Brotherly Love

by Nayra Pumar (NAYRA@edi.ulpgc.es) and Erica DeTraglia

(detraged@frontiernet.net)

*****blah blah Disney blah blah blah blah blah Buenavista Productions blah

blah blah blah... you know the rest....Nimh Fey copyrighted by us..but if you

wish to use him connect one of us and ask permission.

Note: this story is a continuation of Erica's series, it may be helpful to

read them before this story if you wish to know certain characters' origins...

ok that's it... on with the story...

This takes place inmediatly after "Partners in Crime"

Robin yawned, curling on the couch. He looked tired. Luna was sat on the

floor, playing alone in silence with colored marbles floating in mid air, like a

multicolored constellation. Zoe raised her head from her book, watching the

little girl play, then looked at her brother. Brooklyn was sitting next to Zoe

also reading a book rubbing his tail along her leg in a loving way. Zoe smiled

at Brook and then leaned towards Robin.

-Hey, Robin- she whispered, joggling him- Do you wanna go to bed?- the boy

nodded groggily, enlarging his tiny arms to her- Uppa!- she picked him up- Do

you wanna go to bed too, Luna?

-No, please, can I stay alittle more? It isn't our bedtime.

-Ok, but come in five minutes for your bath- the girl nodded, turning back to

her marbles. Brook looked at Zoe with a smile.

-Go ahead, I'll watch her.

-Thanks love- said Zoe.

Zoe, carryng a nearly asleep Robin, went to his room. She found Puck waiting

at his bedroom door.

-Abby, hurry up. Hi Zoe!

-Hi, I'm taking this- she smiled and balanced her load- to his bath.

-Let me help you- he picked the little boy, letting Zoe go to prepare the

bathroom- What's wrong, Rob. You had a hard day?

Robin mumbled something and leaned on his father's chest with a sigh,

wrapping his arms around his neck. Puck felt his heart melt by tenderness and

placed his chin over his son head, sending the love and the joy he felt at that

moment to him. He loved when that happened, but, as the kids were growing, these

tender moments were becoming more scarce. He smiled, remembering how he loved

when Robin and Luna were babies, to have them sleeping laying over him. They

were growing so fast...

He felt observed and turned to see Abby looking at him with very special

loving eyes.

-Your eyes look like a lamb's eyes- he mocked in a whisper- Meeeep.

-I better not say what you look like... Did you see my black shoes? I can't

find them. She was dressed with jeans and a grey short shirt. Puck was in his

human attaire: short white hair, human ears, khaki pants, and a white shirt.

-No idea.

Someone knocked at the door and entered. It was Fox, wearing an informal

tight black dress with delicate braces.

-Are you ready? David is waiting for us at the garage.

-Yes, we're ready- Abby kissed her son- Goodnight, my love.

-...night mom- he muttered, his eyes fluttering-...night dad- he placed a

clumsy kiss into his father's cheek.

-Here- said Zoe approaching- Give him to me.

-Thanks Zoe, for being our babysitter tonight- thanked Abby.

-Oh, that's nothing. Now, go or you'll be late for dinner.

-Thanks again- said Puck, patting her on the back.

Waiting for the elevator they found Luna giggling being pursued by Bronx and

Alex. Of course, the gargoyle dog wasn't running, it only needed to trot to keep

the distance with the little girl, while growling on a "menacing" way.

-Where's dad?- asked Alex, balking beside them.

-At the garage. Did you want something from him?

-No, I only wanted to say goodnight to him- he kissed his mother on the

cheek- Good night, mom. Good night- he said to Puck and Abby, who nodded in

response.

-Good night, dear, don't let Bronx chase Luna before you, he's taking

advantage of you...- Fox smiled, bowing her head towards the corridor.

Alex smiled and ran down the corridor to catch them, now he was the pursuer.

-I think Zoe will have a hard work with them if she wants them in bed

soon...- commented Abby, entering on the elevator.

-Sure. I'm glad to be invited to an informal dinner on saturday night, I'm so

tired of those business parties, always smiling to stupid people...- Fox let out

a relief sigh.

-Ah, that's the worst part from marrying a billionaire, you should have know

before saying "I do".

-Love is blind and I was so blind to see...- she smiled.

-You mean you regret marrying him?- asked Puck, raising an eyebrow.

-And loose my platynum credit card?- Fox face took a disparaging grin- Never!

-I see...- replied Puck chuckling.

-Nah, the only thing I regret is that David can't pay more attention to me,

he's always so busy.

The elevator doors slid open softly. David was there, leaning on a grey-

metallic BMW, his arms crossed. He was wearing his usual "office ensemble".

-At last! What where you doing?- he exclamed, opening the car door for his

wife and daughter.

-Your son was looking for you- Fox scolded softly- He wanted to say goodnight

to you.

-Do you want me to drive?- asked Puck.

-No, I'll do- he circled the car- I looked for him for ten minutes before

coming to the garage, and I didn't find him- explained David, turning on the car

motor- I'm starting to think we must put an electronic locator on him.

-Great! And why not a bar code on the forehead too?- joked Fox, putting on

the security belt.

-Maybe...- he drove until the garage exit, joining the city traffic.

-This way- warned Puck, pointing with a thumb to a parallel road.

-Thanks...

-Watch out! That taxi!- cried Abby, grasping David's seat backrest, startling

him.

-Abby! Don't yell!- he dodged the yellow cab, frowning- I saw it.

-Sorry, I thought we were going to crash...

-You don't trust in me?- asked her father stopping at a traffic light more

later, after some more cries from Abby.

-That's not... It's only that I'm not used to having you drive, and you seem

to be a very unobservant driver.

-Oh, thanks for your faith in me...- he said derisively.

Fox gave a soft kick to Abby.

-Don't bother him- whispered.

-I'm not bothering him, it's true- she replied, whispering too.

-What are you murmuring?- asked Puck, turning to the ladies.

-Nothing...

-Which way now, Puck?

-Right. Try to find somewhere to park at the end of the street- *Two dents*

said Puck in Abby's mind.

*What?*

*I bet you that your father will put two dents in the car in this parking

maneuver*

Abby hide her chuckles covering her mouth with the hand. When she felt the

first thump the car had with the other car which was parked behind them she

roared in laughs with Puck. Fox only smiled.

-Ok!- David exited the car and opened Abby's door- You, the wonderful stunt

driver, park the car. Come on! Let's see if you can do better.

-Dad...

-Come on!- he pulled her away and pushed her on the driver's seat.

Fox and Puck had exited from the car and were looking at an red brick five

floor building in front of them. On the ground floor was a Persian Restaurant

and an old looking grocery.

-Nice building, huh?- commented Puck- Nimh lives on the penthouse.

-On the penthouse?

-Well it's not exactly a penthouse, in the beginning that was an stockroom on

the roof but he rehabilitated it and now lives there... when he's in town- they

felt a loud whistle, there was someone on the roof, waving at them- Look, he's

there.

-I see...

There was a green glare on Puck pant's right pocket. He took a key from it,

that was the front door key.

He waved back to Nimh, nodding.

-Ya see?- Abby threw the car keys to her father- A perfect parking maneuver,

not like yours...

He only smiled, putting the key ring into his pocket.

-Abby, didn't you realize that your father has been playing with you?- Fox

turned to her- He don't like to park and he has done that for having you doing

that for him...

-You..?- Abby looked, incredulous, at David, who nodded, grinning, following

Puck to the front door.

-Sorry, dear, I can't never loose my bad habits.

-It seems I'm surrounded with tricksters. I forgive you- she tapped his back.

-You forgive me? I never asked your pardon...

-Bah, forget me.

As they arrived to the last floor they saw a metal basin with five small

candles floating on water on the hallway. One of them was light. Nimh was beside

it, with a mao white shirt and black pants, his long pale blue hair falling over

his shoulders and his ears with his normal size.

-Good evening- saluted, with a wide smile on his elvin face.

-Nice hair color- noticed Abby.

-Thanks- he bowed his head towards Puck- Emmhor.

-Emmhor!- he replied, his hair and ears were also in his normal length now,

bowing his head too.

-Thats the usual salutation on Avalon when you come to a party- explained

Nimh to Abby, Fox and David- So, Emmhor to you too. Usually all the parties take

place beside a lake or a pool, and every guest is represented by a candle. Here

is the "pool"- he pointed to the metal basin- You must light your candles to

continue- he gave a lighter to Abby.

Puck kneeled by the basin and with a touch of his fingers he lite one of the

candles. The other three used the lighter.

-Now... welcome to my place- grinning he opened his apartment door, letting

them in.

There was a small hall with chinese and indian calligraphies on the walls, a

marble top table and a wooden coat rack made from carved spiders.

-If you want to take out your jacket you can place it there- said Nimh,

looking at David.

-Yes, thanks.

-This way, please- he motioned with a hand to the adjacent living room.

It was an big room, of course, not as enormous as the great hall of the Eyre

building, with a lot of weird musical instruments hanging from the ceiling. One

of the walls was almost covered with different wedding photos and postcards from

all over the world and other had a tapestry of a landscape of green meadows, a

castle on the top and a calm sea; that tapestry had a special allure.

-Gorgeous...- muttered Puck looking at it.

-Beautiful landscape- Fox was also fascinated with it.

-Fae blood always recognizes its origins- Nimh remarked- Yes, Fox, that's

Avalon.

-Oh, Angela will love to see it...

-Who's Angela?- asked Nimh to Abby.

-She's a gargoyle, she was born on Avalon.

-Ah, yes, there are a few gargoyles in Avalon, a human magician brought

gargoyles eggs there... she was one of them?- Abby nodded in response- I'll be

glad to meet her.

-Then come a night to the Eyre building and you'll meet the whole clan- said

David and half smiled by Nimh's expression.

-Do ya mean there also gargoyles in your home? That's not a house, that's a

zoo!

-Yes, but an smart zoo- added Fox leering at her husband, which was examining

a bow in a crystal showcase.

-Sure... Nimh, is this Cupid's bow?- David asked, staring fixedly at it.

-Yeah. You can take it out from the showcase, but beware with the arrows

points, they're quite sharp. And please don't shoot to anyone here, we don't

want extra troubles... for the moment- he winked at David, smiling- May I bring

you a drink?- offered Nimh to his guests- Will you like a tankard of...- he

whispered in delight- cold green lager?

-Green lager?!- Puck's eyes opened wide- The Avalon green lager? That

wonderful, delicate, bright green lager brewed on the Avalon cellars?

Nimh smile grew.

-Of course, the best one in all of Avalon, I know very well you love it, and

that you haven't tasted it on a thousand years... so that I went to fetch one

barrel to Avalon, and profiting the journey I brougt some other things...- he

smiled eerily- Since this moment the kitchen is forbidden to you Puck, I don't

want you ruining the surprise. I will only tell you that Mireiya insisted on

helping me with the dinner menu; and I let her help me, of course, she's better

cook than me...- he made his way to the kitchen, watching Puck.

Abby and Puck left the room exploring the apartment, leaving Fox and David

alone with Cupid's arrows.

-David, you're like a little boy- chided Fox looking at him, he had taken the

bow and an arrow was placed on it, he was aiming at her but without pulling on

the string.

-Are you sure you love me?- he asked mockingly.

-What do you mean by that?!

David still pointing the arrow at Fox said.

-I know about you and Nimh.

Fox's face went white.

-How did you find out?

-I saw you two- he lowered the arrow- on OUR bed. How could you...

She was confused.

-What do you mean?- Then her face showed an expression of a light bulb going

off in her head -You think I'm having an affair with Nimh?

David nodded. Three observers watched from the other room.

-Puck, we should do something- muttered Abby, grasping his husband's arm.

Nimh put his hand up.

-No wait, have faith, let them play out their scene.

Puck nodded to Abby and she let out a sigh.

-Ok.

-David! I'm not...Nimh has been teaching me magic. I swear... I love you...

why would I want to hurt you like that?

David looked down at the arrow.

-How can I be sure? I want to believe you.

Fox approached him.

-Shoot me.

-What!

-You heard me... shoot me if you do not believe that I love you.

-No.

-Fine, then I'll do it myself- Fox grabbed the arrow's tip stabbing it into

her palm. She quickly pulled away- Ouch.

David took Fox's hand, there was blood dripping from her wound.

-Are you ok?

-Fine- she said in a monotone voice.

He looked her in the eyes.

-I mean do you "feel" ok?

She laughed.

-Yes, why?

David shrugged.

-I thought you would act differently or something...

Fox laughed.

-You can't make someone love if they are already inlove. And I'm in love with

you. Do you believe me now?

-Yes- David watched as the wound on her palm healed itself.

-Good- she leaned over and kissed him.

Xanatos wrapped his arms around her waist.

-I'm sorry I ever doubted you.

Fox hugged David.

-You're forgiven... for now.

David gave Fox a worried look.

-Wha?

-Apoligize to me tonight.

A foolish but devilish grin crossed his lips.

-That's are cue you two- said Nimh to Puck and Abby. Nimh walked out first-

Fox, my dear, are you ok? We heard a scream...

Fox smiled.

-Fine Nimh.

Nimh waved a finger at Xanatos.

-Be careful with those arrows buddy. They can be very dangerous.

Xanatos looked at the arrow and raised an eyebrow.

-Really?

-Yeah, David, she's right- Puck approached to him- These arrows are magickal,

I once pricked myself with one by accident and unfortunately I fell in love with

the first female I saw.

-Unfortunately? Why?- asked Fox.

-It's great when you're in love- Abby took Puck's hand.

-Yes, that's the usual reaction- explained Nimh coming back with a tray with

five tankards- It's true that he was truly pleased with her, but she was

horrified...- he chuckled giving each one a tankard- The worst came when I broke

the spell which made him fall in love and Puck realized who he had been flirting

with...

-Who was she?- asked Abby.

-Phoebe- said Puck, shuddering in disgust. Everyone looked at him and

laughed.

-Yeah. And she was desperate, Puck was all the day flying around her like a

shadow, always trying to gratify her... I still remember your face when I told

you that you had been in love with Phoebe and all the stupidities you did to

please her- he giggled, lifting his tankard- Cheers!

-Cheers!

Abby, Fox and David tasted the lager cautiously, Nimh took a long sip, but

Puck swallowed all without stopping himself to breathe. Everyone was looking at

him, tossing the beer with closed eyes and great determination. He lowered his

empty tankard with a wide smile and a satisfaction sigh, licking the foam

from his lips.

-Thirsty buddy?- asked Nimh with an amused smile, giving him his tankard-

Here, take this one too. You seem to need it more than me.

-Thanks bro. That's delicious.

-Did you like it?- Nimh looked at Abby- There's other types of lager less

bitter but this is Puck's favorite.

-It's good, I'm not used to drink beer, I prefer sweet drinks.

-If you want I can bring you another drink- Nimh offered solicitously.

-No, you don't need to.

Fox was looking at the ceiling.

-Nimh, where did you get all of these instruments?

-Well, I've been travelling since I was very young, and I was also obliged to

learn to play a new musical instrument each ten years. So that I've finished

being almost an orchest man.

-Why?- asked David.

-Why what?- Nimh played with the empty tankard, balancing it with a finger.

-Why you must learn to play such a number of musical instruments?

Nimh shrugged.

-The reason that was given to me was that if I wanted to manage in love

affairs I needed music to help me...

David chuckled.

-I can't imagine Oberon giving you a musical education.

-Oh, no, Oberon didn't teach me. I wasn't like Puck, I've been dedicated to

Sheila; she was the one who brought me up and trained me, in fact I'm still at

her service... And before you ask, Sheila is Titania's older sister.

Fox jumped, frowning.

-My mother has a sister?

-Yeah- Nimh smiled- It's true, Sheila is your aunt! I didn't realize that...

Do ya wanna see her?

Fox looked baffled.

-Now?

-It's not what you're thinking. I haven't seen Sheila in the last 400 years,

I don't know where she is, but I have several portraits of her.

-Oh, good.

-Nimh- said Puck- Are you going to show her the drawing you have in your

bedroom?

-That's Sheila?- asked Abby, taking a sip of lager.

-Yes- Puck looked at her with oddity, frowning- How did you know?

-Because I've seen it before- explained Abby, leering at Nimh, smiling.

-Ooops- Nimh looked at the ceiling, scratching his head- Fox, dear, do you

wanna come with me? David?- he motioned with a hand towards the door.

-Eh, Nimh, what does it mean? Don't escape. How is that Abby has seen

Sheila's drawing you have in your bedroom?

-Aaahh- Nimh passed an arm over Puck's shoulders- Yesterday we were talking

here- he winked at him, smiling- And bro.

-What?

-Don't fret if your next son has wings...

Puck jumped and Nimh laughed.

-Get out of my sight, incubus- he nudged him softly on the stomach, laughing

too.

-Yeah, come with me.

Nimh guided them back to the hall, there was a small corridor with five

doors, two of them closed.

-This is the kitchen- he touched one of the closed doors- This is the guest

room- he pointed to a bedroom with a big skylight, decorated in an indian style-

The bathroom...

-Look at the bathtub- suggested Puck, pushing Abby in- Doesn't it remember

you to somebody?- he chuckled. Abby smiled, the bathtub was a female bronze

gargoyle sat on the floor holding a big stoneware with it's wings and arms, in

it's fierce face the mouth was open with a silent roar. Puck approached to the

bizarre bathtub and turned an hidden faucet. The water spilled from the bronze

gargoyle's mouth.

-Where did you get that?- asked David, looking at the oddity with wide

interest- It's an antique, isn't it?- he squatted by it's side and caressed the

gargoyle metallic cheek with a finger.

-Look out Nimh- whispered Fox in his ear- Now he'll ask how much do you want

for it. I know this look.

-How much will he pay?- asked the blue haired fae, also in a whisper, with a

greedy smile.

-Remember he's a billionaire...

-I'm not talking about money- said in a cryptic tone, looking deep in her

eyes.

-Wha?

-Nah, forget it- Nimh approached David, tapping the gargoyles's head- Sorry,

Davie, it was a present, I can't offer it to you...

-I didn't ask - he raised, glancing at the bathtub again- But I must confess

I love this kind of weird things...

-Ok, I swear you that if any day I leave definitively this house you can take

anything you want from there.

-Sure?- he raised an eyebrow, smiling.

-Yeah, make it a vow- he exited the bathroom- There's my bedroom- he pointed

to the open door at the end of the corridor- And this is the "jerk room"- he put

a hand over the latch of the closed door in front of him, opening it. From his

hands he created a floating light ball to illuminate the room.

It was full of shelves of books and folders and other unrecognizable things,

some of them covered with rags. Abby was surprised when she crossed the door she

could feel the magic in that room, especially from a wooden engraved chest.

Oddly the room was bigger than it was supposed to be.

Puck was rubbernecking on a shelf and Nimh took a cardboard box and sat on

the chest. The box was full of drawing papers. He smiled, looking at one of the

papers.

-Look Abby- he handed it to her, and with a wave of his hand he created

another light ball- Who's here?

Abby gasped in surprise. That was a drawing of an asleep faerie baby, sucking

his thumb in his slumber. The drawing was slightly coloured with watercolor, so

that she could see the kid's hair color was white.

-That's Puck?

David and Fox glanced at the drawing over her shoulder.

-Yeah, at the age of 30- Nimh nodded, digging on the box.

-Identical to Robin and Luna, wasn't he?- commented Fox smiling at Abby.

-You drew this?- asked David- You're good...

-No, Sheila did it. My drawings are in black and white, I don't like

colouring them. This is mine- he handed him another paper. There was a young

Puck playing a flute sitting on a tree branch, his long hair tied in a braid,

fully exposing his long ears- Here, Abby- he passed her a folder- Choose one and

keep it, all of these are Puck's drawings.

-Oh, thanks Nimh- she looked for a place to sit and look at the drawings, it

reminded her the photo album her grandfather had done with her: since she was a

baby till today... David sat by her side, looking at the drawings too, entouring

her waist with one arm.

-You look very pretty when you're happy- muttered looking at her with a

smile- Just like your mother...

-Thanks, dad- she kissed him on the cheek.

-Here!- exclaimed Nimh triumphant, taking a paper- Look, Fox, this is your

aunt, Sheila- he placed the box on the floor and approached her.

-My mother and her look very alike- observed Fox- They have the same smile-

she caressed the drawing of the female fae hugging a younger Titania, both

dressed in a white vaporous tunic with a golden belt on her hips and ivy on her

hair.

-Yes, and she's red haired, like you- he wounded one lock of her red hair

around a finger- In fact... you look alittle alike ...

-How is that you still keep this?- asked Puck from behind Nimh, circling his

waist with a engraved leather belt and closing the silver buckle while

chuckling.

Nimh tried to stop him but he was suddently enfolded in a light flash which

made him fall on his knees.

Fox, startled, jumped back. Puck was laughing to tears.

-Are you fine Nimh?- asked Abby worried, approaching to him.

-Yeah, fine- answered Nimh with a feminine voice, raising his head and

sitting on his heels. He was turned into a female fae- Very funny, Puck, very

funny- she, took the belt away, getting up. Nimh wasn't having any fun with her

transformation.

-I didn't remember how lovely you were... dear- Puck started to laugh again,

holding his flanks.

Abby and Fox were jaw-dropped. David smiled.

-It's true, after Titania you're the beautiest faerie I've ever seen- said

David laughing too.

-Fox- asked Nimh, fiddling with the belt- Would you like to have a female

husband?

-No, thanks! David, shut up- she tried to stop him, but she also started to

laugh.

-Don't fret Nimh- Puck tapped her bottom between laughs- It's not permanent,

it will last only two or three days...

-If you didn't have to explain your kids why their father is a woman I'd put

the belt on you...- Nimh dropped it onto a shelf, starting to smile- How could

you... It's the fourth time you've done this to me...

-And it's more funny every time- he wiped the tears from his face- You

forgive me?

-Yeah, but don't touch anything more or I'll have to tie you up. If you don't

remember I still keep the "dancing boots", do you wanna wear them again?

-No thanks. The only time you cheated me into wearing them I had been dancing

for two weeks without stopping. If it weren't for Coyote's help I think I still

will be dancing...

-But... What is that belt for?- asked Abby, pointing at the magickal

artifact.

-It's called a male-female belt: it turns males into females and females into

males. The belt will turn you into a man, but if you wore it again nothing will

happen, you won't be a woman again. You could revert to your original gender

only if you had another male-female belt. It's effect is permanent on gargoyles

and humans but on us it's effect only lasts a few days.

-Why?

-Because of our magick, it gives us an inherent magick resistance.

A smile grew on Puck's face, a trickster smile.

-What are you thinking?- asked Abby.

-Do you imagine how will look like a female Goliath? And a female Hudson?-

Abby, Fox and David smiled- It will be very funny...

-I don't think they will find it funny- warned David- And you know how

Goliath is when in a bad mood...

-Oh, we musn't worry- Nimh looked at her sibling, with a wicked smile too on

her face- I have another of these belts anywhere... We could fix it after- she

raised his eyebrows quick twice- Care to go?

-Yeah, later- Puck nodded.

-No!- interrupted Abby- You two aren't going to trick anybody, much less the

gargolyles. You hear me?

-Abby, it's only a prank- Puck kissed her on the cheek- It won't cause any

harm to them.

-No, it isn't right to bother the people in that way.

-But if you deny us that then we won't be tricksters anymore!- Nimh placed

one hand on her narrow waist, unbuttoning her shirt- I'm going to change myself,

this shirt is crushing my breasts. Excuse me- she exited the room, while taking

the shirt away.

-David!- chided Fox by his husband look at the female Nimh.

-Wha?- he replied, looking back at her- Are you jealous of a man?- David

raised an eyebrow, smiling at his wife.

-It isn't that. The way you were looking at him...- she smiled- well... her.

It wasn't very polite, you had "hungry" eyes. Do ya know what I mean...

-It was only scientific curiosity. I wanted to see how perfect the change

was.

-Then why you didn't ask if you could touch too?- she pinched him on the

stomach, laughing softly.

-Humm. Maybe I'm still on time...- he took a step backwards like if he were

going to leave the room, addopting a deffensive position against Fox next pinch.

Abby was looking seriously at Puck.

-Do you really intend to use that belt on Goliath or Hudson?

-Why not? You heard Nimh, he has another belt so we could fix it a the end of

the prank.

-Puck, they won't like it at all. Please, don't do that- she took his hand,

looking at his ice blue eyes.

-Ok, ok, I won't do that- he nodded, without abandoning his trickster smile.

-And don't let Nimh too. If he does it will be like if you did it.

-Ok, I promise- he glanced at a small box on a shelf- Look this- he took the

box and opened it, there was a grey crystal ball. He took the ball and made it

roll over his hands. It started to glow with a pale green light.

-What's that for?- asked David, hugging Fox from her back.

-This is a toy. I had one too when I was 160. The goal of the game is to turn

the ball light white, and you need a certain control of your magickal energy to

do that...- he held the ball with only a hand in front of their faces. The green

light inside it changed into red bright swirls, and as they were turning they

became yellow, blue, pink, amber and finally the ball was glowing in a perfect

white light with several golden sprinkles- Beautiful, isn't it?

-Yep- Abby touched the ball and it suddently was the original grey glass

ball- What happened?- asked surprised.

-Nothing. Try by yourself- Puck gave the ball to her.

-How?

-Show your energy into the ball. Project it inside it and guide the energy

towards the core, then it will become white. This one is alittle more difficult

to manage because this is for adults, there are others for kids which are more

easier. Also when playing between adults the goal isn't only to turn it white,

you must make it on the most elaborated way, playing with the colors and the

"swirls".

Abby looked at the ball she was holding, concentrating. She took a deep

breath and imagined her magickal energy into the toy. A small yellow bright

swirl appeared inside it.

-Good!- exclaimed Fox, encouraging her.

-Keep on! That's the way. Now make it grow!

The yellow swirl started to turn slowly, changing into purple. The light

tried to grow but with a shake it turned into blue dust, vanishing.

-Whoa! It's very difficult.

-No, you only need a little of practice.

Nimh was leaning on the door, frowning. She had changed the mao shirt for

another wider white shirt and had also on a skirt.

-How is it that you can light the ball, Abby?- asked suspicious- There's

something about your wife you didn't tell me, Puck?- she approached to Abby and

took the ball from her hands- I thought she was a "normal" human- she gave her a

half smile, making appear inside the ball white light sprinkles.

-I'm a witch, a human sorcerer- explained Abby.

Nimh nodded.

-Now I understand why the kids were so powerful... Who trained you?

-Nobody, I've studied magick by my own.

-Great. Do you know any other witchs?

-No.

-Then I think you will like to meet a good friend of the old Cupid...- she

put the ball back on its box.

-Who?

-Her costumers know her as "Madame Delilah", but her real name is Marion and

she's from Miami and... she's a witch too. I'll ask her if she wants to meet

you, ok?- Abby nodded in response- Goody. Dinner is ready, if you want we can

continue "exploring" all of this...- he bowed her hand on the air, signaling the

shelves- later. This way, please.

When they arrived back to the living room there was a table with a white

tablecloth and five services ready for the dinner.

-That wasn't there before, was it?- asked Fox.

-No- Nimh smiled- Fox, that's your chair. David, you go beside her. Abby,

beside me. And Puck, the main place is yours.

-Mine? Why?

-Because this little party is in your honor- she bowed her head towards him.

-Oh, thanks.

-But you don't deserve it, look at what you have done to me...- she looked

down at her feminime attributes, frowning.

-Where did you get this skirt?- asked Puck, pulling it up revealing his fine

feminine thigh- Do you use to try women dresses too?

-I have this from a Halloween party- she tapped his hand off- Stop bothering

me.

-I've asked you perdon.

-Yeah, but you'll do it again if you could- he headed to the kitchen, leering

at him.

-True... Nimh?

-Yes?- she answered from the kitchen.

-Did I told you how lovely is the way you move your hips when walking,

darling?- he started to chuckle and a shock of green static electricity hit him

at once- Woahh!

-Watch out, Puck, watch out- Nimh came back with a tray and placed it on an

auxiliar table- Stop annoying me, it's enought to be a female for three days,

believe me- she put a wine bottle and a water jar on the table.

-You still can shapeshift...

-Yes, but the belt effect doesn't allow me to shapeshift into a male- she

unscorked the wine bottle and threw the cork to Puck- You, smell it. How is it?

-Hummmm, fine. You can serve it.

Nimh filled Puck's cup but only half filled David, Abby and Fox's cups. She

also filled his.

-I'm sorry for making racial distinctions but I suggest to the no faes to mix

the wine with water to avoid... unexpected side effects- she lifted the bottle,

smiling- This is true faerie wine, and may be alittle strong for you.

David took the water jar and completed the ladies cup's and his, with a

resignation grimace.

Nimh lifted her cup.

-For my lost and found sibling...- she looked at Puck for a few moments,

grinning- and his new family. Let Avalon and it's magick keep you together...

forever and more longer. Cheers!

Puck seemed to be in ecstasy with his wine sip, tasting it with an obvious

delight. Nimh was also eyes closed, like David was. Fox glanced a look at Abby,

looking at her cup with open surprise, she could also feel the light magick in

the wine mixed with water. The five stayed in silence.

-They say the first sip is the best and it's true- muttered Nimh, dropping

her cup on the table.

-I've never had tasted anything like this. It's... indescriptible- David

bowed his head, looking at the red liquid.

-Now alittle part of Avalon is melted on your souls- Nimh stood up, making

the tureen levitate beside her, and served them- In first place a slight

vegetable broth, to prepare your senses for the rest of the dinner- she handed a

little grey egg to each one. Puck and she broke his into the their soup plates,

mixing it with the broth. The others imitated them.

-It's piquant!- exclaimed Abby after she tasted it, taking a quick sip of

wine.

-Yeah, alittle- nodded Puck- It's the couatl egg.

-Alittle?- asked David with a hoarse voice, wiping the tears from his eyes.

His face was red.

Fox was using her napkin like a fan.

-Stir it, it will be less piquant that way- suggested Nimh. She, as Puck,

doesn't seem to have any problem with the broth.

-How can you bear that?- asked Abby to her husband- You say you can't eat

chili because it's too spicy and you're able to eat this? I can't understand

you.

-It's only a question of habit...

David took a second spoonful and frowned.

-What happens?- asked Fox looking at him.

-The taste... it has changed.

Nimh nodded, smiling.

-That's the trick of this broth, the flavor is always different, the egg is

what causes that reaction on your palate. Don't fret buddy, keep on eating, it's

not poisonous- she chuckled, taking a sip of wine- Well, if you ate seven or

eight couatl eggs you'll have hallucinations and stomachache, but that will be

all. Not, Puck?

-Ahhh, don't make me remember that.

Fox raised an eyebrow.

-I guess you had had an "egg overdose"?

-Yeah- he pointed at Nimh with the spoon- She challenged me to a competition:

who could ate more couatl eggs- he rolled his eyes- And you can imagine the

rest. We were sick for a week, I thought I was going to die...

-Yep, but... What a trip we had!- Nimh laughed, lifting her cup and making a

little toast towards Puck. Her brother did the same, laughing too- Nearly like

in Woodstock, do ya remember?

-You were in Woodstock?- asked David. The two faes nodded- I wanted to go,

but my father didn't allow me to. He said I was too young for that and all of

that crap about drugs- he grimaced- How was it?

Nimh shrugged.

-Fabulous, but my memories of that days aren't very clear. I only remember

great music, great friends, great drinks, great girls...- she sighted looking at

nowhere.

Woodstock, 1969

Puck smiled, looking at Cupid who was tuning his guitar. They sat beside a

bonfire away from the human multitude, in the top of a hill. That was the first

night in Woodstock, and there were many lights and musics on the camp site; a

night of no sleep.

A wind swirl ascended the hill, approaching to them. Puck covered his eyes

with one hand, protecting himself from the dust.

-Coyote! Stop doing that!- yelled Cupid, turning his head.

From the swirl emerged a young black haired elf, dressed with a loincloth

like the old american natives, a white feather on his long hair.

-Good night, brothers!- saluted waving his hand and sitting on the ground.

Nimh bowed his head at him.

-Emmhor, Coyote!

-Emmhor? Do ya think this party deserves that salutation?- Puck leered at

Cupid.

-Why not? We're gathering in here, don't you think it's enought reason for

the traditional salutation?- he started to play a tune from Avalon. Coyote

materialized a drum on his lap, playing along with Cupid's tune, following the

rhythm while muttering the words of the song.

Puck untied a small pouch from his belt, opening it. He took an onionskin

paper and started to make a cigarette with the content of the bag. A loud

feminine cry came from the sky, startling him when he was lighting the cigarette

on the bonfire.

A blue skinned fae fell in his open arms, giving him a small kiss on the

lips. Her dark blue hair untied and her silver pupil-less eyes sparkling with

joy.

-How'd ya, Puck?- asked his sister, laughting merrily, picking the cigarette

from his mouth- I've missed you a lot- she hugged him strongly, smothering him.

-Emmhor, Helena!- saluted Cupid, smiling at her.

-Emmhor!- she levitated from Puck's arms to reach Cupid's side. She kissed

him too on the lips- Where are your wings?- asked, tapping his back with a nude

foot while giving the same salutation to Coyote.

-Emmhor, dear sister- whispered him, returning the kiss.

-My wings are fine, thanks- he continued playing the guitar.

-Oh, Cupid, show them, please. This is a perfect night for us, I can feel it-

she laid on the grass, exhaling smoke- Here- she handed the hand made cigarette

to Cupid.

-Thanks- he held it with the lips, smoking quickly- Puck?

-Yeah- he took it, smoking too and passing it to Coyote.

-Come on, Cupid, relax- Helena kneeled behind him and caressed his back with

a magick touch, making his feathered wings slowly emerge and revert to his

original shape.

Before Helena did anything more Puck also shapeshifted back to his fae

attaire.

-Helena- Coyote handed her the marijuana cigarette, starting it's second

tour.

-Thanks. Pretty party, huh?

Cupid shrugged, smoking as she held the cigarette for him. He did relax

alittle more once Helena forced his wings out. He looked at his sister with an

evil smile, he took a deep drag and kissed her passionately, letting streams of

smoke escape the sides of their mouths. Helena pulled away smiling blowing smoke

rings.

-Brother dear, where did you learn that?!

Cupid exhaled the remaining smoke.

-I saw the humans do it yesterday.

Coyote smiled shaking his head.

-The humans it seems can teach us much... when it comes to fun.

Puck nodded.

-Yes, over the centuries they have power to be a tricky race... I never knew

they were like this, the way Oberon spoke of them- he inhaled and passed the

joint to Coyote then exhaled- I though they were stupid pets.

All the fae nodded in agreement.

-I'm going to miss them once we have to go back to Avalon- said Helena

frowning.

Cupid strung the guitar strings.

-Come now brothers and sister... let us not kill this great spirit of this

night. Let us go join the humans and have some fun.

They all reverted to their human disguises and walked down the hill. They

reached the top of the next hill to see "The Who" playing on the huge stage

placed in the front of the festival. Humans were dancing and cheering drinking

beer and smoking anything that was available. Other humans were in small groups

praying and preaching the wrongs of the Vietnam War. The group of fae passed one

group listening as they walked by. The leader was standing over the others on an

old wooden box. Cupid nudged Puck.

-Kinda reminds you of the American Revolution doesn't it? You know with the

old colonists preaching from the tops of soap boxes.

Puck nodded without a smile.

-Yes, unfortunetly human history repeats itself and with each time it does

the destruction doubles- he approached the group and listened: "Brothers and

sisters pray for those who will never come home because of the stupidity of our

government! Let us show them trough this weekend that we are here in protest

over the war! We fight for those still alive!". The group cheered and Puck felt

an arm grab him and pull him away. It was Helena.

-Brother Puck, I fear of you sometimes.

Puck gave her a grin.

-And why is that Helena?

She looked at the group of people and then at him.

-You are becoming too attached to these mortals... we are not them and we

have no reason to help them. We are just forced to live with them... not love

them.

Puck's grin remained on his face as he kissed Helena on the cheek.

-Don't worry about me... it's just that I think about this- waved his hand

around- and I think about he fourth race and our battle with them.

Helena nodded.

-Yes, but they are dead and we live on so let us have some fun- Coyote walked

over to the two and held his arm out to Helena.

-Milady, may I have this dance?

Helena smiled and took his arm.

-Yes, you may- she started to walk off but stopped and turned to Puck -

Remember what I said Puck.

Puck nodded and watched them walk to another group of humans who were dancing

around in circles like square dancing only loose in form.

Cupid walked over to Puck and snapped his fingers in front of Puck's face.

Puck came out of his trance and looked at Nimh, Abby, David, and Fox.

-Oh sorry, must of gotten wrapped up in memories.

Nimh refilled Puck's cup with a smile.

-Do you remember the bet we made that night?

Abby took a sip of wine mixed with water and asked.

-What bet?

David smiled as did Fox enjoying to hear the interesting stories of the two

fae.

Puck laughed almost choking on his wine.

-Yes I remember.

Puck snapped out of his trance and looked at Cupid, who had brought him a

beer. Puck took a sip and looked at the plastic glass.

-It's not green lager... but it is good.

Cupid nudged Puck in the arm.

-Hey brother.

-Hey what?

-I spy with my little eye something hot.

Puck looked up confused and followed his brother's stare to see two female in

no more than jeans cut up to upper thighs and holter tops. Each had flower

wealths in their long dirty blonde hair and they giggled and waved at Cupid and

Puck. Puck looked at Cupid and raised his eyebrows quick twice at him.

-I see.

Cupid laughed.

-Let us make a bet.

-Why?

-For fun?

-Ok. What shall we bet?- Puck took another sip of his beer.

-I bet the best lager in all of Avalon that I can have more women in this one

weekend than you- Cupid finished his beer and threw it away in the rubbish bin

next to him.

Puck smiled and also finished his beer throwing it in the dustbin.

-It's bet.

-What do I get if I win Puck?

-You shall have my firstborn- Puck smiled and chuckled.

Cupid also chuckled.

-Hey Rupelstilkin is in Switzerland and I do not wish to have a child right

now... something else.

Puck thought and rubbed his chin.

-How's this... I shall bet- he reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring.

It was a simple gold band with a rose diamond that in certain light looked as if

it held fire- This is the ring of Avalon. Oberon gave it to me. It will protect

the wearer and also make it that they can never lose it. The enchantment though

will only work if you give it to someone you care for deeply... as I do you dear

brother- Puck gave Cupid a grin and batted his eye lashes.

Cupid took the ring and looked at it.

-Dear brother I never you knew you cared- he laughed- This is good- he gave

the ring back to Puck- May the best fae win.

Puck nodded and smiled big.

-And we all know who that is?

Cupid snorted as they approached the two woman.

-Yeah, me.

Nimh and Puck were in a trance at the table.

-That was a glorious weekend- remarked Nimh. Puck nodded.

-Remember Daphine?

Nimh sighed.

-Oh yeah... and Trish.

-Carmen.

-Trix.

-Robyn.

-Bambi.

-Laura.

-Kim.

-Danielle.

They kept listing names and Abby began to feel alitle depressed then she

looked at her engagement ring that she had never taken off since Puck gave it to

her almost 7 years ago. She quietly rubbed the rose stone and to her amuzement

it glowed showing her it's enchantment powers. She smiled at Puck who was

still in a trace listing names with Nimh.

David was shocked as Puck and Nimh continued, he stopped them.

-How many women did you two have?! And who won?

Puck looking at Xanatos, reaching under the table taking Abby's hand and

squezzing it gently and her returning the squeeze, said.

-I won... why do you think we had green lager?- he lifted his glass with his

other hand and drank.

Nimh nodded.

-Yes- she sighed- Puck won by two women.

Fox looked at Puck with a grin.

-And how many women was that?

Puck, put his glass down then placed his elbow on the table resting his chin

on his hand.

-Oh, about 40.

Nimh laughed.

-36 to be exact.

Abby's jaw dropped and Puck quickly shut it with his hand.

-Yes Abby, ALL men are pigs- they laughed. Abby leaned over and kissed Puck.

-I know.

David was doing some mental calculations.

-That's eighteen minutes per women...- said opening his eyes in wide

amazement- If you didn't stop to sleep or rest...

-Groups were easiers- whispered Nimh to him- And they took less time...

-But how could you manage... 36 times?- Xanatos was truly incredulous.

-Oh, magick helps... alittle- she gave David a really evil smile.

-Weren't you two afraid that at least one of those women was going to get

pregnant?- asked Fox.

Nimh shook her head.

-Nah, we children of Oberon can decide certain things... Puck and I placed a

spell over every woman we were with so that they wouldn't get pregnant... we

were careful.

Puck nodded.

-Yeah we were... we couldn't afford having to go to Oberon and tell him about

it... he wasn't that understanding about those things yet.

Fox nodded.

-Ahhh I see.

Nimh rubbed her hands together.

-Have you finished with the broth?- as they nodded she started to pick up the

soup plates.

Abby got up quickly.

-Let me help you, please- she picked up Puck's and her plate, accompanning

him to the kitchen.

-Thanks- she kicked softly the door, opening it.

Abby smiled in amazement looking at the kitchen. It seemed to be taken from a

movie of the 50's: the furnitures in pastel colours, the gaz stove and a huge

old fridge on the corner. Nimh placed the dishes on the dishpan and she did the

same.

-Nice kitchen...

-It's the same way it was when I came in here for the first time on 1953- she

opened the fridge and took a tray.

-That fridge still works?

Nimh denied waving her head.

-No, it broke down more than thirty years ago, but I liked it and wanted to

keep it, so that I've placed a spell on it and it will "work" forever.

-I never thought on a application like that for magick- Abby nodded in

approval with a giggle.

-C'mon, back to the table- she motioned his head in the door's direction.

Alex and Luna were hiding from Zoe and Brook behind one of the hidden doors

behind a tapestry. Zoe made her eyes glow red as she folded her wings around her

shoulders.

-Where are those two... it's two hours past their bedtime. Puck, Abby, Fox,

and David are going to be pissed.

Brook placed his head on her shoulder wrapping his arms around her middle.

-We'll find them... they won't leave the castle... and the rest of the clan

are looking for them too.

Zoe relaxed.

-I know, I still can't believe Bronx is helping them though.

Brook laughed.

-It's normal... gargdogs main goal in life is to protect and help the

children of a clan.

Zoe nodded and took one of Brook's hands.

-Well then he also will be east to hear... so let's go- they began to walk

through the halls again looking for the kids.

Luna walked out from behind the tapestry first.

-They're gone.

Alex and Bronx walked out.

-This is fun.

Luna smiled and nodded.

-And we don't have to worry about the others. Angela is too pregnant and

Broadway won't leave her side.

Alex nodded.

-And Lex is talking with Tribeca so he won't be around for a few hours.

The two kids gave each other evil smiles and rubbed their hands together.

-So, what do you want to do?- asked Luna levitating in mid-air sitting

Indian-style like her father.

Alex shrugged and did the same.

-I don't know.

Bronx cried at the two kids. Luna leaned over and patted his head.

-Don't worry Bronx we're ok.

Alex took Luna's arm and flew to his room, they bother landed and Alex went

to his chest which was against the bed and opened it.

Luna walked over to the edge and watched Alex.

-What are you doing?

-Looking for something.

-Well I can see that... what are you looking for?

-This...- Alex pulled out two play laser guns.

Luna smiled.

-Cool- Alex gave her one and took out the body gear that went with it- You

put this on your chest and then you have to try not to get shot there.

Luna nodded in understanding and put on the gear.

Lex was sitting in the library talking to Tribeca, his human girlfriend that

he met on the net (see the story Acceptance), and he was sitting on a couch.

-No, I don't think I've ever seen that movie?

-NO! oh god, you have to come over one night and see it... it is so funny-

said Tribeca over the phone. Lex was laughing when he heard Brook and Zoe

yelling for the Alex and Luna. He turned his attention to the phone.

-Tribeca..I gotta go.

-Ahhhh why?

-I think the kids are giving Zoe and Brook and hard time... they can't seem

to find them.

-Oh that's not good.

-Nope.

-Ok cutie, I'll talk to you later then... good luck... and don't forget: my

house, 9PM, tomorrow.

Lex laughed.

-I won't forget, bye.

-Bye.

Lex hung up the phone and opened the door to the hall. 'Nobody here' he

thought and walked to the kitchen. He entered the kitchen and still no one. Then

he heard a loud annoying sound that sounded like battleship firing off it's

missiles. Lex slipped behind the island in the kitchen and waited. Alex ran into

the room laughing and breathing hard, wearing the laser tag target on his chest.

Luna appeared magically behind Alex and shot him with the play laser.

-I'm hit! I'm hit!- yelled Alex and began to choke and gag grabbing onto the

chairs. Then he fell to the ground saying- Good-bye cruel world- he closed his

eyes and pretended to die.

Luna laugthed and clapped.

-Bravo! Bravo! Good show.

Alex laughed and stood bowing.

-Thank you, so now what?

Lex jumped and grabbed the two kids.

-Gotcha!

Alex and Luna screamed then struggled to get free from Lex's arms.

Brook and Zoe ran in and saw Lex struggling to keep his hold on the two kids.

Zoe quickly took out two necklaces with a small ball and put it around Alex and

Luna's necks, as they screamed.

The two stopped struggling and tried to pull the necklaces off.

-What is this thing?- asked Alex pulling on the band.

Zoe folded her arms.

-Your teacher gave them to me before they left... they are iron necklaces but

not enough to hurt you... just restrict you.

Luna stopped pulling and yawned.

-No fair.

Brook walked over and picked Luna up.

-Hey, kiddo, all's fair in love and war.

Alex finally gave up letting at a grunt in frustration. Then he looked at

Luna, who was falling asleep on Brooklyn's shoulder.

-What's wrong with her?

Zoe looked at Luna then at Alex smiling.

-Nothing... the iron drains her more than you because she is more fae, that's

all.

Alex looked at Lex and gave him a halfsmile.

-That was a good jump Lex.

Lex returned the half-smile.

-Thanks... now it's your turn to go to bed.

Accepting defeat, Alex walked with Lex to his room.

Zoe looked around.

-Where's Bronx?

Alex turned and said.

-Oh, he didn't like the way we were playing so he went to stay with Angela

and Broadway.

After putting Alex to bed Zoe removed his necklace and closed the door.

Lex walked into the louge and watched David Letterman with Hudson.

-Who's on tonight Hudson?

-Ock, it's another rerun... I belive the one with Madonna.

Lex nodded.

-That definetly is a rerun.

Hudson looked at Lex.

-Any trouble?

Lex shook his head.

-Nah, just the nornmal kids stuff... they didn't want to go to bed.

Hudson nodded smiling.

-I can rememeber when you and the others had the same trouble... I miss those

days.

Lex nodded.

-Yeah, but soon Angela and Broadway will have an egg... the first true-blood

gargoyle member in our clan in over a thousand years.

Hudson chuckled.

-Aye, and I can't wait to have a wee barn around again.

The two gargoyles laughed and watched television.

Brooklyn placed Luna down in her bed quietly as to not wake Robin. As he did

that, Zoe removed the necklace around Luna's neck. The two quietly walked out

arm-in arm closing the door behind them.

Brooklyn smiled at Zoe.

-Let's go get something to eat, I'm starved.

Zoe nodded.

-Me too- they both walked to the kitchen with their tails wrapped around each

other.

Abby began to explore the apartment on her way back from the bathroom. She

stopped and walked into Nimh's room and created light balls.

Nimh was at the table cleaning-up when she sensed something that made his

ears perk up. She turned to Puck.

-Hey bro.

Puck walked over to him.

-What?

-Your wife is in my bedroom... go "talk" to her... I'll cover for you- as

Puck was walking away Nimh said to him in his mind *And change the sheets when

you're done*

Puck mentally pushed Nimh gently *Horny bastard*

Nimh laughed. *Yep, that's me*

Fox and David were in the living room, sitting on a couch, looking at the

pictures on the wall.

-It's amazing isn't it?- Fox said.

David nodded and turned to the tapestry of Avalon.

-So, this where your family came from... and here I always thought they were

Yorkers.

Fox laughed and looked at the tapestry.

-Me too.

Nimh walked in carrying a tray of cookies and coffee. She placed it on the

coffe table in front of David and Fox. She then pulled her skirt down.

-I'm really going to kill Puck for putting that belt on me... these pantyhose

are killing me.

Fox tried to hide her laugh behind her hand but failed.

David looked around.

-Where's Abby and Puck?

Nimh poured a cup of coffee and offered it to David.

-Oh they went to my room so Abby could choose a painting of Puck to take home

and she wanted to try that ball of light again.

David nodded not quite buying Nimh's excuse but accepting it, as he took the

cup of coffee.

-So, Nimh, what are all these pictures of couples for on your wall?

Nimh finished pouring a cup for Fox and himself.

-They all have stories. Cupid's always wandering trought the hearts... Would

you like to hear some?

David nodded and Fox said yes.

Nimh began to tell them about each couple with detail and passion, the couple

couldn't help but forget about the whereabouts of Puck and Abby.

Abby, in Nimh's room, picked up the crystal ball and played with it. She was

focusing so hard she didn't even notice Puck standing at the doorway smiling at

her. After she got the ball to shine white she put it back and lifted the folder

of paintings that Nimh had done of Puck. She sat on the edge of the bed facing

the wall and began to look through them.

Puck slowly entered the room and crawled on the bed and kissed the nape of

her neck. She turned her head and smiled.

-Hey you.

-Hey yourself- he said wrapping his arms around her middle and his head on

her shoulder. He sat down putting his legs along the sides of her legs- So, find

one you like?

She picked up the painting of a baby Puck sleeping sucking his thumb.

-I think so... it's uncanny how much you look like Luna and Robin.

Puck began to kiss Abby on the neck slowly.

-I noticed.

Abby placed the box down.

-We should go back- but she made no attempt to move.

Puck smiled.

-Nah... Nimh's covering for us- he shut and locked the door magically. Abby

turned to look at the door then at Puck.

-What are you up too?

Puck smiled and backed up and jumped off the bed, then walked over in front

of Abby forcing her down on the bed.

-Well... -he started kissing her and laid on top of her- I was going to try

to make another daughter.

-Or son.

-Or son... and was wondering if you wanted to help?- he smiled and raised his

eyebrows in a devilish way.

Abby smiled and brought her hands up gliding her fingers along Puck's ears.

He shuddered with pleasure and started to undress her.

Nimh had just finished one of the stories and stood-up.

-If you'll excuse me I have to use the little woman's room- she walked to the

bathroom, leaving David and Fox to discuss the story and eat some cookies. She

stopped in front of his bedroom and listened.... and she heard the muffled

sounds of Puck and Abby in their love making. She smiled and continued to the

bathroom.

Abby sat on the bed putting her shoes on. This morning she was running

alittle late; usually it was Puck who woke her up in the mornings, but as he was

on a business trip in Europe with her father, she must wake up on her own.

Today she found the alarm clock in the floor, nearly smashed beside the

bathroom door. She hated when she did things when she was asleep and aftewards

she couldn't remember what did she did. But she could easily figure the reason

that made her hurl the clock against the wall...

She got up and took a clothes brush from the closet, and brushed her navy

blue skirt, leaving it impeccable. That was an habit she took from Owen, he

always did it before going to work.

Abby felt magick in the room as she heard a knock on one of the closet doors.

There was a hand jutting from the mirror attached on the open closet doors,

which had knocked on the mirror frame. There was Nimh, inside the mirror, in her

human attaire, still female.

-May I?- she asked.

Abby smiled, that was a perfect way to appear for a fae. She nodded and

smiled again as she exited from the mirror without any effort.

-Good morning Abby.

-Good morning- she signaled at him with the clothes brush- How is that you're

still turned into a she? I thought you said that the belt effect will only last

a few days...

-Yeah- she scratched his chin- It's lasting nearly two weeks...- she sighed-

That belt was unused for so long that it had a lot of energy stored inside,

maybe that's the reason- she shrugged- Where's Puck?

-He's in Europe with David- she continued brushing her skirt as Nimh started

to wander around her room.

-Ah. How long?- she approached to the bureau. A little box caught her

attention and she took it.

-They will come back on friday.

-Good...- she was examining the box- A pregnancy test... What's this for?

-It's obvious, isn't it?- she looked at him over her shoulder, closing the

closet doors.

-Yeah, but, how does it works? It tells you how many babies are coming and if

it's gonna be a boy or a girl too?

Abby laughed.

-No- she denied with a wave of a hand- It ONLY tells you if you are or aren't

pregnant, that's all.

A half smile grew on Nimh's face.

-Do you think you're pregnant?- she took the prospectus from the box and

started reading it.

-I hope it will happen soon- she tapped her belly, crossing her fingers.

There was something ringing on the adjacent living room, it was her cell phone-

Excuse me, Nimh- she exited the bedroom and started looking for her phone. She

couldn't see it anywhere, but she was hearing it. Abby followed the sound and

found it under a cushion on the couch.

It was Martha, her department's assistant, they were having great problems

with a filial enterprise in the west coast and their lawyer was waiting for her

at her office. Martha also reminded her the schedule, making Abby groan. She'd

forgotten the lunch with the NY area chiefs and she had told the children that

they'd have lunch together, she had to fix it. She was discussing with Martha

the way to reprieve that lunch when she heard a horrified cry from the bathroom.

-What's...

-Hold on, Martha- she threw the phone on the couch and ran to the bathroom.

There was Nimh thumping her head on the wall.

-Idiot...- with each word she hit herself- Asshole... moron... nitwit...

mindless... wako...

-Nimh! What happens?- Abby put a hand on her shoulder witholding him.

Nimh remained a few seconds in silence, her forehead in contact with the

wall. Then she took a deep breath and turned to her.

-What happens?- asked Abby again. Nimh's forehehad was alittle red from the

thumps.

-It's just that...- she straightened her short hair back- I've learned a new

thing about a spell I've been using for a long time...

-What?

Nimh placed her hands on Abby's shoulders.

-Do you remember the spell Puck and I used on Woodstock with every girl we

were with?

-Yeah- she nodded, without guessing her drift.

Nimh tried to manage a smile but failed.

-I've just learned that it only works on humans.

Abby frowned, she had no idea of what was on Nimh's head, she didn't

understand anything.

-What are you saying, Nimh?

Abby saw the desperation on Nimh's eyes as she turned her head to look at a

white plastic rod on the washstand. She took the rod and looked at it, it was

the pregnancy test, it had been used, and there was a "plus" sign on the

result's window.

Abby gasped in surprise, understanding suddenly what it meant.

-You?!- that was the only word she arrived to say.

-Yeah, me- Nimh leaned against the wall and let her back glide against it,

sitting on the floor- I'm pregnant, that was the reason of why I didn't turn

back to male- she held her head with the hands, looking at the floor.

-But...- Abby looked again at the rod and then back at Nimh- How?

Nimh rolled her eyes and looked at her.

-Do you want me to tell you the flower and the bee story about how to make

babies?- asked sarcastically.

Abby closed her mouth, looking at Nimh in silence. Her mind was running at

high speed, trying to find a way to comfort Nimh or at least something to say...

Nimh sat down on her couch and let out a long sigh. Then she lightly glided

her hand over her stomach. 'What am I going to do? I'm a man not a woman' she

looked into the mirror to her right. 'Well maybe I AM a woman physically but

mentally I'm a man... I'm sorry kid I'm not going to be much of a good

parent to you. I can see it now... you are going to need therapy.'

Nimh made her voice sound like alittle child's "You see doctor, my mom is

really my dad but he got turned into a woman first". The he imitated a older

man's voice "Nurse, get the stright jacket... we got a live one here".

Nimh laughed to herself then screamed as the phone rang.

-Damn, that scared me- she picked up the phone and spoke in Nimh's voice-

Yello? Nimh here.

-Nimh! Oh good you're home.

-Hi Evan, what's up?

-There is a BIG protest in California and Chris and I are going. Please come

with us. It's what we've been waiting for; a reason to leave here and go

somewhere we can make a difference.

-Whoa, whoa, wait a minute. You're just going to pick up and go?- said Nimh.

-Well yeah, we're already at the airport. Chris and I are taking the next

flight out.

'They're crazy', Nimh thought.

-What about your job?

-Who cares? I wasn't getting anywhere. I can start fresh with Chris...-he

whispered- in every way.

Nimh laughed to himself, 'yes I know'.

Chris took the phone from Evan.

-Hi Nimh this is Chris. Are you going to come with us?

Nimh sighed.

-Alas, my dear girl I cannot. There are some very important things I need to

take care of here.

-Like what?

Nimh touched her stomach again.

-Things. I'm sorry I can't go... but you two go and make the world a better

place.

Chris laughed.

-Ok Nimh... I'm sorry you aren't coming. But you're damn right we'll change

the world for the better.

-I don't doubt that.

Chris took the phone back.

-Are you sure you won't come, we'd be glad to have you. The three of us

together living in California... land of sun, fun and bikini babes... ouch!

-What happened?

-Chris hit me. Jeesh, she can't take a joke.

Nimh heard the muffled sound of a female's voice in the phone.

-Well that's our flight. See ya around Nimh. I'll send you a postcard- said

Evan.

-Me too- yelled Chris.

-OK you two have fun..good luck and don't get in trouble. California is alot

farther than the 23rd precint for me to come bail you out.

-Ha, ha Nimh. Ok, gotta go, bye!- the phone clicked .

NImh hung up the phone and looked at her stomach.

-Kiddo, in roughly 2 hours you're going to see your momma do her thing... but

first we have to get supplies.

Nimh got up and walked over to the wall full of pictures.

-Hmm Chris and Evan's wedding picture will look great right there- she

pointed to a space inbetween Elvis Presley and Pricilla Presley and another

couple. Then she turned and opened the glass case that held the golden bow and

"love" arrows; talking to the unborn child as she prepared- I knew they were

perfect for each other the minute I met them- she plucked the string- This is

going to be weird. I feel strange being Cupid as a male now as a female...

augh... no offense or anything. But now I'll look like a angel with my wings

than a fairy.

She walked over to the mirror and surroundered herself in light. When the

light died Nimh was wearing a white tunic with matching knee-high boots. The

outfit was lined with blue strips that matched her hair.

Gold braclets covered the wrists and her blue hair was pulled up into a fancy

bun. The feathered wings extended to their full wingspan to streach. Then, with

a sad face, Nimh looked at herself. She held the golden bow in her left and an

red golden-tipped arrow in her right.

-Kid, I hope you don't inherit these wings. They are a pain, especially

during molting season. O.k. now we wait. I want to hit them while there still on

the plane. That way there are in close quarters and can't run away from their

feelings. But first let's call your aunt Abby.

Nimh moved closer to her mirror, placing her bow and arrow to the side, and

touched the surface of the glass imagining the phone in Abby's room.

Abby was cleaning up Puck and her room when the phone rang.

-Hello Avalon residence.

-Abby it's Nimh... er Mina I should say.

Abby smiled and sat on the edge of the bed.

-Mina?

-Yeah, do you like my female name?

Abby shrugged.

-Yes, it sounds good, it sounds alike Nimh too. I like it... So, how are you

doing?

-I'm ok. I feel alittle sick but other than that fine.

Abby laughed.

-Oh be prepared for that and have lots of crackers around. I had morning

sickness for almost a month when I was pregnant with the twins.

-Abby, what am I going to do? I can't have this child but I also can't

destroy it.

Abby sighed.

-I can't tell you what to do There is always adoption?

-Abby, dear, if this kid inherits my wings and pointed ears, for not to

mention the magick... that's a big no-no. Anyway, I don't know if I'd like the

idea of something that is apart of me out their in a world without me. Without

it's own blood to love it.

-True. Well in nine months...

-Thirteen- Mina corrected her.

-What?

Mina sighed.

-Us Fey carry our children for thirteen months.

-Oh. Puck never told me that.

-There really was no reason to. Speaking of Puck, when does he get back from

his trip?- Mina said desperately.

-Ummm, in two days. Are you sure it's wise to tell him?

-Yes!- Mina yelled- He got me into this mess... if he had just left that belt

alone I wouldn't...

Abby could hear Mina starting to whimper.

-I'll tell him about it when he gets back.

-No, I want to tell him.

-Ok.

-Along with the others. I want them all to know... you know just to get

babysitters ready to go.

The two shared a good laugh. For the next two hours they chatted about names

for the baby and how Mina could hide the pregnacy as long as possible not to

arouse people's suspicion.

-Well are you going to turn back into Nimh as soon as you give birth... or

are you going to stay a woman for breast feeding and other things like that?

-No, As soon as this baby comes out my body will go back to normal... and

Abby... I AM NIMH! Please, that really bothers me. Mina will be my name for now,

that's all. The magic that keeps me a female is very weak. If it could, it would

make me male in a heartbeat but this child keeps me female.

Abby was silent for a moment then spoke.

-What would happen if something made the magic able to turn you back to a

male... what would happen to the child?

-The child would disappear as if it was never created. But you are forgetting

Abby, this child is half human. Humans do have the will to survive so the magic

is dulled by this child's will.

Abby smiled.

-Thank Avalon, for small favors.

Mina let out a weak laugh.

-Yeah I guess so- She blinked and realizedd what time it was- By Avalon!

-What?- Abby asked worried.

-I have to go to work... I'm late too.

-Work? Where do you work?

-No, Abby "work"- she plucked the bow string so Abby could hear it.

-Oh I see. Ok, well if you need anything don't hesitate to call.

-I won't and Abby...

-Yeah?

-Thanks for everything, bye- the phone clicked.

Abby looked at the phone and smiled.

-Your welcome, Mina.

Mina scurried and grabbed the bow and arrows.

-I can't believe I lost all track of time. Ok Evan and Chris should be just

above Kansas by now- She looked down at her stomach- Time to go over the

rainbow.

In a flash of light, Mina found herself flying next to the plane. Her wings

flapped and didn't seem to react to the jet stream of the plane. Mina had also

made herself invisible so not to scare the humans. She got closer and she saw

Chris' face look out of one of the windows in the back of the plane.

-Bingo.

Mina flew right to the window and magically glued her feet to the side so

that she could look right into the plane. Evan was looking at Chris then back to

his book. While Chris looked out the window and gazed into the clouds.

Mina shook her head.

-So close yet so far- shrugging she took out the bow and arrow from the

quiver on her back- Oh well, that's why I'm here.

She pulled the arrow back and raised it up to her eye to aim. As she pulled

from the string her hand bumped with one of her breasts

-Damnit... I didn't remember this- she frowned and pulled from the string

again on another angle- I don't know if I'm going to get used to shoot this way.

When it was centered at both Chris and Evan's hearts she chanted:

Cupid's arrow of love,

Join these two as one,

Shower them with your light,

And give them the right..

To know happiness and everlasting love.

With the last syllable, Mina let the arrow go and it flew through the plane

and straight yet harmlessly into Chris' heart. She put her hand to her heart as

the arrow flew out of Chris and into Evan's own heart. The two sat there for a

minute taking deep breathes; with their hands over their hearts. Then just as

the Cupid planned Chris and Evan looked at each other and smiled. Evan leaned

forward and gently rubbed his cheek against Chris' and she took his hand in

hers. Mina smiled then looked worried.

-Hey... where did that arrow go?

She climbed up and over the side of the plane and looked into the window

directly opposite of Chris'. A very beautiful woman in her mid-30s, who was

wearing a blue business suit with blond hair and green eyes, was making kissing

gestures and giving winks to a tall man in his early 40s, who also was wearing a

business suit but had little brown hair on the top of his head, but nice brown

eyes. Mina could see that the arrow, after going through Evan, went into the

next aisle hit the woman then bounced off her heart and went into the heart of

this gentleman.

-There it is- And there the arrow was stuck in the back of the man's chair-

That's just great... uh-oh- Mina looked at the "accident" couple, then let out a

sigh- Oh good, neither has a wedding ring. But still they don't make a good

couple- She beckoned the arrow with her finger and it flew through the window

and into her hand. She placed it back into her bag and looked in the window

again. Tapping the window she chant:

Wrongful couple that was made,

Your love and lust will fade,

I undo the spell the arrow has cast

Return to your normal lives and fast!

The woman shook her head and looked at the man in disgust, turning her head

away. The man, equally as disgusted, picked up his paper and began to read. Mina

laughed at their reaction then he glanced past them to see Evan and Chris

kissing.

-Well kid, my work here is done. With luck we won't get an invitation to

their wedding for at least a year, right?

She spread her wings and caught the wind, stumpling ever so often with a

numbled curse.

Mina paced back and forth in the hallway waiting for Abby. She looked at the

watch on the wall:7:00PM

-Where is she? i can't believe I'm doing this- she stopped pacing a thought

outloud- Why am I so nervous? I have NEVER been like this.

She looked at her hands and she saw the delicate hands of a female. She

clentched her hands together and sighed. *It must be the hormones Abby told me

about* She leaned on the wall, crossing her arms, and waited quietly for Abby.

In the library.

-Luna don't throw things at your brother- said Puck.

-But dad..

-No but's Luna..I don't care what he did..don't throw- this time Puck's eyes

began to glow green at the corners. Luna saw this and decided that it wasn't

worth getting her dad that mad. So, with her head down she walked over to Robin,

who was sitting on the floor rubbing his head with one hand and holding the

Barbie doll that hit him in the other, and said.

-Sorry Rob.

-It's ok...I think...who are you?- a puckish grin spread over his lips. Puck

put his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing. Luna just rolled her eyes and

smiled back.

-Maybe this will jog your memory- with that Luna tackled her brother in a

full out tickling fight.

Puck ran over, now laughing, and pulled Luna away. He wrapped his arms around

her.

-Where did I go wrong with you two? You both used to be so innocent and

sweet- he quickly turned Luna around and gently shook her -Now look at you.

Luna was laughing and hugged Puck.

-It must be in the water.

Puck nodded

-Thats for sure.

Robin got up and sat on one of the couchs near the fireplace where Abby had

stopped reading her book to watch them.

-Oh my god!- Abby jumped, after looking at her watch, making everyone else

jump too.

Puck looked at Abby.

-You ok?

-Umm... no. I'll be right back- she handed the book to Robin and dashed out

the room. Luna and Puck cocked an eybrow at each other. Puck turned his head and

saw Robin reading his mother's book.

-...and then Fazio laid the beautiful Carol on satin sheets slowly ki...

Puck grabbed the book.

-Sorry bud. You aren't old enough for that yet.

Robin made a sour face and crossed his arms.

-I'm always too young.

Puck nodded with a smile. Luna sat on the couch and picked up a pillow.

Robin saw Luna.

-Don't you dare.

Luna socked him with a pillow. Robin grabbed the pillow and hit back.

-Whoa... Whoa! ...WHOA!- yelled Puck, causing the twins to stop in mid-hit.

-You two aren't having a pillow fight without me- Puck grabbed a pillow and

joined his children.

Abby ran down the hallway to Mina. When she got there she was out of breath.

-Damn this place is too big

Mina smiled.

-I noticed. So, is he ready?

Abby shook her head.

-No, well...Puck and the twins are there and I told dad, Fox and Alex to be

there at 7:30- she took deep breaths.

-What about the gargoyles?

Abby nodded.

-Angela, Broadway, Goliath, and Hudson will be there. Brooklyn and Zoe are

patrolling and Lex spent the day at Tribeca's and mostly likely the night.

-Man, you really have tags on everyone.

-That I do. Are you ok?

-Yeah why?

Abby took Mina's hands.

-You are sweating like crazy.

-Oh that- Mina pulled her hands away and wiped them on her slacks- Just

nervous. I don't know what to do? I've never felt so happy and alone at the same

time.

Abby hugged Mina.

-Don't worry. I'm here for you. And when Puck hears I bet he'll be the same.

Mina snorted.

-Before or after he laughs at me.

-Probably after.

Mina let out a sigh.

-Well we better go..time to meet the firing squad.

Abby snickered.

-Ok.

David walked into the library with Fox and Alex trailing in behind them

engrossed with his GameBoy.

Puck saw them come in and quickly straightening up the room and all three sat

on the couch and smiled innocently.

-What brings you here Mr. and Mrs. X- said Luna.

David sat in a chair and Fox and Alex followed.

-Well Ms. Luna, your mother asked us to be here at 7:30 because she had an

announcement to make.

Puck looked at Xanatos with puzzled face.

-What kind of announcement?

David shrugged.

-All she said was that it was important. I thought you'd be able to shed some

light on the subject.

Puck thought and a smile tugged at his lips.

-Maybe she's pregnant again?

David smiled.

-That's what I think.

Puck was now smiling big. Luna tugged at his shirt.

-You mean mom may be having another kid? You mean I could be stuck with

another brother!

-Or sister!- said Robin just realizing what was going on.

Goliath, Hudson, and Angela walked into the library to hear everyone cheering

and Puck flying around the room.

-What is going on here?-asked Hudson.

Luna walked up to the gargoyles.

-We think my mom may have another baby.

Goliath and Angela smiled.

-That must be why Puck is flying around the room- said Broadway, who entered

holding a tray of cookies and milk.

Luna nodded.

-Yep.

-COOKIES!- yelled Alex and Robin, mading a mad dash towards Broadway.

-Here, here..take it!- Broadway gave the tray to the boys who took it to a

table, eating all the way.

-Jeesh and I thought I was bad- said Broadway- So, what's this I hear about

Abby?

Everyone started talking at once.

Abby peeked into the room.

-OK, everyone's there.

Mina nodded giving Abby a weak yet worried smile.

-I'm ready.

Abby nodded.

-I'll go in first and get them ready then I'll have you come out and tell

them.

-Sounds like a plan. Let's go before I change my mind.

Abby smiled and went into the library.

Then the room fell silent.

-What?- said Abby.

Puck flew right next to Abby.

-Your dad said that you had a special announcement.

Abby nodded.

-Ummm... yeah I do- she looked at the others who were crowded around the

couch nearest to her.

-Well out with it lass..are ye with child or not?- Hudson said out of

suspense.

Abby pointed to herself.

-Me? Oh- she covered her mouth and looked at Puck. She rubbed her hand gently

on Puck's cheek- I'm sorry sweetheart.

-Sorry?

-I'm not the one who's pregnant- she saw Puck's smile fade and his eyes get

misty.

-Oh, well then who is?

Abby stepped back and pulled Mina out from the hallway.

Puck shook his head.

-Wait, who that? No, it can't be.

Mina approached the group.

-Puck, it's me Nimh... I had alittle bit to much fun after you all left after

the dinner. And Puck...

-What?

-That birth control spell only works on human females.

Puck swallowed hard and looked at Mina; his brother.

-You're pregnant?

Mina nodded.

Everyone was jaw-dropped. Robin looked at Mina.

-Wait, does that make you Aunt Nimh now?

-No, I'm calling myself Mina and I'll change back as soon as the baby is

born.

Luna looked at Mina and then at Puck.

-Dad, you ok?

-Fine.

Abby could see Puck's eyes still alittle misty 'Shit, he's really upset that

it's not me' she thought.

Puck took a deep breath and sat on the couch. Goliath looked at Mina.

-What are you planning to do?

Mina walked over and sat on one of the automans.

-Well, I am going to keep it. And Abby told me that she'd help me.

Fox nodded and took Mina's hand.

-I will too.

-Thanks Fox. After that, I'm not sure... I never thought I'd be a daddy let

alone a mother too.

Puck scratched his head looking at Mina.

-Where are you going to raise the baby? Here or Avalon?

Mina shrugged.

-I'd like to bring the baby up here. I want it to know you all especially you

Puck; my brother and my partner in crime- to that Puck smiled- But we'll see if

Oberon will let me.

Angela spoke up.

-But why wouldn't he? He allowed Fox to live here and even Alex; after some

persuation of course.

Goliath looked at Angela and gave her a you-can-saw-that-again look.

Puck shoke his head.

-It's alittle different here. Titania was involved this is not Titania. This

is one of the children who even though has the ability to come and go from

Avalon as he... she... whatever pleases...

-I am still bound by Oberon's will. I'd really only have to answer only to

Shelia... but she's not here- said Mina.

Hudson said.

-Come now. We are sitting her all glum when we sure be celebrating. We have

time before the wee babe comes... so right now let us just be happy it's on it's

way.

Broadway lifted up a class of milk.

-Here, here.

Alex was talking to Robin.

-So, if the baby will be our cousin and you are my nephew then this baby will

be nephew or niece, right?

Robin thought about it.

-Yeah, I think so. You got that new game yet?

-Which one?

-Zombie Run.

Alex snapped his fingers.

-Oh yeah I did. Let's go- Alex and Robin dashed out the room. Luna, picked up

a few cookies and with one already in her mouth followed the boys.

Fox was about to call to them but David put a hand on her shoulder.

-Let them go. I think we should go too. Puck needs to talk to Mina and Abby-

Fox nodded.

-Congratulations Nimh. I hope your child is everything you hope it to be-

Xanatos said.

-And if you need anything just call. I'll be going to my father's place for

a week so I'll make sure you have the number before I go.

Mina nodded and smiled.

-Thank you.

Broadway and Angela were cleaning up when Lex, Zoe, and Brook came in

laughing. They all stopped when they saw all the long faces.

-What happened? Did someone die? -said Zoe. Angela put an empty glass in

Zoe's hand and turned her around.

-Let's go to the kitchen and I'll tell you everything.

Broadway nodded to his rookery brothers to do the same. Goliath and Hudson

nodded to the three and walked out.

Abby looked around the library, it was only Puck, Mina, and herself. Their

silence was broken when Puck started to laugh non-stop. Mina and Abby just

watched him. It got tot he point where Puck was crying he was laughing so hard.

Finally, holding his side, he spoke inbetween breaths.

-You -he quickly gasped- are pregnant! The all mighty womanizing master is

pregnant!

-Thanks Puck for your support- said Mina crossing her arms.

Abby sat on the automan with Mina and looked at Puck.

-Puck, sweetie you have to breath.

Puck took one big breath and sat on the floor in front of the two women.

-I really thought it was you Abby...but nope..it was my BROTHER- Puck laughed

but it was more of a sad laugh than before.

Mina put her hand on Puck's shoulder.

-I'm sorry Puck, if I could I'd trade with Addy. I know how much you wanted

another kid.

Puck looked into Nimh's eyes.

-Do you? Mina looked hurt.

-Yes Puck, I do. I have seen the way you look at your children, even Alex,

and there is so much love. I can remember on Avalon that whenever there was a

new baby you were the first one to volenteer to take care of it.

Puck's head was downcasted as he listened.

-I guess you do.

Abby reached out to Puck and he took her hand pulling himself nearer, resting

his head on her lap facing Mina.

Mina sighed.

-I have always wondered what that kind of love felt like. Now I have the

chance. I don't want this baby just because I am lonely... I want it because

it's mine. It will be something more tangible then pictures on a wall. It will

love me. I'm ready to become a parent- she placed her hand on her stomach- I

just hope that the baby will understand.

Abby grinned.

-It will.

Puck took Mina's hand and squeezed it.

-I'm sorry. If I hadn't put the belt on you this would have never happened.

-Don't be. I see this as destiny. A Fay cannot get pregnant unless it wants

to. I must have wanted it. I should thank you Puck. Because if you hadn't I may

never have gotten this chance.

Puck smiled.

-True... but what about the father?

-What about him?- said Mina coldly.

-Don't you think you should tell him that he is going to become a parent

too?- asked Abby.

-Oh and what should I tell him Abby? Oh hi, remember me..the girl you slept

with almost three weeks ago... Well, guess what? I'm pregnant. Oh and when the

baby is born I'll turn back into my true "male" self.

Abby winced.

-Oh I see.

Puck started to laugh again at Mina's answer.

-Hey it could be worse?

Abby looked at Puck.

-How?

Puck lifted his head and looked at the two.

-I could have been the one pregnant.

Mina chuckled and Abby put her fists on her hips.

-Over my dead body!

The three shared a good laugh.

Broadway was helping Angela walk down the hall to the library.

-You really shouldn't be walking around so much love- said Broadway.

-Stop treating me like a child! I can take care of myself.

Broadway smiled.

-Ok.

As they turned the corner, Angela let out a scream and dropped to the floor.

-Angela!- Broadway screamed trying to hold her to soften the fall- Are you

ok?

-NO!- she held her stomach- My water broke!

-Oh shit-Broadway whispered.

Angela moaned and began to cry.

-I'll be right back- Broadway ran to the library. Mina, Puck, and Abby looked

at him shocked- Angela..she's...umm.

Puck stood.

-What's wrong?

Broadway took a deep breath.

-Angela's in labor.

Abby and Mina stood up.

-What?!

-Where is she?-asked Abby.

Broadway pointed to the hallway and Abby and Mina an out.

Puck walked up to Broadway, who was as pale as a ghost.

-Are you ok?

Broadway shook his head.

-I don't know..I feel like I'm going to be sick.

Puck smiled and guided Broadway to a couch.

-Relax, buudy, it's normal..when Abby went into labor I felt like my heart

jumped into my throat and my stomach was doing the mexican hat dance. It's

normal to be nervous. But ther is one thing we have to do now...

-What?

-Get to the delivery roomefore angela has the urge to kill you.

Broadway didn't even crack a smile. He just stood up and left with Puck.

-Damn he is nervous... not even a grin- thought Puck.

Angela had lifted herself up and was leaning against the wall when Abby and

Mina found her.

-I can't do this Abby... it hurts- Angela screamed holding her belly.

Mina was terrified and didn't know what to do.

-Abby what can i do?

Abby took Angela's arm.

-Help me get her to the birthing room before she has the egg right here.

Mina nodded and took Angela's other arm.

-Is this normal?- Mina asked.

Abby nodded.

-Yep. The is ALOT of pain in giving birth to a baby..it must be worse if it's

an egg?

-IT IS... AHHH!- yelled Angela.

They reached the birthing room where Puck was on one of the phones and Broadway

was ringing his hands. Angela smiled as more beads of sweat trickled down her

face.

-Broadway.

-Angela- Broadway snapped out of his trace and picked up Angela placing her

on a medical table which had the back up to make it look more like a chair. Abby

placed Angela's feet in the stirups and walked over to Puck, who had just hung

up the phone.

-Who did you call?

-The on call doctor... Xanatos hired doctors for the gargoyles when they

moved back into the castle. They are trustworthy.

-And how do you know this?- asked Abby.

Puck grinned.

-I brainwashed them myself.

Abby laughed and picked up a rag and a bowl of hot water on the table where

the telephone was. She walked over and placed the bowl on a stool next to Angela

and gave Mina the rag.

-Place this int he bowl, wring it, and wipe off the sweat on her face...-

Angela let out another scream/growl that caused everyone to cover their ears.

Mina looked at Abby worried.

-Where are you going?

-I'm going to tell the others and wait for the doctor to arrive- Abby said as

she left the room.

Mina did as Abby told her to do. As Angela yelled out in pain again Mina

thought *Willt his happen to me? Will I been in this much pain?*

*No, you don't have to be*

Nimh looked up to see Puck looking at him as Puck made sure Angela was

comfortable on the table.

*You have the magic ability to make the pain stop if you desire*

Mina nodded wiping the sweat from Angela's forehead *Oh, can we do that to

her... she is in so much pain?*

*Unfortunately, no. Gargoyles and humans need the pain so their bodies know

how to contract. To make them numb could hurt them and the baby even more*

Broadway was holding one of Angela's hands and trying to make Angela as

comfortable as possible.

Mina smiled *He is being so silly*

Puck looked at Braodway then back at Mina *Yeah, reminds me of me when Abby

had the twins.*

Mina chuckled and gave Puck alittle mind push *You... nervous... like that...

oh what I would have given for a home video of that*

Puck's mind pushed back *Ahh shut up... we'll see how hot you are when it's

your turn*

With that Mina shut up.

-Hello, I'm Dr. Robinson- said the doctor walking into the room.

Everyone greeted him and the doctor went right to work cleaning himself up

and getting postioned in front of Angela.

-How far are the contractions?

Puck thought.

-They are able 5 mintues apart.

The doctor nodded.

*Puck, why is he not shocked? Two gargoyles and two human like creatures with

big ears...*

Puck interrupted Mina *Like I said I brainwashed him... to him we are all

human... and when the egg comes out I'm transporting him back to his bed. He'll

think this all was nothing but a dream*

Mina smiled *Ahhh, true to Shakespeare I see*

*Yeah, nice guy, but he liked to strech the truth a bit too far*

-Ok, sweetie I need you to push.

Angela obeyed screaming.

-Get it out! Get it out!- she grabbed Braodway's belt- You did this to me! I

hate... ahhhh!

-Don't worry Broadway, they always say that.

Broadway just nodded.

Goliath was pacing in the gargoyle's recreation roomwhile Abby, Zoe,

Brooklyn, Lex, Tribeca, Alex, Robin, Luna, Hudson, Elisa, Fox, and David watched

him. Occasionally, they could hear Angela screaming and he death threats towards

Broadway; which gave everyone a good laugh.

Elisa laughed.

-Goliath, you are making me dizzy... come sit with me.

Goliath obeyed.

-I'm just worried.

-I know we all are- said Elisa.

Abby nodded.

-Goliath, she is doing fine. I better get back in there so Mina doesn't have

a heart attack on us- she left the room.

Goliath and Hudson loked out the window to see the sky changinf colors at the

approaching dawn.

Everyone was asleep on couches, chairs, even the floor. Goliath heard the

door creak and saw a smiling Puck.

-Well, grandpa... it's an egg.

Goliath smiled as he and the others turned to stone.

Puck smiled and walked back out into the birthing room. He had already sent

the doctor back home.

Angela and Braodway had turned to stone hugging each other. Mina just stared

at the now statues.

-That was amazing.

Puck walked over to Abby and wrapped his arms around her. He rested his chin

on her shoulder and watched her clean off the purple egg with green spots all

over. He kissed Abby on the neck.

-Yeah Mina it was.

After Abby was done she placed the egg into a basket filled with dirt, down,

and herbs that Hudson had made just for the egg. Abby yawned.

-Well, time for bed.

Puck nodded.

-Go on.I'll catch up- Abby nodded and kissed Puck.

Mina as still staring at Broadway and Angela dumbfounded. Puck stood next to

her.

-Amazing huh?

Mina nodded and then looked at Puck.

-I never could have imagined that it would be that way. When will the egg

hatch?

Puck crossed his arms and yawned.

-Not for another 10 years.

-What?

-Yeah, gargoyles take 20 years to hatch one baby gargoyle.

Mina smiled.

-Maybe we could speed it up.

Puck returned the smile.

-I was thinking about that too.

The two fay walked over to the egg and placed their hands over it. They

chanted:

-Baby creature who would stay...- said Puck.

-...unchanged throughout decade... but we say- said Mina.

-...remain you now for just 4 months...- said Puck.

-...and join us and your family- said Mina.

-...who are nuts- said Puck.

-Puck!

-Sorry, once a trixster... always a trixster.

-Yeah I know, goodnight brother.

-Goodnight brot... umm sister- Puck smiled.

-Ha ha, very funny.

-You know it- Mina smiled and waved. In a flash she disappeared back to her

apartment.

Puck smiled at where Mina stood then looked back at the egg. It was already

growing.

-Well, now it's my turn to hit the sack- Puck transported to his bed and

slept.

Everyone was now asleep except for the egg, who rocked once then joined

everyone else in slumber.