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?

29. Chapter 29- Parting Of Ways

** MY! LONGEST! CHAPTER! YET! I hope you all appreciate and enjoy it, because it was a BEAST to write and edit, like holy moly, you guys! But soooo worth it! Thanks for reviewing and reading! I hope you enjoy this chapter. There's a TON of information in it, and we are now heading into my third act here. Everyone hang on tight, it's gonna get more bumpy, more crazy, and more... Mature ratings. :D Let me know what you think! Enjoy!**

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~Chapter Twenty-Nine~

Parting of Ways

Owen made his way quickly through the Castle away from everyone, his mind reeling over Rose's powers. His footsteps were loud and quick against the stone floor as he made his way to the elevators. With the use of his employee badge he was able to go to any floor in the entire building and took the elevator down a few levels, to another private area of the castle; the artifact room.

The elevator opened up with a small ding, and he quickly exited. In front of him, was a very dark but small room, with different artifacts all over in display cases. Some were worldly treasures that Mr. Xanatos took pride in owning, and others were found to hold old magic or sorcery inside them. However, in the corner of the room, was the one artifact in which he was searching for. Making sure no one had followed him, he used his employee badge to get inside the room, and then shut the door behind him.

With a small wave of his hand, he used a tiny bit of magic to pause the camera, just inside that particular room, and then walked over to the large mirror that they had bought from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The large twelve-foot mirror was beautiful in architecture and design, but its beauty was not the reason Mr. Xanatos bought it from the Museum. Since his other half-Puck, was training Xanatos' son, Alexander, they needed the mirror in their possessions just in case they needed to contact Avalon and their Queen, Titania; who was the owner of the mirror.

As Owen looked in the mirror, he smiled at himself in the reflection and placed a hand softly on the outside frame, feeling the familiar surge of Avalonian power flow through his hand, and then suddenly felt homesick. He missed Avalon and its beautiful greenery and hillsides. Now that he was banished eternally from his home; he was beginning to see the short-sightedness of his rebellion.

Taking a deep breath, and shaking away his sorrows, Owen quickly took off his large glasses, pocketed them in his chest pocket, and then willed his magic to contact who he needed to speak to. Closing his eyes, he then started to utter the incantation he was so familiar with since his banishment…

Mirror of placid glass and frame of white brass,

I call upon thee with a humble plea.

Send to me; Titania, Queen of the Fairies and of Avalon

To the mortal world whose servant has been banished upon.

Come, Titania, speak to me,

I, Puck, your humble servant, bid thee…

As his hand stayed upon the mirror, he felt the magic awaken from the mirror, and suddenly the glass began to move in waves as if it were made of liquid. Owen stepped back, and spun himself away from his Human-puppet form. Once Owen was away, his true self, Puck was finally back. His long white hair hit his mid back, and he had his long pointy elvish ears once again. He smiled at himself but then quickly bowed, as the glass lit up bright white, and after a few seconds, the light faded and standing in front of him was his Queen, Titania.

Titania was extremely beautiful in nature; was tall, slim, but had a very powerful presence about her. She wore a two-piece outfit, with a light-weight flowy cape coming out of the fabric on her arms. Her skin was light green and her ears were also pointed, like Pucks. Her long red-orange hair flowed straight down her back in a lavish headpiece.

Once she was fully aware of her surroundings, Titania slowly glanced down to the floor and saw Puck, in his true Third Race form, kneeling on the ground at her feet. She raised her hand out to him and said, in her soft but powerful voice, "Arise, Puck."

Puck did as he was invited, stood and smiled at Titania, bowing once again.

"My queen." He greeted, standing up tall once again. "Thank you for coming."

"What would you have of me, Puck?" Titania asked quietly, her voice echoing slightly in the air around them. "What news of my daughter and my grandson, Alexander?"

"Uh…" Puck answered lightly, thumbing his fingers together. "They are both doing very, very well. Little Alex is learning a great deal of magic, and is thriving in his lessons. Let's see, he has just barely learned to start drinking from a water cup instead of a sippy cup…. "

"That is very good news indeed." Titania interjected with his usual ramblings, smiling; but she knew better. "However, that is not why you have called me here to speak to you, now is it? Despite this mirror being a communication for the purpose of the welfare of my daughter and grandson, and that purpose only. You are not here to discuss either of them, now are you?"

"You're very wise, my queen," Puck answered, grinning brightly at her.

"Then you have forgotten your place, my servant." She said in a warning voice. "The mirror is to communicate the welfare of my daughter and grandson, and nothing else."

"No, my Queen, I haven't forgotten." Puck said, holding his hands up in surrender. "All is well with your daughter and grand-son, and I know what the mirror is meant for, but there is something that I have recently come upon that I feel is of great importance to share with you."

Titania stared down upon Puck's face, musing about what she should put up with from him and his natural habits in trickery, but then gave in, sighing.

"What news do you have to share with me?" She asked him softly. "Make haste, for I cannot be long; as I have other business to attend to with my Lord and Husband."

"I'll be very quick, I promise." Puck said, stepping forward and offering her his hand. "With your grace and great power, it'll be much easier for you to explore my recent memories and to see for yourself what I have seen. Once you see what I have to share, I'll explain it as best as I can."

Titania stared at Puck for a few seconds, before she slowly stepped forward, took his hands within her and then closed her eyes, willing her magic to reach into Puck's memory base and observe what he was wanting to show her. It didn't take her much effort to get into his memories, and what she saw shocked her…

A young Human girl, with waist long- deep red hair was touching an injured Gargoyle Beast she recalled was from Goliath's Clan, and a red, wispy, electrified power was flowing gently from her hands and from her body, into his; healing him. The girl's eyes were closed, and looked relaxed, while everyone else in the room looked panicked. Titania could even feel Puck's internal warning and uncertainty at his powerful manifestation of power in a half-Human.

Not only that, but she could feel the girl's power aura flowing around the room, as Puck's magic sensed it. The girl was powerful… more powerful than she'd seen in a long while; especially from a being that was not pure-blooded Third Race.

Then, as Titania watched Puck's memories even more, she noticed and could sense a separate flowing stream of white power and light, coursing deep inside the girl's body- different than the red magic that was being manifested.

More interestingly to her, the same flow of light power was also coursing through the red-Gargoyle, with whom was standing guard over the girl, protecting her from the Clan and their attempts to stop her magic. The aura in both the girl and Gargoyle, was full of amazingly light power, one that was deeply rooted in ancient magic; a connection based off love; making their separate souls, one. This magic was separate from the girl's red wispy and electrified magic, but all in all, it was in her; and in the Gargoyle- connecting them as soulmates.

As Titania continued to feel around Puck's memories, and could feel the girl's red- powers growing with each second, and interestingly enough; the girl had very similar magical capabilities that she had, and that unnerved her. She had not had anymore half-Human children, as Fox was her only one. But, as Titania thought about what she was seeing, there was only one other being whose powers were that of hers… one being with whom she had not spoken to, nor heard from in almost four millennia. A being, who had the same powers as she, and had always been a little bit more powerful and greater than even her...

Titania quickly pulled away from Puck's hands and released him from her telepathic powers and stood frozen as Puck stepped back slightly, held his hands together, and waited for her response. Titania was stunned by what she both felt and seen in those memories, and felt a familiar warning building in her own magic at this strange girl's powers.

"Who-?" She asked him in a still voice. "Who was that girl?"

"She's a Human… well half-Human, I am guessing by what I saw tonight." Puck answered her. "Her name is Rose. She lives in the Castle with Mr. Xanatos and is a part of Goliath's Clan. She is to be mated with Brooklyn, Goliath's Second-in-Command; or the red-Gargoyle you saw in my memory, soon-ish."

"A Human and a Gargoyle… a mated pair?" Titania mused interestingly, her thoughts processing multiple things all at once..

"Yes, just like the Human Detective, Elisa Maza and Goliath." Puck answered. "They have been together as a mated pair for a few years now. All of the Clan have their mates, except for Brooklyn. But now that he's found Rose, there's been a lot of romance and lllooove in the air…"

"Yes, and I'm amazed by it. I haven't heard of that type of thing in centuries. It's a very powerful kind of magic, if not the most powerful and purest form of magic; as it's based off love." Titania said, looking around the room, thinking deeply. "Much has changed since I left Alex here with Fox two years ago. Humans are slowly evolving and becoming more accepting of different species, it would seem."

"Well…" Puck added slowly. "Barely. There are still plenty of people who are still afraid of Gargoyles and don't believe in them or any other magic or magical beings, except their science. And as for the happy couple, they are being faced and plagued with a great deal of adversary right now. Rose's ex-husband is a murderer and abuser, and is trying to kill her. The Clan is trying to protect her, but the castle has recently been attacked." He paused and she gave him a look of disbelief and he continued by holding his hands up.

"Now, don't worry… Fox and Alex are safe; but the girl's magic has been building inside her naturally against her enemy, and is growing more powerful by the moment. It's power, I am beginning to grow wary of. And not only that, and I don't know if you saw this in my memory, but there is also another great power flowing around her and Brooklyn; and it is connecting their souls together."

"Yes, I saw that connection around both of them." She whispered, thinking deeply. "Like two lighthouses guiding each other to one another. It's a truly beautiful and ancient bond of love and companionship. And it's a rare thing to be soulmates, especially in different species."

"Have there ever been mated pairs between Gargoyles and Humans?" Puck asked her, truly interested.

"Not as much as Humans have been with Third Race members." Titania replied, smiling slightly. "During our inevitable time in being forced to live among the mortals to understand them and treat them with fairness, there have been many of our kind to find love and companionship with the Humans. Gargoyles are proud and ancient creatures, who mostly stay to their own species, but it has happened, though very rare."

"So, you won't interfere with them?" Puck asked her. "What'll big daddy Oberon say about it?"

" I do not think my Lord will be bothered by it, as it does not bother me. That ancient magic is the purest kind of magic, and is the most beautiful in this world. Never would I tear that love from them; but this girl being a half-Human, of unknown Third Race bloodline is what is bothering me." She paused, then looked up into Puck's face. "Puck, you've brought me to watch a half-Human wield magic, one I've never seen before. No more riddles, please. Who is she?"

"That's what I was hoping you could help me with, because I honestly do not know either." Puck said, stepping closer to her. "Rose was abandoned by her biological parents, and was raised by Humans in Bar Harbour, Maine. Her parentage is unknown, and thus, I do not know where she came from. But, the other day, a few weeks ago, her magic had been awakened; and it's been growing stronger with every passing day. Oh… and have I mentioned that this was one of the first times she had ever wielded magic? And it's this powerful…? "

"Yes… it is." Titania mused softly, her voice echoing in the room. "So, the plot thickens… her magic has been awakened a lot later than normal Third Race members. Normally, it awakens in childhood, not in early adult years… but with her being half-Human, they age much more quickly than us, so that may be normal for her. Fox's powers never showed in her until I pushed her to do so two years ago. And it looks like Fox is a few years older than this girl. But if that is truly the first time, this… Rose… has wielded her powers, then I am very impressed. She has amazing control over them as they are very powerful…"

"Yes," Puck said, smiling cheekily at her. "Her magic almost has the same properties as you, my Queen. Hence why I have brought you here to ask you about her. We have a new half-Human, Third Race hybrid, with an unknown biological bloodline. But her magic reflects that of yours, my Queen."

"Alas, but she is not mine." Titania said, thinking deeply. Then, with a flick of her hand she brought up the memory, so she could rewatch it in the air in front of her. The young girl had similar colored hair as hers, but more as her Human form of Anastasia. The girl's jawline, facial features, and body seemed to be a similar build as well to hers, which made Titania grow even more suspicious.

"The only half-Human I ever had was with Halcyon, my ex-husband. Fox was the only child from that birth." Titania explained. " My Lord and I currently have two children together and are of our pure blood- line. But… this girl… Rose, you say her name is, does look similar to my kin, as though we are somehow related. She looks similar to myself, and her powers resemble that of my bloodline… but… I haven't had any more children. It's… almost as if…" She then paused and slowly her face fell. For the first time, Puck saw that she looked frozen in shock and terror, and that unnerved him greatly.

"M-my queen?" Puck asked nervously, reaching out to her.

"Hela." Titania whispered, her voice full of terror, great sadness and regret.

"Hela, your evil sister?" Puck asked her, not wanting to be right.

"Yes." Titania said, killing the memory in front of her and paced the floor now, thinking deeply; her face very serious.

"Hela, the Goddess of Death and my older sister. Four millennia ago, when she was known as Helena, she was banished from Avalon for beginning the first Great Third Race War against my Lord Oberon. Once he defeated her, he then banished her to the mortal world, to reign over the underworld of mortals; Humans, and renamed her to be Hela." She paused and then continued to think deeply about how her sister's powers was similar to Rose's.

"But I thought my Lord had taken away all powers in getting involved with Humans, except to use her calling of taking their departed souls to determine whether they move on or remain in her captivity. Hela's is the only other kinship of mine that wields the same power and could carry that resemblance in our genetics."

"Yes, I had that hunch too, but I didn't want to be right." Puck said softly, unnerved that his powerful queen was showing nervousness for the first time. "That is why I have called you here tonight, my Queen. I haven't sensed magic like that in a very long time, as I was just a young lad during that first Great and Terrible War. But I remember fearing Hela, and how powerful she appeared…" he paused and immediately began to backtrack, as Titania threw him a very angry look."Which is… untrue, my Queen. She's nowhere near as powerful as you and our Lord Oberon."

Titania glanced down upon his face, as he quickly bowed, having meant no disrespect to her or her Lord, but was just as nervous as she was. She took a deep breath, and then forced herself to remain calm.

"Thank you for sharing this with me, Puck." Titania said softly, straightening up and maintaining her posture. "Though your powers have been restricted to only be used when training or protecting Alex, and my daughter; I ask that you keep an eye upon Rose and communicate with me what new developments you see. I must attend my other business and I will also speak with my Lord about what you've shown me; and perhaps…" she paused and another wave of sadness waved over her face briefly. "It is time I pay a visit to see my sister and see what's she's been up to."

"Are you sure that's wise, my Queen?" Puck asked her nervously.

"Hela is my sister." Titania whispered quietly. "And once, long ago, we were close friends and all each other had. Alas, but now we are enemies, and have a damaged relationship beyond help or repair." She paused from speaking, willing the sadness to be buried deep inside her as she continued to speak.

"But… if this girl, Rose, is of my bloodline and is Hela's daughter; then she must be protected from her evil at all costs. If Hela is involved, then there's something much bigger going on here, one that could be a danger to us all. I must be made to see the future, of all of Avalon, the Human world, and that of Hela."

"Don't you have that power, my Queen?" Puck asked her curiously.

"No." Titania answered quietly. " I can only see the future in which is related to my interests; which can help me to a point. However, since Helena's banishment; all magical ties from her have been cut off from me, for mine and all of Avalon's safety."

"Then how do you propose to see the future, then?" Puck asked her quietly. He too, was able to project some certain memories or visions of the future, but they were not in full detail like Titania could see, or Oberon. But even their magic had a limit, especially when it crossed into darker realms; which is where Hela had crossed over to.

Puck watched his Queen think for a moment before she answered him.

"I must visit the three fates; down within our Third Race Underworld; and pay a visit to Oberon's fallen brother and Lord of the Dead, Demetrius; and request their predictions. I cannot touch dark magic, but those three can."

"Demetrius?" Puck stuttered, looking even more fearful. "H-he is even more terrifying than Hela! Surely, there must be a different way? Could the Weird Sisters be able to see?"

"They can, which is who I'll also ask to venture into the future; but they cannot venture into the dark realms of forbidden magic."

"But… the fates!" Puck exclaimed. "Their services are that of the dark realm and cannot be trusted!"

"I must visit them for that very reason. The dark realm is where Hela and her magic exists now." Titania answered him seriously. "That is why I must seek out darker entities, who could navigate those dark and stormy waters of time. But, thank you for your concern, Puck. Rest assured, I shall not venture down there alone. However, if Demetrius values his limited existence, he will not dare to rise against his Queen, save Oberon will come down and smite him once and for all for placing harm upon me. Do not worry for me, my servant. Watch over Rose and bring me word if anything changes. I shall be back soon."

"You have my word, my Queen." Puck answered, bowing slightly, before rising again.. "But… what shall I do about Rose's powers? They are still very young and unruly. How do you propose we nurture them along? Do we continue to ignore them and let her continue to figure them out, or should one of us come to assist her?"

"Not just yet." She answered him. "I do not wish to awaken her magic even more by showing ourselves to her just yet. I must receive answers first."

Puck took a deep breath, and then tried again to convince her; which was very rare and risky, but he had to try.

"My Queen, it is my very humble and small opinion, that I think it to be wise for one of us, third race beings to teach her magic, instead of… someone else." Puck said gently. " If Hela is involved with Rose's creation, and is related to her. I would hate for her to be the one to reach out and train Rose; especially if she's her daughter. Together, if they joined forced, it could mean a second Great and Terrible Third Race War could rage upon us; as well as full World War, involving Humans."

"Only the fates know the future when it comes to my sister." Titania answered him quietly. "And it's to the three fates that I shall arrange to meet with, very soon. Then I will pay a visit to my sister. As for the girl, it would only make sense for you to train her, since you know her the best and are already training Alex."

"I would, my Queen. Truly." Puck explained, shrugging. "But, Lord Oberon restricted my magic, remember? I can only wield it to train Alex or to protect him and Fox. I do not think I could teach Rose without invoking Oberon's own rage and might upon my head…"

Titania stared at Puck for a few seconds, thinking deeply, but then slowly smiled and turned away from him, to enter her mirror.

"You are cunningly tricky, Puck." She said lightly. "And you are always getting into mischief and bending the rules. You're right, Rose does indeed need guidance, or else it could lead to her destruction and possibly all of ours. You must be the one to teach her to control her magic, even if you cannot use your own magic to do so. I'm sure you could think of some other ways to help teach her. Regardless, she is your responsibility now until I return from my own quests, and inform our Lord of what is happening. Until then, I leave thee now, Puck. Good luck."

With that, Titania gracefully re-entered her mirror; creating the same wavy affects in the glass followed by a blinding flash of bright white light. Then, once she disappeared, the light faded and the glass hardened, leaving him standing in front of what looked like an old antique mirror.

With a quick spin, Puck quickly transformed himself back into Owen, and once he was Human again, he put his large glasses back on, turned out of the room, and with a flick of his wrist; resumed the security camera for that room.

Walking out of the room and back towards the elevators, he was thinking deeply about how he was going to train Rose to use her magic and control it better, without actually using his own magic. But, Titania was right and was a bit mischievous herself; hence why they still got along so well. Oberon's words were law; as was his magic and will, but Titania was able to persuade her husband to do her will. And in this case, as well as most other cases, she was right. This was too important to not get involved in.

Owen activated the elevator with his employee badge and walked inside the doors when they slid open. Pushing the button to head back up top, he thought deeply about how he was going to train Rose, and if he even could without receiving the wrath of his Lord. To complicate things more, from what he had discussed with Mr. Xanatos earlier that night; Rose was to be moved out of the Castle and into the Labyrinth with the Mutates tonight, for her safety and the safety of everyone else in the Castle from her crazy ex-husband, Kevin.

As he rode the elevator up to the top of the Castle, he sighed, rubbed his face and didn't know what was going to happen, nor how to best approach this new issue with Rose's new magical abilities. Something was building and coming in all areas all around them. A storm was brewing, not just in this mortal world, but all magical worlds. Something was building with power, darkness and rage, and was coming for all of them, whether they were ready for it or not.

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Back in her room, Rose worked for the next hour packing away her things in a suitcase that Xanatos has brought to her, and was stuffing close to two weeks worth of clothing; or as much as she could realistically fit in the suitcase; while still trying to leave some room for her bathroom items.

Brooklyn had returned to her, ten minutes after she started working on packing, and was now helping her. She had pulled a bunch of clothes; coats, socks, shoes, shirts and jeans out of the closet and set them on the floor, where he was nicely folding them for her and placing them in the suitcase; as she was putting together her hygiene products, such as her deodorant, body spray, toothbrush, toothpaste and hair products on the bathroom counter.

They had been working in relative silence, not speaking to each other, as the sorrow in their hearts was filling the silence around them, louder than they cared to admit. Rose had just finished placing everything she would need for her hygiene needs on the counter and looked up into the mirror, looking at Brooklyn's reflection through it.

He was slowly folding each pair of clothing trying to make them look nice and was straightening the creases and crinkles out of each piece of clothing. She smiled lovingly at him, and was thankful for his care for her; but as she stared at him, she realized that his eyes were full of deep sadness. Rose looked up at her small wall clock and saw that they had only fifteen more minutes before they would be leaving, or at least when Xanatos wished for her to be ready. Tears filed her eyes and she glanced back over at Brooklyn's reflection, keeping her back to him. It was almost time for her to leave and they would be forced apart.

A series of great sadness shot through her and tears sprang into her eyes, and suddenly, she had to look away from him, and closed her eyes. Their hour was almost up, and soon she would be leaving the Castle, for an unknown amount of time. She wouldn't know how often she would see Brooklyn, and the thought of leaving him was the hardest to digest. She wrapped her arms around her body and bit her lip to stop her sobs from breaking forth, but the sadness was too much, and it quickly enveloped her.

She quickly hung her head down and tried to hide her face from Brooklyn, but with a small tingle of her hands she could feel herself connecting with him. Gasping out, she tried to force those sorrowful emotions away, to hide from him, but it was too late. Before she could do or say anything, Brooklyn was no longer on the floor, but was behind her.

Instantly, his claws slowly grabbed onto her shoulders and arms, he pressed his body against her backside, and slowly lowered his face to the exposed side of her neck, since her hair was braided to one-sided. His mind had been on the passing time as well, and with her surge of sadness, he too was in mourning.

Rose closed her eyes, and allowed the tears to fall down her face, as his lips and hot breath touched her skin, kissing her gently and slowly. His claws slid across her chest, until he was holding her in his full strength, in a criss-cross hold. His lips moved slowly against her skin, and with each touch she felt herself almost wanting to detach from the numbing darkness inside her and purge herself into his light and love; to live there forever; never to feel hopeless again.

She exhaled deeply, letting that air out that she had been holding in, and slowly leaned her head against his shoulder and chest, raising one hand up to caress his beak, while the other held tightly onto his arm. He pulled her more tightly against him to the point she couldn't breathe, but with all the pain inside her, it felt like she couldn't breathe anyway.

Brooklyn's mouth and tongue moved gently against her skin, moving lower until he reached her collarbone, and then he stopped kissing her. Rose looked over at him, with tears still falling down her face; and he slowly raised a claw, cupped her jaw gently, and then used a talon to wipe her tears away from her eyes.

"My love…" He whispered, but he didn't know what to say to her. No words seemed to be good enough at this moment in helping her to feel better; or him, for that matter. Their time together was ticking down and they both knew it.

Rose closed her eyes, leaned into his touch, raising her arm to link behind his neck and willed herself to keep breathing, though it was painful. Brooklyn leaned his face against hers, closed his eyes and held her tightly to him, as his own grief coursed through his body. He kept one arm across her chest and the other was now holding her arm, which was linked up around his neck. He had to force himself to keep his claw securely there, as it was a temptation to slide his claw down over her beautifully large chest and ignite their mating senses and desires even more.

With Rose's scent all around him, it was taking everything in him not to claim her as his own, especially since they had very little time together before they would be forced apart for a while. As their thoughts entered each other's minds, he then realized with a pang of embarrassment that Rose could hear his thoughts about wanting her body, because her eyes suddenly opened and she was gazing into his eyes with a very thoughtful gaze; her tears still slowly falling down her face.

His eyes widened slightly as he exhaled in a chuckle and asked, "You heard all that… didn't you?"

Rose, however, still did not say anything. Instead, she slowly leaned her face up towards his neck, and began to kiss his skin slowly and deeply. Brooklyn closed his eyes at her touch, groaned, and had to tighten his grip on her arm, as to not give into what he was wanting to do. However, Rose's hand slid up his other arm, that was secured around her chest, and grabbed hold of his claw from grasping her arm and slowly lowered it towards her breasts, leaving trails of heat along her skin as he went.

Her breathing began to deepen and quicken as she invited him to touch her, and though it was over her clothing, her body seemed to awaken at his touch. When his claw was over her breast, he froze; and for a moment, Rose thought that he might pull away or pass out.

She stopped kissing him, opened her eyes and looked into his eyes; willing herself to hear what was going through his mind. His face was stuck in shock, but only for a second, as he quickly looked down into her eyes, breathing deeply and gauging what she was doing or wanting. For a small moment, they both stared deeply into each other's eyes, as Rose kept his claw over her breast and inched her lips to his.

A few more silent seconds passed, as Brooklyn stared at her, but then he cupped her breast with his claw, giving into her, and broke the distance between their lips; crushing his mouth and tongue against hers, kissing her deeply and passionately.

Rose gasped out the moment he gave into his desire and their kissing became desperate and fierce. While one claw was claiming her breasts, the other quickly found the base of her sweater and ventured under the sweater and her tank top undershirt, claiming her skin and touching every inch he could reach.

Their tongues danced feverishly, as their lips and mouth danced, and his breath was becoming more frantic. As his claw danced over her bra, under her shirt, and the other was massaging her breast over her shirt, she suddenly wanted and needed more. She broke apart from his lips for a moment, turned in his grasp so that she was facing him now. They both stared at each other, breathing deeply and his claws were still touching her.

Then, they were at it again.

Rose gasped out as their lips crushed against each other and she instantly wrapped both arms around his neck, then jumped up and straddled both legs around his waist. Both of his strongly chiseled arms held her securely to him; keeping her skin exposed, just under her bra line.

Brooklyn's claw moved all over her chest, making Rose gasp out and break apart from his lips to arch her head back. Gritting his teeth in desire, he suddenly crushed his body against hers on top of the counter. Rose threw her arms out to catch herself as he set her down on top of the counter, and instantly the different bathroom items she was trying to gather up, scattered all over, making a plethora of loud noises.

However, that didn't stop them.

Rose kept her legs tightly around his waist and once she knew she was securely on top of the counter, she wrapped both her arms around his neck once again and scooter her pelvis over to his, wanting and needing to feel more of him. Brooklyn's lips and tongue was exploring her neck, and his claws were touching her everywhere, running them up and down her chest and back under her shirt.

While he did that, she ran her hands down his strong arms, sliding down his chiseled chest, and then finally rested at the base of his defined abdomen, where his loincloth sat, testing their boundaries. Brooklyn's lips detached from her neck, and then found her lips once again, pulling her backside closer to his pelvis for closeness and more intimacy. The longer they kissed, the more she felt like she was free falling into his love. She loved him and needed him; now more than ever.

As her thoughts ran through her mind, and in turn, going through his mind; he detached his lips from hers, pulling away so that they were inches from each other's faces. He was breathing deeply and quickly in her face, and lightly touched her face as if she was the most delicate thing to him, but as he did, more tears came to her eyes.

Not wanting to fall back into that numbness, she pulled him to her lips once again and kissed him madly while more tears fell. Brooklyn's face screwed up in pain slightly, detached his lips from hers, but she was still kissing him and pushing herself to him.

"Rose…" He warned, not able to fight away his mating instincts much longer, but she was still coming at him aggressively.

"Please," she breathed against his lips; pulling on his neck. "Please…"

Tears came into his own eyes, as he knew exactly what she was thinking and feeling. She had a fear that they would never see each other again after tonight, and she was desiring to love him fully and completely for the first time.

He closed his eyes as she was inviting his claws back to her breasts and her lips were claiming his passionately and deeply, and moaned. He pulled her closer to him and kissed her with even more aggression and desire, which made her cry out slightly in pleasure. She felt so beautiful to him; so desirable. It was enough to make his legs go weak, but more than anything, he felt strong because of her love for him.

Her hands stayed at the base of his abdomen and were teasing him, as if she were going to start pulling on her belt. However, to his further shock, she brought her hands to the base of her sweater, instead, and then pulled it off over her head, leaving her to wear her spaghetti strapped tank-top.

Brooklyn's eyes widened at how quickly she had begun to take her clothes off, and he realized that this had to stop. More than anything he wanted to make love to her, but not out of fear of never seeing each other again. He wasn't about to let that be any future with her. However, as they kissed, he couldn't seem to quit. In fact, her exposing more skin to him was tempting and fueling the fire for her. She was beautiful; every inch of her, and her skin felt so soft against his.

Breathing and panting deeply, he was about to pull her off the counter to the ground, to better feel her body against his, but she suddenly slid her hands across his abdomen towards his back to hold onto him tightly. Then, all while still making out passionately with him, she slid and explored her hands up his back. Her fingers left a fiery trail of heat on his skin, but when she reached the base of his wings, his body suddenly shuddered violently in pleasure; awakening more of his mating instincts.

His eyes snapped open wildly, and without any control of himself; he roared out and both his arms suddenly launched out away from her body. His fists went colliding with the sink, shattering a large piece of the porcelain base off; at the same time his other fist collided with the mirror right above her head with his extreme mating strength; and shattered it into a thousand pieces.

Rose cried out in shock at his sudden aggression, but before most of the glass could fall on her head; Brooklyn whipped her off the counter and pulled her to safety in his arms as the mirror fully came off the wall and shattered into a million pieces all over the counter and spilling onto the stone floor, with a deafening crash. Brooklyn's wings quickly cocooned them both, and he wrapped his arms around her neck and head as the glass shattered, sending glass dust up into the air and all around them.

When the dust settled, Brooklyn opened his wings and kept her in his arms as he was breathing deeply and looked around the bathroom in shock and shame, and he couldn't bear to look into her eyes; as that was a very surprising reaction to the both of them.

Rose's eyes were wide, and she slowly raised her face up to his, not understanding why he did that. It was almost a force of anger that pulsed through him, but when she looked into his eyes, he looked just as surprised as her.

"Brooklyn?" She asked quietly, reaching up to cup his face. "Love, are you okay?"

"Uh… yeah." He answered breathlessness, looking down into her nervous face. "I… I didn't realize how sensitive that spot was. I'm sorry… "

"What spot?" She asked him softly.

"At the base of my wings." He explained. "It's a very sensitive part of a Gargoyle's body and is used to further our mating along. It's uh… new to me. Sorry." He paused and then smiled apologetically. "I didn't mean to, you know, break your bathroom."

Rose stared at him for a few seconds,and then chuckled a small laugh, as tears came into her eyes again. She reached up and cupped his beak and rested her forehead against it, feeling that sorrow creeping back into her soul, and then her laughter was broken with her sobs.

"I'm sorry…" She cried, burying her face in his chest. "I'm so sorry, Brooklyn…"

Brooklyn's eyes widened as he held onto her tightly.

"What are you apologizing for?" He asked her in surprise. "Honey, this isn't your fault. This experience was just… new to me… is all."

However, when Rose didn't speak and was crying harder, her body shaking silently. He closed his eyes and groaned slightly.

"Rose… please don't cry. I didn't mean to scare you. Did I.. hurt you… ?"

"No, it's not that." She gasped out, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry I dove into our mating instincts, and made you touch me like that. I just needed to feel something else other than this emptiness and grief. I needed to feel your love, and get lost in you. But… no matter what I do or feel, it won't change anything..."

"Oh Rose," He whispered, pulling her gently into his arms and holding her tightly. "Baby, it's okay. I love you. Never feel bad for wanting to make love to me; it's what we both so naturally desire and long to do. You just surprised me by touching me there, is all. I'm sorry for the mess…"

As Brooklyn was speaking, trying to keep things light and casual; sorrow and grief built up even more powerfully in her chest, like the night she was forced to say good-bye to Emily. Tears streamed out of her eyes again, and then she couldn't hold back her sobs anymore. Rose clung onto his neck and let out her pain, crying out in the most heart wrenching sounds, that made Brooklyn want to fight and take away all her emotional pain.

Brooklyn's eyes widened at her tremendous pain and cried out, "Rose!? Honey…?"

"I can't leave you, Brooklyn." She cried out, gasping for air. " I can't do this without you, I'm not strong enough. I'm so sorry for making such a fuss right now, but I just… I can't do this!"

Brooklyn pulled her from his arms and gazed deeply into her eyes as she sobbed; and her heartbreak was shattering his own, like the glass all around them. Tears filled his eyes as he pulled her back into his arms and kissed her forehead.

"This is worse than when I had to say good-bye to Emily." Rose sobbed. "I need you, Brooklyn! I don't know what else to do, I'm not strong without you next to me!"

He listened to her cry and held onto her tightly, thinking deeply about what he could say to her, and what other options she had. Goliath and Xanatos had given her the invitation to stay with them, but it was the riskiest and most dangerous. As Second-in-Command, his duty was to the Clan, but as Rose's mate; betrothed or not, he had a duty to her. He took a deep breath, pulled her from his embrace and then cupped her face looking fiercely into her eyes.

"Then stay with me, my love." He whispered. "I'll protect you, I promise, no matter what. I won't ask you to do more than you feel capable of, and if you are bothered by it, then I'll support you. Stay. You and I are stronger together-"

"But then you and the Clan with be endangered; as well as Xanatos' family." Rose argued with him breathlessly. "Me leaving is what makes sense… I just don't know if I can do it! I wish I wasn't so weak, selfish, and pathetic… I'm sorry!"

"Hey, hey." He breathed in her face, using his talons to constantly clear her tears away. "Don't say that about yourself. You're not weak, and you're the farthest from pathetic and selfish. You're the strongest, most amazing, kind, selfless and most beautiful woman I've ever met; a true warrior through and through. I know this isn't easy… but doing the right thing never is. This-" he paused and then felt his own sorrows and sobs rising in his throat. "This separation from you… is tearing me apart and is breaking my heart, Rose. I know you can feel it, as I can feel your own heart breaking. But, if you can't do it, then I'll support you; as I will always support you. Stay, and I'll protect you…"

"But that's not the right thing to do." She breathed in a small voice, and looked into his eyes. "And I have no choice-"

"You do, Rose." He admonished, shaking his head. "You always have a choice."

"No, I don't." She exhaled sharply, tears still falling down her face. "Kevin knows that I lived here, and he'll keep coming back for me. Once he sees that I am no longer here and does not trace me to you, he'll most likely leave you and the Clan alone. So…" she paused and then began to cry again. "You see? This is the only way…"

Brooklyn stayed silent and a few tears fell down his eyes and he closed them tightly in grief and hung his own head low.

"I just…" She whispered, touching his beak once again lightly. "I just wanted to take advantage of our time together, while we have it…"

Rose took a few staggering breaths and then stepped forward, taking his face in her hands and then gently kissed his lips again. Brooklyn's eyes opened when she pulled away after a few seconds, and gazed down upon her. She was so beautiful to him. Her long hair was pulled into a side braid and seemed to highlight her amazing jaw line; and now that she was wearing a tanktop, her beautiful curves were standing out. He slowly brought his claws to her face again, and lightly trailed a talon down her beautifully, luscious pink lips; and then slowly slid down her neck, to her collarbone, and then gently rested on her shoulders.

They continued to look into each other's eyes, as he slowly lowered her straps down both shoulders so that he could kiss the full length of her shoulders and neck. Rose closed her eyes, groaned out again, and then pulled herself to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. As he kissed her neck, she threw her head back and ran her fingers through his long hair. His claws ran down her breasts again, and wrapped around her back, seeking her skin again, before lowering them to her backside and encouraging her closer to him.

He kissed her delicately for a few minutes, loving the feeling of her body, before he pulled away and whispered, "I love you, Rose."

"Then…" she whispered, panting slightly. "Why are you stopping?"

"Because I have to do the right thing." He replied, closing his eyes. "As beautiful as you are; and as… divine as your beautiful body feels to mine- I promised you that I wouldn't make love to you in a bathroom… and yet… here we are, in a bathroom, doing things we shouldn't until we are mates."

As he said those words, he looked like he was ashamed of even bringing her more pain, as he wanted to continue to claim her as his own. He bit his lip, closed his eyes briefly and then carefully lifted her tank-top and bra straps to lift back up to rest over her shoulders. She watched him carefully, as he did so, and then his claws ran over her braided hair and kept her close to him.

When his eyes met hers again, she could sense just how upset stopping from claiming her and her body was to him. The hurt around them was so great, that it was something they both wished to hide away from. They both closed their eyes and pressed their foreheads together, holding onto each other's arms, breathing deeply.

"We've got to finish packing." Rose whispered.

Brooklyn slowly opened his eyes, swallowed painfully, and then nodded. Rose backed away from him and then turned and faced the shattered glass all over the stone ground and counter top, and felt herself being filled with her grief and anger she felt a week ago. Her palms began to heat up in a very uncomfortable manner; and no amount of love from Brooklyn seemed to tame it because she could not change her predicament. As she looked around at the glass, she wanted to use that magic and use it, instead of force is deeper into her body.

As she stood, staring at the glass and mess, Brooklyn exhaled sharply; ran his claw through his long hair and sighed.

"Um… I'm sorry about this mess." He said quietly. "I'll uh, have to grab a broom."

"Don't bother." She said darkly, willing her magic to make its way down her arms and into her hands. She raised her hands up, closed her eyes and took a deep breath; willing it to come out of her hands.

However, because she was so upset and not calm, the red magic was not wispy and calm; but suddenly shot out like lightning. It was electrified and angry; and when it shot out, streaks of red lightning shot out of her hands and with a deafening BOOM, it exploded the wall in front of her, where the mirror stood, and sent her flying backwards into the back wall where she crumbled inside the bathtub.

Brooklyn yelped out and shielded his head as debris fell all around them and staggered backwards. Once the initial explosion erupted from her hands and destroyed the wall; he looked up from his arm shield, with wide eyes and observed the damage with incredible shock. Slowly, he turned back to face her and saw that she was inside the large bathtub, also staring out the damage she caused, completely shocked at her own abilities.

She was breathing deeply and frantically; and looked very fearful suddenly. She raised her hands up and couldn't believe the damage she had caused.

Brooklyn rushed over to her and cautiously asked her, "Are you all right, Rose?"

"I… uh… yes, I guess." She answered numbly.

He offered out his claw to her to help her up out of the tub, and naturally she reached her hand out to take it, but then stopped as her hand began to shake as her angry magic still coursed through her. Slowly moving her hand away and clasped them together, whipped her head up and gazed into his eyes with wide and terrified eyes.

"I… I can't." She gasped. "I- I don't know what just happened or how I just destroyed that wall! I can't risk what happened, to happen to you. I… I don't want to harm you!"

He didn't push her, but still held his claw out to her and shook his head slowly.

"You won't hurt me, my love." He answered calmly and quietly. "Just as you trust me, I trust you. Remember what we found out a week ago? If you are calm and rely on my love and our connection, your magic calms down. Close your eyes, and focus on my love for you. Then reach out your hand to me when you're ready."

Rose swallowed, closed her eyes and did as he instructed. It was true, when he didn't know that much about magic, but he seemed to know her and her soul and how to pull her from her inner darkness. Then, she thought about her distance from him, and if this happened again, how would she be able to focus on his love when he wasn't there?

Rose bit her lip, forced those thoughts away and took another deep breath focusing on his love and their connection. Then, as she willed it; their fingertips began to tingle peacefully and, like a light being turned on in the darkness, she felt his love enter her body and calmed down her angry magic instantly. Then, like a magnet to another magnet, she slowly raised her hand out and blindly reached out to his claw. Though her eyes were closed, she could sense his claw close to her skin, and with every inch towards him, she knew he was there.

Her hand naturally found his, and the second their skin touched, it sent the familiar peaceful and tingling sensation throughout their bodies. She opened her eyes at him, and saw that he was smiling lovingly down at her, as though what he saw just moments ago, didn't bother him in the slightest.

Smiling shyly back up at him, he pulled her to her feet. Once standing, he slid his other claw around her waist and lifted her with great ease, high above the ledge of the tub and slowly eased her feet down to the ground in front of him. She rested her hands upon his strong biceps and stared deeply into his eyes. He smiled gently at her, and ran his claws through her hair, before taking hold of her waist and pressing his body to hers.

"See?" He told her quietly. "I knew you could do it."

"What if that happens to me again?" She asked him nervously. "What'll I do?"

"I would suggest you try not to use your magic, if you can help it." He suggested gently, cupping her face gently and running his talons along her skin. "Not until we know of someone who can help you train and learn to better control it. But, if something does happen, then I'll come to you and will help you through it as best I can." He paused from speaking, looked sad all the sudden and then whispered, "I will always try to spend as much of my time down in the Labyrinth with you."

She smiled up at him, and gently clasped onto his claw which was holding her face, and then she leaned her cheek into his palm.

"You promise?" She asked him in a very small voice.

"With every breath left in me." He whispered, holding her tightly to him. He held her hands and then gently placed his lips down upon them, kissing them briefly, all while smiling at her. Knowing he wasn't going to abandon her; she knew, as their connection flowed through both of them, that things were somehow going to be alright.

She smiled gently back at him, feeling herself fully calmed down, and tears filled her eyes once again.

"Don't start all that again." He whispered, teasing her, still smiling. "I promise, things will be okay. I will never leave you, and I will always love you. Soon, Rose Connelly, you and I will be one; as mates, and we'll never be forced to leave each other ever again. You'll see."

"How do you know all this?" Rose asked him.

"I don't." He answered her. "But I hope for it; and that's all I can do. I believe in our love, our connection, and our destiny. Though there is darkness all around us, I believe in you and in me. We will rise above this; I have faith and hope that love will win this battle."

Rose smiled more brightly up at him and ran her hands along his beak; feeling reassured and thankful for his light and love.

"Thank you, my love." She whispered.

"You're welcome." He breathed back, inching his lips closer to hers, and holding onto her tighter. "Anything for you."

"You say that it's my light that guides you…" Rose breathed, her lips inches from his. "But, I don't see how that is. Surely, when you look inside me, you can feel that I have a darkness that is rising inside me. I don't know how, but it's come with my magic awakening. How do you still find that love and light inside me?"

"We all have a little darkness inside us," Brooklyn said gently. "It's what we choose to act upon is what is truly important. And as for your light… well… it's always harder to us to like and accept ourselves, but rest assured… your fire is there inside of you. And it's burning fiercely and as brightly as the sun, putting up one hell of a fight against the darkness; and it is amazing to see. You're amazing, beautiful and a true spectacle to me, my love. Do what Emily has suggested, and look into the mirror and try to see that beautiful and most amazing woman that her and I see."

Rose smiled more brightly up at him, then looked over the shattered glass and mess all over the floor, including her deep hole in the stone wall, where the mirror once sat.

"I would love to," she teased him, looking back into his eyes and grinned mischievously. "But someone broke my mirror… during our… ah… very naughty make out session."

Brooklyn grinned down at her, very cheekily now, and laughed, "Yeah, well… it wasn't all my fault, miss, run-your-hands-all-over-me. You were bringing it upon yourself… and you're welcome."

He laughed a bit harder now, and pulled her close to him.

"I very much enjoyed our naughty make-out session." He breathed in her face, and ran his talons over her face. "You're stunningly beautiful, my love. My mate."

As he said those things, he slowly began to lower his claws down and rested them just above her chest, creating a hot streak of pleasure on her skin, making her close her eyes again. He felt the same things course through his body, and he exhaled in a smile."The things I felt when you let me explore your body, is out of this world, Rose. I… I can't wait to become one with you."

"With as good and incredibly powerful as it feels," Rose said, running her hands over his bare chest. "Are you sure we'll live through our love-making?"

"I very much might have a heart-attack." Brooklyn teased, laughing slightly; making Rose giggle. "Good thing you'll be there next to me to heal me back to life, right? I know you won't let me die."

"I won't let you die." Rose laughed. "And yes, I'll be there to wake you back up-"

"To only kill me with your unbelievably sexy and beautiful body; and love-making again?" He teased even more; holding her face in his claws.

"Yes," Rose teased back, laughing. "That's a promise."

"Sounds like a good deal." Brooklyn said, inching his lips closer to hers. "If I'm going to die, that's the way I would rather go, for sure."

She stared deeply into his eyes and then whispered, while smiling sadly, "How about we not talk about you dying? We're going to live for each other, remember?"

"Of course." He whispered. "And live, we shall, my love."

Rose and him stared at each other for another few seconds, before she closed her eyes and reached her face up to his lips where he instantly closed the distance; kissing her deeply. Their lips moved unhurried and slowly against each other, sending their connections shooting through their bodies once again. Rose wrapped her arms around his neck, securing her body to his, while he wrapped his arms around her waist, and upper chest.

They kissed for a few minutes, enjoying each other, before she pulled away from him, and smiled up at him. She then took a deep breath, turned away from him and looked at the mess in front of her.

"What are you doing?" He asked her gently, placing his claws on her shoulders.

"I'm trying this again…" She said confidently, reaching her hand out and closing her eyes. "I'm calmed down now and know I can do this… somehow."

"Do what?" He asked her, teasing. "Summon the broom and mop? That didn't work out so well for Mickey Mouse when he was the sorcerer's apprentice, now did it?"

Rose opened one eye at him, and began to snort with laughter, "You watch way too much television, Brooklyn."

He chuckled under his breath and kissed her head.

"I know, I'm just teasing you." He said softly, stepping back slightly. "I believe in you, Rose. You healed Bronx, and even myself without realizing it, but… how are you going to do this?"

She closed her eyes and willed her magic to awaken in her limbs and finally settle gently into her hands, warming them peacefully.

"I have no idea." she whispered back to him, trying to focus her mind and meditation upon her magic. "Just like we don't know our connection works, nor how I willed myself magic into you to heal me, but I've got to try. I think if I will the stones to reattach themselves, it might work. I think… or… hope."

"I believe in you." He whispered from behind her. "You've got this, babe."

Rose kept her eyes closed, took a deep breath, and then allowed her magic to reach out to every single stone, and shattered glass; and to place them back together. She didn't know how she was doing it, but slowly, she felt that familiar heat leave her hands and it reached out to every single piece of stone and glass, and she willed them to rearrange and fix their chaotic state, back to where they belonged.

From where he stood, Brooklyn watched the red wispy power flow out of Rose's hands and raise stone and glass shards up in the air and they began to correct themselves. Brooklyn's eyes widened and his mouth was open slightly; in silent amazement at what he was seeing. In front of him, Rose kept her eyes closed and was gritting her teeth in effort.

She knew something was working, and was going to keep it going as long as she could handle. As she willed it, her red wispy power collected the stones and glass and began to put them back together; but then, her hands started to shake and her world started to spin uncomfortably.

As Brooklyn continued to watch in amazement the stone reattaching itself in the wall, and was lost in the amazement of her magic all around them. The room was almost put together, the glass still shattered in the mirror, but connected nonetheless. Then, suddenly his connection of warning shot through him, and instantly his eyes flew over to Rose. She was struggling, her entire body shaking and the red power was shooting out at different paces and seemed to fade.

"Rose?" He asked her nervously, but she never answered him. Her red magic faded, and then she collapsed limply to the ground.

"What the-? No Rose!" Brooklyn yelped out and sprang for her; catching her mid-fall. Her eyes were closed, and her body limp; as he eased her down to the ground while in his arms. He cradled her head in the crook of his arm and took her hand in his, looking down into her face.

"Rose?" He asked loudly. "Hey!… wake up. Come on, baby. Wake up!"

Her face was peaceful, but she was breathing as he quickly checked and to his relief, as he gently shook her; she groaned slightly. He exhaled in relief, and shook his head, closing his eyes for a moment. Too much had happened in the two nights, and he was tired. Her lying unconscious in his arms triggered that memory of her, just thirty six hours ago, reminded him painfully of her nearly dying in his arms from Kevin's gunshots and the damn river water.

Rose continued to come to, groaning slightly, before she finally opened her eyes. When she did, he opened his own eyes and exhaled even sharper. She blinked a few times and then sat up in his arms, grabbing on her head.

"What?" She asked him weakly. "What happened?"

"That's what I would like to know." He replied, holding her tightly against him as he relaxed his posture and leaned against the stone tub-frame, sitting on the floor with her. "You were trying to fix everything in here with your magic, and then your magic faded and then you collapsed."

Rose blinked a few times and then quickly looked around. To her own amazement, she had been able to fix the stone wall completely, but the glass wasn't smooth. It was put together, but still had Brooklyn's original fist mark and the spider web shatter marks.

"Oh," she replied softly. "That's right… I remember feeling dizzy, but I thought I was going to be okay… but… apparently not. I was so close. But I failed… "

As Rose looked around at her failed magical attempt, Brooklyn stared down at her with great concern. He gently took her face in his claws and guided her face over to his; where she could see his concern.

"You didn't fail, Rose." He whispered. "Don't be so hard on yourself."

"But, how am I going to learn to control my magic if I keep failing?" She asked him slightly impatiently.

"By being patient with yourself, keep trying, and to not give up." He said softly. As he stared into her beautiful face, he gently cupped her face in his claws and then guided her face over to look at what she did accomplish. Though the mirror still had a spider web of breakage, the mess was cleaned up, the sink put back together, and the wall completely whole. As Rose looked at what she did, she smiled slightly.

Seeing her smile, he also smiled.

"See?" He said gently. "You were able to put that wall all the way together, but just simply lost strength. Be patient with yourself, you just barely realized that you have magic one week ago, love. And, not only thirty six hours ago, you were lying near-death in my arms. I know this is part of who you are now, and you're trying to find what it is; but pace yourself, was very impressive and amazing by you… but, I think you're done trying for now."

Rose looked up into his eyes and watched his expression; which looked concerned for her now.

"What do you mean?" She asked him.

"It's time now that you rest…" He explained, holding her close to him in his arms. " I don't like seeing you pass out by exerting yourself into exhaustion over magic."

Rose processed what he was saying to her and knew he was right. Smiling at him, she nodded and then sat up in his arms, feeling a lot better. She didn't go as far as fall unconscious, but she had only fainted.

"Okay," she agreed quietly, smiling at him.

Nodding, he helped her stand up, and then looked over at the wall clock and sighed heavily, as it was midnight. Just as he did, Rose heard her bedroom door open and footsteps made their way across the stone floor coming closer to them. Then, looking over, Xanatos was there in her bathroom door frame.

Xanatos looked as though he was about to say something, but then stopped, and looked around the bathroom and the mess that it still partially was. With furrowed brows he noticed the shattered mirror, though still intact, some mess of the glass still present on the countertop, then looked over to the half-filled suitcase on the floor, to Rose wearing jeans and a tank top, standing in Brooklyn's arms, to Brooklyn holding Rose and staring back at him.

Xanatos opened his mouth to ask what had happened, but then he had a feeling he didn't want to know. He cleared his throat and said, "Rose, we are ready for you, whenever you are."

"Uh, right." Rose answered him, looking embarrassed all of a sudden, and looked down at her half-filled suitcase. "Sorry, I'm almost done."

"Take your time," Xanatos said. "Once you're all packed with whatever you need to take with you, then one of us or Owen will take your suitcases down the correct car. I figured you would need time to say good-bye to the Clan as well…" he then paused and then cleared his throat, speaking slightly uncomfortably.

"Do I uh… want to know what happened with that?" He asked Brooklyn, pointing to the broken mirror.

"Probably not." Brooklyn answered him honestly, leaning against a wall and trying not to laugh. Xanatos started biting his lip, as though trying not to smirk, and kept trying to cover his own laugh by clearing his throat.

"Understood." He managed to say, and then cleared his throat again. "Okay… um… well, Rose. Do you need assistance, or is Brooklyn sincerely helping you?"

"He is." She answered quietly, breaking away from Brooklyn's arms, and began to collect things around the bathroom. "I'll be up in five minutes. I just need to finish placing those clothes on the ground inside the suitcase, and then grab what I have upon the counter for my hygiene products. That's it."

"That's it?" He asked her in disbelief. "Rose… you're only bringing one suitcase?"

"I don't need much." She replied quietly, all while quickly placing the folded clothes in the large suitcase. "Plus, it's a huge suitcase. Thanks for letting me use it."

"No problem," he answered, and then turned away from them. "I'll uh… let you finish, and then we'll see you guys out in the living room. Sound good?"

Brooklyn nodded, as Rose crouched down on her knees and began to work more quickly in packing and also nodded. Xanatos nodded back, smiling at both Brooklyn and Rose, and then walked out leaving them alone once again. Once he was gone, Brooklyn barked out a laugh and slapped his knee. Rose looked up at him with wide eyes and furrowed her brows at him, as he continued to laugh.

"Did you see his face?" He laughed, holding his side, and stabbed his thumb in Xanatos' direction. "That was awesome… almost as funny as the time that nurse caught us in our act in the hospital bathroom." He then paused and wiped away a tear, sighing. "Us and bathrooms… it's really gross actually, if you think about it. But, you're so beautiful, Rose… it's kinda like we can't help ourselves. But I really don't mind it, if you don't… do you?"

He turned to face her, but she was silently putting the remainder of her clothes in the large suitcase, and was now placing all hygiene products in large plastic he gazed down upon her and he knew she was bothered.

From where he stood as well, he couldn't help but admire her beautiful curves and cleavage from her low tank top, but as soon as he thought about her beauty; she stood and mumbled, "I guess not. But, I'm glad you're amused by it."

She then turned from him and walked into the large closet, pulled out a zip up, black sweatshirt and put it on over her tank stop, zipping it up halfway, making herself a bit more modest. When she walked back out, he lowered his arms from his chest and sighed heavily.

"No, I'm not amused by it." He said softly, and walked over to her; but she refused to look into his eyes, and could feel the turmoil building inside her heart like it had all night. She grabbed the bagged hygiene products and whipped them off the counter in irritation, and tossed them from the counter into the open suitcase. She then grabbed her hairdryer, curling iron and straightener and were about to toss them across the air when Brooklyn gently stopped her, and held onto her wrists.

She forced herself to look into his eyes, and though her eyes were filled with tears, he smiled sadly at her and took them out of her hands.

"How can I help you?" He asked gently.

"By helping me finish packing, please." She asked him in a broken voice. "I can't keep living in this waiting period. If I am to leave, then I want to just leave and get this hurt over with."

He set the electric devices down on the counter and quickly took her in his arms, giving her a tight but brief hug, and kissed her forehead. Though he understood what she was saying and feeling, it still hurt him as well. But, it was like ripping a band-aid off. It hurt less if they did it quickly; instead of dragging the pain and dread out, until it tortured them both.

"Okay," he said softly. "I'm here for you. I love you."

Rose bit her lip, trying no to start crying again; as his pure love and sincerity always seemed to melt any anger she had inside her.

"I love you, too." She whispered, as more hot tears fell down her face. She was glad she wasn't wearing any makeup as it would have been a disaster all over her face by this time of crying so much and so often. "Thank you."

With that, she turned away from him and finished packing; being more careful with the items than she was before. Silently, Brooklyn gathered up the electric items for her hair, sat down on the ground next to her and offered his help whenever she needed it. Another ten minutes went by in silence, and finally her suitcase was filled.

Rose pulled out a list she had made for herself, and counted that she had at least two weeks worth of clothing, undergarments, socks, shoes, jackets and coats, and even a few dresses just in case she needed them. With her, hygiene products all packed; she quickly shut the large bag and zipped it shut.

"Okay," she sighed. "That's everything on my list."

"Are you sure?" He asked her quietly.

"I think so." She replied, getting back up to place socks upon her feet and put on comfortable black boots for her outfit for the night. Before she left the closet, she looked around once more, and though she had cleared out a bit, there was still quite a lot of outfits. Some were too fancy for her uses, but knew they were here just in case of anything. Sighing, she shut the light off and then shut the door to her closet.

Brooklyn was still sitting on the ground, watching her walk around and double checking everything she may need. But most of the bathroom drawers had been cleared out and there was nothing else that she could think of. She had shampoo, conditioner, her razor, and soap; but then thought of something.

"They do have… bathrooms in the Labyrinth, right?" She asked Brooklyn.

He stayed silent for a moment, thinking before answering, "Um… I think so. The Labyrinth used to be a huge lab for Cyberbiotics; but now is used for the Homeless. It's been configured for that use. There are rooms everywhere, and hallways. I think Xanatos and Talon worked together and placed plumbing in each bedroom."

"So it'll have basic things for my use?" She asked him. "Like a shower and a toilet?"

"I think so," he answered, smiling at her and watching her fret. He then stood, and gathered her up in his arms once again, hugging her tenderly. Rose closed her eyes and held onto him tightly.

"Don't worry, my love." He whispered against her hair, kissing her head. "We'll figure this all out."

Pulling away from his hug, she smiled at him and then nodded.

"Thank you, Brooklyn." She said softly. "Thank you for helping me pack and for putting up with my bipolar behavior. You're the only normal and stable thing in my life…"

He smiled gently down at her, kept her face cupped in his claws and then lowered his lips to hers, kissing her gently and sweetly. They kissed briefly, before he pulled away and whispered, "Come on. It's time to meet with the Clan…"

Tears filled her eyes again, and so she silently nodded.

"Okay," he breathed and instantly walked past her, gathered up her large suitcase and with a grunt, he lifted it up on top of his shoulder and held it. He then turned to her and offered his free claw out to her. "Ready?"

She took one last look at the large bathroom, held her arms and then nodded slowly.

"Yes," she whispered, turning away and took his claw. "I'm ready."

Without another word, he guided her out of the bathroom, where she took a brief stop to shut off the lights and then shut the door behind her. She didn't want to spend a lot of time looking at her destroyed bedroom, as Brooklyn already was.

Before she could stop him, he grit his teeth; growing slightly and grasped onto the suitcase and her hand even tighter, instantly enraged by what he saw around him. He couldn't see any 'messages' from the wood pile on her bedroom floor, but still some signs of his vandalizm were present.

The mattress was off the bed and placed against a nearby wall, and feathers were ripped everywhere, as well as the flowers he had bought her close to a month ago. Somehow, Rose had kept them alive and well nourished; but now they were wilted and dead. Anger continued to flow through him as he couldn't help but look at the damage that Kevin had done, and reminded him of why he was forced to say good-bye to the love of his life. It wasn't like he couldn't see her again, but the distance would be very frustrating, isolating and lonely for them both.

Rose wanted to stop him from looking at the mess Kevin made, but she couldn't help it either; as she shut the bathroom door and there was a message from Kevin; loud and clear in front of her face. She had forgotten what Kevin had carved into every frame, door and surface in her room, but seeing his handwriting, so largely displayed in front of her, made her gasp out.

Brooklyn instantly turned around to see what she gasped at, and saw, right in front of her was jagged carving of a message, into the opposite side of the door that they both hadn't seen; until she shut the door. Rose couldn't seem to look away as Kevin's message seemed to slap her in the face.

"DIE, YOU FUCKING WHORE…"

Rose stared at the message and couldn't seem to feel her body anymore, her breath caught in her throat. Tears filled her eyes as if she could suddenly feel Kevin near her, and she stared at the message in a petrified state.

BAM!

Rose jumped at a noise behind her, and Brooklyn had dropped the suitcase to the floor while instantly pulling her away from the door sharply, and was growling ferociously and snarling. Gasping out, she watched him, with his sharp teeth bared and eyes brightly lit up, charge for the door as if it were a manifestation of Kevin himself. Brooklyn roared out in his deafening war cry and suddenly began to attack the door with his own claws, shredding the message, and punching the door as hard and swiftly as he could.

Rose watched in terror, and jumped backwards as he attacked the thick door with his bare claws, until the messages from Kevin were nothing but shredded wood. Brooklyn was still roaring out, with every enraged strike. She had never seen him this angry, and though it wasn't based towards her, it terrified her slightly.

To her continued shock, he then opened the door and tore it off its hinges with another roar of effort. Rose gasped out as he held the door above his head, every single muscle bulging in anger, and then he chucked it as hard as he could across her bedroom with another enraged roar. The door slammed into the side of her wall, and cracked into multiple places; breaking almost clean in half before falling to the stone floor with another set of deafening noises.

Silence followed after that, and Brooklyn was left standing, seething and breathing deeply; his eyes lit up in true rage and anger. Rose backed away slightly, and held onto herself; needing to get out of her destroyed bedroom. Signs of Kevin were all around her, and it was rubbing salt in each would Kevin had ever placed upon her soul.

"How's THAT for a message?!" Brooklyn yelled out at the door, as if it was Kevin that he had defeated.

Rose's breathing was staggered and she backed away until she felt her window against her back, and then she sank slowly to the floor, feeling faint again. She held onto herself, trying to feel her body again, but was still numb. Brooklyn, however, looked over at her and saw that she was unraveling, and it made him angrier. Not at her, but at the whole situation.

For him, he felt like he needed to get that aggression off his chest and much more, but he wasn't going to let Rose see the signs that Kevin had been in her room anymore. He quickly picked up her suitcase, walked it outside her bedroom and set it down roughly out in the hallway; before entering back inside the room and rushed over to her side.

"Come on, Rose! Let's go!" He urged her, bending down and holding onto her arms. But her gaze told him that she wasn't there, and was zoned out. He grit his teeth in anger and wasn't going to let her break down with Kevin's reminders all around her. He was going to protect her from it and physically rip her from the room if he had to.

"Rose!?" He snapped, shaking her slightly. "Get up!"

. She blinked back to attention and saw that his eyes were still lit up in anger and he was holding tightly onto her.

"What?" She asked him softly, as if she were confused by his anger and didn't know what he had been saying to her. Sighing out, not able to be mad at her as it wasn't her fault for any of this. His eyes faded from his bright white anger and his brown eyes were staring deeply into hers, and his grasp upon her arms loosened.

"Come on," he mumbled, gently helping her up and placing his arm around her waist. "Let's get the hell outta here."

"Yeah," Rose gasped out, leaning against his chest. "Good idea."

He held onto her and guided her past her bed to leave the room, when she suddenly paused.

"Rose… no…" Brooklyn warned, taking her hand tightly when she tried to walk away from him, but she gently turned back to him and said, "Please, Brooklyn. My shoebox of memories. They're under the bed, I can't leave without them.."

He blinked a few times, looked and saw that it was indeed under the bed, and then looked back into her kind and pleading eyes. That shoebox was the only thing that was from her childhood, so he gently let her hand go.

"Okay." He sighed.

She smiled at him in appreciation, and then quickly walked over and knelt down on her knees to retrieve she pulled it out from under the bed, she quickly opened it to make sure all her precious memorabilia was still there and in tact. To her relief, she saw that the small trinkets and photographs that were of her childhood and college years were still there. The only picture she had lost was that of her and Emily in college, which was on her side table, and with no doubt had been destroyed by Kevin. Counting her lucky stars that he hadn't found the rest of her treasures, she placed the shoe box lid back on the box, and then tucked it safely under her arm, stood up, and then walked back over to Brooklyn; who took her back into his arms.

When he lead her from the room, the minute she left, it felt like she had walked out of an ice-cold room, and was back inside the heat and light. She closed her eyes and exhaled in relief, feeling her body once again. Brooklyn looked hot and bothered, but when he turned to face her, he cupped her face gently in his claws and his expression wore that of concern for her.

"Are you all right, my love?" He asked her. "I'm sorry you had to see all that… Kevin's messages… and my behavior."

Rose exhaled deeply and then chuckled slightly to herself.

"It's okay." She sighed, looking into his eyes. "You were just trying to protect me from Kevin's continuing terrorism. It was… uh, intense, but I didn't see that particular message before now, and it shocked me as well. But…" she paused and then gave him a small smile. "You say that I'm a force to be reckoned with when I'm angry? So are you, my love."

"Yeah," he said, softly caressing her face. "I'm sorry you had to see that. But, um… well… let's just say that I have some… unchecked rage and aggression that I probably should get out of my system, sooner than later."

"I'm sorry." She whispered, looking down, and knowing why he was so angry and enraged. It was all because of Kevin, and every single moment he was out there alive and still hunting her, his anger and rage against him was rising.

"Hey, don't worry about it." he said, lifting her face back up and smiled at her. He then walked past her, grabbed her suitcase again and lifted it back upon his shoulder, all while taking her hand in his other available claw. "I'll be fine. But let's go. We gotta get you safely to the Labyrinth, and then I can start to worry about other things, and get my rage and anger into check once again. Ya know, be cool and level-headed once again."

"How are you gonna do that?" She asked him, unsure if she wanted to know the answer. When she glanced over at his face, she knew he was still very angry, and never looked at her as he answered her.

"By finding Kevin and killing him." Brooklyn answered darkly. "And in the meantime, until I find him, I'll take my anger and aggression out upon going on patrols. I'll stop all of those idiot criminals and give them a piece of my mind."

"Brooklyn…" she sighed. "Please, don't go out in that frame of mind. I don't want you getting hurt."

"I won't!" He snapped at her and stopped walking, staring angrily down at her. "Would you just please stop worrying about me!? I'm more than capable of-"

He stopped talking, bit his own tongue and took a series of deep breaths to calm himself down, and then exhaled sharply. Rose was looking up at him with a calm face, and it made me feel terrible. His eyes softened and he sighed.

"Rose, I- I'm sorry, my love. I shouldn't have talked to you like that. I just-"

"I understand." Rose said softly, while reaching up to touch his beak and gently placed a kiss upon it. "I do… it's okay to be angry."

"Yes," he exhaled. "But it's not okay for me to take that anger out on you. I'm sorry, my love."

"You're forgiven." She replied quietly, looking ahead at the long hallway. "Tonight is not over yet. So, let's just get it over with and we both can take out our anger, rage and grief separately tonight, after… after I'm gone."

She looked down at her feet, as Brooklyn's eyes filled with tears and held onto her hand more tightly.

"Gee, can't wait." He replied in a snarky, dark and sarcastic tone; all masking his breaking voice and heart.

---

Together, they walked in silence towards the living room, where the Clan was waiting and gathered together. Owen had returned to the room and both were talking quietly.

When they entered the room, everyone's small conversations were put on hold and everyone looked up at them. Rose wished they wouldn't, because she no doubt looked terrible from crying so much. She just wanted to fade away from the attention and be alone; though being alone was the last thing she wanted.

Xanatos finished his conversation up with Owen, who was nodding in comprehension at him, and then turned away; as Xanatos came walking towards Brooklyn and Rose.

"Ah, good!" He said, clapping his hands together. "Is that all you've packed away?"

Rose looked from her extra large suitcase on Brooklyn's shoulder, to the small shoe box she was holding in her arms, and nodded.

"Yup."

"Good," Xanatos said, and then turned to Brooklyn. "Do you want any help with that, Brooklyn? I'll be happy to call up a robot for-?"

"No," Brooklyn snapped slightly. "I've got it. Where do you need it?"

Xanatos looked from his angry face to Rose's numb expression and didn't question anything. He straightened up and pointed to the elevators.

"Down in my personal vehicle. I'll guide you to the right one."

"The right one?" Brooklyn asked him, raising one eye bone in suspicion.

"Yes," Xanatos explained smoothly. "I'll be driving Rose in one, and Owen will take another and we'll try to confuse anyone that may be watching us coming and going from the Eyrie Building. We will all be connected to comms, and will communicate anything we may see or hear."

With this, Goliath stepped closer to them and joined their conversation.

"That's right," he added in a serious tone. "Xanatos and I discussed this further. Myself and the entire Clan will travel in pairs and go separate ways to confuse anyone who may be watching us, and we'll all rendezvous at the Labyrinth one hour after our departure. We will help defend anyone who may be attacked or followed. Owen will take one car, while Xanatos drives Rose. Then you, Brooklyn; will take your motorcycle and rendezvous to the Labyrinth as well."

"It's in a hidden warehouse, down town." Brooklyn said seriously. "But, I'll glide to it and pick it up. That's a good idea. Anyone who wants Rose, will probably think she's with me. So, if I can distract or stop anyone from following her car, then that's what I'll do."

Rose closed her eyes and hated that everyone had to take such careful precautions for her; it was almost ridiculous. As much as she also wanted to take one last motorcycle ride with Brooklyn, that idea was quickly squashed of all hope as it was a part of a strategic ploy for her safety.

"Perfect!" Xanatos said. "If you'll follow me Brooklyn. I'll escort you down to the garage and will show you the car that will be taking her luggage. And we can finalize our plans from there."

Brooklyn nodded once, as Goliath turned to Rose.

"Are you all right?"

"Not even close." Rose answered him, holding onto her shoe box tighter and letting go of Brooklyn's claw. "But thank you for asking."

With that, she walked away from the three males and towards Akira, Angela and their mates, who stopped talking and looked up at her as she passed them. She set her shoe box down upon a side table and sat in a chair, alone in the corner nearest the fire.

Brooklyn watched her sadly, before following Xanatos down to the elevators. Once Brooklyn was out of sight, Rose closed her eyes and wished for a moment's peace, where she could sleep. Taking a deep breath, she couldn't remember the last time she actually was able to fall asleep by her own will and doing. The only time she did sleep was when she was either unconscious or during her time in surgery when she was under anesthesia.

Rose kept her heavy eyes closed, wrapped up in a blanket and brought her legs up to her chest, wanting to fall into a world of dreamless sleep; not wanting to think or remember anything that had happened the last few , her thoughts were interrupted by a sweet voice.

"Rose?"

She opened her wary eyes and looked tiredly over to see who was speaking to her; and to her strange relief, it was Akira. The female gargoyle was so sweet and always had something encouraging and peaceful to say; even if she said nothing at all.

"Do you mind if I sit here with you?" Akira asked her softly. "It's okay to tell me no if you just want to be alone, but… it looks like you could really use a friend right now."

Touched and sincerely moved, Rose's eyes filled with tears once again and silently she nodded, as more sobs flowed through her body; shaking her with grief. A sob burst out of her mouth, and Rose could do nothing at the moment except be taken care of.

Akira quickly moved the blanket, and eased herself into the armchair next to Rose, wrapped her arms around her and held her tightly. There were reminders for Rose of her loved ones from the Gargoyles; so much so, it unnerved her sometimes. Hudson felt like her grandfather, Robert; and Akira often reminded her of her best friend Emily.

Akira was very small and petite for a Gargoyle, much like Lexington, but she was strong; and her strength was something different than Brooklyn's. It was that of a sister; a much different kind of love. Akira's heart was huge and was the most love and accepting of all the Gargoyles, in her opinion; it was incredible.

Rose continued to cry, as Akira held her tightly in her arms and squeezed in next to her on the small chair. Akira pulled the blanket back up over Rose, kissed her on the forehead and gently began to run her claws down her hair.

"Go ahead and cry." Akira soothed softly, resting her head upon Rose's. "I've got you, and I'm here for you. If you want to just sit in silence, I'm here. If you need to cry, I'm here. And if you want to talk, I will happily do so. Okay? Whatever you need."

Rose was even more moved by her sincere love and friendship and cried even harder and louder into her shoulder and hugged her tightly.

"T-thank y-you." Rose cried, thoroughly exhausted. "Y-you're so a-amazing, Akira."

"You don't need to thank me," Akira responded softly. "That's what friends and sisters do."

Rose was thankful for Akira and relaxed in her arms while crying earnestly. Just as Akira said, she held her as she cried and was just simply there to hold and comfort her. Rose didn't know how much time had passed as she sat in Akira's arms, but with every passing minute, she began to calm down and found herself staring into the fireplace, watching the flames dancing peacefully.

Her eyes started to feel heavy and it was taking everything in her to stay awake. She took a deep breath, forced herself out of her trance and looked around the room. Brooklyn still hadn't come back from the garage with Xanatos, and no one was still taking the time to relax before taking off for the night. It was nearing close to midnight at this point; and Rose was feeling it.

"Are you feeling better?" Akira suddenly asked her quietly, still running a claw over her hair. Rose smiled weakly and looked up at her slightly.

"Yes, thank you." Rose replied. "You're actually starting to put me to sleep."

Akira giggled and said, "Sorry. Do you want me to stop? Or do you wish to sleep?"

"I don't think I can right now," Rose answered quietly. "As much as I really want and need to. The last time I actually fell asleep was I believe, Christmas Eve. But I stayed up with all of you, playing games until super late. The rest of the time I've either been unconscious or was under the anesthesia when I had my surgery."

"You must be very tired," Akira sympathized. "I feel exhausted and I haven't been involved with all of your hardships directly. But, with everything that has gone on, I bet you're past processing things and only feel numb, no doubt."

"That's exactly how I feel," Rose moaned, unable to raise her head from Akira's shoulder. "And poor Brooklyn has been riding this hell train with me, and we both can't get off. He… he ended up seeing one of Kevin's messages to me; and it was one I hadn't even seen yet."

"Oh no," Akira sighed. "What did he say about it or do?"

"He tore his claws through it until we couldn't see the message anymore, then he ripped the door off its hinges and threw it across the room." Rose explained dryly. "Like… freaking Hulk style. I have never seen him that angry before."

"He loves you." Akira stated factually. "Brooklyn is going to make a wonderful leader one day, because he is such a wonderful Second-in-Command. He cares so deeply about the people he lets into his heart and life, and is incredibly loyal. He normally is very level-headed as well, so I'm sure that was a shock to see him that upset. But, Kevin has come into our home, ripped apart our security, and messed with you; in such a mocking and evil way, it's disgusting. It doesn't surprise me that he reacted so strongly. We all have tried so hard to keep him from that room, but we knew it was only going to be a matter of time before he saw something."

"Yeah," Rose said. "I just feel so bad. He's under so much stress and pressure; I wish I could take it all away from him."

"He's under pressure and stress because you are under the most stress and pain. And that's been the hardest of him to see." Akira said softly. "That's what's so amazing about you two. You both are very similar in your personality. He's very loyal, protective, loving, and passionate; and so are you. Both of you are selfless, and give of yourselves without a thought. And sometimes, because you two naturally give too much of yourselves, you two end up fighting and butting heads." Akira paused and then started giggling. "It's kinda funny to watch, actually. But I love you two together; you're soulmates, and that's a very beautifully rare gift. Though I'd like to think of myself as Lex's soulmate, because we are both very similar, but we do not have that 'magical connection' to each other. Just a more subtle connection that is out of choice only. We've chosen to be together and that's our 'connection' I guess you can say."

"I'm glad you've found Lexington," Rose said softly, smiling and enjoying their conversation. "You're such a sweet soul- he seems very smitten by you."

"I'm smitten with him." Akira giggled and started rubbing Rose's arm. "He's been so good to me, Rose. I am very blessed. He is my very best friend and the love of my life; and thanks to him, I have gained an even bigger family through all of you, and that is the greatest gift of all."

"I feel the same way about meeting Brooklyn." Rose said softly. "I love him with all my heart and soul. Truly, I would do anything for him. When I met him… I felt my broken life piece together so naturally, it was baffling to me, because I didn't think I deserved to have such a good life or true love. I was in the depths of despair and hell, and was willing to kill myself just to escape Kevin's wrath. But he saved me, Akira. Brooklyn saved me; in every possible. And he says that I'm his light in the darkness, but he is mine."

As Rose thought about Brooklyn, she felt herself become full of sorrow once again, but she was too tired to begin crying again. Being with Akira, seemed to soothe her greatly.

"I love you two together." Akira repeated, grinning brightly. "I know I already said that, but seriously, I'm like your number one fan, and am rooting for you guys. When I first heard about your guys' connections, everyone else was looking at Brooklyn like he was crazy. He felt the most physical need to come to your side, even though you two had never formally met and he didn't know where you were. But I knew and heard of those 'soulmate connections,' and I had a hunch that the connections you two were having, were one of those. And seeing how miserable and lonely he was before, I prayed to the Gods that it would lead him to you… and it did."

Rose laughed and said, "Are you taking credit for being the one to encourage Brooklyn to come save me at the Bridge?"

"Not tooting my own horn here," Akira grinned teasingly. "But yes. I did encourage him to go, because I knew of that deep connective magic. And thank Goodness I did, and that he listened to me; because it brought him to you, and you to all of us. He received a beautiful mate, and gave me another sister of the most extraordinarily strong, beautiful, kind and fighting spirit."

"You still feel that way about me?" Rose asked her quietly. "Even after all that I'm putting the Clan through?"

"Oh, of course I do." Akira exclaimed. "Rose, my sister, I love you. We all do… but we're all just been so concerned for you and Brooklyn. There's been a lot at stake, and there's been a lot of stress as of late, but all of us mostly just feel helpless. We want to be able to help you guys out more, but every time we've tried, it's either out of our claws, or it's not our place."

"And is…" Rose asked quietly, but then paused and looked around the room at the other couples. Angela was asleep on the couch, while Broadway and Lexington were playing a card game quietly, while Hudson and Bronx were taking a nap as well in the other armchair "Is the rest of the Clan on board with Brooklyn and I coming together as mates? I know Elisa and Goliath are mates, but is it weird for Lex and Broadway to see their brother being with a Human?"

"No," Akira said softly, shaking her head. "Broadway and Angela has always been supportive of your union, same with Hudson and Goliath, of course. However, my Lex, I would say, had the hardest time at first. But, think about it. The trio of brothers have always been the best of friends. Broadway and Brooklyn have the adventurous spirit in common, while Brooklyn and Lex have the intellectual aspect in common. Lex had a harder time believing that Brooklyn wasn't just 'settling' for the first girl to give him the time of night, if that makes sense. So in a strange way, he was mostly looking out for you. He didn't want you to hurt Brooklyn, and he didn't want Brooklyn to drag you along with him, if you were unwilling. But now, everyone loves you. You're a part of this family and we protect our family."

"That's good to know." Rose said, smiling. "I thought that Lexington hated me at first."

"Nah, he didn't hate you." Akira said. "He's just a lot more reserved and has a harder time speaking how he feels. But don't you worry about anyone else. You've got enough to worry about right now. From Kevin, to this move tonight, to your newly found magic… Rose you've got enough on your mind. But, I have to tell you that I am in awe of you and your strength. Can we just… talk for a minute about how amazing this is that you have magic?!"
Rose chuckled slightly and eased her head back against the couch so she could better talk to Akira. Her face was excited and purely curious; and if anyone could understand her and her magic. Akria could.

"I hated it at first to be honest with you." Rose explained quietly, trusting her completely. "And... I'm still feeling it out, because there are times where I don't know about it. It's hard to explain it all, but it'll all started when I first met Brooklyn, the night he saved me from that gunman. I felt our connection as the first 'strange' thing, and we hadn't even touched yet. It was simply when he and I first looked into each other's eyes. Then again, at the Brooklyn Bridge, when he and I touched hands, I could feel our bodies and minds literally magnetize towards each other. It was so beautiful, intimate, and the most incredible experience. I knew I wouldn't be alone anymore, and that I would always have him in my life."

Akira's eyes misted over with tears and she breathed, "That's so beautiful."

Rose smiled even brighter at her and could begin to feel that deep love for Brooklyn, the more she talked about it, and as she recalled all they've been through so far, she felt extremely lucky, blessed and fortunate. It was beautiful.

"Tell me more, please." Akira added softly, still playing with Rose's long hair, making Rose grin brightly up at her.

"Okay… well… we grew closer to each other after that, as you all know." Rose said softly. "And though it happened very fast, time means nothing when I'm with him. It seems to slow down whenever him and I are near, and often get lost in each other's eyes. The closer that we've become to each other, in every way, I have felt my magic slowly begin to awaken within me. Though I didn't know what it was at first." Rose paused and began to get lost in her thoughts, while staring into the fireplace.

"Then," she continued softly, remembering every small detail from a week ago. "When Brooklyn was injured by the gang members, and I blasted them away from myself, Brooklyn and Emily with my magic; I felt an… almost, forgotten or lost part of myself wake up."

"Really?" Akira whispered, her eyes wide.

"Yeah," Rose explained. "At first, I was terrified. Like… I couldn't stop shaking and it felt like the magic was going to explode inside me, and that's partially why I acted so terribly that night, when Brooklyn and I had our first ever big-fight. I was being torn apart with all of the fear, and my denial for being anyone other than who my Grandparents made me to be. I wanted to just be me… Rose Connelly, adopted daughter of Evelyn and Robert Connelly. Not Rose, who all-the-sudden-has-magical-powers, and now has an extremely complex life. Things were much simpler before…"

"Simpler, maybe." Akira said softly. "But empty and lonely, yes."

Rose looked into Akira's black eyes, and though they were extremely dark, they were full of kindness and purity, and were vastly different than Kevin's black ones.

"Right." Rose agreed, smiling at her.

"I don't know about you, but I actually really like the magical-wielding Rose." Akira said kindly. "Because she is the one who is growing alongside your betrothed mate, Brooklyn. And like I've said, and I'll keep saying, you and Brooklyn are what dreams are made of! From your guy's magical connections of being soulmates, to your magic, and your strongly and deeply rooted love… Oh, I swoon over you two and am tremendously happy for you both. I'm also very interested in what destiny has in store for both of you."

"Yeah?" Rose laughed, grinning at her.

"Yes." Akira answered, smiling brightly. "You two deserve the very best, and both have such goodness and purity in your hearts. I know you and Brooklyn will be happy and that destiny will give you both your happy ending; as well as a life full of adventure, passion, and true love. As I have thought about your connections; I truly think that you two will have a very important story to tell and will leave an incredible legacy behind you both. There is a very strong and potent energy between you two; and it's contagious for all of us."

"I am very lucky. Brooklyn makes me a better woman and a better person." Rose said softly, feeling more and more blessed to have him. "If it weren't for him, I would have no love in my life, no light in my dark world, and no sense of purpose. He calls me his light in the darkness, but he is mine. I would be lost without him." She paused and then shook her head, sighing.

"That's why… I feel so lost right now with the thought of living in the Labyrinth, away from him. Brooklyn and I have had some incredibly intimate moments with each other, and during such times, we have learned more about our connections to each other. We've come to the conclusion that him and I are stronger together; and weaker when we are apart. That is why I am so hesitant to go to the Labyrinth. I know that it's for the greater good for everyone; but I cannot help but feel that this is a bad choice…"

She sighed again, grabbed her long hair, turned back to Akira and then chuckled softly; "But then again… things have been and will continue to be bad as long as Kevin is still out there."

Akira gave her a sympathetic look and said, "I'm so sorry, Rose. My heart has been breaking for you since the moment I heard about Kevin's attempt to kill you. Never before have I ever felt more scared and helpless. And now that you and Brooklyn have defied the odds of surviving, and now are being forced apart… I can't imagine how hard this is on both of you. It's truly breaking my heart, but it is the right thing to do. Though, I know how hard it is to wait and be patient."

Tears filled Rose's eyes again as she nodded her head.

"Thank you…" She sighed. "I just want to be his wife and mate, already; and to finally be rid of Kevin forever."

"I know how hard that can be." Akira said gently, moving a hair out of Rose's face. "I had the same issues when I was in Japan with my Clan. Lexington and I had met online, and instantly fell in love. We had so much in common, and found that we could talk about everything. When I asked my leader and father to come to America to be with Lexington; he refused, and wanted me to stay in the Ishimura Clan. He knew of Goliath and greatly respected him, but it was too hard for him to let me go and be mated with a young Gargoyle in which he didn't personally know. Lexington spoke with him online, which was also hard on him because he doesn't appreciate technology like Lex and I do; but Lex offered his promise to him how he would take care of me."

She smiled as she thought about this memory and then continued, "That's how my father eventually let me come here, by seeing the goodness in his heart and humble plea. Then, a week later, Xanatos and Fox came and picked me up by helicopter. I promised my father that we would one day soon return home to Japan to be with my Clan for a little while, but the wait before I was able to come to America was excruciating. It was near torture to be so close to Lex; but yet so far away from him…. However… as the Helicopter flew away and I watched my father waving at me from down below… there was a moment where I was unsure of everything. I didn't know if I had the strength to leave my father, and to follow my heart to a Gargoyle male with whom I had never physically met."

"You…" Rose began to say, feeling very sad for her all the sudden. "You left your home, your Clan, and came to another Clan, in a strange world, to be mated with Lexington?"

"Yes." She answered, smiling brightly.

"That must have been very difficult." Rose said sympathetically. "Do you miss your Clan much? Your father?"

"Oh, yes. With every passing night… " Akira answered honestly. "But the sting faded quickly when Lex and I saw each other for the first time. I live my life by trusting destiny to guide me and my heart to live the life that I am destined to live. Though it was hard to leave, the moment I saw Lex, and met the others, I knew that I was truly where I needed to be. I was home. It may have not have been magic to guide our journey but it was-"

"Destiny." Rose said, smiling at her happily, with tears falling down her face.

"Exactly." Akira replied, smiling gently down upon Rose's face. "And just like any adventure or destiny-driven life; hardships will always come your way. What's important is how you deal with those hardships. Trials can either break a relationship or make it stronger. From what I see, with you and Brooklyn; nothing can come between you if you don't let it. As long as you keep your love alive- you two are unstoppable."

"I sure hope so." Rose told her, then she sat in silence for a few seconds, thinking deeply about her next topic of conversation, until she finally decided on one. She closed her eyes briefly and then opened her mouth to speak.

"Um… Akira?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I trust in you some more about some more… um… intimate things between Brooklyn and myself?" Rose asked her in a voice just barely above a whisper, as to not attract anyone's attention. "I mean… it's kind of private. But, I know Brooklyn wouldn't mind me telling you. The others he might mind… a bit more."

Akira smiled shyly at her and then whispered back, "Yes. You can always tell me anything. Just… um… just so you know. I am a bit more traditional in nature. So, if it's too intimate, it's best if that stays between you and Brooklyn."

Rose blinked a few times and then giggled.

"No, um. It's nothing that deeply sacred. But it's… things Brooklyn and I have seen, during our times of being connected; in our minds and such."

"Okay." Akira said softly, giggling. "I think I can handle that."

"Um… okay." She replied quietly. "Uh… I don't know really were to begin… but… here it goes."

Rose swallowed, and nervously began to play with her fingers. Then, after deliberating with herself, Rose took a deep breath and then dove into the full story about hers and Brooklyn's connection, the images in which they saw when they had kissed for the first time and how they felt as one when he healed her, in which their mating instincts had to be turned on for, in order for it to work. Akira listened as Rose whispered the full truth to her; and told her about all the vivid images in which they had together.

"... it was the strangest thing, Akira." Rose finished telling her, in a soft voice. "When we shared our first kiss, and when we saw the vivid images of us together; I was scared. I mean, we both were. We were unsure about being with each other- largely due to being of different species. But we also couldn't deny what the images showed us; we saw us together, married, and even saw two children running away from us… or so I thought."

She paused as Akira was thinking deeply; but then Rose continued to speak.

"And… I know this sounds crazy… but I haven't been able to get it out of my head since that very first time we kissed. I couldn't help but feel that those children will possibly, one day, belong to us… maybe. I just didn't think it was possible, with him being a Gargoyle and I being a Human."

Akira shook her head slightly and said softly, "I am beyond amazed to hear of these connections in full detail. It reminds me so much of Hisashi and Suki's legend as there aren't very many differences that I can see, yet."

She paused, looked up at Rose, placed her claws upon her shoulder, and then said, " I have no idea if you two are able to actually conceive children, but I am a believer in the legends of Hisashi and Suki… you know that. And with that, I also believe that there are possibly many more Gargoyles and Humans who have been able to connect, mate and create their own species; but we just don't know anything about them. But I could be very wrong as well.

If you and Brooklyn are truly meant to raise Gargoyle and Human children, then that means it is meant to be. Maybe that's how Humans and Gargoyles eventually come together? By your hybrid children."

Rose smiled slightly and then chuckled nervously.
"I had that thought once, but uh… I don't know." She said. "The more I speak of these visions, the more I am questioning it all…"

"Don't." AKira stated. "Never question what has been given to you as a gift, Rose. The heaven's and Destiny is sending you and Brooklyn a beautiful gift; a snippet of your future together."

Rose grinned at her, laughed slightly and then added, "It can't be, Akira. Brooklyn is a Gargoyle and I'm a Human. It's impossible…"

"But, you're not just any normal Human, Rose." Akira affirmed. "You've proven that by the magic you've been able to wield. So, who's to say it's impossible? Hm? Sure, to you, it is impossible for a Human to wield magic, but yet here you are. It may be impossible to be magically connected by Destiny to another species… but… what you and Brooklyn have is real and a living, breathing thing. And…" Akira paused and then smiled. "Gargoyles existing has always been thought to be impossible, but yet, here we are."

Rose stared at Akira, letting her wise words sink deeply into her soul; and though her mind kept telling her it wasn't true, her soul knew better. The words Akira was saying was the most truth she'd ever heard in one conversation. Her heart began to flutter nervously, as the thoughts of possibly have children with Brooklyn, seemed to turn on, yet another light, from deep within her. Another lost part of who she was, it felt like. Rose sat in silence, listening to Akira speak, as she continued in a very dreamy voice.

"Rose… Although it's been impossible in your mind, that does not make it impossible."

Rose slowly looked back up into her face and stared deeply into her eyes.

"Is it possible then?" Rose asked her in a whisper. "For him and I to conceive life?"

"That, I do not know." Akira replied softly. "I may be well-versed in things of magic and legend, but I cannot actually wield magic, and nor can I see in to the future. I can only trust what my heart tells me, and right now, it's telling me to never give up hope of such a gift and blessing. You never know… you may, very well, be able to conceive life for being brave enough to live by what you know, and proving that love knows no form. I haven't any idea what your story will be… but…" she paused once again and then whispered, smiling widely, "I cannot wait to see it unfold. Whatever it is, I know it will be beautiful. And I know you may not be able to see that beauty yet, but I know you two will be strong through it all. Kevin cannot break what you two have… that much I am so sure of."

"Thank you, Akira. More than I could ever say. You're words have soothed my soul; and have brought great amount of hope and light into it." Rose said softly, resting her head against Akira's, as she wrapped her strong arms around Rose.

"You're more than welcome, my sister. I have enjoyed our talk, and though I am so sad to see you leave, it's not the end. We are a Clan and will always be here for you. Angela and myself have already discussed that we will come to visit you in the Labyrinth, as often as we can. This next chapter of all of our lives will, no doubt, be an adventure. But I feel like this separation will only make your and Brooklyn's love much stronger than it already its. Fire creates the strongest metals on Earth; and that is how you and Brooklyn will be made, by embracing and fighting the fires of opposition and hardship together, and together, I know you two will come out on top."

"You think so?" Rose asked her, with tears in her eyes.

"I don't just think, I know." Akira whispered, holding onto her hand tightly. "Search deep inside yourself, Rose. Find who you really are, and finally see what Brooklyn and myself can see. You are a strong, beautiful, kind, selfless and most extraordinary woman. You are a warrior. I hope you know that you can always come to talk to me about any of this, especially when you and Brooklyn are mated. Us sisters need to stick together and have each other's backs."

Rose smiled and rested in Akria's hold for a few moments, before she looked up at her and whispered, "Are you sure you aren't some Great and All knowing spirit, who's been sent here to guide me through this life?"

Akira giggled and asked her softly, "Do I seem like a great and all knowing spirit to you?"

"Without a freaking doubt." Rose said strongly. "You say to listen to my heart, and that's what my heart is telling me. You're are an incredible being, Akira. The way you sometimes talk, it's like you've been reincarnated into this life, and have such wisdom about you. It's unreal, almost."

Akira giggled again and held Rose tightly in her arms, hugging her.

"Well, sorry to say, but you're wrong on that." She replied. "I'm just me. Akira."

"No, you're not just you." Rose argued quietly. "You are my Guardian Spirit; to lead and guide me. While Brooklyn is my soulmate and Guardian Angel, my light in the darkness."

"Oh, Rose." Akira laughed, now very amused. "Thank you, sweet sister. If that's how you see me, then I will gladly try to live up to your expectations."

"What expectations?" Rose laughed. "Any expectations I have, you blow them out of the water, every time we talk! You go so far above and beyond anything I ever expect to hear out of you, it's ethereal to me. You have the most incredible way of knowing the right things to say."

Akira smiled endearingly down at Rose, who returned her smile, and then Rose jumped slightly. Before Akira could ask her what was wrong, Rose looked past her shoulder and then smiled. Just then, the familiar closeness of Brooklyn pulsed through her limbs and hands; connecting them. Akira looked down at her and smiled an even bigger smile.

"Are your hands tingling?!" Akira asked her, getting excited by the connection happening right as they had talked about it. Rose laughed at her excitement and giddiness and nodded her head.

"Yes," Rose answered. "Brooklyn, my love is back."

---

Akira looked up eagerly as Brooklyn's voice was suddenly heard. Him and Xanatos were walking from the elevators towards the living room, their voices and footsteps getting quicker.

"So cool!" Akira whispered excitedly.

Rose grinned at her, and wanted more than anything to rush into his arms and never to let him go. Her heart quickened, which made the connection flow through her limbs with a great amount of speed and energy; and knew Brooklyn was feeling the same way.

Just then, Brooklyn turned the corner and quickly walked into the living room, looked around and saw Akira and Rose cuddled up together on the arm chair, in a large blanket near the fireplace. His face was stony and looked to be stuck in a terrible mood, but when he saw Rose being comforted by Akira, he couldn't help but melt at the sight of both of them.

Rose gave him a true smile, and though it looked as though she had cried some more, she looked to be doing a lot better. Relieved, more than he could say, he walked over towards them; with his wings securely wrapped around his shoulders, keeping his eyes on Rose; who he felt naturally drawn to.

As Rose watched Brooklyn approach them, tears filled her eyes, and then she glanced over at Akira, who raised her eyebrows at her and goaded her to give into her desires.

"You ladies look comfortable." He said, smiling cheekily as he approached them and knelt down on the ground at their feet.

"We are." Akira said, grinning happily, as Rose gently moved the blanket and eased herself down into his lap. Brooklyn's eyes lit up excitedly and bit in shock, but didn't push her away. He opened his wings and Rose instantly wrapped her arms around his neck, sat in his lap and hugged him tightly. Brooklyn didn't know how to respond for a moment and held his claws were frozen in mid air, until her lips reached his ears and then spoke the most beautiful things to him. Things he had been needing to hear and feel…

"I love you, Brooklyn." Rose whispered in his ear, and was thinking about all the things that Akira and her had discussed, willing those thoughts and feelings to enter his mind and body. "You're my soulmate, my love. My mate… and I'm so thankful for you and this love that we are so blessed to call our own."

Brooklyn's eyes filled with tears, and was in awe of how much light he felt pouring into his soul; pushing his own darkness and grief away. Somehow, her speaking with Akira had been able to melt the darkness away from her heart, leaving it with nothing but light, hope and pure love for him; her soulmate.

As her connection flowed through her limbs, Rose closed her eyes and rested her head over his shoulder and willed that light and love to flow into his body, to give him the same peace that she was feeling. Though she didn't use any of her red magic; this magic in their connection felt bright white, pure and beautiful. Like she was giving a piece of Heaven to him, and him to her.

Slowly, Brooklyn brought his claws down upon Rose's back and cupped her head, closing his eyes at what relief she was giving him by sharing what she felt for him, and how their love, from their beginning to now, had endured and is still enduring. He exhaled deeply, held her tightly to him and gathered clawfuls of her clothing in his grasp. He leaned his face into her hair and breathed her scent in, feeling her body pressed to his and her heartbeat pounding with life against his own chest.

She was life and light in this moment for him, and he was blown away by how amazingly strong their connection was; and how it filled his entire being with a new purpose it felt like. A reminder of why he was fighting so hard for her; and this was why. Rose, was the heart of everything in his world.

Rose kept her eyes closed as she tightly held onto him, and rubbed her hands gently against his shoulders; enjoying the heat that followed from her fingers onto his skin, and she turned her head to breathe the scent of his hair in as well as his skin. After a few amazing moments of holding each other in silent peace, Brooklyn opened his eyes and looked up into Akira's.

She was holding her claws up by her mouth, smiling and tears were slowly coming out of her eyes. Brooklyn slowly smiled at her and then said quietly, "I don't know what you said to her… but… thank you."

"Rose just needed a reminder about who she really was." Akira told him softly, wiping some tears away.

Just then, Rose loosened her grip on him and pulled back to gaze into his brown eyes; and his, into her clear hazel eyes. She raised her hands up to his face and touched the side of his face, endearingly, as Brooklyn lightly cupped her face and ran his talons over her beautifully smooth face. He held onto her tightly still, but gazed deeply into her eyes and chuckled, grinning brightly.

"Thank you, my sweet and beautiful mate." He whispered in her face. "For reminding me of who I am, as well as my true purpose… which is protecting and loving you."

"As that is also my purpose for you. And thanks to Akira, I've also been reminded of that, and of who I am." Rose offered softly, smiling lovingly up at him. "I've been surrounded by so much darkness, that I have overlooked the beautiful gift that our love and connection is. Once I recalled how lucky and blessed I am to have you in my life… the darkness in my own heart just disappeared, and that has left me with nothing, but my strong and unbridled love for you. And…" She paused from speaking as tears filled her eyes. "I just want you to know… that… I'm going to be okay. Okay? I'll be strong because this isn't our end. It is, but the beginning of another chapter with you, and if you and I can brace the darkness together, then our future is as bright as our faith." She paused again and then grinned even brighter while caressing his face; as his own tears fell down his face and was looking deeply into her eyes with great hope.

" And I'm holding onto that faith with everything I have…" She finished whispering, her lips inches from his. "I promise you, Brooklyn… my love and mate… that once I leave this home for the Labyrinth, I'll be okay."

She smiled even more at him, holding back her own tears, and then grabbed onto his cnd grasped it tightly. "We'll be okay."

Tears fell down even faster down Brooklyn's face out of relief, awe, and his soul being touched by her sudden strength and light; it seemed to have humbled him to his knees. He bit his lip and exhaled, pulling her back into his arms, hugging and holding her tightly.

"I love you, Rose." He whispered in her ear. "Thank you for giving me the strength and the hope I have been so desperately needing."

She smiled against his hair, pulled back slightly and gently cupped his beak, her lips inches from his.

"Thank Akira." Rose smiled brightly. "She helped me remember what's really important."

He grinned down at her, and then couldn't help himself anymore and kissed her on the lips modestly, but deeply. Rose kissed him back, and after a few blissful seconds, they released each other. Then, Brooklyn turned to face Akira, while holding Rose tenderly against him and sighed, "Akira… I… I don't know what you did, but you've brought great strength to Rose and I; and have re-awakened our connection and purpose. Not that it was gone, but… it was… we were… "

He paused, looked back down at Rose, who was smiling up at him and then finished his thought for him.

"We were lost." Rose offered quietly. "Blinded by the darkness and the fear. Out of touch from it and from each other."

"That's right." He agreed quietly, taking her hands in his claws. "But never again…"

"We may be forced apart." Rose told him softly. "But we are never going to be apart. I know that you'll always be with me, and I'll always be with you."

"Right." Brooklyn whispered, smiling lovingly down at his love and mate. He then looked back up at Akira, who looked very happy and pleased with herself, and asked, "How did you do it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Akira teased lightly. "Rose and I were just having an amazing conversation about everything you two have been going through. She opened up to me about everything."

"Everything?" He asked, his eye bone raised and looked over at Rose warily.

"No, not everything." She replied, grinning even more brightly and knowing what he was thinking of. "Just more about our connections and my magic. I received the 'Akira insight to it all.' And she guided me out of the darkness by helping me remember our love and how powerful it truly is."

"You're giving me too much credit, here." Akira giggled. "I knew Rose needed a friend, and while some of my insights to legend and magic was more developed than anyone else's here, she found that strength deep inside her all by herself."

Brooklyn sighed, unable to stop smiling and looked relieved. While still clasping onto Rose's hands, he smiled at the two females. One was the love of his life and his soulmate, and the other was the only other member of the Clan who seemed to understand Rose and himself and what they were both going through; without physically going through it herself. He loved, respected and appreciated Akira, and would always have her back, as she always had his.

"Thank you, Akira." Brooklyn said sincerely, shaking his head slightly. "More than I can ever hope to repay you… thank you."

"For?" Akira laughed, looking now a bit lost..

"For instilling hope, strength and light into Rose and myself." He told her seriously. "I did not know how her and I were going to survive this separation, but now…"

"Now we will." Rose offered, kissing him on his lips briefly, then smiling brightly at him. He smiled back, clasped her hand even tighter and nodded.

"We will." He whispered back. "I love you…"

"I love you too." She breathed, wanting to get lost in his kiss again; but stopped when Akira suddenly jumped up from the chair, crying happily and cried out, "And I just love you two! See? I'm your biggest fan!"

Rose laughed out loud, let Brooklyn go, and held her arms out as Akira lowered herself to the ground and wrapped her arms around both Rose and Brooklyn. Brooklyn laughed and held onto both Rose and Akira tightly, as they shared a tender moment all together. Then, out of nowhere, Broadway came running over and yelled out, "COOL! Group hug!"

Brooklyn looked over, with wide eyes, and cried out, "No-no!"

However, it was too late.

Broadway collided into the whole group and wrapped his arms around them all, squeezing everyone tightly, mostly Brooklyn who was squished between Broadway's big gut and his arms. Rose and Akira giggled and laughed, and were able to pull away from his claws, as Broadway held tightly onto his brother; now doing it out to tease and spite him.

"Brooklyn!" Broadway fake cried out. "I- I just wanted to say that I-I just love having you as my brother. You and I never get to enjoy these moments very often…"

"And for a good reason!" Brooklyn gasped out, struggling to breathe. "Lay off ya big beast!"

Akira and Rose laughed even harder, as Broadway pulled Brooklyn over to him and began stroking his long white hair, all while Brooklyn was flailing to get out, now laughing in frustration.

"Dude!" Brooklyn struggled. "Keep this up and I'm gonna kick your ass!"

"Alas… but you cannot, as you never have." Broadway added in a dramatic voice, throwing his other claw up to his head. Lexington came walking over to them, grinning mischievously, as Brooklyn playfully roared out and elbowed Broadway in the side, making him grunt out and roll away. Rose laughed as Brooklyn and Broadway suddenly began to playfully fight and roll around, wrestling and laughing.

Akira stood up and helped Rose to her feet so they could get out of the way if Brooklyn and Broadway began to wrestle in their direction; but they collided with the sofa, in which Angela was asleep on, and she was suddenly startled awake.

Lexington yelled out, "DOG PILE!"

And then collided on top of the wrestling pair. Angela's eyes widened in anger; as Hudson was also startled awake by their loud voices. She looked over to gather her bearings, saw Akira and Rose standing over to the side giggling, while the three pair of males were wrestling, yelling out and laughing playfully. She groaned, rolled her eyes and then tried to adjust herself on the couch, when Broadway's large foot kicked out and moved her couch on the stone floor a few inches.

"Hey!" She finally yelled out angrily. "CUT IT OUT YOU THREE!"

With that, Broadway, Brooklyn and Lexington stopped; rolled off each other, and looked up at her with wide eyes.

"GUH!" She growled, standing up and stepping over them with disgust. "You guys are so ANNOYING! Grow up out of the hatchling stage!"

Broadway quickly stood up, as Brooklyn and Lexington followed behind him, and he held his arms out to her and offered gently, "I'm sorry, babe. We were just messing around."

"Well, I was sleeping!" Angela snapped at him. "But no! No one cares that there is someone else here in this castle other than you three and Rose!"

Rose's smiling face suddenly faded at Angela's jab, and felt like she had been slapped in the face. She quickly looked over at Akira, who was eyeing Angela warily; and seemed to be aware why she was so upset.

Brooklyn blinked and then quickly looked over at Rose, who looked worried and slightly uncomfortable. Broadway stuttered a bit and then tried to console her some more.

"I- I'm sorry, Angela." He apologized sincerely. "Honey, I didn't mean to wake you or make you mad."

By this time, Hudson had stood from his chair and stretched, while Goliath emerged from the kitchens, having finished his discussion with Xanatos, who was following behind him with Owen. But all remained quiet, as they could tell that an argument was happening.

Angela exhaled sharply at Broadway, looked over at her Clan, and then rested her eyes upon Rose; who looked shocked and hurt. Angela sighed again, this time in defeat.

"I… it's okay." Angela said quietly to Broadway, and then turned to face Rose, who stepped towards her and looked very concerned.
"Angela…" Rose started to say, holding her hands out, beginning to apologize. "I- I'm so sorry that you feel that way. I hate being the center of attention, and hate even more that things have been so frustrating and stressful for the Clan because of me… and… because of Kevin. It was the last thing I wanted… I'm…"

Angela, however, stepped forward and grabbed Rose's shoulders, shook her head, and exhaled.

"No, Rose." Angela said softly, looking very apologetic. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that, and don't know came over me just now. I know things aren't your fault, and more than anything, I'm so sad for you. I love you and don't want to see you leaving; truthfully, . I've just been so worried for you, upset… and honestly… very, very tired and feeling unwell myself. I guess I just wanted a selfish moment. I'm sorry."

Rose stared at her and blinked, a horrible realization coming over her.

Now that she did mention it, Angela didn't look well. Her purple skin was pale, she had lost some weight, and deep circles had formed underneath her eyes, as if she couldn't catch up on enough sleep, no matter how much she slept. Even more concerned now, Rose quickly cupped Angela's face, feeling her skin temperature, and was ever more nervous to feel that she was cold and clammy to the touch. Rose then placed the back of her hand against her forehead and was relieved, to a point, to feel that she didn't have a temperature.

"Are… are you alright?" Rose asked her, now letting go and grasping her hands. "You… you don't look or feel too well. You're right, in all this madness, I didn't realize…" she then paused and then looked concerned over at Broadway and Goliath. "Did any of you realize that Angela isn't feeling well?"

"Rose, I'm fine… I"m.. " Angela began to explain, but was cut off when Goliath stepped forward and placed his large claw on Angela and Rose's shoulder.

"Aye. Rose." Goliath said softly. "Angela has told us that she is feeling unwell…but… "

"Then you need a doctor!" Rose urged her with great worry, interrupting Goliath.

"Yes, perhaps down the road." Angela said softly, and then offered Rose a smile. "But really, I just need rest and as much water as I can take in." She then paused and looked up at the Clan, who had gathered around them all, and smiled. "I told you all on Christmas that I had something to announce… and I know we need to take Rose to the Labyrinth, but I would like to quickly make that announcement right now, if I may."

She looked around at her father, Goliath, for his permission; and smiled when he nodded; and looked just as concerned as Rose felt. However, the only one who looked joyful, was Akira. Rose, Hudson, and the three males were looking at Angela with nervousness and a little bit of fear of the unknown. Rose stepped back towards Brooklyn as Angela grinned, and then spoke to the whole Clan.

"I'm sorry to you all." Angela began. " I know I've been unlike myself. I have been moody, unwell, exhausted-even after waking up from our stone sleep- and have been unapproachable; mostly to my mate and love Broadway."

She paused before she turned her attention to him, grabbed onto his claws and then whispered, "I'm sorry, my love."

Broadway gently held onto her claws, smiled back at her, as Angela turned to Rose and then said, smiling apologetically, "And I apologize to you- Rose. I was upset with you for this madness, but it was an unfair thing to be angry at. When I heard that you had nearly died, I felt terrible and was greatly worried for you. Last night went from bad to even worse… and I feared for your life, even after Elisa took you to the hospital."

She paused once again, looked down and then explained, a bit more shameful and said quietly, "Akira and I did glide towards Emily's, and watched over her home for a bit… but the truth is that I was feeling too exhausted to stay there. I asked Akira if I could head back to the Castle; in which she said yes. So I turned around, but had to return here. I hated myself for having to do so and felt so useless… but then, as I thought about my different symptoms, I realized what is going on with me. I wanted to tell you all the news earlier… but with last night's events, I never got around to it."

"What news?" Goliath asked her, still watching her with great worry. "Are you alright? My daughter, I have been so worried for you. I knew you were going to tell all of us eventually… but… "

He stopped talking when Angela smiled brightly up at the whole Clan, as she looked around at each Gargoyle, Rose saw a twinkle enter her eyes. Angela turned her head to face Broadway now, and gazed lovingly and happily into his eyes, taking his claws again.

"I'll try to watch my moodiness from now on, and I'm so sorry I've been unlike myself and haven't been approachable… but the truth is that something very good has just happened to me… to us." She told Broadway, still smiling.

Rose blinked a few times, and then it became very transparent to her.

She gasped, whipped her head around to face Akira, who was smiling knowingly at her and nodded.

"I'm… well… Broadway and I… are expecting an egg." Angela said softly, her voice shaking with excitement and emotion.

The moment Angela announced her pregnancy, the entire Clan burst out with excitement, hollers and gasps. Brooklyn's eyes were wide with shock and excitement, Akira and Lexington were smiling and laughing in excitement, and Goliath was standing frozen in shock; but after a moment to process the new, his face was overjoyed, it looked as if he was going to burst into tears.

Broadway looked the most shocked, as he was staring at his mate.

"Are… are you serious?!" He gasped at her, his eyes huge.

Angela smiled happily at him, placed one of his claws over her abdomen and gleefully exclaimed, "Yes. I'm serious… it's true! We are going to have an egg! In six months' time."

It took another few minutes for Broadway to fully process this news, before his face burst out in complete and utter joy. He hollered out in joy, wrapped his large arms around Angela and kissed her. When he released her, Hudson stepped forward, and wrapped her up into a bear-like hug.

"Congratulations, lass!" He exclaimed, with tears rolling down his face. "This does indeed explain everything; but I'm so glad that you are going to be alright! What great news this is!"

As Hudson stepped away from Angela, he clasped Broadway's claw in congratulations, while Goliath sprung forward and wrapped his daughter tightly in his arms, holding her tightly.

"I am beyond happy for the two of you." He told her, he too, crying now. "What a gift! What celebratory news this is!" He released Angela, and cupped her face and smiled proudly down at her. "Oh, Angela, my daughter. It has been too long since our Clan has been able to claim that we are thriving, but now… now we can finally say that we are! This brings great joy and pride to my heart. Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Father." Angela whispered, all while hugging him again. Once Goliath let Angela go, and went to hug Broadway, Akira jumped into Angela's arms and both girls squealed in happiness, hugging each other tightly.

"See?" Akira exclaimed, pulling away from Angela. "I told you everyone would be thrilled!"
"You knew?" Rose asked Akira.

Akira smiled over at Rose and nodded.

"Yes, she told me he news when she and I were protecting Emily's apartment. That was, before the bomb threat of course, so we all ended up staying out in the cold a lot longer anyway, but it's all right."

A sharp sadness hit in Rose's heart, threatening to start poisoning the light and happiness in her heart, but she ignored it and walked over to Angela, hugging her tightly; who hugged her tightly back.

"Congratulations, Angela!" Rose whispered in her ear, feeling tears of joy filling her eyes. "I'm so happy for you and Broadway, as well as the whole Clan. This is the best news… I"m so thrilled."

"Thank you, Rose." Angela said, cupping her face after they released each other. "I'm sorry again for lashing out at you. It was not right and unfair of me to do so."

"Hey," Rose chuckled lightly. "It's all right. You're now growing another Gargoyle inside you. That's going to be exhausting and a lot of work… you're very much forgiven, as it is understandable."

With that, Rose stepped back as Brooklyn wrapped his arms tightly around Angela and was offering his congratulations to her. Rose smiled lovingly at him, but slowly walked backwards away from them,towards her chair. She gave her congratulations, but now just wanted to give the Clan their moments in celebration. Rose sat down on her chair and continued to smile as Brooklyn let Angela go, and then offered his claw to Broadway, who in return, lifted Brooklyn back up into a strong bear hug. She giggled at the sound of him gasping and struggling to breathe; and once Broadway released him, he back slapped Broadway on the fat of his larger stomach and exchanged a teasing smile at his brother.

Then, he looked around and saw Rose sitting by herself on the chair, and instantly made his way over to her. She smiled up at him as he approached her, and stood when he reached her. She stared deeply into his eyes for a moment, before he wrapped his arms around her, both of them sighing contently. She closed her eyes and held onto him tightly as he cupped her head and tightly held her to him.

"Congratulations, Brooklyn." Rose whispered in his ear. " This is wonderful news for the entire Clan. I know how much you all have suffered and endured from your time in Scotland and losing most of your Clan. Now, it's time for you guys to thrive and grow in number once again."

Their connection flowed naturally into both of them, and filled each other with intense love and peace. Brooklyn pulled back from her and smiled, while he cupped her face gently in his claws.

"Thank you, sweetheart." He whispered, with tears in his eyes. "Yeah, we were very few in numbers when we came here to Manhattan. It has doubled, now that all of us have our mates… but Angela and Broadway are the first to have a Gargoyle egg since coming here. Things are finally coming together for the Clan; it's truly awesome."

He looked down at her, with one claw resting on her back, while his other claw held both her hands against his chest, and gazed lovingly into her eyes. "We will soon have our own, 'happily ever-after', by becoming a mated pair. Which'll finally allow you and I to be together."

Rose smiled at his words and then rested her head against his bare chest, closing her eyes, and was was starting to feel extraordinarily tired.

"Yes," She whispered happily. "Together forever."

Knowing she was exhausted, Brooklyn eased himself into the armchair and then pulled her into his lap, to rest against his chest. He kissed her forehead deeply and lingered his lips there for a moment, before he lifted them up and rested his head against hers.

She stayed comfortably resting against Brooklyn, as he held her tenderly against his body. She opened her eyes suddenly looked up into Brooklyn's face and then asked him, quietly, "Do you remember the last image in which we saw when we first kissed- a few months?"

Brooklyn was glancing down at her, with an inscrutable expression on his face.

"Yes. How could I forget?"

"What do you remember from them?" She asked him quietly.

Brooklyn stayed quiet for a moment, breathed in deeply and then spoke.

"Um… well. It was some time ago, but I believe it was vivid images of you and I together; at, what looked like to be different phases of our relationship. And then… um… there were what looked like two fuzzy images of children running away from us. But um.." he paused and then laughed. "That could be very wrong."

Rose smiled as she rested against his chest.

"I don't think you're wrong." She stated in a whisper, staring over at Angela laughing and smiling at the Clan, while holding her still-flat abdomen tenderly. Brooklyn's face lowered closer down to hers, while his arms tightened around her body.

"What are you talking about, love?" He chuckled.

"Well… I hope you don't mind that I spoke to Akira about our connections." Rose exclaimed gently. "But, she's the only one that knows the details about legendary things… and well… her and I both think that… those children in which we saw and heard were and will be… somehow… ours."

Rose felt Brooklyn freeze up slightly as she whispered that thought to him. He blinked a few times, and then looked up to where Rose was staring. Together, they both watched the whole Clan surround Angela, still offering congratulations to the expecting Gargoyle and her mate, in silence.

Rose smiled sadly at the exchange; and was feeling light envy for her. She didn't know if her and Brooklyn could produce children, but it was on her mind a lot more as of late, especially the closer that her and Brooklyn were to making love.

"What are your thoughts on that?" Rose asked him, in a voice just barely above a whisper, after a few moments in silence. She lifted her head slightly off his chest, so she could glance into his eyes, and found he was looking at his Clan, with slightly sad eyes as well, and then forced himself to look down into hers. His kind brown eyes met her vibrant hazel eyes with questioning and uncertainty, then shook his head.

"I… I really don't know, Rose." He said truthfully. "When it comes to you and I and our ability to connect as deeply as we do; it seems that normal rules no longer apply to us, and I do have great faith in you , our love and our connection… but then… there's a very logical part of me that takes over in my brain. You are a Human, and I'm a Gargoyle; and as it stands right now, Goliath and Elisa are the only other Human-Gargoyle mating pair that I've been acquainted with; and conceiving a child has been impossible for them."

"I thought it was all impossible too," Rose added gently. "But then, Akira mentioned that me, being a Human and having magic is impossible; by logic, but yet, I have magic and am Human. And again, how we have a mated- soul connection, which is impossible for most, but yet; here we are; connected and are blowing those odds away. Then, how I used to think that it was impossible for Gargoyles to even be real or exists; but…"

"Okay, okay. I get the point." Brooklyn said softly, resting his head upon hers and was thinking deeply. "Akira is very deeply involved in all things surrounding magic, myth and legend. And she has made very good points, which you two have repeated." He paused, still thinking deeply, but then gently raised her face to look at him.

"However, some things are impossible, Rose. But to ease your mind, I will give you this promise that we will try. If having children is what you want, then we will try for them. However, I do not want you to endanger yourself or even beat yourself down if it does not happen for us. Okay?"

At his words, Rose's eyes lit up and she felt like she was going to faint.

"You… you want to try to have children with me? Really?!" Rose exclaimed breathlessly; not necessarily understanding why she was feeling so happy all the sudden. She had never thought about or fussed over having kids with Kevin or even having them before getting married, but now; it felt like her whole world was coming together.

"Yes," Brooklyn smiled, holding her close to him. "When we are a mated pair, yes, we will try. Over and over and over again; we will try."

He grinned as she began to laugh at his innuendo, but then she held her hands up to her mouth and felt so happy, and that happiness connected into his body which made him just as joyful.

"I-" she said in a shaky voice. "I don't know why that makes me so happy. I-I've never thought about being a mother before now. But now that I'm with you… having a family with you just… makes sense and it's what I want for us both!"

"It makes me happy too, Rose." Brooklyn said, holding her tightly. "However… let's not worry about this right now, okay? I'm going to keep my head on straight as we have other things to tackle first, okay? And even after we are a mated pair, let's just… um… take our time before thinking about starting a family, okay?"

"I thought that was the whole purpose of making love?" Rose teased him, grinning brightly.

"Well… it's a purpose and means." Brooklyn grinned back. "But it's not the only purpose…"

"Oh-ho," Rose mused. "I see how this is going to be."

"Hot and steamy first? Um… yes." He breathed in her ear, before kissing her face. Rose laughed out loud and was amazed by how much more blunt he was with her, but she loved it. They both wanted to make love more than ever now in their relationship.

Rose blinked a few times, still gazing into his face, and suddenly thought of something. She took one of her hands out of his claws, and gently took hold of his beak, caressing it softly.

"Now, what happens when I can't ever conceive children with you?" She stated, feeling more and more upset with this conversation. A light tingling went pulsing through her limbs, and she was sure that he could feel the same connection.

Brooklyn sighed, not wishing to have this conversation with her anymore, and certainly not share what he was feeling with her on this sensitive topic. He wanted children of his own, but he wanted Rose more. If he would have to endure a life without children of his own, but was able to live a happy and fulfilled life with Rose, then so be it. He would happily be a mentor to Broadway and Angela's eggs, as well as Lexington's and Akira's. He wouldn't completely miss out on being an interactive exemplar to the newly hatched eggs and young Gargoyles. However, he couldn't lie to Rose. It did make him sad- but as long as she was with him, it was doable.

"We can tackle that issue when we come to it." He said quietly and gently. " But for right now-"

"Will it make you sad if I can't?" She asked him, interrupting what he was about to say. He held his breath for a second and then exhaled it sharply.

"Rose…" He started to say.

"Just… please, answer me." Rose interjected quietly.

He sighed again and then looked down into her face.

"Yes," He mumbled against his will. "Of course, it'll make me sad, but that's why I don't wish to think about nor dwell upon those thoughts, right now. We don't know what the future holds, but what I will always be happy and thankful for is you and your love. If we can't have children, then oh well. We will always have Broadway and Angela's eggs to mentor and help look after; as well as the eggs in which Akria and Lexington will surely have one day as well. And as long as I have you in my life… I'm more than okay with it. We will always have each other and our love, and that's good enough for me, as long as it's good enough for you."

Rose stayed silent for a few moments, re-resting her head against his chest, allowing him to keep holding her against him and then smiled up at him.

"Of course, it's good enough for me." Rose whispered, caressing his face. "Our love and you… is more than I deserve. I will always be thankful for you and our love. As long as I have you, my life is fulfilled and happy. And although I've always wanted children, and can't have any, doesn't mean that we can't adopt somewhere down the line or… adopt a… puppy or something."

He closed his eyes and couldn't help, but chuckle slightly, holding her extra tightly.

"A puppy?" He mused, holding onto her back, pressing her body into his.

"Yeah," Rose answered him, laughing slightly. "Humans do that all the time, if they don't have children or can't have children… they adopt, what they call; 'fur-babies,' or adopt actual children- but that option is usually way more expensive."

Brooklyn raised his eyes at her and asked, a bit shocked, "Humans have to pay for children, if they are unable to naturally conceive ones on their own?"

Rose nodded and said, "Sad, but true. But then again, water, food, clothing, and shelter all cost money in this world. Everything you'd think should be a basic right for survival, costs money. That's why there is homelessness and poverty all around us, and even worse in different Countries. It all comes down to money being a common denominator in the equation."

Brooklyn exhaled sharply and shook his head, looking irritated.

"That's messed up." He grumbled.

Rose nodded and said, "Unfortunately, that's life. Life isn't meant to be fair, by any means, but we make the best of the hand we are dealt. Just like we are right now, right?"

Brooklyn didn't say anything for a few minutes, as he held her in his arms, but then finally sighed and said, "Right. And uh, speaking of that, it's probably time for us to head. If you're ready"

Rose nodded, feeling her stomach start to sink uncomfortably. She didn't want to go to the Labyrinth; but she didn't have a choice in the matter. She stayed in Brooklyn's loving hold and embrace for a few silent moments before she breathed, "Okay."

He stared down into her face, and together they felt the familiar tingling flow through them, connecting them with that same power and light that they felt before. He slowly lowered his lips to hers, to kiss her, when Xanatos suddenly came into the living room, and had just gotten off the phone. He walked over to Brooklyn and Rose and lightly tapped Brooklyn on the shoulder to alert him. Brooklyn looked up and looked over at him, with sad eyes. Rose looked up as well, and glanced over at Xanatos with tired eyes, but also knew what he was about to say.

"I know the Clan is celebrating a moment of joyous news… but our cars are ready to go, whenever you are." He spoke to Rose.

Rose sighed and said, quietly, "Yes. I guess I'm ready. Let's get this over with."

Reluctantly; she let go of Brooklyn, and stood up. Just then the Clan came over to them, and Goliath stepped forward as Xanatos asked him, "Is your Clan ready?"

Goliath looked over at the Clan and then nodded, his face looking very sad all the sudden. "We are."

"Okay." Xanatos said."Everyone knows the plan?"

Members of the Clan nodded, as Brooklyn slowly stood up from his seat and placed his claws on Rose's shoulders, taking every seconds to still feel her close to filled her eyes and naturally she brought her hand up to clasp his, as this was the moment she was least looking forward to.

"Okay." Xanatos said seriously. "Rose and I will be car # 1; while Owen will be driving car #2; both black limos. I will head directly west of here, and then will veer North, towards the Labyrinth, while Owen will head East."

"Yes," Goliath said. "Myself and Hudson will head East with Owen, while Lexington, Akira and Broadway head West, following you and Rose with great Care, while Brooklyn will temporarily head South, collect his motorcycle from his hidden shed, and then will rendezvous will us at the Labyrinth, just North of here. Everyone understand?"

Again, the clan nodded, as he continued, "Angela will be staying here with Bronx."

He then looked up into his equally sad eyes at Rose; and said, a bit tearfully, "Okay… well… I guess I'll just see you there."

Rose offered him a half-smile, pulled out of Brooklyn's grasp, and started to walk away with Xanatos, when she was suddenly stopped by Angela. Instantly, when Rose turned out to face her, she wrapped Rose into a very tight hug, and held her there for what felt like two minutes straight. Rose felt tears come to her eyes and was very thankful for Angela's love, and was horribly sad to leave.

"I'm sorry that I was being so cruel to you, Rose." Angela whispered in her ear. "I'm also so incredibly sad and sorry for you. We all love you, and can't wait to have you back home with us. Akira and I will come visit you as often as I feel okay to come, okay?"

Rose nodded, as tears were streaming from her eyes and a sob was building in her throat. Embarrassed of her tears, in front of the Clan, she buried her face in Angela's neck and whispered, "Thank you, Angela. I'm so… happy for you and Broadway. You two deserve this- please let me know if you need anything- you know where I'll be. Don't be a stranger; I'll need as many friends as possible."

"Thank you, Rose." Angela whispered back, letting her slowly go. "Both Akira and I will come visit you, we promise."

Rose wiped her tears away from her eyes, and offered Angela a smile. She nearly got away from her embrace, but was immediately scooped up into Akira's tight hug, who gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head and said, "We'll see you soon- my sister. I love you dearly."

When Akira let go of her, Rose looked over at Brooklyn, who was leaning against the nearby chair and was holding the top of his beak, obviously fighting away tears of his own, and longed to say one last goodbye to him; but then she was being hugged by the rest of the Clan.

Broadway ran over, picked her up off the floor, spun her around, and held her in a rib-crushing hug. Rose laughed slightly through her tears and returned his hug. When he put her back down on the ground, he said, in a slightly embarrassed voice, "We'll see you later, Rose. We always tease Brook… but he has found one of the coolest Humans ever, other than Elisa, of course."

Rose laughed slightly, wiped more tears from her eyes, as Lexington stepped forward and hugged her.

"Thanks, Broadway." She said shakily, shaking Lexington back.

"Yeah, what they've said." He said, pulling away from her. "You're seriously awesome- and I can't wait for you and Brooklyn to become a mated pair. You two deserve to be happy… so chin up. Things'll be okay. We will come to visit you. Don't worry about a thing."

Still crying, Rose nodded at his kind words and wiped her tears away.

"Thanks, Lex." She whispered.

As soon as Lexington stepped away, Bronx came bouncing over to her and instantly nuzzled against her, wagging his tail, licking her. She laughed, still through her tears, leaned down and rubbed Bronx's ears, giving him a nice pet.

Hudson stepped forward then, and lovingly wrapped her up in his arms.

"Aye, lass. We will miss ya." He whispered in an emotional voice. "Like everyone else has said… ye are our family now. This isn't a good-bye, but a temporary separation. Once we find Kevin and stop him, we'll have yeh back here in no time. We'll get yeh and Brooklyn mated- don't yeh worry about that. I- I will miss ya my Grand-Daughter."

With that, Rose felt that extreme sorrow burst through her chest. She held onto Hudson tightly and sobbed heavily, having remembered that he took her as his Grand-daughter. He reminded her of her Grandfather, Robert, and it was like saying goodbye to him all over again.

Rose pulled away from Hudson and tearfully exclaimed to the whole Clan, wiping her tears away with her sleeve now.

"Oh my gosh, you guys… you aren't making this easy at all."

At this point, Angela was crying as was Akira and Hudson, while Brooklyn was having the hardest time holding himself together. Broadway and Lexington stepped up to his brother and placed claws upon his shoulders for support.

Goliath stepped forward now, and wrapped her into his strong arms, holding her tightly. Goliath was a lot larger in stature, than Brooklyn was, and had to settle with wrapping her arms around his waist, as much as she could, to return his gesture.

Once he pulled away, he held onto her arms and said tearfully, "Rose… I truly am sorry for this painful transition. You are a member of this Clan, and are always welcome here. As Hudson said, just now, once we find Kevin; we will have another mating ceremony for you and Brooklyn. Let's just get you somewhere safe, for now."

Rose nodded her head, smiling up at Goliath and said, "Thank you, Goliath."

With that, she released Goliath, stepped away from him and stood next to Xanatos. When all good-byes were said, Xanatos stepped forward, and placed an arm around her shoulder.

"Ready?" He asked her quietly. With tears streaming down her face, she slowly nodded; though it wasn't the truth. She didn't think she would ever be ready for this. Xanatos nodded, turned to Brooklyn and then called out to him.

"Brooklyn! Care to escort myself and Rose down to the car?"

Taking a shaky breath, and wiping his own tears away, Brooklyn nodded and instantly walked towards them. Rose was breathing shakily, held her arms out to him, and he immediately slid into them, and wrapped his own arms around her. Together, they walked side-by-side towards the elevators, as Xanatos turned to the Clan and said, "Okay. We'll see you guys there. One hour. Keep your communicators on you all."

"Will do." Goliath stated seriously, then turned to the rest of the Clan. "Come. We've got work to do!"

Rose looked back behind her and saw the Clan dispersing towards the ledge and then took off into the night. Xanatos opened the elevator for them, and once the doors opened, he pushed the 'Garage' button and slowly the doors shut them all inside.

Time passed in excruciatingly awkward silence, as Rose stayed in Brooklyn's arms and he was struggling to control his own sorrow and tears. When they reached the bottom level, Xanatos walked out first, swiftly, and allowed Rose and Brooklyn to follow more slowly behind him. When he was out of earshot, Rose raised a hand up to his beak and guided his face down to hers.

"It's going to be okay." She whispered.

"I know." He replied quietly, tears still falling down his face. "Doesn't mean it doesn't suck any less, though."

Rose chuckled slightly, through her tears, and nodded her head.

Xanatos quickly slid into the driver's seat and started the limo, and Rose saw that another black limo started the same time as his. When Brooklyn walked her to the car, she quickly turned towards him and rested her hands upon his chest.

"I don't have much time, and I-" She urged, but he beat her to it. He quickly grabbed onto her arm and hid them behind a pillar, so they were out of sight of Xanatos and Owen for a moment. He then wrapped his arms around her and crushed his lips against hers, kissing her deeply and passionately. Rose wrapped her arms around his neck, and instantly their tongues met and both were gasping and moaning- kissing quickly; tasting each other.

Brooklyn lowered himself slightly, to get his arms underneath her backside and then lifted her up to straddle his waist, and then pressed her back into the cold column. With tears rolling down both their faces, they kissed, and passionately made out, making their worlds spin in pleasurable pain, as it was their good-bye. Though he was coming to the Labyrinth, it was the end of this chapter of their life and they had to relish in it as much as they could. His claws ventured all over her body, and ended up clasping a clawful of hair, until he forced his lips away from her. Both of them were breathing deeply and gasping. Rose was staring deeply into his eyes, when he slowly let her down to the ground. He stole one last passionate kiss from her before resting his forehead against hers.

"I'm going to head to my bike." He whispered. "I've got a radio and will be right there if there is any trouble or danger. Okay?"

"Okay," Rose whispered back at him, not sure how she could physically leave him. His face screwed up in pain as he cupped her face and shook his head.

"I love you, Rose." He whispered desperately. "Never forget that."

"I love you too." She whispered back, unable to help herself again. She gasped out and kissed his lips in a rushed passionate make out, in which he relented and gave into. However, after a few seconds, he quickly pulled away from her and then kept going. She reached out to him, and held his claw, but he kept going and let his claw slide out of her hand.

He backed away from her, with tears in his eyes, and was breathing deeply.

"Go, Rose!" Brooklyn called out to her. "I'll be right behind you. I love you!"

Rose watched him continue to back away from her, nodded at him, and then forced herself to walk away from him, both of their hearts breaking with every step. She quickly walked to the car, opened the door and then slid into the backseat, slamming the car door shut behind her, tossing her shoe box next to her. Xanatos looked at her from the rear view mirror, stayed silent, and immediately grabbed the radio

"Alright everyone- I have Rose. Radio checks… Owen?" He stated loudly into the radio.

"I can hear you sir." Owen replied.

"Goliath?" Xanatos spoke once again.

Instantly, Rose could hear Goliath's voice on the radio; "We can hear you too; Xanatos. Loud and clear."

"Perfect." Xanatos said. "Alright; Goliath- you and the Clan can go; we'll meet at our rendezvous point."

"We're on our way." He answered him.

"Brooklyn?" Xanatos asked.

"Copy that."

At the sound of Brooklyn's dark voice, she closed her eyes and sunk into her seat. Xanatos placed the radio on the dashboard and waited for a good five minutes before pulling out from his underground garage.

"Alright, everyone. Rose and I are on now on our way."

And with that, their car took off quickly into the night. With the streetlights lighting her window every few seconds, Rose looked around at the cab around her; and realized that this was the first time that she had ever been inside a small-sized limo. Though it wasn't as long as a party one; it had the luxuries that every rich person would most-likely have. She placed her seat belt on, and then gazed out the tinted windows and longed for this nightmare to be over with.

She didn't know anyone in the Labyrinth- and would be living down with the homeless. It was pure destiny for her to meet Brooklyn; and by doing so, he introduced her to a comfortable life at the Castle. Had she not actually met him, and still left Kevin, she would have ended up on the streets with the other homeless; and as she thought that, she felt like she had come full-circle. As they drove to the Labyrinth, she couldn't help but think that Kevin had won this part of his wishes for her. She was being forced away from Brooklyn and the Clan; who all made her feel extremely happy and safe, and ended up on the streets.

She sighed, rested her head against the side of the seat and closed her eyes. It was well past midnight now, and she had dealt with a great deal of hardship in the last few months; and didn't know how much more she could take.