Siren Song

Chapter 8: Unleashed

"When the Banshee keens, men die!" – The Banshee, in "The Hound of Ulster."

Author's Note: Please review if you want me to keep this thing going. I'm not sure if I should continue.

There was nothing they could do.

Once Oberon made his decree, they had to leave. The skiffs went out from Avalon, most of them containing two or three at a time. There were a few exceptions of course; Titania and Oberon each had separate vessels of their own.

He spotted Queen Titania in hers, before it left the shore. Her arms were folded, and she sat stiff and proud, not meeting Oberon's eye. As Puck watched, the Lord of Avalon looked almost apologetic.

"It does not have to be this way, my queen." He was saying.

"It is as you decreed it," Titania replied, her voice cold. "You commanded that we live among mortals, and so we shall."

"Yes, but you and I … we do not have to spend the time apart. We can live in the mortal world together. I can teach you why it is wrong to have such disdain for them. Come now, why should Titania cross her Oberon?*"

Titania glared at him. "Cross you? You were the one who divorced me," she hissed. "I may have still have to follow your commands, but I am no longer your wife! If I must travel in the mortal world, then I will do it alone. I neither need nor desire your company."

For a moment, Oberon looked stricken, and then his expression hardened. "Very well," he snapped, and pushed her boat out into the water. His eyes roamed the shoreline, watching his Children leave, and when the sullen gaze of his lord fell on him, Puck hastily got into his own boat as it pushed out.

Beside him sat the Banshee, looking as miserable as he felt. Sure, Avalon could get boring sometimes, but nobody really wanted to be exiled from it, especially when they didn't know how long the exile would last. Of all the fair folk, only the Weird Sisters had been allowed to stay behind, and even they were confined to a barge floating off the shore, not being able to set foot on the land.

"I can't believe we all got kicked out of Avalon because of a stupid lover's quarrel," Puck muttered, more to himself than to her. Oh sure, Oberon had said it had something to do with Titania's contempt for mortals (her latest demonstration of such apparently being the last straw), but did that really mean the rest of them had to suffer? "Honestly, sometimes I think love is the most ridiculous thing in world. They really should leave all that foolishness to the mortals, where it belongs."

He turned to look at the Banshee, only to find she was crying – something he'd never seen her do before. He found he didn't like it all.

"Oh hush now, little siren," he said putting his arm around her. When she didn't automatically correct his use of the nickname, he knew it was bad. "I'm sure we'll be able to come back, someday. And there's lots of fun to be had amongst mortals, remember? You'll see, after a few centuries and we won't even miss Avalon."

She said nothing, but leaned against him. He rather wished she'd snap at him, or tell him he was impertinent, or something.

"Puck, you better make sure she doesn't start wailing. It's bad enough we're banished, I don't need that little shrew of yours making my ears bleed." Puck turned to see Raven sneering at them from where he sat is his own skiff.

"Shut up," Puck snapped, for once unable to think of a witty comeback.

"Honestly, the way she's carrying on, you'd think somebody died or something." He smirked, apparently amused at his own joke.

"Oh ha ha," Puck said dryly. "Been saving that one, have you? Besides which, you're not exactly dry-eyed yourself." And indeed, there were tears in Raven's eyes. At Puck's comment, he angrily wiped them away.

"This is the fault of the mortals," he declared darkly. "I'm going to make them pay for this."

Beside him in his skiff, the one who called herself Grandmother reminded him, "We are forbidden from directly interfering in mortal affairs."

Raven gave her a nasty smile. "The key word being 'directly.' I'll find a way to exploit that loophole, I assure you."

Her expression hardened. "Not if I can help it."

Puck was starting to get worried he would have to listen to this until they finally reached land, but thankfully, Raven fell silent. There was the occasional sound of sobs (several of the Children besides Banshee were weeping not-so-silently over the loss of Avalon), and every so often one of the boats would disappear into the mists. Puck thought perhaps Oberon did not want all of them landing in the same places in the mortal realm. It made sense, he guessed, since they were supposed to learn about and from mortals, not gather together and complain about their exile.

Puck sighed, putting his head down, closing his eyes for a moment. When he looked back up, the other skiffs were gone, and they were approaching land. He looked over at his companion. She still seemed fairly miserable, but at least she had stopped crying.

Puck hopped out and pulled the skiff onto the shore. He held out his hand to her.

"Well come on then," he said.

She looked at his hand, and then turned her head away.

"No," she said.

Puck blinked. "What do you mean 'no'?"

"I mean I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying here."

"In the boat? Banshee, we're exiled for who knows how long! What are you going to do, sit there for the next millennium or so until it's time to go back home?"

"Why not?"

"That is … that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard! Get out of the boat right now!"

"I do not take orders from you! This place isn't Avalon, this place isn't even Ireland!"

"Oh for … you've done Ireland already. Try something different for once, you stubborn creature. Now come on."

Puck grabbed at her hand, trying to physically pull her out. She resisted, and he pulled harder.

"Come on!" He must have used more force than he realized, because she wound up sprawled on the ground beside him, while he himself was flat on his back. As soon as she left it, the boat disappeared.

Catching sight of her in such disarray, Puck just couldn't help it. The laughter bubbled up in his throat and spilled out.

She glared at him. "Puck, this is not funny!" She snapped, but he only laughed harder.

"Yes it is."

The Banshee's lip twitched. She wished Puck's merriment wasn't so contagious. She always felt like she had to steel herself against giving him the satisfaction of seeing her laugh at his antics. Puck stood, making a show of dusting himself off. Then he offered her his hand with an exaggerated flourish.

The Banshee rolled her eyes, but grasped his hand and allowed him to help her to her feet. Once they were eye level, she pulled back from him slightly, clearing her throat.

"Where are we, anyway?"

Puck grinned at her. "Dunno. Come on, let's find out, see how much trouble we can get into." Before she could protest, he'd grabbed hold of her hand, and they were flying through the air.

"See, I told you it work."

"Yeah, you were right. But I don't know, I just feel kind of silly. I mean, the whole rhyming thing, is it really necessary?"

She and Fox were had just finished their latest lesson. They'd practiced simple spells, like summoning objects, creating light, a few small-scale transformations, things of that nature. She had been doing well, to the point where Molly was certain that next time they'd go on to something bigger, maybe even weather manipulation.

"Well, giving the language a certain rhythm and cadence helps to focus the magic," she answered. "It makes things easier, especially for a halfing like you … no offense," she added hastily.

Fox smiled. "None taken. Do you use a lot of rhyming yourself?"

Molly shook her head. "Not as much as others might, but it can be useful at times. We all have different strengths and abilities."

"Well I suppose I'll get used to it," Fox said amiably. Then she frowned as Molly gave a sudden shiver. "Um, are you okay? What's wrong?"

Molly swallowed. "It's your father." Fox's eyes widened.

"What?"

At that moment, Xanatos came hurrying in. "Fox, we just got a call from the hospital. Your father's there, and it looks bad. We need to go right now."

Fox visibly paled and turned to Molly. At least she didn't seem angry, just shocked. "How did you know?" She whispered.

"I can sense …" Death. I can sense death. "I can sense these sorts of things."

"We need to go now. Fox, Owen has the car waiting outside. I'll join you in a minute." As his shaken wife hurried downstairs, Xanatos approached Molly.

"You can sense death," he said bluntly.

She nodded. "Yes."

"Is he going to make it?"

She paused, and then answered reluctantly. "No. I'm sorry. Perhaps … perhaps you had better take Alex with you? So he can see his grandfather one last time?"

Xanatos appeared to consider; he seemed rather out of his element, Molly thought. "You're probably right. Come on." He turned to leave.

"You … you want me to go with you?"

"If it bothers you –"

"No, I just thought this was a private matter. A family matter."

"It is. But Owen is part of this family, and you matter a great deal to him. Besides, I'd like the both of there, in case we get any unexpected guests who try to take advantage of the situation."

He was probably thinking of Titania, she knew. Still, it felt so strange to be included like this. Long ago, she'd attached herself to mortal families, considered them to be her adopted kin, grieved when one of them was about to die, and wound up being tortured because of it. How could she open herself up to that kind of pain again?

But it would be different this time. Puck would be there.

"All right," she whispered, and they went to get the child.

A short while later, they were all in the car. For the moment, no one spoke; the Xanatoses were in the back with Alexander securely in a car seat, while she had elected to sit in front with Owen. His expression remained grim. He drove as fast as he safely could, and when they hit a stop light, Molly heard Fox swear from the back of the car, and then her husband saying something conciliatory.

They arrived at the hospital and hurried out the car, Xanatos with the baby in his arms. They were quickly escorted to the room of Halcyon Renard. Preston Vogel was there, the man Puck had modeled his current guise on, which she might have found interesting or amusing under other circumstances.

A doctor was also present, who murmured discreetly in Xanatos' ear before leaving the room, and Molly knew she was probably telling them what she was already sensing; Renard had only been holding on so he could say goodbye. The man didn't have much time.

"Janine?" Renard called weakly, and Fox rushed to his side, clasping his hand.

"I'm here, daddy. I'm right here."

"Where's that scoundrel husband of yours?" He managed to ask. Fox laughed weakly, and Xanatos stepped forward.

"Right here, sir."

"You better take damn good care of my Janine and my grandson, do you hear me? Because if you don't I will personally come back from the grave and make sure you pay for it."

"Daddy, don't talk like that," Fox interjected, her voice quavering. "You're going to be fine."

But Renard's eyes were focused on Xanatos. "I rather think your word means more than it did before. So I want your word that you'll keep them safe."

"Of course I will, sir."

"Good." The man let out a wheezy breath.

From outside, came the sound of swooping wings, and the humans looked up at the window to see the form of Goliath. No one was particularly surprised, and although Molly was less than pleased, she muttered a spell under her breath, and he was transported into the room. He was a bit disoriented for a moment, and then looked at her, seeming to realize what she'd done, nodding curtly in acknowledgement.

Renard smiled weakly. "Hello, Goliath."

The gargoyle smiled back. "Hello, my friend."

"Make sure that villain over there stays in line, would you? I don't want him brewing up trouble for my family."

"Oh, and here I thought you were warming up to me, Halcyon," Xanatos said mildly.

"I will do as you ask," Goliath said.

"Thank you." He let out another painful breath. Not much longer now, she thought. "I wish…"

"I'm here, Halcyon."

They all turned to see Queen Titania standing there, in her mortal guise. Xanatos didn't look pleased, but he said nothing.

"Anastasia?" Renard asked.

"Yes, it's me." She approached him and stroked his face tenderly, the air around them shimmering slightly.

"What is she doing?" Fox whispered.

"She's just taking his pain away," Molly explained. "He'll pass peacefully now."

Fox's eyes filled with tears. "I don't want him to die."

Without thinking, Molly put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"I still … love you …" Renard was saying. His ex-wife smiled.

"You were very good to me, my dear. We created a beautiful child together. I will always be grateful for that. I loved you very much, and part of me loves you still. Part of me always will."

She leaned down, and kissed his forehead. Then she stepped back slightly. Molly moved so the woman could put her arms around her daughter, who was openly crying now.

After that, it was just a matter of time. His eyes closed, his breathing slowed, and then, finally ceased. The hospital machine indicated he had no pulse, and Molly quickly transported Goliath back outside before the doctors came in the room to call time of death.

Everyone except Fox and her mother left the room, allowing the two women one final moment with the man who had meant so much to both of them. Molly sighed, leaning against the wall. She'd forgotten how exhausting mortal grief was, how being around it made her feel.

After a moment, they came out, both wiping tears from their eyes. Fox rushed to her husband, who took her comfortingly in his arms, and the queen approached her.

"Walk with me a moment," she said.

Molly nodded, and they moved slowly down the hall, away from the rest of the group.

"I did not tell them the truth of how you came to be banished, Banshee. At least, not the whole truth."

She nodded. "I suspected as much, and I appreciate that. Thank you, my queen."

"There is something that I wanted Puck to have … but I think it would be better if it came from you." She looked down, to see the queen holding Puck's flute.

With pleased surprise, Molly took it from her. "As you wish. I will give it to him."

"You should tell him, you know," Titania said gently.

Molly looked away. "There is nothing to tell."

"I know better than that." Titania said. "Besides, he might surprise you."

Molly said nothing, but put the flute in her pocket, and together they returned to the group. Owen raised an eyebrow at them, but otherwise seemed unconcerned.

"I'm surprised your husband let you come." Fox addressed her mother. There was a bit of venom in her voice now, probably having to do with her grief and the fact that she still didn't quite trust her mother.

"My lord and husband may have his faults, but he does not indulge in petty jealousies. He understands what your father meant to me, Fox, and he respects that." Titania stiffened suddenly, a disconcerted look crossing her features.

"What?" Molly asked.

Her eyes darted between Molly and Owen. "Can you two feel that –"

"Get down!" Owen shouted.

A magical bolt blasted through the hospital wall, and they all fell to the ground. Alex started wailing.

"What the hell was –" Xantaos began.

"Raven!" Molly shouted.

And indeed it was, but something was obviously wrong with him. For starters, he wasn't wearing his usual sneer, and more significantly, his eyes glowed red. When he spoke it was in a hollow, toneless voice:

"Give me the child."

With that, Puck reverted to his true form, and the other two fair folk quickly followed suit. With a scream the Banshee sent him reeling backwards, out into the night. Even with her powers muted, her voice was still a formidable weapon. Along with Puck and Titania, she followed him out.

"How dare you threaten my grandson!"

"You always were a fool, Raven," Puck snarled, looking angrier than she'd ever seen him. "It's three against one, do you really think you have a chance against us?"

Raven smirked, seeming more like himself for a moment. "I'm not the one you have to watch out for. It's the true queen you should fear."

True queen? As she realized what he meant, the Banshee felt dread such as she had not known in centuries. A scream came from the hospital.

Puck was the first back inside, but they were too late. Xanatos and Fox had apparently been knocked back to the floor, along with Vogel. And there, floating above them and holding Alexander, both beautiful and terrible, was the original ruler of the Third Race, Mab.

Not since the Banshee had been imprisoned in iron had she experienced this level of panic. Oberon had never been the perfect leader – he could be vain, hypocritical, and unfair – but in comparison to his mother, he was practically perfect.

Mab was insane, and insanely powerful, and the only reason her son had been able to defeat her was that the majority of their people had sided with him against her, desiring an end to her tumultuous reign. After her defeat, Oberon had imprisoned her, and only he had known where. How she'd managed to escape, the Banshee could not fathom, but she appeared to have Raven in her thrall. And now she had the child as well.

Titania gasped. "Let him go!"

"Don't you dare speak to me, or I will rip him apart," Mab hissed, her eyes glowing with hatred.

"My queen," the Banshee whispered, addressing Titania, "We must –"

"Don't call her that!" Mab shrieked. "She is no queen! She is just the little slut who seduced my son and turned him against me! And now she will finally be made to pay for it!"

Mab directed a blast of magical energy which sent her reeling. Puck took advantage of her focus on Titania to rush at her and attempt to take Alexander back. Mab was extremely powerful, but Puck knew she'd been weakened by her imprisonment, and her rage made her careless.

"Raven!" Mab commanded. "Take care of him!"

He moved to obey, but before Raven could get at Puck, the Banshee intercepted him. They struggled briefly, and the Banshee realized with horror that her muted powers meant she wasn't really a match for him in a prolonged battle. He clamped a hand on her mouth, while the other snaked around her waist, and he leered at her.

"Time to disappear, little shrew."

Mab threw Puck off, and she vanished, along with the child, Raven, and Banshee.

"No!" Puck screamed.

"Where are they?" Fox cried.

"Where did they take our son?" Xanatos demanded.

Mab's blast had knocked Titania out, and now she got up unsteadily. "Not to Avalon," she managed to get out. "There are too many there who would stand against Mab. Puck, Oberon's decree means you have the best chance of finding them."

Puck managed to nod, his expression dark. "Follow me."

"I'm coming with you," Fox said.

"My daughter, it's too dangerous –"

"It's my son!"

"It's our son, Fox. I'm coming too." He took out a gun. "I've planned for something like this." He sounded extremely shaky, but determined at the same time. He took out a gun. "The bullets are made of iron." He explained.

"But David, it's magic. How can you follow –"

"He can, with your help," Titania said, seeming to accept that neither parent would stay behind. "Fox, take his hand and don't let go. He will be able to move with us. Vogel, you will stay here and explain to the gargoyles what has happened. We may need their help when we track down Mab, and I should be able to summon them."

For a moment, the man merely looked at her with a dazed expression, but then he nodded his understanding.

Puck focused his energy, trying to get a sense of their moments. If anything were to happen to Alex … or to her …

Suddenly it came to him.

"Let's go."

*From Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Act II, scene 1, line 487.