Chapter eleven
The three turned to the door where a dark figure stood. When he emerged into the light, they noticed he had blue skin.
"Who are you?" Xanatos asked.
The blue man stepped over to Anastasia. "What are you doing here, my love? Have you forgotten The Gathering?"
"I am gathering even now."
"We discussed this, my dear. It is my law that we not directly interfere in human affairs. Let the woman keep her child.
"Keep my child?!" Fox looked mortified. "Mother, who is this guy?"
"Mother?!" the blue man laughed loudly. "Titania, what have you been up to?"
"Who is Titania?" Fox was becoming irritated. "Mother, explain yourself."
"This should prove interesting." David crossed his arms, not looking amused.
"More interesting than you know." Blue-man blew a fistfull of dust at her. "It is time to drop this façade, my queen."
"As you would, my lord." Anastasia raised her arms and there, before their very eyes, she transformed into a scantily clad woman with green skin and pointed ears.
"Much better." Oberon smiled.
"Mother?"
"You see me as I really am, child: Titania, queen of Avalon. And this is Oberon, my lord and husband...."
* * *
"Owen?"
"Yes miss?"
"What was that all about?" Jesse asked sitting at the computer typing in the codes from the sheet of paper Owen had handed her.
"Excuse me?"
"You said not to leave Fox or Alexander with Anastasia. Why?"
"That, is not of concern at this particular moment. Keep typing."
* * *
"He has magic in him. I would not see it die as did his mother's. It must be encouraged, nurtured." Titanya said imploringly.
"This is ridiculous." Fox shouted. "My son will be nurtured right here with his father and me."
"No, Fox. The boy must be taken to Avalon where can be properly trained in his mystical heritage, if, of course, you will allow it, my lord."
"As I see it," Oberon said htoughtfully, "Fox has turned out to be regrettably human, and, thus, we cannot interfere in her life. However, the baby is still of our blood, and if it pleases you to take him, you have my permission."
"No, you can't have him!" Fox screamed.
"It's all right." Xanatos stated. "No one is taking our son anywhere."
Fox looked at her husband. Behind his back was a laser pistol.
David continued. "Taking a child from his parents is the epitome of interfering in human affairs. By your own law, you cannot allow this."
"I have made up my mind."
"Hm, too bad for you." Fox said and dropped to the floor, pulling a blanket over her and Alexander.
Xanatos began firing, but the lazer bolts just bounced of Oberon.
Oberon motioned with his hand, and the laser flew out of Xanatos' hand and into his.
"Hmm, interesting toy." He said slightly amused.
Xanatos growled and lunged at Oberon.
"Boudicca." Oberon said as he melted the gun.
A green doggoyle jumped Xanatos, knocking him to the floor and pinning him there.
"You have fought for your child admirably against impossible odds. I hope you find some comfort in that."
Xanatos knocked Boudicca away and lunged at Oberon again.
"I would not see you damaged further." Oberon spoke, and touched Xanatos chest.
As he did, the man froze where he stood.
Titanya went over to help Fox up.
"Get away from me!" She yelled and ran over to Xanatos. "David?"
"We are not without a heart, child. You may have one hour to say goodbye to your son, before we return to take the child to Avalon, forever." They disappeared through a portal, leaving Fox alone.
Xanatos turned back to flesh. He put his arms around Fox, and she began weeping.
* * *
"Did you know that Anastasia was actually Titanya?" Xanatos asked, marching into Owen's office.
"Yes, I did." Owen said.
"Then you knew that she came here to steal my son."
"No, but I feared it." He handed him a disk. "This contains security measures which I have already implemented."
"Who authorized this?"
"I did, sir, as soon as I learned that Fox was expecting. Everything has been built to my precise specifications."
"Excellent."
"There are two things to remember." Owen said, standing and closing his briefcase. "One, energy is energy, whether generated by science or sorcery. Two, Oberon is vulerable to iron. His magics are powerless against it."
"I knew you wouldn't let me down, Owen."
Owen began walking towards the door.
"Wait, where're you going? We've got a fight on our hands."
"I'm truly sorry, Mr. Xanatos, but this is one battle in which I cannot risk becoming involved."
* * *
Clock tower
same night
"This just in. Billionaire industrialist, David Xanatos, and his wife, the former television star, Fox, both of them ex-convicts, have announced the birth of their son, Alexander Fox Xanatos." came Travis Marshall's voice from the T.V.
"Oh, this I gotta see." Brooklyn said seating himself on the floor beside Hudson's chair.
"Me two." Lex joined them.
"Me three." Broadway left the kitchen.
"Get a good look, ladies. In about twenty years this may be the face of the world's most eligible bachelor."
Hudson clicked off the T.V. "Well, lads, what do you think of that bit of news?"
"Why do I have the feeling that that little baby is gonna be big trouble?" Brooklyn asked.
A flash of lightning lit a dark form standing at the top of the steps.
"Who's there?" Hudson shouted, drawing his sword.
The figure lunged at him, knocking him to the floor, and began licking his face. "Ha, ha, ha! All right, you great beast. Enough! I'm glad to see you, too."
"Bronx!" Lex shouted. "Where's Goliath?"
"And Elisa?" Broadway added.
"Right here." came a voice from behind them.
Goliath appeared from the shadows and jumped down to greet them, with Elisa in his arms
"H'aw, I can't believe you're finally home." Lex exclaimed.
"Welcome back." Brooklyn added.
Broadway lifted Elisa up and spun around in a circle yelling "Woo-hoo!" then blushing, he set her down n the floor and said "Uh, welcome back Elisa, Cagney missed you."
Elisa laughed as the cat jumped into her arms. "I missed you, too, big guy."
"I knew you hadn't abandoned us." Hudson clasped forearms with Goliath.
"Never."
Brooklyn looked behind Goliath. A fourth figure stood there. He nudged his rookery brother's.
Goliath smiled, and took her hand. "This is Angela, my daughter."
"Welcome to our clan, child." Hudson said embracing her. "Where did you find her?" He asked in disbelief.
"On Avalon, with the rest of our clan's eggs, all hatched and grown. But that's not all. We found gargoyles in Japan, Guatamala, London..."
"Yes, we met your friend, Griff." Hudson interrupted. "But he didn't say anything about gargoyles surviving across the world." Then taking Angela's hands, tears filled his eyes "We're not the last. We're not alone."
"I'm Broadway. This is Lexington and Brooklyn. And these are for you." He handed her a mostly empty box of chocolates.
"Or, uh, at least what's left of 'em." Brooklyn said sardonically.
"Well, I didn't know she was coming."
Angela popped one of the chocolates into her mouth. "Mmmm, I think I'm gonna like it here."
"I imagine you have much to tell us." Hudson stated.
"Nothing more important than this: our journey is ended. Avalon has released us from our quest. We are home."
"Goliath, I would speak with you. " Anastasia said appearing behind them.
"How did you find us?" Goliath asked.
"I will show you." She said and transformed into Titanya.
The others looked at each other with disbelief.
* * *
"How could he desert me now?" Xanatos said inserting the disk.
"Well at least he left you well armed." Petros offered.
"In theory anyway." Xanatos said, and pressed a button.
Instantly a force field surrounded the Eyrie, making it impenetrable.
* * *
"The child belongs with us in Avalon, but I fear my daughter won't cooperate. I seek your help in protecting both mother and child during the imminent battle."
"Experience has taught me that nothing should come between a parent and child, not even if that parent is Xanatos."
"Have you forgotten how I helped your clan on Avalon?" Titanya sneered.
Goliath shook his head. "No. But that does not justify what you are about to do."
"So, you will not help."Titanya said angrily. "But neither will you interfere, or Oberon will crush you with a thought." Titanya said, pointing a convicting finger and disappearing.
"Goliath. . . ?"
"I thought that Avalon had released us. But it seems that we were sent to Manhattan because of the danger here. We must go to the Eyrie Building at once."
* * *
Jessondra stood at the computer entering some last minute changes, when Anastasia, appeared behind her.
"Hello, child."
Jesse jumped and spun around. "Hi."
"I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm Anastasia, Fox's mother."
"I'm Jessondra. Mr. and Mrs. Xanatos adopted me."
"Well, then I guess that would make me your grandmother. Jessondra...where have I heard that name before."
Jesse shrugged and continued her work on the computer.
"Do you have a pass to be in here, this is a restricted area." Came a stuffy voice from behind them.
Anastasia whirled around to see Owen standing in the doorway. "Why, Mr. Burnette, Jessondra and I were just getting to know one another. No harm done."
"And I ask again, Do you have a pass?" Owen said not moving.
"No I don't." She said and allowed Owen to escort her out of the room.
"Okay, what's the big idea?!" Anastasia asked
"I know what you're planning Titanya." Owen said.
"How do you know who I am?"
Owen whirled around and around in a circle, when he emerged, he was about a foot shorter, and well, had become fey.
"So, this is where you've been hiding, Puck. Right in front of my nose the whole time." Anastasia said, becoming Titanya.
"Leave the girl alone." He stated firmly.
"I knew it. It's her, isn't it?" Titanya asked. "Does she still have magic in her?"
"That is not your concern." Puck said folding his arms. "Leave her alone, she is not yours to take care of."
"Does Oberon know?" She asked. "Does he know that his daughter is right in plain sight?"
* * *
Oberon stood outside the force field in his human form. He walked up and touched it. "Mmm, impressive what these mortals can achieve with their science. Nevertheless. You cannot thwart the will of Oberon." He raised his hands nothing happened.
This angered Oberon. He lifted a car and hurled it at the force field.
It blew up and steaming ashes flew past him.
Officer Morgan ran up to him. "What's goin' on here? Were you in that car? Sir, you may have a concussion. Are you feeling sleepy?"
"No, but you are." Oberon said through clenched teeth. Officer Morgan fell to the ground.
"Sleep! Sleep! Sleep!" Oberon shouted. As it reverberated across Manhattan, every living human fell asleep right where they were. Cars crashed into each other, surgeons fell asleep at the operating table, and everybody at the T.V. station left the sleeping people watch sleeping people.
* * *
"It looks like the whole city is asleep." Lexington said as they flew over the city.
"Oberon's handiwork. It must be." Goliath said.
"He's that powerful, and we're going up against him? Why are we risking our necks to help Xanatos? " Brooklyn asked.
"I know the pain of being separated from my child. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. " Goliath said, and glided ahead of them.
Hudson looked at Angela. "You've had quite an influence."
"It's mutual." She said, then glided to catch up with her father.
* * *
Jesse stood at the edge of the closed door, listening to the conversation between Puck and Titanya. What she was hearing, was frightening. How could she possibly be Oberon's daughter? That was just nonsense. Her father was a Viking, who had raped her mother. Or was he? She didn't want anything but to be back in Scotland, where her only worry was whether or not she would be banished for sleeping with a gargoyle. But no. Life had to go and get complex. New tears threatened to fall.
An explosion jolted the three from what they were doing. Owen ran back in.
"Jesse, what happened?"
"Major power failure to the force field generators." She answered typing up the stats. Owen muttered something under his breath, and ran from the room.
"Owen!? Wait a minute!" She got up to go after him, but he had shut the door and locked it. From the outside.
* * *
"This altercation is over!" Oberon sighed. "Finally, all the nuisances have been eliminated."
"I'm afraid, my lord, there's one nuisance left." Oberon spun around. There stood Owen rolling up his sleeve to reveal his stone arm.
"Do you think a stone fist will stop me, human?"
"Owen. . .I knew you'd come back." Xanatos said softly.
"It was against my better judgment, Mr. Xanatos, I assure you. Nevertheless." He placed his glasses in his pocket and began spinning around.
"Heeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrre's Puck!"
* * *
"Somebody, let me out of here!" Jesse said banging on the door. "Hello? Can anyone hear me?" She gave up and sat back in her chair, determined to fix the generator problem.
* * *
"So, my servant, Puck, ignores our summons to serve a human." Oberon sneered.
"I-I know what you're thinking, how the mighty have fallen. But I can explain."
"Owen has all sorts of hidden talents." Xanatos smirked.
"I am uninterested in your explanation. Stand aside or suffer the consequences."
"But it's such a good explanation, and I brought visual aids."
* * *
With one more click of the mouse, the generator was up and running again.
"Yess!" She clicked on the security icon that was labeled locks, and unbolted her prison door.
* * *
"Oberon does not compromise." he stood from where he had fallen. "Oberon commands!!!!" He disappeared and reappeared in Fox's bedroom.
Fox picked up her laser cannon.
"Titania! Let us conclude this business so that we may return home."
"As you wish, my lord." She said appearing beside him.
"It is time to relinquish the child."
Fox raised her weapon. "Over my dead body."
"As you wish!"
She fired at him, but the blast bounced off of him and hit her. Fox fell to the floor, unable to get up.
Puck, Xanatos, and Goliath ran into the room. Titanya froze them where they stood.
Oberon walked over to the cradle. The baby began crying.
"No." Fox moaned, trying to get up. "NO!" she shrieked, lifting off the floor. She shot a green witch bolt at Oberon, blasting him through the wall.
Fox collapsed back to the ground.
"Ooo, you hurt him with that one." Puck said. "Do it again."
"I-I can't. I'm trying."
"How did you do that?" Titanya asked.
"I don't know. I don't know. I just couldn't let him take my baby!"
Oberon floated back into the room, seething. "I have had enough!!"
"Wait, your majesty." Goliath said. "This changes everything."
Titanya waved her hand, dropping the force field. Goliath stepped forward and bowed before Oberon.
"Fox's outburst renders this battle unnecessary. If she can tap a talent so woefully underdeveloped, the child can certainly be taught to harness his powers here. He needn't go to Avalon to realize his full potential. He can stay with his parents. Frankly, it would be less trouble for you."
Oberon thought about this for a minute. "Mmmm, but The Gathering has begun. Who would train the boy in the use of his powers?"
"What about him?" Goliath pointed to Puck.
"Yes, what about him?"
"I've got a sunny disposition and I'm always kind to animals." Puck smiled.
"Puck would make a fine teacher." Titanya stated. "He wishes to stay and he is already protective of the boy."
"I suppose I could give the little tyke a few pointers." Puck said, tickling Alex's chin.
"Very well, Puck, you have made your choice, and now you shall live with it, forever. You are eternally banished from Avalon, Puck. Never again will you sample its paradise."
"No, wait! Not eternally!" Puck said, suddenly not wanting to make this deal. He began to glow and screamed in agony.
"We hereby strip you of all your powers, save when you are training or protecting the boy. Such is your punishment, so speaks Oberon."
Puck fell to the floor. "Please, my lord, please reconsider. I'll do anything."
"Pathetic."
Puck slowly transformed back into Owen. "Forgive me, my lord. You must do as you see fit. I will stay here with young Alexander."
Oberon sighed. "Come, my queen. Never have I so badly desired departure."
"W-what about the city?" Goliath asked. "Everyone is still asleep."
"The humans will awaken in the morning, and this will seem naught but a midsummer night's dream."
"Allow me one moment more, my lord." Titanya walked up to her daughter. "Be well, Fox. I plan to look in on you and Alexander from time to time."
"Must you?"
"Why are you angry? Didn't things work out to your satisfaction?"
"That hardly changes what you tried to do."
"What makes you think this isn't exactly what I've been trying to do from the beginning?" She whispered into Fox's ear, and kissed her on the cheek. Then, joining her husband, she said, "'Til we meet again."
"Which, for your sakes, had better not be soon." Oberon said then they turned and disappeared.
Xanatos and the Gargoyles left the room, leaving Fox and Owen.
"So you're the famous trickster. I never would have guessed."
"I prefer not to talk about it." Owen said stiffly.
Jesse came running in, out of breath.
"And where have you been?" Fox asked putting her hands on her hips.
Jesse glared at Owen. "I was locked up, unexpectedly, but I got the generator's going again."
"Good girl." Fox said. "Maybe we can get along, after all."
"You're not gonna hug me are you?" Jesse asked taking a step back.
Fox laughed.
* * *
June 27, 1996
Elisa walked into her parents house. "Hey! I'm home!"
"Oh Elisa! Finally. I thought Avalon would never release you." Diane said, hugging her.
"Where's Jesse?"
Diane was silent. She turned away.
"Mom, what's wrong?"
"Jesse. . .was adopted."
"Oh. By who?"
Diane sighed, not wanting to go on. "David and Fox Xanatos."
"What?!"
"Elisa, I'm sorry. I had no control over it. I can't fight the state."
"I'm gone for, what was it, a month? I'm gone for one month, and you can't keep them away from her??!!"
"Elisa, stop yelling at me!" Diane said raising her voice, a trait that all her children knew was a good time to shut their mouths. "I cannot fight, what the state thinks is in her best interest. Matt has everyone keeping a close eye on them. As soon as they mess up, she's back in foster care, with us."
"I'm not gonna stand around and let that maniac get away with this." Elisa said and walked out the door.
The three turned to the door where a dark figure stood. When he emerged into the light, they noticed he had blue skin.
"Who are you?" Xanatos asked.
The blue man stepped over to Anastasia. "What are you doing here, my love? Have you forgotten The Gathering?"
"I am gathering even now."
"We discussed this, my dear. It is my law that we not directly interfere in human affairs. Let the woman keep her child.
"Keep my child?!" Fox looked mortified. "Mother, who is this guy?"
"Mother?!" the blue man laughed loudly. "Titania, what have you been up to?"
"Who is Titania?" Fox was becoming irritated. "Mother, explain yourself."
"This should prove interesting." David crossed his arms, not looking amused.
"More interesting than you know." Blue-man blew a fistfull of dust at her. "It is time to drop this façade, my queen."
"As you would, my lord." Anastasia raised her arms and there, before their very eyes, she transformed into a scantily clad woman with green skin and pointed ears.
"Much better." Oberon smiled.
"Mother?"
"You see me as I really am, child: Titania, queen of Avalon. And this is Oberon, my lord and husband...."
* * *
"Owen?"
"Yes miss?"
"What was that all about?" Jesse asked sitting at the computer typing in the codes from the sheet of paper Owen had handed her.
"Excuse me?"
"You said not to leave Fox or Alexander with Anastasia. Why?"
"That, is not of concern at this particular moment. Keep typing."
* * *
"He has magic in him. I would not see it die as did his mother's. It must be encouraged, nurtured." Titanya said imploringly.
"This is ridiculous." Fox shouted. "My son will be nurtured right here with his father and me."
"No, Fox. The boy must be taken to Avalon where can be properly trained in his mystical heritage, if, of course, you will allow it, my lord."
"As I see it," Oberon said htoughtfully, "Fox has turned out to be regrettably human, and, thus, we cannot interfere in her life. However, the baby is still of our blood, and if it pleases you to take him, you have my permission."
"No, you can't have him!" Fox screamed.
"It's all right." Xanatos stated. "No one is taking our son anywhere."
Fox looked at her husband. Behind his back was a laser pistol.
David continued. "Taking a child from his parents is the epitome of interfering in human affairs. By your own law, you cannot allow this."
"I have made up my mind."
"Hm, too bad for you." Fox said and dropped to the floor, pulling a blanket over her and Alexander.
Xanatos began firing, but the lazer bolts just bounced of Oberon.
Oberon motioned with his hand, and the laser flew out of Xanatos' hand and into his.
"Hmm, interesting toy." He said slightly amused.
Xanatos growled and lunged at Oberon.
"Boudicca." Oberon said as he melted the gun.
A green doggoyle jumped Xanatos, knocking him to the floor and pinning him there.
"You have fought for your child admirably against impossible odds. I hope you find some comfort in that."
Xanatos knocked Boudicca away and lunged at Oberon again.
"I would not see you damaged further." Oberon spoke, and touched Xanatos chest.
As he did, the man froze where he stood.
Titanya went over to help Fox up.
"Get away from me!" She yelled and ran over to Xanatos. "David?"
"We are not without a heart, child. You may have one hour to say goodbye to your son, before we return to take the child to Avalon, forever." They disappeared through a portal, leaving Fox alone.
Xanatos turned back to flesh. He put his arms around Fox, and she began weeping.
* * *
"Did you know that Anastasia was actually Titanya?" Xanatos asked, marching into Owen's office.
"Yes, I did." Owen said.
"Then you knew that she came here to steal my son."
"No, but I feared it." He handed him a disk. "This contains security measures which I have already implemented."
"Who authorized this?"
"I did, sir, as soon as I learned that Fox was expecting. Everything has been built to my precise specifications."
"Excellent."
"There are two things to remember." Owen said, standing and closing his briefcase. "One, energy is energy, whether generated by science or sorcery. Two, Oberon is vulerable to iron. His magics are powerless against it."
"I knew you wouldn't let me down, Owen."
Owen began walking towards the door.
"Wait, where're you going? We've got a fight on our hands."
"I'm truly sorry, Mr. Xanatos, but this is one battle in which I cannot risk becoming involved."
* * *
Clock tower
same night
"This just in. Billionaire industrialist, David Xanatos, and his wife, the former television star, Fox, both of them ex-convicts, have announced the birth of their son, Alexander Fox Xanatos." came Travis Marshall's voice from the T.V.
"Oh, this I gotta see." Brooklyn said seating himself on the floor beside Hudson's chair.
"Me two." Lex joined them.
"Me three." Broadway left the kitchen.
"Get a good look, ladies. In about twenty years this may be the face of the world's most eligible bachelor."
Hudson clicked off the T.V. "Well, lads, what do you think of that bit of news?"
"Why do I have the feeling that that little baby is gonna be big trouble?" Brooklyn asked.
A flash of lightning lit a dark form standing at the top of the steps.
"Who's there?" Hudson shouted, drawing his sword.
The figure lunged at him, knocking him to the floor, and began licking his face. "Ha, ha, ha! All right, you great beast. Enough! I'm glad to see you, too."
"Bronx!" Lex shouted. "Where's Goliath?"
"And Elisa?" Broadway added.
"Right here." came a voice from behind them.
Goliath appeared from the shadows and jumped down to greet them, with Elisa in his arms
"H'aw, I can't believe you're finally home." Lex exclaimed.
"Welcome back." Brooklyn added.
Broadway lifted Elisa up and spun around in a circle yelling "Woo-hoo!" then blushing, he set her down n the floor and said "Uh, welcome back Elisa, Cagney missed you."
Elisa laughed as the cat jumped into her arms. "I missed you, too, big guy."
"I knew you hadn't abandoned us." Hudson clasped forearms with Goliath.
"Never."
Brooklyn looked behind Goliath. A fourth figure stood there. He nudged his rookery brother's.
Goliath smiled, and took her hand. "This is Angela, my daughter."
"Welcome to our clan, child." Hudson said embracing her. "Where did you find her?" He asked in disbelief.
"On Avalon, with the rest of our clan's eggs, all hatched and grown. But that's not all. We found gargoyles in Japan, Guatamala, London..."
"Yes, we met your friend, Griff." Hudson interrupted. "But he didn't say anything about gargoyles surviving across the world." Then taking Angela's hands, tears filled his eyes "We're not the last. We're not alone."
"I'm Broadway. This is Lexington and Brooklyn. And these are for you." He handed her a mostly empty box of chocolates.
"Or, uh, at least what's left of 'em." Brooklyn said sardonically.
"Well, I didn't know she was coming."
Angela popped one of the chocolates into her mouth. "Mmmm, I think I'm gonna like it here."
"I imagine you have much to tell us." Hudson stated.
"Nothing more important than this: our journey is ended. Avalon has released us from our quest. We are home."
"Goliath, I would speak with you. " Anastasia said appearing behind them.
"How did you find us?" Goliath asked.
"I will show you." She said and transformed into Titanya.
The others looked at each other with disbelief.
* * *
"How could he desert me now?" Xanatos said inserting the disk.
"Well at least he left you well armed." Petros offered.
"In theory anyway." Xanatos said, and pressed a button.
Instantly a force field surrounded the Eyrie, making it impenetrable.
* * *
"The child belongs with us in Avalon, but I fear my daughter won't cooperate. I seek your help in protecting both mother and child during the imminent battle."
"Experience has taught me that nothing should come between a parent and child, not even if that parent is Xanatos."
"Have you forgotten how I helped your clan on Avalon?" Titanya sneered.
Goliath shook his head. "No. But that does not justify what you are about to do."
"So, you will not help."Titanya said angrily. "But neither will you interfere, or Oberon will crush you with a thought." Titanya said, pointing a convicting finger and disappearing.
"Goliath. . . ?"
"I thought that Avalon had released us. But it seems that we were sent to Manhattan because of the danger here. We must go to the Eyrie Building at once."
* * *
Jessondra stood at the computer entering some last minute changes, when Anastasia, appeared behind her.
"Hello, child."
Jesse jumped and spun around. "Hi."
"I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm Anastasia, Fox's mother."
"I'm Jessondra. Mr. and Mrs. Xanatos adopted me."
"Well, then I guess that would make me your grandmother. Jessondra...where have I heard that name before."
Jesse shrugged and continued her work on the computer.
"Do you have a pass to be in here, this is a restricted area." Came a stuffy voice from behind them.
Anastasia whirled around to see Owen standing in the doorway. "Why, Mr. Burnette, Jessondra and I were just getting to know one another. No harm done."
"And I ask again, Do you have a pass?" Owen said not moving.
"No I don't." She said and allowed Owen to escort her out of the room.
"Okay, what's the big idea?!" Anastasia asked
"I know what you're planning Titanya." Owen said.
"How do you know who I am?"
Owen whirled around and around in a circle, when he emerged, he was about a foot shorter, and well, had become fey.
"So, this is where you've been hiding, Puck. Right in front of my nose the whole time." Anastasia said, becoming Titanya.
"Leave the girl alone." He stated firmly.
"I knew it. It's her, isn't it?" Titanya asked. "Does she still have magic in her?"
"That is not your concern." Puck said folding his arms. "Leave her alone, she is not yours to take care of."
"Does Oberon know?" She asked. "Does he know that his daughter is right in plain sight?"
* * *
Oberon stood outside the force field in his human form. He walked up and touched it. "Mmm, impressive what these mortals can achieve with their science. Nevertheless. You cannot thwart the will of Oberon." He raised his hands nothing happened.
This angered Oberon. He lifted a car and hurled it at the force field.
It blew up and steaming ashes flew past him.
Officer Morgan ran up to him. "What's goin' on here? Were you in that car? Sir, you may have a concussion. Are you feeling sleepy?"
"No, but you are." Oberon said through clenched teeth. Officer Morgan fell to the ground.
"Sleep! Sleep! Sleep!" Oberon shouted. As it reverberated across Manhattan, every living human fell asleep right where they were. Cars crashed into each other, surgeons fell asleep at the operating table, and everybody at the T.V. station left the sleeping people watch sleeping people.
* * *
"It looks like the whole city is asleep." Lexington said as they flew over the city.
"Oberon's handiwork. It must be." Goliath said.
"He's that powerful, and we're going up against him? Why are we risking our necks to help Xanatos? " Brooklyn asked.
"I know the pain of being separated from my child. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. " Goliath said, and glided ahead of them.
Hudson looked at Angela. "You've had quite an influence."
"It's mutual." She said, then glided to catch up with her father.
* * *
Jesse stood at the edge of the closed door, listening to the conversation between Puck and Titanya. What she was hearing, was frightening. How could she possibly be Oberon's daughter? That was just nonsense. Her father was a Viking, who had raped her mother. Or was he? She didn't want anything but to be back in Scotland, where her only worry was whether or not she would be banished for sleeping with a gargoyle. But no. Life had to go and get complex. New tears threatened to fall.
An explosion jolted the three from what they were doing. Owen ran back in.
"Jesse, what happened?"
"Major power failure to the force field generators." She answered typing up the stats. Owen muttered something under his breath, and ran from the room.
"Owen!? Wait a minute!" She got up to go after him, but he had shut the door and locked it. From the outside.
* * *
"This altercation is over!" Oberon sighed. "Finally, all the nuisances have been eliminated."
"I'm afraid, my lord, there's one nuisance left." Oberon spun around. There stood Owen rolling up his sleeve to reveal his stone arm.
"Do you think a stone fist will stop me, human?"
"Owen. . .I knew you'd come back." Xanatos said softly.
"It was against my better judgment, Mr. Xanatos, I assure you. Nevertheless." He placed his glasses in his pocket and began spinning around.
"Heeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrre's Puck!"
* * *
"Somebody, let me out of here!" Jesse said banging on the door. "Hello? Can anyone hear me?" She gave up and sat back in her chair, determined to fix the generator problem.
* * *
"So, my servant, Puck, ignores our summons to serve a human." Oberon sneered.
"I-I know what you're thinking, how the mighty have fallen. But I can explain."
"Owen has all sorts of hidden talents." Xanatos smirked.
"I am uninterested in your explanation. Stand aside or suffer the consequences."
"But it's such a good explanation, and I brought visual aids."
* * *
With one more click of the mouse, the generator was up and running again.
"Yess!" She clicked on the security icon that was labeled locks, and unbolted her prison door.
* * *
"Oberon does not compromise." he stood from where he had fallen. "Oberon commands!!!!" He disappeared and reappeared in Fox's bedroom.
Fox picked up her laser cannon.
"Titania! Let us conclude this business so that we may return home."
"As you wish, my lord." She said appearing beside him.
"It is time to relinquish the child."
Fox raised her weapon. "Over my dead body."
"As you wish!"
She fired at him, but the blast bounced off of him and hit her. Fox fell to the floor, unable to get up.
Puck, Xanatos, and Goliath ran into the room. Titanya froze them where they stood.
Oberon walked over to the cradle. The baby began crying.
"No." Fox moaned, trying to get up. "NO!" she shrieked, lifting off the floor. She shot a green witch bolt at Oberon, blasting him through the wall.
Fox collapsed back to the ground.
"Ooo, you hurt him with that one." Puck said. "Do it again."
"I-I can't. I'm trying."
"How did you do that?" Titanya asked.
"I don't know. I don't know. I just couldn't let him take my baby!"
Oberon floated back into the room, seething. "I have had enough!!"
"Wait, your majesty." Goliath said. "This changes everything."
Titanya waved her hand, dropping the force field. Goliath stepped forward and bowed before Oberon.
"Fox's outburst renders this battle unnecessary. If she can tap a talent so woefully underdeveloped, the child can certainly be taught to harness his powers here. He needn't go to Avalon to realize his full potential. He can stay with his parents. Frankly, it would be less trouble for you."
Oberon thought about this for a minute. "Mmmm, but The Gathering has begun. Who would train the boy in the use of his powers?"
"What about him?" Goliath pointed to Puck.
"Yes, what about him?"
"I've got a sunny disposition and I'm always kind to animals." Puck smiled.
"Puck would make a fine teacher." Titanya stated. "He wishes to stay and he is already protective of the boy."
"I suppose I could give the little tyke a few pointers." Puck said, tickling Alex's chin.
"Very well, Puck, you have made your choice, and now you shall live with it, forever. You are eternally banished from Avalon, Puck. Never again will you sample its paradise."
"No, wait! Not eternally!" Puck said, suddenly not wanting to make this deal. He began to glow and screamed in agony.
"We hereby strip you of all your powers, save when you are training or protecting the boy. Such is your punishment, so speaks Oberon."
Puck fell to the floor. "Please, my lord, please reconsider. I'll do anything."
"Pathetic."
Puck slowly transformed back into Owen. "Forgive me, my lord. You must do as you see fit. I will stay here with young Alexander."
Oberon sighed. "Come, my queen. Never have I so badly desired departure."
"W-what about the city?" Goliath asked. "Everyone is still asleep."
"The humans will awaken in the morning, and this will seem naught but a midsummer night's dream."
"Allow me one moment more, my lord." Titanya walked up to her daughter. "Be well, Fox. I plan to look in on you and Alexander from time to time."
"Must you?"
"Why are you angry? Didn't things work out to your satisfaction?"
"That hardly changes what you tried to do."
"What makes you think this isn't exactly what I've been trying to do from the beginning?" She whispered into Fox's ear, and kissed her on the cheek. Then, joining her husband, she said, "'Til we meet again."
"Which, for your sakes, had better not be soon." Oberon said then they turned and disappeared.
Xanatos and the Gargoyles left the room, leaving Fox and Owen.
"So you're the famous trickster. I never would have guessed."
"I prefer not to talk about it." Owen said stiffly.
Jesse came running in, out of breath.
"And where have you been?" Fox asked putting her hands on her hips.
Jesse glared at Owen. "I was locked up, unexpectedly, but I got the generator's going again."
"Good girl." Fox said. "Maybe we can get along, after all."
"You're not gonna hug me are you?" Jesse asked taking a step back.
Fox laughed.
* * *
June 27, 1996
Elisa walked into her parents house. "Hey! I'm home!"
"Oh Elisa! Finally. I thought Avalon would never release you." Diane said, hugging her.
"Where's Jesse?"
Diane was silent. She turned away.
"Mom, what's wrong?"
"Jesse. . .was adopted."
"Oh. By who?"
Diane sighed, not wanting to go on. "David and Fox Xanatos."
"What?!"
"Elisa, I'm sorry. I had no control over it. I can't fight the state."
"I'm gone for, what was it, a month? I'm gone for one month, and you can't keep them away from her??!!"
"Elisa, stop yelling at me!" Diane said raising her voice, a trait that all her children knew was a good time to shut their mouths. "I cannot fight, what the state thinks is in her best interest. Matt has everyone keeping a close eye on them. As soon as they mess up, she's back in foster care, with us."
"I'm not gonna stand around and let that maniac get away with this." Elisa said and walked out the door.