Gargoyles- The Heart of Everything

by Sunmoonlight

Brooklyn has been living in a very lonely world and yearns to find love of his own. However, his life gets turned upside down when he meets the beautiful, young Human woman named Rose. Rose lives in a very similar world; one full of darkness, loneliness, and is haunted by one dark secret. Will they find the love and strength in each other to rise above the darkness?

24. Chapter 24- Security Breach

**I hope you all enjoy this chapter! Super action packed, super intense! We've got a lot more story coming! So hang on, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. Thanks for all your reviews and comments. I really appreciate any and all reviews. Keep 'em coming!**

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~Chapter Twenty-Four~

Security Breach

Xanatos was talking, drinking and celebrating the holiday with Fox, and the Gargoyles, while his son; Alex, had just been put down for the night. He looked around happily at his family and the festivities in which his staff had put up. The Christmas tree was massive and had a modest amount of presents under the tree for Fox and Alex.

Elisa and Goliath were conversing quietly on the couch next to the fire, and Hudson was fast-asleep on his recliner. Brooklyn and Rose had gone out for a joy ride on his new motorcycle; and then the other two Gargoyle pairs were in the media room watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Christmas Story on repeat. He sipped his red wine, with his arm around his wife and was enjoying himself thoroughly, when he saw Owen, his assistant, walking briskly towards him. Owen stepped up to him and had a look of grimness.

"Owen, you've been working hard and pacing all night." He said, waving his hand over. "Come and sit down; relax, it's Christmas."

"Sir, it appears that we have a security breach." Owen told him briskly and seriously, getting straight to the point. Xanatos put down his wine, on the side table next to his chair and stood.

"What do you mean, a security breach?" He asked him seriously, furrowing his brow, not expecting that at all. However, Owen quickly began walking away pulling on his arm as he went. Fox looked up in surprise at his desertion, and asked, "David, what-?"

"I'll be right back, darling." Xanatos called out to her, and walked alongside Owen before anyone could wonder or overhear what was going on to avoid any premature panic.

"Owen, talk to me. What's happening?" Xanatos demanded seriously.

"Sir, I received a phone call from our upper-level security guards; and they informed me that there's a strange man with a gun, in a baseball hat, walking around the atrium level of the castle." Owen told Xanatos.

"What?!" He exclaimed seriously. "What the hell is an armed man doing in the castle? How did he get up here? Where was the lobby guard to even stop him from entering the building?"

"I'm trying to find that out, sir." Owen said, as he was dialing the middle-upper security level of security guards on his large cell phone. Once in his office, Xanatos quickly walked over to his desk and turned on each security camera and projected its pictures on his large wall-sized television screen. He then began using his computer mouse to click on different areas of the castle; searching for whoever was up there.

"When did security see this… visitor?" Xanatos asked Owen; who was talking on the phone with security now. Owen looked over at his boss and narrowed his eyebrows at him, moved the cell phone away from his ear and answered him quickly.

"About five minutes ago, or so I'm told. I'm also being told that there is now no more trace of the man, in any part of the castle. Security never saw him leave the building, so he has to be here somewhere."

Xanatos felt cold-dread enter his body; and knew that whoever was in his home, was not friendly, and they were still there somewhere; keeping himself blind. No random citizen was clever enough to escape from all his security.

Suddenly; the lights and cameras all shut down; shutting his computer screen off.

"Owen…?" Xanatos inquired, feeling that cold dread feeling growing.

"Sir, all security has been shut down. Whoever is here, found the control room; we have no electricity, and have lost all sights on this person. I'm calling security up here right now." Owen told him quickly; multi-tasking from speaking to security on the phone and talking to Xanatos.

"Seal off the building. Nobody leaves and no one enters!" Xanatos ordered Owen frantically; running over to one corner of his office, opened a secret door, and grabbed a large automatic weapon. With his gun in hand, Xanatos ran off to warn Fox and to rally the Gargoyles.

---

Sprinting, and keeping his gun at the ready; he ran into the living room where everyone was gathered around the fire. The Gargoyle couples had come out from the media room, since all power had been shut off, and all they had for light was the large and hearty fire roaring in the fireplace.

"Hey..." Lexington asked everyone, emerging with Akira, Angela and Broadway. "What's going on? Our movie suddenly shut off and none of the lights are working."

Goliath was standing now, with Elisa next to him, watching Xanatos enter the room with a large gun in his hands, their eyes growing large with shock. Fox looked over at her husband and gasped.

"David?" She asked him nervously.

He thrust a handgun into her hand and said seriously, "Go to Alex's bedroom and stay there. Keep this gun on you and armed at all times."

"What's going on?" Goliath asked him, stepping forward.

"Some strange man has entered the castle and has been able to shut off all my security and power. I'm under the impression that we are somehow under attack and being threatened. He's armed with a gun." Xanatos answered everyone's questions; turning to Elisa at the last known fact. Without another word; Fox sprinted away to grab her young son and to protect him, as Elisa's eyes widened.

"Who is it?" Elisa asked him seriously.

"We don't know," Xanatos said, as Goliath stepped closer to him. "But he has found my control room. I have sealed this building down, no one can enter and no one can leave; save from the platform, but he is on the Castle level. I need everyone's help searching for him."

Hudson had woken up and all Gargoyles were rallying around Xanatos now.

"We will help you search for this man." Goliath immediately said seriously. Without any hesitation, he turned to Bronx, Hudson, and Lexington and ordered; "You three, go start searching this upper area and near the control room. Let's see if Bronx can sniff this man's scent out. Lexington, see if you can turn the power back on and find any trace of him anywhere on the camera's. Radio to us what you find, if anything, and where."

He then turned to the couples and ordered; "Broadway, Akira, and Angela; go search the rest of the castle; even the outside, and see if you can find anyone."

Nodding instantly, all Gargoyles dispersed, searching frantically; with Bronx leading the internal charge, sniffing and growling angrily.

"Do you have any video of this man?" Elisa asked, turning back to Xanato. "That way I can inform police to further help us out visually?"

"Yes, in my office," Xanatos said, instantly walking with her, and Goliath. "I can use my office generator to get my computer working at least. Everything else will take too much time to turn back on and reboot. I do not recognize him, but it would help to have more eyes on what he looks like."

While they walked away, all the other Gargoyles immediately began running around, searching for the threat to their new home, and split up. Quickly, they walked into his office, where he walked over, turned on a backup generator, and once his computer booted up; began typing on his computer to find the video image of him walking out of the elevator, where they last saw him, and rewound the tape.

"He's disappeared from all my cameras, but this is the image we did catch of our mysterious guy." Xanatos explained, playing the video. Elisa narrowed her eyes and watched it carefully. Though it was a guy in a hat, there was one moment where he glanced up at one of the Atrium cameras.

"Hold that image!" Elisa called out, "Press pause!"

Xanatos did just as she told him, and as Elisa stared at the image; as Xanatos automatically zoomed in, her eyes widened and her stomach sank.

"Oh…. no." She whispered, eyes wide.

"Elisa?" Goliath asked her, stepping forward and touching her arm. "What's wrong?"

"Do you know who it is?" Xanatos asked. "So far, I still don't recognize him…"

"He's skinnier and skin is more pale than when I first saw him… but…yes, I think I do. And if I'm right, then you all know of him."

Xanatos narrowed his eyes and then looked back at the screen, confused; but before he could ask, Goliath asked, "Who is it, my love?"

"Kevin. Rose's abusive husband." Elisa whispered. "He… he's here. That's definitely him!"

At that, the entire room seemed to be made of ice; and Elisa couldn't seem to move, despite her training of staying calm during chaotic events, but still; this one unnerved her greatly.

"Kevin?!" Goliath growled, his eyes bright white and fists balled up.

"Yes, one hundred positive." Elisa said in a numb voice, and then snapped out of it. Whipping around, with eyes wide, she grabbed onto Goliath's arms and asked, "Where is Rose and Brooklyn?"

"Somewhere out joyriding on his new motorcycle." Goliath explained. "They are not here is all I know. I know he brought his communicator… so maybe I'll-"

"No," Elisa urged. "This is much too delicate of a situation to tell over communicator. He'll go into a furious state that I would fear would make matters worse. It's best if someone goes out to find them and tell them in person; but regardless, we've got to let Rose and Brooklyn know… I know Brooklyn will want to come and give Kevin a piece of his mind, but protecting Rose must be his first priority."

"I agree." Goliath said darkly, walking out with her, and Xanatos with Elisa cocking her handgun as they went. Akira was standing nearby, searching in some of the bedrooms and came out as Goliath called her over.

"Akira, come here quickly!"

"My leader… what is happening?" She asked, stepping forward and immediately sensing a greater urgency from their faces.

"The strange man here is Kevin." Elisa told her grabbing her arms. "Somehow he's found out where Rose is. And if he finds out too much, he'll see all of you as well."

Akira's eyes widened in fear and terror, and then Goliath stepped forward and ordered, "I need you to go out and try to find any trace of Rose and Brooklyn. Let them know what's going on, tell them we are searching for him as we speak, the building has been sealed off; but they are to stay away until I tell them it's safe again. Kevin cannot find Rose here, if he does, I fear the situation will become very grim."

"But Goliath…" Akira argued frantically. "The moment Brooklyn hears he is here searching for Rose; he'll go insane with rage! I do not think I will be able to stop him from returning."

"You're right…" Goliath said. "Well, then tell them to return, and we will finish this once and for all. With everyone searching, we'll find him. Just tell him to protect Rose at all costs… if he even needs that reminder."

Akria nodded and instantly began to run away towards the outside platform, as

Goliath turned to his mate and Xanatos and growled; "We're with you. Let's get searching and put an end to him as quickly as we can. He gets no other chance at this… to harm Rose, or any of us."

---

Kevin had easily snuck past the security guards and stumbled upon the control room, and felt quite embarrassed for Mr. Xanatos. As much money as he seemed to spend on his security teams and technology, it was being easily infiltrated. He quickly walked into the control room and shut down all power and cameras; including the building's backup generators, and knew that would keep everyone busy for a minute. They would immediately make their way into the control room, and he needed them to remain busy so that he could locate Rose. Putting on a black mask and black gloves, he ran away from the room; towards the upper level of the castle where the bedrooms were. He ran quickly and swiftly up the atrium stairs and took every hidden passage he could find. He was sure the whole castle was on high alert for him; but he was prepared for it all.

He continued to run and listen to every little noise that he could hear as he got closer to the upper levels of the castle; and found a large staircase which led him up the upper levels of the castle. Once upstairs, he exited the stairs and stopped when he heard voices.

He hugged himself in the shadows against the wall; and listened as heavy sounding footsteps began running down the cobblestone floor. Once they past him; he looked down the hallway at the investigators and nearly felt his heart drop. The two investigators were not people at all… they weren't even Human. They were large; muscular and winged creatures. One large blue male; and one purple skinned female was running on all fours down the cobblestone floors, most likely searching for him.

He didn't allow their monstrous forms phase him, but immediately remembered what Adam told him about Xanatos and his guests. The silly tale about Gargoyles living in Manhattan; didn't seem to be a myth anymore.

Kevin put it in the back of his mind and ran silently down the opposite hallway; searching for any trace of Rose that he could. He knew she was there and couldn't give up now, not since he had gotten this far unnoticed. Just then, he heard another set of heavy footsteps running in his direction, and knew that he only had a matter of minutes before they would turn the power back on back on and most-likely find him.

Kevin continued to run down a long hallway, towards where the living rooms most likely were, but skidded to a stop when he heard the voices and footsteps growing closer to him, and looked around feverishly for a place to hide. To his relief, he saw one closed door to his nearest left, and without another thought, he threw himself into the bedroom and quietly shut the door behind him; listening against the door for whoever or whatever was coming towards him.

He heard the sound of metal footsteps, normal feet, and then an enormous pair of feet thundering past the bedroom, but then after a few seconds they disappeared completely. He listened for another few minutes at the door; and was relieved when all noises seemed to leave this floor completely. He exhaled deeply, removed his mask and looked around the dark bedroom.

This bedroom, as well as the medieval castle, had been thoroughly upgraded, and looked incredibly nice. This room, in particular, was very large and had amazing views of the Manhattan skyline from the large, floor to ceiling windows. Kevin walked slowly through this bedroom, and instantly noticed the poster-styled, queen-sized bed, which was neatly made. As he looked around; there were walls of cobblestone covering the whole ceiling and neighboring walls, and to his left was a door which lead into a massive, all-stone made bathroom; complete with a giant tub, walk-in shower, and walk-in, celebrity sized closet. Kevin glanced into the bathroom for a moment; but silently made his way over to the bed, as something interesting caught his eye.

He stopped walking when he saw a lovely bouquet of flowers sitting on the bedside table, and next to the table was a picture of exactly who Kevin had been searching for, this entire time.

Kevin's heart seemed to stop; and , on the bedside table, was an older photo of Rose and her best friend, Emily; back when they were roommates in college.

Kevin felt many emotions pierce through his being. Relief, hurt, betrayal, and an unfathomable amount of rage and vengeance. Rose had been living here, with this… billionaire, and his monster Gargoyles. He had heard about them and knew that they, 'protected' the City; but many people were still afraid of them or hated them.

If they were protecting Rose from him, then he hated them instantly.

He gritted his teeth and placed the picture frame back down, then; next to the picture frame and the bouquet of flowers was a handwritten note. Kevin picked it up and read it, silently to himself. His eyes widened in horror as he read it, and he felt more rage than he could ever think to feel.

The note read:

Rose,

I hope you slept well and are feeling better. I might not be back when the Clan wakes up. If you go out to greet us, and don't see me, don't worry. I'm going to be with my brothers. Lexington and Akira are going to be mated tonight at their mating ceremony. It will be one hour after we wake up here at the Castle, up in the Courtyard.

If you are feeling up to it, I would love for you to be my date tonight.

I've asked Owen to make sure you have fresh food by your bedside when you wake up, so that you can continue to rest and relax. Please, take your medications. :)

I'll see you tonight. I love you; you're in my heart and mind always.

Love always,

Brooklyn

Kevin read through this handwritten note and felt his blood turn into fire. Whoever, this 'lover' of Rose's, was suddenly very clear to him. One of the monsters was with Rose romantically. Thanks to his cunning mind; he easily pieced together the information he heard from Emily and Rose's conversation, before they met each other; to this handwritten note from the boyfriend, himself. As the puzzle pieces connected in his mind; Kevin felt like blowing the entire room up. Rose had betrayed him in every way possible and was now moving on with her love life… with a monster.

Suddenly; before Kevin could think anymore about Rose and what she was doing with a winged-creature; there was suddenly a lot more chaos all throughout the building. He heard a great hum throughout the walls; and lights turned on in the hallway outside. He didn't hear voices yet; so he quickly went to work in making sure 'his Rose' knew he was there. He took a pen from his jacket and crossed out her lover's note, and wrote over the penciled note with giant lettering.

Kevin laughed evilly at his words; and was pleased with how tonight went, even if he didn't find her; he now knew where she was, and knew of a few ways to lure her out. Then, he knew of another ally to call in to take care of the monsters for him. Their interference in keeping Rose away brought rage that he didn't think was possible, but that raged seemed to fuel him. Unfortunately; his luck had been spent, would need to celebrate small victories until their grand finale. But now that he knew where she was, whom she had been affiliated with, he would be waiting for her.

Once he scribbled his own note over the monster's love note; he pulled out his new signature gift for Rose and wanted her to be terrified of him. He wanted to keep his presence near her, and to keep reminding her that he was coming for her and was going to eventually take and destroy everything dear to her. He pulled out a long, red rose from his jacket; which he knew she hated, wrapped the green stem with a black ribbon; and placed it gently on her bed, with his new note next to it.

Then, he took the bedside bouquet of flowers, ripped all the petals off and decorated her mattress with the petals and then chucked the glass vase across the room as hard, shattering it all over her floor. He was sure someone had heard his noises; so he quickly took her picture out of the frame, set it down on the mattress next to the note and rose; and then took a knife out of his pants. Raising the knife above his head, he stabbed the knife through the heart of Rose in the picture; securing the note, picture, and rose to the mattress, as he walked out of the room.

He listened outside the door and when no noises or voices were heard, he decided to be even more hilarious and obvious to her. Taking out another large knife out of his belt; he started to carve evil and obscene messages all over every wooden surface he could find in her room; bedposts, bathroom door, and the poster bed poles; sending his message as loud and clear as he possibly could. Still, not hearing anything more outside, he felt a fiery rage pulse through him; and he didn't want to stop there. He had to give it a little more.

He ran over to her bed and started to slash her pillows open, effectively creating a larger mess of blankets, sheets, and feathers all over the bedroom floor. He then carved a horrible message into the headboard of her bed and wished with all his might that he could see her reaction. However, he suddenly heard more voices echoing through the Castle; and knew that this was the time to escape, or never at all. He had a thought to stay hidden in her bedroom; but there were many more monsters in this castle, and his probability of being found was extra high.

He listened to the outside of the door; and once he heard no one physically near him, he quickly opened the door, peeked out both sides of the hallway, shut the door silently behind him and walked quickly towards the stairs up towards the outside of the castle.

He made his quick ascent and listened carefully for everyone around him. The controls had all been turned on, and because of that, he knew the cameras were on, but he had planned for this type of thing to happen. He had a parachute in his backpack and had planned on jumping from the highest point; to reach the bottom. Looking around, he suddenly sprinted as quickly as he could, making his way out to the outside platform of the magnificent castle, and hid effectively behind walls; still listening for any voices. When he didn't hear any; he double checked his pack and made sure it was activated; before sprinting as fast as he could towards the ledge.

The adrenaline was almost too much for him as he tossed himself off the edge of the castle and began his free fall down to the ground below. Tonight had gone so well; it was hilarious and pathetic all at the same time. He had effectively sent a large message to Rose that he was still out there; and still had many plans for her. Though there was no physical sign of her, he knew that she had been living there. His control over her was a very powerful and addictive thing to him.

As he came down towards the ground; he effectively pulled his parachute and slowly descended his way towards the ground, a block or so away from his Honda. Once on the ground; he dumped his parachute on the ground and walked away; reapplying his baseball hat over his head, back towards the Castle. In the distance, he could hear police sirens making their way down the streets, so he began running towards the entrance of the building again. Knowing it was now locked up, he pulled a gun out of his holster, cocked it, and then used the butt of it to break down one of the glass doors, shattering it, and stepped in.

Luckily, all security had been alerted to be upstairs, and his new best friend Adam, was staring at his computer screen of security cameras, with a pale face, and was speaking on the phone with someone frantically. When Kevin broke the glass, he quickly dropped the phone, pulled out his taser gun and jumped out from behind his desk.

"Put your hands up or else I'll shoot!"

"Oh come on, Adam." Kevin mocked, strutting towards him. "It's your old buddy Scott here."

"Put… the gun down!" Adam ordered shakily, his hands shaking as he was pointing his taser at Kevin. "Do it, NOW!"

"Sorry, no can do." Kevin said softly. "You've done a spectacular job for me tonight, truly outstanding. Sure, it was a job that you'll surely be fired for… but hey, the greater cause was worth it."

"I was a FOOL to trust you!" Adam yelled, pointing his taser aggressively at him, but still didn't pull the trigger, which told Kevin that he was scared and didn't have the guts to shoot it, and that fear was something he could and would use against him.

"Yes, you were." Kevin mocked, waving his gun around casually. "But have no fear. Because you have a choice! One that I'm sure you'll make the right decision on. Okay? Here's the deal: help me with one last thing, and live to see your children and wife for another day… or… refuse me-" He paused and then pulled out the blinking remote out of his bullet proof vest and grinned evilly. "And I blow up this building… killing you and everyone in this entire place. Your choice."

Adam's eyes went huge and his shaking hand got even worse.

"Y- You've planted a bomb?" Adam gasped, looking as though he was about to pass out.

"Two, actually… but, no one's gotta get hurt here." Kevin replied, stepping closer to him. "So, why don't you put down that taser, and help me out here. Hm? What do you say?"

Adam stared at him with huge eyes, and Kevin knew he wasn't truly the 'fighting' type. He was breathing heavily and his forehead sweating profusely.

"I… the police are on their way." Adam threatened with no motivation or fight behind his shaky voice.

"I'm shaking in my boots." Kevin replied sarcastically, stepping closer to him, but stopped when Adam grit his teeth and raised his taser higher.

"Stay there!" He yelled out in fear.

"Oh, come on, Adam," Kevin whispered, grinning humorously at him, lowering his gun. "You and I both know you won't actually shoot that thing at me. And if you did, it wouldn't do much to stop me because of my bullet proof vest. It would only be a wasted taser line, whereas I have pounds of ammunition. I have outgunned you; and you know it. I also know you are only stalling for the Police to arrive. But with this remote I hold, I suggest you start listening to me and quit stalling."

Adam stared at him with wide eyes, his mouth open agape at the blinking remote in his hand and was breathing even harder now.

"Help me out, and everyone lives. It's truly that simple." Kevin finished, holding his arms out. "You're choice."

"I didn't sign up for this. Any of this!" Adam whispered shakily, giving up on acting tough. "I'm just trying to provide for my family and pay myself through college to make my life better! I'm not willing to risk my life for this stupidly low- paying job!"

"Oh, I know." Kevin said softly, for once looking sincere. "Trust me, I do. You are working so hard, breaking your back to provide a good life for your family-" He paused and thought of Rose. He had done everything to provide for her and how she responded to his sacrifices made him grip his gun tighter and grit his teeth; rage pulsing through him. "You work day in and day out, and for what? For something to come along and blows up in your face?… literally. Forcing you to have to make some hard decisions, and even do some desperate things."

Kevin looked up with his black eyes and then continued in a cold and icy voice; full of malice and darkness.

"So the question you have to ask yourself, my young friend, is what you are willing to do to make a better life for yourself and your family? What depths are you willing to swim in, what rules you're ready to break? There are no easy or simple answers to life's complex questions; but this one is a pretty easy and clear answer. What will you choose tonight? Life… or death."

Adam stared at him with tears in his eyes, his breathing ragged, and looked down at his taser, as though he was considering giving into Kevin's terrorism.

"So… you're saying that if I help you?" Adam asked, looking back up at him. "Then everyone lives?"

"So easy." Kevin grinned, his heart pounding faster.

Shakily, Adam placed his taser back on his belt and looked like he was about to pass out from fear, looked up into Kevin's black eyes and whispered, "Okay… I'll help. Just… don't hurt anyone. Wha- what do you need me to do?"

"Good choice!" Kevin said, clapping him on his arm, and then guided him back to the computer. "First, I need you to turn off all cameras again so Mr. Xanatos and his security crews are blind once again, then, use that special badge of yours, and go back upstairs to the Castle. Find that woman we talked about earlier, my wife, Rose; and bring her to me. Use whatever means you must to obtain her. But I want her alive. I'll be waiting on the corner of 66th S. and Central Park. You have one hour to do so. Failure to perform… then…" He paused and mimicked an explosion with his hands with eyes wide, while mouthing the word, 'boom' and made an explosion sound from his mouth. "Do ya get the gist of what I'm trying to say here?"

"Y-yes." Adam replied, shaking greatly with fear.

"Good man." Kevin said, slapping his arm, and then placing his gun near his face, making Adam sweat and gasp more, and thrust it into his hand. "Now, remember. Do not tell anyone what you're doing, especially the police. Grab her, use this gun if necessary, and do anything you can to drag her ass out of the building. Bring her to me in one hour. If not, I blow this building up… and if I'm feeling extra pissed off, I have found out where you live, thanks to your employee information… and might pay your whittle family a visit. Ya know what I'm sayin'? I know I'm no St. Nick, but boy, I'll bring your family a few little deadly gifts of my own. Capisce?"

"Please…" Adam begged, tears forming in his eyes. "Don't hurt my family…"

"Bring me my wife, then." Kevin snarled, his face inches from Adam's. "Bring her to me within the hour, and then everyone will live."

Kevin heard sirens coming closer, pocketed his gun, and then stepped away; still facing him.

"I'm counting on you Adam." Kevin said, pointing a finger at him. "Don't let me down, or else you'll be responsible for killing hundreds, maybe even thousands of innocent people. I have one bomb planted somewhere in this building, and another one else where. I will detonate the second one around the half-hour mark. It won't be in this building, but will keep Police busy. That means you have a half hour left to deliver Rose to me, before the last and most deadliest bomb goes off. Tell anyone where I'm at, or not bring me Rose, I will blow this place up and will then visit and kill your family." He paused, at another security station, wrote down his number and then handed it to him. "Call me from this number when you have her. I'll tell you where to rendezvous with me, then."

With that, he stepped out of the glass doors, and began sprinting away, heading towards his car a few blocks down. He had lied to Adam slightly, as the bomb he planted in the detective's car would not be a large enough explosion to bring down the building, and did not plant one in the building. However, the car bomb would be enough to send his message; and would keep Police busy. Black mail was his specialty, especially in weaker minded people.

Timing had been everything in his scheme; and now that he was back at his car, he opened the door and sat inside and then pulled out his paid-phone. He knew the perfect person to contact for his winged-monster problem, as he not only wanted Rose to hurt, but the monster that was in love with her, as well.

He had heard about this man and his group who had it out for the Gargoyles; and wanted to make sure the Gargoyles were all included in his explosive and glorious plan on destroying everything and everyone around Rose. Once he dialed the business number, retrieved from his phone book, a british voice came on the other line after a few rings.

"Jon Castaway, here."

"Good evening, Mr. Castaway… my name is Kevin Morrison. You don't know me yet, but I believe you and I can do a lot for each other."

"Oh..? How so… Mr. Morrison?" Castaway asked, sounding very bored on the phone; as though his time was being thoroughly wasted already.

"I'm on a mission to hunt down and kill my soon-to-be ex-wife. And you won't believe where I have just found her."

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds, before Castaway snarled, "I do not know how you got this number, nor do I care about your stupid marital problems… but…"

"She's living with the Gargoyles. The large bat-like monsters who I've heard so much about on the news, and how you and your… little Quarrymen group… have been trying to hunt them down, but haven't found where they live… and I just infiltrated their home."

"You have found where the Gargoyles have been staying?" Castaway asked him over the phone with an amazed voice.

"Yes," Kevin gritted his teeth. "Because my wife has been staying with them; and is even… romantically involved with one. Just think of it… a Human and a Gargoyle; mating."

There was dead silence on the other line; and Kevin felt his blood boil insanely hot now. The moment he uttered that preposterous fact; he wanted to rip Rose apart; tear into her soft and delicate skin with his knife and beat her until she took her last breath.

When Castaway spoke next; he sounded horrified and disgusted.

"A Human… and a Gargoyle… together?"

"Yup." Kevin drawled, his anger pulsing through him like fuel. "So what do you say? Partner with me and I'll help you destroy those filthy monsters… and then I can finally deal with my wife?"

A moment passed between them in silence; before Castaway finally said, in a dangerous voice, "All right, Mr. Morrison. You now have my undivided attention. What can we do for you?"

Kevin chuckled evilly and said, "I hoped you'd say that. I heard that you have enough man-power, weapons, and hatred for the Gargoyles. I want my wife dead, and you want the Gargoyles dead. I'm thinking that we can help each other out…because lucky for you, I just found out where they live. So, if you are interested, I can tell you my information; under the promise that you would be willing to help me out?"

A few seconds passed by, and finally he said, "All right, Mr. Morrison. We'll help you out, if you can prove your information to be useful. Meet us at our warehouse- and we can discuss our plans further. This is no conversation to have over a phone call."

"It's so nice doing business with you, Mr. Castaway." Kevin said, smiling from cheek to cheek. " As long as you guys help me take out the Gargoyles; I'll be able to take out my wife."

"It's a deal." Castaway said on the other line, and then told Kevin where to meet him and what time; before hanging up. Kevin tossed the phone over to the passenger seat; and opened a new bottle of vodka, drank large gulps of it, before he finally feeling the buzz he was desiring; and felt happier than he had in a long time.

He stayed hidden in his car for close to twenty minutes, waiting for all the police sirens to pass by him, as they flew on their way to the Eyrie Building and knew his time was up. It had been a half-hour as he told Adam, and wanted to be true to his word. Placing his now empty vodka bottle down; he held up the remote for the bomb attached to the detective's car, and smiled evilly. He pulled his car out from the alleyway slightly, and could see multiple police vehicles around the detectives, but it looked as though they were all inside. Knowing this was the perfect moment, he clicked the button.

Within one second; the red- undercover police vehicle exploded in a fiery and powerful BOOM; sending flames, smoke and parts of the vehicle blasting all around the area. Kevin hollered out in exhilaration; disposed of the remote out his window; and took off towards Central Park, to hide there, until all Police left the area to tend to this new bombing.

He sped away, laughing, leaving the giant cloud of explosion behind him.

---

Brooklyn and Rose had been out riding his motorcycle for a one hour and both were thoroughly enjoying their time together. He had driven her to the mainland of Brooklyn, where he took his name in this new world; and took a long tour around the City, stopping at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. Once there, he turned off his bike, kicked the kick bar down to steady the bike, took off his helmet and sunglasses; and shook his long mane of hair out.

When he stepped off his bike, he looked back at her and felt his heart melt, as she shook her long hair out of her helmet, and thought she was the most beautiful creature alive. More than anything, he wanted to run his claws all over her body and kiss her fiercely. When she looked up at him, with his eyes drinking in her beauty, she flashed a smile at him, and he quickly looked down. After taking a deep breath, he looked back up at her, and then walked over to her, straddled the bike once again, facing her, and placed both claws around her waist.

"Do you want a turn driving the bike?" He asked her, lightly.

Rose stared down at him, laughing slightly, and then wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Oh… um… I don't know. I've never driven a bike before." She said, feeling nervous all the sudden.

"Eh, it's not that hard." Brooklyn said. "Don't worry, I'll help you. If I can do it without a driver's license; then you, who holds a legal ability to drive vehicles, will do just fine."

Rose laughed slightly, thought for a moment, and then gazed into his eyes lovingly.
"Alright, I'll do it." She smiled, and was never one to back down from a friendly challenge.

Brooklyn brought his lips up to hers and kissed her fiercely. She didn't have the chance to respond, however; when he pulled away, stood up from facing her and then helped her sit down on the driver's seat. Brooklyn then walked over to her, and gently placed her helmet back upon her head, smiling at her.

"Safety first, my beautiful; soon-to-be wife."

Rose grinned up at him and held his gaze happily. When he uttered those words; she felt as though she could easily fall down from pure joy and happiness.

"Thank you, my love. But, it is you; who is the beautiful one." She said softly.

Brooklyn snorted out a laugh, rolling his eyes and said in a light voice, "Uh-huh; okay."

He placed the helmet back upon his head, and straddled the bike, sitting behind her. He couldn't help, but tease her; and groan out in her hair at the feeling of being near her once again; in this position. She laughed and was instantly distracted as he placed his claws on the handlebars over her hands, his mouth inches from her ears.

"Alright…" He instructed in a low and sexy voice, sending a shiver down her spine.

She instantly closed her eyes at the sensations being shot through her body, as she felt his lips inches from the side of her face, his pelvis pressed against her backside. She could feel every hard muscle in his abdomen pressed against her back; and loved the feeling of his strong arms caging her in. She cleared her voice and forced herself to focus and listen to what he was instructing her.

He gently squeezed her left hand and said, "This is your break; anytime you need to stop, just pull on the lever." He then gently squeezed her right hand, forcing her hand to feel the other lever, in which he was showing her. "This is the gas; it obviously makes the bike go."

Rose closed her eyes and was trying to keep her breath steady; as he was doing this on purpose, and was driving her crazy. She smiled as he brought his left leg up next to hers; raised his clawed foot and guided her foot to touch the lever; and instructed, "And this is your clutch. From what I understand about vehicles; its part of it's transmission."

Rose giggled, as he was driving her crazy, and said breathlessly, "I know what a clutch is, Brooklyn. My very first car was a manual transmission."

He gently brought his left clawed hand up to the side of her face, and moved her long hair away from the left side, so that it was resting softly against the right side of her body. Rose felt her heart beat quicker and louder as he wrapped his strong arms around her waist; and he rested his claws just under her breasts.

Slowly he brought his lips down against the side of her neck, softly kissing and caressing her now exposed skin with his lips. She closed her eyes, her breath catching in her throat; loving this intimate moment that she was having with him. Electricity was now pulsing through both of them; almost feeding them with more passion and fire. After a few moments of this; he stopped kissing her neck and breathed,"I know. I just needed to show you how the bike runs, since you've never been on one before… and... I wanted an excuse to touch and kiss you once again."

"You never need an excuse to touch me, Brooklyn." She whispered, gently raising her left hand up to touch the side of his beaked mouth; guiding his lips closer to hers.

Brooklyn's eyes were peering into her with great fiery passion; that she was sure she was about to burst into flames. There was great power, love, and passion in his gaze; and it nearly took her breath away. With that, he crushed his lips against hers; with Rose's head cranked back to meet his. His breathing was starting to quicken; and his claws were having a hard time staying around her waist; as her thighs and large chest were exposed to his potential exploring.

Rose knowing this, smiled against his lips; and suddenly turned the bike on, shocking him slightly. She shot him a mischievous smile and revved the engine loudly. He laughed out loud, taking her hint, and leaned back from her slightly. He cleared his throat; kept close to her, and reached up to touch her hands once again.

"Alright." He spoke loudly into her ear, over the roaring of the engine, and used his strong legs to steady the bike, release the kickbar, and put the bike into its driving gear."Gently release the break, press on the gas, all while releasing the clutch with your feet."

Rose did exactly what he asked, but cried out when the bike suddenly shot forward slightly, accidentally stalling the engine. It turned off and Rose was laughing.

Brooklyn smiled and said, "It's okay. I've done that too. Just be careful not to press the gas too hard; ya gotta just ease into this, okay?"

"Okay." Rose said, turning the bike back on.

It roared to life once again; vibrating strongly behind both of them. He kept his claws over her hands and was helping her to ease the bike into driving. Suddenly; with great ease, the bike started to roll forwards, and Rose had gently pressed on the gas with her hand, at the same time, releasing the clutch with her foot. They were going faster and faster, when Brooklyn yelled out happily, "You did it! Awesome job, babe!"

Rose laughed and drove the bike down the road for a few minutes, with Brooklyn relaxed behind her.

"You're doing great." He told her, resting his face on her shoulder; and his claws lightly resting on her hips. She suddenly wanted to go faster, and see where their next adventure would take them, and what Brooklyn didn't know about her was that she had a little bit of a need for speed. She pulled on the gas a little bit more; but was shocked when it was more sensitive than she thought, and the bike suddenly shot forward, like a bullet, sending Brooklyn flying off the bike seat.

Rose screamed out as she was shocked by the sudden speed of the bike and the fact that she could no longer feel Brooklyn behind her. She released the gas, hoping to slow down, but to her horror, felt the bike start to shake and lose control. She looked back in panic and saw Brooklyn running on all fours towards he, and to her relief, he jumped onto the backseat of the bike; grabbed control of the bike over her hands, steadied it, and then applied the brake until the bike came to a stop.

Rose exhaled in relief and rested her head against Brooklyn's chest, closing her eyes.

"Phew…" She gasped, as he turned the engine off. "Okay… no more bikes for me. I'll leave driving it to you."

He was breathing quickly, and then said, "Uh… yeah. I agree."

Rose laughed slightly and teased, "Hey now, I really am a good driver… I just suck at driving motorcycles."

"You don't suck." He laughed, wrapped his arms around her waist, and using his strong legs to keep the bike upright. "You're just new to it. When I first got onto a bike for the first time, it took me a while to get used to it, but once I got the hang of it; it felt as natural to me as gliding."

"So, you'll let me practice more?" Rose asked him, hopefully, turning back to face him.

He smiled lovingly down at her and said, "Yes… but… perhaps another night."

Silence passed between them for a few seconds before they both burst out into laughter.

"Yeah, okay." Rose giggled.

Brooklyn kept her in front of him, turned on the bike, and took full control of it; and drove it down the deserted street of the Gardens. Rose rested her hands on his strong, chiseled thighs, to keep herself from falling off the bike, and relaxed into him. Brooklyn rested his face against the side of her face; and drove one-handed; keeping one arm around her waist; to keep her safely on the bike.

They drove around like that, for a few minutes, until they reached a different part of the Botanic Gardens. He looked around at the scenery and liked the romantic feeling of the arches, water attractions, and miles of beautiful flowers. They drove up to a 'secret-garden' portion; and Brooklyn thought this would be a perfect place to take pictures and explore with Rose.

He killed the engine, kicked down the kick-stand, and got off the bike. He took off his helmet once more; and then reached his claw over to Rose, to help her off the bike. She swung her legs around, took off her helmet; and then wrapped one arm around his waist. He smiled and then gently grabbed her hand with his claw; and together they walked, side-by-side down the aisles of flowers.

"It's so beautiful here," she whispered; looking around at the beauty around them.

"Eh… it's alright. I've seen way better." He answered in a slightly bored voice.

Rose blinked a few times and then turned to look at him, with a confused look on her face, as he grinned cheekily at her and then continued, "With your beauty and light next to me? Nothing can compare."

Rose laughed, stood on her tippy-toes and kissed him gently on the side of his face. "How did I get so lucky?"

They stopped walking, and Brooklyn let go of her hand; and brought both claws down on the side of her waist; kissing her fully on the mouth now; fully and completely. He held her body against his tightly and began to explore every inch of her back. He pulled away from her lips slightly and breathed, "It is I who is the lucky one… and I have no idea. I must have done something right in my life to be so richly blessed."

She smiled through their kisses; and felt as her heart filled with intense love for him. She didn't know what she did to deserve this as well. Having gone from a loveless and abusive marriage; to a passionate and loving relationship which would soon turn into a marriage, was more than she could have ever dreamed of. Brooklyn knew all the right things to say to her, which helped heal the broken cracks of her soul and heart, and from the way he looked at her, it was as if he was desperately in love with her and was constantly in awe of her beauty.

Rose and Brooklyn broke apart slightly; and Rose smiled at him, giggling. They pressed their foreheads against each other; and held each other tenderly. Though, they weren't yet mated; she felt comfortable around him and wanted nothing more now to be his, fully and completely. She gently stroked his beak and hair, lovingly, as he closed his eyes at her touch. She smiled mischievously; and then immediately took her camera out to capture a picture of him.

Brooklyn opened his eyes and looked at her with challenging eyes as she began to laugh; and snapped more pictures of him. Brooklyn suddenly came behind her, took the camera out of her hands; and began to snap photos of her. She laughed out loud, shook her head; and then struck ridiculous model-like poses. Brooklyn laughed with Rose; but was also feeling great desire towards her. She was so beautiful to him; it was driving him crazy.

"There ya go!" He hollered out, taking photos of her as she was laughing hysterically at herself and her silly attempt to be sexy or serious. "Work it, work it! You're a natural!"

He was laughing hard and smiling widely at her silliness, put down the camera on a nearby column and ran forward to tackle Rose in his arms. Rose squealed in delight; laughing, as Brooklyn gently took her in his arms; holding her and tickling her.

"No!" Rose screamed out in a laugh; trying to breathe, while he tickled her mercilessly. Rose collapsed in his arms, laughing hysterically, and then he relented; and gently eased her to the ground. They were completely alone, surrounded in a pasture of beautiful trees and flowers; as Brooklyn knelt over her waist; straddling her. He held her arms over her head and gazed down at her, lovingly, looking her body up and down, with awe and admiration.

Rose turned towards Brooklyn and immediately felt the fiery spark of passion and desire for him. He looked unbelievably hot in his leather jacket and it added a great deal to his already amazing personality. She felt as though she was seeing and falling in love with another part of him, which was a treat and gift to her.

They stared at each other deeply; before Brooklyn suddenly lowered his body all the way against hers, pressing his pelvis onto hers and then pressed his lips against hers with unbelievable passion; his tongue dancing around hers feverishly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist; bringing their bodies together. He held onto her back and under her legs; kissing her passionately; feeling every available inch of her. He lowered his claws to her jacket, and began pulling it off so he could feel more of her, but was struggling. He growled in irritation at all her clothing, as Rose continued to giggle against his lips.

Suddenly, their intense moment of intimacy was cut short by a whoosh of wind, as though something just glided down near them. Brooklyn's profound hearing picked the sound up and he immediately stopped kissing her, looked around, and was suddenly on high alert. They were no longer alone.

"Brooklyn…?" Rose asked him, sensing his body freezing up, and followed his gaze to a grove of trees. His eyes were wide and still, as though he was listening for whatever just touched down. Suddenly, in one fast movement; he stood, pulling Rose to her feet and held her body against his, while crouching in a protective stance in front of her, growling ferociously.

"What is it?" She whispered, trying to stay calm. Though she felt extremely safe in his arms, whatever danger was near them was still frightening to her.

As they looked around at the surprise visitor; a figure walked out from the corner of the garden, and Rose squinted her eyes to see who it was. As the figure came closer, it was obviously not Human. Brooklyn turned to face the stranger and was growling fiercely, protecting what belonged to him, and suddenly; the figure hit the moonlight and it was Akira.

Upon seeing her, he relaxed his posture and sighed, "Oh… Akira. It's only you. What are you doing clear out here?"

Rose smiled at Akira, feeling a great surge of relief at it not being someone dangerous, and broke out of Brooklyn's grip. They both walked towards her and met her across the garden to greet her, but the closer they got to her, the more they realized that something wasn't right. Akira's face was panicked and looked worried.

"Akira… what's wrong?" Rose asked her, her eyes growing wider; as Brooklyn was glancing at Akira with narrowed eyes.

"I'm sorry for the scare. I knew you two were having a moment, but I have been looking for you two for twenty minutes! You must come back to the castle immediately! Something… something terrible has happened." Akira cried out in a shaky voice.

"What's happened?" Brooklyn immediately asked Akria seriously; his tone of Second-in-Command in full force now. "I've had my walkie-talkie on me all night; but I've not been made aware of anything."

Akira looked from Brooklyn to Rose with horror, stepped towards Rose and then wrapped her in a hug, breaking down in tears. Rose looked from Akira's crying form to Brooklyn's serious face with confusion and dread; and Brooklyn met her eyes with equal confusion and concern. Rose ran her hand comfortingly up and down her back; still staring at Brooklyn with frightened eyes.

"Akira?" Rose inquired softly, speaking to the back of her head. "What's…?"

Akira raised her tear-soaked face and took Rose's face in her claws; looking at her with great concern, and shook her head as though she didn't wish to utter her news.

"The Castle's been attacked." Akira whispered, making Brooklyn gasp out.

"What?" He cried out, his eyes wide in fear.

"No!" Rose gasped out. "Is everyone alright!? Who attacked the Castle?"

Tears fell down Akira's face and shook her head, breathing shakily. From the look on her sweet face, Rose could feel her magic awaken inside her out of the great amounts of fear and warning. Brooklyn blinked a few times, glanced down at his talons, and could feel the same thing. Then, suddenly, a reality slid into both their minds, as Rose knew exactly attacked the castle, moments before Akira answered them. And when Akira validated her fear, she felt her whole world crashing down.

"Rose…" Akira whispered. "It was Kevin."

---

Rose blinked a few times and could only hear her breathing and heart beating frantically in her ears. She didn't know how much time went by as she stared at Akira in shock and horror, and slowly felt her world crumble around her; bringing her back to her dark, cold, inevitable, and fear-filled reality.

"What did you just say?" She gasped, unable to breathe anymore.

"Kevin." Akira explained shakily, with tears in her eyes. "He attacked the castle."

"Kevin?!" Rose cried out in disbelief. "How?"

"He infiltrated Xanatos' security systems, and was armed with a gun. And he…" She paused and looked as if she was about to burst into tears again. Taking a shaky breath she continued, "He… he has found you, Rose. While all of us were searching for him, he found your bedroom and left messages for you. I… I wouldn't dare read them if I were you… they are horrible and disgusting!"

Rose's breathing quickened into panic, and didn't know what Kevin said or where he was now, but with how Akira and Brooklyn was reacting, she knew he must have done something terrible. Rose stepped back from Akira in horror and felt as though she was going to fall down.

"How?" Rose choked out, breathing in panicked breaths. "How did he find me!?"

She closed her eyes, staggered backwards faintly; and fell into Brooklyn's chest. He instantly wrapped his strong arms around her body; holding her to him, and held her securely up. Gasping out, as if she was being choked out and deprived of oxygen, Rose slowly looked up into Brooklyn's face with terror; and saw that the brick-red coloring of his skin seemed to have drained and paled into a light red. He was breathing deeply, fists clenched against her back, and his was face frozen in murderous rage, staring at Akira. Building inside him was an inferno firestorm of hatred, vengeance, and uncontrollable rage; and she could feel a deep and horrendous growl starting in his chest, as his eyes glowed. Despite her fear, what she felt out of Brooklyn was terrifyingly unnerving her.

"But, that's not all." Akira gasped out, tears falling down her face once more, looking from Rose to Brooklyn. "He… he planted a bomb in Elisa's car, just outside of the Eyrie Building, and blew it up close to ten minutes ago."

If things couldn't get any worse, they just had. Rose slowly brought a hand up to her mouth in horror, and Brooklyn's face fell, his eyes no longer glowing.

"No…" Rose moaned out, tears streaming down her face; her worst fears coming to light. "Oh...no, noo, no, no, no, noooo…"

Not Elisa… Rose thought to herself, her mind going insane with worry.

"Shit…!" Brooklyn breathed under his breath, and then whipped his eyes up to Akira. "Is she alright!?"

"Yes," Akira said in a small voice. "She was still up in the Castle with Goliath at the time of the explosion, but his intention was to kill her tonight… as well as you, Rose. Fire and Police are on the scene now…"

"Oh, thank God!" Rose gasped out, placing a hand over her heart. "So, Elisa is alive?"

"Yes.." Akira said, stepping forward and holding Rose's arm. "And so far, no one I know has been injured in the explosion, but we must get back to the Castle, figure out a plan, and get you to safety."

Silence passed by them for a few seconds, as they both processed this horrible news. Kevin had now found her, he attacked the castle, he's found her. His voice suddenly rang out in her head, from a memory, and heard him say… I'm coming for you…

Rose's eyes went wide and she suddenly felt herself pale.

"What about the Clan?!" Rose suddenly cried out, holding onto Brooklyn tightly, so that she wouldn't pass out. "Are they alright?"

Akira nodded and said, shakily; "They are. No one was injured, but he was definitely after you. The messages he sent you in your room… it's… it's not looking too good, Rose."

Rose shook her head slightly and felt as though she was slowly falling; she closed her eyes for a second and instantly moved closer to Brooklyn, who was holding onto her extremely tightly. He seemed to be in the same numbing process that she was.

"How did he find me?" Rose repeated, pleading with her; crying now. "Akira, I don't understand. I have been careful… This whole time I was so sure that I was safe…"

Akira's eyes were wide and tearful; as she shook her head. "I do not know that, Rose. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry..."

"Where is he now?" Brooklyn asked Akira in a deadly voice, which made a shiver shoot down Rose's spine. She glanced up warily into his face as he shook in anger. "Does the Clan have him in custody? Because if they do… I would love to have a few choice words with this son of a b- "

"They don't have him." Akira interterjected, before he could finish his thought.

"-itch… they... WHAT?!" He finished his thoughts and his eyes went huge. "What do you mean they don't have him?"

"He came, shut down Xanatos' security and seemingly went to Rose's bedroom, left her a few nasty messages, and then he left… I don't know how he did that at this point, as I've gotten most updates from my communicator. I'm sure Goliath and Xanatos know more now that they've rebooted his security system and have the cameras back online. But, all I know is that he's gone." Akira explained, her breathing becoming more and more calm, but was looking at Brooklyn with concern. He was starting into his fit of anger; which usually resulted in a downward spiral of rage and recklessness.

"So, you're telling me…" Brooklyn whispered, his whole body shaking, and his eyes now glowing in rage, his shackles raised and snarling. "That he came up to the Castle, found Rose's room, ALL without anyone's knowledge, and has now ESCAPED!?"

Akira stared at Brooklyn, biting her lip and looked very afraid to confirm her answer.

"Yes," she whispered fearfully. "That is exactly what I am saying. I… I'm so sorry… "

An icy silence passed by, and Rose could feel the true anger pulse through Brooklyn as she could feel him spiral downward in his rage.

"Akira… take Rose somewhere safe." Brooklyn ordered, his eyes still glowing. "I'm going to deal with Kevin."

"What?!" Rose cried out, looking up into Brooklyn's face. "Brooklyn, no-!"

"Goliath needs you two to return to the Castle, right away. Those were his strict orders." Akira said quickly; before Brooklyn could spiral even more. "That's why I've been sent to search for you. He also said that you should store your motorcycle somewhere secure for now; Xanatos has his entire building on lockdown. The SWAT team and all the Clan are still searching for him. However; there isn't a trace of him. So, the Castle might be the safest place for Rose again."

Silence passed between them all for a few moments, before Brooklyn suddenly leapt into action. He suddenly scooped Rose up in the bridal carry, whipped around and sprinted for the motorcycle, grabbing the camera bag as they went.

"Meet us back at the castle," Brooklyn yelled to Akira. "Tell Goliath we are coming in fast!"

Akira nodded, and ran to find a high ground to take off in flight from; as Brooklyn forced Rose to sit on her seat, frantically trying to put her helmet on for her. She tried to help him with it, but he wasn't letting her, his panic was setting her off into her own panic attack.

"Okay, I've got it, I'VE GOT IT!" Rose screamed at him out of panic and fear; as he was fumbling with her helmet. He instantly let go of it with a growl, put his own helmet on his head, threw himself onto the bike and roared the engine to life. Rose was barely able to settle into his backside, grasping onto his waist, when he quickly peeled off; racing into the night.

Brooklyn sped well past 90 miles per hour over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan, weaving in and out of traffic, with ferocious speed and aggression. Rose closed her eyes most of the ride, and pressed her face into his back, with tears streaming down her face. She couldn't believe how the night had turned, from one of the happiest nights of her life, to now the most horrific.

They had been travelling for a little over ten minutes; before Brooklyn had pulled into a warehouse, in which he knew was abandoned. He sped through the chain link area towards the warehouse door; and skidded to a stop; sending dust flying everywhere. He jumped off the bike, killed the engine, and quickly pulled Rose off the back of the bike. When she had dismounted, he kicked the stand down, and raced over to the warehouse door; sliding it open with all his might.

When it was open, he ran back, grabbed the bike; and forced it inside. He chose a dark corner in which to store it, and kicked the stand once again to let it stay. Rose followed him inside and placed her helmet down by the bike. He ripped his off and threw his jacket on the seat, and then; with a ferocious roar; his eyes stayed glowing white with rage; he stretched his long wings out; his muscles bulging, and roared out ferociously. Rose gasped and backed up away from him slightly.

"Brooklyn…" She started to say shakily, but he wasn't listening as he was securing his bike to a nearby pipe. When he was done, his eyes were still glowing in fury, as he walked towards her.

"Let's go." He growled shortly; taking hold of her hand and quickly walking her towards the opening of the warehouse.

"Brooklyn, please! I'm scared!" Rose finally managed to get out, crying now, and felt like she was going to pass out. Panic was eating and feasting on all her happiness; and she was almost too scared and numb to feel her magic and their connection.

He could feel her trembling in his grasp, her breath was quick and shallow; so he stopped walking, took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down for a moment. Then, slowly, he turned to face her and looked down into her terrified eyes and, for once, felt helpless in helping her.

"How did he find me, Brooklyn?!" Rose whispered in a breathy voice, as that seemed to be the only question she could ask; and he didn't know how to answer it. The news of Kevin finding her had been a blow to the both of them; and more than anything, Brooklyn couldn't believe that Kevin snuck into the Castle and found where she was staying; all without the Clan knowing, or Xanatos' security Human was proving to be more dangerous than he realized, and it unnerved him. As he peered in her eyes with panic, breathing heavily, he raised his claws to cup her face.

"I don't know, but I won't let him hurt you!" Brooklyn said through gritted teeth, firmly holding onto her. "I swear it."

Tears fell down her face, her breathing was starting to shallow into hysteria. She placed her hands on his chest and looked up into his passive face with pleading eyes. "I don't understand what's happening right now! If he has found me and the Clan, then he will keep coming for me… he will never leave us alone."

"I will find him, Rose; he won't get anywhere near you." Brooklyn growled dangerously. He was shaking in rage; but he felt himself lose control of his own emotions as he watched Rose's face fall in despair; her eyes showing full defeat.

"I want to believe you, my love… Truly, I do. And it's not that I don't trust you… I just... don't think your word is enough, anymore." She explained shakily. " Kevin has found me! There's no more if, ands, or buts! He's found me despite how secure and hidden as I've been. Who's to say that he won't find out where I am hidden next? He won't give up… Brooklyn, he's going to kill me!."

She pulled away from him, tears streaming down her face and suddenly her knees buckled. She fell down to her knees on the gravel, and Brooklyn's arms were suddenly around her, lowering himself with her; as she ran her fingers through her hair, grasping it desperately. He watched her go through her own downward spiral and felt more angry and upset.

"No, he won't!" Brooklyn growled ferociously, tears forming in his own eyes, growing more angry and hurt at her words. "It ends tonight. One way or another… I will find him and…"

Rose shook her head at him, and suddenly smiled sadly at him, as if she was accepting her fate. "You turn to stone during the day, Brooklyn. You can't protect me then. What will happen when he breaks past Xanatos' security again, and kills me where I sleep? You'll wake up and I'll be dead…"

Brooklyn's eyes widened in fear and shock and couldn't believe that she was saying what she was. As angry as he was feeling towards Kevin, Rose was scaring him more than anything right now, reverting back to being the sacrificial lamb. While it always pissed him off, this time, now that Kevin had found her; it was the scariest thing to leave her lips. He started shaking, as fear and terror pulsed through him.

"Don't… don't say that, Rose." He breathed, begging her.

"It's true, though." Rose whispered, holding onto his chest now. "You know it to be true… he won't stop unless he finds me, and won't hesitate in killing everyone I love around me to do so. I… I can't risk that. The only way it'll end is if I just let him-"

"NO!" Brooklyn yelled out, grasping her arms, tears falling angrily down his face. "Rose, STOP, please! I can't handle…! I couldn't bear…!"

"He's coming for me, Brooklyn…" Rose said in a voice that was too calm and smooth. "Maybe it's best… if we let him come, give him what he wants. Only then will he leave you and the Clan alone."

Brooklyn's eyes went even wider now; and his fear was quickly replaced with fury and pure rage, this time at her.

"NO!" He yelled at her, holding onto her arms tightly, shaking her slightly. His eyes were wild with hurt and desperation, and he instantly exhaled and held onto his head; forcing himself to calm down. He had promised her that he wouldn't yell at her again, but there they were, back on the same topic that drove him crazy; and with Kevin having found her, he didn't know how to cope. He took a deep breath, and held the top of his beak with his claws and was about to break down.

"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to yell at you, I just… I don't know what to do right now. I feel like a complete failure, Rose. I should be strong for you, but I don't know how in this moment. He has found you… and I have failed you… "

Rose closed her eyes and he started crying freely now, and at his words and tears, she cupped his beak in her hands and tried to be strong for him. She instantly regretted saying those things to him, and wanted to make it better, wanted to make things right.

"You have not failed me." Rose gasped, crying earnestly. "I love you, Brooklyn. I'm sorry for saying those things, again. You're right, one hundred percent right. I can't say those things anymore; and I'm so sorry for doing so. Let's think logically here… stick to what we know. Okay? We know that… he doesn't have me right now. Though he's found the Castle and attacked; he hasn't hurt anyone, or so we know of right now, and still hasn't physically got a hold on me. While, yes, he has delivered a serious blow to us, but he has still lost this battle, in my mind. His plan has been thwarted, because I'm here with you and not being tortured by him."

Silence passed between them for a few moments, before Brooklyn took a shaky breath and looked down at her face, with tears in his eyes. .

"You're right." He whispered, trying to keep himself steady. "You're right my love. He still hasn't won anything yet… and I'm sorry for losing my cool, but you can't say that kind of stuff to me. You've been known to sacrifice yourself for those you love and care about… and I won't let you sacrifice yourself to… to… him. I couldn't bear if anything happened to you…"

Rose closed her eyes as a few tears came out.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I'm just so scared, still…" She gasped. "I mean… he's found me."

"No." He said quietly, pulling her into his arms and rested his face against her head. "You said it so yourself, he hasn't found you yet. Where you have been staying, yes; he has. But it ends tonight…"

He gritted his teeth and felt more energy surge through him, more rage. As he was holding the woman he loved; he couldn't and wouldn't take Kevin's terrorism anymore. It was going to end tonight; no matter what it took. He pulled back from holding Rose and looked seriously into her face, cupping it delicately.

"Will you promise me something?" He asked her, suddenly.

Rose blinked a few times, clearing her vision from her tears, and searched his eyes.

"Yes. Of course…" She answered him shakily, feeling confused slightly..

He gently took her hand in his claws and gazed deeply into her eyes.

"Rose, my love and betrothed mate… promise me, from this moment forward; that you'll never give up." He asked passionately, his voice thick with emotions. "That… no matter how hard things are; or how hopeless the situation may appear. You are to never give into Kevin's terrorism. Do not let him snuff out the light that burns so brightly in you; the light… that I love so much. Promise me, that you'll help me fight him, by never giving up?"

Her lip trembled as she grasped his claws holding her face, and exhaled a shallow breath out, as more tears fell out of her eyes. Silence passed by for a few moments as she kept her eyes closed, and cried earnestly. Finally, she opened them, and smiled gratefully at him; willing him to feel her incredible love for him.

"I promise." She whispered. "I love you, Brooklyn."

"Not as much as I love you." He gasped out in relief, pulling her in a iron-tight hug; tears spilling out of his eyes. A sob escaped from her mouth, as she wrapped her arms around him; while he ran his claws through her hair; kissing her head over and over again.

They held each other for a long while, both still on the ground, when Brooklyn stopped kissing her head; and slowly pulled away from her. Her teary eyes found his; and with another gasp, he pulled her to him again; kissing her on the lips. She grabbed onto his face and held him as he ran his claws up and down her back. Rose sighed against his lips after a long while, and felt like collapsing in exhaustion now. She rested her head down upon his shoulder and closed her eyes, while he wrapped his arms around her once again. He looked up and glanced around the dark warehouse, holding her head, and didn't know how to bring up the next question. He breathed deeply for a few seconds, and then forced the courage up.

"Rose?" He asked her quietly.

"Yes?" She asked him, still lying against his chest.

"I need you to promise me one more thing."

Rose slowly raised her eyes from his chest and searched his.

"Anything…" She whispered.

He glanced down at her with worried eyes and lightly caressed his talons down her soft face, and sighed deeply.

"My love…" He began softly. "Please, promise me that no matter what happens tonight… that you'll still see me… as me. Brooklyn, your betrothed mate, and… not as a monster?"

Her eyes widened as he said those words and searched his with great intent, not understanding where this question and requested promise was coming from..

"You could never appear to be a monster in my eyes…" She answered him firmly, and then paused as she felt his rage and vengeance building inside him once more through their connection, and knew something else was going through his mind. She narrowed her eyes at him and then leaned back from him slightly.

"Why do you ask that of me? What are you going to do?" She asked quietly.

He stayed silent as he grit his jaw and more tears filled his eyes. As he peered into her brightly beautiful eyes, he couldn't look at her anymore; out of shame. However, as she peered deeply into his soul, she pieced it together, and knew what he was planning on doing.

"You're going to kill him, aren't you?" She whispered, staring at him with wide eyes, not knowing if she wanted to know the answer or not. He grit his jaw again, closed his eyes, and then forced himself to look into her wide eyes, and answered her.

"He has become too big of a threat to you… and to the Clan." He whispered back. "I… I must do it."

Rose stared at him, with her mouth open, and then blinked a few times; trying to process this. She would never see Brooklyn as a monster, but couldn't believe that this was even happening. He seemed too pure, too good to get his claws dirty like that, but he was a Gargoyle, a warrior. Though they chose not to kill; their every protective instinct, as well as their sharp claws and teeth, allowed them to do just that to their enemies if need be.

She looked down at the ground and took a few deep breaths, trying to process what she was feeling, what he was saying, and how best to answer him. Could she still love and accept him after he did such a dirty deed? Or, would she look past it, and see him as who he was; and realize that he did what he did, for her; out of love and protection. As those thoughts flowed through her head, she knew it was the only way, and no matter what, she would love him. Slowly raising her head, she gazed into his eyes, and took his face lovingly into her hands.

"Do I have your promise?" He asked her, staring at her with intensely focused eyes.

She looked up into Brooklyn's pleading eyes and saw pure goodness in them, and could see that this decision wasn't easy on him, either, as it was against the Gargoyle way to kill outside the heat of a battle. But, this was a battle; and it was upon them all. If they didn't put a stop to Kevin, then he would surely win.

"Yes." She finally whispered, holding onto his face. "You have my promise and permission; as I see that it's the only way to stop him. He won't quit until I'm dead and gone. And… my love for you won't easily be broken. If you're willing to do that for me, then how could I ever reject or see you as anything but the love of my life and soul? I love you, Brooklyn. I will always love and support you. I know this isn't easy on you, and I… I can't thank you enough for what your doing and sacrificing for me."

"Thank you, my love." He whispered, standing up and collected her in his arms. Raising her face up, he kissed her passionately, and their lips and tongues moving slowly against each other's in a sensual and heated dance, one that would have set both of them off, had the situation around them been so dire.

After a few seconds, Brooklyn released her and set his jaw firmly; standing up straighter, and placed himself into his reserve and tough warrior mindset. He was going to do what was needed of him, whatever it took, he would do it for her. As he stood tall in front of her, holding onto her body; she took a deep breath and felt like he was a soldier; leaving for war, leaving her behind.

"I'm sorry…" She whispered, closing her eyes, hating seeing him have to put such an enormous burden on his shoulders. "You shouldn't have to bear this great burden, especially for me."

He shook his head, exhaling sharply, and then murmured, slightly reprimanding, "Oh Rose, why can't you see how much you mean to me? How much worth you hold to me? Everything I do, to protect you, is worth the effort and pain. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine once you're safe again. And speaking of that, it's time to go. We'll go back to the Castle, but I will not stay. Once I find out where he last was seen, I will leave."

Tears filled Rose's eyes as she silently nodded, hating that he was going to be leaving so soon, and the fear of Kevin hanging around, still caused her great anxiety.

He gently brought her face up to his, and kissed her tenderly for a few seconds, before he scooped her up into a bridal carry, ran out of the warehouse; and shut the door behind him, securing his motorcycle safely in the abandoned warehouse. He slid Rose to his back and jumped up onto the building, using his claws, to quickly ascend up to the rooftop.

He was moving faster than she'd ever seen him move before, and there was only one thing on his mind; which was reaching the castle to start his search for Kevin to stop and kill him. When they reached the rooftop; he moved her off his back, into his arms and took off gliding into the night, as fast as the wind would carry them.

---

Brooklyn and Rose flew in silence for close to five minutes before the castle came into view. Brooklyn quickly took an updraft of wind to keep him high in the atmosphere; while Rose looked near the bottom of the building and gasped out loud, "Oh… no."

Brooklyn followed her gaze and saw a large billow of smoke and flames arising from a vehicle down on the street. Upon seeing the destruction, his eyes glowed again and he began to growl ferociously. Both of them instantly knew that Kevin had bombed Elisa's car to send a message to them all. And apparently, he had left a series of messages in Rose's room. They descended quickly to the platform and was instantly met by the Clan, who looked to be in shock.

Brooklyn put Rose on her feet and instantly ran up to Goliath roaring, "WHERE IS HE?!"

Goliath stood like a statue and was looking enraged himself. Rose looked from Goliath to the other Gargoyles; and were standing around Elisa looking protective and upset, while she looked down right disturbed and concerned.

Xanatos was standing in his exo-suite, which looked like a robotic version of Goliath, and was holding Fox; who was holding Alex in her arms. Whatever had happened tonight, seemed to have rattled everyone. There was another whoosh of air; and Akira touched down on the platform, shortly after them, and ran into Lexington's arms, still visibly troubled as well.

"How did he find me?" Rose asked frantically; running up to Goliath, with Brooklyn. She had asked Akira; but she needed to know more. When he didn't speak; she then changed her attention to Xanatos. It was he, who she needed answers from. He looked upset and worried; a little more worried than the rest of them.

"Mr. Xanatos… what happened?" Rose urged him. " Akira told us that Kevin was here tonight and attacked the castle… but… I don't understand how. How did he find me? How did he get past your security? And… how did he know where my bedroom was?!"

Brooklyn was breathing deeply and kept his eyes lit; walked towards her, placed his claws on her shoulders to offer his comforts, and was also listening with great intent at Xanatos' explanations. He had trusted Xanatos' technology and security to protect Rose and his Clan, while they were unable to and suddenly it all seemed like a worthless waste of time and effort.

"Yeah," he growled viciously. "How did all this happen?"

Xanatos stepped away from a visibly upset Fox; and explained.

"Around one thirty, this morning, a half-hour after you and Rose had gone out on your 'joyriding trip,' Owen came into the living room and told me that my upper-security team had seen a man armed with a gun, wearing a baseball hat, enter the atrium level of the castle. By the time I was alerted, however, Kevin had already found the control room and had shut down all our power and security measures. The Clan immediately spread out and searched every inch of the castle; while I worked with Lexington to get the power and security back online. Once I did, I shut down the entire building with high-end measures. Only when we did that, did we see how he actually accomplished to get in, attack, and get out."

Xanatos paused, took a deep breath and then continued to speak, as Rose stayed still, numb with horror. "Kevin was well hidden under a hat; so my cameras couldn't see his face, but had been chatting with my main lobby guard; and looked to give him a wad of cash… most likely to bribe him to let him come up and 'see the that, Kevin moved fast. He shut down all my security, and I didn't see where he went while it was down; but we got it back up and running after ten minutes." He paused and then took a deep breath, looking over at Rose's face. Brooklyn's eyes stopped glowing and he was staring at Xanatos with an indescribable look on his face; as Rose's face was stuck in an emotionless and numb look.

Xanatos stepped forward and placed a gently, metal claw on her shoulder; ignoring Brooklyn's look of annoyance and irritation.

"Once we got the cameras back on… we... we saw him leaving your room, Rose. He had somehow found it; and he took off towards the platform out here. From there, I watched him jump off the ledge of the Castle." Xanatos finished quietly; looking down at her with pity.

"What?" Brooklyn growled, his rage becoming uncontrollable.

Rose silently raised her hand to cover her mouth as she processed his horror.

"Is… he?" She asked, barely able to breathe.

"Dead?" Xanatos asked her dryly. "Not a chance, Rose. It appears that he had a parachute hooked to him. Police found a chute lying in the street about one block from this building. Then, thirty minutes after we saw him jump, we heard a massive explosion from outside. I turned the security footage to see what was happening just outside of the building; and I could only see a giant cloud of smoke. After a few minutes of watching; it was confirmed to me that Elisa's patrol vehicle exploded. Police have found a bomb which was attached to the underside of her engine. Had she turned on her vehicle, anytime to leave tonight, she would have died."

Rose remained frozen in a horror-filled state. There was so much fear, pain and anguish filling her mind, body and heart all the sudden. Tonight had taken such a horrific turn; and it seemed to just get worse. Rose turned to Elisa and shook her head slightly. She was standing in Goliath's arms; as he was holding his mate extra hard now. Because of her, Elisa could have been blown apart, and it was too much.

Her eyes filled with tears as she whispered, "Elisa… I… I…"

Elisa took a deep breath and said, "It's only a car, and no one got hurt. That's what's important here. I'll be alright. It's just… the thought of what could have happened that's slightly traumatizing, is all."

Rose blinked tears away from her eyes and turned her attention to Brooklyn, who was about to lose all control.

"Where did Kevin go?" He growled in a deadly voice.

"My cameras saw him heading East from the Eyrie Building… he was in a gray 1990 Honda Civic… and…" Xanatos answered him, but Brooklyn didn't let him finish. Brooklyn suddenly took off towards the ledge, running as fast as he could.

Rose gasped and immediately chased after him, as did Goliath.

"Brooklyn!" Rose cried out; reaching out to him.

"Stay here!" Brooklyn yelled at her with ferocious power and anger, whipping around to face her. He blinked a few times, seeing her fear, and exhaled deeply. Though he was shaking in great anger, he grasped both of her shoulders with his claws and held her tenderly, but urgently. Through all the rage, there was great fear in his eyes.

"I've got to track after him, before the trail grows cold, Rose. I've promised you that he will never find your or hurt you… now please, remember what you promised me tonight."

Rose lowered her eyes, looked at her feet and then slowly nodded.

He gently raised her face to look into his eyes and whispered, "I love you."

"I love you, too." Rose whispered back at him, her voice breaking slightly from her emotions. "Be safe…"

With that, he opened his wings; and urged frantically, "I'll be back as soon as I can… stay here."

With that, he turned away from her, and took off; leaving Rose behind at the castle.

Goliath was standing next to her, staring at Brooklyn's retreating figure, and narrowed his stern eyes. "Broadway, Lexington, Bronx and Hudson… come with me. We are going to follow him and make sure Brooklyn stays safe. We are also going to help him find Kevin. Akira and Angela, stay with Elisa and Rose until sunrise. We will try to return by then."

Without another word; Broadway and Lexington grab onto their Gargoyle Beast; and take off into the night. Then, Hudson and Goliath all spread their wings and took off in flight after Brooklyn. Hudson looked back at Rose and was staring at her with great worry and concern. He was her new adopted Grandfather; and she could feel his love and worry for her from the air.

Rose watched all their retreating forms and felt as though a light had been turned off from her heart while left her feeling numb and cold. When they were all out of sight, she slowly turned away from the ledge and closed her eyes. She had promised Brooklyn to stay safe, and to never let Kevin shut off her light, which was in her soul; but she needed to follow this through and see what 'messages' he had written for her.

Making up her mind, she turned and started running towards her room. She had to read Kevin's messages to her, no matter how disgusting or horrible they were; and had to know what he was up to next. As she sprinted towards her room; Elisa, Angela, and Akira all took off after her.

"Rose, wait!" Elisa yelled out, but Rose ignored her.

Akira warned her that what she would see in her room was horrible, but she had to see for herself what was going on. She reached her bedroom and immediately pushed the door open. She reached over to the light switch and turned the light on in her room, and stopped in full shock, terror and horror.
Everyone had showed up behind her and was silent; except for Elisa.

"Rose…" Elisa warned, but Rose ignored her still, as she burst into her room where her eyes meeting an instant state of chaos, and gasped at the mess in which Kevin had created. There was glass shards all over her floor; right by the door. Her bed was torn apart; feathers were scattered everywhere, and looked as though he took a knife to her pillows and bed and slashed them all apart.

As she walked further into her room, she saw that he had carved words on each surface of everything made out of wood. She turned around and read, on the back of her bedroom door, "I'm going to kill you...."

As she continued to look around her room, she read "slut, whore, bitch," all over. Surrounding her, labeling her. Though she didn't care about him anymore; his words seemed to still bring her self-worth down, as that was one of his greatest pleasures in life; other than physically hurting her. Rose's eyes left all the nasty and cruel words and saw more words carved on her headboard.

To her horror, it said, "Dream of me."

Rose opened her mouth and couldn't believe what she was reading; couldn't believe that Kevin had been here and had found her. She couldn't help, but think of the realistic nightmare a month or so ago. Everything was seeming to be fated… and was working out exactly how fate intended it to.

When she got closer to her bed, she noticed that Kevin had taken her favorite picture of herself and Emily, from their college days, and he had stabbed her portion of the picture with a knife; sinking the picture deep into her mattress. Rose blinked a few times and then grabbed the piece of paper that was next to her stabbing picture.

Kevin had found Brooklyn's love note to her, from a few weeks ago, and wrote his own message over it.

"I've found you... and you're mine now. You're going to wish you were dead by the time I'm finished with you. I hope you've enjoyed your sex with your monster; because that's the last time you'll ever be with him. I'm going to rip you apart, limb from limb, stab you until you bleed out, and torture you slowly. But that's not all... you and everyone you've ever loved or cared about is going to die. You never should have left me- but thanks to you, I am now the monster you are desiring so greatly, my Rose. We shall see each other very soon."

Rose dropped the paper on the mattress and look at the last message he left for her. On her bed, in the middle of chaos, was one single red rose; lying on her mattress. It's green stem was wrapped in a silky black ribbon. She hated red roses, but this was more as his way of telling her that she was 'his Rose.'

Then it truly hit her.

Kevin had been in her room; he had found her… he had found about the Gargoyles… and he had marked his territory very strongly. Rose gasped and felt a cold dread come over. Many people were about to be hurt and killed because of her, and one of them was Emily. She needed to call her and warn her of Kevin's threat; before it was too late.

Rose dropped the rose on her torn up mattress; whipped around and sprinted over to her phone in her room. She quickly dialed Emily's number and waited, with her eyes closed, in dread. The phone dialed and rang for a few minutes, and with every ring, Rose felt like vomiting; no one was picking up. Finally, a short pause was heard and then Emily's voice came on the other line, "It's Emily…"

"Em!" Rose screamed out, "Kevin has found out where I am… he might be coming for you… you…" she then stopped as Chris' voice piped up through her hearing receiver. "And Chris! We aren't available at the moment. So, please leave us a message."

Rose cursed; and slammed the phone back down on the receiver. She didn't know what to do, Emily wasn't picking up. For all she knew, Kevin had already gotten to her and was hurting her, Chris and Katie.

Rose closed her eyes and took a deep, but shaky breath. She knew what she had to do, but it would enrage Brooklyn, for it was extremely dangerous. However; this was her best friend they were talking about, and she couldn't let anything happen to her or her family. Kevin's madness and terror needed to end. Making up her mind; having had forgotten that Angela, Akira and Elisa were still in the room; she ran towards the bedroom door, but Elisa stopped her cold by grabbing onto her forearm.

"Where are you going, Rose?" Elisa asked her seriously. Rose tried to pull away from Elisa, but the female cop kept a iron-tight hold on her.

"Elisa, let me go."

Elisa, however, tightened her grip on her arm and glared at her.

"No. You're about to go and do something reckless… I've read the note, and I know that Kevin's threatened Emily. I've already alerted the authorities to respond to Emily's apartment, and of Kevin's terrorism."

Rose suddenly felt a hot-boiling rage pulse through her and she yelled in Elisa's face, "The police will NOT help anything. You saw what Kevin did here! He came in, threatened me and all of us, and left without a single trace… all while under a billionaire's high-tech and state of the art secured-building."

Rose shook her head and then felt panic rising in her throat, grabbed Elisa's arms with her hands and pleaded, "Elisa, Kevin has evolved somehow. He's more horrendous than I remembered. He's an entirely different person, never before was he so cunning and monster-like. Now… he's a terrorist and serial killer. He has found me and found all the people I love and care about in this entire world. He blew up your car because he saw you help me from the apartment; and somehow has found out about us and the Gargoyles. He knows that Emily knows about me… and he's now going to destroy everything and everyone I care about. It's absolutely terrifying, and I don't know what else to do."

"What you can do, is to stay here, where it's safe for now. Let the authorities and the Gargoyles handle him! They will find him, I am sure of it." Elisa urged her, still holding onto her. Before Rose could argue back, Angela stepped forward and gently placed a claw on her other arm. Worry and panic was written all over her face; and her eyes were pleading.

"Rose, please listen to Elisa. We are all so worried about what Kevin has done and what he's planning to do. If you go, then I fear that he will find you."

Rose looked at Angela, pleading.

"Angela, he's going to go after my best friend and her family. Brooklyn and the others don't know that! I have to go to her immediately! I can't let Kevin do this. I can't stay here in hiding anymore. The gig is up! He knows where I am at; and he will keep coming until I make a stand."

Rose finally pulled away from Elisa, as hard as she could, and sprinted from the room. Rose didn't get far, however, because Akira and Angela took off after her on all fours, yelling frantically after her, and immediately caught her before she could reach the elevators.

Angela stood in front of the elevator; arms out, as Akira grabbed Rose; crying out; "No! Rose we cannot let you do this! This is dangerous and reckless! Think of all of us… how much we all love and care about you. How much Brooklyn loves you! It would kill him and us if anything happened to you… please stay here and let us handle this. I have never seen Brooklyn as worked up as he was tonight, and I greatly fear that if anything happened to you, that he would truly come undone. I have a horrible feeling about tonight…. Please, give the males the chance to make things right. Angela and I will go to Emily's to help protect her and her family from anything horrible, if that'll make you feel better."

Rose paused from trying to fight from Akira's grip and then exhaled deeply and sharply. They were right. She had promised Brooklyn to stay there and to stay safe; as she promised Goliath and Hudson to be less reckless, and couldn't bear to break her promises to them, as they were risking their lives for hers. If Akira and Angela went to Emily's, then her best friend would most likely be alright, she had to trust in that.

She closed her eyes, and began to sob, unable to help herself.

Akira took her swiftly into her arms, hugging her tightly, and whispered, "I know… I know this is so hard for you. But, you're doing the right thing. Let Angela and I go, okay? We will call you when we've made contact with Emily; and make sure nothing happens to her and her family. Trust us… we won't let anything happen to them!"

Rose nodded silently, still sobbing, and then breathed, "Thank you, my sisters."

"You're more than welcome." Angela answered seriously. "Come on, Akira. I'll tell my father over the communicator. We must leave immediately."

Akira let Rose go, looked at her with worry, and then took off running after Angela, leaving Rose alone with Elisa, who quickly took Akira's place in comforting her. When the females ran out to the platform, Elisa placed her arm around Rose's shoulder and whispered, "Come on. Let's sit you down… I'll stay here with you. This night is nowhere near over."

Rose let her guide her back to the living room couch, as she did not feel secure and was too distraught to sleep, despite how emotionally exhausted and spent she felt.

"What about you?" Rose asked Elisa quietly. "What are you going to do?"

"I've notified my partner, Matt; and my Captain, that I'm alive and well. Matt knows about the Gargoyles and knows I'm here, my Captain only knows that I'm somewhere safe and am laying low until my 'would be' assassin is found."

They both sat down on the living room couch, and Rose instantly brought her feet up to her chest, and rested her face upon Elisa's shoulder, silently crying.

"I'm so sorry for all of this, Elisa." Rose gasped quietly. "Truly… I'm sick to my stomach right now by how much trauma and destruction Kevin is bringing to all our lives. It's Christmas… and we are now dealing with a serial killer and a terrorist. I… I am more sorry than I could possibly say. I know I'm not responsible for his actions; but he only wants me dead, and because I'm refusing to give into his wishes, he's spreading his hell upon everyone else. I just want this nightmare to stop and go away…"

"I know." Elisa whispered back, resting her head upon Rose's and closed her own weary eyes. "I'm sorry, Rose. Seeing you go through this breaks my heart… and I can't imagine what you are feeling right now."

They sat in silence for a few minutes and offered each other warmth and comfort, when metallic footsteps were heard. Xanatos was speaking quickly with Fox and Owen quietly, still in his metal Gargoyle Exo suit. Fox walked away with their son and headed towards his bedroom, with a gun still attached to her body, while Xanatos and Owen began walking towards the elevators.

"Xanatos!" Elisa called out. "Where are you going?"

Xanatos stopped and turned to face Elisa, having not realized that she was in the living room. When he looked at her, he noticed Rose sitting next to her, looking pale and terrified.

"Owen and I are going downstairs to have a little discussion with my lobby security employee." He answered quickly. "I want to know what he was thinking when he let that terrorist up here…" He paused and then looked warily over at Rose, as if he didn't want to speak to her at the moment. The anger in his eyes told her that he was blaming her for this attack, which left a pit of guilt in her stomach. "You good Rose?"

Rose stared at him for a few minutes and didn't know why he was asking her that, as she was sure the answer was quite obvious.

"Not in the slightest." She answered him in a numb voice.

"Good." Xanatos replied darkly, obviously distracted. "That means you're on guard and aren't dead."

Turning from her, he and Owen walked towards the elevators. Elisa quickly stood and ran after them. Rose blinked a few times and then decided to follow, as she didn't want to be left alone. They ran past the long hallway, dining room, and then stopped as Owen pulled out his employee ID card and watched him scan it over the elevator button.

"I thought you have shut down all the elevators," Elisa asked, as Rose slowly came up beside her.

"We have." Xanatos said. "However, it's my building. Employees have the right to operate them, using their employee cards, when they are shut down. That's why I wish to find my lobby guard, Adam Montez, before he does anything else stupid."

A few beeps were heard on the keypad, before it blinked green and opened for them. Owen and Xanatos stepped inside the elevator and pushed the 'lobby' button. Rose watched Xanatos' face with tears in her eyes, as Xanatos' dark brown ones bored into hers. When the doors shut, Rose exhaled deeply and lowered her head.

"He blames me for all this." She whispered to Elisa, shaking slightly. "I mean… I don't fault him at all, I'm the one Kevin's after…"

"Hey," Elisa said quietly, taking her arm. "Don't worry about it. He's just worried and has an entire building to check. Police have checked the lobby and are slowly making their way up, clearing each floor. I believe they are on the fortieth-fourth floor. Out of… one-hundred twenty. But we know we are safe now. So that's all that matters."

Rose nodded weakly and turned away to walk back to the couch with Elisa, but then stopped when something caught her eye. The elevator next to where Xanato and Owen took down, was showing that someone was coming up to their level.

"Didn't Xanatos say that all elevators have been shut down?" She asked.

Elisa stopped walking and turned back to face her, and immediately saw what she was saying. The elevator was showing that someone was riding it higher and higher; and was looking to stop at the top floor, where they were.

Elisa pulled out her gun, cocked it, and stepped in front of Rose.

"Yes," She said seriously. "He did… and the only to have access is an employee… unless someone got a hold of those cards."

Rose's eyes widened and gasped, "Kevin?!"

"I hope not, but it could be." Elisa answered, with her gun raised and ready for their surprise guest. "Stay behind me and if I tell you to run, then you do just that. Nothing else. Do you understand?"

Rose's adrenaline was shooting through her and couldn't seem to answer Elisa as she watched with bated breath for the elevator to stop.

"Rose?" Elisa asked her again, ready for any attack. "Answer me. Do you understand what I've just told you?"

"Y-yes." She finally gasped out, and watched as the elevator dinged, and then the door opened. Elisa was stiff with adrenaline, focusing her attention so she didn't shoot first, when they saw who it was. When the doors fully opened, both were extremely relieved when it wasn't Kevin. A young man close to Rose's age, maybe a few years younger, with short brown hair, dressed in a security uniform stepped out of the elevator and instantly held his arms up at Elisa's raised gun with his eyes wide in shock.

Elisa exhaled in relief at the young security guard and lowered her gun.

"Oh, thank goodness," she sighed. "It's only one of Xanatos' employee security guards."

The young man stepped forward out of the elevator, and looked very nervous, almost as if he were lost.

"Can we help you?" Elisa asked him kindly, placing the safety back on her gun and set it safely back inside her jacket. "If you're looking for Mr. Xanatos, he and Mr. Burnett just took the second elevator down to the lobby."

"N-no." The man said nervously. "I'm not looking for him."

He paused and then his scared eyes met Rose's and stayed there for a moment and couldn't seem to stop staring at her. As he stared wildly at her, Rose felt a warning come into her system, and her magic awakened in her limbs, but couldn't seem to focus enough to wield it. It was obvious this security guard was there for her, for some reason. Rose glanced over at Elisa through her peripheral vision, and saw that she seemed to be feeling the same thing through her gut and cop instinct, and slowly reached into her jacket again.

The young man was sweating a great deal, still staring at Rose, as though he found his target, but couldn't seem to move.

"Don't do anything stupid." Elisa whispered to him, her hand inside her jacket, reaching for her gun. However, the guard pulled out his own, whipping it up and his eyes were wild, as if he had a gun to his own head, forcing him to do it. To both Elisa and Rose's shock, it wasn't a taser, which the lobby guards carry, but was a real handgun. She gasped as he pointed it at Elisa and Rose, shakily moving it back and forth.

"I … I'm sorry." He answered, shaking. "I don't want to do this, but she must come with me."

"You're that lobby guard that Xanatos is looking for, aren't you?" Elisa asked him gently, putting the puzzle pieces together. Still not pulling out her gun yet, she was going to try to talk him down. "Adam Montez, right?"

"Yes," he answered quietly. "That's me…"

"Put the gun down, Adam" Elisa told him gently, holding her hands up, showing him that she wasn't going to pull out her own. "Come on, we can talk about this without pointing the gun at anyone's faces. Let's be civil here, okay?"

Adam gritted his teeth in fear and still kept the gun pointed at her and Rose.

"I- I can't." He replied. "I have to bring Rose in… the terrorist demands that I deliver to her to him in fifteen minutes. If I don't, he has another bomb planted here in the building and says he will blow it up if I don't…"

"Another bomb?" Elisa asked, her eyes widened in terror, as Rose gasped, not believing what she was hearing. How had Kevin gotten a hold of two bombs? Is that why he had been so silent for the past few months? If so, she had sorely underestimated his ability to sink as low as he has, and couldn't believe he was capable of such evil.

"Yes!" Adam cried out, tears falling down his face. "It'll level this entire building and kill everyone! I have to bring her to him, and more than that, if I don't… he looked at my employee information and found out where I live… and has threatened to kill my family. Please… please…. I have to do this. I have to bring her in… we only have fifteen more minutes… please…"

Rose stared at Adam with tears in her eyes and stood still, numb, and couldn't seem to process what she was hearing. With each ticking second of the clock, the night seemed to be getting worse and more twisted. Elisa looked around and spotted a phone, on the wall, near to where they were standing, and had to call up Xanatos. Many things were going through her mind as she suddenly thought of Fox, Alex, Rose, herself, Adam, and all her police officers somewhere in the building. They had to evacuate before everything was destroyed.

"I have to call this in!" Elisa urged. "Don't shoot! I must go to the phone and call Mr. Xanatos! Did Kevin tell you where he placed the bomb?"

"Kevin?" Adam asked confused. "No, the terrorist's name is Scott Yale."

"Scott Yale?" Elisa asked him, raising her eyebrows in confusion and disbelief.

"That's what he called himself." Adam argued, still keeping his gun pointed at them.

"Did he have dark eyes, almost black in nature, and really white teeth? Dark brown hair?" Rose asked him, stepping forward, not caring that the gun was pointed at her.

"He was wearing a hat, but yes. That sounds a lot like him. He's really skinny and gaunt, and looks like he hasn't eaten in forever." Adam told her, shakily.

"That's him…" Rose whispered, feeling more numb and terrified. "That's Kevin…"

"Sounds like he has a fake ID to me." Elisa said seriously. "Adam, this situation is very serious. Put the gun down, and let me call Xanatos and my Captain. The priority right now is getting everyone evacuated out of this building!"

"He said he won't blow up this building if I deliver Rose to him." Adam explained shakily. "Plus, even if he didn't blow this place up, and I still didn't deliver her to him, he will kill my family, and I can't have that. I have to bring her to him… there is no question on that. I didn't sign up for any of this… but I won't let him hurt my family. Stand aside, or else I will taser you where you stand. Every second I stand here, listening to you, is time wasted."

"Taser?" Rose asked him, and saw that it was not a taser; and he possibly didn't realize it.

"I agree." Elisa answered her focus on her next move, having not heard him, before suddenly whipping out her own gun.

Then chaos ensued.

Adam pulled the trigger out of fear and habit, shooting her before she could shoot him, sending a bullet straight into Elisa's right shoulder, knocking her down to the ground with a small explosion of blood. Her eyes widened, and fell backwards, hitting the ground hard.

"ELISA!" Rose screamed out, rushing towards her.

When she reached her side, Rose slid down to the stone ground, and grabbed onto her, looking over her wound. Elisa was breathing raggedly, obviously in a great deal of pain, as Rose ripped her jacket off her and pressed it onto her wound with all her weight, giving the wound immediate pressure.

"Elisa, come on! Talk to me, please!" Rose cried out, tears filling her eyes.

"It's not the worst, I've had." Elisa gasped, closing her eyes. "Is it just in my shoulder?"

Rose shakily checked her wound, barely raising her jacket over it, and could only see wetness over her black shirt. Gently Rose lifted the black shirt up at her collarbone and saw that the would was in her shoulder. After seeing what she needed, Rose pressed back down on her shirt, and ignored the fact that her blood was all over her hands.

"That's what it looks like to me." Rose gasped out, gritting her teeth in anger at Adam. "I do not know if it exited out of your shoulder blade or not…"

"I'm okay," Elisa gasped. "Run Rose. Do as I tell you now. Run, tell Fox what's going on and stay by her side. You all have to get out…"

"I'm not leaving you." Rose snarled, her palms heating once again, like they did that night. Now that she was feeling something, and not numb, she was going to give into her anger and rage.

Adam was hyperventilating, his eyes wide, looked at the gun in his hands and then tossed it to the side.

"That… that was supposed to be my taser!" He cried out. "Scott or… Kevin… whoever the hell he is, gave me this gun to use, but… I didn't realize I set it where my taser usually sits. I'm sorry! I didn't mean to shoot you! I don't want anyone to get hurt!"

Rose grit her teeth in rage, stood, and faced Adam. Her palms were shaking with great amounts of heat and rage; and as she stood there, seething, she willed the power to come out of her fingers.

Adam stared at her and then gasped, and back up, pulling out his taser and pointed it at her. Elisa looked up from the ground, grunting in pain while trying to crawl for the phone when she stopped and couldn't believe her eyes. Red, wispy, electrified power was coming out of Rose's hands, dancing around her fingertips, and her iris' suddenly glowed red, with the same power.

"You hurt her, you bastard! Now, you get to deal with me." Rose snarled at Adam. Everyone stared in silence at her, before she grit her teeth, screamed out, and threw a ball of power towards Adam. He yelled out in panic, ducked, and the power hit the elevator door, exploding the doors wide open. Rose had only used her powers once more, but now that she was more aware of them, she kept her sights and focus on Adam and was determined to stop him. As Rose yelled out and threw another ball of power, and another, and another, her power was coming out with ease, destroying everything it hit, as if it was a form of lighting and fire.

"Rose…!?" Elisa breathed in disbelief and panic from the ground and watched as she couldn't believe what she was seeing. There was time for both of them, with this new strand of events, and Rose was giving her the time to reach the phone and get everyone out of the building.

As Elisa was struggling to crawl towards the phone, Adam was crying out in panic as both him and Rose fired her own shots at him. He was sweating profusely and didn't know what to do, as the terrorist didn't mention that his wife was a witch of some sort, but as he fell to the ground, he spotted his taser inches from his hand. He grabbed it suddenly stood up, and shot it out not caring to aim.

Rose's eyes widened as the taser line shot straight for her, and before she could stop it, it hit her center on her forehead, and instantly began to electrocute her, frying her nerves. Her magic instantly shot through her body to offer a shield, and stopped it to a point, but it was still electrocuting her. Electricity formed all around her, shaking and shooting electricity through her entire body, until the line quit electrocuting her, and then she fell to the ground, her world completely black.

---

"ROSE!" Elisa shrieked out from the ground, and watched helplessly as Rose fell to the ground, unconscious. Adam rushed forward, grabbed the line from her forehead and pulled it out, picked her up bridal style and began running her towards the only working elevator. He grabbed his employee ID and held it against the pad, until it beeped green. The doors opened, and he drug her inside, and then ran to hit the 'garage' button.

"NO! I WON'T LET YOU TAKE HER!" Elisa screamed out in rage from the ground, dove for her gun, and began to shoot it at Adam with her good arm. He yelled, ducked all while covering his head, and shielded himself as the doors shut and were soon out of harm's way, with the shutting of the doors.

Elisa kept on her stomach, shooting her gun, until all the bullets ran out and she was left with an empty Glock, and then screamed out in rage, slamming her fist and gun down on the ground at her failure. The bullets had put a few dents into the chrome elevator doors, but none stopped Adam. With gritted teeth, she began to get up, when Fox skidded to a stop with her gun raised and looked around in shock and horror.

When seeing Elisa's bloodied shoulder, she ran over to her and cried out, "I heard gunshots, and came as quickly as I could! What the HELL is happening?"

"Fox…" Elisa gasped out.. "Go get your son again, and meet me at your helicopter. Kevin has planted a bomb and it's going to go off in close to ten minutes. I am phoning Xanatos now, and my Captain… go quickly…. We must evacuate!"

Her eyes widened in shock and then looked around.

"My GOD!" She shrieked out. "Will tonight ever end!?"

"Go, now!" Elisa yelled out, standing up with a grunt of pain and went over to the phone, while Fox sprinted away to collect her son. Elisa ran over to the phone, picked it up and held it against her ear using her good shoulder, and dialed Xanatos' number first.

Within two rings, he picked up.

"Xanatos, here."

"Xanatos, it's Elisa." Elisa gasped out in pain. "Adam is in the other elevator, heading down to the garage level with Rose. But, we've got bigger problems. He said that Kevin told him that he has planted another bomb somewhere in your building. We've have less than ten minutes to get evacuated. Fox, Alex and I, are taking the helicopter out of here. I'm going to call my Captain, and get all the officers out of here. We are out of time…"

Xanatos stayed silent on the line and cussed by yelling.

"Goddamn it!" He yelled out. "Alright. Elisa, leave with Fox and Alex. Do I have your WORD that you will have them and evacuate with them?"

"Yes, you have my word and promise" Elisa said. "I'm calling Captain Chavez now, and then will tell the Gargoyles what's going on. Get everyone you can out of the building from your level! Turn on the elevators and please allow all the officers to get out! They are probably all clearing out close to your hundredth level now… and have no easy way down."
"Fuck!" Xanatos seethed on the phone, breathing to himself, before he began yelling orders out to Owen. "GET EVERYONE OUT OF HERE! EVERYONE OUT!"

With a click, Xanatos hung up on Elisa, as she quickly dialed her Captain's number.

After a few rings, her female's voice was heard.

"Captain, speaking."

"Cap, it's Elisa." Elisa said hurriedly. "I have no time to explain, but I've just received a tip from a lobby security officer who last spoke to our terrorist. It's Kevin Morrison, the man we've been searching for. The one who planted the bomb in my car, he has planted a bomb in the building and it'll blow in less than ten minutes. Xanatos knows, and is turning on all elevators to allow you guys to get out. Everyone is evacuating and you need to get everyone out!"

Again, like Xanatos, silence followed her message, before she quickly said.

"Copy that." She said seriously, before she yelled, "Everyone evacuate!" Then with another pause, she was heard back on the phone. "Where are you? Are you somewhere safe?"

"Yes," Elisa said quickly. "I am. Get everyone out! I gotta go!"

Elisa quickly placed the receiver on the base, as Fox came tearing around the corner with a screaming Alex in her arms. He looked to be exhausted, as he kept getting forced awake, and when Elisa saw her; she began to run with her, gritting in pain at her gunshot wound in her shoulder. Elisa grabbed a walkie-talkie from the table, before running out to the platform with Fox towards the helicopter.

Fox ripped the side door open, helped Elisa in, and then Elisa took Alex in her good arm, and then after they buckled him in and gave him a binkie, Fox shut the door and instantly sat in the pilot's seat and started up the helicopter. Elisa raised the walkie to her mouth, turned it to the right channel, and then spoke clearly into it.

"Please, pick up." Elisa whispered to herself, before speaking into the walkie-talkie with a loud clear voice, calling out to Goliath.

---

Rose's world was shaky and dark. Voices were mumbling all around her and she couldn't quite seem to grasp reality. Trying to open her eyes, she finally succeeded after a few attempts and was confused at what she was seeing. A man was carrying her bridal style through a car garage, breathing deeply and was talking and pleading to himself. She felt herself being placed down on the ground, as the man wrangled with some keys, unlocked his car, and opened the door to the back seat. Then, she felt herself being lifted up again, and was laid down on the fabric seat, before she heard a door slam shut.

She kept trying to blink a few times to clear her head, but as she slowly came to, her head suddenly felt like it was going to burst open. She closed her eyes and grimaced, as the man turning on his car and with wide eyes looked back at her. She was gasping in pain, holding her head, and was waking up.

'I'm sorry again." The man said, his voice still echoed and distant. "I had no choice… I had to take you."

He turned away from her, put his car into reverse, backed the car out of the stall quickly, before placing it into drive and took off speeding through the garage. Rose grimaced in pain, and forced herself to sit up. Her head was in so much pain; her skin felt like it had been torched with fire, and her mind couldn't seem to think straight.

"Ahhh!" Rose cried out in great pain, grunting and groaning, and Adam kept looking back at her with a mix of horror and worry.

"I'm sorry…" He whispered again.

Then, things seemed to be getting worse. At the edge of the garage, was one of the upper-level security men that was apart of Xanatos' Enterprises. He was holding his hand out and stepping in front of the garage agate and was signaling for him to stop his car. Adam was sweating profusely and knew he couldn't stop. Gunning the gas, he sped forward, and busted through the gate, making the man jump out of the way yelling out. Gunshots were heard, and bullets ricochet off the car but Adam quickly tore down the street. Once clear of the building, he shakily pulled out his phone and dialed the number that the terrorist gave him.

He held it up to his ear and Rose eased herself closer to Adam, to hear his conversation.

"Scott… it's Adam." He said urgently. "I have Rose… I'm on my way to you now with her."

"Good…" Rose heard Kevin's voice speaking on the other side. "Just in time too. You cut it close… the building full of people was about to explode in two minutes."

"I know! I tried to hurry!" Adam said frantically. "Please, don't hurt anyone. I have your wife. I'm coming to 66th and Central Park-"

"No," Kevin said. "I've got those Gargoyle monsters on my tail, and I've just barely lost them. I'll be at the center of Central Park. Come there, and once I have Rose in my hands, I will let you go free and clear. No one to be hurt, no bomb."

"Got it." Adam said, hanging up. Once he set his phone down, and was driving closer to Central Park. Once he turned inside, and was driving through Central Park, further away from the Castle and the street. Rose had heard enough, she was in great amounts of pain, but she couldn't let him do this. However, with every movement of her body, sent a horrible pain down the center of her head and face, not allowing her to move. A few minutes went by, and she tried to force her brain to focus, and knew that with every moment they were driving further into the park, the closer she was getting to Kevin. Finally, having had enough; she forced herself to sit up. Screaming out, she charged at Adam from the back seat and grabbed onto the steering wheel, taking hold of it.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Adam screamed. "STOP!"

However, she had grasped it hard enough and was fighting him, the car winding around like crazy, weaving in and out of the lines on the road, onto the grass, and was hitting statues and walls around them.. Adam was grunting while trying to fight her off, but she used her skills from fighting Kevin and punched Adam in the face. He cried out in pain, as she grabbed the wheel and turned as fast as she could so the car went slamming into a fountain wall. Adam was wearing his seat belt, and Rose flung herself back into the backseat, as the car slammed into the wall, igniting his airbags, and screamed out in pain as she was sent slamming, face first, into the back window.

Adam was groaning in pain as Rose fell back onto the seat, bleeding from her nose and lip. Not giving him the time to recover, grunting and crying out in pain, she unlocked her door, and rolled out of the car. Standing up was a painful experience, but she knew that she had to get away. However, Adam was trying to get out his seat belt and follow her, but couldn't as he was jammed in by the airbag and his seat belt.

"No!" He was screaming! "He'll kill my family! I have to deliver you to him!"

"No," She yelled back. "You stay out of this. This is between him and I. Go home… NOW!"

Adam was gazing back at her, his own face red from the airbag, and watched helplessly as she ran away from him.

Rose's head was pounding fiercely as she ran along the sidewalk, through Central Park, running as fast as she could go back to the Castle. She promised Brooklyn that she would stay safe, and that is exactly what she was trying to do. Her head was pounding and hurting so bad that she doubted her magic would be any use, and Kevin was truly a terrifying monster, one she did not want to face alone. Tears filled her eyes, as she tore through Central Park, towards the Castle, praying everyone was safe; and that Brooklyn had found Kevin. More than ever she wanted this nightmare over, and wanted to be back in his arms, safe and sound; as his mate.