Renegade Fey:

Compassion… Most Mortals Have It

a.k.a The Sequel

By: Gargress

Gargress@yahoo.com

Date started: Tuesday, May 25, 1999

Date finished: Wednesday, November 10, 1999 @ 11:42 PM

Disclaimer: "Gargoyles" belongs to Disney and/or Buena Vista Television. In no way was I trying to do anything with these wonderful characters for my own personal gain. I love writing, and I love "Gargoyles." (So please, none of that legal action stuff ;-)

Of course everyone recognizes which characters are property of The Great Disney Imagineers, but all the original characters from "Renegade Fey" are mine and anyone wanting to use them I would appreciate a written request. The plot from this story is from my own noggin’ so I hope everyone recognizes it as such. Thanx a bunch.

Dedication: I’d like to especially thank Bev, one of my best of bestest buds for being a great inspiration to me ;-) Lotsa love to ya! ;-) I also thank Kelly, my local fellow gargs fan who really helped me with "Renegade Fey," and did a great job beta reading for this one too. I’d also like to thank Jermaine, who has aptly been following my series as I write every paragraph, I appreciate your enthusiasm J

All the others out in the Gargoyles Fanfic Universe, I’ve probably read most of if not all your fanfics. You’ve all been great inspirations, and I’m honored to be a fellow writer. :-}

Warning: This story contains some minor snippets of adult language but not excessively, so if you’re overly sensetive to this type of thing imagine another word in its place. ;-) This story is officially rated by moi to be PG-13.

* * *

A prophecy which will soon come to pass….

"The Renegade Fey which everyone will believe,

"Will discover true love and immortality she will achieve.

But wayward fey woman-child beware,

So tempt fate not for jealousy is a force beyond compare,

And impending death shall forbear."

* * *

In a dark void, somewhere between unconsciousness and semi-consciousness, Pyper’s mind lay dormant. Part of her wished to remain there, away from all the troubles of the world not ready for whatever lay ahead, but the part of her only led by the natural instinct to wake up and "live" caused her eyes to flutter open.

Vision slowly clearing but mind temporarily muddled, Pyper was able to prop herself up on her side and grab her head in a feeble attempt to keep it from rolling off her shoulders. Something had made a demon donkey in her head want to try and raise hell. So far it was succeeding.

Already worse for wear, the silver-hared fey struggled to seat herself on the edge of the large plush bed. Able to recollect most of her scattered thoughts, Pyper took a big chance and decided to stand. Big mistake, was what her mind echoed as she desperately grabbed a Chippendale bedpost to keep herself from taking a one way trip to a cold hard floor. First attempt failed, Pyper tried a second time to actually end up on her feet and not on her way to the floor.

A steady glance at the nearest window confirmed that night had come, along with the moment of truth. A truth she didn’t know herself. How can I tell the Clan as well as the Xanatoses something that I don’t even know? Her thoughts echoed back to her as haunting truths. How indeed could she tell nothing but lies to her friends to… Owen? Where I come from….? Who my parents were—suddenly her mind was made up.

Pyper steadied her footing and walked towards the door of the large guestroom. Turning the golden hued lever, she found out it was unlocked and thanked her lucky stars before cautiously stepping out into the brightly lit corridor.

* * *

Brooklyn physically stood away in the farthest corner of the Clan’s leisure room; mentally he was somewhere else. So Maya wasn’t Maya at all. Maya’s words echoed in the far reached of his mind, "What I am may change but who I am will remain forever constant," and maybe that was true at some level. They’d parted on good terms, before Puck brought her back unconscious, he thought angrily, it’ll be a cold day in hell before I treat that poor excuse for a fey like anything else but dirt. Brooklyn hoped Maya was right—

The great blue beast beside him perked up his ears and looked towards the cracked doorway of the room, his muzzle discreetly sniffing the air. Brooklyn saw the gar-dog’s preoccupation with whatever was in the air and soon caught wind and sight of what, of better said whom, it was. He was beginning to wonder if that underlying scent of spring and honeysuckle would always stay in his mind as something that stood for Maya, but whom he discreetly saw pass by just outside the room was but yet… wasn’t the gargress he’d come to know.

A lovely yet delicately fragile young woman quickly passed by the entrance to the room, too abruptly for anyone not already watching to catch sight of her. Everyone else busy with their own conversations, Brooklyn had no trouble slipping by unnoticed by the Clan and the Xanatoses, who were too busy comparing stories about their different encounters with Maya. After patting Bronx behind his webbed ears to keep him quiet, the beaked gargoyle was free find out what trouble his Maya was going to get into next.

Bronx, happy with having someone go after the newcomer instead of him, settled his head on his huge paws once more and went on as if nothing happened with a satisfied puppy grin.

* * *

Sticking tot he shadows, Brooklyn stealthily followed Maya down a few hallways and corridors after seeing that something was obviously wrong with her. She didn’t seem to be well at all. With the way she trudged down the hallways she looked as if she were going to collapse at any moment. Against his better judgement, the beaked gargoyle decided to follow her until he found out where she was headed. Could she be skipping out on the Clan? On me?

Oblivious to anyone, let alone Brooklyn following her, Pyper walked out into the courtyard to see if a clear breath of air would help her think clearly. She already knew this was not going to look good when someone went to check on her in the guestroom but there had to be some other way.

Blinking blearily, Pyper’s gaze shifted up tot he full moon hanging low in the star-studded sky. Sighing deeply she tried to clear her mind to try and think of how to follow through on a plan been trying to perfect. First of all she knew the Eyrie Building’s security measure like the back of her hand, and she also was wise enough not to try and get passed them in the state she was in now. If only—

The Manhattan Clan’s leader, known to all as Goliath, stood on the castle’s outermost battlements thinking over his options about the newcomer. She had clearly already besotted his second and there was no telling what other troubles her presence may bring. Tonight may decide if she should be allowed to stay or turned away from the Clan’s protection. All that needed to be heard was the truth—

Movement caught the corner of his eye, which caught his attention. The newcomer was down in the courtyard, but why was se already out on her feet? She couldn’t be planning on means of escape!

As quick as a reflex Goliath swooped down to the courtyard to effectively block the newcomer from any chances of escape.

Pyper nearly didn’t have time to react when a large purple thing swooped down from above causing her to almost scream in surprise. Goliath had a commanding stature but he was down right scaring up close and personal. Especially when he swoops down from the night sky like a demon from hell!

"Goliath, I—"

"What are you doing out here?" he immediately demands, thickly muscled arms crossed across his chest and his expression one of serious displeasure. Mental not: Never bother Goliath while he’s deep in thought. Great, now what?

"Well, I… don’t really know. It’s complicated…" she trailed off, now verbally backed into corner.

Goliath’s eyes narrowed, as he looked ready to pass judgement on what should be done about this. "You owe it to my Clan as well as the Xanatoses to stay and tell the truth about yourself and your reasons for being here—"

"I know—I—"

"—and furthermore what do you mean you don’t know? Is your brain addled?"

Pyper remained flustered as she stuttered endlessly while trying to come up with good answers, but at the moment she’d settle for any valid answers at all. Wait, why am I letting a total stranger bully me around?

"Goliath, listen to me. I cannot tell you or your clan anything about my past because I know less about it than you do."

"How can that be?"

The silver-haired fey woman nodded and continued. "All I ask for is time Goliath. Time to find the truth that everyone deserves to hear."

The large lavender gargoyle stood silent for a moment with a brooding look on his chiseled face. He looked bent on not budging.

"Please," Pyper intoned quietly.

"All right." The young woman’s face brightened for a moment until he said, "I will give you until I return with my clan and the Xanatoses to come up with a valid explanation for interfering in our lives." With that the gargoyle leader swiftly moved passed her and into the castle.

"Jerk," Pyper intoned with a scowl of her own.

"Yeah, hmph, he is," said an all too familiar voice from some nearby shadows. First feet, then legs, and then finally a face. Brooklyn’s warm chocolate brown eyes looked back at her in a mildly amused/concerned expression.

Brooklyn had watched the exchange between Maya and Goliath with underlying anger. Goliath could be such a slave driving jerk sometimes, and when he heard Maya agree he had to say something.

"Yeah, hmph, he is," he commented and then stepped out of the shadows.

"Brooklyn," she acknowledged with dimmed smile. In one smooth motion his arms were gently around Maya’s waist as his wings half encircled them both. "What are you doing here?"

He pulled back slightly to look into her soft blue-violet eyes. "Let me just say I’m here to help," he replied quietly. "You kinda look under the weather. Somethin’ wrong?"

"No, nothing really. I’m just a little groggy, that’s all. I think I slept through the whole day," she smiled in semi-embarrassment.

"Last time I checked "sleeping the whole day" wasn’t normal for a human," Brooklyn commented as he absently caressed her face.

"But I’m not human," she whispered sadly in a tone Brooklyn had to strain to hear. Then she smoothly moved out of his reach, her expression going from pleasant to troubled. Brooklyn’s expression also changed as he watched Maya. "Brooklyn, I need a favor." At seeing his expression hardened she hastily added, "I need more time to find the truth that everyone expects me to tell them." She sighed, shoulders sagging tiredly. "Brooklyn, I’m not going to beg so if you want help me then so be it, but if you don’t then--"

"All right."

"--stay out of my way--what?" she stopped her tirade to see if she had heard Brooklyn right.

"I said I’ll do it. You deserve a chance to prove yourself," he said softly. Brooklyn watched her face soften, then settle into a smile. Before she could thank him he interrupted her. "Thank you’s are totally overrated."

Pyper quieted and then mentioned offhandedly, "So, when and how are we going? We can’t exactly walk out the lobby doors--" then she gave out a sharp cry when she got swept off her feet, literally. She had no choice but to grab a hold around Brooklyn’s neck for dear life as the beaked gargoyle headed towards the outer parapets in leaps and bounds. Then, he spread his wings seconds before diving off into the clear night skies of modern day Manhattan.

The clan and the Xanatoses cautiously backed away from Goliath, knowing that it would be suicidal to interrupt the gargoyle leader.

"Where could she have gone?!" he growled, then whirled around to face Xanatos in a flurry of hair and wings.

David Xanatos, head of a multibillion-dollar corporation merely shrugged. Only he could remain calm in the presence of a royally miffed Goliath. "I’d hate to be the bearer of bad news but Brooklyn is the only one missing at this point so one could only assume...." the CEO hinted.

The subtle dig was not lost on Goliath but only brought his sizzling temper down to a slow broil. The dark scowl on the gargoyle leader’s face could have made brave men turn tail and run.

"Then I shall deal with him personally upon his return."

* * *

Brooklyn masterfully used the air currents to make a landing in the close confines of a narrow alley that even the Quarrymen would have to admire, considering that Maya was giving him the death grip since the initial take-off.

"Uh, you can let go now," Brooklyn muttered while trying to keep a grin from splitting his beak. Pyper’s arms loosened as she drew her face back from the red gargoyle’s shoulder to peer at her surroundings, just to make sure there was ground to safely stand on.

The beaked gargoyle gently set Pyper down on her feet as he steadied her when she wavered. Hand to her suddenly throbbing head, Pyper stood as still as a statue in hopes that her head won’t try to roll off her neck again. A voice speaking in soothing tones with a gentle touch at her shoulder brought Pyper back from the dizzying world of pain she was falling into.

"Maya? Maya, are you all right? Talk to me," Brooklyn intoned, not bothering to resist the urge to pull her closer, his wings enveloping them both.

"Other than practically falling on my bum every other moment, I’m just peachy," she mumbled irritably. Brooklyn chuckled despite himself; one of his taloned hands smoothly running back through her silver tresses as if they were liquid silver.

Pyper was startled by the action so much so that she suddenly pulled back to look straight into his warm eyes. Stuttering as she often did in these situations, Pyper slowly backed out of her winged friend’s wings and arms. "Uh, Brooklyn--thank you," she began with a nervous smile. "I don’t know how to thank you enough for risking--"

"--I’m not risking anything more than a sound bellowing from Goliath later on. Don’t mention it. What I’m worrying about is how in the world you’re going to accomplish anything when you’re weaving around like a drunk."

Pyper smiled guiltily but answered back, "I’ll manage somehow. I’ve had worse."

"Then you’ll manage with me along to make sure you’ll be okay," the red gargoyle volunteered with a tone and expression that was not to be argued with.

"Brooklyn, that’s simply out of the question. You can’t possibly abandon your clan and protectorate for my sake. I cannot allow it. I will not allow it," Pyper countered, crossing her arms in a stance that screamed "I’m not budging."

"Not meaning to be rude or anything but I’m appointing myself as your protector whether you like it or not," Brooklyn replied coolly as if he already won this discussion.

"Brooklyn I am alone on this whether you like it or not. Call it a personal endeavor or whatever you like, but it’s something I have to do alone. All I’m asking you to do is help by telling everyone else that I will return with all the answers to all their questions."

"But when will you be back? Where are you running off to in the first place?" the red gargoyle almost pleaded in a demanding tone.

Pyper gazed into his deep brown eyes, looking for at least some understanding in her favor. "I’m going to find my beginnings," she said with a warm smile, and then she stepped back. "And I’ll be back before you know it my friend."

"All right," Brooklyn smiled sadly. "Just be careful, and I’ll be here if you need me."

Pyper smiled, deciding words weren’t needed to say what she wanted to say. Stepping forward, the fey-woman gave Brooklyn a friendly peck on the cheek before turning and walking out the alleyway’s only entrance. Dressed in a midriff and sweat-pants, obviously Fox’s doing, Pyper let her hair down over her tapering ears before hailing a cab back to her apartment. After all, a woman does need the essentials on an overseas trip.

* * *

Brooklyn wiped a stupid grin of his face as he spread his wings and took to the air after climbing up out of the alley. He knew Maya liked only him, and that whole Puck thing was just a misunderstanding. Ha, that long-eared twerp didn’t have a chance with someone like her. Never in a million years.

Gliding on some strong updrafts, Brooklyn winged his way over the courtyard’s outer walls to see a group of very P.O.ed humans and gargoyles. As he landed all eyes settled on him, whatever conversation they were having dying into immediate silence.

He put on his most puzzled face and asked, "Somethin’ wrong guys?"

"There most certainly is," Goliath rumbled, stepping towards his second with his thick arms crossed over his broad chest. "The stranger, Maya, has disappeared and there is no sign of her within the building. None of—"

"—my security cameras have shown anyone leave the building through all the conventional exits, and I doubt this "Maya" or "Pyper" is strong enough to teleport herself anywhere with the amount of sedatives that Owen slipped into her water," Xanatos smoothly interrupted.

Goliath spared Xanatos a brief glare before his attentions again settled on his second-in-command. "Do you have something to do with her disappearance Brooklyn?" Everyone looked to a very squeamish beaked gargoyle.

"I, uh, no," he lied, rather unsuccessfully by Goliath’s deepening scowl.

"Very convincing Brook," Lex muttered. Brooklyn answered with a glare that made the smaller gargoyle recoil.

"That will be enough out of the both of you!" Goliath raised his voice, making everyone’s head jerk towards him. "Brooklyn, you have become a liability to this clan and the Xanatos Family by trusting this—this stranger whom we know nothing about. You knew we all wanted to—"

"—question her like a wanted criminal! She’s not anymore a danger to us than Elisa is. Why don’t you give people a chance?!" Brooklyn roared.

"I have! And she has not done much to earn our trust by running off to, only The Dragon knows where!" Goliath roared back. "As of now your position of second-in-command of this clan has been invalidated. You shall go nowhere without proper escort. Do I make myself clear?" Goliath said, the silence that had just settled almost tangible.

Everyone seemed to wait for Brooklyn to snap back with an "it’s not fair" comment but they were surprisingly disappointed. The beaked gargoyle’s scowl even made Lex rethink any little snide remarks he might have said. Brooklyn pushed passed Goliath and Xanatos wisely moved out of the way as the red gargoyle stalked into the castle.

The lavender clan leader sighed deeply. "I wish he would just act more like a second-in-command than a hatchling."

"Hey guys!" said a chipper female voice from where Brooklyn had exited the scene. Detective Elisa Maza of the NYPD strolled up to her gargoyle friends, an expression of bafflement on her face. "I just saw Brooklyn looking like he wanted to pummel something. What happened?"

"If all of you would excuse me," Xanatos said politely. "Detective Maza," he nodded politely to Elisa, smoothly dodging any questions that may come his way.

"Uh, yeah, well I have e-mail to check. See ya later Elisa!" Lexington said, rather too quickly, as he scampered off no doubt to his computer.

"And we have dinner to prepare," Angela smiled sweetly as she began to lead her confused mate off in the direction of the kitchen, a baffled "We do?" from Broadway echoing in their wake as they disappeared into the castle.

"Ach, well I’ll leave you two be. C’mon Bronx, boy. I think Letterman’s on," the clan elder said, walking off. Bronx let out a canine groan as he dutifully followed, tail wagging expectantly at the prospect of a good ear scratch.

Diane Maza didn’t raise a fool because Elisa crossed her arms with a frown settling over her pretty features. "All right Goliath, what’d you do?"

That earned her a raised browridge from the lavender gargoyle leader standing in front of her. "What did I do?" Goliath echoed innocently. "I see no point in pursuing this subject further Elisa. It will only succeed in worrying you," he smoothly evaded the subject at hand, his talons motioning to run through her raven locks.

Elisa unceremoniously slapped his hand away. "Don’t you "it will only succeed in worrying you" me Goliath," she snapped. "You’ve been on Brooklyn’s case again haven’t you?" Before an answer could leave Goliath’s mouth, Elisa continued. "Don’t you get it? Can’t you see he’s lonely? Lex has his gadgets, Hudson has TV, Broadway and Angela have each other, and you have me. But what is he left with?" Elisa’s voice softened as Goliath’s composure wavered. She took his large taloned hand into hers. "Goliath, the way Brooklyn sees it this "Maya" could be the friend he’s been longing for. A companion like Angela is to Broadway."

Goliath seemed to mull over this for a moment. Then, his continence softened. "You are right of course, Elisa." The gargoyle leader sighed deeply as he gently took the woman he had come to know so well, into his arms. "I forget too quickly the hardships of facing this new world alone."

The New York Detective smiled as she leaned into the embrace. "You’re entitled to forgetting since you don’t have that specific problem." Her voice got a notch softer. "Up for a glide over the city Big Guy?"

"Of course Elisa-mine," he intoned to Elisa, who liked the way his voice resounded deep within his strong chest. Goliath sighed as he easily scooped his love up his arms, all worries melting away as he took to the skies with the woman he loved held close to his heart.

David Xanatos, well-known industrialist & billionaire, could not find his agenda. All his meetings and activities planned for the coming business day were gone along with… well, along with Owen. Where was Burnett anyway?

He hadn’t seen hide nor navy blue suit of his right hand man all night. Frustration getting to him, Xanatos quit his office and made a beeline for his assistant’s private office. He wasn’t giving Alex any lessons, according to Fox, and the last time he’d heard from him was when he said he would be doing a routine check on the security systems, personally, which was a standard precaution. Anea Yolen was a very important asset to Xanatos Enterprises, up until her unusual absence from the company. After he found he’d best have his majordomo look into her sudden disappearance.

Reaching Owen’s office door, he didn’t bother knocking as he smoothly opened the door and walked in. No Owen. Somehow he wasn’t surprised. Walking over to his assistant’s desk he noticed one lone piece of paper on the immaculate blotter. Picking up the half sheet he read the neat script upon it.

Xanatos stood frozen in shock. Personal business? The man doesn’t have personal business! Slamming the thin sheet of paper onto the desk, the CEO of Xanatos Enterprises took in a large calming breath to clear his head. Now, for rational thought. Where could he have gone in such a hurry? It was times like these that he resented trusting Owen so much, now he didn’t have a convenient tracer to locate his majordomo with.

Sighing, Xanatos leaned back on his assistant’s desk and began to stroke his beard while deep in thought. This was certainly unexpected. Well, trust Owen Burnett to keep you on your toes. That errant thought made a grim smile appear on the CEO’s face.

"Am I interrupting something?" purred a female voice from the doorway. Xanatos looked up to see the pleasant sight of his lovely wife sauntering towards him, that ever present feline smile of hers playing about her lips.

"No, not at all my dear. Something to matter?" he replied, his expression a pleasant one.

"Funny," she grinned. "I was about to ask you the same question," she countered, coming close enough to entwine her arms about his neck and give him a fond kiss. She pulled back to quietly observe his expression, as if concentrating on the turning gears of thought in his head. "What’s wrong?"

Now a question in that tone of voice he wasn’t sure he could evade quite as easily. "Nothing at all Fox. Just some "personal business" getting in the way of professional business." He finished that thought and moved onto more pleasant ones along the smooth curve of his wife’s neck.

"Owen’s missing isn’t he?" Xanatos sighed. Nothing got passed her. "David, you two aren’t joined at the hip. Give the man a little breathing room. He’s certainly entitled to some."

"Yes, I know," Xanatos agreed, pulling back a little only to have a contemplative look settled on his face once more. "But one can’t help but be curious."

"I’m assuming he left you a note," Fox commented, her eyes briefly noting the slip of paper on the desk.

"He did," her husband shortly answered.

"Then you have nothing to worry about, and besides, curiosity killed the cat," she grinned.

David didn’t have any choice but to grin as well. "Ah, but my dear, satisfaction brought it back." That earned him a playful swat to the shoulder, and her a nip at her neck. Lost in their own play they didn’t notice a certain beaked gargoyle about to barge in on them, then turn and exit as quietly as he came.

"You think we should genetically engineer him a girlfriend David?" Fox asked flippantly.

"I think not Fox," her husband’s muffled voice said from over her throat. "I’m afraid Goliath wouldn’t see the goodwill in the idea."

"Figures."

Thinking twice about bothering the married couple, Brooklyn turned and continued down the hallway. They should think about getting a room. His face darkened with a deep scowl. Am I the only one in this castle that doesn’t have a passion for anything….. or anyone, his thoughts strayed. Then they wandered back to a certain fey that felt she had to go on a quest to find herself now, but that didn’t discourage him from thinking about Maya or when she may be back. Maybe I’ll luck out and she’ll be back in a few days.

Brooklyn casually walked into the kitchen to have a very unwanted image of Angela, Broadway and a can of whip cream burned into his memory. He faltered, continuing his earlier thought, then again, maybe not.

Before he was caught intruding, the beaked gargoyle high-tailed it outta there with his shoulders sagging a little more than they did before. Oh, if Goliath could see his little girl now, he smiled sardonically.

"What are you smiling at lad?" questioned a familiar Scottish brogue. Pulled out of his musings, Brooklyn looked up to see Hudson giving him a strange look. Bronx whined up at him.

"Um, nothing. Nothing at all Hudson." Brooklyn gave the elder gargoyle a quick grin before hurrying down the hallway. Knowing better than to believe such an obvious lie like that, Hudson proceeded down the hallway towards the kitchen to get his customary Chocolate Decadence ice cream.

A few minutes later Brooklyn laughed aloud when a sudden, "What in bloody blue blazes is goin’ on here?!" came from the kitchen. He sprinted around the corner, almost bowling a very baffled Lexington over as he escaped any questions that Hudson could’ve had about the little "scene" in the kitchen.

Maybe not having Maya around wasn’t going to be as boring as he thought.

* * *

Pyper tipped the cabby as she was let off at her building. Knowing it was dangerous out at night, Pyper hurried inside the front doors of the building, unknowing of a pair of eyes that had kept vigil on her condo’s complex since earlier that evening.

Not letting tiredness overtake her, Pyper only packed the essentials into two medium sized suitcases, planning to take her laptop computer as carry-on luggage. Leaving everything ready on her living room sofa, the fey-halfling slipped her boarding pass and passport into the outer pocket of her computer’s satchel and made a beeline for the bathroom.

A scalding hot shower and a conservative pants-suit later with her inky black locks up in a French twist, Anea Yolen strode out of her condo and building with her two suitcases and satchel hung over a shoulder. Quickly hailing a cabby in the early morning light, Anea lugged her luggage into the trunk of the cab and smoothly got into the back of the car before it sped off into Manhattan’s mounting traffic.

The driver of an elegant black four-door BMW parked across the street started his car’s smooth running engine, easily tailing the cabby to La Guardia Airport. His own small suitcase in the passenger seat, his boarding pass and passport on the dashboard, he was prepared to do whatever it took to see that Ms. Anea Yolen returned safe and sound from her sudden excursion to the British Isles.

* * *

Popping a Dramamine and washing it down at a water fountain, Anea swallowed and quenched her thirst a moment more before continuing to her terminal. Securing her satchel at her shoulder, she efficiently checked her wristwatch and was relieved to see her flight was on time for a change. Smoothing down errant strands of her hair, Anea continued on to board a first class American Airlines flight non-stop to Dublin, not noticing that in the hordes of people about the airport a single pair of eyes was following her as she boarded.

The observer watched patiently as the object of his attention easily boarded the airplane. Picking up his briefcase and adjusting his black woolen overcoat, he continued on to board a Concord flight bound for Dublin, which guaranteed arrival in half the time than a larger passenger plane.

* * *

"So ladies, finally decided to drop in on me again?" Conners closed his hard cover volume of a Tom Clancy novel as he leaned back comfortably on the armrest of his leather sofa.

"Expect the unexpected," said the white-haired of the fey trio, her eyes flat and cold.

"We seek the same goals," began the raven-haired fey.

"And so we propose a bargain be made," continued the blonde-haired one.

"What kind of bargain? Because I don’t go for that soul-selling crap," Conners commented skeptically. That didn’t even merit a second glance from The Sisters.

"We seek the capture of the Renegade Fey," the white-haired fey began.

"The who--?" Conners began, but quieted when that same white-haired fey gestured to the empty space beside her and a long window, a portal of some kind, opened up beside her. In it, a very professional looking Anea Yolen sat by an airplane window, gazing out at the passing clouds in the sky. At the sight of her Conners straightened, eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you want with her?"

"That is no concern of yours mortal," Phoebe said disdainfully.

"We seek your aide in dealing with this troublesome half-breed," continued Luna, the look on her face saying nothing but her eyes speaking volumes.

"She is a threat to the reign of Lord Oberon, our Lord and King," Selene continued the thought.

"And so must be brought to our Lord’s attention," finished Phoebe with a slow, predatory smile that made Conners think twice about how carefully he was going to conduct his dealings with these three. They were obviously out to get Pyper, but the ‘why’ aspect escaped him for the moment.

"And what do you want me for? You three are obviously quite capable of doing this without doing business with a mortal," he stressed the last word, as to rub the fact that they needed him in their identical little faces. He settled back comfortably on his sofa, arms crossed with a smug smile on his face.

The white-haired sister’s cold blue eyes narrowed dangerously. Yup, kid gloves are off with these three, Nicholas thought sourly to himself, as he vaguely noticed the magical portal showing Anea disappear from the corner of his eye.

"And we are also quite capable of ridding the world of you," the black-haired woman said with a cold hiss in her voice that would make the devil himself shiver.

He matched her smile with one of his own that radiated a confidant flare that he had picked up over the years with his previous ‘employer.’ "Touché. So," he put his feet up comfortable on the sofa cushions, and continued. "What do you three have in mind? And might I point out that Pyper should never be underestimated. The friends she’s been keeping have been a bad influence on her usual, and predictable, habits."

"Yes, they have been thorns in our sides for years now," the white-haired one said gloomily.

"Yeah," Conners muttered to himself, "Especially that Burnett bastard."

"Exactly. That is why we need your certain… expertise with that Renegade half-breed to aide us in our Cause," the yellow-haired sister spoke, in as much a monotone as the other two.

"You know her habits, her tendencies. You know her," the black-haired spoke with a dark gleam in her eyes.

"I think I see where you three are going with this," Conners said aloud as he looked the Three over. "You need me to track her down for you, since you obviously can’t do that for yourselves. Hmm," he taunted, smiling slyly. "An interesting offer ladies, and I think we just might be able to come to an agreement…."

* * *

Rubbing her eyes tiredly, Anea lined her luggage up in a far corner of the homey suite she had rented at a quaint little inn in Dublin beforehand. Beyond tired, she slipped into a long nightshirt that she’d set out for herself once she came in and slipped under the thick woolen covers on her bed. Sleep enveloped her much like the warm, woolen covers she laid under, and all worries were put on hold until the following morning.

He had forgotten that a trip across the Atlantic, quite literally, set a person’s biological clock later about six hours. Tired and satisfied that he had gone unnoticed in his silent vigil of Ms. Yolen, his eyes slowly drifted closed as he was over-taken by sleep.

* * *

The average brown-haired man went unnoticed within the crowds of people filling the sidewalks of Dublin. Pulling his cap more over his eyes, the strong looking man’s hazel eyes remained on one target alone. Anea Yolen.

So, Dublin is the first stop, Conners thought to himself. He wondered if this whole soul-searching thing was even worth wile, or that Pyper would just end up on the losing end of the deal. He had to admit that he was curious as to what her parentage was too. The fact that she was adopted at a very young age was in the dossier he had accumulated for the Thailog job, but not her original parentage. Yeah, it would be interesting to know whose ears she inherited, he chuckled to himself.

Milling along with the rest of Dublin’s pedestrians, Nicholas fit into the woodwork rather well. He was the very picture of ‘The Average Joe,’ in his Dockers and worn jacket. On the other hand, Anea Yolen was the very picture of a graceful and sophisticated business exec on vacation, seeing Dublin’s sights. Although taking each stride as if she had all the time in the world, this businesswoman was anything but on vacation.

I hope she still lives here, Anea thought nervously as she neared her destination. Dublin was a very ‘Old World’ city and kept that characteristic in its authentic architecture, which was much like London’s. Old looking buildings scrunched together on small cobblestone streets had a certain charm about them, something Anea had always admired, but she had no time to admire now.

Although many years had passed, Anea had still kept tabs on her old nursemaid Regina Feagan. Regina had been the kind old soul that had taken care of her at the orphanage as if the foundling child was her own. Anea had never forgotten the sweet old woman with kind sea blue eyes because she had even kept in touch with Anea’s foster-parents, to much the orphanage’s chagrin. Although, after her parents died Anea didn’t keep in touch as much with the old woman as she had before their deaths. Now she had come back to Dublin seeking answers, hoping she’d find them.

Regina now owned an antiques shop on one of the older, more secluded streets of Dublin. Veering off one of the more principle sidewalks, Anea’s stomach rolled uncomfortably, as the sign of "Regina’s Antiquities" slowly became more visible. So eager to see a familiar face of her past, Anea didn’t notice an inconspicuous figure following her from a distance.

Damn! Damn! Double Damn!! Nicholas huffed as he inwardly seethed. He’d lost her in a crowd of people. There seemed to be some kind of convention in town, great. One minute she was there then the next… no where. He wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d disappeared, literally. This was so not good.

Someone brushed by him, and Conners wouldn’t have minded that much except for the fact that he was almost pushed into oncoming traffic.

"Hey! Watch it buddy!" Nicholas hollered at the guy’s receding back. Of all the rude, selfish—wait. He’d seen that guy before.

Quick to move, Nicholas swiftly caught up with the man but kept himself a safe distance away. The tall man slowly came to a halt as he looked across the street at something. Conners followed his gaze to see—Anea!

Who the hell is this guy? Conners asked himself silently. The stranger was tall, broad-shouldered, and obviously loaded. Clad in a fashionable black leather jacket, no doubt from The Gap, and gray cable-knit turtleneck sweater, this guy couldn’t be just some "Joe-shmo" admiring a pretty woman. Blond hair cut in a sharp crew cut, probably not done too long ago, looked fashionable for walking around Uptown New York. His face was young yet serious, ice blue eyes trained on Anea. Where have I seen this guy before? The question nagged at him again and again.

Well, at least he found Anea for me, Conners smiled grimly. He still didn’t like the idea of someone interfering in his plans. Whoever this guy is, he’d better keep this distance.

* * *

Anea hesitantly entered the shop, the wards placed on the shop years ago still working at full strength. Her stomach coiled with anticipation.

"A pleasure doing business with you, think you and come again," said a familiar voice just ahead. A paying customer walked by her as Anea made her way to the cashier’s counter, and sure enough behind there stood Regina.

Anea paused as she gazed at the old woman expectantly. "Child?" whispered the old woman, kind blue eyes now wide with utter shock.

"It’s me nana," Anea smiled warmly, then embraced her nana when she rushed to her.

"Oh sweeting! It’s been so long!" Regina pulled back to grasp Anea’s shoulders. "And you’re so big!" she exclaimed with tears in her eyes.

"I’ve missed you terribly nana," Anea said fervently, tears slipping down her cheeks.

"Oh dear, don’t cry sweeting. C’mere my little angel," Regina said with so much love in her voice and eyes it brought more tears to Anea’s eyes. The elder woman fried her "little" angel’s cheeks with an intricately embroidered kerchief.

"I’m all right nana. It’s just… seeing you again after so long," Anea sniffed, the gained a thoughtful yet curious expression. "How did you recognize me nana?"

The elder woman smiled warmly as she gently framed Anea’s face in her wrinkled yet strong hands. "Sweetheart, I would know you no matter what your form," Regina smiled even wider, dimples appearing in her cheeks. One thing was certain, Regina always had aged gracefully. Her auburn hair was just now showing a little gray even though the woman was well over fifty.

"I’m sorry I never called or came to visit it’s just that… life’s been a little hectic," Anea finished lamely, a guilty expression settling on her face.

Regina embraced the young woman and whispered by her ear, "Not to worry sweeting, not to worry..." She was still so very shocked at the sight of the little girl now woman grown. She was so very different yet so like the child she’d taken care of long ago.

The man following Anea looked both ways before crossing the street towards "Regina’s Antiquities." Conners aptly watched, never taking his eyes of the stranger. This guy is beginning to get on my nerves, Nicolas grimaced as he followed but continued to keep his distance. If this guy reveals my position I’m not going to be a very happy camper.

About to stride towards the store window, the blond-haired gentleman halted when the young he had been watching emerged from the store’s main entrance. Playing the casual sightseer, he averted his sky blue eyes as much as he could while at the same time being able to keep the young woman in his sights.

Certain of her destination he stopped any further tracking of her movements for the day. There would be surveillance detail tonight. His watching done for the day, his gaze lingered on Anea Yolen as if wishing her safety I his absence. That was when he caught the sight of Nicolas Conners closing in on her.

Face covered with a cold expression, which looked as if carved from stone, he quickened his pace to attempt an interception. An appearance by Nicolas Conners, he had recently learned, was never good news.

Stopped on a corner of an intersection, Anea hailed a cabby with a wave of her hand. In a moment she was on her way to the Inn where she was staying, an odd feeling of dread seeping into her mind.

And yet again I say DAMN!! Conners kicked the nearest trashcan, which sent it rolling on the sidewalk. He calmed himself and stalked off to cool his temper down. He couldn’t afford to draw anymore attention then he already had. Surrounding onlookers continued walking along and went about their business.

Nicolas shoved his hands in his pockets and almost forgot about the ‘gift’ that the Sisters had given him. An idea immediately entered his mind. If he couldn’t give the talisman to Anea himself he would simply have it brought to her.

Hailing a cabby himself he continued on to the nearest florist, thinking that sometimes things were just way too easy.

* * *

Pulling her inky black tresses back into a high ponytail, Anea finished buttoning her blue silk pajama blouse. Letting herself down on the small love seat by the windows of her suite, she grabbed the remote control and clicked on the television. Sighing, Anea leaned back. As usual, there were 64+ channels and nothing to watch.

Just about to click off the television there was a knock at her suite’s door. More curious than anything else, Anea clicked of the TV and flicked on light switch on her way to answering the door.

Thinking she was more than presentable for this time of night, Anea opened the door to see a teenager not more than seventeen holding a long, rectangular box wrapped in a silk bow.

The freckled young man was timid enough to blush at her more than short silk shorts and slightly unbuttoned blouse. With her hair cascading down in disarray over her should and down her back, Anea felt more uncomfortable than the lad from the lobby front desk did now.

"Uh, a package for you ma’am." He offered the slim box shyly and Anea accepted, a confused frown on her face.

Looking at the slim box in her hand Anea asked, "Who sent it?"

The young red-haired boy answered in a nervous tone. "Uh, I dunno. It was brought by a Fedex carrier and the manager asked me to carry it up, since the carrier was in a bit of a hurry."

Anea smiled in a friendly manner as she thanked the young man. Although, she could’ve sworn she made him blush a shade of red she’s never seen on a human being before. With a quick "You’re welcome miss" the teenager dashed off faster than a frightened rabbit.

Nodding her head with a small smile, Anea closed her suite’s door while looking down at the box in her hand.

Sitting at a small round table beside the small sofa on the far side of the room, Anea untied the silk bow around the box. It fell away as she slowly lifted the lid, setting it aside and began pulling tissue away. A card was revealed bearing a short message and signed by her Aunt.

Dark eyebrows furrowing at the sender’s name, Anea pulled away the last of the colored packing tissue revealing a blue velvet box lined with gold. Finding a diamond shaped pewter pendant on a thin silver chain. The pendant bore a small round dark purple stone in the center with intricate vines carved around it.

She held it in the palm of her hand, suddenly not thinking about how or why the pendant was there. Anea slowly unclasped the thin chain and slipped it around her neck, the pendant casually coming to rest just below her collarbone.

Somehow everything was right. Anea’s mind was at ease; the only thought constant was the strong sense of purpose to return to Manhattan. The sudden underlying need to finish unfinished business.

"It looks as if our plan has succeeded my sisters."

"Yes. It appears we no longer need that inferior human now that our plan is in motion."

"Keep your wits about you my sisters. Our plan is in motion, yes. But now we must be patient until we are able to acquire the object of our desire."

Sitting in the dark, a bottle of whiskey in one hand and regrets in the other, Conners asked himself "Why?"

Random images flashed through his mind, all of Anea. The feelings, the… emotions? Throughout his few years as her boyfriend, then her fiancé, there was nothing on his mind but business. Getting the job done was his goal. So… why was he feeling this now?

The way she had looked at him, her turquoise eyes warm and loving, the feeling of her in his arms on a cold night in front of a fire. She was his, was his.

IF only she’s cooperated. If only everything had gone our way. If only… but life is full of ‘ifs’ isn’t it? Nicholas thought with a bitter smile.

He had helped the Sisters and had done his job. The payment received and the transaction complete there was nothing else to think about. It was an honest, up-front business deal. So then why did he feel like scum? Trust your conscience to show up at the worst of times.

This was odd. Anea had disappeared from Dublin. Apparently she’s high-tailed it out of Ireland all together. There was no forwarding address at the MacKenna Inn, and she was seen taking all her luggage in a taxi with her by the desk clerk in the Inn’s lobby.

Now Owen stood just outside "Regina’s Antiques" debating on whether he should seek Anea’s Aunt’s aid or not. Sighing, he decided it was the simplest way to finding Anea than trying to find some sort of paper trail. Of course, the question of why he was even out of Manhattan had nagged at him once or twice.

Hesitant at first, Owen straightened his stylish leather Gap jacket before entering the shop. Inside, a little bell signaling his entry tinkled from above the door. The shop itself was small but well organized. Everything from antiquities to old tomes lined the walls and were on display in the store. Owen looked over a few old paperback bookracks to see an elderly woman, probably in her fifties, sorting something at the front desk. Making sure his stride was as seemingly efficient as ever, he made his was towards the woman he new to be Anea’s Aunt Regina.

"Ms. Regina Feagan I presume?" he said crisply, expression relaxed but unreadable.

The elder woman looked up, a seriousness on her face that should not be overlooked. "Yes. May I help you sir?"

"I am Owen Burnett, a friend of your niece’s," he greeted, a hand outstretched for a friendly shake. Regina grasped it firmly, then released, obviously not liking her niece’s taste in friends. "I’m afraid she has left Dublin in a hurry and forgot to leave me an address where I can reach her."

Regina frowned. "And just what are your relations with my niece, sir?"

He was expecting this. "We are co-workers at XanaCorp in Manhattan. I may need her address just in case I need some assistance on a project I am working on."

"Maybe she felt she didn’t need ta be found, lad," Regina retorted, Irish accent showing with the subtle jibe.

"It is imperative that I have means with which to reach Ms. Yolen, if need be," Owen stated in a tone that shouldn’t be argued with. There was a moment of silence that, Owen felt Regina was sizing him up in. He could imagine the thoughts going through her mind. Was he an old boyfriend her niece wanted to get away from? Was he some kind of stalker? Or all of the above?

"All right Mr. Burnett, I’ll tell you what I know." Then her expression grew hostile. "But if you turn out to be someone who hurts my little niece you’ll be in way over yer head," she said darkly, expression now intense. Sighing, the elderly woman submitted. "Anea didnae say where exactly she was off to. She just mentioned she was going back home."

Back home, how very enlightening, not. "Where exactly is ‘home’ for Ms. Yolen?"

"I haven’t the foggiest. She’s moved so many times I’ve never considered anywhere except Newlyn ta be her home."

"Newlyn, West Virginia?" Owen said doubtfully.

"No you simpleton, Newlyn near Penzance in the English West Country. It’s on the coast, and a small town to say the least. ‘Tis where she grew up with her family," Regina stated, as if he was supposed to already know that little-known fact.

"Very well, thank you. Although, where exactly in this town did she live?" Owen tried to ask in his most casual tone. Regina spared him a suspicious glance but quickly jotted down a home address.

"That should be enough. Good day sir," the elderly woman said in a steely tone, obviously dismissing him. With a polite "good day" Owen left the small shop, but before the shop’s door closed behind him he heard an unsettling piece of advice.

"Hurting my little selkie will cost you more than you know, hobgoblin." But when he turned to opened the door after it closed it was locked tight. Why had she called him that? Did she really know what he was or was it just an old woman’s senile tendencies? One thing was for certain, there was certainly more to Regina Feagan than met the eye.

Regina Feagan nodded her head in confusion and worry. Her little niece had certainly attracted more attention than was wanted. First a Conners fellow and now this Burnett character. Regina sighed. She hoped her little niece would find the courage and wisdom needed for whatever may lie ahead.

* * *

Calmly, her stride flowing and efficient, a dark haired woman wearing a fashionable businesswoman’s skirt and jacket walked into the Eyrie Building’s lobby. The security guard looked up and almost did a double take.

"Um, miss, would you mind waiting just a moment before using the elevators. There have been some problems lately and the safety of our clients is always top priority," Charles Givings said smoothly. Harry, the regular donut-loving security guard at the front desk, was out today leaving Charles no choice but to fill in from sub-level 3 of the Eyrie Building. The first thing Mr. Xanatos had said personally was to keep on a look out for the woman in the security picture he’d held in his hand, and here she was.

With a sweet smile the young woman replied, "Certainly," in a milky tone before going over and seating herself on a nearby by chair.

Quickly, Charles dialed up Mr. Xanatos’ private line in the castle. It was answered immediately. "Xanatos here."

"Yes, Mr. Xanatos. This is Charles from front desk. Ms. Anea Lorelie Yolen is seated here in the lobby. I detained her with an excuse about the elevators."

"Well done, Givings. Tell her to take the elevator to the Great Hall, and I’ll take it from there," and with that the CEO hung up immediately.

Charles hung up as well, and waved over Ms. Yolen. "Mr. Xanatos wanted to personally receive you up in the Great Hall. He said it’s all right for you to go up now."

"I understand. Security precautions and all. Nothing should ever be overlooked or underestimated," she replied smoothly, something in her eyes that made Charles tamp down an involuntary chill down his spine. Coolly, her step non-faltering, Ms. Yolen went to the elevators and Charles didn’t relax until the doors closed with her inside. He wasn’t one to listen to his "gut feelings" but this time it was an exception. It clearly said, Something’s not right.

* * *

David Xanatos, having faced enraged gargoyles, a psychopathic half-gargoyle half-human, and an overgrown Smurf after his only son, was nervous. Of course, judging by the cool exterior he now struggled to maintain, no one could ever tell. Except for maybe Owen, who wasn’t there at the moment, and where was Goliath and the Clan? How long did it take to round-up six gargoyles anyway?

The elevator suddenly pinged calling Xanatos to attention. The elevator doors slid open revealing a well-groomed and sophisticated Anea Yolen. With her hair up in a French Twist and wearing a businesswoman’s attire she actually looked like she belonged there. Well, it’s a comfort that this company hires psychopaths that actually know how to dress professionally, he thought sourly.

"Mister Xanatos. A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance," Ms. Yolen greeted politely, although her tone could’ve frozen hell over in a New York minute.

"The pleasure’s all yours, assuredly," Xanatos replied in an equally cold tone. The smile on her face immediately faded into a controlled expression that made Xanatos want to turn tail and retreat.

Xanatos could’ve almost thanked whatever high power there was then and there because Goliath and the Clan chose that moment to walk in. The sharpness with which Ms. Yolen turned to almost glare at Goliath and the Clan seemed almost predatory.

Brooklyn immediately broke away from the Clan when he saw Anea, a concerned looked written on his face. He came to stand directly in front of her. "Maya, are you okay? You were gone only a few days, I thought you’d be gone longer." At that Goliath glowered darkly, thickly muscled arms crossed across his chest.

"Let me just say that my plans have… changed slightly," she replied smoothly, expression as stoic as Owen Burnett’s could ever be. The tension in the room was almost palpable and extremely unsettling, and before anyone had the chance to blink a whirlwind stronger than the one that led to Oz filled the room, blowing everyone into the walls and furniture before it died down.

Brooklyn lay on his side where he landed after hitting the long white table in the Great Hall, winded so that he was overcome by a coughing fit almost immediately. His wide brown eyes reflected the horror and surprised that he felt. "Maya, why are you doing this?!"

In a cool and calm tone she replied, "For reasons that do not concern you mortal," with pure hatred dripping from each word. Something was definitely off. Yeah, she’s off her rocker, a little voice inside Brooklyn echoed, which made him growl under his breath.

Xanatos struggled to just sit upright beside the Great Hall’s fireplace, tasting the coppery sweetness of blood in his mouth. He winced at the throbbing ache in his temples as he surveyed the scene. Goliath lay under the 20^th century tapestry that had come down over him, undoubtedly unconscious. Angela, who had come in hand-in-hand with Broadway, now lay with her chosen mate against the wall opposite to the elevators. Lexington had gotten tossed into the computer on the desk, which was a few feet away from the desk in front of the fireplace, with a force so great that he took the computer with him to the floor. Xanatos couldn’t see the small olive colored gargoyle well but he knew that Lexington had to have sustained lengthy damage with the shattered glass from the computer’s monitor. Hudson and Bronx were tossed into the Great Hall’s automatic doors leaving more than noticeable dents, the suit of armor on display nearby falling from the resounding vibrations of the old soldier and gar-dog’s impact with the door. Brooklyn had broken the long table that was now a broken pile of splinters under the crimson gargoyle. All in all, Xanatos surmised, things do not look good.

Their assailant smiled coldly at the chaos she had reeked. "Well, it seems this isn’t going to be as difficult as I had imagined." Then the smile fell from her face, her expression now unreadable except her hate-filled eyes. "Pathetic," she hissed.

Xanatos was definitely decided on his assessment of the situation. No, this definitely does not look good.

* * *

Fox knew this was going to happen. These fey monsters just did not give up! She glanced over at Alex whom was playing with his favorite little blue ball just a few feet away from her. Mrs. Xanatos slipped on the black mask finishing her exo-skeleton ensemble that was very reminiscent of the Hunter, Robyn’s, own armor. Readying a huge laser cannon that now hung diagonally on her back, Fox glanced back at the security monitors that showed the chaos in the Great Hall from all angles possible.

That, that fey bitch had brought down Goliath and the whole Clan with one well calculated move. David had known this was going to happen and had told her to stand watch in the security room, just in case. For once, she had listened and was glad she did. It gave her a chance to study her prey more closely before jumping in headlong into danger. At least now she was prepared. No one who tries to take my son gets away without a good mortal wound, Fox smiled to herself as a protective shatterproof glass helmet came over her whole head.

All right, Alex was safe here in the security room that was lined with thick iron paneling. Once the door was closed there was no getting through the thick iron-wrought door or walls without the proper password. The smile on Fox’s lips was malicious.

Let’s get ready to rumble.

* * *

Owen Burnett was silently seated on a first class flight to Cornwall’s Local Airport, after a brief layover in Plymouth. Somehow something felt... wrong. Somewhere in the back of his mind there was a little voice that nagged at him. Something was definitely off.

* * *

Something was definitely not right. Anea watched as the fallen gargoyle clan before her struggled to recover. They were her friends... weren’t they? Was what she was doing to them wrong? Yes it was--! Wait, no it wasn’t... wasn’t it? Why did her mind feel fuzzy all of a sudden?

Xanatos watched as Anea faltered for just an instant, her expression very doubtful. Brooklyn must’ve seen that falter as a window of opportunity because he tried to convince her to stop.

"Maya, don’t do this! We’re your friends. Don’t attack us!" he said forcefully in a strong but convincing tone. She actually seemed to listen, a great sorrow reflected in her turquoise eyes as she gazed at Brooklyn’s pleading face. But then suddenly her expression hardened, and Xanatos noticed that the pendant at her neck glowed an intense light green when the ruthless expression on Anea’s face return. Someone was controlling her.

"Brooklyn, the stone at her neck! It’s controlling her!" Xanatos yelled out, his voice crackling as his head throbbed in pain. Just as Brooklyn lunged for the pendant a sudden unseen force blasted him into the far wall when Anea outstretched her open hand. The crimson gargoyle was almost knocked unconscious.

At that moment all the furniture was tossed over to the fireplace so that the hall was cleared of everything except the fallen gargoyles and Xanatos himself. Then, everyone was tossed to the wall where Brooklyn lay slumped against with careless force. Everyone dazed, they were barely aware when thick shackles appeared at their wrists and ankles as they were secured to the Great Hall’s far wall.

Goliath was finally coming to, groaning as consciousness arrived with unexpected pain. He winced as he spoke. "Maya, you do not wish to do this. Someone is controlling you. Stop this before you do anymore damage."

Anea’s eyes glowed an eerie light green as the loose wisps of hair around her face were stirred by a supernatural wind. "Inferior gargoyle monster! You will not escape the us again! We shall have our retribution!"

Catching on, Goliath stared hard at the figure that was Anea but really speaking to whatever had overtaken the unfortunate good soul of someone he didn’t even know. "Leave that vessel alone! It does not belong to you!"

Anea’s sudden bark of laughter was like tinkling bells, but carried an invisible edge of its own. The stone in the pendant at her neck glowed intensely. "You dare much to speak so to us," she hissed, eyes narrowing dangerously.

There was no doubt in Goliath’s mind that whoever or whatever was controlling Anea was one of the higher fey of the Third Race. Someone close to Oberon, judging by how Anea spoke. "No doubt Oberon will find out about this. Then we shall see who claims retribution then."

"Lord Oberon is a pompous fool. His reign will come to an end, and we shall soon rule in his place!" Anea said in a tone that if she were gargoyle, would’ve been a deep growl.

"You know," Xanatos spoke up with one of his infuriatingly cool smirks. Anea looked to her far left to glare at the billionaire. "It’s not nice to talk about someone behind their back."

Then, from Anea’s far right, "Someone should really teach you some manners," and a large red blast was headed towards Anea at lightning speed. But was absorbed by an invisible forcefield around its target, which glowed violet when the blast was absorbed.

Anea turned slowly to face her attacker, a slow wicked smile creeping across her face. "It looks as if the little half-breed was not expecting the hunter to become the hunted." Before Fox was able to react her shatterproof helmet shattered as she was raised into the air while grabbing at her throat. Anea’s outstretched hand was slowly closing into a tight fist, Fox seemingly struggling for air.

"FOX! Leave her alone!!" yelled David Xanatos as he struggled in his shackles, which succeeded in having the metal restrains painfully cut into his skin. Cries of outrage from Xanatos and the gargoyles echoed to the rafters of the Great Hall, but it was as if they were asking mercy from Death himself. They were starting to believe that Death had more mercy than whatever had taken over Anea Yolen’s mind.

* * *

A small redheaded toddler of no more than three frowned at the monitors before him. His chubby little legs supported him as he climbed onto the wide control panel. The multi-colored pretty little buttons looked more than fun when he’d first spotted them. Quickly loosing interest in his bouncy blue ball, he climbed onto the large chair in front of the counsel to have a better reach for the buttons. Just then he’d caught sight of what was happening with the garg’les and his mama and dada. The nice lady he’d met before was hurting them. His child’s mind just couldn’t understand why.

He loved his mama and dada, and the garg’les were his friends. But he also liked the pretty lady with the pretty voice too. The glowing pendant around the pretty lady’s neck was glowing green. The kinda green that glowed in Unca Puck’s magic, but this was bad magic. Bad.

Alex’s brow and cherub mouth creased with a deep frown. Just before Unca Puck left for somethin’ he had taught to channel. Unca Puck’s words came back to him. Magic can be channeled through anything anywhere, as long as you concentrate. So that what he would do. He couldn’t let Unca Puck and everyone else down.

Unca Puck’s words repeated through Akex’s mind as he put a small hand onto one of the monitors showing Anea hurting his mama.

Magic can be channeled through anything anywhere, as long as you concentrate.

Anea felt the unexplainable urges that governed her actions and had no choice but to let them take over. The sudden hatred and anger that overtook her mind three-fold was impossible to control. She had no choice but to submit, but she didn’t go against it. She felt that she shouldn’t and couldn’t go against these urges and feelings. It was as if she felt she could do no wrong after whatever was strongly influencing her actions took over.

She watched as Fox began to grow limp while being suspended in mid-air, feeling no remorse, no mercy, or no pity for those she would leave behind after her passing. Feeling nothing frightened her. She didn’t want to do this, but she had no choice.

Yes you have choice. Stop ‘urting my mama, whispered a child’s voice in her mind. Alex?

Yes, Alessanda. Pwease stop ‘urting my mama! the voice in the back of Anea’s mind insisted. I cannot. I have no choice.

Unca Puck say der always choice wit’ magic. Anea felt the warmth with which the voice spoke of his uncle, and the urgency of his wishes. But she could do nothing! Not now. There is no choice.

Yes der is! Stop dis. Stop ‘urting my mama and dada. Stop ‘urting my fwiends! the child insisted urgently. Fox’s movements became slow and heavy. Alex I cannot... I--

Leave this mind half-breed vermin! The shock of the tri-force that controlled Anea went to Alex’s unprepared mind, shocking him out of the weak psychic link he and Anea had.

Anea Yolen continued her attack with a heavy heart, for she could do nothing to stop this.

* * *

Owen’s mind and very being recoiled with the sudden shock. His step faltered, as he stopped in the middle of the flow of people disembarking the plane in Penzance Airport. One thing urgently echoed in his mind.

Alex was in danger.

* * *

A green flash of light lit up the control room and Alex’s Unca Puck appeared. He dashed to his pupil’s side, checking for a steady pulse in the unconscious toddler passed out on the control panel. Finding one and somewhat relieved, Puck looked to the security screens to see something he would have never been able to imagine.

Anea suffocating Fox.

* * *

Finally completely submitting to whatever force controlled her actions, Anea’s mental state was weakening by the second. She now felt light-headed and very faint. A sudden flash of light blinded her, distracting whatever saw through her eyes long enough for her hold over Fox to break.

Fox’s almost completely lifeless body fell to the ground with a resounding thud. When Anea’s vision returned she saw that all her prisoners were gone. The parts of her mind that actually still belonged to her rejoice, while the darker forces taking over thirsted for the death of whoever had done this.

One figure stood before her wearing a very solemn expression. Puck.

"You know you can’t get away with this Sisters Three. I’m afraid I can’t let you," Puck gazed intensely at Anea Yolen but spoke to the dark beings that controlled her.

"But are you prepared to fight the only one you have ever cared for, trickster?" came the reply, his title was spat like it had a bad taste.

His voice didn’t waver as he replied. "If push comes to shove, you know I will."

Anea’s eyes glowed green, just as intensely as her pendant did. Her smile was ruthless, the Sister’s influence showing through their vessel’s features. "You are lying trickster. You know you cannot win this farce! Surrender now and we shall not hurt this fey’s body…" Anea smiled. "… too much."

Puck’s tone and expression turned from serious to his naturally flippant nature. "Well, how about you surrender now and I won’t have to sick Oberon on your sorry butts."

Anea’s expression darkened with anger as she delivered the first blast of magic, which Puck dodged agily. Although, too bad the wall behind him didn’t have a chance. Jeez, I hope that doesn’t come out of my pay, Puck thought as he looped over another blast of magic. The power Anea wielded was stronger than he had imagined, and stronger than ever now that the pendant she wore increased it ten-fold.

Forgetting the flowery rhymes of spellcasting, Puck made the floor rumble under Anea making her loose her footing. That distracted her long enough to have a stone hand made from the Great Hall’s stone wall beside the elevators come out at lightening speed to close tightly around Anea. She struggled vigorously only succeeding in loosening her hair down from its French Twist. Locks of black hair fell over half her face covering one of her turquoise eyes, now bright with anger, from view.

Puck zipped closer, hoping his next tactic worked. "Anea, I know you’re in there. Don’t let those three hags have their way. Fight them. I know you can. You’re the only one who can do it."

Anea’s eyes now glared at him intensely, glowing a bright green with unreleased magic. "That retched fey half-breed is no longer in an position to fight us. She is weak and useless, and soon she will be no more. You are powerless to stop it."

"Anea…" he faltered. "… Pyper, fight this. If you can’t overcome their hold over you I can’t help you!" Puck insisted.

Anea’s mental struggle was now outwardly shown as she struggled in the hold of the huge stone hand around her. The pendant around her neck glowed stronger than ever as her struggle grew more violent.

Puck did the only thing he could do, watch.

* * *

* * *

Puck had long since released Anea’s form from the gigantic stone hand that held her moments after her body grew completely limp. He’d been lucky that while in her human disguise she was more human than fey, which allowed him to capture her wit ha stone fist. At the moment she lay motionless on the center carpet of the newly restored Great Hall, and he remained kneeling by her side.

He figured that the Xanatos’ had taken care of Alex, who he had transported to the infirmary doctors before going the Great Hall to save the rest of Wyvern’s inhabitants. Now everyone was in the infirmary, recovering or already recovered from Anea’s initial attack. Puck only hoped they didn’t hold any long-standing grudges against Anea for what happened, or else it would be just a little difficult to convince them that she meant no harm.

The pendant, he saw, no longer looked anything like the magical talisman it had before. The fey trickster closed his hand around the pendant itself and yanked it off from around her neck. The pendant magically melted into nothingness in his palm.

His attention snapped back to Anea’s face when he saw her stir. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, at first unseeing but soon they focus on his face. Puck saw no anger or hatred there, but was she really back? Anea smiled warmly up at him, visibly weak but herself again.

"Hey angel face. Rough night?"

"You could say that."

* * *

Phoebe, Luna and Selene all lay silently on elaborate beds in Oberon’s Palace, unmoving, unseeing. Lady Titana looked upon her ‘daughters’ with a mix of pity and disdain, her frowning Lord Oberon at her side.

"They conspired against me. This is treason and I will not stand for it!" he groused, his glare proof enough he planned a gruesome punishment for the Sisters Three.

"My Lord Oberon, I pray that you find it in your heart to spare them. Laying there dead to the world is punishment enough. As a mortal once said, "Let the punishment fit the crime."

Oberon seemed to think that over for a moment, his gaze moving to now look at his queen. "Perhaps you are right fair Titana. I shall spare them, but what of the fey-child that sealed the Sisters’ fates? She has proven herself to be more than a mere mortal, and should most certainly Gather with her own kind."

Titana knew this problem was inevitable, almost. "Perhaps, but she is so accustomed to the ways of humans. I fear that she would not fit in well with her kind here. I propose we merely observe her for now, and leave the matter for some other time my Lord Oberon."

The fey lord seemed to chew this proposal over, ever moment of silence another moment he could be deciding to disagree. Suddenly, he answered. "Very well." Titana almost exhaled with relief. "But," Oberon then added sharply, "in the mean time we shall attempt to find out what is her parentage. In truth, I care not of what becomes of this fey-child, but as Lord of the Third Race I must see to it’s members." Oberon turned to walk out of the room that now belonged to the Sisters Three, but paused to state most clearly, "This matter is not closed."

Titana, Lady of the Third Race, and Queen to Lord Oberon was, for once in her non-mortal life, was uncertain of what lay ahead.

No, this matter is most certainly not closed.

* * *

Owen Burnett strode out of one of the castle infirmary’s many rooms, soundlessly closing the door behind him.

"Owen?"

The majordomo looked up to see, not his employer, but instead Fox walking towards him with Alexander safely in her arms. She had not sustained as much damage as he would’ve thought. Maybe while the Sisters were in control of Anea’s body a little of Anea’s mind prevented any real mortal wounds from being inflicted.

"Yes madam?"

Fox came to stand before him, her expression a little nervous but confident. "Owen, how is she doing?"

This was odd. The attackee asking if her attacker was all right. "I insist upon you and the others considering that everything which happened in the Great Hall was not Ms. Yolen’s own doing—"

"Yes, yes we know. I just… wanted to see how she was doing," Fox finished quietly, then a red eyebrow shot to her hairline. "It’s nice to see you care about a patient’s well-being enough to personally check on them yourself, Owen." Mrs. Xanatos could’ve sworn she saw her husband’s personal assistant blush, and inwardly laughed. She loved pinning Owen between a rock and hard place (excuse the pun) almost as much as David did.

Owen cleared his throat. "Yes, well… Mr. Xanatos and the gargoyles would like to question her once she is healthy enough to give them the answers they wish to hear."

"What exactly happened? We all know she was under some kind of mind control but… why?"

"I am not at liberty to say. I believe Ms. Yolen may have the answer to that question as well as a better perspective on what happened," with that Owen began to walk away, but Fox persisted.

"But can we… is she--?"

"Safe? I can assure you Mrs. Xanatos that Ms. Yolen would never intentionally harm any of us, especially not young Alexander. Any pain or damaged inflicted on us and the castle may be blamed on the Weird Sisters."

"The Weird Sisters? Why were they leading this whole thing?"

"To obtain Alexander for their own purposes, no doubt," Owen said as-a-matter-of-factly. Fox frowned at him.

"Well even I knew that much Einstein, and I wasn’t there for most of it. Care to elaborate?"

Owen seemed to look a bit annoyed but said nothing as he stopped walking to turn to Fox and explain. "Alexander is your son and grandson to Lady Titana, may the Gods, Fates and Heavens above smile upon her. If anyone ever hoped to gain any hold over Lord Oberon they must first enlist the aid of Lady Titana herself, or just blackmail her into not interfering. Either way, the Sisters would have need not only Alexander as collateral but a strong magical force if they ever hoped to defeat Oberon and all his subjects."

"So you’re saying they were planning to defeat Oberon himself in an all-out battle? What kind of ‘magical force’ could be strong enough to do that?"

"There are said to be quite a few magical talismans that are fabled to hold great power, but, thank the Gods, they are just that… fables. Although the Sisters strength surpasses my own, they are no match for Oberon’s. I should think that with their powers, combined with Ms. Yolen’s would have sufficient to defeat Him."

Fox’s eyes widened in understanding. "She’s that powerful?" A pained expression flashed across Owen’s face, and he didn’t even bother masking it or any other miniscule emotion any longer.

"Not anymore. The pendant’s energies slowly began to meld with Ms. Yolen’s own energies the moment she put the accursed thing on." His stoic demeanor faltered for a moment but then was back to normal. "And so the hold the Sisters had over Anea herself became more and more powerful with each passing moment. The link became so intense that, I believe, the Sister’s thoughts and emotions were channeled through the link along with all the magic they channeled through her—"

"That explains why she looked like she hated our guts," Fox said sarcastically, but quieted when she caught Owen’s irritated look.

"Anea soon felt she had no choice but to submit to her controllers, but her will proved stronger than any of us thought. I confronted her, appealed to her compassionate self but she achieved the rest on her own, on the plane between consciousness and unconsciousness—"

"The Dream Time!" Fox provided, remembering the old shaman in Australia. Owen looked at her strangely but appeared to stop himself from asking any questions on her knowledge about the current topic.

"Correct," he continued, unfaltering. "After overpowering the Sisters in the Dream Time she regained consciousness, the pendant she wore rendered magically useless."

Curiosity peeked, Fox asked, "Where is it now?"

"I disposed of it," Owen deadpanned, telling Fox that she wasn’t going to get another word of information out of him. May she could ask Ms. Yolen— "And I suggest you leave Ms. Yolen to completely recuperate before questioning her about anything more on the matter." Rats. Well, a few innocent questions couldn’t hurt, Fox smiled sweetly as she agreed to Owen’s advice. He gave her the look her father gave her when he knew she was lying, but he said nothing and merely walked away.

Fox turned towards the infirmary room where Anea was, mentally running over the questions she’d ask. Whoa, did Owen just start calling Ms. Yolen… Anea?

* * *

Anea looked upon a room full of gargoyles and people, Owen standing at her side like a sentinel standing vigil. Expectant eyes all focused on her, expression ranging from thoughtful to doubtful.

After a few days in the infirmary Anea felt better, although still extremely weak, magically and mentally, she still chose to get this over with against Owen’s better judgement. She smiled inwardly at his protectiveness but reveled in it. It had been a long time since someone had truly cared for her well-being, and the return of those feelings comforted and helped Anea get through whatever inner turmoil she was having right now.

"Well, you’ve all been expecting an explanation for some time as to why I decided to just pop into your lives one day and make a mess of things, so I’ll do my best to explain. I grew up in Newlyn, a small fishing town on the most Southwestern coast of England’s West Country…"

* * *

I hope everyone liked the second installment to my Renegade Fey Series. It wasn’t as long as the first, I know. Actually, it’s almost exactly half the length of "Renegade Fey," give or take a few pages. I’m already in the process of developing a third story to add to the series introducing a new character. "Who will it be?" you ask. Well, keep on reading as I post to find out. J