PARIS
Cheri was humming to her child kicking within her as she made an apple pie. At six
months pregnant she was finally starting to show. She felt fat and ugly but Puck acted
like she was a goddess. She heard a sound coming from the back door. She took her
rolling pin, lifting it above her head, ready to strike the intruder. She came around the
corner, screaming. Puck screamed too. Cheri laughed, "Why must you scare me so? It's
not good for my heart or the baby."
Puck chuckled, "By the looks of that pin in your hands, it's not good for my
health. I thought you'd be sleeping and I didn't want to wake you."
Cheri threw the pin to the counter, "This baby won't let me sleep. It's moving
around so much playing with my ribs like a xylophone."
"So, it's a musical baby?"
Cheri stuck out her tongue, " I do not find that funny."
Puck took her in his arms, kissing her on the lips. The baby kicked again this time
hitting Puck as well as Cheri. Puck laughed, looking down at her stomach, "Somebody's
jealous."
Cheri nodded, "Extremely. So, have you thought of any names?"
"Well, I like Robin, Jr. I think it has a nice ring to it."
"And if it's a girl?"
"Cheri, Jr."
Cheri laughed, "You can't do that."
"Why not?"
"It's just not done. I was thinking Matilda or Rosalyn if it's a girl."
Puck shook his head no, "No way. What about Christina or Adrienne?"
"Maybe. We still have plenty of time to choose a name. Come, I made some pie."
"Cravings?"
"Yes. Come tell me about your day."
Puck stopped her, "You know I was really scared when you told me you were
pregnant. I didn't think I could handle it. But now, I don't see a burden or problem I see a
little bit of you and a bit of me growing inside of you. I didn't think I could love you or
someone I haven't meet yet so much."
"You know if it's a boy or a girl don't you?"
Puck beamed, "Yeah I do."
Cheri beamed back, kissing him, "Well, don't spoil the surprise for me."
"As you wish."
Puck was snapped back into reality as a wind started to take his paper away. The pages
stopped flipping and Puck noticed an advertisement in big bold letters. Smiling, he
looking up to the sky, "Whoever was watching thank you." His attention was brought
back to the advertisement for the largest funny house in the east coast. It was making a
stop in NYC for a couple nights. Puck grabbed the phone to make sure a few friends and
him had one night.
Brooklyn broke from his stone sleep to see a very happy and smiling Puck waiting for
him. He smiled back, "I'm assuming since your smile is taking up 90 percent of your face
that you have a plan."
Puck nodded, "Yep. You win the booby price?"
"Pamela Anderson?"
Puck chuckled, "You wish."
Brooklyn sighed, "Yes, I do."
Puck motioned for his head, "Would you like to hear my plan?"
Brooklyn jumped down form his perch to see the others looking at him and Puck
like they had just been caught doing something bad. "Do you think we should clue them
in on what we are about to do?"
Puck frowned, "Not really. I don't want to get too many people involved. It's too
risky."
Brooklyn crossed his arms, "I think we need to tell them. You know, just in case."
Brooklyn couldn't finish the statement.
Puck finally nodded, "Fine. Meet me in the Lobby at nine." Puck turned to leave
but Brooklyn grab his arm.
"Have you even told Xanatos?"
Puck looked into Brooklyn's worried face, shaking his head, "No."
Brooklyn let Puck's arm go, surprised, "Maybe you should."
Puck left Brooklyn to tell the others what was going on while he went deeper into
the castle. He was dazing and didn't see Alex until they collided. Puck smiled, "Hey,
Little Prince, what's the hurry?"
"I know you said it was bad, but I heard what you and Brook were talking about.
Please, tell daddy. Please, tell me."
Puck caressed the boy's cheek, "You're right. I haven't been fair to you, have I? I
promised you we'd never have secrets and I broke that promise."
Alex took his uncle's hand, "If you tell me now, you won't break your promise."
Puck squeezed the boy's hand, "OK, let's go get your father. I think he needs to
know too."
Cheri walked into the Valley of Souls, watching the parade of children floating around.
She smiled at them all but one caught her eye. She walked over to a child who was
playing with a teddy bear. He had white hair and blue eyes with little freckles dancing on
his cheeks. Cheri moved behind the child, covering his eyes, "Guess whom?"
The little boy laughed hysterically, "Hi momma."
Cheri let the boy go, letting him turn to hug her. She kissed his forehead, "How's
my angel?"
"Good. Momma, when are we going home?"
Cheri frowned. A year after her death she finally gathered the courage to ask
where her child had gone. The Placement Officer Chuck took her to the Valley of Souls.
She had found him, wanting to just see him once and then leave, but the moment their
eyes locked she knew she couldn't leave him. He had smiled sweetly at her, reaching his
arms out to her. When she embraced him he had whispered, 'Are we going home?' She
didn't have the heart to say no, so she said soon. Cheri smiled at her son, soothing his
unruly hair back, "Soon, sweetie. Very soon." This time she meant it.
Mab and Aduis were playing chess in her garden, both stressed and nervous about what
their sons were about to go through. IN the end, one would win and the other may die.
This did not settle well, for even though Oberon had done some bad things, he was still
their son and they loved him. Mab sighed, "Is it almost time?"
Aduis looked up as a clock passed by. He turned to Mab, "Yes, in a few minutes."
Mab looked over Aduis' shoulder to see Cheri fly to them. Mab smiled, "Are you
ready?"
Cheri wrung her hands, "It doesn't matter now."
Aduis nodded, "Then let's begin."
Cheri nodded, closing her eyes. She opened them, focusing on the mirror. The
mirror swirled revealing Oberon sitting on his throne, bored. Cheri sent a bolt of light
into the mirror and it reverted to its glass surface again. She let out a sigh, "It's done. He
will remember in a few minutes."
Mab stood up, "Then go to Puck. Brooklyn, Puck and a few others are already at
the funhouse."
Aduis stood as well, placing his hand on Cheri's shoulder, "BE well, be strong,
little one. Have faith in Avalon's power and grace and she will smile upon you tonight."
Cheri smiled, "I'll have to see this Avalon one day." She jumped into the mirror,
disappearing.
Mab stood next to Aduis, "She should see it."
Puck, Brooklyn, Goliath, and Xanatos in his exoframe walked around the funhouse,
standing in front the thousands of mirrors, waiting. Brooklyn looked around, "Are you
sure we don't need the to her Puck?"
Puck nodded, "Yes, the more people here the more distracted we all will be. We
need to be alert. I need you guys to keep Oberon business and I can do the rest.
Cheri moved into the room through the mirror to stand next to Puck, "Hi."
Puck hugged her, "Thank you for coming."
"Wild horses couldn't have kept me away." She smiled, caressing Puck's cheek.
"This must be Cheri."
Cheri looked to see a human in some sort of gargoyle machine and a large
lavender gargoyle standing next to him. She waved, "Yes, and you are?"
Brooklyn cleared his throat, "This is Goliath, Leader of the Manhattan Clan and
this is David Xanatos, and he owns the castle."
"He's also my boss." Puck finished.
Cheri nodded, "Pleasure. So, has Oberon showed up yet?"
Puck shook his head, "No, are you sure he can remember now?"
"Positive."
Brooklyn watched as one of the mirrors became cloudy with smoke. He pointed,
"I think he's coming."
Puck left Cheri's side; "He might have the three bitches with him, so everyone be
careful."
Everyone watched the cloudy mirror, never seeing the figure appear in the mirror
beside them. Oberon's face was hard and angry. He jumped out the mirror, pushing Puck
into two large mirrors hanging next to each other. AS Puck made contact, the mirrors
crackled with lightening, turning black. These two were now blocked from Mab. Puck
fell to the floor, cursing himself for being so stupid.
Cheri ran over in front of Oberon, entering his body. Oberon twisted with pain,
fighting the intruder. Puck ran over, knocking Oberon to the ground, "Cheri?"
"He's too strong." Cheri's voice answered through Oberon's mouth.
"Of course we are," bellowed Oberon sending Puck back into Brooklyn. He stood
up, reaching into his chest, brining Cheri out by her neck. She struggled but his tight was
too strong. He lifted her above his head, "We are King Oberon, Ruler of the Third Race,
now and forever. You will never again invade us." He hands began to glow green,
sending shocks of magick threw her.
Cheri saw Brooklyn and Puck charge Oberon but Oberon threw her into a mirror. She
could hear Puck yell for her as she passed through the mirror. Aduis caught her, as she
screamed, "No."
Mab frowned, "He's blocked you. You'll never be able to return to Earth in your
present state."
Cheri cried, "No, Puck!" She banged against the mirror, watching the battle.
Brooklyn grabbed Puck out of the way before Oberon could hit him with a magickal
blast. Xanatos took out a cross bow, shooting it at Oberon. It was hopeless; Oberon
dismissed each arrow with a thought. Goliath roared, charging the Fey King. Oberon was
not paying attention to him and was knocked on the floor. Puck grabbed one of the loose
arrows, jumping onto Oberon's chest. Oberon yanked his arm out from Puck's grip to
grab Puck's throat. Puck gagged but was able to thrust the arrow deep within Oberon's
chest. Oberon screamed, becoming weak and old. Puck screamed as well as the iron
burned through his skin where he had held the arrow. Puck rolled off, "Brooklyn!"
Brooklyn grabbed the weak Oberon, "Way ahead of you." Brooklyn was about to
throw Oberon into the mirror but Oberon pulled the arrow out, bringing it down into
Brooklyn's thigh. The red gargoyle roared in pain, releasing the King. Xanatos shot his
laser, hitting Oberon in the back. Oberon growled, waving his hand, sending Xanatos
through a series of mirrors. Xanatos landed hard, knocking himself out. Goliath helped
Brooklyn while the two brothers regarded each to her. Oberon circled and Puck did the
same. "I should have killed you, Puck. You are nothing but trouble."
"I can say the same for you, dear brother."
Oberon's energy returned, but he was still weak from the iron running through his
veins. He moved again, "You didn't know her, Puck. She was weak. She was childish."
"She IS a trickster. She IS our mother. She WAS a wonderful Queen, but I'm here
to change that now."
Oberon's face held more hatred then words could even begin to express. He called
his hands into fists, "Our mother cared more for her creations then she did for her own
blood children. She waited until she was ready to have you. She ignored my cries when I
begged her to bring our father back. He was pathetic leaving his duties to be with a
human woman. Eventually, she died just like your own wife."
Puck growled, "Don't talk about them like they were evil. You tried to kill your
own mother. The royal law states that anyone who even thinks about such an act is
sentenced to death for treason. It was father's choice to choose who he loved. And at least
I have known love. You married for politics. You married a seductive bitch that only
cares that you have power and wealth. I know you'll agree when I say she isn't that good
in bed."
Oberon roared, charging his magick in his hands. He shot the balls of light and
Puck, but Puck deflected them before they hit Puck's body.
Titania watched from mirror on Avalon. Damn that Puck for stating her intentions and
tarnishing her repetition. She was about to shoot Puck with her own magick when a
familiar figure appeared before her. "Mab!"
"It's so nice to be remembered, don't you think Titania?"
"What do you want?" she spat.
"To make a deal. Do not interfere with Puck's battle and I will let you live when
he wins."
"Why are you so sure he will win?"
Mab smiled, reminding Titania of both Puck and Oberon's own smiles. "My dear,
I've been alive a lot longer than you. My future sight reaches farther than yours ever will.
Go to your grandson and await my arrival. I will deal with the details then. Deal?"
"What of my position?"
"Royal law states that since you were once royal blood, all children will thus
retain their royal rights. You will remain among the elite."
Titania crossed her arms in thought. It only took her a few seconds to smile. With
Oberon gone, it would be good to be allied with the winning side. She nodded, "Deal."
Mab nodded, disappearing. Titania nodded to herself, disappearing to Alex's
room.
Puck wiped his bloody lip from the magickal bolt he missed to deflect. Oberon was
bloody too with large sores on his legs. The two regarded each other silently. No words
needed to be said; their ice-cold eyes said enough. Puck saw Mab appear behind Oberon,
smiling. She extended her arms to him as if he wanted a hug. Puck charged Oberon
within a blink pushed him near the mirror. Oberon was able to stop himself from
touching the mirror. Oberon turned his head to see Goliath roar, punishing him in the
face. Puck smiled, "Goodbye brother." Puck pushed Oberon back. Oberon felt his back
touch the mirror's surface. He screamed as hands reached from behind him, grabbing his
body. Puck watched Mab pull Oberon through the mirror. The mirror was swirled with
color and lightening. It calmed the surface became clear. Puck looked at Goliath,
Brooklyn, and the recently awake Xanatos, "That's it?"
Brooklyn limped to Puck's side, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."
Puck turned to see Mab, smiling with tears in her eyes, appear in the mirror. Puck
laughed "It worked! We won!"
Mab nodded, "That we did, my son. Go home. I must deal with matters here. I
will meet you in the Great Hall."
Puck frowned, "But, we won? Why can't you come out now? Where is Cheri?"
Mab let her head drop, "Oberon cursed her. She will never be allowed to come to
Earth as a spirit again."
Puck felt his knees buckle beneath him, his stomach twisted with pain. "No, not
again. Pleas tell me you are wrong."
Mab shook her head, "I'm sorry."
Puck cried loudly, falling to the ground. Goliath and Xanatos regarded the Fey as
Brooklyn, touched his back, "Puck, let's go home. We need to celebrate. Cheri would not
want to you be upset."
Puck punched the ground, "Kill him mother. Give Cheri back to me."
"I will not kill your brother. Go home Puck. That is an order." Mab disappeared.
Puck ran to the mirror, punching it hard, shattering it into a million pieces. Puck turned,
"Let's go." For the first time since he found his mother he doubted bringing her back.
Cheri cried into Aduis' chest. Oberon was on the ground, asleep. Cheri looked at Mab,
she was crying too. Cheri smiled, taking Mab's hands in her own, "Don't cry. You won.
You are Queen once more and your people await. Your son awaits you."
Mab caressed Cheri's cold cheek, "At what cost? My son's happiness and my
other son's power."
Aduis frowned, "You knew this would happen. You knew what you had to do."
Cheri looked at Aduis, "Tell Puck I love him. I'm going back to Heaven. I will
forget him this time."
Aduis sighed, "Don't let your love die over this setback. Fight. Somehow we will
help you and Puck be together once more. There is always reincarnation. I know Chuck
has offered it to you."
"There are no guarantees that I would be born a female or for that matter remember Puck.
I wound never know my soulmate was right in front of me. Heaven makes sure people
forget remember? I'll try to talk to him through mirrors but if that fails, I'm going deep
into Heaven so I can't hear the toll of the bell. Within a week, I won't remember Puck."
Mab frowned, "No, forgetting the past is never an option. Be strong. Love will
find a way. It always does." She smiled at Aduis. "For now, I have a job for you. Watch
Oberon. Make sure he is comfortable and see to it he has anything he needs. Go fetch
some nourishment. He will be hungry when he wakes up."
"As you wish, Queen Mab." Cheri smiled kissing Aduis on the cheek and hugging
Mab before disappearing.
Mab looked at Oberon's form. Aduis touched the man's cheek only to have his
hand fall through it. "Now what?"
Mab swallowed the lump in her throat; "We leave him here and return to our
world." Mab extended her hand to Aduis. He placed his hand over hers, touching for the
first time in over three thousand years. He felt Mab's magick making him alive again.
She smiled, "The moment we step through that mirror you will be real once more, my
husband."
Aduis smiled, "Forever to be by my Queen's side, where I should have always
been."
Mab nodded, kneeling before Oberon. She kissed her forehead, caressing his
cheek, "I love you Oberon." She stood transporting Aduis and her to the mortal world
where the son she never got to hold meets his parents in the flesh for the first time.
Puck appeared in Alex's nursery, not surprised to see Titania sitting with her
daughter and grandson. When Titania saw Puck she quickly stood. Puck frowned, "He's
gone. Are you here to fight?"
"On the contrary Puck. Your mother and I made a pact. I am your servant, Prince
of Avalon.
Puck sighed, falling to the ground whispering, 'Cheri,' to his broken heart. Again he had
caused her pain. It was his fault she was now banished forever in the Afterlife.
Alex ran to him, hugging him tight. "I knew you would win."
Puck smiled, hugging Alex back, "I'm glad someone did, kiddo."
Fox saw the mirrors become milky. "Look."
Puck picked himself off the ground and walked slowly to the mirror. As he
approached a strong white light began to pulse from the mirror. Puck saw two figures
come forth. The light died and he saw Mab, more beautiful than ever, smiling. Holding
her hand was a man who looked a lot like Oberon, except for his dark hair and eyes. HE
quickly kissed Mab and hugged her, "We did it, my love. We won."
Mab pulled away and turned to Puck, "Aduis, meet your son Puck."
Puck, dumbfounded, walked up to the stranger. Adius hugged Puck, "My son."
Adius pulled Puck away to look at him, "You are truly the Puck reborn!"
Titania was standing, watching the exchange. Fox questioned, "Reborn?"
Titania nodded, "Mab's great-grandfather, Puck, the first ruler of Avalon, was a
mighty trickster and great ruler. When he died, he promised the people of Avalon that he
would return within the same bloodline. We Fey are allowed to choose our afterlife and
reincarnation. Puck has that soul within him."
Adius smiled, "And now, he will return to Avalon with us…to rule as a prince."
Puck smiled until he felt a tug. He looked to see Alex, "You gonna leave aren't
you?"
Puck picked Alex up, "Yeah, but just for alittle while. I'll be back."
Alex pouted, "No, you'll stay there forever."
Puck sighed, "Oh Alex. I wish I could make you understand. I will be back, I
promise." Puck kissed Alex's forehead, "I love you kiddo."
Alex sniffled, "I love you too uncle puck." Alex gave Puck a tight hug before
Puck put him down, standing next to his parents. "Titania?"
Titania kissed Fox and Alex, "I'm coming, my Prince."
Puck and Titania smirked at each other. Goliath entered the room helping a
limping Brooklyn. David followed them in as the circuits in his exoframe sparked and
sizzled. David raised an eyebrow, "It's over."
Fox nodded, "Yes. It seems that way."
David hugged Fox and Alex. The gargoyles just looked at the Xanatos' then the
mirror. Puck smiled, walking towards them, "Thank you all for helping me." He extended
his hand to Brooklyn, "Take it easy, huh? Keep my seat on the couch warm, I'll be back."
Brooklyn nodded, shaking Puck's hand, "You got it."
Puck walked over to Xanatos, "Well, It's been a pleasure being your servant and
all, but I got my own ordering around to do. I'll try to come back soon."
David nodded, shaking Puck's hand.
Puck smiled at Goliath, "Be good to Elisa. She's be a great mate if you ever get
the nerve to ask her." Goliath blushed but shook his head, "Good bye Puck."
"No good-byes Big Lavender, just until next time." He waved the everyone as he
jumped into the mirror with his parents.
Goliath turned to Brooklyn, "What is it?"
"Nothing….well I just miss the annoying elf already"
"He will be back..he always is."
Brooklyn nodded, "Yeah, I guess."
David placed his metal hand on Brooklyn's shoulder, "I'd bet my life he'll be
back in no time. Come; let us see to that leg of yours. I can't have a gimp protecting my
castle."
Brooklyn shot Xanatos a warning look, but relaxed letting Goliath help him to the
med lab. They stopped as Lex came into the room. Lex had seen the entire thing from the
doorway. He walked up to Alex and smiled at him, "Hey, Puck will be back. Don't you
worry. But for now, how about going flying with me?"
Alex smiled weakly, "OK."
Lex let Alex climb onto his back, "Here we go."
David looked at the mirror. Fox went to his side, "What is it David?"
He shook his head, sadly, "He won't be coming back."
Cheri was humming to her child kicking within her as she made an apple pie. At six
months pregnant she was finally starting to show. She felt fat and ugly but Puck acted
like she was a goddess. She heard a sound coming from the back door. She took her
rolling pin, lifting it above her head, ready to strike the intruder. She came around the
corner, screaming. Puck screamed too. Cheri laughed, "Why must you scare me so? It's
not good for my heart or the baby."
Puck chuckled, "By the looks of that pin in your hands, it's not good for my
health. I thought you'd be sleeping and I didn't want to wake you."
Cheri threw the pin to the counter, "This baby won't let me sleep. It's moving
around so much playing with my ribs like a xylophone."
"So, it's a musical baby?"
Cheri stuck out her tongue, " I do not find that funny."
Puck took her in his arms, kissing her on the lips. The baby kicked again this time
hitting Puck as well as Cheri. Puck laughed, looking down at her stomach, "Somebody's
jealous."
Cheri nodded, "Extremely. So, have you thought of any names?"
"Well, I like Robin, Jr. I think it has a nice ring to it."
"And if it's a girl?"
"Cheri, Jr."
Cheri laughed, "You can't do that."
"Why not?"
"It's just not done. I was thinking Matilda or Rosalyn if it's a girl."
Puck shook his head no, "No way. What about Christina or Adrienne?"
"Maybe. We still have plenty of time to choose a name. Come, I made some pie."
"Cravings?"
"Yes. Come tell me about your day."
Puck stopped her, "You know I was really scared when you told me you were
pregnant. I didn't think I could handle it. But now, I don't see a burden or problem I see a
little bit of you and a bit of me growing inside of you. I didn't think I could love you or
someone I haven't meet yet so much."
"You know if it's a boy or a girl don't you?"
Puck beamed, "Yeah I do."
Cheri beamed back, kissing him, "Well, don't spoil the surprise for me."
"As you wish."
Puck was snapped back into reality as a wind started to take his paper away. The pages
stopped flipping and Puck noticed an advertisement in big bold letters. Smiling, he
looking up to the sky, "Whoever was watching thank you." His attention was brought
back to the advertisement for the largest funny house in the east coast. It was making a
stop in NYC for a couple nights. Puck grabbed the phone to make sure a few friends and
him had one night.
Brooklyn broke from his stone sleep to see a very happy and smiling Puck waiting for
him. He smiled back, "I'm assuming since your smile is taking up 90 percent of your face
that you have a plan."
Puck nodded, "Yep. You win the booby price?"
"Pamela Anderson?"
Puck chuckled, "You wish."
Brooklyn sighed, "Yes, I do."
Puck motioned for his head, "Would you like to hear my plan?"
Brooklyn jumped down form his perch to see the others looking at him and Puck
like they had just been caught doing something bad. "Do you think we should clue them
in on what we are about to do?"
Puck frowned, "Not really. I don't want to get too many people involved. It's too
risky."
Brooklyn crossed his arms, "I think we need to tell them. You know, just in case."
Brooklyn couldn't finish the statement.
Puck finally nodded, "Fine. Meet me in the Lobby at nine." Puck turned to leave
but Brooklyn grab his arm.
"Have you even told Xanatos?"
Puck looked into Brooklyn's worried face, shaking his head, "No."
Brooklyn let Puck's arm go, surprised, "Maybe you should."
Puck left Brooklyn to tell the others what was going on while he went deeper into
the castle. He was dazing and didn't see Alex until they collided. Puck smiled, "Hey,
Little Prince, what's the hurry?"
"I know you said it was bad, but I heard what you and Brook were talking about.
Please, tell daddy. Please, tell me."
Puck caressed the boy's cheek, "You're right. I haven't been fair to you, have I? I
promised you we'd never have secrets and I broke that promise."
Alex took his uncle's hand, "If you tell me now, you won't break your promise."
Puck squeezed the boy's hand, "OK, let's go get your father. I think he needs to
know too."
Cheri walked into the Valley of Souls, watching the parade of children floating around.
She smiled at them all but one caught her eye. She walked over to a child who was
playing with a teddy bear. He had white hair and blue eyes with little freckles dancing on
his cheeks. Cheri moved behind the child, covering his eyes, "Guess whom?"
The little boy laughed hysterically, "Hi momma."
Cheri let the boy go, letting him turn to hug her. She kissed his forehead, "How's
my angel?"
"Good. Momma, when are we going home?"
Cheri frowned. A year after her death she finally gathered the courage to ask
where her child had gone. The Placement Officer Chuck took her to the Valley of Souls.
She had found him, wanting to just see him once and then leave, but the moment their
eyes locked she knew she couldn't leave him. He had smiled sweetly at her, reaching his
arms out to her. When she embraced him he had whispered, 'Are we going home?' She
didn't have the heart to say no, so she said soon. Cheri smiled at her son, soothing his
unruly hair back, "Soon, sweetie. Very soon." This time she meant it.
Mab and Aduis were playing chess in her garden, both stressed and nervous about what
their sons were about to go through. IN the end, one would win and the other may die.
This did not settle well, for even though Oberon had done some bad things, he was still
their son and they loved him. Mab sighed, "Is it almost time?"
Aduis looked up as a clock passed by. He turned to Mab, "Yes, in a few minutes."
Mab looked over Aduis' shoulder to see Cheri fly to them. Mab smiled, "Are you
ready?"
Cheri wrung her hands, "It doesn't matter now."
Aduis nodded, "Then let's begin."
Cheri nodded, closing her eyes. She opened them, focusing on the mirror. The
mirror swirled revealing Oberon sitting on his throne, bored. Cheri sent a bolt of light
into the mirror and it reverted to its glass surface again. She let out a sigh, "It's done. He
will remember in a few minutes."
Mab stood up, "Then go to Puck. Brooklyn, Puck and a few others are already at
the funhouse."
Aduis stood as well, placing his hand on Cheri's shoulder, "BE well, be strong,
little one. Have faith in Avalon's power and grace and she will smile upon you tonight."
Cheri smiled, "I'll have to see this Avalon one day." She jumped into the mirror,
disappearing.
Mab stood next to Aduis, "She should see it."
Puck, Brooklyn, Goliath, and Xanatos in his exoframe walked around the funhouse,
standing in front the thousands of mirrors, waiting. Brooklyn looked around, "Are you
sure we don't need the to her Puck?"
Puck nodded, "Yes, the more people here the more distracted we all will be. We
need to be alert. I need you guys to keep Oberon business and I can do the rest.
Cheri moved into the room through the mirror to stand next to Puck, "Hi."
Puck hugged her, "Thank you for coming."
"Wild horses couldn't have kept me away." She smiled, caressing Puck's cheek.
"This must be Cheri."
Cheri looked to see a human in some sort of gargoyle machine and a large
lavender gargoyle standing next to him. She waved, "Yes, and you are?"
Brooklyn cleared his throat, "This is Goliath, Leader of the Manhattan Clan and
this is David Xanatos, and he owns the castle."
"He's also my boss." Puck finished.
Cheri nodded, "Pleasure. So, has Oberon showed up yet?"
Puck shook his head, "No, are you sure he can remember now?"
"Positive."
Brooklyn watched as one of the mirrors became cloudy with smoke. He pointed,
"I think he's coming."
Puck left Cheri's side; "He might have the three bitches with him, so everyone be
careful."
Everyone watched the cloudy mirror, never seeing the figure appear in the mirror
beside them. Oberon's face was hard and angry. He jumped out the mirror, pushing Puck
into two large mirrors hanging next to each other. AS Puck made contact, the mirrors
crackled with lightening, turning black. These two were now blocked from Mab. Puck
fell to the floor, cursing himself for being so stupid.
Cheri ran over in front of Oberon, entering his body. Oberon twisted with pain,
fighting the intruder. Puck ran over, knocking Oberon to the ground, "Cheri?"
"He's too strong." Cheri's voice answered through Oberon's mouth.
"Of course we are," bellowed Oberon sending Puck back into Brooklyn. He stood
up, reaching into his chest, brining Cheri out by her neck. She struggled but his tight was
too strong. He lifted her above his head, "We are King Oberon, Ruler of the Third Race,
now and forever. You will never again invade us." He hands began to glow green,
sending shocks of magick threw her.
Cheri saw Brooklyn and Puck charge Oberon but Oberon threw her into a mirror. She
could hear Puck yell for her as she passed through the mirror. Aduis caught her, as she
screamed, "No."
Mab frowned, "He's blocked you. You'll never be able to return to Earth in your
present state."
Cheri cried, "No, Puck!" She banged against the mirror, watching the battle.
Brooklyn grabbed Puck out of the way before Oberon could hit him with a magickal
blast. Xanatos took out a cross bow, shooting it at Oberon. It was hopeless; Oberon
dismissed each arrow with a thought. Goliath roared, charging the Fey King. Oberon was
not paying attention to him and was knocked on the floor. Puck grabbed one of the loose
arrows, jumping onto Oberon's chest. Oberon yanked his arm out from Puck's grip to
grab Puck's throat. Puck gagged but was able to thrust the arrow deep within Oberon's
chest. Oberon screamed, becoming weak and old. Puck screamed as well as the iron
burned through his skin where he had held the arrow. Puck rolled off, "Brooklyn!"
Brooklyn grabbed the weak Oberon, "Way ahead of you." Brooklyn was about to
throw Oberon into the mirror but Oberon pulled the arrow out, bringing it down into
Brooklyn's thigh. The red gargoyle roared in pain, releasing the King. Xanatos shot his
laser, hitting Oberon in the back. Oberon growled, waving his hand, sending Xanatos
through a series of mirrors. Xanatos landed hard, knocking himself out. Goliath helped
Brooklyn while the two brothers regarded each to her. Oberon circled and Puck did the
same. "I should have killed you, Puck. You are nothing but trouble."
"I can say the same for you, dear brother."
Oberon's energy returned, but he was still weak from the iron running through his
veins. He moved again, "You didn't know her, Puck. She was weak. She was childish."
"She IS a trickster. She IS our mother. She WAS a wonderful Queen, but I'm here
to change that now."
Oberon's face held more hatred then words could even begin to express. He called
his hands into fists, "Our mother cared more for her creations then she did for her own
blood children. She waited until she was ready to have you. She ignored my cries when I
begged her to bring our father back. He was pathetic leaving his duties to be with a
human woman. Eventually, she died just like your own wife."
Puck growled, "Don't talk about them like they were evil. You tried to kill your
own mother. The royal law states that anyone who even thinks about such an act is
sentenced to death for treason. It was father's choice to choose who he loved. And at least
I have known love. You married for politics. You married a seductive bitch that only
cares that you have power and wealth. I know you'll agree when I say she isn't that good
in bed."
Oberon roared, charging his magick in his hands. He shot the balls of light and
Puck, but Puck deflected them before they hit Puck's body.
Titania watched from mirror on Avalon. Damn that Puck for stating her intentions and
tarnishing her repetition. She was about to shoot Puck with her own magick when a
familiar figure appeared before her. "Mab!"
"It's so nice to be remembered, don't you think Titania?"
"What do you want?" she spat.
"To make a deal. Do not interfere with Puck's battle and I will let you live when
he wins."
"Why are you so sure he will win?"
Mab smiled, reminding Titania of both Puck and Oberon's own smiles. "My dear,
I've been alive a lot longer than you. My future sight reaches farther than yours ever will.
Go to your grandson and await my arrival. I will deal with the details then. Deal?"
"What of my position?"
"Royal law states that since you were once royal blood, all children will thus
retain their royal rights. You will remain among the elite."
Titania crossed her arms in thought. It only took her a few seconds to smile. With
Oberon gone, it would be good to be allied with the winning side. She nodded, "Deal."
Mab nodded, disappearing. Titania nodded to herself, disappearing to Alex's
room.
Puck wiped his bloody lip from the magickal bolt he missed to deflect. Oberon was
bloody too with large sores on his legs. The two regarded each other silently. No words
needed to be said; their ice-cold eyes said enough. Puck saw Mab appear behind Oberon,
smiling. She extended her arms to him as if he wanted a hug. Puck charged Oberon
within a blink pushed him near the mirror. Oberon was able to stop himself from
touching the mirror. Oberon turned his head to see Goliath roar, punishing him in the
face. Puck smiled, "Goodbye brother." Puck pushed Oberon back. Oberon felt his back
touch the mirror's surface. He screamed as hands reached from behind him, grabbing his
body. Puck watched Mab pull Oberon through the mirror. The mirror was swirled with
color and lightening. It calmed the surface became clear. Puck looked at Goliath,
Brooklyn, and the recently awake Xanatos, "That's it?"
Brooklyn limped to Puck's side, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."
Puck turned to see Mab, smiling with tears in her eyes, appear in the mirror. Puck
laughed "It worked! We won!"
Mab nodded, "That we did, my son. Go home. I must deal with matters here. I
will meet you in the Great Hall."
Puck frowned, "But, we won? Why can't you come out now? Where is Cheri?"
Mab let her head drop, "Oberon cursed her. She will never be allowed to come to
Earth as a spirit again."
Puck felt his knees buckle beneath him, his stomach twisted with pain. "No, not
again. Pleas tell me you are wrong."
Mab shook her head, "I'm sorry."
Puck cried loudly, falling to the ground. Goliath and Xanatos regarded the Fey as
Brooklyn, touched his back, "Puck, let's go home. We need to celebrate. Cheri would not
want to you be upset."
Puck punched the ground, "Kill him mother. Give Cheri back to me."
"I will not kill your brother. Go home Puck. That is an order." Mab disappeared.
Puck ran to the mirror, punching it hard, shattering it into a million pieces. Puck turned,
"Let's go." For the first time since he found his mother he doubted bringing her back.
Cheri cried into Aduis' chest. Oberon was on the ground, asleep. Cheri looked at Mab,
she was crying too. Cheri smiled, taking Mab's hands in her own, "Don't cry. You won.
You are Queen once more and your people await. Your son awaits you."
Mab caressed Cheri's cold cheek, "At what cost? My son's happiness and my
other son's power."
Aduis frowned, "You knew this would happen. You knew what you had to do."
Cheri looked at Aduis, "Tell Puck I love him. I'm going back to Heaven. I will
forget him this time."
Aduis sighed, "Don't let your love die over this setback. Fight. Somehow we will
help you and Puck be together once more. There is always reincarnation. I know Chuck
has offered it to you."
"There are no guarantees that I would be born a female or for that matter remember Puck.
I wound never know my soulmate was right in front of me. Heaven makes sure people
forget remember? I'll try to talk to him through mirrors but if that fails, I'm going deep
into Heaven so I can't hear the toll of the bell. Within a week, I won't remember Puck."
Mab frowned, "No, forgetting the past is never an option. Be strong. Love will
find a way. It always does." She smiled at Aduis. "For now, I have a job for you. Watch
Oberon. Make sure he is comfortable and see to it he has anything he needs. Go fetch
some nourishment. He will be hungry when he wakes up."
"As you wish, Queen Mab." Cheri smiled kissing Aduis on the cheek and hugging
Mab before disappearing.
Mab looked at Oberon's form. Aduis touched the man's cheek only to have his
hand fall through it. "Now what?"
Mab swallowed the lump in her throat; "We leave him here and return to our
world." Mab extended her hand to Aduis. He placed his hand over hers, touching for the
first time in over three thousand years. He felt Mab's magick making him alive again.
She smiled, "The moment we step through that mirror you will be real once more, my
husband."
Aduis smiled, "Forever to be by my Queen's side, where I should have always
been."
Mab nodded, kneeling before Oberon. She kissed her forehead, caressing his
cheek, "I love you Oberon." She stood transporting Aduis and her to the mortal world
where the son she never got to hold meets his parents in the flesh for the first time.
Puck appeared in Alex's nursery, not surprised to see Titania sitting with her
daughter and grandson. When Titania saw Puck she quickly stood. Puck frowned, "He's
gone. Are you here to fight?"
"On the contrary Puck. Your mother and I made a pact. I am your servant, Prince
of Avalon.
Puck sighed, falling to the ground whispering, 'Cheri,' to his broken heart. Again he had
caused her pain. It was his fault she was now banished forever in the Afterlife.
Alex ran to him, hugging him tight. "I knew you would win."
Puck smiled, hugging Alex back, "I'm glad someone did, kiddo."
Fox saw the mirrors become milky. "Look."
Puck picked himself off the ground and walked slowly to the mirror. As he
approached a strong white light began to pulse from the mirror. Puck saw two figures
come forth. The light died and he saw Mab, more beautiful than ever, smiling. Holding
her hand was a man who looked a lot like Oberon, except for his dark hair and eyes. HE
quickly kissed Mab and hugged her, "We did it, my love. We won."
Mab pulled away and turned to Puck, "Aduis, meet your son Puck."
Puck, dumbfounded, walked up to the stranger. Adius hugged Puck, "My son."
Adius pulled Puck away to look at him, "You are truly the Puck reborn!"
Titania was standing, watching the exchange. Fox questioned, "Reborn?"
Titania nodded, "Mab's great-grandfather, Puck, the first ruler of Avalon, was a
mighty trickster and great ruler. When he died, he promised the people of Avalon that he
would return within the same bloodline. We Fey are allowed to choose our afterlife and
reincarnation. Puck has that soul within him."
Adius smiled, "And now, he will return to Avalon with us…to rule as a prince."
Puck smiled until he felt a tug. He looked to see Alex, "You gonna leave aren't
you?"
Puck picked Alex up, "Yeah, but just for alittle while. I'll be back."
Alex pouted, "No, you'll stay there forever."
Puck sighed, "Oh Alex. I wish I could make you understand. I will be back, I
promise." Puck kissed Alex's forehead, "I love you kiddo."
Alex sniffled, "I love you too uncle puck." Alex gave Puck a tight hug before
Puck put him down, standing next to his parents. "Titania?"
Titania kissed Fox and Alex, "I'm coming, my Prince."
Puck and Titania smirked at each other. Goliath entered the room helping a
limping Brooklyn. David followed them in as the circuits in his exoframe sparked and
sizzled. David raised an eyebrow, "It's over."
Fox nodded, "Yes. It seems that way."
David hugged Fox and Alex. The gargoyles just looked at the Xanatos' then the
mirror. Puck smiled, walking towards them, "Thank you all for helping me." He extended
his hand to Brooklyn, "Take it easy, huh? Keep my seat on the couch warm, I'll be back."
Brooklyn nodded, shaking Puck's hand, "You got it."
Puck walked over to Xanatos, "Well, It's been a pleasure being your servant and
all, but I got my own ordering around to do. I'll try to come back soon."
David nodded, shaking Puck's hand.
Puck smiled at Goliath, "Be good to Elisa. She's be a great mate if you ever get
the nerve to ask her." Goliath blushed but shook his head, "Good bye Puck."
"No good-byes Big Lavender, just until next time." He waved the everyone as he
jumped into the mirror with his parents.
Goliath turned to Brooklyn, "What is it?"
"Nothing….well I just miss the annoying elf already"
"He will be back..he always is."
Brooklyn nodded, "Yeah, I guess."
David placed his metal hand on Brooklyn's shoulder, "I'd bet my life he'll be
back in no time. Come; let us see to that leg of yours. I can't have a gimp protecting my
castle."
Brooklyn shot Xanatos a warning look, but relaxed letting Goliath help him to the
med lab. They stopped as Lex came into the room. Lex had seen the entire thing from the
doorway. He walked up to Alex and smiled at him, "Hey, Puck will be back. Don't you
worry. But for now, how about going flying with me?"
Alex smiled weakly, "OK."
Lex let Alex climb onto his back, "Here we go."
David looked at the mirror. Fox went to his side, "What is it David?"
He shook his head, sadly, "He won't be coming back."