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Seasons
A Kestramoon Creation

Mid April

In the time that passed since Yule, Cassie found it hard avoiding The Monkees. After all, she had the responsibility of the girls, then Ari and Mike became more serious and started dating exclusively. Whenever she met with Peter, she made sure that Ari, Eric or the other guys would be there. Truthfully, she was scared. However, Ari kept after her, trying to convince her that Peter was not Ken. "Just forget him," she said. Easier said than done. When Ari was in love, Cassie knew that she would be way too happy and want others to be the same.

Ari, Mike, Davy and Cassie took a day to window-shop, then lunched at a little sandwich shop. They were trying to get out of Cassie what she wanted for her twenty-fourth birthday. Sitting on the patio at lunch, they laughed at Mike relaying a story about Micky and his drums.

"I wish Petah was 'ere, he would've enjoyed this." Davy mused.

"Where is he?" Ari inquired.

Winking Mike replied "Oh, Micky's cousins are in town. Although we got out of it, Peter was not so lucky."

Cassie excused herself and on her way back, a man stood up blocking her way. He grabbed her arm. She shrieked when she saw his face. "Ken?"

"Surprise, sweetheart. Did you really think that I'd miss your birthday? No, don't answer that, it's all over your face." Laughing Ken continued, "You never could hide anything from me. So, where's your dear protector?"

"Cassie are you o" Ari stopped mid sentence. "What in Hades are you doing, Ken? You are not welcome here. Go away."

"Aren't I? The last time I checked this was a public place."

Davy was the first one to reach the girls; once there he asked, "Is there a problem, Cassie?"

Ken just eyed Davy, asking "So, this is the new guy? Kinda puny doncha think?"

"Why don't you take your hand off the girl and leave?" said Mike, ready to show this guy what a Texan can do.

Ken's parting remark was 'this isn't over Cassie.' Taking a deep breath, Cassie pleaded with Mike to take her back to the Abbots. However, he ignored her pleas and took them back to the flat. Davy and Mike had the same idea; it was time for a meeting. Once they reached the flat, Ari took Cassie upstairs while Mike and Davy located everyone, including Eric.

"Hey man, you need to get over here like now." Mike said in a tone that meant business.

Confused Eric replied "Why, what's going on?"

"There is a problem and we're holding a meeting. It involves Cassie." Mike assured Eric that Cassie was Ok, for now. He wouldn't tell Eric anything more, it was important that he arrived soon.

Peter, Micky and Eric arrived at the same time. Mike didn't waste anytime in calling the girls down to start the meeting. As soon as Eric saw Cassie, he knew. 'Ken' was all he could say.

Mike, as officiate over most of The Monkees meetings, started. "Let's call this meeting to order." Mike and Ari recalled the scene on the patio for those who weren't there. "Now would anyone mind telling us what's going on?"

Eric started but Cassie interrupted. "It's my story, let me tell it. When Jenna and Eric met, I was fifteen. I didn't like her; she was taking my brother from me. She came up with the idea that if I had someone, then I might understand. Double dating was Jenna's answer. She knew the captain of the football team and set me up with him. Ken was nice, handsome and sweet. He was the perfect guy, knew what to say and what to do - even fooling Eric. An all around great guy was only his outer persona, or so I soon found out. Part of me knew something was wrong; but it felt so good to have someone love me."

"I've always loved you, Cassie May." Eric interjected.

"True, but you had Jenna, she required your full attention. In my mind, I had loved our parents and grandparents, and it hurt so much when they passed; that I equated love with some kind of pain. Then you announced that you were to marry."

At this point Jenna rushed in. "Eric, I need to see you now!"

'Jenna, we already know,' was the unison response. Eric informed her that Ken had already bumped into Cassie.

"Oh no. He just came and saw me. He made it clear that he will see Cassie on her birthday." Jenna said as she sat next to Eric. Mike signaled Cassie to continue.

"As their wedding day approached, Ken became more controlling. Questioning every move I made. Jenna had been so kind to ask me to be Maid of Honor - even though it was an honorary title."

"Cassie, that is not true." Jenna cried. "I wanted you to be involved with the wedding."

"I wasn't old enough to sign anything that's why you had Athena. Your best friend was your Matron of Honor. Jenna, believe me when I say that I do not hold this against you. You have to admit that I did end up being replaceable."

Jenna reluctantly nodded. Cassie turned as couldn't look at them when she talked about the abuse. Taking a deep breath, she continued, telling them about the last time she saw Ken. "It was two days before the wonderful event. Eric took me shopping because I had told him that I found the perfect gift for Jenna. It was beautiful, white silky negligee with matching robe. Eric blushed when I picked it out. When he dropped me off, Ken flipped out over the amount of time I had been gone. It had only been two hours. In all the times that he had hit me, he stayed away from my face. That way no one would ever know, but this time was different. He beat me until I was nearly unconscious. Fortunately for me, he passed out, almost like someone had hit him over the head. Drawing whatever strength I had left and partly feeling like I was being carried, I made my way down to the Abbots - collapsing on the doorstep."

Jenna took over "Mother kept going on and on, about how this was going to ruin the wedding. Miles and Eric took Cassie to one of the rooms, where Eric spent the night, calming and healing some of her wounds." She continued on, telling them that with the Polices' help Ken was arrested. Unfortunately, Ken's family intimidated the judge and the sentence was very light.

"Ken was sentenced to anger management classes and a restraining order was put into effect. The Abbots lawyer contacted us yesterday, telling us that the statute of limitations was over on the original order. Since there had been no recent sightings of Ken, we thought we had some time to come up with a plan." Eric explained, also mentioning that because there was no current threat, their options were limited.

Cassie looked at Peter, trying to read him, but he kept his eyes veiled. Although Cassie spoke with very little emotion, Ari knew that she needed a break. Mike called one and she took Cassie upstairs. Everyone, but Peter, went outside for some air. He was deep in thought, just when he least expected it - he had fallen in love. To make matters worse, she feared him, all because of that rat. He knew in his heart that he needed to find a way to help. Soon the peace-loving Monkee fell asleep.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Dream *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Peter found himself out on the beach, wondering how he got there. Looking around, he saw nothing but sand and a little path. It called to him, so he followed. Soon the wind swirled, a man and a woman stood before him. They were Cassie and Eric's parents. How he knew this he did not know. The man spoke first.

"My name is Cam and this is my wife, Amanda. We welcome you, Peter."

"How um where am I?" Peter stammered.

Amanda spoke softly, "You are in a place between two planes of existence. Over that hill is what we refer to as the Summerland. Think of it as heaven. Back towards the water is the physical realm - and your flat. However, we have very little time, and there is a lot to discuss. As you know Cassie May is in trouble"

"What can I do?"

Cam replied, "Take care of my angel."

"She doesn't want me."

"Cassie May is scared. Scared that Ken will hurt her again. More importantly, that if she admits her feelings for you, you will leave."

Amanda continued, "You need to decided just how far you are willing to go for her. How much do you care for her? And what that means."

After a short pause, Cam signaled to Amanda. "We have to take our leave now. Stay here for as long as you need to. She loves you, remember that."

They left assuring Peter that he would remember this dream. The wind swirled again, and they were gone. Peter walked back down the path to the beach, where he satand cried.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ End of dream *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What seemed like hours, was only about twenty minutes. When he finally awoke, he had a plan. Quietly he left the flat; he went to see Sam and Alycia. He felt that they could help him. When he arrived, they were expecting him.

"Hey, Peter," Sam said, "Ken's back, isn't he?"

Peter nodded, "I have an idea, but I need your help. How many people, from your group can you get with short notice?"

Alycia thought for a moment, and replied "Without us, four. Christina, Roxi, Ariel, and Ian."
"What about Evens and John?" Sam asked.

"That would make six. What do you have in mind?"

Peter thought for a second. "So you can get six, then there's the two of you four Monkees, and four more with Cassie, Ari, Eric and Jenna. Sixteen, eight and eight"

Sam getting annoyed says "Did you just come here to do math, or are you gunna give us a clue?"

"I'm getting to it, I had a dream that Cassie's parents visited me. She needs my help, and the only way that I can think of helping, is a ritual. We can't stop Ken from seeing her, the lawyers are taking care of that and Cass wouldn't let us keep her locked up for very long. But if we can build a ring of protection and energy, then when he does come to the party - she will have the strength needed."

"Are you sure your not one of us?" Alycia giggled. "We will get the word out, just tell us when and where, and it will be done."

Peter gave them the details and then went back to the flat. Once there, he found the guys and Ari, waiting for him. They explained that Eric took Cassie home. She was not only upset by the whole Ken issue, but also because Peter had disappeared. He explained where he went and the idea of the ritual. When he finished, Ari went to tell Eric the new idea.

"Petah, are you sure that you want to do this?" Davy asked.

Micky agreed, "Yeah man, this is getting dangerous."

"Whelp, the way I figure it," Mike thought aloud, "Eric and the lawyers are going to do what they can, so why don't we carry on with the party and include that circle thing. It's not my bag, but I can't see how it could hurt."

So that was the decision, the party would go on and whatever Ken pulled, would be handled.

___________________

Beltane

Cassie knew that there was a party planned, although it was suppose to be a surprise. Before Mr. and Mrs. Abbot went on holiday in Europe, they gave Cassie one of her presents. It was a beautiful emerald ring and there was an IOU for something from Italy. Eric had given her four letters, one from each of her parents and grandparents. All written before they passed and to be given to her on her twenty-fourth birthday. Now she was on her way with Jenna, who had announced that they were going shopping.

While Jenna and Cassie were gone, the Monkees started setting up for the party. Sam and Alycia came with the cake and to help. Soon the others in the group arrived and Ari introduced the groups to each other. Some mentioned that once they heard about Ken, they arranged it so they could be there.

"Nice to meet you guys. I want to tell you that we appreciate being told about this. Cassie is very important to our group. Without her, we would not be here, together. When she entered our lives, we were fighting; somehow she made us realize that if we worked together and listened to each other, we were actually saying the same things." John explained.

Evans, John and Ian had finished hoisting the maypole, just as Jenna and Cassie arrived at the house. Everyone shouted surprise and then sang "Happy Birthday". Cassie was amazed that all her friends were there. They spent a few minutes chatting and then Evans announced, "Calm down everyone. It is time to start the circle."

"Circle? What are you talking about?" Cassie asked Evans.

"Honey, we all know about Ken. And Peter thought that it might be a good idea to have some kind of support system in place" John explained.

Peter smiled and said, "I hope that I have jumped to a conclusion and he doesn't show up. But if he shows his face, I wanted all of us to be prepared."

Cassie was so touched by the gesture, she felt her emotional wall start to crumble. John called for everyone to enter the circle of their own free will with love in their hearts. As the corners were called, Cassie noticed the Monkees were a bit more relaxed this time. Once the formalities were out of the way, one by one, everyone started telling what they admire about Cassie. It ranged from her kindness to her empathy, from her voice to her grace, and then some.

It was then that Cassie spoke, "Today, Eric gave me four letter written by my grandparents and parents, before they passed into the Summerland. Grampa told me how he met Gram. He played in a band and it was at a gig on the beach that he met her. Papa spoke of how he knew that this unborn child would be his pride, his joy and his poetry. Gram wrote about the music she and Grampa made together. Stating that no matter what anyone said, her little Cassie May is strong. But it was Mama's letter that touched me the most." She then read the letter out loud.

'My dearest daughter, You and Eric are my pride and joy. I do not know how I would have survived Cam's accident without the two of you. However, it is time for me to go join your father. Your future holds pain, but nothing you will not overcome. You are beautiful and strong, even if you don't believe it. Follow your heart and don't forget that I love you, Cassiopeia. Once your grandparents, father and I are together, you will never be without us. Remember back to your childhood when you played tag with the wind use that knowledge to find us. All my love, Mama'

The guys played I Wanna Be Free, as Sam and Alycia passed out the ribbons for the maypole. As the ribbons were threaded up and down, around and around, laughter erupted increasing the positive flow of energy. As Cassie made the last turn, Ken appeared.

Ken smiled and announced, "Looks like I am right on time."

John quietly thanked the Gods and Goddesses for their time and opened the circle. Jenna, Roxi and Christina disappeared inside ready to make a call if needed. Davy, Micky, Evans and Ian split up taking the perimeter. Sam, Alycia, Ari and Ariel quietly started chanting. Eric placed his hand on Cassie's shoulder and said, "Ken, you are not welcome here. If you leave now, we will not call the police."

"Sweetheart, don't you want to see what I bought you for your very special day?" asked Ken, presenting her with a small velvet box.

"Pleaseleave, Ken. I do not want you here." Cassie stammered.

Very quickly Ken stepped and grabbed her. As he squeezed her arms and shook her, he tells her, "I picked this you, especially for my Mayflower."

Eric and Mike, seeing Cassie hurt and in tears, tried to physically remove him. As they each took a side, Ken shook them off easily, knocking the wind out of them. His strength appeared doubled by his anger. Cassie was able to take a few steps away before Ken lunged for her. It was then, that Peter stepped in-between the two, surprising everyone.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Ken shouted. "Get away from my girl."

Spurred on by a swirl of wind, Peter responded "She is not yours, nor is she property. Cassie is a human being - belonging only to herself."

Ken didn't like that at all and he went after Peter. The peace loving Monkee fought back; he did it for love. By the time the police arrived, Peter had brought the football player down and Ian and Mike were restraining Ken. The officers took the statements and arrested Ken. They warned Cassie and Eric that this time there might be a trial. Ken's family couldn't keep him out, this time.

With the trouble behind them, Sam began delegating the clean up, so the party could continue. Eric was holding a shaking Cassie, trying to hide the pain he was in. Ken had succeeded in bruising a few of Eric's ribs. Nevertheless, for him, that was nothing considering he could have lost his sister.

Peter on the other hand, had taken a few of Ken's punches and was bleeding. He started over to Cassie to make sure that she was all right. But when she saw him, she released Eric to Jenna's care and went to Peter.

Forgetting what she had just been through, she said "Peter, you're bleeding. Please let me help you."

With a nod from him, she led him inside to one of the guestrooms. She sat him on the bed, then left to get the supplies. He started thinking that he must have blown it, as Cassie was so quiet. She emerged from the bathroom, carrying a bowl and some gauze.

"This is going to smell," she said as she applied the mixture to the cuts.

Wincing, Peter said, 'Your not lying what is that stuff?"

"It is an old family recipe. It is made from Lavender blossoms, Tea Tree Oil and Witch Hazel, among a few other herbs to assist in healing."

Peter replied with an 'Oh' and he let her work. Soon there was a knock at the door, Miles appeared with some Chamomile tea for them. Both Cassie and Peter didn't know what to say to each other. Peter was afraid that she was disappointed in the violence that occurred and Cassie was still afraid to tell him how she really felt. Finally, Cassie broke the silence.

"Peter, I am sorry that he hurt you"

"Cassie"

"No, please, let me finish." Cassie took a deep breath and explained, "All my life I have believe that I was strong. However, when I fall in love, something happens. If you hadn't planned the circle, I probably would have left with him. I know, now that I am not in love with Ken. You made me see that, Peter."

Confused Peter asked "Me?"

"Yes, you. I am scared, very scared. Not of what happened out there, but of what is inside me." Pausing, Cassie took another breath and confessed, "Peter, I love you."

To hear those words, the ones that he had only heard in the wind - took him aback. And when he didn't respond right away, Cassie feared the worst. As he leaned closer, the fear started to vanish. Her eyes closed as he pressed his lips, ever so slightly to hers. As tender and light as that kiss was, it spoke volumes.

Outside, the wind swirled around Eric and he knew that all would be well with Cassie May.