A Christmas Curse
By Erica DeTraglia (nbcgrl13@hotmail.com)

Disney and Buena Vista Television own all the characters except for the characters
that I made myself. *Beams*  I'm not doing this for any profit just fun. And even if
the lawyers want to come after me..just remember I'll be one of you soon. :) Thanks
for reading and any feedback is appreciated. I'm sorry for any typos.

Summary: After a strange virus infects Zoe and the kids, can Puck find a way to cure
them before it's too later. 

A month before X-mas.............
Robin looked at the hockey gear, drooling as bad as Alex, who was standing next to
him. He was at the age now where his parents were starting to let him decide what he
wanted to do. Abby had tried to get him to play the piano...that lasted ten minutes.
She also had tried soccer, since Alex liked the sport too, but Robin didn't like all
the mud. Hockey was different. He loved hockey. Puck had decided that if this is
what Robin wanted to do...far be it from him to try and stop him. Yet, he didn't
like the idea that Rob would be able to hit a 'Puck.' Robin had laughed and said,
"Dad, I want to be a goalie! I'll be saving the pucks from certain death." 
Alex didn't want to be left out so he agreed to play too and that was no problem,
considering he was the Xanatos baby. Any hockey team knew that if Alex was there so
was his daddy's checkbook. 
At there first practice, things were alittle shaky. Robin was in full gear in front
of the goal. His heart was racing and he could feel every beat through his thick
padded uniform. Alex was playing defense. He would skate by Robin every once in
awhile to check up on him. Sometimes, Alex would give him a grin that reminded him
of Xanatos'. The coach blew the whistle and Robin felt like a sitting duck. Two
brothers that were more like walking brick walls moved the puck towards the goal.
Alex tried to stop one but was tripped. The one brother lifted his stick high and
Robin heard a "ting" then everything went black. When he opened his eyes he saw
Alex, the coach and a few teammates looking at him with worried faces. Alex gently
slapped Robin's face, "Rob! How many fingers am I holding up?!"
	"Six?" Alex looked at his hand, which had four fingers extended, and shook his
head. While the others were in a huddle, Alex straightened to see the bruiser
brothers skating around congratulating themselves on the victory. Alex looked for
something to throw but knew it would be too risky to show his powers. So, he cast a
spell on their skates making the skates flimsy and uncontrollable. To Alex's
delight, both brothers slipped and fell sliding into the wall with a big "thud." The
team turned around to see what was going on and started laughing. Robin was lifted
up and he laughed too. The laughter filled him up and gave him this unknown energy.
He picked up his helmet, "Coach, I'm ok. Let's keep going."
	The coach, first checking one more time to make sure Robin was ok, agreed. Robin
did save a few pucks, but most of them slipped through his gloves or legs. The coach
and Alex kept telling him he was doing fine for the first time. But Robin wanted to
do better. His head was alittle fuzzy so he couldn't concentrate hard enough to cast
a spell. Plus, it would be alittle obvious that one minute he sucked at hockey, then
the next he was ready for the Stanley Cup finals. What made him keep going was Alex,
the drive to succeed and the hilarious scene of the bruiser twins falling down every
few minutes? But most importantly, he loved the game.  He found a hobby that he
loved and maybe he could talk to his father into casting a spell to make him better.
The coach blew the whistle and everyone started to skate towards the locker room.
Alex skated up to Robin. "Hey, nice going there."
	"Yeah right, I sucked."
	"It's your first night...what do you expect? Hey, watch this." Robin saw Alex skate
quietly up to the brothers and simply whistle in their direction. Both brothers fell
on their butts, clinging to each other to get up. Robin joined Alex as they laughed
down the hall.

Robin came into the apartment all sweating and tired. The goalie bag was bigger,
heavier and a whole lot smellier than he was at this moment. He threw the bag in his
room and waved his hand casting a spell of cleanness over it. The odor was in gone
and the equipment was shining, looking as if it had never been used. Fox had picked
them up and she and Alex were off cooking dinner. Robin quickly jumped into the
shower. Fifteen minutes later, he was drying himself off when he heard the low yet
sweet sound of a flute. At first, he thought it was his father but the melody was
different. He quickly got a pair of sweatpants on and walked down the hall. The
sound ended at Tori's new room.  He opened the door and walked in to see Luna
floating in mid-air over the crib, playing a lullaby. Robin smiled at Luna and she
winked at him. Looking into the crib, Robin saw Tori sleeping with her wings wrapped
around her like a blanket. Rob put up his hand and Luna took it and slowly floated
to the ground. 'Where are Mom and Dad?'
	Luna looked at Robin. 'They went out to dinner, remember, they had those
reservations. How was hockey?' Robin shrugged and Luna saw the disappointment look
on his face. 'You didn't like it.'
	Robin looked into Luna's eyes. 'No...I love it. I just suck.'
	'Robin, it is your first day.'
	Robin nodded, 'I know...but you would think that I could make myself good.'
It was Luna's turn to shrug. 'You can't use you magic to make everything better.
What fun would life be living? Come on, Mom left us some pizza in the oven.'
	Robin walked with his sister and helped her pull the pan out of the oven. It
bothered him what she said. His father had said they were immortal, meaning they
would never die..unless shot with iron bullets or something like that. So, what's
the value of life if it doesn't end? Robin shook his head. Sometimes he hated who he
was. Luna and he were only 8 years old but mentally they were about 13-14. They
understood logic and critical thinking before their classmates even knew how to
pronounce those words. HE looked up at Luna who was looking at him. 
"Don't think so much. It will drive you crazy. Just look at Einstein, that hair
didn't just appear one morning."
Robin laughed and took a bite out of his pizza. "True...and I don't think white is
my color."
	Luna nodded. "Hockey will get better, I promise. Just do it the mortal way."
Robin swallowed. "And how's that, oh great and wise Luna?"
	Luna picked a piece of pepperoni off her pizza and ate it. "Practice."


Somewhere in Cairo, Eygpt...............

Puck and Abby held each other as they sat on a bench overlooking the Nile River.
Abby sighed and Puck looked down at her. "Bored?"
	"No...content." Puck smiled and kissed her forehead. "Me too. I had forgotten how
beautiful his place is at night."
	Abby giggled. "How many times have you been here?"
Puck began to count. " 1..2..3...5...7 times. Eight, if you count that time I went
by in a book.
"8! What...nevermind, I don't want to know. It is very beautiful. How do you think
Robin liked hockey?"
	Puck shrugged. "Who knows...I hope he liked it. I'm running out of ideas for that
kid. He doesn't want to do anything but read and sit in his room."
	Abby snorted. "That is not a TERRIBLE thing Puck. You'll be happy about that when
he gets into a great college."
	Puck raised an eyebrow. "Abby you're not thinking like an immortal yet. He is going
to live forever. He could go to college thousands of times and he can use his magic
to get into them. He needs to have some fun."
	Abby released Puck and walked away folding her arms. "But he still has to adjust
and act like a 'mortal' until he can hide or create a new life."
	Puck winced. "Abby...you know what I meant."
	"No I don't. I was born a mortal and I don't know what to expect out a life that
never ends! And I don't think Luna and Robin understand yet that their friends will
die and they won't. Puck, Alex will die one day. How do you think they will feel?"
Puck looked at the floor and kicked some grass. "I don't know. I never stuck around
a place long enough to feel that pain. By leaving, I always felt that they never
died. You could not imagine how happy you made me when you became immortal." 
Abby walked over and sat on the swing. "Puck, I don't regret becoming an immortal to
be with you...and I'm not mad at you, just confused. I used to be afraid of death
now...I'm afraid of life."
	Puck lifted his head and tried to smile. HE leaned against Abby so that his head
was in her lap. He turned so he was looking up at her. "It's fun. When the kids are
grown I'll show you FUN in any place you want. The kids came so fast that we really
didn't get a chance to explore the world together. But we will, I promise." Abby
closed her eyes as Puck traced his long finger along her face and jaw. "I can't tell
you how to cope with immortality for I was born an immortal, but I can be your
teacher and friend."
	Abby looked down at Puck and grinned. "I know...you just have to be patient with
me. It's not something you can just accept."
Puck nodded and looked over the horizon. "Wanna go back?"
	"Not yet." Puck turned to her and she smiled at him in a devilish way. Puck got up
laughing. "I've created a monster." Abby laughed and they kissed.

Two Days Before X-mas.........

"Deck the halls with bounds of holly...fa la la la la la la la." Said Zoe as she
opened one of the Christmas tree boxes. She inhaled the smell of old pine and let
out a content sigh, "I love Christmas. Especially, decorating the tree."
	Elisa added, "yeah but cleaning up is a b.."
	"ELISA!" yelled Abby as she covered Tori's ears.
	"Sorry, I forget sometimes." She apologized.
	Fox smiled. "Well maybe if you and Goliath had some kids you would learn."
	Elisa waved an ornament at Fox. "Oh don't you start. I get enough of that from my
own mother. She told me she doesn't care about wings or talons...she just wants a
grandkid."
	Abby pulled tinsel away from Tori. "What about your other siblings?"
	Elisa sighed. "Well, Beth is too young, so that leaves her out. And Derek won't
have children because of their transformation. They don't want to take the chance of
something going wrong or just having the kid grow-up in that environment."
	There was a long silence. Then Zoe added. "Oh well, more ornaments. I want to get
this tree up before the boys wake up. They are such children when it comes to
Christmas. Even decorating...they make a big mess."
	Fox, Elisa, Alex, the twins, and Abby, who was holding Tori, smiled back. Fox
walked over to the closet and pulled out another box. "So do I...but none of the
gargoyles makes as big a mess as much as David."
	Elisa walked over and helped Fox. "My family had the best time decorating the
Christmas tree. Sometimes it was the only time we were actually together."
	Tori watched the action with wide-eyes. Abby rocked her. "My grandfather and I had
a little tree but it was beautiful. We had miniature ornaments and everything."
"That reminds me, is Petros coming?" asked Fox.
Abby smiled. "No. He has a date with a woman he met at his senior citizen group.
They are going to see her family. But he'll be here for New Years. He can't wait to
see Tori."
Fox laughed. "I bet."
"Well, we didn't make it. The sun set." Said Zoe. A green light surrounded her and
she was a gargoyle. Elisa looked at the window. "I'll be right back." She got up and
headed to the tower.
	Brooklyn was the first to rush into the Great Hall.  He stopped and smiled at
everyone before picking up an ornament that has fallen from the tree and replaced
it. "Good evening everyone." Everyone waved. Zoe walked up to him. "Hey there
handsome." She lifted her hands up to show a piece of mistletoe. Brook laughed and
wrapped his arms around her. "Well, it is tradition."
She nodded smiling. " Yep, and you can't break tradition." Brook gave her a
passionate kiss.
	Lex was next, carrying Ennis. "Wow, guys, you did a great job." Fox smiled and
walked over taking Ennis. "Thanks Lex...but we are not done yet. That is for the
night shift." 
Lex raised his eyebrow ridge. "I get it." Alex came over with some ornaments for
Lex. "Thanks Alex, so how was school?" Fox watched the two friends go when she felt
a talon on her shoulder. Ennis let his head fall back. He giggled. "Avid!" Fox
turned and smiled at David. "Hey." David leaded down and nuzzled Fox's neck. "Good
evening. You guys have gotten a lot done."
Fox looked at the clock. "And you doubted us." She saw David's smile turn evil. "I
was wondering if you would like to join me for a quick bite to eat."
	Fox smiled back. "Lex?"
	Lex came over. "Yeah."
	"Take Ennis please." Lex was about to ask why but he saw the look on Fox and
David's faces. He just took Ennis and rolled his eyes. The couple soon disappeared.
Lex came back to the tree and laughed. Brooklyn looked over at Lex. "what?"
	"They are just as bad as you two." Brooklyn was about to comment when Luna
screamed. "LEX! Ennis!"
	Lex turned and Ennis had a handful of tinsel and was pulling the tree. Lex quickly
pulled him away. Luna came over and put her arms out. Lex gave her Ennis and went
back to decorating with Alex. Robin went over to Luna and they both entertained
Ennis with his toys. Abby looked down to see that Tori was nodding off in her arms.
Abby stood up. "I'll be right back."
Angela walked into the Hall. "Hey guys. When you are ready, Broadway's done with
breakfast."
Ennis jumped up and ran to Angela. "Momma!" Ennis stopped in front of her and held
up his trophy, a piece of tinsel. Angela took it. "Thanks you Ennis. Let's go eat."
	Ennis rubbed his stomach like Broadway and ran to the dining room. Luna and Rob
looked at each other and shrugged before helping each other up to go eat. Lex and
Alex, still talking but now about a computer program, joined them. Brook gave his
arm to Zoe. "My Lady." Zoe took his arm and they too went to breakfast. Abby just
smiled and started to sing a lullaby to Tori as she headed to their apartment.

Abby walked into the apartment still singing a lullaby to Tori. Puck closed his book
and watched her walk down the hallway. He smiled and began to float over the chair.
He zipped to the nursery to see Abby, still singing, and put the baby down. Puck
could hear the gurgles of Tori as she tried to stay awake. Abby turned the mobile
and let it take over the lullaby and started to walk out. She looked up to see Puck
floating by the door. She raised an eyebrow at him as she walked to him. He slowly
lowered to the ground but never touched. Abby shooed him with her hand and closed
the door. "What's with you?" she asked.
	Puck shrugged. " Nothing. Just floating."
Abby could see that there was something reeling in that tricky little brain of his
and if he wasn't ready to talk about she better not push him. Puck was the type of
person where the harder you pushed the quieter he became. "Oh."
	Puck looked at the door to the nursery and then to Abby. She didn't have to say
anything, he knew she as worried about him. "I'm fine, Abigail. I swear." He folded
his legs into an Indian-style position. Abby reached up and pulled him down, kissing
the top of his forehead. "Ok, but you know where I am if you need me."
	Puck smiled. "Always."
	Abby nodded and walked back to the Great Hall to help with the decorations. Puck
watched her go. When she was gone he opened the nursery door. He floated over to
crib to see that Tori was wide-awake looking at the mobile above her. Puck smiled at
her and she turned, returning the gesture with her own toothless grin. "You're not
tired at all are you, angel?"
	Tori giggled and squirms around the crib. Puck reached in and picked the baby up.
He floated over the rocking chair and slowly levitated into it. Puck turned the tiny
ring on the baby's finger and Tori's little wings materialized. He caressed them as
if they were harp strings causing Tori to laugh out-loud. He smiled at her, enjoying
her youth and innocence. Pushing off with one foot, Puck and Tori rocked. "You know
what angel? I'm going to tell you about my birthplace. There is a tiny island called
Avalon that is no farther than a dream for mortals and a haven for the Fey. I miss
it so much Tori. It was boring, it was unchanging, and Oberon didn't make it the
best for me either. But at Christmas time things changed. For one week, Avalon had
snow. All my kin would have snow ball fights and build snow-fairies. Even, Oberon
was jolly. The SugarPlum fairies would dance and serve their famous plum pudding.
Ohh to taste that sweet pudding again. Titania's servants, Peaceblosom, Mustardseed,
and Cobweb, would create these great feasts of everything that was ever eaten at
Christmas. There were sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, fish, beef, ham..ohhh and the
desserts. Alavon was truly where the phrase "Death by Chocolate" was created." Puck
stopped and took a few breaths. He looked down at the baby, his daughter, his blood,
to see her looking at him with unconditional love and attentiveness. He lifted her
up they were face-to face. "I hope you get to go to Alvaon someday...even if it is
only for a short while. Something tells me that you won't take it for granted as I
did." Tori gurgled if I she was trying to talk, as she reached her chubby hands to
him. He brought her back to his chest and hugged her. Tori yawned once and fell
asleep. Puck slowly got up and turned the ring so the baby's wings disappeared. He
placed her back in the crib but not before kissing her goodnight. Puck watched his
daughter sleep for a few minutes before leaving to find the others.

Brooklyn and Lex automatically smiled at each other and started to sing "Grandma Got
Run Over by A reindeer," as they walked down the stairs to the kitchen. 
Hudson walked up to Goliath holding his eyes. "Och, do they always have ta sing THAT
song every year!" Goliath let out a laugh as he placed a talon on Hudson's shoulder.
"Come now old friend, you do not remember the songs we would sing every year."
	"Yea, I do...but ours were better." Said Hudson with a smile.
	"What was better?" said Elisa.
	"oh nothing, lass."
	Goliath and Elisa meet and kissed. "Hey big guy, sleep well?"
	"Yes...what did you do today?"
	Elisa started to tell them of the days events as they walked down to breakfast.
Hudson stopped and looked around. Goliath turned. "Something wrong?"
Hudson shook off the goose bumps, "No..I just got the feeling that we were being
watched."
	Elisa smiled. "Hudson that is almost impossible, this building is so high and
they'd have to have a helicopter or something. And I think we would have heard it."
	Hudson nodded and followed the couple.

"Doner to Rudolph. Come in Rudolph."
"Rudolph here. Report."
"Sir, all the elves are awake."
"Good. Have any left?"
"No sir."
"Fine, fine. Come back to base and I'll give you further instructions. Rudolph
out."
The hovercraft operator looked at the copilot. "Well?"
"Castaway wants us to return to base. He says that he's got further instructions."
The operator nodded and turned the craft around and it silently flew to the
headquarters.

Castaway's office..............

Castaway looked at the man that sat in a chair across his desk. "Now you are telling
me that this gas will kill all gargoyles."
The dark-haired man with ice-cold blue-eyes smiled. "Oh yes and much more. It will
kill gargoyles and the Fey. It is a virus that affects them. The only problem is
that the gas is very short living. Once you drop it, it will only effect those
creatures within a few yards for a minute."
	Castaway shrugged. "That does not sound very effective."
	The man frowned at Castaway. " It will work."
	"Who are you?"
	"Someone who was hurt by both the gargoyles and the Fey and I want revenge."
	"Ahhh, something we have in common." Castaway put out his hand the man took it.

Everyone at the Eyrie building was eating either dinner or breakfast, except for
Tori who was fast asleep and Elisa who was at work. David and Fox smiled at each
other as they entered the dining room. David stood up. "Well everyone, Fox and I are
off to a party. Good-night." No sooner had they left but a CB radio went off. Lex
turned in his chair and pressed the button. The officer was Elisa. Everyone looked
at each other in horror. 
Goliath jumped up and grabbed the radio headset. "Elisa are you there?"
	To his relief she answered. "Yeah, there is a major hostage situation here on 123rd
street and 5th. I need everyone's help. There are children trapped in the
building."
	"We're on our way." Goliath put down the headset. "Elisa needs us. Abby could you
and Zoe take care of Ennis. Elisa said she needs all of us."
	Abby nodded. "Sure." She walked over and took Ennis from Angela. All the gargoyles
ran out leaving their dinners alone and cold. Abby looked at Alex, the twins, Zoe,
and Puck. "Well, what shall we do now?"
	Puck smiled. "I say we go watch "It's a wonderful Life." It's on in five minutes."
	Zoe groaned. "If I watch that movie one more time, next time I hear a bell I'll
start killing people."
	Abby laughed as Ennis yawned. "Well, then would you take Ennis and put him in with
Tori. All this excitement has made our little gargoyle tired."
	Zoe smiled. "Fine by me."
	Alex and Luna smiled and said in unison. "Zoe could we come with you?"
	Puck raised an eyebrow. "And what are you two up too?"
	Robin rolled his eyes and picked up his Gameboy.
	Zoe shrugged. "I don't see why not."
	Abby clapped her hands. "OK, You guys are going to put Ennis down..and if you wake
up Tori I'll have to kill you. Puck and I will clean up while Rob.." Abby took the
Gameboy out of his hand, "will go find a movie that we will all enjoy."
	Zoe saluted. "Yes mam'am!"
	Puck walked over and hugged Abby kissing her neck. "I do love it when you take
control like that."
	"Yeah." She teased.
	"Yeah." Abby kissed Puck. 
	"ewwwww, mushy stuff!" cried Robin as he got up and ran to find a movie.

Alex and Luna were following Zoe to Tori's room. Zoe looked at the two kids. "Sooo,
why did you guys want to go with me?"
	Luna smiled. "We wanted to ask you a question."
	Zoe raised an eyebrow and answered slowly. "ok."
	It was Alex's turn to speak. "Are you a Brooklyn going to get married?"
	Zoe just stopped dead in her tracks. "What?"
	"We seen the way you two look at each other. It's like the way my parents look at
each other," said Luna.
	"Mine too."
	Zoe just smiled. "Well, I don't know...but if we do you'll be the first to know."
They walked into the apartment, then into the nursery. Zoe placed Ennis, who had
fallen asleep, right next to Tori. Zoe was about to leave when she heard something.
It sounded like a vacuum cleaner. The hum grew louder and louder. She looked at Alex
and Luna, they didn't seem to be hearing it. When Zoe was about to ask, a blinding
light shone into the window. Zoe pushed the crib out of the way as something smashed
through the window. Alex and Luna ran to Zoe's side, powers charging. The small
metal ball that came through the window split and a purple mist filled the room. Zoe
heard Tori and Ennis scream as the mist hit them. She herself was becoming very
dizzy and dropped to her knees. Zoe saw Alex and Luna pass out. They were sweating
and their skin was growing extremely pale. The light was growing stronger and Zoe
heard footsteps. Quarrymen. Zoe tried to fight but she just collapsed. Before she
lost all consciousness she heard them talking. "I thought you said they would die!
It's been three minutes already!"
	"Be patient. It takes a few days to completely go through their system. I promise
you they will never find a cure in time."

Puck and Abby ran into the room, with Robin close behind. Abby put her hand to her
mouth. "Oh my god." The two men turned and ran, jumping into the hovercraft. It took
off before Puck or Abby could react. Puck sensed that one of the men was Fey or at
least some part of him was Fey. 
Puck grabbed Robin. "Go tell the others what's going on!" Robin, shaking from shock,
only nodded and ran to dining room to radio the gargoyles.
Abby slowly walked to the crib, praying that they were still alive. She looked in to
see Ennis and Tori sniffling. He touch their faces and happiness turned to fear.
"Puck, they are burning up! And Ennis seems to be going into shock."
	"So is Zoe." Puck snapped his fingers and transported them the entire infirmary.
Tori and Ennis were put in incubators to help them keep warm. Alex, Luna and Zoe
were laying on hospital beds. Puck sat in a chair and dialed every doctor they had
on call. Abby was standing over Tori then walked over to Luna. Luna opened her eyes
but then succumbed to her fever sleep.
	Robin opened the door and watched his parents try everything before the doctors
arrived. Puck saw Robin and motioned hi to come closer. "Robin, it's ok. What ever
this is doesn't seem to be contagious."
	Robin walked over and looked at Luna. Her teeth were chattering now as sweat flowed
down her head. Robin took a blanket from under the cabinet and put it over his
sister. "Who would do this?"
	Abby hugged Robin. "I don't know sweetie."
	Puck folded his arms. "One of them was part Fey. I could sense it. But what ever
was in that metal ball we found seems to be a virus."
	Abby just nodded and watched two of her children suffer and she could do nothing to
help them.

Brooklyn was the first to barge into the infirmary. We walked up to Zoe's table. His
talon was over his beak to stop himself from screaming. In the thirty-minutes it had
taken for the gargoyles to return, the condition of the five had gotten worse. Three
doctors were working on them. Each had an IV and machines to monitor their vital
functions. Zoe had an oxygen tank to help her breathe. Their skin had gone to pale
to a gray with purple rashes. Ennis, Tori, and Zoe seemed to be effected the most
and the doctors kept close eye on them.  Brooklyn walked over and took Zoe's hand.
Zoe's eyes fluttered open. "Hey handsome."
	Brook tried to smile. "Hey beautiful." He looked at Puck. "What happened?" Puck was
about to answer when Zoe continued, "Quarrymen...they put a gas in a ball.
They...they...said that we should already be dead. One said it was a virus and that
we would never find a cure in time."
One doctor, who had been listening asked, "Do you know the gestation period of this
virus."
	Zoe pulled off the oxygen mask. "They said a couple days."
	Brooklyn shook his head. "We will find out who did this and I'll kill him."
Zoe shook her head. "No. You stay here with me."
	Brook nodded and kissed her hand.
	Goliath and the others walked in to see the mess. They all took a seat and waited
until the doctors could say anything. Puck was caressing Tori's cheek. She was
sleeping but she was breathing so quickly. He turned his head to hide the tears but
only meet Angela's tear-streaked face. Her baby was dying. Ennis was in bad shape.
The virus seemed to attack him quicker than the others. The doctor came over and
cleared his throat. "If you all would come closer, I'll tell you what we have so
far."
	The doctor let out a breath. "This is a chemical compound that I have never seem
before. It seems that it is attacking the genes that are gargoyle related and
another gene that is found in the children but I don't know what it is."
	Angela wiped her tears. "Why is Ennis worse than the others?"
	The doctor wiped the sweat from his brow. "My colleagues Dr. Jonson and Davis have
found that this virus does not effect human genes. Everyone but Ennis has some form
of human genes. As the night goes on, Zoe seems to acquire human genes, which
someone will have to tell me about later. They are stable and we have pumped them
with every antibiotic known to man. All we can do now is get some sleep and hope for
the best."
	Everyone agreed but no one left the room. David and Fox had finally gotten Robin's
page and were home in no time. They each sat on either side of Alex; hoping and
praying that everything will be alright. Brooklyn stayed by Zoe's side. The rest of
the gargoyles stayed by Ennis; while, Puck, Abby, and Robin sat in-between Luna and
Tori. Robin was sitting in his mother's lap, hugging her tight. Abby looked at Puck.
"Do you know who the man was?"
	Puck looked away from Tori. "Which one?"
	"The one you said was part Fey."
	Puck shook his head. "No. Probably another illegitimate son of one of my kin that
is.....trying ...to get...by Avalon."
	Abby watched Puck run out of the room. Robin sat in his father's chair. Abby ran to
follow him. "Puck?!" she yelled down the hallway. He stopped. "Ode...I'm so
stupid!"
	Abby took Puck's hands in hers. "Who?"
	"Ode. Oberon's son. Oberon knocked up some girl 45 yeas ago. The kid found me and I
tried to help him use his magic, but he wanted nothing to do with his father after
he learned the truth. His mother had told him some great fairy tale that his father
was a hero and that's why he had to leave. When in fact, Oberon just got bored with
the mother." Puck snickered. " He told me that Oberon would go down and he would
rule Avalon. Then he had a little incident with Demona where she almost killed him.
I'm so stupid!"
	Abby shook her head. She was so lost. "Why? Puck, I don't understand."
	Puck shook his head. "Ode went into chemical engineering. He probably made this
virus, Abby. He knew I was here. He probably thinks that Oberon will come to me."
	Abby sniffled, anger in her voice. "But this is killing our children....it would
kill him too."
	"Not if he gave himself an antidote."
	Abby nodded with realization. "I see. We have to find him. I want to kick his
ass."
	Puck hugged Abby. "Or maybe we should give him what he wants."
	Abby pulled away. "Are you serious?"
	"If it will save out children, yes." Puck took Abby's hand and led her to Alex's room 
to make a mirror call to Avalon.

IN the infirmary everyone was on pins and needles waiting for any change. Lex was
looking outside the window. "It's almost sunrise."
	Goliath walked over to his daughter and hugged her close. "We will stay here
today...it's not safe to be outside."
	The sun rose and the gargoyles turned to stone. Zoe's transformation was hard and
painful due to the virus. The doctors held her down as she screamed and thrashed
with convulsions. When it was all over she got up and sighed. "It's gone."
	Fox looked at Zoe. "What do you mean?"	
	"I could feel the virus being killed as my body changed. But I don't know if this
is permanent. I could relapse tonight."
	The doctor took out a needle. "Well, it's something. I'll draw some blood and Dr.
Davis will run the necessary tests." Zoe just nodded and looked at the children.
Ennis was ok for now in his stone sleep. Luna, Alex, and Tori were not so lucky. The
rashes were spreading and little Tori seemed to be shaking with fever. "This virus
kills Fey too?"
	The doctor drawing her blood nodded. "Yes, why?"
	Zoe shook her head sadly. "Just asking." Inwardly Zoe feared for the children and
herself. What if they couldn't find a cure. Merry Christmas..bah humbug!

Puck and Abby tapped the mirror for the hundredth time. Abby kept getting the
chills. 
Puck noticed it. "You ok?"
Abby shrugged. "I cast a spell to take away some of the pain from the children. I'm
feeling what Luna and Tori are feeling. Puck you said that I have alittle Fey in me
because of the spell you put on me, right?"
	Puck nodded. "yeah, so?"
	Abby put her hand to the mirror. "What if I take their place. I know a spell that
will transfer their virus to me."		
	Puck took Abby in her arms. "I already tried to do it. Whatever this virus is, Ode
knew what he was doing." As Abby and Puck pondered on what to do, the mirror shone.
Puck looked up to see Titania. "Puck, what is wrong?"
	Abby sighed. "Everything."

Titania transported herself right in front of Oberon. He was leaning on one side of
his throne, bored out of his mind. He perked up when he saw Titania, but that
quickly vanished when he saw the look of anger and sadness on her face. "What is it
Lady Titania?"
	Titania walked up to Oberon. "Ode."
	Oberon flinched. "What of him?"
	After Titania had told Oberon all that Puck had said Oberon shook his head. "We
knew we should have drown him when he was born."
	"My Lord, it is not his fault that he turned out the way he did. If you had been
there as a father he would have understood."
	Oberon stood up. "We do not have to do anything we do not want to do!"
	Titania looked into his eyes. "My grandson, Alex, has gotten this disease. Two of
Puck's children are also infected, as well as one of the gargoyle's child. Ode
thinks you will come to Puck's aid so he could get his revenge...so what are you
going to do about it?"
	Oberon walked past his wife to pace in the great hall of the palace. "He got the
virus from a book. A spell book that was written by a bounty hunter."
	Titania shook her head. "How do you know?"
Oberon looked up. "For we gave him the book as a present. We never knew that he
would be able to open it, let alone READ it. The children must come here. The only
cure is water from the spring mixed with a special flower. The flower grows in
Puck's old garden." Oberon lowered his head. "He would hate to see the mess it was
in now."
	Titania floated over and took Oberon's hands in hers. "Would you know this flower
if you saw it?"
	"No. Only Puck would, but we banished him."
	Titania smiled. "As the humans say, 'To forgive is to forget.' Could you just give
him enough time to save his family?"
Oberon chuckled. "We know better than to challenge you Lady Titania in matters of
family. We will grant Puck a pass to come home but only until this mess is settled."

Titania kissed her husband. "Thanks you, my Lord."

Titania appeared before Puck and Abby. "We will help. Puck you and all the children
are to report to Avalon at once."
	Puck put his hand to his heart. "Avalon?"
	Titania smiled. "That's right. You are coming home...mind you this is only until
the children are well."
	Puck smiled and grabbed Abby. "We're going to Avalon!"

Zoe watched the sun slowly sink into the horizon. The gargoyles broke free to see a
very well Zoe. Brooklyn started to walk towards her. "Zoe, you're ok?!"
	Zoe put her hand up as she clutched her stomach. "No...I'm not." Her body became
the process of changing. She could feel the virus spreading through her as her
gargoyle genes became dominant. The purple rashes appeared on her body bigger and
more grotesque than last night. When it was done, she passed out in Brooklyn's arms.
Little Ennis was not doing any better. His heart rate was irregular and the doctor
didn't think he would survive through the night. 
Puck and Abby ran in. "Good news! We have the cure and we are going to Avalon." The
three doctors looked at each other. Puck walked over and waved his head over their
faces. They fell asleep. Puck snapped his fingers and they returned to their beds to
wake up the next morning with the memory of a strange dream.
David scratched his chin. "You know Puck, one of these days we'll have to let those
doctors remember what's going on."
	Before anyone could object, Puck waved his hand and they appeared in the castle on
Avalon. Puck inhaled the smells and magic of Avalon. Just being here made things
seem better. When he looked at Tori and Luna they seemed to be improving.
	Oberon appeared. "We know about this virus and the cure. Puck, the flower of Athena
you used to grow must be mixed with spring water from the mountain. Each child must
drink it."
	Puck bowed. 'Thank you, my lord."
Oberon just nodded and vanished.
	Gabriel came running in. "Angela!"
	Angela smiled. "Oh Gabriel, it's been so long. Everyone this is my rookery brother
Gabriel. Gabriel, you know Elisa and Goliath and Bronx. But this is the rest of the
clan: David, Fox, Puck, Abby, Robin, Lex, Hudson and my mate Broadway. And the sick
are Zoe, Luna, Alex, and my son Ennis."
	Gabriel's eyebrow ridges rose. "son?" 
	Angela nodded and led him to the incubator. Gabe looked in and smiled. "He looks a
lot like you." Broadway's ears flapped with jealousy.
	Puck lead Abby out of the room. "I can't believe I'm home! Oh I wish I could see my
kin."
Abby smiled. "Maybe he will let you stay for awhile." Puck gave Abby an
'are-you-serious' look. Abby just shrugged. "Let's go find this garden." 
	Puck nodded and turned to the group, "Abby and I will find the flower and the
spring water in mountain."
	Gabriel raised his hand. "I have been to the spring many times, so has Angela, we
could go and get the water."
	"I'll go to." Called Broadway as he stood by Angela, wrapping his talon around her
waist.
	Brooklyn leaned down towards Lex and whispered. "Hmm..jealous much." Lex put his
talon over his mouth to keep from snickering. Brooklyn looked at Goliath. "Lex,
Hudson and I will stay with the sick."
	Goliath nodded. "Elisa and I will go see the Princess and Tom to see if they might
have some herbal remedies to ease the pain while we wait." Everyone nodded at their
tasks and went to on their way. Bronx just whined as he paced back in forth in front
of the beds Hudson stopped him and scratched behind his ear. "Oh Bronx, you needent
worry..everything will be alright..i hope."

Goliath and Elisa walked down the hallway, dodging tiny fairies every few yards.
They came to the gargoyle section of the castle to see the Princess and Tom sitting
in front of a fire with Bodeca at the Princess' feet. Elisa knocked on the entrance.
"Hello?" The two looked at who knocked. The Princess was the first to stand and
greet the two with a hug. "Goliath! Elisa! What brings ye back to Avalon?"
	Tom shook Goliath hand as he sighed. "Unfortunately, my princess, not good news."

Gabriel and Angela flew together chatting away about what has been going on, while
Broadway flew a few feet behind. He crossed his arms and 'hurumped" when Gabriel
made a joke to which Angela gave a good bell laugh.
	"Oh I have missed you so much Gabe, I wish you would come and visit us in Manhattan
it is so wonderful."
	Gabe smiled. "I wish I could sister, but Tom has named me leader so my
responsibilities lay here on Avalon. Why don't you stay here with us once this is
over." 
	Broadway's face fell. Would she even consider it?

Abby and Puck quickly walked to a little alcove just beyond the castle. Abby lifted
up a branch so Puck and her could pass through it. The closer they got to the garden
the denser the forest. At one point, Abby felt something sliding up her leg. She
looked down just as a vine of ivy wrapped around her leg and waist and pulled her
down. "Puck!" she yelled.
	Puck turned around. "Opps, I forgot about that." He ran to Abby's side. " Bad Ivy!
Bad Ivy!" She chided. "She is allowed to enter." The ivy recoiled as a scolded
child. The ivy slowly unwrapped from Abby's waist to which Abby let out a long sigh
of relief. She looked up to see Puck covering his mouth trying to hide the giggles.
"What is so funny elfboy?"
	Puck put his hands to his hips. "Your face. You actually thought I'd let anything
happen to you?" He sat down and began to laugh.
	Abby sat up and moved next to him with folded arms. She waited until his laughter
was slowed. "So, what was that?"
	Puck wiped his eyes and wrapped his arms around Abby. "That was the watchdog to the
gardens. No one save Oberon and myself is allowed in the garden unless we say so."
	"Why?"
	Puck stood up and held out his hand. Abby took it and stood up. "This garden holds
the most powerful herbs in the world. To my knowledge, only I could touch them
without becoming insane. Well, Oberon too but he's not one manual labor."
	"I can see that."
	"Anyway, that flower that was in A MidSummer Nights' Dream, was from this garden. I
think Luna would be the only other powerful enough to enter the garden."
They continued through the dense woods of ivy and trees. 
"Is that why Oberon wanted Luna?"
	Puck looked at Abby. "That was one reason, yes."
	Abby was about to ask another question when they came to a elaborately carved white
ivory gate. The gate had ivy rung around it and from wear and unused the white ivory
was dirty and bent. A red light formed over Puck's index finger. As he moved it
towards the ivy they broke as if burnt. Abby pushed the gate open as the ivy fell.
When it was open she looked at the garden. "Wow."

The Princes and Tom had followed Goliath and Elisa to the sick. The Princess walked
over to baby Ennis and caressed his cheek. "Oh Goliath, he is beautiful." Goliath
looked at Ennis and put his talon on her shoulder. "Thank you, but Angela is the one
you should be saying this to."
	Elisa looked at her watch. "Yeah, where are they?" 

Gabriel, Angela, and a very upset Broadway landed at the opening to a cave that laid
in the middle of the mountain. Gabe winked at Angela. "ready?"
	Angela giggled. "As always...lead the way."
	Gabe went in and Angela walked behind him. She stopped and held her hand out to
Broadway. "You coming?"
	Broadway flapped his ears once before taking her hand.
	Inside the cave, stalagmites and stalactites lines the floor and ceiling glowing a
variety of pastel blues, yellows, pinks, and greens. The echo of water filled the
cave making it slippery and wet to walk. At first the three walked in silence,
fearful of the cave collapsing around them with one sound. Gabe finally looked at
the two gargoyles, still hand-in-hand. He was hurt but he tried not to show it. "
The spring is just below where the Magus now rests. But it is very fast and burns to
the touch. We'll have to work together to get the water."
	Broadway nodded. "Anything that will help our baby we'll do."
	Angela walked over to Gabe. "When we are done, could we go see the Magus...I just
want to see him no matter what he looks like now."
	Gabe smiled and placed his hand over his rookery sisters. "Of course. Let's get
going."
	The sound of rushing water was becoming deafening but the three moved on. Finally,
they came to the spring. Broadway was amazed at the water. It shone like the sun and
it gave off a blue glow to all the rock formations. Gabe took out a flask he had
been carrying. HE took a step back then ran spreading his wings. Angela and Broadway
watched Gabe glide down and gather the water then to quickly glide up, grabbing the
side of the cave with his talons. Angela smiled and clapped. "He did it!"
	Broadway just flapped his ears. "Yeah." Angela looked at her mate and almost kicked
herself for not seeing it before. Broadway was jealous. His ears gave it away.
"Broadway, Gabe and I are dear friends...but you are my mate as well as the love of
my life."
	Broadway looked at her. "I know...it's just the way you looked at him."
	Angela giggled. "Did you ever think it was because I haven't seen him in over 7
years?"
	Broadway's eyebrow ridges went up. "No." He turned and hugged her. "I'm sorry. I
just worry about you. You are so beautiful you could have anyone."
	Angela kissed his cheek. "But I choose you...so stop worrying." She punched him
playfully in the arm.
	"Umm..excuse me..could one of you help me up?" Angela and Broadway looked to see
Gabe holding onto the ledge with one talon and the flask with another. Broadway
helped Gabe while, Angela took the flask and closed it. "Hold on Ennis."

Princess had made a bowl of peppermint and honey tea. She showed Elisa and Ophelia,
who had come to help, how to dip towel into the tea and then applying it to the
neck, chest, and foreheads of the sick. It seemed to ease the pain of the rashes.
Elisa went up and wiped some on Luna's forehead. She opened her eyes and smiled.
"You know what?"
	Elisa smiled. "What?"
	Luna lifted her arm to show Elisa the purple rashes. "I don't think purple is my
favorite color anymore."
	Elisa laughed and continued to wipe the rag down her neck. She saw Luna's face grow
sad again. "Are we going to die?"
	Elisa looked at Luna. "No...don't talk like that. Your parents will be back soon
with the medicine."
	Luna looked over at her sister and Alex and Ennis. She said a very bad feeling
about them. If someone didn't hurry, Alex and Ennis were going to be the first to
die. She wiped tears away from her eyes to see Robin crying in the corner. He knew
it too.
	Tom noticed the boy and walked over to him. "Hey now...what's all the fuss
laddie?"
Robin looked up. "My family is going to die."
	Tom picked up Robin. "Here...don't be talkin rubbish like that. They will be fine.
Let us go walk around. It bet this is your first time on Avalon?" Rob nodded. So,
Tom and Robin walked out of the room and outside the castle.

Abby just couldn't believe this garden. She felt as if she had walked right onto the
pages of The Secret Garden. There were tall walls of green and every color imagined
in the form of flowers. "This is...amazing."
	Puck chuckled. "You are soo easily amused. It's actually better than this..,"he let
out a sigh, "but I haven't been here to..." 
Abby ran her fingers through his hair to massage his neck. "I know Puck, but we need
to find that flower first. Then maybe Oberon will let us come back and fix it up."
	Puck, still sad, looked at her and nodded. "This way." He took her hand and led her
to the back of the garden. There was a little gazebo grown over with ivy, blooming
with delicious red roses. Puck waved his hand and the ivy separated to reveal a
little box upon a pedestal. Abby and Puck looked at the box. Puck opened the box and
reached in to bring out a blue and white orchid that had a phosphorescent glow.
Puck's smile returned. "Got it."

Robin and Tom were outside playing. Tom's plan to take Robin's mind off his family
was working. Robin chased Bodeca and Bronx around the courtyard. Robin was running
around a corner and ran right into the Banshee. The metal plate across her mouth
stopped Robin from understanding an obscenities that she spoke. "I'm sorry." Robin
said offering his hand to help her up. She looked as if she would strike him but
instead sighed and took his hand. She brushed herself off and realized that the boy
was staring at her and that he looked very familiar. She shrugged at him. Robin
shook his head. " Oh sorry. Are you the banshee?"
	She nodded and furrowed her brows in confusion. She pointed the Robin. Robin
pointed to himself then smiled. "My name is Robin Avalon. You might know my
father...Puck."
	Banshee nearly fell to the ground. This was one of the mighty Puck's children! She
never thought Oberon would let her live to see the day. She looked at the child
again and tried to smile behind her plate. Banshee could see the boy start to frown.
"Does that hurt?"
	She shook her head no and led him back to where Tom was calling him. Tom bowed.
"Lady Banshee."
	She nodded. Robin smiled. "I bumped into her when Bronx ran around the corner.
Maybe she will play with us?" Banshee looked into the hopeful eyes of Robin and
nodded. Robin jumped for joy and ran to get Bronx and Bodeca. Tom placed a hand on
her shoulder. "You do a great thing Banshee. Puck's children are sick and dying and
Robin is the only one not effected. I've been trying to keep his mind off the
illness. I will return to the Princess and the others, will you watch Robin?"
	She nodded. Tom nodded and walked back into the castle. Now what was she going to
do with a child? Robin came back and looked at his new friend. "Wanna play tag?"
	The Banshee shook her head no. Robin thought about it. "Well, Red Rover is out too
huh?" She tried to laugh but the metal plate stopped her. This kid is truly Puck's.
She made a sign with her hand and hoped he would understand. Robin looked at her
hands and raised an eyebrow. "You want to...play...uh hide and seek?" Banshee jumped
and clapped her hands then put a finger to her nose and pointed at Robin. He jumped
in response. "OK, I'll go first...count to...20." Banshee nodded and covered her
eyes mumbling the numbers. Robin ran further away from the garden to hide.
	Banshee opened her eyes and swept the area with a glance. She knew where the boy
was but she decided to play alittle. After about five minutes, she snuck behind
Robin and grabbed him. He shrieked with joy and laughed hugging her. At first she
was taken aback but soon hugged him back. They pulled apart and she looked at the
boy who had touched her in a way she thought was never possible again. Robin got
this somber look on his face. "They're back...quick we have to go to the castle!" He
grabbed her hand and pulled her to the castle.

Ennis breathing was becoming very shallow. Fox and David were still at Alex's side,
but they looked on at the others with just as much pain. Brooklyn caressed Zoe's
hand, while Lex wiped her brow with the tea. Lex sighed. "Don't worry Brook.
Everything will be ok."
Brooklyn tried to smile. "I know...I just wish they would hurry."
Puck and Abby came running in. "We got it!" Fox broke into tears she was so happy.
David held her. The Princess came over to Puck and Abby. "I'm Princess Katherine
guardian of the eggs."
	Puck and Abby smiled at her. "Hi."
	Elisa came over wiping her hands from the tea. "The Princess here made a tea that
has made the rashes stop growing and they are in less pain." 
Puck walked up to her and hugged the Princess. "I thank you for helping my
children." Goliath walked up behind Elisa. "Is that the flower?"
	Puck nodded. "Where are the others?"
	"Right here." Announced Angela as she lifted up the flask, Gabe and Broadway right
behind her. Puck took the flask and walked over to the counter in the middle of the
room. He carefully crushed the flower with his hands and let the crumbs fall into
the ceramic bowl. He then took the flask. He opened it and inhaled the raw Avalon
power that coursed through it. It was almost intoxicating. Puck looked up to see
Oberon standing at the door. Oberon didn't move or attempt to make a sound. He just
watched as his former servant poured the liquid into the bowl. It fizzled then was
still. Abby looked over Puck's shoulder into the bowl. It looked like blue orange
juice. Puck nuzzled Abby's cheek with his nose. "It will work." 
Abby nuzzled back knowing Puck's statement was more of a plea than fact. They each
took three cups and two bottles of gold they had gotten from Oberon's room. Brooklyn
was given one cup, so was Fox, Puck. Abby and Angela each got a bottle.
	They heard noise to see Robin and Banshee run in the room, panting. Puck smiled.
"Hey Robin, glad you joined us." Robin pulled his new friend to watch. He climbed
onto Luna's bed. Puck gave him the cup. "Ready?"
	Everyone nodded. Puck lifted Luna up. "Sweetie, drink this." Luna looked at Robin
and slowly took the cup. She sipped it and coughed. "It tastes awful!" Puck laughed.
"What, you think magic is suppose to taste good?"
	Abby took Tori into her arms and gave her the bottle. Tori sucked it down as if it
were air. Abby looked at the others. Brooklyn was holding to cup Zoe, while Lex held
Zoe's head up to drink the potion. Ennis was finished with the bottle too. Alex was
drinking and seemed to react to it immediately. It had to be since Alex was the most
human. Hudson was pacing each table waiting. Elisa and Goliath stood by Angela and
Broadway with Ennis. Gabe watched from the side with the Princess and Tom. 
The Banshee also watched from the other side of the room, unknowing that Oberon was
right behind her. But he could hear her thoughts. The banshee wiped her tears. 'If
only I had the life Robin and the others had, maybe I could be happy. Maybe I
wouldn't have this stupid plate on my mouth. Mortals are so much better at affection
than our kind will ever be. I envy Puck, he has truly found his match in Abby and
his peace with his children.'
	Robin yelled. "Banshee, come here."
	She walked to him and he hugged her. "My sisters are not going to die!" Banshee
hugged him back and wished she could tell him how happy she was for him. He looked
up and winked. "I heard and thanks. I'm happy too." She looked up to see Puck
smiling at her. "Hey sis, I see Oberon finally found a way to shut you up." She
playfully swat Puck in the arm. She looked down at Luna who was smiling. She said,
"Wow. That stuff taste bad but it sure has a kick." Puck leaned down and kissed her
head. Abby walked over, holding Tori. Puck tickled Tori's chin. Tori laughed and
held onto Abby. "I think she's feeling better."
	"Me too." Said Alex. His rashes were already gone and his skin was returning to its
original color. Zoe sat up and hugged Brooklyn. "I feel ok. Too bad I can't stone
sleep with you guys. It would make getting better a WHOLE lot easier." Brooklyn and
Lex laughed and hugged Zoe tight.
	Ennis was the last and the worse. Angela rocked him and hummed. Puck looked at the
baby. His breathing was still shallow but the rashes were starting to grow smaller.
Abby took Puck's arm with one hand as she balanced Tori in the other. "Ennis is pure
gargoyle. He would have been effected most by this stuff....should we give him
more?"
	Puck took Ennis from a crying Angela. "No. Too much and it will kill him for sure.
We just have to wait and see." He placed the baby in a bassinet that one of the
fairies had brought. "Right now, we all need to rest and see how the medicine takes
to you all."
	Luna sat up in bed. Robin pulled her close and held her as a mother would a child.
Abby sat next to them, holding Tori just alittle closer. Silence prevailed in the
room.
Titania appeared before the group. "I see you have faired well over this obstacle.
I've had Peaceblossom and the others ready your rooms. Puck I think you know the
way." She gave a smile before walking over to inspect Alex. "How is my prince?"
	Alex nodded. "A lot better, grandma." She ruffled his red hair and kissed his
forehead. "I'm glad to hear it my boy. I will make sure this never happens again."
She looked over to a corner where Oberon had stood the entire time, just watching
and waiting. He saw his wife's hard look and knew what must be done. He saw the sun
turn the gargoyles to stone before heading to the mortal world.

Puck gathered his family and led them to a grand room. The king-size bed was just
what they needed. Robin and Luna occupied one side while Puck and Abby had the
other. They took pillows and made a little fort in the middle for Tori. No sooner
had the three children laid down were they asleep. Abby watched them for a bit. Puck
wrapped his arms around her. "They are ok. Tori and Luna's rashes are gone. Their
rosy little cheeks are back. Hopefully, this rest will completely heal them." 
Abby turned and hugged Puck. "I hope so."

In the next room, Fox and David shared a bed while Alex slept in a smaller bed
located across the room. They sleep soundly and peaceful as the potion ran its
course healing Alex's mind and body.

Zoe was the last to leave to go to bed. She made sure all the gargoyles were ok. She
looked to see the Banshee, as Robin called her, looking at baby Ennis. Zoe walked up
to her and smiled. "He is beautiful." She nodded. Banshee made hand gestures. Zoe
nodded. "Yes, the stone sleep with hopefully cure this illness now that we have
medicine in him. Well, I need to rest.....good day." Zoe left turning occasionally
to see Banshee just standing by Ennis' crib. No one has expressed danger towards her
and she didn't get those negative gargoyle vibes...so she had to be ok and it was
safe to leave her. Plus, Zoe was so exhausted she didn' t think she could stop the
Banshee if she wanted. She left the Banshee to sleep.

Banshee stroked the stone statute of baby Ennis. She weaved a blessing spell over
the baby that he would be well when he awoke. She took a chair and sat down. She
would guard this baby. He meant so much to so many it would be a shame if he died.
Banshee wiped the tears from her eyes, wishing she had told Rory her feelings before
the whole incident in Ireland. He loved him very much and she wanted to reveal
herself to him, but she was afraid of rejection. This baby was the same. So many
people feared it when all it had to give was love. Robin too. She liked Robin. She
laughed to herself. Her own brother Puck had always watched out for her when he
could. He knew she wasn't a spoiled brat as she seemed to some of the other
children. It was her defense and Robin, like his father, had seen right through it
to see whom she was inside. She tapped her metal plate and thought of Oberon's
decree, "to hear humility in your silent screams." Her screams were silent and if
Oberon had heard them he made no sign of it. If only he would have let her stay in
the mortal world. She had her own place and Rory. She wiped her eyes again to watch
Ennis sleep safely as she dreamt of a life away from Avalon.

Oberon appeared in John Castaway's office. No one was there but Oberon could smell
his son's magical trail. He entered a room to find Ode, sitting on the long table in
a conference room, smoking a cigarette. "Aww father...so nice to see you." Ode
distinguished the cigarette on the wood table with a hiss.
	"Better watch out, those things will kill you."
	Ode laughed. "A sense of humor...hmm...never knew you had one. Maybe if you had
stayed around after I was born!"
	Oberon crossed his arms. "We do not have to justify ourselves to you. We are Lord
and Master of Avalon and the third race. It is true your mother was used but that is
because we still had too strong of feelings for our Lady."
	"Cut the crap. You could have stayed if you wanted too. Did you, for one second,
ever think about me?"
	"We sent you gifts every birthday and holiday until you wished not to receive them.
We wanted to be apart of your life, but you pushed us away. We considered calling
you to Avalon when we began the Gathering, but thought it unwise due to your
hatred."
	Ode spat. "Hatred of you."
	Oberon stepped forward. "And what of Puck?"
	Ode seemed to loosen up. "He...helped me when no one else would."
	"So you repay him by trying to kill his family. Puck is many things but not a fool.
He knew you were doing this to get to us. Did you know he had a newborn daughter
recently, who almost died by your virus?"
	"No." Ode let his head fall. "I wanted to hurt you."
	"We banished Puck..."
	"Wait! Banished!" Ode searched his father's cold eyes for some sign that he was
joking. He didn't find it. "We banished the Puck for not returning to Avalon and
attacking me for the love of humans, especially a human child my wife wished to take
to Avalon. That child was another who almost died due to your lack of morals. Your
mother was a smart woman you'd think you'd have at least one brain cell in that
brain of yours."
	Ode ran to Oberon attempting to punch him. Oberon grabbed him by the neck and
lifted him off the ground. Ode screamed as Oberon's hands became cold. The cold
spread paralyzing his body. Oberon brought his son to meet his eyes. "You are lucky
we found the cure or we would have killed you now. Where is this potion? It must ALL
be destroyed."
	Ode coughed. " What's left of it is in Castaway's safe. I destroyed all the notes.
I knew Castaway would kill me if he got them...so if I memorized it then he would
need me to make more of it."
	Oberon dropped Ode to the floor. Ode gagged and rubbed his neck as feeling came
back to his body. He watched Oberon walk through the wall of the safe and quickly
return, canister in hand. Ode stood up, leaning on a chair. "What are you doing?"
	"What I should have done many years ago."
	Ode looked shocked. "You say "I" instead of "We.""
	Oberon walked over to his son. "That is because this was MY mistake as were many
things. I thought it would be best to leave your mother. She didn't want a relationship and 
she didn't want anything from me. I was very upset to learn that she died alone. But that 
was not my fault. She was too proud." 
Tears fell from Ode's face. "Yeah, she was."
	Oberon shook the canister of purple mist and changed it into water. The canister
vanished in a green glow. Ode watched in amazement. "What are you going to do with
me?"
	Oberon smiled. "As I said, what I should have done all those years ago. I'm erasing
the memory of you from everyone on this planet. No one will remember you. You don't
exist." 
Ode stepped back. "You're going to kill me, aren't you?"
	"In a way, yes." Ode started to run but Oberon shut all the doors, locking them
with a loud click. Oberon grabbed Ode. "You must be punished."
	Ode tried to struggle but he saw Oberon's veins grow before his eyes. The veins
popped out and dug into Ode's body. Oberon's blood seeped into Ode like venom from a
snake. Ode's heart was beating slower and slower. Oberon laid Ode down and pulled
his veins back into him. He watched the transformation take place. Ode began to
shrink and as he did all traces of his mother disappeared from his features. His
skin became blue, ears grew to points, and hair turned white. When all was done, Ode
the halfling was dead. In his place was a squirming baby boy of pure Fey blood.
Oberon smiled and picked up the child. "Come Ode, I will take you home and raise you
the way you should have been raised. Only now you will be a Prince instead of a
bastard."

	Oberon appeared in his chambers. He sat down on a lounge chair to play with his
son. Titania walked in and watched her husband. "My Lord?"
	Oberon looked up at her. "The matter is taken care of. Alexander will never be
threatened by Ode and his potion ever again." Titania smiled and sat next to him,
stroking the baby's white mane. "What of you?"
Oberon turned the baby to face Titania. "When Ode was born I wanted to bring him
here and raise him as a prince, but his mother wouldn't hear of it. So I had to
leave before people became suspicious of why I did not age. I abandoned him. I am
going to make up for it now." Titania stroked his cheek tenderly. "As you wish, my
Lord. Are you going to rename him or shall his new life carry an old name?"
	Oberon looked at Titania with a smile. "Eron. He shall be Prince Eron."
	Titania kissed her husband. "Eron it is, and a fine name at that."
	Oberon watched the baby fall asleep. "How does your family thrive, my lady?"
	"Very well. Alex and all of Puck's children are healed. The girl known as Zoe is
also healed. But Ennis, the gargoyle's baby, is not recovering as quickly as we all
would have liked."
	Oberon nodded. "We must go see him."
	Titania nodded in agreement. "I shall take the baby?"
Oberon smiled. "No. We know what happens when you take children my Lady."
	Titania giggled. "You shall never forgive me for that India changeling."
	"Not while I'm king, my lady."
Titania smiled. "Cobweb!"
A tiny fairy dressed in blue with cobweb-like wings appeared before the couple,
"Yes, my Lady?"
"Please make a room for royalty." 
Oberon gave Cobweb the baby. "This is Prince Eron, my son. See to it he is taken
care of precisely."
Cobweb was alittle shocked. "Ye..yes my Lord. It shall be done." She bowed and
disappeared with Eron. Oberon looked to his wife and held out his hand. "Shall we?"

They entered the infirmary to see only a few members there. David, Fox, Alex,
Brooklyn, Zoe, Lex, Hudson, Bronx, Elisa, the twins, and Tori had been sent back to
their world. Goliath, Angela, Broadway, Puck and Abby remained to help little Ennis.
The rashes were gone and his turquoise color too, but he acted as if his had
pneumonia. Angela was beside herself. Banshee had also stayed. After saying goodbye
to Robin she felt that she was still needed. Abby was using her own magic to try and
manipulate the illness away but the virus was mostly of Fey origin she couldn't help
him. Puck hugged her. "You tried, Abby."
Abby looked at him and nodded, resting her head on his shoulder.
	"What else can we do?"cried Angela. 
The Princess hugged her tight. "Oh Angela, I don't know. Puck is there nothing ye
can do fer da boy?"
	Puck shook his head. "The cure Oberon gave me was the only one I knew about...maybe
if we go back and find Ode..."
	Oberon and Titania appeared. Titania went over to the baby. "No change?" 
	Puck sighed. "None. Maybe if we find Ode. We could..."
	Oberon interrupted. "Ode has been taken care of. There was no antedate with the
canister."
	Puck was shocked and didn't know what to say. Abby hugged him close knowing how
Puck felt. If this medicine had not worked on the others then Ode was the last
chance. Now that chance is gone and Ennis may die.
	Tom looked up to see the Banshee trying to find paper to write on. He grabbed some
and gave it to her with a quill. Everyone watched her scramble and she gave the
paper to Puck. He read, "The baby is dying because it is a full gargoyle...the
medicine was meant to help Fey-bloods." Puck looked at his sister. "She's right."
Goliath rubbed his chin. "But how to do remedy this? It is not like we could make
Ennis one of the Fey."
	Puck, Banshee, Oberon, and Titania looked at each other and smiled. Banshee walked
up and bowed before Oberon and Titania. She took the quill and paper and scribbled
crazily. She lifted it to Titania. "She wants to be the one who gives her blood."
	Puck walked over to Angela taking her hand. "But, it must be voluntary on both
ends. Ennis is not old enough but as his mother you may speak for him." 
Angela looked at Puck with tearful eyes. She looked to Broadway and he wiped tears
away. "This is your call Angela. But you know my answer." Angela nodded. "Do it
now."
	Puck took Ennis from the bed and walked up to Banshee. Banshee took out a knife
from her belt. She took Ennis hand and cut his palm. Ennis screamed and Broadway had
to hold Angela back. Banshee cut her own palm. She hesitates for only a moment
before putting her palm over Ennis'. It only took a few seconds but when it was over
both Banshee and Ennis were unconscious. Puck brought Ennis back to Angela and she
almost broke down. His breathing was normal and the color was back in his cheeks.
Banshee shook her head to wake up. Broadway helped her up, hugging and thanking her.
She hugged him back trying to smile despite the metal plate. Banshee mumbled Puck's
name. He turned and smiled nodding. She hugged Broadway harder. It had worked. The
baby would live. Banshee looked to the other side of the room to see Oberon and
Titania smiling. Now she started to cry from happiness. A smile from your Lord and
Lady..father and mother...have her so much pride that she couldn't contain it.
Broadway let her go so she could wipe her tears. 
The next thing she knew a hand was on her shoulder. She turned to see Oberon. "We
are proud of your sacrifice daughter. A gift should not go un-rewarded." He placed
his hand over her mouth. When he removed it, the plate was gone. Banshee moved her
jaw and laughed. She quickly slapped her hand over her mouth. It had been so long
since she heard her own laugh. Titania smiled and Banshee ran to her hugging her.
"My Lady."
	Puck sarcastically sniffled and Abby, who was crying, punched him.
	Oberon looked at Puck. "And as for you Puck." Puck swallowed hard and held Abby
close in case they had to make a quick get away. Oberon just laughed. "I am going to
revise your punishment." Puck and Abby looked at each other confused. "You must
still be punished for defying me the way you did...but I will allow you to return to
Avalon whenever you like and tend to the garden. That's it. Your children and wife
my come and play on the island, but you must stay in the garden." 
	Puck choked a laugh. "Deal!"
Oberon nodded. "Starting now."
	Puck frowned. "Now?" The next thing Puck and Abby knew they were in the garden.
"Man, he doesn't wait for no one."
	Abby laughed. "Come on, let's get this garden back into shape."
	Puck snapped his fingers so Abby and him wore gardening appeal. "Let's get it
lawn!"

After Titania and Oberon left, Banshee was floating on air, literally, she was
thrilled to have her voice back. Goliath was not so sure. She saw his worried look.
"Don't worry Goliath, I'm not going to do anything rash. That is what my brother
Puck is for. We got off on the wrong foot, that's all. And unfortunately so did
another mortal and I."
Angela pulled a handful of hair away from a now healthy Ennis. "Rory right?"
Banshee nodded. "Aye...that is what caused that plate to be put over my mouth. I
didna want to return. I wished Oberon had banished me like Puck so that I could be
with him. He had so much potential and never knew it."
	Broadway shrugged. "Why don't you ask to go back?"
	Titania appeared. "What a good idea." 
Banshee, startled by the Queen, fell from the sky. "What do ye mean?"
	Titania nodded in Broadway's direction. "Let us talk in private Banshee but first,
are you ready to go home?"
	Angela nodded. "I am." The rest agreed. Titania said here good-byes and the group
disappeared back to New York. Titania then turned to Banshee. "Don't look so scared
Banshee. I 'm not going to hurt you. Come" She held her hand out to Banshee. Banshee
took her hand. The two walked until they came to the old nursery. Titania took
Banshee inside and led her to the window. "When you were born you were different."
	"Just like Puck?"
	Titania nodded. "Yes and a few others. Your name was in the Book of Stars too. You
had a destiny to fulfill and nothing Oberon or I could do to you would stop that
goal. I believe that that destiny is back in Ireland. Their world needs magic so
badly. They don't understand that without magic the world would fall apart. For it
was magic that began the whole thing. What if I made a deal with you?"
	Banshee leaned against the wall. "I'm listening."
"I will send you back to the mortal world but you must return every hundred years,
their time, to report your success," Titania played with a lock of Banshee's white
hair, "and to let your mother know you are alright." 
Banshee looked into Titania's eyes to see she was truthful. She smiled. "Deal,
mother."

Ireland

Rory was just closing up his shop after a long day of tourist. After his experience
with the Banshee and those gargoyles, plus finding out whose soul resided in his
body, he went back to the university. He got his masters and Ph.D. in history and
now owned a museum of artifacts at the tome. Tourists came from miles around to hear
the tales and take a tour of the caves. He knew it was alittle disrespectful but he
actually got some robots to act out the scene between the warrior and the Banshee.
He walked into the cave and turned on the light. He sat down and looked at the
Banshee robot. Molly. He had never loved anyone as much as he loved her and he
thought she had felt the same way. But she was the Banshee. And even though she was
who she was and he was who he was, he still loved her. "Och, stop bein so sorry for
ye self, Rory! Ye a fool!" 
He turned off the light and walked out of the tome. As he started to walk to his
car, he heard someone yell his name. He looked around and no one was there. He shook
his head. "If it it's one ting its another."
	"Rory!"
	He turned around and came face-to-face with Molly. No, not Molly, the Banshee in
Molly's clothing. "Molly?"
	Molly shrugged. "Well, not quite." She removes her disguise to show him her true
form. "This is how I really am. The Banshee."
	Rory turned. "What, come to gloat on how draft I am for loving you!"
	"Nay. I came to say I'm sorry. And dat I'm in love with you too. That is why I
didn't want you to remember the soul that lived within you. I was afraid you
couldn't love me if you did." Rory watched as the Banshee returned to the form of
Molly. "I've been given leave to bring alittle magic back into this world. And I
think I will start with your little robot in there of me." 
Rory smiled and scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "Yeah well...that robot
was design with specific instructions based on a very important artifact."
	Molly smiled. "That being?"
	Rory answered. "Real life."
	Molly moved alittle closer and to her delight Rory also came closer. She slowly
wrapped her arms around him and he did the same. They stood there hugging each other
not knowing where it would lead them but glad it happened. Rory was the first to
pull away alittle to kiss her. "I guess this means ye forgive me?"
	Rory shrugged. "Aye, maybe it does. Come, my da has a few new stories that you
gotta hear."
	Molly hugged him once more. "I'd like that."


Back on Avalon.....

Puck was singing away as he pulled weeds from the garden. Abby watched as the garden
seemed to come alive at his touch. She couldn't touch the plants but she held
baskets for Puck to put the weeds into them, then she walked over to a cauldron of
fire and threw the weds in and sneezed. "Damn ragweed."
Puck smiled at her and she turned back to him and returned the smile. She kneeled
next to him. "Puck could I ask you a question?"
	Puck said without looking up. "Why not, if I say no you'll still ask." 
Abby crossed her arms. "I love you too." 
Puck wiped his hands on her leggings and looked at her. She made a sour face.
"What?"
	"Why did Oberon do that, loosen the punishment? I overheard some of the fairies
saying he always made allowances for you. What did that mean?"
	Puck snapped his fingers and their gardening clothes were replaced with their
regular attire. "Well it's a LONG story." 
Abby smiled. "Well, I am a immortal...so I think I got time."
	Puck laughed. "Hey, you're finally catching on! Come." He and Abby walked into the
now neatly trimmed gazebo and sat on a bench. Puck wrapped his arms around Abby,
"Well, once upon a time when Oberon was very young there was a young servant girl
who lived in a great castle..."
	Abby laughed. "Puck, I'm not one of the kids. Would you like for me to sit on your
lap?" Abby saw the look on his face. "Never mind don't answer that question."	
	Puck smiled. "Sorry. I'm just telling you the way I was told. Basically, I am
Titania and Oberon's son."
	Abby shook her head. "But so is everyone else."
	Puck answered. "No. For most of them it is a title. When Oberon banished Mab she
had created most of the children and Oberon created the rest with magic. When I say
that I am their son....I mean that I was born from Titania's womb."
	Abby face showed that she understood now. "Oh...are there more of you?"
Puck got up and grabbed onto the beam and swung back and forth. "Yeah. Coyote,
Banshee, Grandmother, Anbuis, and Fox, in a way, are my true siblings. I'm the
youngest and the most troublesome, so that is why I became his servant. Yet, no
matter what I did or what the others did...we were always given a lesser
sentence..."
	"Because you are his kids." Said Abby.
	"Right. So, when I choice to stay with Alex and Xanatos I wasn't just defying my
lord and master....but my father."
	"Is that why you call him Daddy O?"
	"Yeah. It is also why I'm not dead. If any of the others had tried such a stunt
they would be dead. Coyote never really cared and he hates being here that is why he
connected with Elisa's father. That way he has an excuse to go back to the mortal
world and doesn't have to ask for permission. And Banshee...I have a feeling that
Titania is going to let her go back too. Banshee told me about the man of her
dreams..but she had to leave him to come here. Daddy O and 'mom' can't stand to see
their daughter upset."
	Abby walked over to watch Puck swing. "And what about Fox?"
	"Fox is different. She is Titania's daughter...not Oberon's. And Nimh was kinda
adopted as one of Titania's."
	"Oh. What about Oberon?" 
Puck laughed. "Oh Oberon has many halfings all over the world. All sons too. The
most famous ones were Merlin and Magus."
Abby scratched her head. "Merlin, huh? So that means the Lady of the Lake is your
aunt?" 
Puck nodded. "Yeah, she is Mab's sister but a whole lot more reasonable. She was the
one who enforced the no-interference rule. A rule that I have broken way too many
times."
"Yeah, I noticed." Abby could see that this discussion was bringing her husband to a
bad level of depression. She tugged on his tunic and he floated down. She wrapped
her arms around his neck and pressed her forehead to his. "Well, no offense but I'm
glad you got banished. If you hadn't we would have never meet."
	Puck wrapped his arms around Abby's waist and moved his head so it rested on her
shoulder. "I know." 
Abby just held him. "Come on Puck please don't get upset."
	Puck looked at her. "I'm not...I was just trying to imagine a world without you and
it doesn't exist. You have amazed me since day one and I love you for it."
	Abby smiled. "Why thank you Mr. Avalon. You know flattery will get you everywhere."
Puck laughed and returned to his normal self. "I know. We better get the rest of
this cleaned up so we can get home."
	Abby nodded and picked up her basket. "Ready."

Back at the Eyrie............

"Tribeca you should have seen it. It was amazing." Lex continued to tell his
girlfriend all about Avalon. She had left over a hundred messages on the machine.
She had been worried sick that something had happened to everyone. She had accused
everyone of the Dracon family of putting a hit out on them. And if she ever found
out who it was she'd put a hit out on them. So, when Lex called her, she ran to the
Eyrie, literally. Yet, she called every relative and apologized first. It was
already a week since they disappeared. They missed Christmas and she was worried
that she wouldn't find them. Brooklyn and Zoe, arm-in-arm, walked by the two. Brook
winked at Tribeca. She waved. "Hey Brook." 
	Lex turned to Brook and gave him a 'better-watch-out' look. Tribeca laughed and
kissed Lex on the cheek. "Don't get jealous. I was so worried that you would miss
the new year."
	Lex shook his head. "No way. Plus, I still have to give you your Christmas
present." He took out a little box and handed it to her. Tribeca pulled her blonde
hair back and took the little box. She opened it slowly. "Lex. It's beautiful." She
took out the little heart locket. It was engraved with their initials and when she
opened it. He helped her put it on. "It's beautiful."
	Lex shook his head. "Not as beautiful as you." Tribeca blushed and so did Lex. He
wasn't very good at giving or receiving compliments. He was so shy. Tribeca kissed
him on the lips. 'Thank you. Now I don't want to give you your present..it's not as
good as this present." 
Lex's eyes went wide. "No way! Give!" He gave her a smile. She took out a medium
size box from her side of the couch. Lex tore through the paper to reveal a VNR set
for the home computer. Lex jumped up. "By the gods! Where did you...how..and it's
Windows ME compatible! I love it!" Lex tackled her in a big hug. She laughed and
they held each other.
	Tribeca pulled away. "We better get going if we want to get to my house in time for
dinner."
	Lex shuddered. "I'm still uncomfortable around your family. Although, your
grandfather ain't that bad once you get past that Illuminati ego."
	Tribeca smiled.  "I know. But they love you..."
	Lex laughed. "That's because you've threaten all of them more than once." 
Tribeca stood up and folded her arms. "Details, Details. Let's go."

Zoe and Brook were in her room sitting on the window seat playing poker. For once,
Zoe was winning. Brooklyn's X-mas present was sitting on the couch. She had gotten
him a Harley Davidson leather jacket, specially made for someone with wings. HE had
told her that she couldn't get her present until she won a round of poker. She was
so excited with her flush. Brooklyn winked at her. "So, what ya got?"
	She proudly displayed her cards. "Flush."
	Brooklyn smiled. "Down the toilet. Full HOUSE." Zoe looked at the cards and hit her
knee. "Buggar! You cheated."
	"I did not." 
"You had to...how could you win so many times in a row." She laughed. 
Brook shrugged. "Well, I guess I'll still give you your present."
	"Oh yeah, thanks."
	Brooklyn held out his hand to her. "Give me your hand." She obeyed. "You know that
I love you very much." She nodded. "And this incident has made me realize that I
love you more than I ever could imagine. So, here's your gift."
	Zoe saw Brooklyn place something in her hand and close it. She looked at him in
confusion and opened her hand. It was a diamond ring. She looked at him and took a
deep breath. Brooklyn leaned close. "Will you do me the honors in becoming my mate,
forever."
	Zoe opened her mouth but no sound came out. Brooklyn laughed. "I don't think I've
ever seen you speechless."
	Zoe laughed. "Me either." She slowly placed the ring on her finger. "Brooklyn, I
will be you mate."
	Brooklyn jumped up taking her in his arms and twirling her around. "Thank you."
	She laughed. "Why? I've been waiting for years for you to ask me."
He hugged her tighter. "So, when do you want to have the ceremony?"
	"Let's wait until we can tell everyone. I want it to be a happy occasion."
	"It already is, my love."

Robin knocked on Luna's door, holding Tori. He slowly walked in to see her in bed,
"Luna? You ok?"
	Luna sighed. "Yeah, just tired."
	"Do you want to open our presents?" He walked up and sat on her bed. He moved her
curly hair behind her ears. She was still weak and Robin was taking care of her.
Luna shook her head no. "I want to wait for mom and dad." 
Robin nodded. "Ok." He got under the covers and watched Luna rest with Tori in the
middle. "Luna?"
	She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Yeah?"
	"I really thought you were going to die. I don't know what I would do without you
and Tori. Who would I make fun of, who would pull my hair, who would make me
laugh?"
	Luna smiled. "Was that a compliment or an insult? It doesn't matter. We're ok now.
Everything's fine and we'll have each other. Go to sleep and maybe mom and dad will
be back when we wake up."
	Robin nodded and kissed Luna and Tori on their cheeks covering them up. "I love you
guys."
	"I love you too Robin." Tori just squirmed and grabbed Rob's shirt holding on to it
as a security blanket. Robin closed his eyes and slept. The moon outside shone its
light over the children and protected them from harm until their parents returned.

Puck and Abby appeared in the their living room with a pile of gifts. They snuck
into the room and smiled at each other. The twins opened their eyes and smiled. Luna
giggled. "Why are you two so happy?"
	Tori shook her head and opened her eyes and smiled at her parents. Puck and Abby
started to sing in a whisper. "Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you happy
birthday dear Robin and Luna, Happy birthday to you."
Abby took Tori and the twins followed their parents out into the living room where
they were greeted with lots of presents. The twins looked at the presents, with
gaping jaws, then to their parents. With a nod from Puck, the twins ran and tore
open the gifts. Tori squirmed in Abby's arm with all the excitement. Luna picked up
a silver gown embroider with pale blue roses. Robin lifted up a new hockey stick.
Luna smiled. "We thought you forgot."
	Puck shook his head and hugged Luna. "How could we forget our kids 8th.."
	"9th!" yelled Abby, Luna and Robin.
	"9th of course, birthday! And there are more presents to come. But we want to wait
until everyone is back and safe."
	"How's Ennis and the Banshee?" asked Robin
Puck nodded. "Banshee is in Ireland and Ennis is doing great."
	Abby nodded. "He is almost completely better."
Robin and Luna nodded and continued to open their presents of books, magical tools,
toys, and candy.

After the twins and baby were in bed again Abby walked into her room and collapsed
on the bed. Puck followed her in, saying, "I don't think I've ever been this sore
and tired in my life?"
	Abby lifted her head from the bed. "I'm exhausted."
Puck got under the covers. Puck watched her sleep. She opened her eyes briefly to
smile back and wrap her arms around him. "Do you think we surprised them?"
	Puck laughed. "Oh yeah. I'd like to go back to the garden though."
	Abby nodded. "Maybe tomorrow. We'll take the kids and have a picnic."
	Puck wrapped his arms around Abby. "Yeah maybe"

Fox and David were watching Alex open his presents. After he was done he hugged his
parents and said thanks. Fox looked at her son. "I hope you love your presents."
	Alex laughed. "I do! I can't wait to show the twins and Lex."
	David grabbed his son and hugged him close. Alex gasped for a breath. "Dad I can't
breathe." 
David let go. "Sorry...it's just that we almost lost you again and it makes a parent
possessive." 
Alex nodded. "I think I understand. I wonder how Ennis is doing?"

Goliath was feeding Ennis a bottle, sitting in a rocking chair that Titania had
gotten for them. Broadway, Angela, and Gabe had gone to pay their respect to the
Magus. He wondered how the rest were fairing back in Manhattan. Ennis was completely
healed and the only side effect from the blood transfusion was that his dark brown
eyes had turned a yellowish tan. They had freaked alittle at first, but Titania had
reassumed them that that was the only thing to happen to baby Ennis. There would be
no floating toys or transformations. The Banshee's blood only killed the virus and
made it that maybe he would live a hundred or two years longer than a normal
gargoyle. Goliath took the bottle out of his mouth and let the baby sleep.  Angela
and the others came back. She smiled at Goliath. "He finished another bottle!"
	He nodded and handed the baby back to Angela. She cooed him and placed him the
crib. Gabe smiled. "How about some lunch?"
	They agreed and left Ennis to sleep. 

The next day..........

Abby was sitting on the stairs to the gazebo braiding pieces of dead ivy. Luna and
Robin were playing hide and seek somewhere in the garden while Tori slept in her
stroller next to Abby. Puck wiped his hands and stood up. "Done!"
	Abby smiled. "Good...I'm starving."
	Puck smiled. "You're always hungry."
	Abby shrugged and walked over to Puck, placing the wreath on his head. He laughed.
"Thank you."
	"Well it's an attempt at a Christmas present. We still haven't had a chance to
exchange our presents."
	Puck nodded. "I know and we better get going."
	Abby nodded. "Time to have some holiday cheer. Luna! Robin! We're leaving." When
the twins reached Puck and Abby, Abby waved her hands and in a blue flash they went
home to celebrate a long-awaited Christmas with the family.

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