okay. have you met my sister?
Nimh shook his head. Robin took his hand and pulled him towards the kitchen.
They entered the kitchen to see the table full of juices, sandwiches, fruits,
and carrots. Nimh watched Puck walk over to a young woman and kiss her
passionetly.
-Abby, this is my brother, my partner in crime, Nimh.
Abby laughed still hugging Puck.
-Hi Nimh.
Nimh whistled, took Abby's hand and kissed it.
-Milady, the "pleasure" is all mine.
Abby giggled.
-Yep, You're Puck's brother.
Puck let Abby go and introduced Nimh to everyone else.
-This is Alex- Puck put a hand on his head ruffling the boy's red hair.
Alex smiled and straightened his hair.
-Hi.
-This is David and Fox Xanatos, they own the place.
Nimh froze alittle and looked down at his shirt. He relaxed when he realized
that he had taken off the protestors pin from that morning.
-Hello.
Puck pointed to the woman next to Luna.
-This is Zoe, she could be said to be our sister and niece.
Nimh looked confused, so Zoe explained.
-My mothers are the weird sisters and I was born from one of Avalon's birth
bubbles. Nimh just nodded in response. Then he saw who had to be Luna. With her
white curly hair ice-blue eyes, and pointed ears she reminded Nimh of puck when
he was little. He knelt by the child.
-You must be Luna?
She smiled her father's famous grin and nodded.
David spoke up.
-Well, since everyone knows each other now..let's eat.
Lunch was great. There was laughing, joke-telling, talking, and great food.
Later on Zoe went to work and the kids went off to play leaving the David,
Fox, Abby, Puck, and Nimh talking at the table.
David looked at Nimh.
-So, how is it that you got away from Oberon's grasp?
-Daddy!
-David!- Abby and Fox yelled.
-No, No..it's ok ladies. from what I know you haven't had great experiences
with daddy O. I got Titania and Oberon back together. Using my... umm... special
powers I reminded them how much they loved each other.
Fox raised an eyebrow.
-And how did you do that? I could never make my mother do anything.
Nimh's jaw dropped.
-You're the Queen half-daughter, that means Alex...
Puck completed.
-Is the Queen's grandson.
Nimh smiled at Puck.
-I can see why Oberon was so pissed off then. Also I know why Titania is
always talking about her "human" children proudly.
Fox smiled at Nimh.
-Just answer the question.
-Jeesh, tough room. Anyway, most people know me as... Cupid.- Nimh looked and
instead of laughing they just nodded at him- You don't find it funny?
Abby shrugged and snuggled closer to Puck.
-No. Yet I always thought cupid was a cute naked baby with wings?
Nimh looked disgusted.
-Yeah that was me... but I grew up... alittle. I still have the wings but
keep them hidden- he showed the silver ring in his right hand with a pair of
wings engraved on it- So, as you can guess I used my arrows to help Titania and
Oberon. And as a reward for bring harmony to Avalon again I am free to come and
go to Avalon as I please. I'm not as strong as them of course but love conquers
all as the saying goes.
Puck squeezed Abby.
-You bet it does.
Nimh looked at the sun outside the window.
-Well, it looks like I should be going. It's time to leave.
Puck frowned.
-So soon.
Nimh nodded.
-Yeah I got some friends to meet- He puts a hand on Puck's shoulder- Think
about what I said. And I invite you all to my apartment of dinner Saturday
night.
Puck pulled away from Abby.
-I will.
David smiled.
-Make it a date.
Abby and Fox nodded in agreement.
Nimh waved.
-Ok then, see you all Saturday.
They two walked out the kitchen.
-So, Abby what do you think?- David asked.
Abby looked at her father.
-I don't know yet.
Puck and Nimh walked to the elevator. Robin came running up behind them.
-Wait Nimh!
Nimh and Puck stopped and turned around.
-What's wrong Rob?.
Robin stopped.
-Nothing, Luna and I wanted to give you this- he held out a gold chain.
-As a token of our love- added Luna who had just come into the room panting
too.
Nimh took the chain and put it over his head.
-It's magical.
The twins beamed. Luna said.
-We charged it with some of our magic so that no matter where you go you can
feel us.
Nimh smiled and picked up the twins and gave them a hug.
-Thanks you two.
He put his hands in front of the twins and two little boxes appeared.
-Here.
Luna and Robin looked at their father who nodded. In unison they said
-Thank you.
Nimh got into the elevator and waved goodbye. As the door closed he saw the
twins hug their father and wave. Puck put his hands up like a telephone and
said.
-I'll call you.
The twins opened the presents. In Luna's box, she found a silver 4-way locket
engraved with Avalon's crest. Inside the locket was a picture of Puck, Abby,
Nimh, and Robin. In Robin box, he found a celtic talisman that also had Avalon's
crest on it. Robin put it on and felt his powers begin to move as if they
were lining up in an ordered way.
Puck saw Robin's confused look.
-It's a talisman that will help you control your powers. It is a tradition
for male fae to receive them from their family. And Luna the locket does the
same thing.
Luna and Robin nodded and ran to show Alex.
Puck laughed and then felt arms wrap themselves around him. He turned to see
Abby looking at him with loving eyes.
-Are you happy?
Puck kissed her.
-Very. She smiled.
-Good. So, would you mind telling me why he is called your "partner in
crime"?
Puck gulped and started to walk, with Abby, to the library.
-Are you sure you want to know?- he asked, opening the door.
-Of course- Abby gave him a wide smile- I'm intrigued about your past life,
you've never told me anything about that- she sat on the couch, taking her shoes
off. Puck sat in mid-air in front of her.
-Well... I... -he scratched his head, thinking- Do you want a massage on your
feet?- he suddenly took her right foot and started to rub it.
-Eh!- Abby pulled her feet away, kneeling on the couch.
-Do you want a cold drink? It's a really warm evening...- he offered,
floating closer to her- Or maybe you'd prefer to have a looong siesta?- he
started to fly around his wife- A fruit juice? Or if you want I can find a great
book for you. Maybe a scary one? Or an historical one? But if you prefer I can
only...
-Puck!- cried Abby triying to catch him- Be quiet!
-...get away from here and leave you alone- he hadn't stopped his fast
talking- Oh, I think the swimming pool is great at this time, do ya wanna swim?
Ok, then, if you don't want to get wet we can go shopping downtown. Because
you've...
-PUUCK!!!- screamed Abby waving her fist in front of his face.
The fae, still in his human attaire, stopped beside her, blinking with a
guiltless smile.
-Yeees sweetheart?- asked in a gentle voice.
-Stop, please.
-Why? Am I making you nervous, darling?
Abby growled, jumping over him, grabbing him.
-Ha!- laughed Puck- Do you think you can hold me this way? Sorry, sweetie- he
kissed her on the forehead, while vanishing in her arms.
Abby looked around, she couldn't see him.
-Puck? Where are you?- she felt a soft tap in her buttocks. Abby turned fast,
there was nobody- Oh, Puck, stop playing with me!- she saw the two first buttons
of her blouse fall to the ground.- Eeh! Don't do that!
-What?- he appeared behind her, kissing her on the nape of the neck.
-You, trixster...- Abby turned to see his face.
-Mmm?
With a sudden move, Abby grabbed one of his ears, tweaking it.
-Auuwwh!- he cried falling on his knees- I give! I give!- by his cries Abby
liberated him- Eh, that was a dirty trick- protested Puck, caressing his achy
ear.
-Stop playing with me and I won't hurt you- she leaned towards his husband,
kissin' his "injured" ear.
-Hummm... nice sight- murmured Puck, taking a deep look into her open
blouse.
Abby sat beside him on the ground, ignoring his last comment.
-Tell me
-What?- Puck leaned against the couch.
-Tell me about Nimh and you. Why are you avoiding telling me?
-Nah- he sighted, picking up her hand- Simply because there are some things
about the past of which I'm ashamed...- he fiddled with her wedding ring-
Something has changed in here- he pointed to his head- And I didn't realize
until I saw Nimh this afternoon- his smile now was a little sad.
-What do you wanna say exactly?- she passed her free arm over his shoulders.
-Well... before all of this started: the Owen disguise, Xanatos, Alexander,
The Gathering.... you- he squeezed Abby's hand- I was always ready to be
anywhere and do anything at anytime. My life was a glorious chaos of joy as the
Puck, the master of all the trixsters. But now...- he started fiddling again
with her ring.
Abby felt the minutes of silence that came after his words like if a heavy
weight of sadness had fallen over Puck's heart. A terrible doubt grew into her
head: was Puck feeling imprisoned with his new life?
-Dear- called Abby.
-Yes?- Puck raised his head, his eyes were more brilliant than often.
-Eh, don't cry- she wiped a tear in the corner of his eyes.
-No, I'm not criying- he shooked his head and gave her a weak smile-
Something's stuck into my eyes.
-Liar- she returned the smile pinching softly his chin.
-Men don't cry- affirmed Puck with a hoarse voice and a tough face.
-You're not a man- reminded Abby.
-Sheesh, I forgot, it's true, I'm not a man. Do the Children of Oberon cry?-
asked, like a little child will ask his mother, resting his head over her chest.
-They only do if that takes all the sadness away or if they're so full of
gaiety that they can't hold it- she explained, running her fingers over his
white short hair- Will you show me a bit of your primal gaeity? Someone told me
that faes are made from joy and gaeity...- she felt her husband shiver against
her chest and stood in silence, trying to comfort him with her presence. 'Shit,
Puck, you've made me cry me too' thought Abby, feeling tears rolling down her
cheeks 'What I'm gonna do with you, silly fae, I love ya too much to see you
suffer'.
Slowly, Puck raised his head and kissed Abby in the lips, his lips tasted
salty by the tears, his and hers.
-Aaah- he sighed, staring at his wife's criying eyes, wiping them with his
thumbs as he entoured her face with his hands- Do you know what's the thing I
like the most of crying?
-No- answered Abby with a quaver in her voice.
-How wonderful you feel after that!- his usual wide smile returned to his wet
face, hugging Abby in laughs.
Abby looked baffled with his sudden change of mood, but she couldn't avoid
chuckling.
-Mom? Dad?- Luna's voice came from the library door.
-Here we are, darling.
-What happens?- she looked worried as he approached to her parents- I felt
you were sad...
-Sad? I'm not sad- grinned Puck towards his daughter.
She pointed to his red eyes.
-You've cried.
-Yes- admitted Puck, hugging Luna and Abby- but it was only because I
remembered how lucky I am with you two.
-And Robin- reminded Luna, nearly crushed by his father's hug.
-Yes, Robin too.
-Are you fine, mom?- asked Luna, sitting on Abby's lap.
-Yes, dear. Why don't you find Robin and give him the same hug daddy gave us?
She grinned the same way as her father will do.
-I can't, my arms aren't stronger than daddy's, he'll do it better.
-What did you say, little imp?- asked Puck.
-Go away and look for Robin if you want to hug him- the girl hid behind her
mother.
-Hey! Abby, did you heard what YOUR daughter said? She's a little bit
insolent, isn't she?
-What? MY daughter?- Abby leaned backwards, speaking in a whisper- Go away!
I'll distract him- she left the room on the run, closing the door- What's that
about MY daughter? She's also YOUR daughter.
-No, in the "bad" things she's YOUR daughter, in the good ones she's MY
daughter.
-Ah, I see, the perfect and responsible father...
-That's me!- he stood up on a jump- Hey, now I remember, what about our new
daughter?
-Or son...
-We had luck this month?
-I don't think so- Abby tapped her belly- We must keep on trying.
-Ahhh, a dull duty to accomplish- he tried without succes to seem bored with
the idea- A husband's life is not easy... Do you wanna try now?
-No- she looked at her wristwatch- My father will need Owen's presence on
less than half an hour, don't you remember?
-Shit!- he slapped his head- The damn investor's cocktail! I almost forgot
that!
-Eh! Owen won't talk that way!
-How do you know that? Have you ever heard him when he's alone?
Smiling, Nimh skipped down the hallway to his apartment, fingering the gold
chain around his neck. He laughed and thought, 'The Puck has kids'.
He stopped in front of his door, reached in and took out his keys, and opened
the door. As he turned on the lights he saw Chris and Evan staring at him with
sour faces. Chris sat on the couch and Evan was standing behind her with his
arms crossed.
Nimh smiled and put his hands up.
-What?
-What?! It is true that you were in Xanatos' building today- said Evan- Tom
saw you entering on there...
As Evan talked Nimh closed the door and threw his keys on the nearby table.
-Yes, I was there but I was visiting family.
Chris' eyebrows went up.
-Family?! You're related to the Xanatos'?
-No! No! My bro works for him.
-And you forgot to mention this to us- Evan said with a stern face.
Nimh jumped over next to Chris and put his head on her shoulder.
-Didn't know until this morning... I thought he was lost- Nimh lifted his
head and kissed Chris on the cheek casting a spell of forgiveness.
Chris' face softened.
-I forgive you Nimh.
Nimh smiled and moved a strand of hair behind her ear.
-Thanks. Let me make it up to you.
-How?- said Evan.
Nimh took Chris' hand and pulled her up walked over to Evan and wrapped his
arm around Evan's shoulders. He casted the same spell on Evan. Nimh smile grew.
-Let's go to the Vault.
The two humans nodded.
The club was packed with people from gangsters, yuppies, teenagers, and
average Joe's. It was dark with only little lamps on the tables the only solid
light. The music was so loud that you had to scream to communicate with the
person next to you. Strob and multicolor lights flashed all over the dance
floor. A haze of smoke lined the ceiling.
Nimh, Chris, and Evan were drunk falling all over each other laughing. Nimh
had four women hanging all over him and he was thinking how he could satisfy
them all. Then in his drunken state he waddled over to what looked like a
cocktail party. Sticking his head in he saw Owen and slapped his knee.
-Hot diggity!- he said. Nimh snuck passed the guard with no problem and
headed over to his brother.
Nimh could see by the glassy glaze in Owen's eyes he was a bit drunk too. He
fell on Owen.
-Hey bro.
Owen eyes widened.
-What are YOU doing here?
Nimh pointed towards the dance floor.
-With friends... you?
Owen tried to straighten and regain his composure but failed.
-Business.
Nimh patted Owen's left arm.
-Don't fret...I'll be right back- He staggered over to Xanatos, who was
talking with a Japanese man. Nimh tapped him on the shoulder and when Xanatos
turned he said- Hey Davie!
Xanatos raised an eyebrow and turned back to the Japanese man.
-Will you excuse me?- the Japanese man bowed as did Xanatos and left the two
alone. Xanatos took a sip from his glass- Did you want something?
Nimh nodded almost losing his balance.
-My brother.
Xanatos looked past the fae to see Owen in a corner. He was a little drunk
and not having any fun.
David looked into Nimh's hopeful grey eyes.
-Ok, take him. Show him a good time.
Nimh saluted.
-Yes sir.
David watched Nimh move back to Owen and talk to him. Owen looked at Xanatos
with disbelief. He pushed through the crowd to Xanatos.
-Is that true sir?
Xanatos put an hand on Owen's shoulder.
-Yes, you're not having fun- he sighed- No one is. Go have a good time.
David saw Puck's smile on Owen's face.
-Thanks you sir- he began to walk away but stopped and turned back to
Xanatos- Tell Abby I'll call her if I can.
David nodded.
Nimh wrapped his arm around Owen's arm.
-Let's go the the bathroom so you can "change".
Owen smiled.
Nimh pushed the bathroom door open and the brothers entered. Nimh checked all
the stalls and when he was satisfied that they were alone he nodded to Owen.
Owen began to spin and Puck appeared, the suit was alittle big but it didn't
make a difference. Puck smiled at his brother as he shrunk his hair and ears to
human size.
-Don't want to scare the locals- explained.
Nimh laughed.
-Yeah... come on I want you to meet some people- Nimh walked up to Evan and
Chris- Hey guys this is my brother... Peter- Puck waved.
Chris smiled.
-You two look so much alike.
Evan extended a hand.
-Put 'er there Peter... the name's Evan.
Puck took the hand.
-Nice to meet you- he looked at Chris- And you are?
Nimh wrapped an arm around Chris' shoulders.
-This lovely lady is Chris.
Puck raised an eyebrow and smiled at Nimh. He knew that look. He told Nimh
telepathically, *You really like her*.
Nimh looked at Puck then at Chris and answered.
*I do, but it was would never work*.
*Why?*
*I'm a loner... I know how to bring love to others... but not myself.
Besides, Chris will soon fall in love with Evan; you can bet it, my arrows are
aiming at their hearts*.
Puck nodded to Chris as a hello and said.
-Whatever.
Chris looked confused.
-Whatever what?
-Nothing.- Puck waved his hand.
Nimh shrugged as Evan brought a round of drinks and lifted his glass.
-Here's to family and good friends.
They cheered and drank. Nimh nudged Puck.
-Look out buddy... you got some admirers.
Puck turned his head to see three woman waving and smiling at him. He turned
back to Nimh.
-No.
Sighing Nimh said.
-How would she know?
Puck took another drink.
-I would know- he then turned and looked at the women again.
-Well, if you want I can erase your mind after...- he suggested, pushing him
towards the woman's table- "When the dog is dead, the rage is gone".
-No, wait!- he tried to escape from his grip.
-Goodnight, ladies- saluted Nimh, holding Puck with a hidden hand- We were
just wondering about wich one will join us on the dance floor... But if that
makes a trouble, we can dance with you three...- he smiled, casting an arousing
spell that Puck failed to impede, resulting affected too.
Fun was about to begin.
Abby tried not to fall asleep until Puck came back, for that he had taken the
tv to her bedroom, but the tactic don't seemed to be working. 'I look like
Hudson, sleeping in front of the tv' thought with a giggle.
She turned it off and went to the kitchen for some coffee.
-Good night!- saluted Goliath waving a hand in front of her groggy eyes.
-Huh?- she suddently waked, sat on the kitchen's table, in front of a cup of
coffee- What happens?- asked confused.
-You were asleep- Angela put a hand over her shoulder- It's too late, why
don't you go to bed?
-No. What time is it?- she took a sip of the cold coffee- Puagh!
-About 4 a.m.- Goliath sat by her side.
-Did my father and Owen came back when I was asleep?- Abby rubbed her eyes,
trying to clear her sleepy head.
-As I know, David returned a few hours ago, I saw him on the great hall with
a tuxedo- said Angela, taking away Abby's coffee.
-Impossible- numbled Abby.
-Something happens?- asked Goliath.
-No, nothing- Abby stood up- I'd better go back to bed. Good night- she left
the kitchen wondering where should Puck be. She headed to her father's bedroom,
knocking at the door.
-Come in- answered a drowsy voice.
-Dad?- she entered into the bedroom, it was dim.
-Shhhh- David sat on the bed, pointing to Fox, sleeping with her head under
the pillow- What happens?- his hair was loose about his shoulders and his eyes
weren't totally opened.
-Where's Puck?- asked Abby in a low voice.
-Dont know.
-What?
-He told me he'll call you- David yawned, covering his mouth with a hand.
-Call me? Why?
-He went to find his brother, Nimh.
-Shhh, David- murmured Fox grumpy giving him a kick- You're talking again in
dreams.
-Ow! What? He didn't call you?
-No.
-Don't worry, he'll be back before dawn- he laid again on the bed- Go back to
your bedroom.
-But...
-Shhh, Abby, go away, please; my shedule is quite full for tomorrow...- with
the last words he was asleep again.
Abby started to feel how her blood started to boil as she made her way back
to her bedroom.
Nearly at dawn Abby heard a soft bump on the bedroom's door and a whispered
curse. She got up quickly and opened it abruptly. Puck, who was holding the
lacht, fell to the ground, surprised. He had Owen's tuxedo on, tie lost and
shirt half unbuttoned, but it was a little big for his human attaire.
-Hi, sweetie- said with a shaky voice, trying to incorporate.
-Where were you?- asked, kneeling by his side- Oh, Puck, you're drunk!-
exclaimed Abby, as she noticed the alcohol smell in his breathe.
He started to chuckle without control.
-Ya see? It's a rhyme- spluttered between laughts.
-What?- she helped him to get up, carrying him to the bed.
-Puck...drunk... fu...
She put her hand over his mouth just in time.
-Yes, I see- Abby interrupted.
With a clumsy motion he tried to hug her, failing. Abby noticed a red-purple
spot in his shirt collar, it was lipstick. No, there were TWO kisses in his
shirt collar, each one of a different colour.
-Puck, where have you been?- asked, grabbing his shirt's collar- And what's
this?
-Huh?- he bowed his head, triying to look at what she was pointing- What?
I... see nothing...
-Eh!- she took his hand- Where's your wedding ring?
-What? My what?- he approached the finger where the ring should be to his
eyes, squinting- Sheeesh. I swear you that was there when I arrived to the
bar... suuuure... darling- he sat and started to dig into his pockets with
ankwards movements- Wow, my head. Why is this room turning? Or it's me?
When he started to dig into his pant's pockets Abby saw that his belt was
also missing.
Without a single word she slapped him on the face and ran out of the room.
Abby began to cry hysterically as she ran out of the room. Angela, who was
coming out of the library, almost ran into her. Abby stormed passed her.
-Hey, Abby wait up!- Abby stopped and waited as a very pregnant Angela
waddled to catch up. She reached Abby panting- What's wrong?
Abby gasped for breath in between sobs.
-Puck... I think he cheated on me tonight.
Angela's jaw dropped.
-Let's go to the kitchen and talk about this- she wrapped a wing around Abby
and walked to the kitchen.
Puck took his shirt off and looked at the lipstick-stained collar, 'Shit'. He
rubbed his cheek where Abby had hit him. 'Shit!' he ripped the shirt in half.
He got up and stormed to the window where he placed his hands on the window.
'Puck you're such an asshole'. His breath quickened with anger as his nails
scratched the glass. He stopped and grabbed his pants when he realized that he
didn't have a belt on. His head hurt. 'What did I do?'
A tear fell.
-Nimh... this is what I didn't want to do...- he whispers to no one- I didn't
want to hurt her.
He walked out of the room to look for Abby and passed by the twins room.
Puck slowly opened the door to see Luna and Robin asleep in their own beds on
opposite sides of the room. He thought how lucky he was to have them... and now
he may have just lost them but he had to have one more night of chaotic fun.
He closed the door and left the innocents to their slumber.
As he walked he could hear Abby screaming, he leaned up against the wall
outside the kitchen to hear.
-He was drunk! He had TWO lipstick stains on his collar AND his belt was
gone!
Angela's ears were ringing as she sat on a chair watching Abby pace back and
forth.
-Abby stop screaming please. There has to be an explanation. Puck loves you
more than anything in this world... he would never hurt you.
Abby stopped pacing, her face red and wet.
-But he did. It hurt me.
Puck winced. How was she going to forgive him? His heart hurt so much and he
knew that Abby felt the same. He decided to leave her alone for awhile so she
could cool down. So, he went to the library to sleep.
As he closed his eyes he remembered something. Sitting up, he reached into
his pocket and took out his wedding ring. He slipped it on, clenched his fists,
and cried himself to sleep.
Abby walked slowly into the bedroom expecting Puck to be there but he wasn't.
Abby crawled into bed and laid on Puck's side and buried her head in his pillow;
crying herself to sleep.
Unknown to Puck and Abby but Nimh had watched both of them. He placed a hand
on the mirror and Abby's image blurred and Nimh's reflection appeared. He ran
his hand through his hair, letting out a long sigh. A pair of feathered wings
slowly emerged from his back; flexing them to their full span.'Shit. Now I have
to fix this....but how?'
Nimh scratched his chin as a big grin crossed his lips.
-Nimh?- a woman voice called.
-I'm going, I'm in the bathroom. Wait!- he returned to his human look,
frowning as he saw two lost white long feathers floating to the ground. He
snatched them and looked for a place to hide them. At the last moment he placed
them under the hotel's bath towels.
-Are you all right?- asked the young woman opening the bathroom door, the
dawn light gave a special glow to her nude skin- Why are you standing here in
the darkness?- she placed her hand over the light switch.
-No, wait, don't turn the light on, you could wake Licia- he whispered,
entouring her curved waist with his arms and kissing her passionately.
-Mmmm... -she separated her lips from his- You, wild devil...- she stired her
fingers into his brown short hair, smiling- We must leave, or we'll arrive late
to the flight- he motioned with her head towards the bedroom where Licia was
asleep- Let's have a shower, will you help me with the soap? I cannot reach my
back and rub it properly- she whispered, seductress, bitting softly his earlobe.
-Sure...
David contemplated Owen working at the computer in silence; that morning his
blond assistant looked a little haggard. Stiffer as he ever was, but Puck's
hangover worked it's way trought Owen's face...
The telephone rang, making Owen clench his jaw in pain. David hide a smile
under his hand, he must be having a terrible headache and was there, working as
if nothing happened.
David left Owen's office waving his head, on the way back to his office he
stepped in front of Abby's. He could hear his daughter talking severely to
somebody on the phone; by her voice was easy to deduct that she wasn't in a good
mood.
He put his hand on his pockets and went back to work, the phone was beeping
on his desk.
Abby was furious, mad. She felt betrayed. And all of that rage make her work
faster; at lunch time she almost finished all that day's job, on two hours more
she'll be finished if that damn printer wanted her to...
She gave it a hard thump, the paper was stuck again. With a furious groan she
opened the laser printer searching where the problem was. There was a clog on
the paper feeder. She introduced her hand without watching what she was doing,
touching the hot cylinders.
-Awww!!- she hold her burned hand, looking the machine with rancour.
Suddently a light green glow surrounded her hand, refreshing it and making
the pain dissapear.
-Puck, I'm not going to...- she turned to see Nimh behind her, with
sunglasses and a wide smile. Wearing wan jeans and a shrivelled white shirt, his
brown short hair ruffled.
-Not Puck. I invite you lunch- said, and without allowing her answer, touched
Abby on the shoulder and both dissappeared from the office, appearing on a small
alleyway.
-What the hell are you doing?!- asked an angry Abby, looking around.
-Please, don't scream, my head isn't very clear this morning. Aren't you
hungry?- he motioned with a hand towards the main street pushing softly Abby
with the other hand- Let's go, the restaurant is on the corner. Do you like
persian food? They have great desserts on that restaurant. Have you ever been
there? The atmosphere is very nice, it's a small local and the owner's are the
most pleasants persons I've ever met.
Abby couldn't repress a small smile, his fast talking was like Puck's. At the
same moment she smiled she remembered how angry she felt with him, freezing her
smile.
-What do you want from me?- asked coldly.
-What?- Nimh smiled as he held the restaurant's door open for her- I only
want to have lunch with you, I've always loved to have lunch with a beatiful
women... Oh, you must left your shoes here- said, taking his timeworn shoes off.
Abby looked at the dining room, all the floor was covered with oriental rugs,
and the tables were only 30 cms high, circled with cushions. The small local was
crowded. And strange smells of food came from all places.
-Nimh!- a young waitress approached them, grinning; she was wearing a caftan
and a gold chain with golden coins over her forehead.
-Good morning, Hayla- he kissed her on the cheek- Is the table ready?
-Yes, all is as you wanted to. This way- she guided them to a table on a
corner.
-Oops, I must have told you not to bring a skirt- said Nimh, leaning agaist
the cushions as he sat down on the floor.
-Don't worry, I can handle with it- she grunted, sitting the same way he was
doing.
-Hayla, can you bring me a corkscrew, please?- asked Nimh, taking out a wine
bottle from his backpack.
-Of course.
Abby frowned.
-Why are you bringing the wine with you?- asked with oddity.
-They're muslims, and in coherence with their religion they don't serve
alcohol in their restaurant, but if the customers want to drink wine or
something else they can bring it... at their own risk- he smiled at the
waitress, taking the corkscrew- Thanks, Hayla- he uncorked the bottle with a
little effort- Have you ever tried the "Asti"?- he poured the clear wine into
her glass- Beware with the bubbles- warned, lifting his glass- Cheers.
-Cheers- muttered Abby, tasting the wine.
-Do you like it?- asked Nimh, placing the napkin over his lap- It's an
italian wine, not the best to take with persian food but I hadn't anything else
at home... I must go shopping for saturday's party.
-It's fine- she dropped the glass.
-Ummm...- he fiddled with the cork, rolling it over the table- Abby, I beg
you pardon.
-What?- she picked up her napkin in surprise.
-I'm sorry for what happened yesterday night, it was all my fault...
-Nimh, would you mind to tell me what happened yesterday night?
-Well... I found Puck at the Vault and there we met three charming
stewardess. They were in N.Y. only for one night and needed someone to be their
guides thought the nightclubs.
-And you two offered yourselves to guide them, how nice...- Abby was starting
to look angry again.
-Yeah!- he chuckled at Abby's expression- But Puck didn't cheat on you, at
least what I can remember... As I know, Moyra got really angry with him when he
left, letting her alone in her hotel room...
The waitress came with a tray, placing it in the middle of the table, the
dish smelt great.
-Don't look for a fork or a knife, you must use your hands- he picked a small
piece, eating it- Hum! It's a little bit hot, be careful.
-What where you telling me about that Moyra and Puck? The hotel too, please.
-Thanks heavens there aren't knifes in here...- murmured Nimh wiping his
fingers on the napkin and taking a sip of wine- At the end of the night we
accompannied them to their hotel, just because they were a little drunk...
well... us too- if looks could kill he will had been fulminated at once by
Abby's look- I can't remember how...- he grinned- but I finished on Carla and
Licia's room and I didn't know what happened between Moyra and Puck until this
morning when she told me he abandoned her on her room's door, waiting for a
kiss.
Abby frowned, surprised.
-You spent the night with two woman?- asked incredulous.
-Yeah- he nodded, picking another meat bit- Why are you looking me that way?
That's not a sin!
-No, that's immoral.
-Immoral?- he laughed- That's not immoral, that's pleasureful!
-No, immoral, I've said- she waved her head on a reproach manner.
Nimh dropped the meat bit back on the tray.
-Wait, I think we should clarify our positions about morality... - he licked
his fingers and placed his hands over the table, strightening the tablecloth-
First, remember that I'm not a human, so I don't follow human moral; second,
remember that you're talking about moral with someone that finds completely
normal to have sex with his sisters... and third, may I ask you a question?
-What?
Abby's response was full of suspicion as Nimh sloped over the table towards
her, a devilish smile on his face.
-You've only had sex with Puck, haven't you darling?- asked in a soft
whisper, staring fixedly at her eyes.
Abby desired to slap him on the face when he started to chuckle at her
cheek's flush. She also considered on splashing her wine cup in Nimh's face and
leaving the restaurant but, finally, only casted a stern look to him. His
snicker was becoming very annoying.
-Yes! And I'm proud of it!- she almost cried in answer.
-Shhhh, low your voice- Nimh sat down on the cushions again, placing a finger
against his lips- Ok, I can understand you, but you could also have had a
life... or "have" a life.
-What are you suggesting, Nimh? I'm married and I also have kids and
that's...
-That's impeding you have a life?- interrupted the fae, like if she had said
something very important without realizing- You see?- he replied at Abby's
silence- That's what I don't like from human's matrimony. Why, if you love the
other, you restrict his, or her, freedom? If you love your partner you must left
him wholly free to love you, that's the right way to experience the love...
that's the way, us Children of Oberon, do. And Puck is one of us- he pointed
with his thumbs towards his chest- Let him be free and he'll never leave you, I
assure you that his love for you will grow day by day. Until the day when he
won't be able to see where his soul ends and where yours begin, because your
souls will be melted by your love. So, dont worry if he ocasionally flirts or
mates with another girl, that doesn't mean at all he don't loves you; he does,
but he needs to... "feel alive".
Abby stared at him, she didn't agree with the whole Nimh's speech, but she
knew that in some way he was right...
-In fact, you've chosen the greatest trickster as your husband, you won't
expect a calm life, will you?- he raised an eyebrow as he lifted his glass- But
if you still don't like the idea of him "cheating on you" you can comfort
yourself thinking you could also "cheat on him" as easily as he could do.
-Never- affirmed Abby, picking her glass and tossing back the wine with great
determination.
'Sure? I won't bet on that' thought Nimh, smiling, she hadn't noticed the
spell he had casted on her wine.
He only needed a few minutes to have it working on her...
Abby felt like she was in heaven, she could feel the warm evening sun
caressing her back, laying on bed tangled with the sheets which smelt of
honeysuckle. She rubbed her chin against the pillow, hugging it
closer to her and opened the eyes...
The first thing she saw were her clothes sparsed on the wood floor, and the
second was that it wasn't her bedroom. She incorporated on a jump, wrapping
herself with the sheet. Where was she?
The bedroom window was a coloured modernist vitral, so she couldn't look
outside. There was a low king size bed and a wooden closet at the other side of
the room. Hanging over the bed was a huge poster of a female faerie on what
seemed to be a dance only dressed with a flower diadem, her long hair floating
around her like a halo, and beside the open door was another poster, a
reproduction of a renacentist picture: a little cute naked angel, with a bandage
over his eyes flourishing a bow.
Cupid.
Abby's eyes opened wide as she gasped in surprise. What had happened? She
could see Nimh's jeans and shirt laying messy with her clothes on the floor.
-Ah, you're awake at least- Nimh entered on the bedroom smiling, dressed with
a grey silk kimono- You looked so tired that I left you sleeping after we...
-Nimh- interrupted Abby- What had happened here... with us?- she didn't want
to believe what she was thinking.
-Let's look- he scratched his chin, thinking- We have a woman, a man, their
clothes on the floor, a jumbled bed and a empty wine bottle beside it... what
could it mean? I can't guess...- he looked at her as if she were stupid, sitting
on the bed, it was obvious.
Abby moaned, falling on her knees, her face buried on her hands.
-And I must admit that, for a "beginner" you've done very well...
With a groan she rolled her eyes.
-How could you..?- at that moment she'll be glad to strangle him with her
bare hands and watch him dying from lack of air.
-Sorry, dear, I'm immortal- he smiled, leaning on his elbows- If you want to
kill me you must use an iron weapon, and I have none here.
-Don't read my mind- warned Abby.
Nimh sighted, picking her bra under a pillow, placed it over his face and
took a deep breath.
Abby tried to snatch it from him but he levitated outta her reach, chuckling.
-Do ya want it? Jump.
-Nimh...- she snarled, picking the empty bottle with the intention of hurl it
at him.
-Look out! Your sheet is slipping down- forewarned, distracting her.
Abby felt a hustle and found herself trapped on the bed under Nimh. He
tickled her nose with a white feather, making Abby snort.
-Sorry dear, I win- he placed the feather on her hair, grinning- Have you
thought on what I told you in the restaurant?
-What?- she tried to escape, failing.
-About love... and freedom.
-Release me!- she cried.
-Trust in the Puck, he'll always do the right thing, believe me... he's in
love- he chuckled, kissing her on the forehead- Now, dear, you must wake up.
Startled, Abby opened her eyes. She was on her office, leaning over her desk.
A quick look at the wall clock told her that she had been asleep, or whatever
she had been, for half an hour.
She rubbed her head, confused. The printer light was blinking, the paper was
stuck. She got up.
On the way to the door she saw something on the carpet beside her desk. There
was a white feather. Abby smiled and picked it up. 'Damn trixster' she thought,
bowing her head. She dropped it over her desk and ran to Owen's office.
He was there, so absorted reading a memorandum, that he didn't notice her
arrival. Better. Abby hugged him from behind, frightening Owen that his glasses
almost fell out of his nose.
-Forgive me, sweetheart- she whispered, kissing him on the neck.
-What?- he turned, dissolving into Puck, a hopeful smile on his face.
-Yesterday I got mad and I didn't let you explain to me what happened. I
didn't trust you... forgive me.
-I thought it was me who should said something...- he frowned, feigning
confussion.
-You asshole... Aren't you going to kiss me?
-Maybe- Puck smiled.
-Maybe?!- Abby said then cast her eyes down- I guess I don't deserve it.
Puck picked up her chin and kissed her passionetly on the lips.
-Never think that Abby.
They embraced each other.
Nimh looked into the office and smiled. "My work here is done". He vanished
back to his apartment.
Nimh reappeared in his apartment laying on the couch.
-What to do?- He snapped his fingers and a list materialized. Looking down
the list Nimh nodded- Everything seems to be in order for tomorrow night.
Someone knocked at the door and Nimh looked up.
-Come in! It's open!
It was Evan and by the looks of him he was having a bad hangover too. His
hair was all ruffled and his sunglasses hide the bags under his eyes. He walked
over to Nimh and sat down.
-Don't yell.
Nimh looked at his friend.
-I'm not.
Evan winced.
-Then I have a worse hangover than I thought. So, are you going to come with
Chris and me to the protest Saturday night?
Nimh took a deep breath.
-No. My bro, Peter, you met him last night is bring his family over for
dinner with his employer.
Evan looked at Nimh over his glasses.
-HIS EMPLOYER! Ouch!- Evan held his head.
Nimh got up and started to walk to the bathroom.
-Yeah, Xanatos isn't a bad guy once ya get to know him- he opened the cabinet
in the bathroom and took out some tylenol. He leaned up on the side of the
bathroom door- Evan, think fast- he threw the bottle to Evan.
The bottle hit Evan in the head and fell to the couch. He just sat there then
looked at the bottle.
-Oh thanks Nimh.
Nimh chuckled.
-You DO have a bad hangover.
Evan just nodded as he tried to open the bottle.
-How could you Nimh, Xanatos is a big shot that doesn't care about anyone
except himself.
Nimh shook his head.
-He seemed to care about his wife and child very much.
Evan laughed at looked at Nimh.
-Yeah well did you hear the one about his wife and kid being "fairies."
Nimh pretended to look shocked.
-Really?
Evan popped open the top.
-Yeah, and that the night his kid was born all NYC slept because a lord
Oberon put us to sleep. A load of crap. Thanks for the tylenol.
-No problem.
-You really having them over?- Evan looked at Nimh with a child-like
expression.
Nimh nodded.
-Fraid so buddy.
-You're making a big mistake... I think Chris and I should come for
protection.
Nimh tried not to laugh.
-Yeah maybe. I'll call you if I need you.
Evan nodded and stood up.
-I go.
-You go.
-Remember Nimh... watch your back. This guy is sneaky he could be acting like
your friend just to try to stop the protest. HE WON'T.
Nimh started to push Evan towards the door.
-Ok buddy... you need to sleep this thing off.
-Ok... call me later.
-Ok.
-Bye- Evan walked out and Nimh watched him until he was in the elevator.
-Well he took it better than I thought he would- smiled- I guess I'll have to
get him drunk more often.
Abby and Puck were in their bed recovering from "making up." Puck looked at
Abby, who was sitting at the edge of the bed geting dressed, and crawled over
the mangled sheets to lay next to her.
-I love it when we make up.
Abby smiled.
-Me too- she leaned down and kissed him.
Puck smiled and rolled onto his back letting out a long breath.
-Can I ask you a question?
Abby pulled her shirt over her head.
-Sure.
With a serious face he asked.
-What brought this on?
Abby stopped getting dressed and looked at Puck. She was shocked to see that
he was completely serious.
-I talked to Nimh.
-Nimh?!
-Yes Nimh. He showed me a few things that I hadn't taken into consideration
concerning you and your needs.
Puck raised an eyebrow.
-Really? And what are THESE needs?
Abby let out a breath.
-You know how you need to "feel free". That I shouldn't get angry with you if
you -she turned her head away- sleep with another woman.
-What?
-Nimh said that if I didn't let you be yourself there was a chance that you
would leave me... that by letting you have your wild nights you'd stay.
Puck's jaw dropped and was speechless. Finally he cleared his throat.
-Ummm... that is true that I do need to "feel free" as Nimh put it but it's a
matter of choice. I choice not to because I don't need anyone to satisfy me
except you.
Abby turned back to Puck letting a tear fall down her cheek. Seeing the tear
Puck sat up and hugged her.
-Do you want to know what happened that night?
Abby shook her head.
-No... you don't have to tell me.
-Yes I DO- Puck looked into her eyes-I did go with Nimh and the three women
back to their hotel room. Nimh took two, I took one. I was drunker than hell and
was actually excited at what was about to happen. When we got into the room we
began to kiss and soon moved it to the bed.
-Puck no- Abby put her head down.
-Abby listen, as I began to undress her I called out your name. YOUR name. I
realized then what I was doing... the only reason that I even went with her was
because she reminded me of you. So, you see Nimh and I may be horny little
devils -Abby smiled- But we also choose if we want to carry those feelings out.
I don't and Nimh can't understand that, he hasn't felt true love in a long time.
Abby's tear stained face looked at Puck brushing strands of his white hair
away from his face.
-I love you Puck
Puck smiled.
-I love it when you say that. I love you too- he looked back at the bed and
raised his eyebrows quick twice- Care to go again?
Abby laughed and kissed him pulling him on top of her. He nodded
-I'll take that as a yes.
Fox was standing in front of her mirror pulling her hair back into a
ponytail. She finished and looked at her reflection. It scared her because what
she saw was her mother... not Anastasia but Titania. Fox had noticed that with
each passing year she was looking more and more like her fairy mother. Even her
eyes were changing; they were still green but her pupils were shrinking. And as
Fox noticed on Puck, her mother, step-father, and other fae... they didn't have
pupils. It wasn't that she hated it, it just scared her.
What would happen in twenty years? forty years? would she just shed her skin
one day and be her mother's clone? She rubbed her cheek and let out a long
breath. "Why?" she thought.
-Because you are fae?
Fox spun around to see Nimh, arms crossed and with a serious look upon his
face. He had on a pair of jeans, sneakers, and an untucked flannel shirt. His
hair was ruffled in a way that the front part stuck up alittle.
-What do you mean?
Nimh walked over and put a hand on her shoulder forcing to see on the
vanity's chair. With a caring hand he turned her face towards the mirror.
-You are fae... a race made of love, magic, and immortality. You are
beginning to look like your mother because of that. With each passing year, as
your humanity dies and your fae soul shines through to the outside.
Fox just looked at her reflection, taking in what Nimh had said.
-Am I immortal?
Nimh shrugged and gave her a half-smile.
-Don't know... you'll just have to wait. A sorcerer in the tenth century was
half fae and even though he wasn't immortal he has lived a long time.
-How long?
-ummm, I think he died at 1,001 years old.
-What?!
-Yes, Fox, your body will live longer than the average human's, Alex will
probably live longer because he is being trained to use his powers. The earlier
you start the better your chances...which brings me to the reason why I have
come to visit you.
Fox turned from he mirror and looked at Nimh with a raised eyebrow
-Why?
-I want to be your teacher- Nimh said in a flat voice.
-My what? why?
Nimh rolled his eyes.
-Your mother thinks that your powers have dwindled to nothing. Even the
outburst you had when Daddy O came to take away Alex, Titania shrugs off as
luck. But I think different. I have seen you watch Alex and I have seen your
powers call out to be used. They are in you Janine...let me help you set them
free.
Fox listened to Nimh and was even shocked when he said her birthname. Before
she could ask a question Nimh continued.
-I also thought you would like to be able to discipline your son when he is
older. Puck has his own kids now and will not always be available to help with a
fae adolesent's temper. If ya get my drift.
Fox nodded.
-I see. And what is in this for you?
Nimh put a hand over his heart and looked offended.
-Moi? Nothing. You are my sister, well half sister, but blood just the same.
You need help and I can give it to you.
- Right...but I will accept Nimh what you say is true. Alex is a handful and
David and I need Puck to help us when he uses his magic against us. One time he
turned us into sheep because we told him to take a bath. Teach me.
Nimh clapped his hands.
-Goody. Lesson number one... invisiblity. You're going to love this- he took
Fox's hand and lifted her up and he levitated above her; still holding onto her
hand- OK, let's get your juices flowing.
-How?- Nimh lowered to the ground.
-Like this- From Nimh's hand a bright green light engulfed Fox. She screamed
as it ran through her body like electricity. In a few seconds, it was over. Fox
put her hands to her face panting. She could feel an alien, yet familiar, force
moving it's way through her. Her blood was boiling. Nimh lifted his hand, that
was smoking, and blew it out -Don't feel so bad, that hurt me just as much as it
hurt you.
-What the hell was that?- Fox yelled through her hands.
-Alittle magic shock.
-Alittle!
Nimh's face went hard.
-Yes, alittle shock. When Puck had his powers taken away it hurt ten fold.-
Fox remained quiet; except for her heavy breathing- Take your hands away from
your face.
Fox did and Nimh smiled at what he saw. Her eyes were engulfed in fae green
light. Nimh nodded.
-Good, now we can begin. Have you meditated before?
-Yes.
-Then meditate. Close your eyes and feel your fae blood....then slowly think
of your body disappearing from view. Part by part- Nimh watched Fox starts to
concentrate. After a few moments, Fox's leg blurred and vanished. Nimh grinned
as Fox's body began to disappear- Very good Fox.
Fox opened her eyes and looked at Nimh.
-Did it work?
-Yep- Nimh asnswered with a big grin and then pointed to the mirror -See for
yourself.
Fox looked into the mirror and saw Nimh, the room, and nothing else. She
lifted a brush and waved it in front of her. The brush, to an onlooker, would
look like it was flying on it's own.
-Can you see me?
-No- The next thing Nimh knew he was was from behind and was on his back-
What was that for Fox?
-Just for fun.
Nimh smiled.
-That's my girl, so now time to learn how to come back. Do the same thing you
did to make yourself go invisible but think about reappearing.
Fox did and she reappeared standing over Nimh.
-Like that?
Nimh put his arms in back of his head.
-Yep. So, you want to learn more?
Fox nodded.
-Good- he jumped up and looked at her face- But not today.
-Why?
-Ahhh you know, the same old story: places to see, people to do. But let's
keep this our little secret... ok?
Fox nodded.
-Agreed. I don't want David to know yet about my life expectancy.
Nimh smiled.
-Ok, sweet cheeks, see ya next time.
-Wait! When will you come back?- but before Fox could finish her statement
Nimh disappeared in a flash of green light. She threw up her hands -typical-
then she felt an invisible kiss on her cheek- Don't fret little sister...I'll be
back when you're not busy.
Fox raised an eyebrow feeling her cheek.
-Ok Nimh.
-I wonder what David is doing?- the smile of a trixster formed on the
halfling's face.
David was sitting in his favorite leather arm chair in the library. He was
reading the paper when he felt a hand slide up his leg. He jumped and pulled the
paper down to his lap looking around the room. No one was there. He shrugged to
himself, folding the paper up and placing it on the coffee table to the right of
him.
-What a day- the billionaire let out a breath closing his eyes to take a nap.
He felt something kiss his cheek- Who's there!- he yelled.
No answer.
-Get a grip David...stress is not becoming on you.
-Fox?
He was answered by giggles that seemed to be right next to him
-Where are you?
Fox lifted his hands and ran them up her body. She could see he was shocked
so she with every inch she lifted her hands she materialized that area. David
looked at his wife
-How?
Fox smiled, she leaned down and kissed his lips.
-Let's just say that I'm discovering the other side of my heritage.
David gave her a half-smile.
-Oh no, not another magical creature in this house.
Fox sat in his lap and played with his hair.
-Yep.
They kissed.
The next day David was walking down the hall when he heard a male voice in
his bedroom. He opened the door a crack to see Nimh and Fox in the bed. Fox had
a pillow over her face mumbling something.
Nimh was propped up on an elbow.
-Sweetheart, I never said this would be easy.
Fox removed the pillow from her face.
-I can't do this.
-Sure you can... David doesn't know so what's the harm?
David's heart sank.
-I love him... I hate keeping anything from him. Nimh... he has a right to
know about us.
David let a tear fall down his cheek as he closed the door slowly and went to
the gym to beat the stuffing out of a punching bag.
Fox jumped out of the bed.
-I'm telling him.
Nimh shrugged.
-Fine by me...if that's what you want.
-It is- Fox gave him a stern look.
-Tomorrow is my party tell him then, ok.
Fox nodded.
-Back to your lesson on levitation. Thank Avalon you are Titania's daughter
or you wouldn't have been able to pick up magic this quickly.
Fox let out a breath
-Ok back to magic.
David stormed into the gym and headed right to the punching bag completely
ignoring Puck and Alex. Alex was practicising levitation by lifting dumbbells.
when he mastered one weight Puck added more. He was at 130 pounds at the moment.
Puck looked at David then at a worried Alex. He ruffled the boy's red hair.
-Don't worry, I'll go see what's wrong...you go get lunch- Alex nodded and
headed for the door never taking his eyes off his father. Puck let out a breath-
Time to face the beast- he walked over to David -Sir? You ok?- Puck could see
blood on David's knuckles as well as on the bag.
Xanatos just stopped punching and looked at Puck clenching his teeth.
-Nimh is having an affair with my WIFE!
-What?! Impossible, Nimh is Cupid. he can't break lovers..even if he wanted
too. It would look bad on his record.
-Oh really. Then why did I just see both of then in my bed!
Puck was speechless.
-There has to be a good explanation.
-Like what?!
Puck took David's arms and healed his knuckles.
-Did they have their clothes on?
-Yes
-Where they kissing?
-No.
-Has Fox been acting or doing anything different?- David, breathing hard,
looked at the ceiling in thought. After a few seconds he looked at Puck.
-She can use magic.
Puck raised an eyebrow.
-What do you mean?
-Just what I said, she has been using magic.
Puck thought then snapped his fingers.
-That's it! Nimh could be teaching Fox to use her magic. I know it wasn't
dead like Titania thought but I didn't think she wanted to pursue it.
David lowered his head.
-Maybe.
-No maybe's Davie; that has to be it- Puck put a hand on Xanatos' shoulder-
If it bothers you that much...tomorrow we will be at Nimh's apartment for
dinner. Confront him then.
David lifted his head.
-I intend too.