Siren Song

Chapter 10: Resolutions

"You dare laugh at the Banshee? – The Banshee, in "The Gathering, Part I."

When Oberon and Titania returned to Avalon, all of the Children murmured curiously amongst themselves – all except the Banshee, of course, who was currently incapable of making any kind of sound. But she, like the rest of them, had fully expected the Lord of Avalon to return with a wayward and chastened Puck in tow.

Although it had only been minutes for them, she knew that Oberon had spent several hours in the mortal world, more than long enough for that awful beast to help him track Puck down. The agony of being gagged was almost forgotten for a moment, as she regarded the rulers of Avalon with confusion. Titania's expression was hard to read, but Oberon looked most seriously displeased, which was never a good sign.

With a gesture of his hand, all of the Children fell silent. And it was then that Oberon explained what had happened. In a booming voice, he announced Puck's punishment: Eternal banishment from Avalon.

There were several different reactions among the assembled. The Weird Sisters, for their part, looked smug, probably thinking it was about time the trickster was caught in his own net. They were not the only ones; Puck had always loved to make mischief for his fellows, just as he did for mortals, and he had his enemies among them.

But he also had his friends. Coyote for one looked particularly dejected; she was certain he had been counting on Puck's presence to keep Avalon from getting too boring. Anansi shook his massive head, in either disbelief or disapproval, or both. Raven simply looked stunned, as if completely unable to process the information.

He was not the only one who was shocked, for all knew that the Puck had always been one of Oberon's favorites, and had once been his personal servant. While the talk was that the Lord of Avalon had grown frustrated with the little trickster as of late, not one among the fay, whether they liked Puck or not, had expected anything like this.

To be banished forever … to never know home again …

The Banshee shrank away from the crowd. Eventually, she found herself curled up in a dark corner. The pain of her gag, combined with her distress over Puck's absence, left her completely and utterly miserable.

For the next few days, she was left pretty much alone. But occasionally, someone might come over and mock her for her enforced silence, or for missing Puck, or both.

"Cat got your tongue?" Raven sneered. This earned him a death glare from the Banshee. He laughed cruelly, but he still backed away, and he didn't even mention Puck to her.

The Weird Sisters were another matter. During the first few hours of what they termed her "sulk," they seemed to take great delight in gliding over every few minutes and deriding her. Seline especially relished this.

"You've no tales to tell now, have you little siren?" Seline gloated, floating above her. "Little siren. That was what your dear Puck always called you, wasn't it? Does your heart break for him now, knowing he will never return home again? Perhaps you would feel better if you gave voice to your grief … oh wait, that's right, you can't."

Mercifully, Titania intervened and put a stop to this. On the third day, Oberon himself approached her. She could do nothing but look up at him with pleading eyes, unable to speak the words that burned in her throat.

Oberon contemplated her for a moment, and then said, "I believe your newfound humility suits you." He pointed his finger, and a flash of magic sprang towards her, removing the gag from her mouth. He stood back as she gasped and coughed, giving her a moment to recover. She was surprised he had lifted her punishment so quickly. She knew she should have been grateful.

"What say you now, Banshee? You will stand and address your lord and master."

The Banshee stood. She looked him straight in the eye, and then said, in a clear, steady voice which echoed through the hall: "You shouldn't have banished Puck."

The Lord of Avalon gave her a look of complete shock, which was quickly replaced by anger. "What?"

"All he did was try to keep a child with his family, and you –"

"You would question my judgments? Puck disobeyed my laws!"

"Why shouldn't he, when you don't even follow them yourself! How is trying to take a child from his parents not interfering in human affairs? You're nothing but a hypocrite!"

"How dare you –"

"It's not right, it's not fair!"

"Silence!" Oberon roared, and indeed, the great hall fell deathly quiet. The Banshee trembled, hardly believing what she had just done.

"Everyone, leave!" He bellowed, and all of the fair folk hastily scurried away. Only Titania remained, moving to stand by her husband's side.

"What means this outrage, Banshee?"

She could try to apologize, she supposed. Take it all back, throw herself at his feet and beg for mercy.

But …

"It's not right," she whispered. "Puck should be here with us. It's not right."

She expected the Lord of Avalon to rage at her, but strangely enough, he seemed almost moved. "Would you really risk incurring our wrath, just to defend the Puck?"

"I …"

"Do you love him that much?"

And although she was no longer gagged, she found herself once again unable to speak. She bowed her head, her eyes filling with tears.

"Then I pity you, my child," Oberon said softly. "For I do not think he is capable of returning such feelings. He could never take anything take anything so seriously, not as love demands we must do."

The tears spilled out and fell down her cheeks. "I know."

Oberon's expression hardened. "If you are so determined to remain loyal to Puck, Banshee, and not to me, then you can share in his punishment."

And it was then that he passed sentence on her. He had muted her powers, and banished her. But her banishment had not been indefinite; it was just as permanent an exile as Puck's. There had never been the hope of returning home.

And Puck would never know, must never know. About any of it. Besides, Oberon was wrong. She didn't …

And even if she did, Puck would never reciprocate. Everything was always just a game to him. If she told him the truth, he would probably just laugh in her face.

And she could not stand the thought of that.

She wasn't sure why she was doing this.

Molly made her way up the castle parapets, where she knew the gargoyles dwelled. She moved quietly, her eyes darting around. For a moment, their lair appeared to be empty, but then she heard an unmistakable growl. An old and instinctive panic seized her, and she was poised to run, but something inside told her to simply stay still.

The great beast, the one they called Bronx, approached her. Unlike their first encounter, he advanced slowly, though he still looked menacing, snarling and baring his teeth. Finally, he stopped, sniffed the air, and gave her a look she could only describe as evaluating. The thought was so ridiculous that she almost laughed out loud. Instead, she spoke.

"Well come on, then," she said in a surprisingly calm voice. "If you're going to attack me, let's get it over with." Aside from her initial flash of apprehension, she found she wasn't really afraid. After all, she had just been bound and gagged with iron, and threatened by Mab, arguably the most powerful and most insane member of her entire race. Next to that, even the Hound of Ulster seemed little more than a minor inconvenience.

As if he actually understood what she was saying, the beast huffed out a breath, and lowered his head. He seemed rather resigned to her presence, if not pleased by it. She supposed that would do. She didn't plan to stay long, anyway.

"What brings you here, lass?"

She looked up from Bronx to see the older gargoyle – Hudson, was it? – regarding her with a similarly skeptical yet resigned expression.

"I came to see Angela," she said simply.

"Did ye now?"

"Yes." When it became clear that he expected her to elaborate, she continued. "I didn't have the opportunity after the battle to thank her for what she did. You all glided away before I could say anything." Hudson was silent, and she began to feel slightly uncomfortable. "Is she here?"

He finally spoke. "No, she went out with the rest of 'em to go check on Elisa, and tell her what has happened."

"I see. Then excuse me for bothering you."

"It's all right. I'll let Angela know ye came to express your gratitude."

"Thank you." She nodded, and made to leave, only turning at the sound of his voice.

"D'you always have such a temper lass?"

She frowned. "What?"

"Well, Angela did have to hold you back after Puck –"

"Shut up!" She snapped, her cheeks flushing.

Hudson chuckled. "Ah, I can see ye do. Or maybe it's just him that brings it out in you, is it?"

"I didn't come here to discuss … this," Molly said, fighting to keep her voice low and even. Hudson shook his head.

"No, I don't suppose ye did. But I must say, with a temper like that, I'm glad you seem to be on our side now."

Despite herself, a brief smile flickered on Molly's face. "Goodnight then." He nodded.

She descended down the castle stairs and ran straight into Owen.

"What are you doing here?" He asked her. She glared at him.

"I might ask you the same question! Are you following me?"

"When I saw where you were going, I became concerned that you might need –"

"How many times do I need to tell you that I can take care of myself?" She hissed. "Haven't you humiliated me enough for one night? Do you really think you need to follow me around like I'm a child?"

"It was never my intention to humiliate you –"

"To do that, in front of everyone!" She fumed. "Why, why did you have to do it?"

"Because it was the only way I could think to get you angry. Because we needed to make use of any and all weapons at our disposal against Mab, and your voice was one of them. Because your embarrassment was insignificant if it meant turning the tide of the battle. And most of all," and here he leaned in, belying all his rationalizations and his stoic façade, his eyes sparking with wickedness, his voice full of glee, "Because it was fun."

Molly scowled at him. "Well, you're going to pay dearly for your fun."

"I'm trembling. What are you going to do?"

She kissed him, and he responded, pushing her up against the wall, desperate, clinging to her like a drowning man. Even in this form, all the sensations were familiar, overwhelming, intoxicating. She didn't think, didn't analyze, she just let it happen. She knew it was probably a bad idea, but it felt so good that she just didn't care.

After a long moment, they broke apart, both breathing heavily. As if suddenly remembering, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the flute.

"Here," she managed, shoving it at him. "Titania wanted me to give this to you."

She knew he'd be pleased, and his focus on the flute served as an adequate distraction for her to slip away.

"When did she give you –" He turned back to her, only to find that she was gone. Of course, she had probably just transported herself away, since she could still use her magic whenever she pleased. After the night's battle, it would have taken a lot out of her, but she must have thought it was worth it. She had to still be somewhere in the castle; he supposed he could go looking for her, but honestly, this mortal body of his was quite exhausted. Still, he felt rather frustrated, though he couldn't help but admire the cleverness of her distraction.

"And here I thought I was supposed to be the trickster," he muttered to himself with a weary smile.

In an hour or so, it was dawn, and although Xanatos had joked about seeing him bright and early in the morning, in truth, all those involved in the battle were thoroughly exhausted, and did little else but sleep and rest throughout the day. They gathered near sunset to await the return of Avalon's rulers.

"Are you nervous?" Fox asked Molly kindly as they all stood together. She was holding her son in her arms.

Molly shrugged. "Not really. Either things will get better, or they will stay the same. At least they won't get any worse."

"I suppose that's a good way of looking at it."

"I thought so. And um …" Molly began hesitantly. "I never got to tell you I was sorry about your father."

Fox smiled sadly. "Thank you. Honestly, I really haven't had time to process it myself, with everything that's happened. I feel a bit overwhelmed."

"That's understandable. And I must say, you handled yourself quite well during the battle."

"Well, I had a good teacher." Before Molly could minimize, she continued. "You know, if you were to return to Avalon, we'd miss you here."

Molly suddenly felt a lump in her throat, even as she cursed her mortal form for its foolish tendency towards sentimentality. "Thank you," she said softly.

"Of course, Owen would miss you the most."

Molly waved her hand dismissively. "He would miss the amusement I provide, I'm sure."

Fox shook her head. "You really think that's all you are to him? An amusement?"

"Try to understand. I have known him a very long time, far longer than any of you. Despite the somber demeanor he might put on in his current guise, I can assure you that it's all just a game to him. Puck could never truly take anything seriously."

Fox looked down at Alex, who was gurgling happily in her arms. "But there's where you're wrong. If I thought he was incapable of taking anything seriously, I would never trust him with my son."

It hadn't occurred to her to look at things that way. Before she could respond, Titania was suddenly before them.

"Where's Oberon?" Xanatos asked.

"He has sent me to convey his judgment," Titania said.

Fox scowled. "After all that they've done, Oberon couldn't even be bothered to tell them in person?" Not that she relished his presence anywhere near her son, but still.

"My lord is occupied with more important matters."

"Such as?" Xanatos prompted.

Titania frowned, and there was a hint of annoyance in her voice as she continued. "Such as determining precisely how Mab escaped her prison and enthralled Raven, and making sure that nothing like this happens again. I trust you understand that such things would take priority over uttering a simple decree."

They fell silent then, and she continued. "The judgment of my lord and husband is as follows. Puck: your powers are to be restored to you." She held up her hands, and a green glow surrounded Owen as she continued. "No longer will the use of your magic be limited to the training and protection of my grandson. Such is your reward for your aid in the battle against Mab."

Owen immediately reverted to Puck, and spun around excitedly, looking pleased. Titania then turned to Molly, repeating the ritual on her.

"Banshee: you also will be restored to your full power, with Oberon's thanks, and mine, for protecting my family and teaching my daughter."

Following his lead, Molly turned into her true self, relishing the return of her full abilities, feeling stronger than she had in quite a while. Titania smiled at both of the newly restored Children.

"What about their banishments, mother?" Fox asked. "Will they ever be allowed to return to Avalon?"

The queen's smiled faltered somewhat. "Oberon has held firm on that matter, I'm afraid." When both Fox and Xanatos began to protest, she held up a hand. "Please try to understand. My lord has been as generous as he can be at this time. Do not lose hope," she said, now addressing the two fay. "I may someday be able to convince him to lift the banishment as well. After all, forever is a very long time."

She approached her daughter, her arms outstretched. After all that happened, Fox could not find it in herself to rebuff her, and Titania embraced both mother and son. "I'm proud of you," she whispered. "Continue in your lessons. You have more power, more magic in you than you realize, even now."

Titania released her daughter, and turned the Banshee. "Child, you really need to tell the truth now, about your own exile."

The Banshee gasped. "My queen, I thought you would respect –"

"I'm sorry, but I have had enough of secrets. I see now that I can no longer deceive my daughter, not if I wish to remain a part of her life. If you won't tell, I will." When the Banshee remained silent, she turned the rest of them.

"The part about her initial punishment being silence was true," she began. The Banshee readied herself to scream, desperate to stop this, but with a wave of Titania's hand, she was unable to do so. "However, the rest of the story I told you was not entirely accurate. My husband removed the gag after only a few of our days, because he believed that she had displayed adequate humility. Imagine my lord's surprise when, instead of being greeted by her meek gratitude, she declared in front of everyone how wrong Oberon had been to banish Puck. It was then that my lord and husband permanently exiled her and reduced her powers." As she finished, Titania released the Banshee from her spell.

"This is not fair!" The Banshee screamed. "After all I have done – that was not your truth to tell –"

"Why would you do that?"

She turned to Puck, who was staring at her in total disbelief. "Why would you risk losing home, just to speak for me?"

"Why do you think?" She whispered. "What would the paradise of Avalon be without you?"

"You … you shouldn't have lost Avalon. Not for me. To speak against Oberon's will … it was foolish."

The Banshee let out a bitter laugh. "Indeed it was, and I am a fool. I see that now," she said, and promptly disappeared.

"Wait, wait! Little siren, I didn't mean –" He turned and glanced back over at the Xanatos family.

Fox nodded. "It's all right, go and find her. We'll be fine for now." And with that, Puck vanished as well.

He found her in their forest. She couldn't have been trying very hard to hide from him if she'd come here. At least, he told himself, that was something.

She stood there, beautiful and somber. Her eyes were downcast, and she did not look up at his approach.

"I … I don't really think you're a fool," he said softly.

She shook her head. "But I am. Who else but a fool would fall in love with a trickster?" There, she had said it, just like that. No point in denying it anymore, not now. She steeled herself against his laughter, his amusement, his derision.

But Puck was silent. She felt him move beside her, felt his hand on her own. "Look at me, little siren. Please look at me."

She turned then. "Don't call me that –"

He cut her off with a kiss, and she couldn't bring herself to pull away. "I love you too," he whispered in her ear. But she shook her head.

"No Puck, don't … don't do that. Don't try to placate me. This isn't a trick, this isn't a game."

"No, it's not. It's just the truth. I love you. I love making you laugh, even though it is so rare when I do. I love making you angry, because your rage means that I must matter to you. And you know I will always think that teasing you is the best fun in all the world! You are stubborn and strong and untamable and proud, and I could not stand to do something as ridiculous as falling in love if it were with anyone else but you. My little siren," he added with a smirk.

"How … how many times do I have to tell you not to call me that! Oh Puck, you are impossible."

He grinned. "But you love me anyway."

"Yes, you idiot, I do."

"Well then." Puck paused. "This doesn't mean I have to get you flowers, does it? Or chocolates? I don't have to buy a ring and get down on one knee, do I? Because –"

She kissed him fiercely and intensely, drawing him to her as if she could never get him close enough.

"Hush," she breathed. "Hush, my dear one, just hush."

For once, Puck listened to her. They lost themselves in each other, and, as they had not done for centuries, they let the moment carry them away.

*Author's Note: Well, looks like this turned out to be the last chapter, although I may do an epilogue. I've honestly had some variation of this story dancing around in my head since the show was on the air. For some weird reason, I've always wanted to pair these two characters. So thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed the story, and nobody came off too OOC.

Puck: That was the last chapter? Yeesh, was that mushy.

Me: What do you want? It was a romance fic.

Puck: I don't do romance.

Me: You do now. *bats eyelashes* Besides, you're just so darn cute, it kind of writes itself.

Puck: *grumbles* Stupid fangirl.

Me: Oh come on, you had fun. And hey, I gave you all your powers back! That's got to count for something, right?

Puck: Whatever. Just tell them to review this thing, will you? Or I'll turn them into pink bunnies. Or dust bunnies. Or maybe even plot bunnies. I haven't decided yet.

Me: Well, you heard him, folks.