"But the trees! If this keeps going they'll all die!" She snaps, her hand waving out to the trees.

He just grinned. "You've done enough. I think you deserve to go home after everything you went through. Hell, you already took care of one Iron King. The Nevernever will be fine, trust me." What about the scepter? And the war...

"Puck... I appreciate it but I really think we should take care of this! Think about this place, and the scepter, there are just too many problems... I wouldn't be happy there if I knew this wasn't taken care of." She explained, looking at him hopefully.

"The Ice prince is already looking for it. Not a lot we can do, there." At her protest, he waved a hand airily. "The war is going to start with or without us, Claire. Its nothing new. Winter and Summer have always been at odds. Not a century goes by that there isnt some kind of fighting going on. This will pass like it always does. Somehow, the scepter will be returned, and things will go back to normal."
The mortal world, however...Mab said there would be a catastrophe if Summer held the scepter longer than it was supposed to. What if the Iron King has it???

"No... No, you don't understand Puck! If the Iron King has the scepter the Mortal Realm will be affected! Won't we get blamed for something we didn't do?" She mutters, slightly confused.

"I'm trying to keep you safe!" Puck exploded, whirling on her. His eyes glowed feverishly. "This isn't a game, Claire! The crap is about to hit the fan, and youre right in the middle of it without knowing enough to duck!"

"I'm just trying to help us!"

"I know that," Puck snapped, throwing up his hands. "I know you'd risk everything to protect us, and thats what worries me. You still dont know enough about this world to be properly terrified. Things are going to get screwed eight ways from Sunday, and youre making goo-goo eyes at the enemy! I heard what happened in Machinas realm and yes, it scared the hell out of me. I love you, dammit. Im not going to watch you get torn apart when everything goes bad." He gave her a scornful look. "I've been around a long time. Give me a little credit. Even a blind man would see the way you looked at him. I'm guessing something happened in Machinas realm, but once you came out, our boy remembered he wasnt supposed to fall in love with Summer." He shook his head. "I didn't say anything because he'd already made up his mind to leave. You might not know the consequences, but Ash does. He did the right thing, much as I hate to speak well of him."

"You know I can't just give up. That's not even a choice, I have to try and figure this out. With or without you, Puck." She mutters, crossing her arms and glaring at him.

"Well," he sighed, "I don't suppose I'll be changing that stubborn mind of yours, will I?"