Siren Song

Chapter 5: Lessons Learned

"He had a brilliant teacher." – Puck, about Alexander Xanatos, in "Possession."

"Hello," Fox said quietly.

"Hello," Molly echoed, with what she hoped was a welcoming smile. For a moment, there was a rather awkward silence, and the two women regarded each other uncertainly, warily, sizing each other up.

"You look like her," Molly said suddenly.

"Who?"

"Your mother." Seeing the expression on Fox's face, Molly tried hastily tried to backtrack. "Please, forgive me. I didn't mean to offend –"

"No, no, that's alright. I wasn't offended. Just surprised. I didn't think I looked like her. I mean, I used to think I did, before I knew who … what … she really was. And now … well, I mean, come on. She has pointed ears and green skin. There's not a lot of similarity there."

Molly paused, considering. "Maybe not. Maybe it's more in the way you carry yourself. But then, there's still something about the eyes …" She shrugged. "Anyway, it was just an observation. So … is there a particular area in which you'd like to start?"

"Well, I was kind of thinking, you know, maybe soul transference? I mean, it's a bit embarrassing that my infant son has already mastered that, and I haven't."

Molly frowned. "Respectfully, I don't think that's a good idea. Soul transfers are tricky. Not that I doubt your abilities. I mean, with your background –"

"You don't have to do that." Fox cut her off.

"Do what?"

"You don't have to be a sycophant with me. In fact, I'd like us to relate to each other as equals."

Fox thought she would react favorably to this, so she was surprised when Molly's eyes narrowed, and her tone grew sharp. "Funny. I don't see your husband doing that with Puck."

Fox blinked, slightly affronted. "David has always respected and appreciated Owen," She said, a touch defensively. "We both do."

"As you should, Mrs. Xanatos."

Interesting. "Yes, and it's Fox. Now, if could kindly explain why soul transfers are an inappropriate place to start. After all, Owen – Puck – he started with –"

"Yes well, I would have suspected his teaching methods to be rather unorthodox. Don't misunderstand; I have no doubt he is a fine teacher for your son. But he has a tendency to be … chaotic. If it's alright with you, I'd prefer we use a little more structure in our lessons. Besides which, soul transfers also require voluntary participation. So unless you know someone who wants to have an out-of-body experience, I don't suggest we try it at this time."

Fox nodded. "Okay, point taken. And I'm fine with structure. As long as I still get to have fun." She smiled, and Molly couldn't help but give her a genuine smile back. The woman had her mother's charisma, if nothing else.

"I believe we can manage that. I was thinking, maybe we could start with levitation, and progress to flying. Would that work for you?"

Fox's whole face lit up, giving Molly all the answer she needed.

Several hours later, Xanatos and Owen were finishing going over some contracts in another part of the building. Earlier, Xanatos had been a little startled to notice his employee's newly restored hand, but Owen had quickly explained that it was Molly's handiwork, apparently a token of her good will.

"You think she'll be teaching my wife to do something like that in her first lesson today?"

Owen had shaken his head. "I doubt it, sir. Knowing her, she will probably start with something more basic."

"I see. As opposed to your teaching style when instructing my son, which is more, shall we say, eclectic?"

"Sir, if you like, I can make the lessons more structured –"

"No, Owen, it's fine. Now then," he'd said briskly. "I'd like your thoughts on the Meyers buyout."

They'd been at it for quite some time now. It was dark, but the large window in the office would still have given them quite a lovely view of the city, had either of them been inclined to look outside. As it was, they were far too absorbed in completing their work.

That is, until they were interrupted by a small but distinct sound: tap tap.

Xanatos looked up. What was that? He glanced at Owen questioningly, frowned as the man shrugged, and look about for the source of the sound.

When his gaze fell on the window, he let out an involuntary yelp, nearly jumping out of his skin. Outside, his wife was simply … floating in mid-air, grinning at him. Her hair whipped wildly about her face, and her eyes briefly glowed green before returning to normal.

"What the –?" He was interrupted by what sounded suspiciously like a snort of laughter. He glared at Owen, who returned his look with a completely guileless expression, though he could swear the man's eyes were dancing with just a hint of Puckish glee.

"Shall we let her in, sir?" Xanatos could only nod, and Owen went to open the window. Fox flitted in and landed gracefully on the ground, laughing. Molly flew in behind her, setting down beside Owen.

"Oh David, you should have seen your face!"

"That was not funny."

"Oh come on," she said playfully, putting her arms around him. "You already knew I was a great pilot, was this really such a stretch?"

"You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Even so, he couldn't really be upset with her, not when she looked so excited and happy. "But I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you," she said, kissing him lightly. She glanced over at Molly. "I had a good teacher."

Molly look a little startled at the warmth in Fox's tone, but not displeased. "Uh … it was nothing, really. Your wife is a quick study," She said, trying to minimize, but she couldn't bite back a grin. The couple's enthusiasm was infectious. "Besides, we're just getting started."

Xanatos eyed his wife. "You're not going to turn me into a toad or anything, are you?"

"Only if you don't behave," she said, kissing him again.

"You see what happens when you're nice to mortals?" Owen murmured in Molly's ear.

"I've always been nice to mortals."

"Yes, very good. Now try and say that again with a straight face."

"Oh hush."

The moment was interrupted by the unmistakable sound of a gargoyle swooping down from above. A concerned-looking Goliath glided through the open window.

"Xanatos, what is happening? We saw Fox and another human flying beneath us and –"

"I was just finishing my first magic lesson," Fox said quickly. "Sorry if we startled you."

Goliath's eyes darted around the room, until they settled on the only unfamiliar face. This must be the Banshee in her mortal guise. He growled. "I should have known."

Owen scowled, stepping in front of Molly. "There is no need to be so hostile."

"Goliath, I didn't realize a magic lesson might have had the potential to disturb you and your clan," Xanatos said, before the tension level in the room could go up any further. "I'm sure we could arrange it so the lessons end before daylight from now on, if that would make you feel better."

"That is unnecessary. What you do with your time is your own affair, so long so long as it does not threaten my city. We were merely … disconcerted by the sight of two apparently human persons flying around without aid."

Xanatos smiled. "Believe me, I know the feeling," he said, with a sidelong glance at his wife.
"Again, please accept my apologies."

Goliath merely nodded. His gaze flicked back over the two disguised fay. Owen was still scowling. Over his shoulder, the Banshee – or Molly, as Xanatos had said she called herself now – was looking at him with what seemed to be a determinedly blank expression. He looked back at Xanatos, nodded curtly, and glided back out into the night.

"Well, that really killed my buzz." Xanatos turned to his wife.

"You shouldn't let it, Fox. This is a tremendous accomplishment. We should celebrate –"

"David, I was kidding. I'm happy. But I'm also tired. Why don't you meet me downstairs when you're finished with the contracts, and we'll talk some more. Molly, would you come with me, please? I'd like to discuss our plans for my next lesson. Unless you needed her," she added, addressing her husband.

He sighed. "No, it's fine. I'll see you in a little bit." His wife gave him a knowing look, and the two women left the room.

As soon as they were gone, he turned to Owen. "What the hell was that?"

"Sir?"

"Don't play dumb, Owen. You practically provoked Goliath!"

He blinked. "Forgive me, sir. I rather thought he overreacted to Molly's presence."

"Funny. And I thought you were the one who was overreacting."

"Sir, I merely –"

"Can I trust your judgment when it comes to this woman, Owen? Molly, Banshee, whatever she calls herself –"

"I have always been loyal to you, sir. I have always looked after your best interests." There was a slight edge to his voice, and he looked at Xanatos, not with anger or hostility, but simply as if he would remind the man what that loyalty had cost him. To his credit, Xanatos looked away, and when he continued, it was in a softer tone.

"What is she to you, exactly?"

Owen looked slightly taken aback by the question, but answered quickly enough. "A fellow employee. An acquaintance."

Xanatos gave him a disbelieving look. "I'd say she's a little more than an acquaintance. Titania told us the two of you spent a lot of time together after your people were exiled from Avalon."

Owen's gaze slid away from him and settled on the floor. "The Queen exaggerates. It wasn't that long. Really no more than a century or two." Or six. But who's counting?

"A century or two," Xanatos echoed sarcastically. "What is that, like a fling to you people?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Fling?"

"Come on Owen, it's –"

"It was a long time ago," Owen said firmly. "Sir," he added more deferentially.

For a moment, Xanatos was tempted to press the matter further. But only for a moment. After all the man had done for him … "Alright then."

"I apologize if I overstepped my bounds in addressing Goliath."

"Just don't do it again." He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Do you think you could finish this without me?"

"Of course, sir. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening."

"I intend to. Oh, and Owen?"

"Yes sir?"

"I hope Molly realizes how fortunate she is. Your loyalty is an extremely precious gift to be granted. I should know."

Owen's eyes widened slightly. "Thank you," he said softly.

Xanatos smiled. "You're welcome. Goodnight."