CHAPTER THREE
1400's Paris, France
After traveling the world, as a butler, a pirate, and a holy man, Puck walked into the village, looking around for something to occupy his time. He was passing through to Spain. Wine, women, and song he had heard rumors praise. He wasn't watching where he was going and bumped into a young woman, carrying drawings. "I'm sorry."
"No, I'm sorry, mousier. I wasn't watching where I was going."
Puck smiled as he picked up a drawing of a fairy. He looked at her. Her corn silk hair flowed in a long braid down her back. Her blue eyes and rosy cheeks made her child-like, just like him. Even her skin was pale. He helped her pick up her drawings, "My name is Robin."
The girl smiled, "Cheri."
"So, you like fairies?" he asked lifting a picture.
"Yes, very much." Puck took her arm and carried her drawings, "Well, I could tell you stories."
Paris, France -- Two Years Later
Puck walked over to a man, covered in boils with the plague. He swiped the towel across the man's face. HE smiled at Puck, "Thank you."
Puck nodded. He had come to Paris just two years before the plague hit. He had volunteered at the local hospital, giving relief to the sick. They died in peace and not agony. Puck threw his towels into a basin. He waved to the doctor and left the hospital. It was a beautiful summer night in Paris. His human form loved the way his skin felt against his silk shirt and the way the warm summer breeze felt on his face. It reminded him of Avalon. HE was passing the local cemetery when he felt a magickal tingle. HE squeezed into the gap in the bars and walked through the cemetery. Even thing in his body was yelling at him to leave, as if the dead mortal souls could reach up and take his own immortal soul away out of jealousy. HE saw the figure, cloaked and kneeling before a gravestone. Puck walked over, trying to see if it was one of his own. The figure stood, sensing his presence. Puck took this as a sign that it was some of Avalon's presence, "How now sprite?"
The figure, uncloaked, Oberon smiled, "Hello, Puck."
"Lord Oberon," Puck gasped, bowing.
"Rise, Puck."
Puck stood, "What are you doing here?"
"Being human." Puck noticed that with his human disguise, which consisted of pale skin, human ears, and a foot shorter, they looked even more alike than before. Puck looked down at the grave, "Who's Aduis Fey?"
"My father."
Puck looked at Oberon, tears in his eyes, "But he's dead How?"
Oberon frowned, "I told you the story of my father. He left my mother to become a mortal to be with the woman he loved. I hated my mother for a long time for something she didn't have any control over and I hated him for leaving. I visited him once in the mortal world, but he sent me away. He said he didn't belong among our kind anymore. I guess I'm proving him wrong."
"By casting your own children out into the mortal world."
Oberon nodded, "I'm sorry for your loss. Coyote said you lost your mortal wife to this disease."
Puck looked at Oberon. It was weird to be eye level with him without floating, "I lost her and the child she had within her. I hate you for sending us here. Was this the humanity I was suppose to learn?"
Oberon sighed, "In a way, yes."
"What of Titania?"
"She is in England, acting as Queen. And true to her word, she has not married nor has she birthed an heir for her kingdom. Human history is going to be hectic when she gets bored with her role."
"I'm surprised you haven't stopped her, with her interfering in human affairs and all."
Oberon gave Puck a hard look, "In the time I have been here I have learned it is impossible not to interfere, it's just a matter now of how much."
They were silent for a few moments. Oberon found it humorous that only he knew that two brothers were standing over their father's grave. Puck cleared his throat, "So, how long are you in Paris?"
"Just tonight."
"Well, then merry meet to you and merry part until we merry meet again, My Lord Oberon."
"Same to you, my Puck. I know it hurts now, but the pain of your loss will diminish."
"But it will never die. I forgot she wasn't one of us, and I let myself love her too much."
Oberon folded his arms, "There is no such thing, my young Puck."
Puck nodded, walking out of the cemetery. As he did, Puck thought about a new role he could play. Paris was not friendly anymore.
1987 Renard's office
"Mr. Burnett, I'd like for you to meet my wife, Anastasia."
Owen Burnett turned to come face to face with Titania in human form. He stared at her and then at the young woman, crossing her arms, to her mother's side. As if Titania knew, she introduced, "Mr. Burnett, this is my daughter Janine."
"Daughter?" he said just above a whisper, extending his hand. The wild child took his hand, "I like to be called Fox."
"I'll remember that, Fox." The woman smiled and Owen saw her untapped powers run through her eyes. She asked her mother to leave and she agreed. Fox ran out, kissing her father goodbye. Renard excused himself. Owen turned to Titania, "You bear a mortal a child, but not your Lord, oh yeah, that's going to go over well."
Titania, as Anastasia, chuckled, "Watch out Puck, Owen might crack with so much emotion. I love Renard very much. He is everything I have ever wanted in a husband and father."
Owen rubbed his temples, "Why do I even bother with you?"
Anastasia closed the door, turning into Puck, "Because you care too much." Owen turned into Puck, "No, I meant why do I bother trying to save you from our Lord's wrath. I'm starting to believe you deserve it."
Titania stopped in her tracks, "You don't believe that."
"I do. IN almost a thousand years, you have not learned anything."
Titania frowned, "I have learned to love, Puck. I love that child like no other."
"But she has no clue what she really is."
"And as long as she lives in this world, she will never know."
"What about the Gathering? What if he calls us back tomorrow?" Titania was speechless. "You never thought about that, did you? You have raised this child as a human. He won't allow she to come with us. Her children, maybe, if they are taken young, but never her."
Titania's face lit up, "Her children?"
"Yeah. Oberon would allow an inactive hybrid into Avalon. And you and I both know that a hybrid is only active during the first year of its life. After that, they have to have some trauma or stress to befall them in order to trigger the magick in them." He huffed, returning to Owen, "I can't do this anymore. Tell Renard I'm sorry but I'm going to work for Xanatos."
"Janine's boyfriend?"
Owen opened the door, "No, Fox's."
Owen walked out of Renard's building to see Xanatos and Janine waiting at the car. They looked at him with devilish smiles. He walked up to Xanatos. Before Owen could say anything, David Xanatos said, "Welcome to Xanatos Enterprises, Mr. Burnett."
"How did you know?" Owen asked.
Janine wrapped her arms around David's waist, "I was sent to check you out. You passed."
Owen smiled. This felt right. This was right. After almost a thousand years, he felt like he finally found his place. He got into the limo with the couple, wondering what great things the three of them would accomplish.
1994
Owen opened the package that Mr. Xanatos had just received. He knew it was the Grimorium. It had taken almost four years to track it down and another year to convince the owner to sell it. Owen felt pride. It had taken his own detective work to discover some black secrets the owner had in his past, which changed the owner's mind about selling. He wrapped the book from the terrycloth sheet. He placed the book in front of him and traced the symbol. He opened the book with ease and flipped through some pages. The pages cracked and feel open to a certain page. Owen looked at it and read the apparent story that did not involve gargoyles. It was about a Queen who was overthrown by her son, banished into limbo. The youngest son was kept as a servant. Owen sat back in his chair swinging it to the right to look out at the city. The story was sooo familiar he felt personally involved. He had heard similar storied over the millennium about fairies at the corner storytellers in Europe. Even Cheri, his beloved mortal love, had told him a similar story. He turned back to the desk to take the book in his hand and placed it in his lap. He continued to read about the legend then he reached a spell. The spell was written by one of the Fey and was said to release the son from the binding his brother had placed on him. Owen laughed, "Why not...I'm bored." He traced his finger over the spell. He took a deep breath and said the ancient Fey words carefully.
The book shone and sent a powerful current up Owen's arms, turning him into Puck. He screamed out loud from the pain. He threw the book to fall to his knees, holding his head. Memories kept form him from Oberon. Oberon..his BROTHER! The current stopped and Puck, panting tried to get up without results. His body was too weak, so he crumbled back down turning on his back. He remembered everything. His mother, Mab, Oberon was his brother, the day of his birth...even the time he almost broke the binding spell when he was a mere child. Everything. Puck couldn't move he was so weak but he could cry and that's what he did: cry.
In Limbo,
Mab's eyes got glassy and she snapped her head up air. Puck, he broke the spell. Mab smiled, "Soon Oberon..soon."
Back in Owen's Office,
Puck, after regaining some strength, walked around the room. HE understood everything now. His powers were stronger than anything he ever could imagine. He wondered if Oberon felt this way. And he had a mother. Diji, all those years ago was right, my mother would always love me. He frowned, that Adius Fey was also his father. Now, he had to figure out how to confront Oberon, but before he could, Xanatos walked into the office. He gasped, dropping all his papers, "What the hell are you? Where's Owen?"
"Hold on, Davie. We gotta talk."
In Limbo,
Mab sat on a stool in a garden she created to occupy her time. Limbo was not as bad as she first thought. It seemed that all souls, gargoyles, humans, and a few Fey came through here before crossing over to their next life. A few had stopped to talk to her others, confused, just floated by. Today she was not paying attention. It was Puck's birthday and she was going to celebrate it by planting a new flower. She stood up to wipe her brow when a familiar essence caught her attention. She tuned to see herself face to face with Adius or what was Adius. She went to speak but he touched her mouth. "Hello, Mab. I thought it was you but I wasn't sure. What happened?"
Mab smiled, "Your son sent me here."
Adius frowned, "Oberon?" Mab nodded and told him the story about Oberon and Puck. Afterwards, the ghost floated in thin air with a worried look. "I don't believe it."
Mab sighed, "Believe it. I've been stuck here for over 2,000 years..not that I'm counting or anything. The only good news I have is that Puck knows who he is now. Somehow the spell Oberon placed on him was broken."
Adius signed, "I'm sorry I caused so much trouble."
Mab laughed, "No you're not. Why are you here?"
"Well, I may have been mortal but my soul was immortal. So, I'm to spend the rest of eternity in this place. It's not so bad. I've been able to watch my children and their children and so on. And it just so happens that my great, great, great ,great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great,great..you get the point grandson married Titania. "
Mab smiled, "I know that was going to happen but I never knew you would be related."
Adius jumped up, "I have a great idea! Children are created her and wait being born. What if we taught the child how to help Puck defeat Oberon."
Mab shook her head, "I don't understand?"
Adius drew a circle in the air and an image of a beautiful girl with flaming red hair appeared, "This is Fox, Titania's daughter. She is about to get married to Xanatos..."
Mab snapped, "That's the name of the man Puck is working for as a human. Now I see. You are thinking this two will have a baby so if we watch for it, we can give it enough power.."
"To bring Oberon down and you back to the throne."
Mab rung her hands with an evil smile upon her face, "I like the way you think, Adius. Take me to where these children are made and let's look for our new pupil."
They reached a cove of pure energy. Lights of all shapes, colors, and sizes flew around. Mab and Adius saw the spirit of children sleeping or playing. Adius went up to one crib and looked in, "Here he is..Alex."
Mab looked in at the baby, "He has Titania's spirit."
Adius chuckled, "More like Fox's..she is a pip." Adius reached into the crib, "Alex, Alex..wake up."
The little red head squirmed and looked at the two strangers. He sat up, "Hello."
Mab smiled, "Hello, sweetheart. How would you like to help us out?"
Xanatos' Office.
Puck was not having a good time adjusting to his new powers. He got tired so easily and frustrated even quicker. His powers were telling him something big was coming. Puck was sitting at Xanatos' private bar drunk. Xanatos walked in and smiled at Puck, "Hello. I haven't seen you in awhile."
Puck hiccupped, "You see me everyday Davie."
Xanatos walked behind the bar to see two empty bottles of gin and vodka with coke cans scattered all over the floor, "Well, I meant the REAL you, Puck. I see you've been drinking."
Puck smiled, "Alittle. SO, why are you all gitty."
Xanatos poured himself a drink, "Well, I just found out that I'm going to be a father."
Puck choked on his drink, "What? Is it Fox?"
"Of course it's Fox. I have no reason to cheat on her. Surprisingly, I love her too much."
Puck wiped his chin, "That's a very dangerous thing, to love someone too much. Where is she now?"
Xanatos waved his arm over to the glass window, "She went to tell her father on his hovercraft."
Puck looked down at his glass, "Oh."
Xanatos saw the reaction, "You don't seem that pleased. What? You don't think I can handle a baby?"
Puck looked up at Xanatos, deep blue eyes racing with confusion, "I'm not worried about you, sir. I'm worried about whether the baby will be able to handle you."
Xanatos frowned, "And what does THAT mean?!"
Puck jumped off his stool, finishing his drink, and began to leave. As he left he called back to Xanatos, "You know the difference between a pregnant lady and a light bulb?
Xanatos answered, "No, what?"
Puck stopped and turned his head, "You can't unscrew the pregnant lady." Before Xanatos could react Puck transported himself to his room. Xanatos stood at the bar, amazed. What did Puck know? Or was it the alcohol?
Back in Puck's room, he was pacing back and forth, deciding whether to tell Titania or not. It was her daughter and she knew that he was here. "Ahh crap..to be moral or not to be moral."
Puck sat next to his mirror and leaned against it. He had always felt comfortable near the mirror. It was almost as if someone was stroking his head telling him that everything was ok. He was so drunk that he succumbed to the affection and fell asleep. Mab smiled as she pulled her arm back into the mirror. Adius was there too, smiling at Puck. He looked at Mab and nodded in approval before they both disappeared.
The next morning, Puck was still sitting on the ground. He was awoken to giggling in the hallway. It was Fox. He slowly stood up, holding his head, and reverted to Owen. He opened the door to see Fox on a portable, telling someone about the new arrival-to-be. Owen couldn't help but look at her stomach. There it was..the baby..the heir to the Xanatos fortune. He touched the essence and it touched back. Owen smiled, it was a boy. And he possessed more magick than his mother ever could imagine. Owen was surprised that he actually felt happy and excited about this child. Fox turned and saw him looking at her, "Owen?"
Owen snapped out of his trace, "Yes?"
Fox smiled, "David told you."
Owen smiled and nodded, "Yes, congratulations."
Fox nodded and continued to walk down the hall. As she passed him he felt that surge of power from the phone. It was Titania on the other end. Good. Now, he didn't have to tell her. Owen, not realizing he was leaning against the doorframe, pushed off and headed to get some food.
In Limbo,
Mab was giggling, "Alex stop squirming." The baby Alex flew around in limbo playing with the strange lady and the ghost man. Alex stopped and floated into Mab's arms. Mab looked at Adius, "He's just like you."
Adius shrugged, "Hey Alex. Do you understand what we have been telling you?"
Alex smiled, "I think so. I'm suppose to find the man with white hair and looks like you. I'm suppose to tell him the secret you told me and then everything will be ok."
Mab laughed, "That's right. Just remember you need to find the one named Puck not Oberon. Oberon is a bad man and he will hurt you."
Alex nodded, "SO when do I leave?"
Adius fingered the aura around Alex, "Soon enough."
Alex frowned, "Will you come with me?"
Adius smiled, "I'm always with you. Even if you can't see me, I'm watching everything you do. Just remember that when you get older."
Alex turned his head to Mab, "Will you come with me?"
Mab hugged him, "Oh Alex, I wish I could go with you, but I'm stuck here until you give the secret to Puck. I promise we will be together again."
Alex just nodded and hugged Mab tighter.
9 months later.........
Owen watched Fox hum to her enlarge stomach. He could feel the baby's power being soothed by Fox's voice. Close, so close, thought Puck. It was amazing how strong this kid was going to be. He watched Fox as if she were a piece of glass carrying a diamond within. They were sitting together on the couch reading. Owen had finally gotten back into his book when Fox yelped. "Whoa..Owen go get David. I think it's time."
Owen nodded and walked to find Xanatos. He wasn't to stressed. Fox had had two false alarms in a week and he thought it was just another one. When he found Xanatos and told him, Xanatos reacted in a similar fashion that was until Fox let out a blood-cuddling yell.
She was prepped and shaking from the pain. Owen was getting dizzy from the power the little baby, or Alex as they had decided, was creating. Fox went into full labor and Owen left to greet the grandparents.
1400's Paris, France
After traveling the world, as a butler, a pirate, and a holy man, Puck walked into the village, looking around for something to occupy his time. He was passing through to Spain. Wine, women, and song he had heard rumors praise. He wasn't watching where he was going and bumped into a young woman, carrying drawings. "I'm sorry."
"No, I'm sorry, mousier. I wasn't watching where I was going."
Puck smiled as he picked up a drawing of a fairy. He looked at her. Her corn silk hair flowed in a long braid down her back. Her blue eyes and rosy cheeks made her child-like, just like him. Even her skin was pale. He helped her pick up her drawings, "My name is Robin."
The girl smiled, "Cheri."
"So, you like fairies?" he asked lifting a picture.
"Yes, very much." Puck took her arm and carried her drawings, "Well, I could tell you stories."
Paris, France -- Two Years Later
Puck walked over to a man, covered in boils with the plague. He swiped the towel across the man's face. HE smiled at Puck, "Thank you."
Puck nodded. He had come to Paris just two years before the plague hit. He had volunteered at the local hospital, giving relief to the sick. They died in peace and not agony. Puck threw his towels into a basin. He waved to the doctor and left the hospital. It was a beautiful summer night in Paris. His human form loved the way his skin felt against his silk shirt and the way the warm summer breeze felt on his face. It reminded him of Avalon. HE was passing the local cemetery when he felt a magickal tingle. HE squeezed into the gap in the bars and walked through the cemetery. Even thing in his body was yelling at him to leave, as if the dead mortal souls could reach up and take his own immortal soul away out of jealousy. HE saw the figure, cloaked and kneeling before a gravestone. Puck walked over, trying to see if it was one of his own. The figure stood, sensing his presence. Puck took this as a sign that it was some of Avalon's presence, "How now sprite?"
The figure, uncloaked, Oberon smiled, "Hello, Puck."
"Lord Oberon," Puck gasped, bowing.
"Rise, Puck."
Puck stood, "What are you doing here?"
"Being human." Puck noticed that with his human disguise, which consisted of pale skin, human ears, and a foot shorter, they looked even more alike than before. Puck looked down at the grave, "Who's Aduis Fey?"
"My father."
Puck looked at Oberon, tears in his eyes, "But he's dead How?"
Oberon frowned, "I told you the story of my father. He left my mother to become a mortal to be with the woman he loved. I hated my mother for a long time for something she didn't have any control over and I hated him for leaving. I visited him once in the mortal world, but he sent me away. He said he didn't belong among our kind anymore. I guess I'm proving him wrong."
"By casting your own children out into the mortal world."
Oberon nodded, "I'm sorry for your loss. Coyote said you lost your mortal wife to this disease."
Puck looked at Oberon. It was weird to be eye level with him without floating, "I lost her and the child she had within her. I hate you for sending us here. Was this the humanity I was suppose to learn?"
Oberon sighed, "In a way, yes."
"What of Titania?"
"She is in England, acting as Queen. And true to her word, she has not married nor has she birthed an heir for her kingdom. Human history is going to be hectic when she gets bored with her role."
"I'm surprised you haven't stopped her, with her interfering in human affairs and all."
Oberon gave Puck a hard look, "In the time I have been here I have learned it is impossible not to interfere, it's just a matter now of how much."
They were silent for a few moments. Oberon found it humorous that only he knew that two brothers were standing over their father's grave. Puck cleared his throat, "So, how long are you in Paris?"
"Just tonight."
"Well, then merry meet to you and merry part until we merry meet again, My Lord Oberon."
"Same to you, my Puck. I know it hurts now, but the pain of your loss will diminish."
"But it will never die. I forgot she wasn't one of us, and I let myself love her too much."
Oberon folded his arms, "There is no such thing, my young Puck."
Puck nodded, walking out of the cemetery. As he did, Puck thought about a new role he could play. Paris was not friendly anymore.
1987 Renard's office
"Mr. Burnett, I'd like for you to meet my wife, Anastasia."
Owen Burnett turned to come face to face with Titania in human form. He stared at her and then at the young woman, crossing her arms, to her mother's side. As if Titania knew, she introduced, "Mr. Burnett, this is my daughter Janine."
"Daughter?" he said just above a whisper, extending his hand. The wild child took his hand, "I like to be called Fox."
"I'll remember that, Fox." The woman smiled and Owen saw her untapped powers run through her eyes. She asked her mother to leave and she agreed. Fox ran out, kissing her father goodbye. Renard excused himself. Owen turned to Titania, "You bear a mortal a child, but not your Lord, oh yeah, that's going to go over well."
Titania, as Anastasia, chuckled, "Watch out Puck, Owen might crack with so much emotion. I love Renard very much. He is everything I have ever wanted in a husband and father."
Owen rubbed his temples, "Why do I even bother with you?"
Anastasia closed the door, turning into Puck, "Because you care too much." Owen turned into Puck, "No, I meant why do I bother trying to save you from our Lord's wrath. I'm starting to believe you deserve it."
Titania stopped in her tracks, "You don't believe that."
"I do. IN almost a thousand years, you have not learned anything."
Titania frowned, "I have learned to love, Puck. I love that child like no other."
"But she has no clue what she really is."
"And as long as she lives in this world, she will never know."
"What about the Gathering? What if he calls us back tomorrow?" Titania was speechless. "You never thought about that, did you? You have raised this child as a human. He won't allow she to come with us. Her children, maybe, if they are taken young, but never her."
Titania's face lit up, "Her children?"
"Yeah. Oberon would allow an inactive hybrid into Avalon. And you and I both know that a hybrid is only active during the first year of its life. After that, they have to have some trauma or stress to befall them in order to trigger the magick in them." He huffed, returning to Owen, "I can't do this anymore. Tell Renard I'm sorry but I'm going to work for Xanatos."
"Janine's boyfriend?"
Owen opened the door, "No, Fox's."
Owen walked out of Renard's building to see Xanatos and Janine waiting at the car. They looked at him with devilish smiles. He walked up to Xanatos. Before Owen could say anything, David Xanatos said, "Welcome to Xanatos Enterprises, Mr. Burnett."
"How did you know?" Owen asked.
Janine wrapped her arms around David's waist, "I was sent to check you out. You passed."
Owen smiled. This felt right. This was right. After almost a thousand years, he felt like he finally found his place. He got into the limo with the couple, wondering what great things the three of them would accomplish.
1994
Owen opened the package that Mr. Xanatos had just received. He knew it was the Grimorium. It had taken almost four years to track it down and another year to convince the owner to sell it. Owen felt pride. It had taken his own detective work to discover some black secrets the owner had in his past, which changed the owner's mind about selling. He wrapped the book from the terrycloth sheet. He placed the book in front of him and traced the symbol. He opened the book with ease and flipped through some pages. The pages cracked and feel open to a certain page. Owen looked at it and read the apparent story that did not involve gargoyles. It was about a Queen who was overthrown by her son, banished into limbo. The youngest son was kept as a servant. Owen sat back in his chair swinging it to the right to look out at the city. The story was sooo familiar he felt personally involved. He had heard similar storied over the millennium about fairies at the corner storytellers in Europe. Even Cheri, his beloved mortal love, had told him a similar story. He turned back to the desk to take the book in his hand and placed it in his lap. He continued to read about the legend then he reached a spell. The spell was written by one of the Fey and was said to release the son from the binding his brother had placed on him. Owen laughed, "Why not...I'm bored." He traced his finger over the spell. He took a deep breath and said the ancient Fey words carefully.
The book shone and sent a powerful current up Owen's arms, turning him into Puck. He screamed out loud from the pain. He threw the book to fall to his knees, holding his head. Memories kept form him from Oberon. Oberon..his BROTHER! The current stopped and Puck, panting tried to get up without results. His body was too weak, so he crumbled back down turning on his back. He remembered everything. His mother, Mab, Oberon was his brother, the day of his birth...even the time he almost broke the binding spell when he was a mere child. Everything. Puck couldn't move he was so weak but he could cry and that's what he did: cry.
In Limbo,
Mab's eyes got glassy and she snapped her head up air. Puck, he broke the spell. Mab smiled, "Soon Oberon..soon."
Back in Owen's Office,
Puck, after regaining some strength, walked around the room. HE understood everything now. His powers were stronger than anything he ever could imagine. He wondered if Oberon felt this way. And he had a mother. Diji, all those years ago was right, my mother would always love me. He frowned, that Adius Fey was also his father. Now, he had to figure out how to confront Oberon, but before he could, Xanatos walked into the office. He gasped, dropping all his papers, "What the hell are you? Where's Owen?"
"Hold on, Davie. We gotta talk."
In Limbo,
Mab sat on a stool in a garden she created to occupy her time. Limbo was not as bad as she first thought. It seemed that all souls, gargoyles, humans, and a few Fey came through here before crossing over to their next life. A few had stopped to talk to her others, confused, just floated by. Today she was not paying attention. It was Puck's birthday and she was going to celebrate it by planting a new flower. She stood up to wipe her brow when a familiar essence caught her attention. She tuned to see herself face to face with Adius or what was Adius. She went to speak but he touched her mouth. "Hello, Mab. I thought it was you but I wasn't sure. What happened?"
Mab smiled, "Your son sent me here."
Adius frowned, "Oberon?" Mab nodded and told him the story about Oberon and Puck. Afterwards, the ghost floated in thin air with a worried look. "I don't believe it."
Mab sighed, "Believe it. I've been stuck here for over 2,000 years..not that I'm counting or anything. The only good news I have is that Puck knows who he is now. Somehow the spell Oberon placed on him was broken."
Adius signed, "I'm sorry I caused so much trouble."
Mab laughed, "No you're not. Why are you here?"
"Well, I may have been mortal but my soul was immortal. So, I'm to spend the rest of eternity in this place. It's not so bad. I've been able to watch my children and their children and so on. And it just so happens that my great, great, great ,great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great,great..you get the point grandson married Titania. "
Mab smiled, "I know that was going to happen but I never knew you would be related."
Adius jumped up, "I have a great idea! Children are created her and wait being born. What if we taught the child how to help Puck defeat Oberon."
Mab shook her head, "I don't understand?"
Adius drew a circle in the air and an image of a beautiful girl with flaming red hair appeared, "This is Fox, Titania's daughter. She is about to get married to Xanatos..."
Mab snapped, "That's the name of the man Puck is working for as a human. Now I see. You are thinking this two will have a baby so if we watch for it, we can give it enough power.."
"To bring Oberon down and you back to the throne."
Mab rung her hands with an evil smile upon her face, "I like the way you think, Adius. Take me to where these children are made and let's look for our new pupil."
They reached a cove of pure energy. Lights of all shapes, colors, and sizes flew around. Mab and Adius saw the spirit of children sleeping or playing. Adius went up to one crib and looked in, "Here he is..Alex."
Mab looked in at the baby, "He has Titania's spirit."
Adius chuckled, "More like Fox's..she is a pip." Adius reached into the crib, "Alex, Alex..wake up."
The little red head squirmed and looked at the two strangers. He sat up, "Hello."
Mab smiled, "Hello, sweetheart. How would you like to help us out?"
Xanatos' Office.
Puck was not having a good time adjusting to his new powers. He got tired so easily and frustrated even quicker. His powers were telling him something big was coming. Puck was sitting at Xanatos' private bar drunk. Xanatos walked in and smiled at Puck, "Hello. I haven't seen you in awhile."
Puck hiccupped, "You see me everyday Davie."
Xanatos walked behind the bar to see two empty bottles of gin and vodka with coke cans scattered all over the floor, "Well, I meant the REAL you, Puck. I see you've been drinking."
Puck smiled, "Alittle. SO, why are you all gitty."
Xanatos poured himself a drink, "Well, I just found out that I'm going to be a father."
Puck choked on his drink, "What? Is it Fox?"
"Of course it's Fox. I have no reason to cheat on her. Surprisingly, I love her too much."
Puck wiped his chin, "That's a very dangerous thing, to love someone too much. Where is she now?"
Xanatos waved his arm over to the glass window, "She went to tell her father on his hovercraft."
Puck looked down at his glass, "Oh."
Xanatos saw the reaction, "You don't seem that pleased. What? You don't think I can handle a baby?"
Puck looked up at Xanatos, deep blue eyes racing with confusion, "I'm not worried about you, sir. I'm worried about whether the baby will be able to handle you."
Xanatos frowned, "And what does THAT mean?!"
Puck jumped off his stool, finishing his drink, and began to leave. As he left he called back to Xanatos, "You know the difference between a pregnant lady and a light bulb?
Xanatos answered, "No, what?"
Puck stopped and turned his head, "You can't unscrew the pregnant lady." Before Xanatos could react Puck transported himself to his room. Xanatos stood at the bar, amazed. What did Puck know? Or was it the alcohol?
Back in Puck's room, he was pacing back and forth, deciding whether to tell Titania or not. It was her daughter and she knew that he was here. "Ahh crap..to be moral or not to be moral."
Puck sat next to his mirror and leaned against it. He had always felt comfortable near the mirror. It was almost as if someone was stroking his head telling him that everything was ok. He was so drunk that he succumbed to the affection and fell asleep. Mab smiled as she pulled her arm back into the mirror. Adius was there too, smiling at Puck. He looked at Mab and nodded in approval before they both disappeared.
The next morning, Puck was still sitting on the ground. He was awoken to giggling in the hallway. It was Fox. He slowly stood up, holding his head, and reverted to Owen. He opened the door to see Fox on a portable, telling someone about the new arrival-to-be. Owen couldn't help but look at her stomach. There it was..the baby..the heir to the Xanatos fortune. He touched the essence and it touched back. Owen smiled, it was a boy. And he possessed more magick than his mother ever could imagine. Owen was surprised that he actually felt happy and excited about this child. Fox turned and saw him looking at her, "Owen?"
Owen snapped out of his trace, "Yes?"
Fox smiled, "David told you."
Owen smiled and nodded, "Yes, congratulations."
Fox nodded and continued to walk down the hall. As she passed him he felt that surge of power from the phone. It was Titania on the other end. Good. Now, he didn't have to tell her. Owen, not realizing he was leaning against the doorframe, pushed off and headed to get some food.
In Limbo,
Mab was giggling, "Alex stop squirming." The baby Alex flew around in limbo playing with the strange lady and the ghost man. Alex stopped and floated into Mab's arms. Mab looked at Adius, "He's just like you."
Adius shrugged, "Hey Alex. Do you understand what we have been telling you?"
Alex smiled, "I think so. I'm suppose to find the man with white hair and looks like you. I'm suppose to tell him the secret you told me and then everything will be ok."
Mab laughed, "That's right. Just remember you need to find the one named Puck not Oberon. Oberon is a bad man and he will hurt you."
Alex nodded, "SO when do I leave?"
Adius fingered the aura around Alex, "Soon enough."
Alex frowned, "Will you come with me?"
Adius smiled, "I'm always with you. Even if you can't see me, I'm watching everything you do. Just remember that when you get older."
Alex turned his head to Mab, "Will you come with me?"
Mab hugged him, "Oh Alex, I wish I could go with you, but I'm stuck here until you give the secret to Puck. I promise we will be together again."
Alex just nodded and hugged Mab tighter.
9 months later.........
Owen watched Fox hum to her enlarge stomach. He could feel the baby's power being soothed by Fox's voice. Close, so close, thought Puck. It was amazing how strong this kid was going to be. He watched Fox as if she were a piece of glass carrying a diamond within. They were sitting together on the couch reading. Owen had finally gotten back into his book when Fox yelped. "Whoa..Owen go get David. I think it's time."
Owen nodded and walked to find Xanatos. He wasn't to stressed. Fox had had two false alarms in a week and he thought it was just another one. When he found Xanatos and told him, Xanatos reacted in a similar fashion that was until Fox let out a blood-cuddling yell.
She was prepped and shaking from the pain. Owen was getting dizzy from the power the little baby, or Alex as they had decided, was creating. Fox went into full labor and Owen left to greet the grandparents.