TO LOSE AVALON

By: Amanda A. Hilliard ‘Shadowstar’

Allie Pyper ‘Puck’

~”All we need is to free the soul, but we wouldn’t be that brave, I know.” All I Want: Toad The Wet Sprocket~

Chapter 1: Strange Encounters

*Shadowstar's Reality*

There was a force stronger than fear that brought Shadowstar to the stars. It was a beckoning cry, a distressed and sorrowful wail like that of a lonely seagull. It was vague in its nature and yet powerful in its urgency. Nothing gave Shadowstar the slightest clue as to why she was being drawn to the nearing solar system except for that telepathic beacon sent across light years of space. Pleading.

'Danger greater than that I have ever known... is this the price I pay for being Kindred?' Shadowstar thought glumly as she flew among the stars, her question echoing emptily in her mind. 'Am I destined to be like this forever?'

She could feel a great fear in the pit of her soul, coming in waves from the source of the call. Creatures were being wronged. Of that she was certain. Shadowstar felt panicked voices filling her mind. She could sense a mystical power draining somewhere. This she also knew, as clearly as if it were written in front of her face. This was all the cost of her happiness . . . the cost she must pay to be with Goliath.

The quiet lull of space around her provided her with little comfort from her troubled mind. No being was able to touch the stars like she could, to move among them like a sister and a guardian, to touch the infinity of space and its possibilities. Shadowstar would have gladly thrown all of it away. All she wanted was to go home to her happiness.

She winced as a comet neared her course. Her telekinetic bubble redirected her out of the path by bare millimeters. The stone crater passed close to her gargoyle body, its heat warming her cold skin. A smile spread across Shadowstar's face.

"I feel so strong here . . . I wish Goliath could share this with me."

Shadowstar was not quite like any of the other travelers in the heavens. Her home was a reality unknown to her that had borne her into existence. She had witnessed many die, and she had saved many from death. Shadowstar was of the Kindred, a race of beings who live by one unchanging motto.

Shadowstar grumbled to herself in the blackness, 'protect those realities that bore us . . . Heh. It's so easy for you to say, Kindred folk. You have only to stop the Watchers. These beckoning calls do not stop unless I help them. You have damned me to this just because I chose to live with these realities. It's not fair to Goliath that I have to answer the calls of the universe. Iara, I know you are behind this . . . I hate you for these calls. I want to be happy and you refuse to let me be.'

She had left the Kindred because of her unhappiness. She had wanted to explore, to learn, live and love. She still had not found any like herself. She was still alone in the galaxy... but no longer is she unhappy. She had Goliath.

Star had found her own home in the arms of Goliath and the Manhattan Clan. Goliath had accepted her as his love. Angela had accepted her as a new friend and mother. That was all the joy she'd ever known. She loved it there, but Shadowstar knew that she couldn't deny the evil her senses bring to her. Goliath would be awaiting her return . . . but she must do her job.

Psionic energy glowed in green tendrils around Shadowstar as she found herself in a wonderous solar system. She was surrounded by the fear and suffering radiating from the second planet orbiting a lonely, burning star. The planet reflected purple and blue, but a huge darkness was filtering through it like a cancer.

'That is the enemy. It has no essence on this plane.' she thought to herself. Its wants were unclear to her, but the fear of the citizens there was. 'It must not be permitted to do this. This place is too magical... this thing has no right to deprive such beauty,' Shadowstar thought in deep concern, 'and my kind might be there.'

Shadowstar scanned the planet with her powerful telepathy. Her mind reached the surface of the planet, tentatively probing the ground like a skater testing the ice. Somehow she felt she knew this place.

Her blue eyes widened as the sun's light reflected off her pupils. Her voice took a tone of concern and whispered, "Something is not right."

* * *

Oberon felt a imbalance of some sort from the moment he opened his eyes that morning. He couldn't quite put his finger on what it was but there was something wrong and terribly so.

He walked about Avalon in a daze. His eyes we neither in focus nor totally blurred, but a had a weary look to them. Unsettled. The faeries watched him with a mixture of curiously and concern.

Titania stood before them all, her red dress looking slightly ruffled in the sun. She followed his every step through the winding trees of Avalon.

"What could be this wrong?" She frowned as she thought in puzzlement.

Titania watched her love closely as he stopped at an apple tree. He was gazing at something that should have been impossible. He picked a brown and cracked leaf off of the blossoming tree in his massive hands. His eyes grew wide with disbelief.

"Avalon? Dying? This cannot be. Something is very wrong," Oberon said his voice laced with fear.

* * *

"It's time," Elisa replied, her eyes on the lowering horizon.

A great roar rang threw the air of Castle Wyvern. It was sunset and as always the gargoyles awoke in a violent shower of stone. Elisa Maza stood and watched this glorious moment. She always found it captivating.

The gargoyles all hopped down from their respective turrets, already talking and laughing. As Angela jumped off of the wall, her knees suddenly crumpled beneath her like they were made of tissue. Her mind felt weak and dizzy. Her talons gripped the cold ground hoping to pull herself back into consciousness.

"FatherSaid" Angela managed to gasp as she fell into unconsciousness.

Goliath turned from his straight gaze to see Angela on the ground. His heart lurched as if a snake had coiled around it as he took in what happened. He would never forgive himself if something happened to her. This was his daughter, his own blood.

"This is impossible. Dawn should have cured her of any illness," Goliath said panicking and rushing to his daughter's aid.

"Something is very wrong," Goliath muttered hoping Shadowstar would return to ease his pain.

* * *

*Andrian's Reality*

Andrian looked up at the form of one her best friends in the world. A huge exagerated pout formed on her lips. She was frustrated and bored, not a good combination in such a faery.

"Flicker!" she whined in exasperation.

"I told ya to concentrate!" Flicker answered, levitating above with a grin on his face.

Andrian was seriously considering teleporting Flicker into the nearest pool just for some excitement. Flicker had been training Andrian with her magical powers all day and frankly they had both been bored to death.

Then, Flicker came up with a less than brilliant scheme to try to make training more enjoyable. He conjured up a pie and smirked at Andrian with his usual faerie way.

"Come on, Annie... try and hit me," he taunted.

"You're on... and don't ever call me Annie again," Andrian said laughingly as she mustered her powers the way she had taught her to.

"Heh, ya, we'll see if you can beat a master at magic," Flicker replied.

Flicker felt Andrian's power weighing heavily against his own. The pie lingered inches from his pale face. An evil grin appeared and his eyes changed to a mishievous forest green, giving Andrian the distinct feeling that she was in trouble.

"Heh, live and learn," He replied.

Before Andrian could remember what happened, Flicker made a tossing gesture with one hand and a shower of sparks flew up in Andrian's face. She blinked several times to stop the floating dots in her eyes. She slightly laughed realizing that her red hair was meshed with banana cream pie.

"That wasn't FAIR!!" Andrian cried out.

"All's fair in love and war." Flicker said, batting his eyelashes innocently at her.

A mischievous triumphant grin that was creeping up on his face.

"You know, I should... AAAHHH!" Andrian screamed and knelt over in pain.

"Andrian?" Flicker said worriedly as he rushed over to Andrian's fallen form.

Andrian wrapped her hands around her stomach as she felt her insides burning. She never thought she would feel death, but this, she decided in that brief moment, is what death felt like. All traces of Flicker's trademark merriment gone being replaced with deep concern and fear as he helped Andrian into a sitting position.

"Come on, kid, don't do this to me. Talk to me," Flicker's eyes widened in confusion and fear.

"Not here... Somewhere else . . . Something..." Andrian managed to gasp through clenched teeth, "is very wrong. "

* * *

*Shadowstar's Reality*

Owen Burnett stood silently and dutifully by his employer David Xanatos. He listened in as Xanatos took a very important phone call, a bad habit of his that Xanatos was not aware of.

"No, I don't care what he thinks," Xanatos said almost yelling into the phone, "Yes, I think we should sell! Listen, you get Tek on the phone RIGHT NOW!"

Xanatos continued with anger entering his voice. Owen raised his eyebrow in amusement, it wasn't often that he saw his boss and friend so enraged... and frankly Owen found it to be strangely amusing.

"FINE!" Xanatos yelled slamming the phone down into the hook.

"You know Owen, I really should buy that stupid company and turn it into a parking lot!" he continued turning to face his assistant.

What Xanatos saw brought definite surprise to his face. Instead of the serious and placid Owen Burnett there was the faerie Puck with a very shocked look on his face. Xanatos immediately noticed that Puck wasn't breathing from the shock.

"Puck?" Xanatos cocked his head curiously, expecting the usual wisecrack response from this mischievous little elf.

Despite what Xanatos thought, Puck turned to look up at him a serious look on his face.

"I. . . I can't hold the form of Owen," Puck answered his voice greatly filled with shock. "My powers... I can't control then, Something is very wrong..."

* * *

Chapter 2: First Contact

Every beings voice rattled in Shadowstar's mind. These people felt an end to their civilizations, but this creature was too powerful for them to even compete with. Their feeble attempts were nothing so the only thing they had left was panic.

Telekinetic power sped Shadowstar to the earth of this planet. She found herself in a very mystical place. It was medieval times meets modern technology. The people were of elves and faerie. They were a beautiful race, and they were not afraid of her. Most walked by her with no concern for the gargoyle who just appeared suddenly.

Their language was almost graceful. Star understood them oddly enough... for her mind is a great power.

The people were racing around the town screaming and panic stricken. They had no idea what to do. They have never truly known fear, and now, fear was consuming their entire being.

The buildings around her were of all sorts. Some were straw and wood, others were brick like those in Manhattan. The dirt roads sent dust through Shadowstar's eyes. No building looked like a very important of prominent one, but her mind sensed importance amongst the very peasant like village. One thought was dominant in her mind, Shadowstar just knew that she needed to find their leader.

A faerie grabbed her arm. He was about her height with fear filled blue eyes. His brown hair flew with some of the violent winds. His voice was fun but in this time, firm. He reminded Shadowstar of the faeries from Avalon.

"You came out of nowhere. Are you the one the prophets predicted? Are you the one who comes from the heavens to save us? You must be, you bare the mark of the stars," he told urgently.

Star said nothing. She knew he was referring to her black face marking. The almost backwards 's' ran over her right eye. It was always a stigmata of being Kindred. Never was it a Savior.

"I am here to help," Shadowstar told him, "I must speak to your leader."

"I am Jaze, faerie class. I am head advisor to our leader, Wulfe," Jaze told her.

"I am Shadowstar, a gargoyle."

"Come with me before the demon devours our mystics."

Jaze took Shadowstar's hand. He opened up a porthole with a motion of his thin hand. It took them directly to the source of the power and the crisis.

Wulfe was standing inside a gate pacing about. His graying hair twisted about him. His cloaks dragged across the ground. His mind was fast at work, but he knew himself that we was fighting a losing battle.

"All of the mystics are using their power to try to keep the demon from the mystic lake. He reaches more of it each day. And every moment he takes another facet of our power. This vast lake is the source off all mystical power in the universe. He is not only destroying our people. He is destroying other faerie as well. Look and see," Jaze said pointing to a large crystal.

Shadowstar almost chuckled when she looked at it. It looked exactly like the quartz orb that she once wore to help control her powers... Now, it is just worn to channel it more directly... And odd coincidence? Maybe... maybe not.

Walking over to the large globe, Shadowstar was amazed by the radiant colors beaming from it. She smiled as purples and blue reflected off of her pale skin... It reminded her of the sunset in her realm. It was something she stopped watching so she could rest and live like Goliath. The silver and sapphire incrusted bracelets hold a sorcery that keeps her flesh in the light. She takes it for granted when the times call for it.

She touched it with her white claws. She felt a presence from another reality also tapping into this power. She didn't know who... but she wasn't concerned with that. The nothingness started to form another picture. Wulfe watched her curiously and full of the greatest hope.

"It will show you the last mystical place you've encountered," Wulfe replied with his weary voice.

The picture that appeared on the screen was not one that Shadowstar wanted to see. She couldn't believe it because it was so close to her heart.

"No, it can't happen," Shadowstar gasped.

"You know it well?" Wulfe questioned.

"No, he can't destroy it. To lose it would mean losing my friends," Shadowstar said, "I will help you, Wulfe, make no doubts about those words. My word is my bond."

"You are the one the prophets predicted, Shadowstar," Jaze confirmed.

Shadowstar looked closely at the blackness that was coming from the heavens. It had no shape but darkness... a dusky cloud. Yet, this void had the mind of a hundred Kindred. She knew that she could not harm it alone. Telepathic probes just became lost in the wave of black. No weaknesses could be seen.

Jaze and Wulfe seemed highly disappointed in her, but they had hope nonetheless. They had to trust her. It was their only choice.

"It has the mind of a madman but the intelligence of a genius. This power only makes the darkness stronger. I alone cannot even touch its mind. I will need help," Shadowstar told Wulfe and Jaze.

"Time is growing short, Wulfe replied.

"Jaze, read my thoughts and make me a portal," Star commanded.

"I can't get you back here," he informed.

"I understand."

Jaze read the thoughts of Shadowstar with her well known telepathic link. Puck and her were now and forever connected by it. Goliath also had a psychic rapport with her. Jaze grinned childishly, motioned his hand in a circle, and pulled back a portal. Shadowstar promised her return and jumped through. Jaze and Wulfe looked at each other.

"She will return. Hers is a noble race," Wulfe replied.

Shadowstar found herself falling from the sky like she has so many times before. Her wings opened to catch the wind. She had to remind herself of the gargoyle's whereabouts.

"No, they're no longer at the clock tower. Hunter's Moon has long since passed," She replied recalling Jason and the other hunters.

She had one place to go... the Eyrie Building. She knew she'd find her help among her friends, her clan.

* * *

Goliath was holding Angela in his arms. Xanatos looked like he was defending himself verbally. Goliath most likely jumped to conclusions and accused his on and off ally. Owen was flickering in and out of form, and Elisa was just watching restraining her self.. No other gargoyles were to be seen.

"They are most likely on patrol," Shadowstar concluded.

Shadowstar could hear the confusion coming from Avalon. She knew it had already started. She shut it all out and focused on where she is to go.

Xanatos looked up and saw the white figure gliding down to Wyvern.

"Looks like our answers have arrived," Xanatos replied, "Shadow, welcome home."

Shadowstar landed as everybody turned around. Goliath walked up to her with Angela in his arms. She knew his heart rejoiced in her return, but he was equally concerned for his daughter.

"Your arrival makes this all the easier for me to handle," Goliath said, "You can help, can't you?"

"I always have the answers, don't I?" Shadowstar said looking at the helpless father.

Seeing the love of a parent to a child like this almost made Star wish she knew her own parents. She dismissed the thought to deal with the problems set in front of her that day.

Angela's body levitated in the air as Star wrapped her telekinetics around the girl. The body was so weak from the drain of mystics. One thought crossed her mind: "How do I explain this to Goliath?"

Shadowstar moved Angela to a bed in one of Wyvern's many rooms. Elisa, Xanatos, Puck and Goliath followed her down the medieval hallways. She sat beside the child who had become so much her own. She looked at Goliath and Puck. She could do nothing but be honest.

"Avalon is dying," she replied.

Puck's eyes widened. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Shadowstar never lies, but this time, it was too unbelievable for that particular feary to comprehend.

"Impossible, Snowflake!" Puck told her.

"Avalon receives it mystics from a planet in another solar system. An incognito is slowing devouring it. When this being takes a different shard of the lake and land, the power adds to its darkness. And this power that it eats at, fuels places like Avalon. That is why you can't keep form, Puck. Angela has Avalon in her blood... To lose Avalon is to lose all mystics as we know it. Fearies, gargoyles, elves, everything.... gone like that. Puck, I am calling on you once again," Shadowstar said.

"Avalon harbors my powers," Puck replied still unwilling to believe.

"Heh... this planet is Avalon... an Avalon the size of your sun... Yet we need more help. My power ten full is not enough. You and I need more."

"But where are you going to get this power, Pale One?" Puck questioned.

Shadowstar felt this person's power ever since she looked into the crystal for the first time. This girl is a counterpart of another reality... another place, and she is born of pure heart and spirit as well as incredible magical powers. And yet, her powers touched the mystical powers of that planet. This girl was the one to help them.

Goliath watched as Shadowstar got up from Angela's side for the first time that night. The reflection off of the mirror showed Shadowstar coming closer and closer. Her blue clothing and blue eyes caught Goliath's attention and he could not take his eyes off her again. He knew that look. He knew the expression of coldness meant one thing. Shadowstar was pondering... this gargoyle knew what to do.

She didn't know why she knew what she had to do? Was it all Xavier and the Kindred had taught her? Or was she finally learning on her own how to be a great one? Either way... Xavier taught her well.

She put her white claw on the cold mirror. Quickly, she turned around to looks at her company. Xanatos, Puck, Goliath and Elisa just looked fully knowing that Star had the answers.

"The mirrors are the key to all realities.. It is the only way I know..."

She told. "Know what?" Elisa questioned.

"I've sensed the powers of this fae ever since I looked into the crystal on that planet. She is from another Avalon... She is the power we need."

Almost instinctively, Puck's essence merged into Star's. The two now were one once more. Their psi link has always been used to combine their powers and raise them ten full. Puck still had Oberon's restrictions, but he could never willingly stop Star's manipulations. Who says he wants to?

"This is my favorite part," Puck replied with a wicked grin.

The mirror began to ripple like a pool of water. Jade and cobalt energy began to seep through the room off of the mirror. The eyes of the gargoyle burned a pure white while her raven hair flew madly with the currents.

The power began to get lost into the rippling mirror. Goliath just looked in astonishment as Shadowstar and Puck began to open a rift between two realities. They could see another Avalon... they could feel it with their power... it was unfolding before their eyes... And now, they saw the one they were looking for... Before the group of astonished humans, gargoyles and faerie there stood a beautiful young woman. She was tall and slim with fiery red hair and deep blue eyes. She blinked as she looked around obviously very confused and disoriented.

"Andrian... we need your help," Shadowstar said stretching out her hand to Andrian.

CHAPTER 3: If Thou Pricks Me, Would I Bleed Or Would I Kill Thee?

*Andrian's Reality*

Andrian didn't know what compelled her to take the hand of this stranger, but one thing was certain. She had no other choice. She took this gargoyles hand and let the energy take her through the rift.

* * *

Flicker was flying up the Castle Wyvern stairs faster than he had thought was possible.

"Approaching Warp 9.9 Captain!" Flicker thought to himself, allowing the small measure of humor to help distract him from his overwhelming worry and concern.

Andrian was gone, and quite frankly he was worried sick. Flicker still wasn't sure what the heck had happened! Andrian had kneeled over in pain, and managed to whisper through her clenched teeth that something was wrong. Then a....well Flicker was not quite sure what it had been but he had seen a bright light that almost blinded him and Andrian had been sucked into some sort of vortex that had closed around her engulfing her small figure, but she went willingly! He saw the outline of a powder white gargoyle and nothing else. It was a blur.

"So help me god, if anything happens to her...."

Flicker didn't finish his thought, it enraged him to much. As he cleared the top of the stairs he whirled onto the castle roof, as the entire group of gargoyles and one Owen Burnett turned to stare at him.

"Flicker what is wrong?" asked the very serious and faery in disguise Owen.

"It's it's Andrian..." Flicker managed to gasp still trying to regain his breath.

"What? What has happened to her?" Asked the mighty gargoyle leader Goliath as he stepped forward, his face furreted with concern.

"I was teaching her.... and there was this light..... and then she was just..... gone." Flicker answered miserably, obviously a wreck from the events of the past few minutes.

"This is most disturbing news indeed" Owen commented.

Just then Xanatos's assistant did something very strange. He reached up and took of his glasses, pocketing them. Then suddenly Owen began spinning in a circle faster and faster. When he finally stopped instead of the forlorn and placid Owen Burnett, there was the levitating form of the comical sprite, Puck.

"Heeeeeerreeeeeee's Puckie!" exclaimed the faery, as if his arrival needed to be announced!

"So when do we leave?" Puck questioned in his usual jovial relaxed manner.

"Leave for where?" questioned the very confused Flicker.

With a mischievous grin that so often adorned the faery's face, Puck did a a small magical gesture causing a ruler to appear in his hand. He then levitated over to Flicker and proceeded to bash him over the head with it.

"Like Duh!" Puck continued doing a very bad valley girl impression, "Well obviously Flickomeister you haven't been paying attention in class! Andrian is missing so naturally we have to go look for her." he finished giving Flick a lopsided grin.

"Puck I wish to accompany you in your search for Andrian. I almost lost her once to Loki and I can't stand by and watch it happen again!" stated Goliath.

A low growl accompanying his statement, indicating it was more of an order than a request.

"God he's awful big...." Puck thought to himself as he gulped, "I better agree to let him come along, after all he does love Andrian and the more the merrier right?"

Taking a second glance at the humongous gargoyle Puck decided the "merrier" part was untrue. Out loud Puck simply said "Love to have ya along Goliath!"

Turning back to Flicker he simply spoke "Let the adventure begin......"

*Shadowstar's Reality*

Shadowstar almost didn't believe that it worked. This being was now standing in her reality. Shadowstar did it!

"Heh, it worked," Puck said astonished.

Andrian looked around the room somewhat confused. She didn't know where she was. This place was so familiar but so different. Goliath, Elisa, Xanatos... they were not the same. Angela? Why was she laying down? Was she ill? And why did she sense Puck's essence but saw him not? So many thoughts filtered through her mind.

"Where...?" Andrian said trying to mutter anything.

Puck's essence slowly merged out of Shadowstar's. The once united figure became two once more. Shadowstar walked up to the confused faerie.

"I am Shadowstar. This here," Shadowstar said motioning around her, "Is not your world. This is another reality... And here, our universe is threatened with the loss of all our mystical power."

"Avalon?" Andrian questioned.

"Yes, and that is why Puck I brought you to our reality. When I was on that planet, I sensed your power, too... You have a great power compared to other faeries here," Shadowstar replied.

Puck elbowed her in the side, "Hey, I'm a faery, Powder. You better watch what you say."

"Owwww.... Puck. Hey, I'll tell Oberon what you're still doing with your power," Shadowstar commented back.

"You're the one who manipulates it."

"Yes, but you let me."

"Puck doesn't have control over his powers here?" Andrian questioned.

Shadowstar shakes her head no, "And you also have no counterpart here... That Flicker that I sensed does. It's dangerous for counterparts to meet."

"Flicker...." Andrian mumbled to herself as if the sudden realization of the seriousness of what was going on, had just registered with her.

As Andrian spoke these words Shadowstar sensed a great emotion well up in Andrian. Her and this Flicker had a very strong bond, much like brother and sister. As Andrian's thought's drifted to Puck, Shadowstar also received a mental impression of her relationship with the Puck from Andrian's reality. They were close, her Puck was very protective of Andrian and cared deeply about her and her well-being. Much like Shadowstar's Puck was of the pale one.

"I just hope Puck is smarter than that... He must know that counterparts can never meet," Shadowstar thought to herself, but quickly flung the thought away as unimportant at the present time.

Goliath grew impatient with the group. A soft growl was his way of communicating his thoughts.... Andrian looks up at him in surprise, then suddenly a gentle tenderness only found in love flickered over her face.. Shadowstar just knew that Andrian was in love with Goliath somewhere else. And strangely enough this bothered Star greatly. The more Shadowstar knew about this beautiful faery the more Star became jealous of her.

"If Goliath even falls for her..." Shadowstar thought very insecurely.

Not that her insecurity was unfathomed. This Andrian was very beautiful as well as powerful. Yet there was a sense of innocence and naivety that surrounded her. Shadowstar may have looked only nineteen, but she had hundreds of years of life behind her. Her own securities compared her to Andrian. Shadowstar wasn't sure exactly what the cause of it was, but the jealousy was there all the same.

"Goliath... Oh how I miss you, my love," Andrian thought to herself, at the exact same moment that Shadowstar was pondering this new arrival, or perhaps intrusion into there universe.

"Shadowstar, Angela needs you more than ever. Time is precious," Goliath said gently, getting straight to the point as he always did.

"I know, my love," Shadowstar replied automatically, perhaps unconsciously stressing the words "my love" for Andrian's benefit.

Andrian felt a stab of pain flicker through her heart as she glanced up at the mysterious Shadowstar in shock... Goliath in love with somebody else? Though she realized it wasn't "her" Goliath, the thought still bothered her deeply. She had half a nerve to give this Shadowstar a piece of her mind. Ever since her arrival, this omnipotent gargoyle had been acting very unwelcoming and even cruel to her... Andrian never considered the fact that her presence threatened Shadowstar... She only could think of how arrogant and cruel Star was acting towards her.

"Arrogant?" Shadowstar questioned.

"Telepathy!?" Andrian exclaimed.

"Oh yes. I understand, Andrian. This place is going to be odd for you," Star replied a hint of sarcasm entering her voice as if she wanted to say "Ohhhh you poor baby."

"Why did you bring me here?" Andrian questioned her voice harsher than she had intended.

"You didn't have to take our hand. That was your choice, Andrian," Shadowstar replied snidely.

Whoever this mysterious faery was Shadowstar definitely was not to fond of her. Shadowstar never realized her harsh attitude was an equivalent to the ways she's saw Andrian's attitude.

Elisa broke their fight up before it can even start.

"Enough. Angela grows worse as we speak," Elisa continued, her voice thick with worry.

As if a spell had been broken Andrian's head snapped up and she turned to look at the almost unconscious gargoyle, her brow creased in concern . Angela lay on the bed so weak and broken...

"I understand...." Andrian said her voice almost a whisper, "She's tied in with Avalon, and the mystics are draining her energy."

"It's about time you three saved her," Xanatos interrupted with his usual charm.

Shadowstar looked at the ground like a guilty child. Andrian just gazed at Shadowstar. She definitely did not like this situation. Shadowstar obviously was blessed with very strong power that equaled Andrian's own. Yet the attitude of this gargoyle shocked her. She had been treating Andrian like a lesser being! Andrian's attempts at friendship had been rejected, seemingly without a thought. She wanted to be friends with this enigmatic gargoyle but ..... it just felt like a mistake to try again and put her feelings on the line for a possible emotional slaughter.

Shadowstar didn't like the haughty attitude of this faery. She realized that Andrian had great power, equaling or surpassing her own, yet she seemed so young and uneducated about her powers. Like a young child suddenly given the responsibility of something that should be left to adults. She wanted to befriend this Andrian....yet it seemed like a big risk. An emotional onslaught was almost evident.

Puck knew it was now time for this faery to take charge.

"Well, Oberon is going to pull me back to this world as soon as you try to take me," Puck replied, "Ivory, you know that he is sick of your games."

"Games? You manipulate Puck's powers?" questioned Andrian her voice growing angry as her natural protectiveness for the faery she knew so well in her world kicked in, "It's the basic law of all magical beings not to interfere with each other. I know that your very powerful Shadowstar but how can you use your magic for such...... Manipulation!" Andrian cried out, obviously very disturbed by this recent news.

Andrian's innocence and naivety was starting to bother Shadowstar. And now, she was going to snap. Shadowstar had a temper shorter than Goliath's, and when she chooses to finally let her emotions go, it's an all out war.

"Let me guess, Andrian. You probably grew up living the perfect life and knew nothing of the other rules that existed throughout the universe... Desperate times call for desperate measures... You know nothing of me or my clan and friends. Who are you to judge what is not even your business? I have half a mind to teach you a lesson you'll not soon forget," Shadowstar growled, raising her hands as if to attack.

Andrian looked up at Shadowstar a glare on her normally joyful face.

"You're telling me not to judge so why do you judge me? What have I done to deserve this treatment from you? You think you're the only person that has had a hard life? You don't know what I've been through either, Star!" Andrian finished, a look of sadness and anger on her face.

"Then maybe you should look before you leap," Shadowstar snapped.

Then Andrian mentally shook herself . She knew that she had unwillingly provoked Shadowstar's anger and resentment towards her. Andrian almost wanted to fight Shadowstar. How dare she be so arrogant?

"I don't want to fight with you," Andrian replied to the furious gargoyle.

"But I will defend myself," she said raising her hands in a defensive stance to back up her words.

Shadowstar was getting very annoyed at this sickingly sweet faery and jumped at Andrian hands raised. The jade energy poured off of Shadowstar's fist. Andrian moved quick as lightning to quickly block the coming attack, easily deflecting it with her magical shield. Shadowstar quickly read Andrian's next move with telepathy and knocked her a telekinetic blow. Andrian's neck cracked back with the shock. She pulled herself back into a fighting mode quickly and countered sending a blast on magical energy trying to stop Shadowstar's attack. In a cry of rage Star used her telepathic and telekinetic powers to push Andrian heavily to the floor.

"Don't ever challenge me," Shadowstar snarled, "My mental powers can send your mind to insanity's edge."

Andrian simply looked at her as is suddenly realizing something.

"I don't know how someone like Goliath could love you," she said softly.

Her words were not meant to be cruel, rather it was like Andrian had spoken her thoughts out loud.

Goliath jumped in to stop the two fulling knowing how much those words would hurt Shadowstar. The only thing stopping Shadowstar's rage was Goliath's always unexpressed love. Andrian stopped simply because she did not wish to fight nor defy Goliath. Andrian also realized deep down that this was not her Goliath, and yet in a way he was.

"I know you both have differences. But please for the love of Angela, Shadowstar and Andrian , do what you must," Goliath said holding Shadowstar's glowing wrists, while casting a look at Andrian that begged her to help him out.

Shadowstar bowed her head in apology. The energy was absorbed back into her pale hands as she bit her lower blood red lip. She knew she let her short temper take her rationale... She quickly walked over to Angela. She looked at the dying girl.

"I will do everything in my power, child. I love you like you were my own," Shadowstar said.

She took off her orb of harnessing power and placed it around Angela's neck. All just gave her an odd look. Andrian knew exactly what Shadowstar did.

"The orb still has remains of Puck's mystics in it. It will help to protect Angela," Andrian commented.

Andrian walked over to it and fueled the orb with her own power. She gasped slightly in pain as part of her magic left her, flowing into the orb around Angela's neck. Everyone realized that Andrian had just done them a great service. Shadowstar smiled and nodded in thanks... yet even a kind gesture from Shadowstar was not enough to redeem the gargoyle at present in Andrian's mind.

"I am doing this for Angela," Andrian said giving a somewhat cold glance at Star.

"I could never stand by and watch anything happen to her. Either one of her," she continued softly, her voice taking on the likeness of a child.

As she spoke these words, Shadowstar gained a small amount of respect for the faery that had just possibly saved Angela's life.

"Goliath, please... don't leave her side... watch out for her," Shadowstar replied taking Goliath's massive talons in her own.

Goliath sighed wistfully and gazed down and the very independent and sometimes mouthy gargoyle that he loved. It was when she risked herself to save the lives of his clan back in her realm that made him fall in love with her. Yes, she did have the arrogant side of a child; however, it was those stubborn streaks and raw independence in her that caused him to love her so much... and her beauty... it made him smile... he loved all she had to offer him...

"Please be kind to Andrian. She is going through a lot to help us, to help Angela. I hope now you can see, as well as I, that she has a very kind soul. She is the key to fighting......this." Goliath finished quietly, gently taking her face in his massive hands.

Shadowstar gazed up at her love, a look of helplessness on her normal emotionless face. As Goliath spoke these words, Star realized deep down that they were true.

"I'm sorry, my love, I'll try" she whispered softly, breaking her gaze with him.

"Please return to me my angel," Goliath said gently reaching out to stroke Star's raven black hair.

"My word is my bond," Shadowstar replied softly, once again gazing lovingly at Goliath, HER Goliath.

Andrian watched this scene unfolding before her. She smiled softly on the outside, but on the inside it was hurting her deeply watching Goliath speaking and making words and vows of love to Shadowstar. She couldn't bear to watch it anymore so she turned to gaze at the mirror that had brought her to this place. In a way she was sorry that she had taken Shadowstar's hand, but she knew she had had to. It was her fate, and besides she could never willingly stand by and know that others were suffering. It was part of her character to help others, as much as independence was a part of Shadowstar's. Yet behind this independence, Andrian sensed a very wise being that has yet soon to hatch.

Puck knew that Shadowstar was not treating Andrian as she should. Andrian was a guest to their world, and she has been put through the ringers, She was very confused and she was hurting, all because she was here to help a universe that wasn't even hers.

Puck unsuccessfully tried to levitate over to Andrian so that he could perhaps comfort her, but his powers were very weak. Watching this attempt through the mirror, Andrian knew why she touched that pale hand. It was all wrong. Puck's powers were weak to non-existent, Angela was very ill, Avalon was dying. Someone had to right it all, and perhaps she and Shadowstar were the ones to do it.

"I'm sorry, Andrian," Puck said softly laying a comforting hand on her shoulder, "Brighty isn't that bad when you get to know her. She feels threatened. You have to understand."

"I have to help you....I mean Avalon is dying....This entire universe is endangered.....I mean there's you and Flicker and......... we have to help Angela... Star and I, the power," Andrian was at a loss of words entirely.

"And maybe you'll learn to form complete sentences," Puck said a grin forming on his face.

"And maybe you'll learn to catch," Andrian replied, the smile having returned to her voice, as she conjured up a pie (thanks to the spell Flicker had taught her) and tossing it at the sheepish Puck's face.

Goliath couldn't help but laugh at the two faerie, it was a while since he had seen such happiness and joyfulness in two beings, their movements and words held such gaiety that it brought a smile to his lips. Soon the grinning Andrian and the very covered in pie Puck joined in, there laughter ringing like bells on the castle roof. Shadowstar, however, found no entertainment in their laughter. She knew it was now time to go.

"It is time," Shadowstar said, her words short and simple but carrying much weight.

She kissed Goliath on the cheek before Puck took her hand as well as Andrian's. He bowed his head hoping for their future return. He prayed for their safety.

"May Avalon protect you, all of you" Goliath whispered as Puck, Andrian, and Shadowstar disappeared in a flash of light... "Return to me my love. I could never live without you."

CHAPTER 4: The Beginning

In a whirl of energy and light the three magical beings appeared of the isle of Avalon. Andrian quickly glanced around the all to familiar island and couldn't believe what she saw. All around her the once beautiful and mystical land....Home to all faerie.... was dying. It wasn't just something she saw, it was something she felt in the air, something she could sense.

"Oh my god....." came the words from Andrian's mouth as her eyes opened in shock at what she was seeing.

"Now you see why you were brought here." Shadowstar said, answering Andrian's question from before.

"Come on, Powder and Andrian, we better go see big daddy Oberon," Puck interrupted trying to get some humor into his voice as he weakly levitated next to the two females.

It was obvious that Puck was trying to hide his diminishing control over his powers, and that he was failing miserably at it.

"Do you want some help Puck?" Andrian asked, looking at him with concern in her eyes.

"Nawwww," Puck answered with a smile, "I'm not that old and feeble! "

Then suddenly, a mischievous grin lit up Puck's face. "That is, unless you consider 400, 591 old!" he finished beaming up at Andrian.

Shadowstar finally found it within her serious attitude to find a laugh in Puck's words... Something she only does when she doesn't have the problems of the world on her shoulders.

"There is hope for you, Shadowstar," Andrian said in a friendly manner.

"This is the first time I have heard you laugh, or seen a smile on your face," she finished grinning at the gargoyle with a look of mirth on her face.

"Sometimes I let business overtake my entire personality," Shadowstar replied.

"I've noticed."

"Well, well, well......" interrupted a new voice.

The group whirled to face the large (and very intimidating to most) form of Lord Oberon.

"Who do we have here? Shadowstar, Puck and?" the lord of all faerie questioned turning to the form of Andrian.

Oberon glanced at this new figure that stood before him, trying to get a feel for her. She was quite tall and slim and had the appearance of a mortal, but this did not fool Oberon for a second. He has sensed her immortality and great power from the moment she had materialized on Avalon. With fiery red hair, striking blue eyes and a kind smile this new faery was obviously very attractive and powerful.

Yet Oberon sensed the same thing that Shadowstar had before, there was an aura of innocence and purity that surrounded her. Andrian had turned sharply when Oberon had first spoken, yet now there was a different expression on her face. Recognition, which he did not understand having never encountered this powerful fae before. And there was also fondness which appeared to be directed to off all people......him.

Of course Oberon did not know that in another reality, he was the closest thing that Andrian would ever come to having a father. That it was his counterpart that had decided to turn a very special mortal baby, into perhaps the most powerful creature in all the cosmos. He also would never know that despite everything his counterpart had done, including the attempted assassination of Flicker for which Andrian practically loathed him. She held a special place in her heart for her "mother and father" the rulers of Avalon. Yes, Oberon thought to himself. This faery was very special, but he did not yet know how. Meanwhile Andrian had snapped out of her reverie and began to speak....

"My lord, My name is Andrian and I am not from this universe. I was summoned here by Shadowstar and Puck from my reality to help save yours. And Lord Oberon we require your help. We need you to restore Puck's powers so that we may save this universe from total annihilation......."

Shadowstar stepped forth to speak to Oberon as the head of the group, but Oberon already knew what she had to say.

"You do not surprise me in the least, Shadowstar of the Kindred. You always will find a way to make things better," Oberon told her.

"And it appears you have found a new companion to help you in your foolish ways," he said a sneer forming on his lips as he cast a look at Andrian, who despite his withering gaze stood tall and proud.

He recognized a streak of raw independence in her that he had often seen in Shadowstar. Perhaps these two were more alike then he had first thought...

Shadowstar was in no mood for games.

Puck just looked at Andrian grinning ear to ear and said, "This is the fun part."

Andrian looked at him with a confused glace.....Puck just motioned for her to keep listening.

"Save Avalon or keep your hold over Puck... Which is more important?" Shadowstar simply stated.

"Why don't you just manipulate him?"

"You know as well as I do that you will pull him back to Earth in an instant. I'm sick of your games, Oberon," Shadowstar said raising her voice.

Andrian couldn't help but cast a surprised glance at Star. Nobody but Titania ever spoke to Oberon like that. She was just as surprised at how Oberon treated Star as an equal, he rarely did that to.....well anyone.

Oberon looked at the gargoyle standing before him. She, to him, was above all others of her kind. As he cast one more glance at Andrian, he realized that she was easily Star's equal. These too were very much alike, in character, thought their life had shaped how this character had been developed, changing it in two individuals. One with raw independence and power at her disposal. The other with equal power yet with a meeker will then her successor, the type that radiated kindness, happiness and a will to help.

Once more Oberon focused his attention on the very angry gargoyle that stood before him. There was something about her... The individuality, the lack of fear, the "get to the point, get it done now" attitude... He's always admired that in her... Oberon, now, can only test her patience. He knows she can't read his thoughts. Surprisingly, they seem to be immune to the other's power as found out in the past when Star returned with Puck from the other realm.

Beginning to pace, Oberon said, "I don't forget the past, Shadowstar. You know that for a fact. You and Puck have both defied me. And now you dare to appear on Avalon with your new companion, this Andrian, and dare to defy me again."

"Don't test my patience," Star snarled.

Her deep blue eyes flamed bright ashen like Oberon expected. Her white body stood there like a snowy figure in a winter storm, but tightening up with all her anger. She had no color to her skin but a black face marking. Raven hair blended in with her graceful black wings... and the white undertones made her more astonishing... and intimidating.

"Beautiful..." Oberon thought, "How can she love a weak mortal like Goliath?"

Suddenly, Andrian and Shadowstar felt it. It was happening. They watched as Star's eyes went blank and released a massive telepathic probe through the atmosphere.

"What is Frosty doing?" Puck questioned.

"Counting our minutes," Andrian replied, "We felt it, Puck. The creature is now devouring the part of Avalon we cannot lose. Star's releasing a mental probe....To see how long we have until complete mystical annihilation."

Color returned to Shadowstar's eyes as Andrian ran over to her. Oberon remained silent for this was the answer to Avalon existence.

"How much?" Andrian questioned.

She saw the look in Shadowstar's eyes. It was the look of rage all gargoyles get. Andrian grabbed Star's shoulders hoping to stop this loss of control. She didn't want Star to get into something she couldn't handle.

"Star, no," Andrian exclaimed, begging her friend, hoping to stop her explosive temper.

Andrian knew that Shadowstar would not be stopped in a gargoyle rage, without someone being hurt. Although she knew that she was the only one who's powers equaled Star's; therefore, she was the only one who could stop Star should the situation get out of control. She definitely did not want to see her new ally and friend become hurt.

Instantaneously, Shadowstar dove over Andrian and tackled Oberon to the ground. Oberon couldn't react in time to stop Star from gripping his neck tightly.

"Puck??" Andrian questioned not wanting to see what would become of this.

"They can only hurt each other with their fists. They are both immune to each others powers" Puck answered Andrian's worried query, a grin still playing on his face.

"Avalon is almost dead, Oberon. Do it now or pay the price. I will not let Angela die or any of these faerie. And I will NOT allow you to manipulate, me Andrian or Puck with your mind games." Shadowstar stated her voice becoming a roar.

Through the choke hold Oberon managed to whisper, "Manipulation? My you aren't one to...Egh!"

His words were quickly cut short as Star tightened her death hold on Oberon.

Oberon gasped for his breath. Why did she always take the upper hand? He was Oberon, not a school boy from New York.

"Arrogance!" Oberon exclaimed, his own features twisted in as much rage as Shadowstar's.

"No, independence. I take crap from nobody, including you," Shadowstar snarled.

"Fine, let it be done."

Oberon kicked Shadowstar back from his body. Andrian rushed forward and managed to catch Star before she slammed into the ground.

"Thanks," Star said, as she pulled herself to her feet.

"Star, you have much power, but your stance is what's going to get you," Andrian told her sincerely, but with a smile indicating it was meant as a friendly comment.

"Watch out for yourself," Star answered her words seeming angrier than she had untended, but she did not take criticism lightly.

Oberon waved his hand briefly. Nothing special, just a motion. He then turned back to the group before him.

"It is done... neither of you defy me again," Oberon trailed off, warningly.

"Never mess with the master himself, big daddy of them all," Puck replied grinning.

Shadowstar took a deep breath and started forming a telekinetic bubble.

"This will keep us alive," Star stated.

"Ohhhh funky" Puck replied enthusiastically.

"Star?" Andrian questioned after a flicker of pain.

"I feel it, too, Andrian. Our powers around Angela are weakening."

Puck just looked at Shadowstar and knew that they were in for another adventure. Every time he went anywhere with this gargoyle, they had an experience never to forget.

"So, it begins..." She replied as the three disappeared in the atmosphere.

CHAPTER 5: Into the Heart of a Demon

Andrian took in the beauty that was left on the planet before them. From what she could see, the blackness was covering three fourths of the planet. Andrian didn't understand how something could be this cruel. Star read her thoughts and realized she was too young and innocent to have seen this sort of evil, that Andrian was just realizing how evil things could be.

"I'm teleporting us," Andrian said.

"Take my thoughts," Shadowstar replied to her.

Andrian saw where they had to go... and in a blinding light, they were gone from the blackness of outer space. In a blink, they stood in front of the lake. They could see the darkness more clearly now while glancing at a smaller lake. The incognito had already overcome the mystic people. It had nothing stopping it.

"You have returned!" Jaze exclaimed, rushing up to the trio.

He flew over to Shadowstar and embraced her as one of their customs.

"Puck, Andrian, this is Jaze, feary class," Shadowstar introduced.

"No time. There are few minutes left," Jaze told.

"We have to let our minds enter his plane of existence," Andrian replied looking at it, "It exists on our psychic plane."

"Then that is where we have to go," Shadowstar answered grateful for Andrian's quick thinking.

Puck remained silent for a moment.

"Puck?" Andrian questioned.

Puck successfully levitated in mid air. A huge grin spread across his face. "It's a fact!!, Puck-o's back!" The mischievous sprite exclaimed happily.

Shadowstar had a small smile on her face at the news. While the much more emotional Andrian, broke into a huge grin and grabbed the faery in a hug But there was no time for anymore rejoicing...... it would have too wait. Puck levitated over the lake and just stared deeply at the coming monsoon of darkness.

"What would happen if we went into it?" Puck questioned.

"I don't know. My telepathic probes just get lost in there," Shadowstar replied.

Suddenly, looking thoughtful, Andrian turned to Star and said, "Star, make a telepathic bubble, it will protect us. I'll help you keep it up."

With a small smile, she continued "Look's like we have a pilot for this fine evening."

"G'journey, Star," Jaze said, "May the Supreme protect you."

"G'journey, Jaze," Shadowstar replied.

Shadowstar telekinetically levitated over the water with Andrian at her right and Puck at her left. A emerald shield went up around the three. It was a sight only an artist could behold. Purple energy filled the inside of the shield. Shadowstar looked like a Phoenix with her powers rising above all. Puck looked like a faerie from mythology with trails of beautiful blue magic and waving hair trailing him. Andrian resembled a sight that none had seen before. Her fiery red hair flowed with the magic, as if it were waving in the wind. Colors appeared to dance around her, much like the stars to the moon. It was wondrous to witness the magic, light and colors that surrounded the group... but then, when it reached the blackness. And the beauty and magic disappeared replaced with an omnivious blackness. And the bubble disappeared into the abyss of blackness.

*Andrian's Reality*

In another realm, at another time, on another Avalon another trio of travelers appeared. Yet there purpose was quite different than there predecessors had been.

Puck, Flicker and Goliath appeared on Avalon, "their" Avalon. In the sense that it was in there universe. Their purpose? Simple. To seek Titania's help in finding Andrian. Yet the second they materialized, something unusual happened. Both Flicker and Puck kneeled over in pain, a cry escaping there throats.

Something was wrong......very wrong. Yet the two faeries sensed that it was not here the problem laid, yet it was here.

"Flicker? Puck?" Goliath questioned, confusion creasing his brow.

Ever since he had learned about Andrian's mysterious.....disappearance that thought had consumed his mind. He was very worried, and he didn't even want to think about what he would do if something happened to her.....God he missed her. Yet despite all this, his attention was now solely on the two small faeries hunched over before him.

Puck slowly straightened up, managing to keep the pain to a manageable level as he turned to Flicker.

"Flick......" he gasped, still trying to regain his breath.

"I know Puck, not here. Somewhere else," Flicker whispered, his voice barely a whisper.

Suddenly Flicker straightened up his back going rigid in shock as he realized something. Andrian before she had disappeared, had uttered almost the exact same words........Could this feeling, that him and Puck were sensing be related to her disappearance? Could she somehow have sensed this before them? Turning to the group before him, Flicker shared these thoughts.

"Hmmmmm" Puck muttered, after hearing Flicker's words, "This MUST have something to do with Andrian disappearing."

"Indeed it does," came a new voice.

The trio turned around to see who the owner of the voice was, and found the beautiful faerie Titania, Queen of Avalon.

"My mistress," Flicker said bowing before her, Goliath repeated the action kneeling beside Flicker.

Puck however did something quite different, grinning wildly he opened his mouth and exclaimed, "Mom! Glad to see ya!" waving his hand in greeting.

To Titania's credit she did nothing but raise an eyebrow at Puck, and then nodded to Flicker and Goliath gesturing for them to stand.

"You are searching for Andrian," Titania stated, not a question a statement.

"Yes my Queen, do you know what has happened to her?" Flicker questioned, the comedy gone from his normally jovial face and replaced with a seriousness that rarely appeared on his neat and well drawn features.

Titania did not answer, but instead sighed avoiding the trio's penetrating gazes. Turning back to the group, the mighty queen sighed again and began to speak.

"This is a long and complicated story.....But to simplify it I will tell you as much as I can as quickly as possible, time is short. As both Flicker and Puck have sensed something is very wrong. As I'm sure you know it is here but not here that the problem exists. In another universe, Avalon is being devoured piece by piece. Threatening the lives of that entire realm, faeries, humans and gargoyles alike. In this universe there is a beautiful powerful gargoyle named Shadowstar. She has lived a long dangerous life, seen many die right before her. Anyway, she has almost unimaginable power very much like Andrian. She has formed a psi link with the Puck of that universe. Using this as well as her great power she managed to call Andrian to her universe. They broke a rift in the universal fabrics of time, and pulled Andrian through."

Titania was interrupted by a low growl from Goliath.

"So Andrian did not disappear she was kidnaped!" he exclaimed his eyes glowing white in anger.

Casting an annoyed glance at the gargoyle leader Titania continued, "No, in fact she was not kidnaped. Though Shadowstar and Puck pulled her through, had she wanted to she could have resisted and broken the link. Andrian has unbelievable power at her disposal, though she is not well trained with it and has only recently recognized it, had she wanted too she could have stopped it. No, indeed she went willingly. She knew she was needed. "

At this thought, Titania smiled softly to herself. Yes, she had chosen wisely when she had selected that very special mortal baby all those years ago. Titania remembered her incredible grief when Loki had stolen the child away, then her incredible happiness at Andrian's discovery two years later with a mortal family. So Titania had cast a spell on the baby, so her powers would remain unknown and unusable to her until they were needed. So the child had grown up believing herself mortal. And even though she was born of mortal parents you had both died she had been given unimaginable power, as well as being given the status as a protector of the human race. Puck and Flicker had been assigned her guardians at birth, though there closeness to her. So Andrian had lived, loved and grown among humans developing an innocence and kindness that touched all that knew her. Up until two months ago Andrian had been complete unaware of her powers. Until Loki had reappeared.....

Yet Titania knew she had no time for such ideal memories, her help was needed now in the present. Titania knew she was fooling no one however, she cared for Andrian as her daughter and loved her so. She was trying to hide the fact that she was just as worried about Andrian as the trio before her, yet she was sure they sensed it.

"How can we get to her?" Asked the impatient Goliath.

Despite everything that had just been revealed he wanted to find Andrian and make sure she was all right.

Titania closed her eyes, as if in deep thought. When she opened them again she said simply.

"Mirrors. That is the key!"

*Shadowstar's Reality*

It was no surprise that the only thing they saw was a black fog around their magical bodies. The lake was seemingly untouched. Puck touched the water then turned back at the younger individuals.

"Frosted flake, do you realize what it's doing?" Puck questioned.

"I should take offense to your comments... explain Puck," Shadowstar replied.

"He's not devouring the lake or land... he's stealing the power. I can feel it. The lake still exists but the feeling, the power... is gone. The bloody thief is stealing my home. Get us on the psychic plane. I'm taking this bad boy out," Puck said half jokingly and half serious.

"Ready to travel, Shadowstar style?" Star questioned.

"More than I'll ever be," Andrian replied.

Shadowstar closed her eyes. The essences of Puck and Andrian disappeared through emerald energy. Shadowstar strained all of her body to finish what she started. She threw herself into this creatures' psychic plane.

"What the hell?" Andrian questioned.

All sorts of energy waves swarmed around them. Slowly all the colors traveled into one being. They just looked at this creature. He was definitely a force to be reckoned with, but Andrian knew him well. The flaming and wildly rapturing hair showed no knowledge of know her... but she knew him somewhere else. Her eyes grew large with fear and hurt. This was her Flicker. How could he be this monster?

"Flicker?" She questioned.

The creature had no response to her but a wave of pure power. The three were knocked back from their spots. Andrian knew this was not her Flicker, but nonetheless, she had a heart of emotion for him. How could she be expected to hurt him?

"This is not your Flicker… and it’s not ours either," Puck replied.

"I know... What now, Star?" Andrian questioned unsure of herself.

"I was just about to ask you," Star replied.

He stared at them and then began to laugh at the three. His voice, his eyes, everything was like her friend. This creature was evil in nature, though. He had no heart for the fun and loving. There was nothing in him that echoed the kindness and joy that was felt from the simple presence of Flicker. This creature was opaque to them. He was dark and hidden. There wasn't a part to see through because the blackness was too thick.

"You really think that your puny existence is any match for me? I am more than you will ever be. I am Opaque, and all of you will pay the price of those who try to stop me," He cackled.

Shadowstar just shrugged unimpressed. Andrian gave her a glance. Shadowstar felt it within Andrian that Andrian was not ready to strike her once friend.

"There is no choice," Shadowstar told her.

"Fine, then. Ready?" Andrian questioned unhappy with what she would have to do.

Puck and Shadowstar just nodded. They stared at the creature with their powerful eyes.

"Three," Puck said.

"Two," Andrian replied.

"One," Shadowstar sneered.

All power that they could master came rushing at the creature in one full blinding force. He was almost taken aback by the power. He deflected part of the blasts, but he was effected by shrapnel like blasts. He in return used some of his own mystical power to divide the three.

Shadowstar rolled from the blast. Andrian dove and then fired at the creature again. Puck teleported behind the creature and blasted the creature in the back. Star just decided to use physical force. She slashed the creature who returned with a blow to Shadowstar's jaw. Energy seeped out of the slash that Shadow created. He was wounded. Andrian took this opportunity to attack it once more. She stepped back though letting her emotions interfere with her judgement. She didn't care what was on the outside of this Opaque. Somewhere in there was the heart that Flicker held. Flicker had to be in this creature.

"It's too easy," Star replied, "Fire in the hole!"

They turned around to see streaks of energy heading at them. It was like electricity burning through their hearts. Shadowstar squirmed in pain. She wanted it to stop! Puck has known pain before but nothing like this... and Andrian would not tolerate such a violation. She conjured up all strength she had within her tiny body to fight the force trying to stop them.

Shadowstar gasped and gripped all feeling and reality around her. The creature focused on her and tried to floor her. She wouldn't stop fighting.

"Shadowstar can't maintain your existence here and help you," The creature replied, "You are all alone."

"No," Puck gasped.

This time, it wasn't Shadowstar's calling. It was Puck's own work. He put the psi link into reverse. Pushing himself into Shadowstar's body was the distraction they needed. It tore apart Puck's soul to try to break through the fields and shields the creature produced, but he managed to make it to Shadowstar.

Andrian did not want to act will her will. Her heart was too heavy with pain. There was no force that could make her injure Flicker. But this being, was not Flicker. He was Opaque, and Opaque was killing Puck. Andrian was able to act with the distraction. She jumped up and wrapped her power around the creature trapping Opaque in it's own mystical power.

"Star, take Opaque now! You're power is farther from the mystics," Andrian said.

Opaque still had many more obstacles coming at them. The united Puck and Star created a massive claw with their power. Their raw force and Andrian's strong hold was enough to rip the creature into oblivion. As it's essence disappeared one more electrical shock flew through their body.

They all screamed in pain as the darkness vanished from the land. They all were found floating at the top of the lake. Puck's eyes rolled back into his head. Star rubbed her shoulders and creased her forehead releasing all pain. She pulled herself up and put the unconscious Puck over her shoulder. Andrian rolled over and slowly moved towards land. Her head pounded with the shock slowly dissolving.

Jaze and Wulfe walked over to the clan. They were over joyed with excitement and appreciation. Jaze pointed to Puck.

"His soul was literally torn apart and pieced back together. He will be okay, but he is not functioning now," Shadowstar told.

"You must stay and celebrate," Jaze offered.

"No, I must return back home with Andrian. Many are worried," Shadowstar replied.

"We will see you again?" Wulfe questioned.

"Oh, yes. Count on it," Andrian replied.

Puck woke up and levitated off of Star's gargoyle shoulder. He looked a little disoriented at first. Jaze nodded to the three, motioned his hand, and pulled back a portal.

"G'journey," he replied.

"G'journey," They answered.

Puck lead the two females through the portal... they exited the planet in the same fashion from which them came to it... in a blink of the eye.

CHAPTER 6: You Never Thought You'd See Me Again

The trio of crusaders found themselves back in Xanatos' Eyrie Tower. Shadowstar sped to the room where Angela was located. Andrian and Puck followed hoping to see a revived Angela. Both of them already felt their powers increasing greatly.

Angela was sitting up on the bed with her father's loving arms around her. Shadowstar stopped at the door and smiled at the sight. Andrian smiled at the sight of tears welling up in the stern Shadowstar's eyes.

"She's changing," Andrian thought.

Goliath stood up and looked at the three saviors. Angela remained silent as she was slowly trying to regain her strength.

"Angela!" Puck exclaimed levitating over to her.

Puck sat himself beside Angela and just looked at the faery and gargoyle at the doorway. Shadowstar turned to Andrian.

"Thank you, Andrian," Shadowstar replied with much sincerity.

"You have helped save my daughter. I must thank you with all of my soul," Goliath replied while embracing Shadowstar.

Andrian greatly missed her own Goliath who was probably worried out of him mind by now.

"But now, I must return home," Andrian said and walked over to the mirror.

Shadowstar held on tightly to Goliath as she didn't want to leave his side again. She then felt a strangeness as Andrian walked up to the mirror. She saw the mirror rippling.

"Star?" Andrian questioned.

"It's not me," Star replied.

She picked up three mental impressions: Flicker, Puck and Goliath. No! She has to stop this from happening.

"No!" Star screamed running to the mirror, "Puck should be smarter!"

"Star?" Angela questioned.

Star tried with all her might to stop the opening of the rift. She yanked Puck's link but the confusion was too great. The rift opened up and threw Star back. Goliath rushed to her side. She watched the approaching figures.

"No! You can't meet," Star cried.

Goliath held Star as she panicked with tremendous fear. Never in her life has she felt fear, and now, she fears she is going to lose her Goliath forever. Nobody knew what was now going on, and she couldn't stop it.

Flicker, Puck, and Goliath emerged from the other reality. As Goliath held Shadowstar, he became amazed and yet afraid of what would happen. Andrian had no clue what was happening. The only thing she recalled was Shadowstar saying before that counterparts could never meet. This clicked in her mind, and Andrian's heart screaming in fear.

Star fought to push them back, but she couldn't stop it. The mirror shattered and the broken pieces created a spinning vortex. No sooner was both Goliaths and Pucks were being torn into the energy. The room looked as if a hurricane was ripping through it. They were all petrified, very petrified.

Shadowstar screamed as her Goliath was pulled into the energy. No sooner could Andrian and her Goliath embrace than he was pulled away. Star's might alone could not stop this. Andrian dove for her love with a stinging fear. Both females ended up laying on the ground with nothing but a heavy heart and a throat willing to scream with pain.

"Counterparts can never meet," Star sobbed, "why the hell didn't Puck know that?"

Flicker finally pieced together what just occurred even though it seemed very unfathomable to him. He held a sobbing Andrian in his faery arms. Shadowstar wrapped her wings around herself... and cried alone. She was by herself once more. She never wanted to feel this way again.

Angela stumbled onto the floor and looking into Star's eyes hoping to find comfort.

"Tell me, Star. You know how to fix it," Angela replied.

Shadowstar glanced away and looked at Andrian and Flicker.

"I... I don't know."

"If you wouldn't have brought me here, I would have never lost them!" Andrian screamed at Shadowstar.

"And I wouldn't have lost my loves," Star cried.

"Stop it!" Angela yelled before she turned to stone leaving Star alone once more.

Star looked at her bracelets still keeping her flesh during the day. She wished she could go away for the day and not have to worry about this. Shadowstar was sick of always running and always fighting.

Flicker knew this could not be ending. They were alive somewhere. Nothing ever ends like this.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know this would happen," Flicker replied.

"Yea, well, that's not going to bring Goliath back," Shadowstar told him with tears running down her face longing for Goliath's arms.

"Yea, and if you keep sitting there, you're not going to get anything accomplished. We must figure out a way to find them," Flicker told her.

He touched a piece of broken glass. Shadowstar stared at the pieces for the longest time. Suddenly, she let her telekinetics filter through each piece.

Andrian looked up at Shadowstar and told Star, "Mirrors are the key."

Shadowstar nodded. Andrian pointed her hand at the levitating pieces. They both sent a wave of energy through it. The pieces once more came together to form a vortex of broken glass. Shadowstar looked in and saw the four being pulled in by another creature of midnight shade.

"We have to go in there," Shadowstar replied.

"How do we get out?" Andrian questioned.

"That's what Flicker is going to do. You have to make sure this does not close. I don't care what you do. Just make sure we get out," Shadowstar told him.

"I understand, but my power is not as great as yours is," Flicker replied.

"Shadowstar has faith in you, Flicker. She does not choose wrong," Andrian replied.

"No, I don't," Shadowstar agreed.

She watched the spinning vortex. It would not touch them for they were not in any violation of harmony among realities. They would have to fight against it to receive their own way. Shadowstar and Andrian knew they had to go into the blackness, but they didn't know what they would have to do.

"Ready?" Andrian questioned.

"I guess I have to be," Shadowstar answered.

Flicker started using his power in connection with Star's to keep the vortex spinning. He was almost in pain using his power to such an extent, but there was no other way. It was either use everything he had in him or lose two on his greatest friends and possibly the kinship that he has with Andrian.

"Trois," Shadowstar replied.

"Deux," Flicker echoed.

"Un," Andrian said.

Shadowstar and Andrian dove into the vortex. The eddy of darkness did not accept them kindly into it. They had to strain much of their power to get past the cyclone of glass shards and raw power. Shadowstar blocked them from much of the segments of mirror. She miscalculated, though at her own expense. She dropped the shield and a piece hit her square in the arm. She roared in such agony. The shard felt like a dagger had struck her. Andrian took it out of her arm as they continued to fall farther into the bottom on the hurricane of night. Andrian tore a piece of cloth off of her clothing and wrapped it around Shadowstar' arm. The pain did not subside, but Shadowstar had to look past it.

"Who ever is in control of this place, does not want us to come here," Andrian commented.

"I realize that. Come on we have to get there faster," Shadowstar said clenching her teeth in pain.

They rode the vortex with Shadowstar's telekinetics. It sped them along the force of evil quickly. They reached the bottom and nothing. It was complete darkness. Andrian used her power and conjured up a small torch. Shadowstar opened her mind greatly and realized that they were not alone. This darkness that they were in was the creature itself. He surrounded their every move and thought much like Opaque did to the planet. Shadowstar tried pushing it back with her power, and she recognized it. It was the creature that they encountered.

"Opaque, I know it is you," Shadowstar said.

"Why, it's you again. I didn't think I would ever see you again, traveler. You killed one of my off shoots. He was gaining more power for my vortex. You could only imagine how many fools like you try to cross realities," Opaque said to them from all directions.

Andrian almost trembled in fear. She didn't want to face him again. It took some much for her to kill the one who looked like Flicker last time.

"Looks can be deceiving, Andrian," Shadowstar replied.

"This is not Flicker," Andrian convinced herself.

"We've got no time to waste. I'm expending much of my power because Flicker's is weakening," Shadowstar said, "Where's Goliath and Puck?"

Shadowstar sounded very demanding to Andrian. The creature, much like Oberon, just laughed in her stern face. Andrian was surprised that Shadowstar did not allow herself to feel the part of a fool. The wild cackle of Opaque grew and grew. The darkness danced and swirled about them. It started to come together in one black. They could see the gloominess of their surroundings now. It almost looked like a prison.

They stared at what the darkness was forming. It was undoubtedly the same being they had to battle before. His darkness turned into flowing robes of midnight. None had ever seen such a greater evil in their presence. His face resemble Flicker's, but his heart resembled the devil's.

"I'm surprised that you keep such an obstinate view when you know that you are no match for me. Do you think you two alone can defeat me? You needed three to kill my off shoot. And you, Shadowstar, are giving much of your energy to keep my vortex open," Opaque replied.

"Do not underestimate those you do not truly know. You have no idea what I am capable of, Opaque," Shadowstar replied.

"Don't I? You don't think I can't see your precious realities from where I stand. I am like your people, Shadowstar. I am not Kindred though... I work for the Watchers. I am a Watcher. You remember them? Yea, the Watcher's. You tried to kill our leader Lahcaer and his wife Jessimyn. Corbeau met his death at your hand. Ha, you know who killed Lorelei? I did, Shadowstar. I killed your best friend. She met oblivion by my power, my might, and don't you think for a second that I won't harm you," He told her.

Andrian could see the rage in Shadowstar's eyes. It was the same that Shadowstar showed towards Oberon. There was no doubt in Andrian's mind that Shadowstar would lash out, but this time, Shadowstar would lose.

As Shadowstar lunged for the creature, Andrian felt herself doing something she never thought she would do. She somehow merged her entire essence into Shadowstar. Andrian had no clue how she did it. She just did. She hated every second of this manipulation, but there was no other way.

Opaque just looked at the essence of the two. Before they could hit him, he knocked them both back releasing Andrian from Shadowstar. Landing on her arm, Shadowstar howled in pain. She clenched her arm making it temporarily go numb. It was one of the worst physical pains she has ever felt.

"It's not going to work like that," Andrian replied.

"You're too new at it," Shadowstar answered.

They looked at each other and knew that there would be no other way. They both would have to give in to what they hated most. Andrian would have to manipulate Shadowstar's powers. These powers would boost Andrian's up to one hundred full, and Shadowstar would not let go.

What did Shadowstar covet most in the world? Power and control is what she desired. To get back Goliath, she would have to give in. She would have to step down as the leader. Andrian would have the power and the control. Neither wanted to give into this. They didn't want to compromise their selves in this way, but they knew that if they didn't, they would never see Puck and Goliath again.

Shadowstar nodded in acknowledgment. Andrian bit her lip with a little fear and a lot of bravery.

"You are nothing. Go home, give it up," Opaque taunted.

"Three," Andrian started.

"Two," Shadowstar answered.

"One," They both said.

Shadowstar quickly became nothing but a transparent figure. She leapt into Andrian's body. Andrian arose with as much dignity and stubbornness as Shadowstar had done before her.

"Be confident and don't let him take you down," Shadowstar whispered in Andrian's ears.

Andrian soon realized how much power Shadowstar had. It was a great mental strength that people could only imagine. This strength would boost the mystical power of Andrian by so much more. Power comes from the mind and the heart. Those who choose to use it are the ones who become the majestic and mighty.

"You have power of the mind, but I have power of the mystics," Andrian commented.

"That is where we differ," Shadowstar answered.

Opaque snickered in his arrogance. Shadowstar almost laughed in pity. Andrian created a massive energy wave that poured through the heart of Opaque. He clenched is chest in pain. He let out a weak backlash that Shadowstar was able to deflect.

"How did you?" He questioned.

"Power is only valuable and mighty when used right," Andrian told him.

Andrian would have wasted the creature right then and there for injuring them, but she had learned from Shadowstar. Andrian could see what Shadowstar did to Lahcaer. Lahcaer had tried to kill many, including the gargoyles. Shadowstar had let him live. Andrian knew that it was not in her nature to hurt others, but it would have felt so right to terminate Opaque.

"I will not stoop to your level," Andrian said.

She formed an impenetrable telekinetic/mystical shield around Opaque. He could not move from it or destroy it. He fought against it with no avail. He could not accept the fact that he was beaten so easy. He screamed and wriggled with anger and might.

"Power blinds people," Star told, "Oh shut up, Opaque, Lahcaer will be around to free you sometime."

Andrian sent out a massive telekinetic probe. She smiled when she picked up the minds of Goliath and Puck. There was no waiting for her. She knocked out wall after wall to find them. They were in a telepathic prison. The telekinetic bubbles were wrapped around them. They seemed to be in hell. Shadowstar and Andrian could feel their torment.

"Take out the shield at the precise moment or they could be stripped of their minds forever," Shadowstar replied.

"Dammit, he had to do this," Andrian replied.

"And we have the ability to fix it."

Shadowstar and Andrian watched closely. She could feel the cycle of pain wrapping around them.

"Now!" Shadowstar yelled.

A massive telepathic bolt hit through the shield instantaneously. They woke up from their prison. They could see both Puck's fighting against the shield. One flick of the magical hand tore open the shields. All four of them stepped out of it.

"Are there any others?" Andrian questioned.

"I don't know," Andrian's Puck replied.

Shadowstar's Puck stared intently at Andrian. He could sense his psi link inside Andrian.

"So, Star, you finally were able to give up control," Puck told Andrian/Shadowstar.

"Shut up, and lets get out of here," Andrian replied.

They all headed for the vortex. The four of them were sent through first.

"Pucks, help Flicker when you return. We have unfinished business," Andrian yelled.

Andrian closed her eyes and sensed every other in torment. She closed her eyes and quickly stopped the cycle. They tore open the telekinetic bubbles with all their might. The others were free, and now, they could leave.

Andrian looked up and they could see the vortex closing.

"Go! Now!" Shadowstar yelled.

CHAPTER 6: Restoration

They could feel the vortex closing at their feet. They pulled and reached for the sky as the telekinetics pulled them to the top. Andrian exhorted her mystics to keep the vortex open more than it is. They neared the top and only saw a small fraction of light. Goliath's talon stretched through it to them. Andrian grasped it and wouldn't let go. The united one ripped through the vortex and tumbled onto the ground.

The now awake Angela stopped them from hitting the wall hard. The essence of Shadowstar quickly rolled out of Andrian's. Both lay breathless for a few seconds before they realized that they were back to normal with their own powers.

Both of their Goliath's came over to them to see if they were alright. Shadowstar's Goliath touched the blood still coming from Shadowstar's arm.

"I take it you will be sleeping tonight," he replied comforting her pain.

"Oh yes, I think so," Shadowstar told wincing a bit.

Shadowstar and Andrian stood up and looked at each other. They smiled as they knew they were able to give in to save others.

"Thank you, Andrian," Shadowstar replied, "You have done much for us."

"And you have done much for me. I think you have taught me much about using my powers," Andrian said.

"Hey, that's my job," Andrian's Puck replied.

"Your job??? Ha! You're the moron that didn't know about the counterparts!" Star's Puck replied.

"Moron! Well you didn't have to bring Andrian over here! Anyway, you seem like Oberon's little bet who has a gargoyle control him."

"That immortal gargoyle can kick your but from here to China and back 3 billion times!"

"And Andrian would stop that gargoyle half way across the street with what I have taught her!"

"Don't even make me hurt you, you little arrogant annoying half whitted faery."

"Look who's talking!" Andrian's Puck replied.

The others just laughed at the two battling faeries. Andrian knew it was now time to leave.

"We must go," Andrian said.

"Will you ever return?" Shadowstar questioned.

"I think you should come visit me next time," Andrian replied.

"It's a deal."

Andrian and Shadowstar did something the others thought they would never see. They hugged each other out of a newfound friendship. They had learned more about themselves that they ever could have without Opaque ever happening.

Shadowstar and Puck merged once more to start the rippling mirror. Andrian waved goodbye and walked through the mirror with Goliath holding her hand. Flicker bowed and made his exit. Puck walked through them mirror throwing a pie back at the Shadowstar/Puck entity. Shadowstar was able to direct it back at him, and then, Shadowstar found herself conjuring up a pie with Puck's power and then throwing it back. Puck stood on Avalon's ground in his reality and had two pies land on his head. They turned around to see the essence of Shadowstar disappearing with the rift.

"I never thought I'd see her do that," Andrian replied laughing.

"And I never thought I'd see you again," Goliath said taking Andrian into his arms.

"Tell me, Andrian, what happened there?" Flicker questioned.

"Oh, Flicker, you could only imagine what we had to face," Andrian told him.

"Humor me," Flicker replied.

"No, Flicker, not tonight. Another day. I just want to enjoy what I have and be grateful that I didn't lose it."

"Andrian, that was... beautiful," Flicker said.

"I'm just tired of the fighting," Adrian sighed and fell into Goliath's arms.

"I'm sorry, my love," Goliath replied.

Andrian smiled. Finally, once again, those words were meant for her. They were for nobody else. She was so thankful for this moment, and she knew that she could never again take for granted what she has.

"She has to beckon to the world's call. Her mind is a prison for her. She can never escape the calls of the people in pain," Andrian replied speaking of Shadowstar.

"Why does she stay then?" Goliath questioned.

"Because she loves her Goliath just as much as I love you," Andrian told Goliath looking into his beautiful eyes.

"Then her love is much."

"Yes, yes it is," Andrian commented as Puck and Flicker teleported them away to Wyvern.

*Shadowstar's reality*

Shadowstar stepped back from the mirror, and Puck left her body. They just looked at Shadowstar amazed. Why was it that ever since she came, they have had nothing but elaborate adventures? She brought them so much more that simple pleasure. She brought them massive escapades. Then again, Shadowstar wasn't the subtle type.

"I'm amazed at you, Powder," Puck replied, "I never thought you and Andrian would give in and get along."

"Well, it was time for me to quit being so selfish. I had to do everything in my will to save the both of you," Shadowstar replied.

"Come, dawn will be nearing," Goliath replied.

Shadowstar unclasped her bracelets and set them on the table. Angela and Goliath followed her out of the room onto the towers of Wyvern. They were joined by the rest of the clan who were off to their own adventures. Elisa and Xanatos were there to join them.

"I'm glad to see you are all alright," Elisa said to Shadowstar.

"As am I," Xanatos told.

"It's all in a days work. Hey, I wouldn't be Shadowstar if things like this didn't happen," Shadowstar replied.

All the gargoyles jumped onto their turrets as the sun started spilling from the horizon. Goliath stood with her now for he missed his angel so very much. He never spoke to her what was in his heart. He only let her know his feelings by saying words like 'my love' and 'my angel.' She could feel it in his heart and see it in his eyes. Goliath had his own ways.

"I love you, Shadowstar," He told her.

"And I love you," Shadowstar replied hearing the words she always wanted to hear.

They watched the sunlight hit their eyes as they turned to cold stone. They looked like a majestic couple who could break all infinity with their love. Their hearts were bonded as one never to be separated again, and together they turned to stone to be united until twilight dawned.

*Andrian's reality*

Goliath looked down at Andrian as the dawn approached. Her lips met his as the shafts of sunlight turned his skin to stone.

"Perfect timing, eh?" Andrian said smiling as she watched her love turn into stone with the dawn.

Her eyes remained affixed to Goliath's. She grinned with her undying love clinging to her heart. They were bonded in love forever, and she was never planning on letting go.

"Somewhere, you are standing in stone also, my friend, but I believe that we have many more adventures soon to come. We have so much more to learn from each other, Shadowstar."

Andrian turned away from Goliath and left the place called Wyvern. It is a castle that steps across many realities along with Avalon, the mystical fortress for all faeries.

Somewhere out there, Andrian knows there is another that would give her life for the gargoyle who sits high on the turrets and for the faeiries that inhabit Avalon. For to lose Avalon, would mean losing much more than anybody can grasp with blind eyes. It would mean losing a bit of magic that humans only believe to be myths... myths of gargoyles and faeiries. Myths that Andrian and Shadowstar know to be true... so they will continue on and fight for the loves that they hold dear to their heart. They know that one could never afford to lose Avalon.

~FIN~

Shadowstar is next seen in “Night Crawlers.”