Puck turned over snuggling closer into his covers. He felt an awkward presence and opened his eyes to see Alex no more than a few inches from his face. Puck shrieked and jumped up, standing on the big in nothing more than his boxers. "Alex."

"I just wanted to see if you were really here."

Lakota ran into the room. "What happened?" She covered her mouth to suppress a giggle. Puck looked down and quickly covered himself with the blanket. This only made Lakota laugh harder. She motioned with her hand to Alex. "Come on sweetie, time to go to school." Puck watched Lakota morph into her human form. Her hair became a pale yellow, her skin grew pinker and her wings disappeared. Alex grunted and went to Lakota. "Bye Puck."

"Bye. Next time knock, ok kiddo."

Alex nodded and Lakota said in between giggles, "Bye, Your Majesty. Nice Scobby Doo boxers."

Puck's face turned bright red. What's worse: having the nanny see you in boxers or having the nanny you like see you in boxers? Puck waited until he couldn't hear Lakota's laughter before jumping down off the bed and head towards the bathroom, locking the door for good measure.

A few hours later, Puck was walking down the hallway in the office part of the castle. He walked into David's office and waved. "Hey, got anything for me to do?"

David smirked. "Nah, you're royalty now. Filing is beneath you."

Puck leaned on the desk. "Not really. I could get your coffee like I used to?"

David came around and patted Puck's shoulder. "It is. You have to relish in your power or you'll lose it. I should be getting you coffee. One cream, 4 sugars, right?"

Puck frowned. "You are still my friend. Just because my status has changed doesn't mean I have, ok?"

David nodded. "Right."

Puck smiled. "Now, how do you like Lakota? She seems nice."

David crossed his arms. "She is nice. A bit of a novice in her magical ability."

"How so?"

"Well, she sneezed a month ago and turned Fox's Ming vase into a crane. It took a hellava time to catch that bird so she could change it back. And when she did she seemed apprehensive as to how she was going to do it."

Puck scratched his chin. "Strange. Sure, we all have mistakes but most powers are learned in the womb. Only the big spells need to be taught."

"Mab said she was a newcomer to Avalon. What does that mean?"

Puck was shocked. "A newcomer? That means she was newly created. That would explain the magick slipups."

"But she seems competent."

Puck nodded. "Of course, she would. If she was created she would have been created as a adult with knowledge but not always the skill in her magic. I'll have to look into it." Puck began to walk out of the office but David called to him. Puck turned to a smiling David.

"It's good to have you back."

Puck nodded and continued to walk out.

Lakota was baking cookies in the kitchen. Puck noticed she was still in her human form. She smiled as he entered and sat in front of her. "Hungry?"

Puck nodded. "For sugar? Anytime."

Lakota nodded. "These are special sugar cookies. Alex loves them. I make them for when he does something good."

"What makes them special?"

"I make shapes out of them and decorate them with dyes and M&M's. Today, I'm making the planets. He got a 100 on his test." She lifted the dough out of the bowl and flattened it on the table.

Puck snitches some of the M&M's. "That's very sweet of you."

Lakota blushed making her pale skin glow. "It's nothing. I like baking." She opened the cabinet and was digging through the pots and pans looking for the rolling pin.

Puck popped some M&M's in his mouth. "So I heard you are a newcomer?"

Lakota, shocked, banged her head on the counter. She rubbed her head, holding the pin in the other hand. "What?"

Puck moved to her, removing her hand from her head then placing his hand over her bump, healing it. "I heard you were a newcomer?"

Lakota frowned. "Is that bad?"

Puck shook his head. "No, just unusual for a newcomer to be trusted by Mab and Titania."

Lakota shrugged. "They said I was kind." She looked at Puck's hand holding her own. "Could I have my hand back?"

Puck released it quick. "Yeah, sorry." He moved back to his seat watching her make the cookies.

Lakota finished Saturn when she said, "Do you not trust me?"

Puck shrugged. "I don't know you. You seem kind and loyal but will you be able to handle all that comes with training a quarterling when you, yourself are still learning?"

Lakota nodded. "A valid point but I will not fail Mab. She gave me this task and I will see it through."

Puck waved his finger in front of her. "Not fair, playing the Mother card like that."

Lakota cut out another cookie that would be Jupiter. "I didn't. I played the Queen card." She smiled.

Puck nodded, tucking his hands into his pockets with a grin on his face. "Still wrong."

Lakota laughed. She took a cookie and offered it to Puck. "Peace?"

Puck nodded, taking the cookie. "yeah, yeah. Maybe I could help you learn a few tricks to teach Alex."

Lakota rolled out some more dough. "Maybe."

The next day, Lakota found Puck floating upside down reading the Princess Bride. She walked up to him and said in an annoyed voice. "Will there be kissing in this book?"

Puck turned his head, closing the book. "Yep, tons."

Lakota laughed. "That's not how it goes."

Puck shrugged. "Oh well. Is there anything you need?"

Lakota nodded. "Yep, you."

Puck blushed. "What?"

Lakota pulled Puck down by the front of tunic. "I have the day off and I want you to spend it with me."

"Uh, ok. Where are we going?"

Lakota smiled. "A surprise."

Puck watched Lakota turn into her human form as she walked and Puck too shortened his hair and ears and turned his clothes into something less medieval. Lakota took his hand and lead him into the elevador and out onto the street. They walked into Central Park. Puck, confused, finally said, "We getting close?"

Lakota stopped. "We're here."

Puck looked to see a small theartre group setting up on the stage near the pond. He looked at the outfits and turned to Lakota. "Mid-Summer Nights Dream?"

Lakota laughed. "Please, I wouldn't insult you that way. These are Puck's Faire Band. They live to amuse and confuse and all that good stuff. They are putting on a series of skits that all rolve around...well, you."

Puck smiled. "I have a cult."

Lakota took his hand, leading him to find a good seat. "I would say you had followers not a cult."

Puck's smile just got bigger as he saw one of the cast members walking around in a Chicaquita banana outfit with a sign on the front that said, "I pissed Puck off and he turned me into a banana."

A few hours later...

Puck and Lakota were laughing at the finale where the cast was reciting Puck's final monologue from A Mid-Summer Night's Dream but only to have a character dressed up like a fairy drill sargent come running up waving his arms. "No, no. This is too silly. Stop it." He turned to the cast. "Stop. This is too silly. Not funny at all." He turned back to the crowd. "Go home. Nothing funny to see here." A puff of smoke covered the stage and when it disapated the cast and would-be Puckateers were gone.

Lakota stood, stretching extending her hand to Puck who took it. She helped him up. "Did you like it?"

Puck laughed. "Loved it. I could ask for better followers. So, what's next?"

Lakota lead Puck out of the Park and onto Broadway. "Well, I was hoping you would decide. I haven't had many chances to explore the city. Alex is a handful."

Puck nodded with a laugh. "That he is. Ok, let's see. How about Italian?"

Lakota shook her head, wrinkling her nose. "Nah, that's all we ever eat at the castle. Broadway got this cookbook and has cooked almost every recipe."

"Ok, Chinese?"

Lakota nodded. "Sure, I wanted to try sweet and sour chicken. Fox said it is really good."

Puck nodded. "Then, Lucy Woo's it is. So, how is everyone treating you at the castle?"

Lakota shrugged, wrapping her arm around Puck's as they walked. "Ok, I guess. Lexington doesn't trust me at all. He thinks I can't take care of Alex. Broadway and Angela are the nicest to me but sometimes I wonder if it is an act. Brooklyn tolerates me but we have had some arguments, especially when I first got there. He needs a mate badly so he doesn't try to jump anything female with a pulse." Puck tried not to laugh as she continued. "Goliath also doesn't trust me along with Elisa. When I ask, all they say is their Avalon trip taught them not to trust the Fey. Fox and Alex are the only ones at the castle who really care about me. David is indifferent."

They got to the restraunt and were seated in a small booth. "What about Hudson?"

Lakota smiled. "I almost forgot about him. He also has been really nice to me. He has been teaching me about this world. We watch TV together and he explains things."

Puck nodded. "That's good. The others will come around eventually. Hopefully, before Alex graduates from college."

Lakota laughed. They ordered their food and an awkard silence followed. Puck looked around the restraunrnt trying to think of something to say. Thankfully, Lakota started. "When do you plan to go back to Avalon?"

Puck shrugged. "Who knows? I plan on staying as LONG as possible. It sucks being a Prince especially of a boring island. It's great having my parents back but they are so busy trying to get reallomated to each other they don't have time for me yet."

Lakota nodded as their food arrived. They ate in silence and soon left the restruant heading back to the castle. The sun had set and the city was lit and booming. As the exited the elevator into the Grand Hall, Lakota smiled. "Thank you for spending the day with me."

Puck bowed. "It was my pleasure."

Lakota clasped her hands together. "I'll see you around."

Puck nodded as Lakota disappeared into a big mist. He sighed, walking down the hallway to his room. When he turned the corner he was met with a pair of lips. They were so sweet he couldn't help but kiss back. He pulled away to see Lakota smiling at him. "I just had to see how that would feel. Goodnight again."

She was about to walk away but Puck pulled her back. "No way! You can't just

do that."

Lakota raised an eyebrow. "And why not?"

Puck smiled. "Because I'm the prince and that's why."

Lakota crossed her arms. "Oh so NOW you decide to use your power. What else

do you command, oh lord Puck?"

It was Puck's turn to cross his arms. "I command you to kiss me again."

Lakota nodded. "Ok." She leaned closer and kissed him, lingering a little longer

than before, gliding her tongue gently over his lips as she pulled away. "Now may I go to

bed?"

Puck waited until the chills subsided. "Yes."

She turned to go but stopped. "You coming?"

"What?"

"Are you coming to bed with me?"

Puck chuckled. "Yeah!"

They got into Lakota's room and locked the door. Neither of them needed little Alex

walking in on them. Puck took her face in his hands and began to kiss her. She willingly

opened her mouth to him, gliding her own tongue over his. Puck transported them to the

bed and she giggled. "What?"

She smiled. "Alex likes to transport a lot and now I'm beginning to see

where he got that habit."

He smiled back and kissed her neck. She traced her arms down his back. Puck

glided his arms down her body, spreading her legs to him. HE laid on top of her, slowly

moving up and down. Their kisses became more and more passionate. Everything was

going great until Puck tapped into her mind. He had to know what she was thinking.

When he did he found her thoughts to be of him. The first time they meet, the teasing, the

flirting, and her want of him. She was thinking of him. It was what he always wanted. It

became so strong, he pulled away from Lakota, covering his face. She sat up, covering her chest, "Puck?"

"You were thinking of me."

Lakota let out a quick breath. "And who was I suppose to be thinking about?"

Puck looked at her. "No...it's just...ever since I became prince the woman I have been with thought about money, power, princesshood...never me."

Lakota moved so she could rub his back a bit pissed that he had bedded other women so soon after she was exiled to Heaven. Although, as far as he knew he was never going to see her again but, damn, he could have waited at least a decade or so. "Well, I don't know you as a prince, only Puck."

Puck looked deeper into her blue eyes and saw something familiar. He lowered his head. He felt Lakota touch his face and bring it up so she could kiss him. He did, tasting her again and feeling like he knew this kiss. She pulled away. "Does anything ring a bell with you?"

Puck raised an eyebrow, "What?"

Lakota stood up. "Come."

Puck followed her to the window. She took his hands, placing them on her face.

"happy memories, my Puck."

Puck didn't understand but this time he kissed her. This time memories of Cheri

floated into his head. He wrapped his arms around Lakota's waist, bringing her closer to

him. As he did, new memories, her memories, floated into his head.

Avalon...

Lakota sat by the window listening to Puck's flute. It was the fourth night in a row he was

playing meaning he was truly depressed. She looked at Mab. "Please, let me go to him."

Mab shook her head. "Cheri...I mean Lakota it would not be good for the both of you. He needs to see Alex and this is how we are going to do it."

Lakota frowned. "But it's driving me crazy that he's right there and I can't do

anything to see him."

Mab hugged the Fey woman. "All in good time. The moment you kiss Puck and he kisses back, you can do anything you want with him. I need Alex to be taught and my son to be happy. You and Alex are the only things that are going to make him happy. Understood?"

Lakota grinned. "Would it matter if I said no?"

Mab shook her head, smiling. "No."

Puck pulled away panting. He still held Lakota's face. Crystal tears fell from her blue eyes. He chuckled. "Cheri?"

She smiled. "Well, nowadays I go by Lakota, but for you I'll still answer to that name."

Puck twirled her around as if seeing her for the first time. "How?"

"Oberon banished my spirit to the Afterlife. The only way to get back to you was to be reincarnated but there were no guarantees that I would find you again. SO, Mab and I made a deal. I teach Alex and I get a new body. I'm also immortal meaning..."

Puck finished hugging her. "We can never be separated again."

Lakota hugged Puck back tight. "I love you Puck."

"I love you too Lakota."

Lakota pulled away to kiss Puck. She didn't have to say a thing. Puck moved her to the bed so they could consummate their relationship in her new form.

In the Valley of Souls...

Mab straighten the boy's shirt. The little boy had changed since his mother's transformation. He still looked like Puck but now his white hair was streaked with colors

and his cheekbones were a little higher than they were before. He tugged at the collar,

whining to Mab. "Do I have to wear this?"

Mab smiled. "Yes."

"Is it almost time?"

Mab smiled. "Soon." She picked the boy up and walked him to a bright light at the end of a crystal hallway.

The boy smiled big. "I'm going home?"

Mab nodded. "Yes, Little Prince. Mom and Dad are waiting for you."

The boy smiled. "Will you be there too? And Aduis?"

Mab nodded, placing the boy down. "Of course. We wouldn't miss it for anything. Now, go. They're waiting for you."

The boy squealed with laughter and ran into the light. Mab waved and turned to

find Aduis smiling at her. "You know you're pretty amazing when you try."

Mab smiled, taking her husband's arm. "OH do go on. I do so love it when you praise me."

Aduis laughed. "This was your plan all along, wasn't it?"

Mab shook her head. "NO, getting out was my plan. This was just a happy side effect. Come, let us go see our son Oberon. There are many things that need to be explained. Mostly be you."

Aduis nodded. "You're going to release him?"

Mab patted Aduis' arm. "Not yet. He needs to grow up a bit first but it is my goal to have the royal family together again."

"Mab, I forgot how much you love a challenge."

Mab laughed as the two disappeared to another part of Limbo.

In Lakota's bedroom....

Puck and Lakota were sleeping side-by-side after their lovemaking. Lakota opened her eyes quick with shock. Without waking Puck, she touched her stomach and smiled. She kissed Puck's chest then went back to sleep happy. Her child was with her and Puck again just like Mab had promised. Happy tears trickled down her face. Puck awoke and wiped her tears with his thumb. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head. "Nothing, everything right. Everything's perfect. Our family is back together again."

Puck looked at her confused then his eyes widened with realization. He placed his hand on her stomach. "He's in there? Already?"

Lakota chuckled through her tears. "He has been waiting almost 300 years to be born."

Puck blinked back happy tears of his own. "Yeah, I can't wait to finally meet him."

Lakota took Puck's face in her hands and kissed him. "He feels the same way."

TBC